Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2025-01-24)

CLAIMS:
Patent Claims

1\. A clothing (10), in particular a forming screen, for a machine for producing or processing a material web, in particular a tissue web, comprising a first woven- fabric layer (Li) which provides a web material contact side and is formed by interweaving first longitudinal threads (LF1) that run in the clothing longitudinal direction and first transverse threads (QF1) that run in the clothing cross direction (CD), and a second woven-fabric layer (L2) which provides a machine contact side and is formed by interweaving second longitudinal threads (LF2) that run in the clothing longitudinal direction and second transverse threads (QF2) that run in the clothing cross direction (CD), wherein the first woven-fabric layer (Li) and the second woven-fabric layer (L2) are connected to one another by binding threads;
wherein the clothing (10) has more first longitudinal threads (LF1) than second longitudinal threads (LF2), but the number of first longitudinal threads (LF1) is at most double the number of second longitudinal threads (LF2); and wherein the weaving pattern of the clothing (10) recurs in repeats, and the second transverse threads (QF2) in each repeat form at least two contact flotations (KF1, KF2, KF3) on the machine contact side;
wherein all contact flotations (KF1, KF2, KF3) of the second transverse threads (QF2) have a length of at most two,
characterized in that the first longitudinal threads (LF1) and the second longitudinal threads (LF2) in each repeat are disposed in a plurality of groups (G1, G2), specifically at least one first group (G1) and one second group (G2), wherein the first group (G1) is formed from one first longitudinal thread (LF1) and one second longitudinal thread (LF2) which are disposed exactly on top of one another in the thickness direction (T) of the clothing (10), while the second group (G2) is formed from two first longitudinal threads (LF1) and one second longitudinal thread (LF2), wherein none of the two first longitudinal threads (LF1) of the second group (G2) is disposed exactly above the one second longitudinal thread (LF2) of the second group (G2) in the thickness direction (T) of the clothing (10).

2\. The clothing (10) as claimed in The clothing (10) as claimed in

characterized in that the first longitudinal threads (LF1) and the second longitudinal threads (LF2) are dimensioned and disposed relative to one another in such a manner that, when viewed projected in the thickness direction (T) of the clothing (10), said threads (LF1, LF2) within a repeat form at least one free longitudinal strip, wherein such a strip is preferably formed at all locations where different groups (G1, G2) are adjacent to one another.

3\. The clothing (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the number of first groups (G1) differs from the number of second groups (G2) in the clothing (10).

4\. The clothing (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second transverse threads (QF2) form at most six contact flotations (KF1, KF2, KF3) on the machine contact side in each repeat.

5\. The clothing (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the binding threads always run in pairs beside one another in the clothing cross direction (CD), wherein said binding threads, preferably in an alternating manner, continue a weaving pattern on the web material contact side.

6\. The clothing (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first woven-fabric layer (L1) has a plain weave.

7\. The clothing (10) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first woven-fabric layer (L1) has a twill weave, in particular a 2/1 twill weave, or a 3/1 twill weave, preferably a broken or an interrupted twill weave.

8\. The clothing (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second woven-fabric layer (L2) has a non-interrupted twill weave.

9\. The clothing as claimed in one of The clothing as claimed in one of

characterized in that the second woven-fabric layer (L2) has an interrupted twill weave.

10\. The clothing (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two neighboring contact flotations (KF1, KF2, KF3) of a second transverse thread (QF2) are mutually separated by at most two second longitudinal threads (LF2).

11\. The clothing (10) as claimed in claim 10,characterized in that two neighboring contact flotations (KF1, KF2, KF3) of a second transverse thread (QF2) are always in each case mutually separated by only one second longitudinal thread (LF2).

12\. The use of a clothing (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, for producing a tissue web, wherein the tissue web preferably has a specific area weight between 8g/m2 and 30 g/m2.

