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 .
DETAILED ACTION
Response to Amendment
The amendment filed on 7/30/2026 has been received and claims 1-6, 8-9, 11-16 and 18-20 are pending.
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 8/31/2026 has been entered.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: “filter securing portion” in claim 2.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that use the word “means” or “step” but are nonetheless not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph because the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure, materials, or acts to entirely perform the recited function. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: “groove structure” in claims 1 and 11.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are not being interpreted to cover only the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant intends to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to remove the structure, materials, or acts that performs the claimed function; or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) does/do not recite sufficient structure, materials, or acts to perform the claimed function.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim(s) 1-6, 8-9, 11-16 and 18-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Goswami (WO97/09073) in view of Hak (WO0226349), Amborn (20110087165) and Kratt (DE10328934).
As to Claim 1, Goswami (‘073) discloses an air purifier (see Figures 1-23) comprising:
a body including a suction port (37, 38, 39, 40; 84; 184) disposed on one surface thereof and a discharge port (30, 32, 34, 36; 86; at 95; 186) disposed on the other surface thereof (see Figures 1, 7-8 and 11-12), the body having an inner space through which air is configured to flow from the suction port (37, 38, 39, 40; 84; 184) to the discharge port (30, 32, 34, 36; 86; opposite end from 95 past 99; 186) (see Figures 1, 7-8 and 11-12);
a fan (84, 85; 48, 90; 148) disposed in the inner space of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12), the fan (84, 85; 48, 90; 148) having a side surface separated from an inner wall of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12);
at least one light source module (24; 98; 224) disposed in the inner space of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12), the at least one light source module comprising at least one UV light source (24; 98; 224);
a power controller (25, 26, 62; 102, 104, 106) mounted on the inner wall of the body and physically or electrically connected to a power source to supply electric power to the at least one light source module (24) (see Figures 1 and 3); and
at least one filter (28; 85, 96; 118; 212) disposed in the inner space of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12).
Goswami (‘073) does not appear to specifically teach that the air purifier also comprises a filter replacement region formed at the body to detachably couple the at least one filter to an interior of the body; or a door detachably mounted on the body to expose the filter replacement region, wherein the door includes a door guide formed at an end of a side of the door and projecting in a direction of the body to be coupled to the body, or that the body further includes a door guide groove having a groove structure to receive the door guide inserted into the door guide groove, wherein the door guide groove further includes a door securing groove, and the door guide further includes a securing protrusion that projects into the door securing groove to secure the door to the body.
It was known in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a filter replacement region and a door detachably mounted on a body to expose the filter replacement region in an air purifier. Hak (‘349) discloses an air purifier (10) (see Figures 1-16) comprising:
a body (12) including a suction port (i.e. opening of 14 where 38 and 39 are located – see Figure 1) and a discharge port (i.e. opening where 106 and 108 are located – see Figure 8), the body (12) having an inner space (35) through which air is configured to flow from the suction port to the discharge port (see entire document, particularly Figures 1-8, p. 8 lines 3-5);
a fan (78) disposed in the inner space (16) of the body (12) (see Figures 6-7);
at least one light source module (86) disposed in the inner space of the body (12), the at least one light source module (86) comprising at least one UV light source (88);
a power controller (200) physically or electrically connected to a power source to supply electric power to the at least one light source module (86) (see Figures 6 and 14) and intrinsically located/mounted on the inner wall of the body (12);
at least one filter (38 – 56, 66) disposed in the inner space of the body (within 14 of 12) (see Figures 2 and 7);
a filter replacement region (14 - i.e. opening which is covered by 39) formed at the body (12) to detachably couple the at least one filter (38 – 56, 66) to an interior of the body (12) (see Figure 2); and
a door (39) detachably mounted on the body (12) to expose the filter replacement region (14 - i.e. opening which is covered by 39) (see entire document, particularly Figure 2),
wherein the door (39) includes a door guide (43; 49; 212) formed at a side of the door (39) to be coupled to the body (12) (see entire document, particularly Figures 2 and 10);
wherein the body (12) further includes a door guide groove (44; 48; 216) having a groove structure (i.e. slots 44/recesses 48/slot 216 – see p. 8 lines 13 and 16, p. 16 line 6) to receive the door guide (43; 49; 212) inserted into the door guide groove (44; 48; 216) (see entire document, particularly Figures 2 and 10, p. 8 lines 8-18, p. 16 lines 2-14),
in order to allow the door to be secured to the body, to keep the at least one filter in place and to ensure user safety (see entire document, particularly Figures 1-2, p. 8 lines 8-18, p. 16 lines 11-14).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in this art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a filter replacement region and a door detachably mounted on the body to expose the filter replacement region in the air purifier of Goswami as a known components of an air purifier in order to secure the door to the body so as to allow insertion/access to the at least one filter and to ensure user safety as shown by Hak.