OFFICE ACTION:
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: independent claim 13 and the respective depending claims are allowed.  More specifically, the invention requires a novel, non-obvious structure and arrangement of a clothing for a machine for producing/processing a material web comprising a woven fabric having two layers of interwoven warps and wefts bound by binding yarns.
The first/upper layer forms a web material contact side and the second/lower layer forms a machine contact side.
The number of first warp/longitudinal threads is greater than the number of second warp/longitudinal threads; at most double.
The repeating weaving pattern includes second/lower layer wefts forming at least two “contact floats” on the machine contacting surface side having a float length of at most two threads; first longitudinal threads and second longitudinal threads in each repeat being disposed in a plurality of groups, with at least one first group and one second group, wherein the first group is formed of one first longitudinal thread and one second longitudinal thread that are disposed exactly on top of one another in a thickness direction of the clothing, while the second group is formed of two first longitudinal threads and one second longitudinal thread, and wherein none of the two first longitudinal threads of the second group is disposed exactly above the one second longitudinal thread of the second group in the thickness direction of the clothing.
This arrangement is very specific and in combination provides a clothing for a machine for producing/processing a material web with “contact flotations” that have increased transverse stability while avoiding the clothing from decreasing in size in the machine cross direction when under tension during use.
The closest prior art appears to be that of US 8652302 which does disclose a multilayered woven fabric functional as a clothing for a machine for producing/processing a material web which does have a similar upper warp to lower warp ratio but does not disclose or teach as obvious the specifics with regards to contact flotations in the weft yarn weave repeat nor the specific location requirements of warp yarn groupings and warp yarn locations in those groupings as claimed.  While weaving patterns are known to be highly variable for various fabric applications, the very specific combination of weaving pattern and yarn locations of currently claimed invention is not taught and not shown to be prima facie obvious over the prior art because the arrangement is very specific and in combination provides a clothing for a machine for producing/processing a material web with “contact flotations” that have increased transverse stability while avoiding the clothing from decreasing in size in the machine cross direction when under tension during use.
The claimed invention is in condition for allowance.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20090205739A1: Claims:
A forming fabric comprising: a top layer comprising top weft yarns; a bottom layer comprising bottom weft yarns, binding warp yarns weaving with the top weft yarns and binding to the bottom layer; and at least one of the binding warp yarns passing between at least one top and bottom weft yarns before passing over at least one bottom weft yarn.
a top layer comprising top weft yarns;
a bottom layer comprising bottom weft yarns,
binding warp yarns weaving with the top weft yarns and binding to the bottom layer; and
at least one of the binding warp yarns passing between at least one top and bottom weft yarns before passing over at least one bottom weft yarn.
The fabric of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of: bottom warp yarns weaving with non-adjacent bottom weft yarns; and bottom warp yarns weaving only in the bottom layer.
bottom warp yarns weaving with non-adjacent bottom weft yarns; and
bottom warp yarns weaving only in the bottom layer.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of: the at least one binding warp yarn passing under at least two adjacent top weft yarns before passing over at least one bottom weft yarn; and each binding warp yarn binding to bottom layer by binding to non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
the at least one binding warp yarn passing under at least two adjacent top weft yarns before passing over at least one bottom weft yarn; and
each binding warp yarn binding to bottom layer by binding to non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the binding warp yarns weave with the top weft yarns and bind to different non-adjacent bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein each binding warp yarn binds to at least three non-adjacent bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, after weaving with the top weft yarns, each binding warp yarn binds to at least two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat before again weaving with the top weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the binding warp yarns bind to at least four non-adjacent bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, after weaving with the top weft yarns, the at least one binding warp yarn passes under at least two adjacent top weft yarns before binding with the bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, after weaving with the top weft yarns, the at least one binding warp yarn passes under at least two adjacent top weft yarns before binding to two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, after weaving with the top weft yarns, the at least one binding warp yarn passes under at least three adjacent top weft yarns before binding with the bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, after weaving with the top weft yarns, the at least one binding warp yarn passes under at least three adjacent top weft yarns before binding to two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the top layer and bottom layer are bound together only by the binding warp yarns and the binding warp yarns are intrinsic warp yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein each binding warp yarn in a pattern repeat weaves with a plain weave with top weft yarns before binding with non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein each binding warp yarn in a pattern repeat weaves with a plain weave with top weft yarns before binding with two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, each binding warp yarn weaves with a plain weave with top weft yarns, then binds with two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns, and then weaves with a plain weave with top weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, the at least one binging warp yarn binds with first and second non-adjacent bottom weft yarns and a bottom warp yarn weaves with the first and second bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, the at least one binding warp yarn binds with first, second and third non-adjacent bottom weft yarns and a bottom warp yarn weaves with the first, second and third bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, the at least one binding warp yarn binds with only first, second and third non-adjacent bottom weft yarns and a bottom warp yarn weaves with the first, second and third bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, each binding warp yarn binds with only first, second and third non-adjacent bottom weft yarns and corresponding bottom warp yarns weave only with a same first, second and third bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, the at least one binding warp yarn binds with first, second, third and fourth non-adjacent bottom weft yarns and a bottom warp yarn weaves with the first, second, third and fourth bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, the at least one binding warp yarn binds with only first, second, third and fourth non-adjacent bottom weft yarns and a bottom warp yarns weave with the first, second, third and fourth bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, each binding warp yarn binds with only first, second, third and fourth non-adjacent bottom weft yarns and corresponding bottom warp yarns weave only with the first, second, third and fourth bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, all bottom warp yarns weave only in the bottom layer to non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein all of the binding warp yarns weave only with a plain weave when in the top layer.
The fabric of claim 24 , wherein all of the binding warp yarns bind to non-adjacent bottom weft yarns in a pattern repeat.
The fabric of claim 24 , wherein the binding warp yarns bind to different non-adjacent bottom weft yarns in a pattern repeat.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the top layer has a papermaking surface and the bottom has a machine side surface.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, each of the binding warp yarns are vertically stacked with respect to bottom warp yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, more top weft yarns are utilized that bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, 30 top weft yarns are utilized and 20 bottom weft yarns are utilized.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, 30 top weft yarns are utilized and 15 bottom weft yarns are utilized.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein, in a pattern repeat, 20 binding warp yarns are utilized and 20 bottom warp yarns are utilized.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the binding warp yarns per pattern repeat differ from bottom warp yarns in at least one of the following characteristics: size; modulus; and material.
The fabric of claim 1 :, wherein at least one of the top weft yarns per pattern repeat differ from the bottom weft yarns in at least one of the following characteristics: size; modulus; and material.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the binding warp yarns is smaller in size than at least one bottom warp yarn.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of: the top layer has a different weave pattern than the bottom layer; and the top layer utilizes a plain weave and the bottom layer does not utilize a plain weave.
the top layer has a different weave pattern than the bottom layer; and
the top layer utilizes a plain weave and the bottom layer does not utilize a plain weave.
A forming fabric comprising: a top layer comprising top weft yarns; a bottom layer comprising bottom weft yarns; at least one binding warp yarn weaving with the top weft yarns and binding to at least two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns; and at least one bottom warp yarn weaving only with bottom weft yarns.
a bottom layer comprising bottom weft yarns;
at least one binding warp yarn weaving with the top weft yarns and binding to at least two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns; and
at least one bottom warp yarn weaving only with bottom weft yarns.
A forming fabric comprising: a top layer comprising top weft yarns; a bottom layer comprising bottom weft yarns; at least one binding warp yarn weaving with top weft yarns and binding to at least two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns in a pattern repeat; and at least one bottom warp yarn weaving with the at least two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
at least one binding warp yarn weaving with top weft yarns and binding to at least two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns in a pattern repeat; and
at least one bottom warp yarn weaving with the at least two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
A method of making the fabric of claim 1 , comprising: binding together the top and bottom layers using only the binding warp yarns.
binding together the top and bottom layers using only the binding warp yarns.
A method of making the fabric of claim 1 , comprising: binding the top and bottom layers together using the binding warp yarns, wherein each binding warp yarn binds to at least three non-adjacent bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat.
binding the top and bottom layers together using the binding warp yarns,
wherein each binding warp yarn binds to at least three non-adjacent bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat.
Ref US7861747B2: Claims:
A forming fabric comprising: a top layer comprising top weft yarns; a bottom layer comprising bottom weft yarns; at least two adjacent pairs of binding warp yarns; and at least two adjacent pairs of top and bottom warp yarns.
a top layer comprising top weft yarns;
a bottom layer comprising bottom weft yarns;
at least two adjacent pairs of binding warp yarns; and
at least two adjacent pairs of top and bottom warp yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein one pair of the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns are arranged adjacent one of the at least two adjacent top and bottom warp yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises vertically stacked binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave in the top layer and binding with non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises vertically stacked binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave in the top layer and binding with non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises vertically stacked binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave in the top layer and binding with two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises vertically stacked binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave in the top layer and binding with two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises a first pair of vertically stacked binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave in the top layer and binding with two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns and a second pair of vertically stacked binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave in the top layer and binding with two different non-adjacent bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: a first binding warp yarn binding with bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and being arranged adjacent one of the at least two adjacent top warp yarns; and a second binding warp yarn weaving with top weft yarns and being arranged adjacent one of the at least two adjacent bottom warp yarns.
a first binding warp yarn binding with bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and being arranged adjacent one of the at least two adjacent top warp yarns; and
a second binding warp yarn weaving with top weft yarns and being arranged adjacent one of the at least two adjacent bottom warp yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: a first binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave in the top layer, binding with at least two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat, and being arranged adjacent one of the at least two adjacent top warp yarns; and a second binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave in the top layer, binding with at least two top weft yarns per pattern repeat, and being arranged adjacent one of the at least two adjacent bottom warp yarns.