While Hak (‘349) does not appear to specifically teach that the door guide groove (44; 48; 216) further includes a door securing groove or that the door guide (43; 49; 212) further includes a securing protrusion that projects into the door securing groove to secure the door to the body, Hak (‘349) does disclose additional door securing guide/configuration in the form guides (46) that each guide (46) includes a securing protrusion (i.e. at the end of the guides 46 pointed to by numeral 46; intrinsically as a “locking tab” features a protrusion at the end of the guide for the (self-)locking function – see p. 8 lines 14-16) that is capable of projecting into a door securing groove to secure the door (39) (see Figure 10). Thus, it would have been well within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to also provide a securing protrusion with the door guide (43; 49; 212) along with a door securing groove for the corresponding door guide groove (44; 48; 216) in the air purifier of Goswami as modified by Hak as a known alternate door/body securing configuration in order to provide additional securing measure ensuring that the door remains in place and avoids any accidental removal or opening of the door even during any handling/movement such as a relocation of the air purifier and to accommodate the securing protrusion that projects out. Only the expected results would be attained.
In addition, it was well known in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a securing protrusion that extends transverse to a longitudinal direction of a door guide for a door. Amborn (‘165) exemplifies an apparatus (10) (see Figures 1-9C) comprising a door (16) detachable mounted to a body (14) to expose an interior region (see Figures 1-3 and 6A-7), wherein the door includes a door guide (68) formed at a side of the door (16) (see Figures 6A-6B) to be coupled to the body (14), the door guide (68) further includes a securing protrusion (108) extending transverse to a longitudinal direction of the door guide (68) (see Figure 6B), wherein the body (14) further includes a door guide groove (66) (see Figures 5A-5B) having a groove structure to receive the door guide (68) inserted into the door guide groove (66) (see Figures 5A-5B and 9A-9C), in order to assemble a housing of the apparatus with the door and the body (see entire document, particularly Figures 1-3 and 8-9C, [0037] – lines 1-3). It would have been obvious to and well within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a securing protrusion that extends transverse to a longitudinal direction of the door guide in the apparatus of Goswami as modified by Hak as a known configuration in order to enable assembly of the cover and the body into a housing as exemplified by Amborn.
Moreover, it was well known in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention that a door guide groove further includes a door securing groove where a securing protrusion of a door guide projects into the door securing groove. Kratt (‘934) exemplifies an apparatus comprising a door (53) detachable mounted on a body (27) to expose an interior rejection (see Figure 3), wherein the door (53) includes a door guide (54) formed at a side of the door (53) to be coupled to the body (27), the door guide (54) further includes a securing protrusion (i.e. at the end portion of 54) extending transverse to a longitudinal direction of the door guide (54) (see Figure 3), wherein the body includes a door guide groove (55) having a groove structure to receive the door guide (54) inserted into the door guide groove (55) (see Figures 3-4), and wherein the door guide groove (55) further comprises a door securing groove (i.e. the groove formed by rim/lip within 55 – see Figure 3) and the securing protrusion (i.e. at the end portion of 54) projects into the door securing groove (i.e. the groove formed by rim/lip within 55 – see Figure 3) in order to secure the door (53) to the body (27) (see Figure 3). It would have been obvious to and well within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a door securing groove in a door guide groove in the apparatus of Goswami as modified by Hak and Ambron as a known configuration in order to receive a securing protrusion of a door guide to secure the door to the body as exemplified by Kratt.
As to Claim 2, Hak (‘349) discloses that the body (12) further includes a filter securing portion (64) disposed on the inner wall thereof to receive the at least one filter (38) inserted thereinto (via 62 – see entire document, particularly Figure 7, p. 9 lines 4-10).