a first binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave in the top layer, binding with at least two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat, and being arranged adjacent one of the at least two adjacent top warp yarns; and
a second binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave in the top layer, binding with at least two top weft yarns per pattern repeat, and being arranged adjacent one of the at least two adjacent bottom warp yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the top warp yarns weave only in the top layer form a plain weave with the top weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the bottom warp yarns weave only in the bottom layer bind with non-adjacent bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the bottom warp yarns weave only in the bottom layer bind with two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: two adjacent first binding warp yarns passing over more top weft yarns than bottom weft yarns; and two adjacent second binding warp yarns passing over more top weft yarns than bottom weft yarns.
two adjacent first binding warp yarns passing over more top weft yarns than bottom weft yarns; and
two adjacent second binding warp yarns passing over more top weft yarns than bottom weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: a first binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave with a first set of top weft yarns; and a second binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave with a second set of top weft yarns.
a first binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave with a first set of top weft yarns; and
a second binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave with a second set of top weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: a first binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave with a first set of top weft yarns; and a second binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave with a different second set of top weft yarns.
a second binding warp yarn weaving with a plain weave with a different second set of top weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: two adjacent first binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave with a first set of top weft yarns; and two adjacent second binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave with a second set of top weft yarns.
two adjacent first binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave with a first set of top weft yarns; and
two adjacent second binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave with a second set of top weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: two adjacent first binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave with a first set of top weft yarns; and two adjacent second binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave with a different second set of top weft yarns.
two adjacent second binding warp yarns weaving with a plain weave with a different second set of top weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of: the top layer has a different weave pattern than the bottom layer; and the top layer utilizes a plain weave and the bottom layer does not utilize a plain weave.
the top layer has a different weave pattern than the bottom layer; and
the top layer utilizes a plain weave and the bottom layer does not utilize a plain weave.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the top layer has a papermaking surface and the bottom has a machine side surface.
The fabric of claim 1 , each of the top warp yarns weaves only in the top layer is vertically stacked with respect to each of the bottom warp yarns weaving only in the bottom layer.
The fabric of claim 1 , the at least two pairs of binding warp yarns are vertically stacked.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the top warp yarns per pattern repeat differ from the bottom warp yarns in at least one of the following characteristics: size; modulus; and material.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the top weft yarns per pattern repeat differ from the bottom weft yarns in at least one of the following characteristics: size; modulus; and material.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the top warp yarns is smaller in size than at least one of the bottom warp yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , each of the at least two adjacent pairs of binding warp yarns binds with only two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat.
The fabric of claim 1 , each of the at least two adjacent pairs of binding warp yarns weaves in the top layer with a plain weave and binds with only two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat.
The fabric of claim 1 , each of the at least two adjacent pairs of binding warp yarns comprises intrinsic binding warp yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the at least two adjacent pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: two adjacent first binding warp yarns each binding with two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural top weft yarns; and two adjacent second binding warp yarns each binding with two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural two top weft yarns.
two adjacent first binding warp yarns each binding with two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural top weft yarns; and
two adjacent second binding warp yarns each binding with two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural two top weft yarns.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the at least two adjacent pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: two adjacent first binding warp yarns each binding with two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural top weft yarns in a plain weave; and two adjacent second binding warp yarns each binding with two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural two top weft yarns in a plain weave.
two adjacent first binding warp yarns each binding with two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural top weft yarns in a plain weave; and
two adjacent second binding warp yarns each binding with two bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural two top weft yarns in a plain weave.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the at least two adjacent pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: two adjacent first binding warp yarns each binding with two different bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural top weft yarns in a plain weave; and two adjacent second binding warp yarns each binding with two different bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural two top weft yarns in a plain weave.
two adjacent first binding warp yarns each binding with two different bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural top weft yarns in a plain weave; and
two adjacent second binding warp yarns each binding with two different bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural two top weft yarns in a plain weave.
The fabric of claim 1 , wherein the at least two adjacent pairs of binding warp yarns comprises: two adjacent first binding warp yarns each binding with two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural top weft yarns in a plain weave; and two adjacent second binding warp yarns each binding with two non-adjacent bottom weft yarns per pattern repeat and weaving with plural two top weft yarns in a plain weave.
two adjacent first
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