As to Claim 3, while Goswami (‘073) discloses that the body is configured to place the fan (48; 90) in the inner space of the body in a direction parallel with the discharge port (86; outlet disposed downstream from 100) (see Figures 7-8), Goswami (‘073) does not appear to specifically teach that the body further includes a fan securing portion. However, Hak (‘349) discloses that the body (12) further includes a fan securing region (16, 75, 26) disposed in the inner space of the body (12) (see entire document, particularly Figures 2 and 6-7, p. 9 line 31 - p. 10 line 7).
As to Claim 4, Hak (‘349) discloses that the body (12) further includes light source module grooves (96, 98, 100) disposed on the inner wall thereof to receive the at least one light source module (86) inserted thereinto (see entire document, particularly Figures 6-8, p. 11 lines 8-10).
As to Claim 5, Goswami (‘073) discloses that the at least one filter (85, 96) comprises at least one of a photocatalytic filter (96; 100) and a HEPA filter (85; 118) (see entire document, particularly p. 18 line 29 - p. 19 line 1, p. 19 lines 28-29, p. 20 line 2)
As to Claim 6, Goswami (‘073) discloses that the at least one light source module (98) is configured to emit UV light toward the photocatalytic filter (96) (see entire document, particularly Figure 7, p. 18 line 29 - p. 19 line 1).
As to Claim 8, Goswami (‘073) discloses that an air discharge area of the discharge port (30, 32, 34, 36; 86; at 95; 186) is different from an air suction area of the suction port (37, 38, 39, 40; 84; 184) (see Figures 1, 7-8 and 11-12).
As to Claim 9, Hak (‘349) discloses that the door (39) covers a surface of the body (12) on which the filter replacement region (14 - i.e. opening which is covered by 39) is formed (see Figures 1-2).
As to Claim 10, Hak (“349) teaches that the body (12) further includes a door securing grove (48) formed on an outer wall thereof to correspond to the groove of the door guide (49) (see entire document, particularly Figures 2-4, p. 8 lines 8-18).
As to Claim 11, Goswami (‘073) discloses an air purifier (see Figures 1-23) comprising:
a body including a suction port (37, 38, 39, 40; 84; 184) having a first opening through which external air is configured to be suctioned into an inner space of the body, and a discharge port (30, 32, 34, 36; 86; at 95; 186) having a second opening through which the air is configured to be discharged to an outside after being subjected to sterilization inside the body (see Figures 1, 7-8 and 11-12);
a fan (84, 85; 48, 90; 148) disposed in the inner space of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12), the fan (84, 85; 48, 90; 148) having a side surface separated from an inner wall of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12);
at least one light source module (24; 98; 224) disposed in the inner space of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12), the at least one light source module comprising at least one UV light source (24; 98; 224) configured to emit light for sterilizing microorganisms in the air (see entire document, particularly p. 15 lines 7-9);
a power controller (25, 26, 62; 102, 104, 106) mounted on the inner wall of the body and physically or electrically connected to a power source to supply electric power to the at least one light source module (24) (see Figures 1 and 3); and
at least one filter (28; 85, 96; 118; 212) disposed in the inner space of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12).
Goswami (‘073) does not appear to specifically teach that the air purifier also comprises a filter replacement region formed at the body to couple the at least one filter to an interior of the body; or a door detachably coupled to the body to open or close the filter replacement region, wherein the door includes a door guide having a groove formed at end of a side of the door to be coupled to the body.
It was known in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a filter replacement region and a door detachably mounted on a body to expose the filter replacement region in an air purifier. Hak (‘349) discloses an air purifier (10) (see Figures 1-16) comprising:
a body (12) including a suction port (i.e. opening of 14 where 38 and 39 are located – see Figure 1) and a discharge port (i.e. opening where 106 and 108 are located – see Figure 8), the body (12) having an inner space (35) through which air is configured to flow from the suction port to the discharge port (see entire document, particularly Figures 1-8, p. 8 lines 3-5);
a fan (78) disposed in the inner space (16) of the body (12) (see Figures 6-7);
at least one light source module (86) disposed in the inner space of the body (12), the at least one light source module (86) comprising at least one UV light source (88);
a power controller (200);
at least one filter (38 – 56, 66) disposed in the inner space of the body (within 14 of 12) (see Figures 2 and 7);
a filter replacement region (14 - i.e. opening which is covered by 39) formed at the body (12) to detachably couple the at least one filter (38 – 56, 66) to an interior of the body (12) (see Figure 2); and
a door (39) detachably mounted on the body (12) to expose the filter replacement region (14 - i.e. opening which is covered by 39) (see entire document, particularly Figure 2),
wherein the door (39) includes a door guide (43; 49; 212) formed at an end of a side of the door (39) and projecting in a direction of the body (12) to be coupled to the body (12) (see entire document, particularly Figures 2 and 10);
wherein the body (12) further includes a door guide groove (44; 48; 216) having a groove structure (i.e. slots 44/recesses 48/slot 216 – see p. 8 lines 13 and 16, p. 16 line 6) to receive the door guide (43; 49; 212) inserted into the door guide groove (44; 48; 216) (see entire document, particularly Figures 2 and 10, p. 8 lines 8-18, p. 16 lines 2-14),
in order to allow the door to be secured to the body, to keep the at least one filter in place and to ensure user safety (see entire document, particularly Figures 1-2, p. 8 lines 8-18, p. 16 lines 11-14).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in this art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a filter replacement region and a door detachably mounted on the body to expose the filter replacement region in the air purifier of Goswami as a known components of an air purifier in order to secure the door to the body so as to allow insertion/access to the at least one filter and to ensure user safety as shown by Hak.
While Hak (‘349) does not appear to specifically teach that the door guide groove (44; 48; 216) further includes a door securing groove or that the door guide (43; 49; 212) further includes a securing protrusion that projects into the door securing groove to secure the door to the body, Hak (‘349) does disclose additional door securing guide/configuration in the form guides (46) where each guide (46) includes a securing protrusion (i.e. at the end of the guides 46 pointed to by numeral 46; intrinsically as a “locking tab” features a protrusion at the end of the guide for the (self-)locking function – see p. 8 lines 14-16) that is capable of projecting into a door securing groove to secure the door (39) (see Figure 10). Thus, it would have been well within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to also provide a securing protrusion with the door guide (43; 49; 212) along with a door securing groove for the corresponding door guide groove (44; 48; 216) in the air purifier of Goswami as modified by Hak as a known alternate door/body securing configuration in order to provide additional securing measures ensuring that the door remains in place and avoids any accidental removal or opening of the door even during any handling/movement such as a relocation of the air purifier and to accommodate the securing protrusion that projects out. Only the expected results would be attained.
In addition, it was well known in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a securing protrusion that extends transverse to a longitudinal direction of a door guide for a door. Amborn (‘165) exemplifies an apparatus (10) (see Figures 1-9C) comprising a door (16) detachable mounted to a body (14) to expose an interior region (see Figures 1-3 and 6A-7), wherein the door includes a door guide (68) formed at a side of the door (16) (see Figures 6A-6B) to be coupled to the body (14), the door guide (68) further includes a securing protrusion (108) extending transverse to a longitudinal direction of the door guide (68) (see Figure 6B), wherein the body (14) further includes a door guide groove (66) (see Figures 5A-5B) having a groove structure to receive the door guide (68) inserted into the door guide groove (66) (see Figures 5A-5B and 9A-9C), in order to assemble a housing of the apparatus with the door and the body (see entire document, particularly Figures 1-3 and 8-9C, [0037] – lines 1-3). It would have been obvious to and well within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a securing protrusion that extends transverse to a longitudinal direction of the door guide in the apparatus of Goswami as modified by Hak as a known configuration in order to enable assembly of the cover and the body into a housing as exemplified by Amborn.
Moreover, it was well known in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention that a door guide groove further includes a door securing groove where a securing protrusion of a door guide projects into the door securing groove. Kratt (‘934) exemplifies an apparatus comprising a door (53) detachable mounted on a body (27) to expose an interior rejection (see Figure 3), wherein the door (53) includes a door guide (54) formed at a side of the door (53) to be coupled to the body (27), the door guide (54) further includes a securing protrusion (i.e. at the end portion of 54) extending transverse to a longitudinal direction of the door guide (54) (see Figures 3-4), wherein the body includes a door guide groove (55) having a groove structure to receive the door guide (54) inserted into the door guide groove (55) (see Figures 3-4), and wherein the door guide groove (55) further comprises a door securing groove (i.e. the groove formed by rim/lip within 55 – see Figure 3) and the securing protrusion (i.e. at the end portion of 54) projects into the door securing groove (i.e. the groove formed by rim/lip within 55 – see Figure 3) in order to secure the door (53) to the body (27) (see Figures 3-4). It would have been obvious to and well within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a door securing groove in a door guide groove in the apparatus of Goswami as modified by Hak and Ambron as a known configuration in order to receive a securing protrusion of a door guide to secure the door to the body as exemplified by Kratt.
As to Claim 12, Hak (‘349) discloses that the body (12) further includes a filter securing portion (64) disposed on the inner wall thereof to receive the at least one filter (38) inserted thereinto (via 62 – see entire document, particularly Figure 7, p. 9 lines 4-10).
As to Claim 13, while Goswami (‘073) discloses that the body is configured to place the fan (48; 90) in the inner space of the body in a direction parallel with the discharge port (86; outlet disposed downstream from 100) (see Figures 7-8), Goswami (‘073) does not appear to specifically teach that the body further includes a fan securing portion. However, Hak (‘349) discloses that the body (12) further includes a fan securing region (16, 75, 26) disposed in the inner space of the body (12) (see entire document, particularly Figures 2 and 6-7, p. 9 line 31 - p. 10 line 7).
As to Claim 14, Hak (‘349) discloses that the body (12) further includes light source module grooves (96, 98, 100) disposed on the inner wall thereof to receive the at least one light source module (86) inserted thereinto (see entire document, particularly Figures 6-8, p. 11 lines 8-10).
As to Claim 15, Goswami (‘073) discloses that the at least one filter (85, 96) comprises at least one of a photocatalytic filter (96; 100) and a HEPA filter (85; 118) (see entire document, particularly p. 18 line 29 - p. 19 line 1, p. 19 lines 28-29, p. 20 line 2)
As to Claim 16, Goswami (‘073) discloses that the at least one light source module (98) is configured to emit UV light toward the photocatalytic filter (96) (see entire document, particularly Figure 7, p. 18 line 29 - p. 19 line 1).
As to Claim 18, Goswami (‘073) discloses that an air discharge area of the discharge port (30, 32, 34, 36; 86; at 95; 186) is different from an air suction area of the suction port (37, 38, 39, 40; 84; 184) (see Figures 1, 7-8 and 11-12).
As to Claim 19, Hak (‘349) discloses that the door (39) covers a surface of the body (12) on which the filter replacement region (14 - i.e. opening which is covered by 39) is formed (see Figures 1-2).
Thus, Claims 1-6, 8-9, 11-16 and 18-19 would have been obvious within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. 103 over the combined teachings of Goswami (‘073), Hak (‘349), Amborn (’165), and Kratt (‘934).
Claim(s) 20 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Goswami (WO97/09073) in view of Hak (WO0226349) and Beam (7166259).
Goswami (‘073) discloses an air purifier (see Figures 1-23) comprising:
a body including a suction port (37, 38, 39, 40; 84; 184) having a first opening through which external air is configured to be suctioned into an inner space of the body, and a discharge port (30, 32, 34, 36; 86; at 95; 186) having a second opening through which the air is configured to be discharged to an outside after being subjected to sterilization inside the body (see Figures 1, 7-8 and 11-12);
a fan (84, 85; 48, 90; 148) disposed in the inner space of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12), the fan (84, 85; 48, 90; 148) having a side surface separated from an inner wall of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12);
at least one light source module (24; 98; 224) disposed in the inner space of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12), the at least one light source module comprising at least one UV light source (24; 98; 224) configured to emit light for sterilizing microorganisms in the air (see entire document, particularly p. 15 lines 7-9);
a power controller (25, 26, 62; 102, 104, 106) mounted on the inner wall of the body and physically or electrically connected to a power source to supply electric power to the at least one light source module (24) (see Figures 1 and 3); and
at least one or a plurality of filters (28; 85, 96; 118; 212) disposed in the inner space of the body (see Figures 1, 7-8, and 11-12).
Goswami (‘073) does not appear to specifically teach that the air purifier also comprises a filter replacement region formed at the body to couple the at least one or plurality of filters to an interior of the body; or a door detachably coupled to the body to open or close the filter replacement region, wherein the door is not configured to expose the at least one light source module when the door is opened, or that the at least one light source module is positioned within the body after the plurality of filters and before the fan with respect to a flow direction of the air from the suction port to the discharge port.
As to the limitations that a filter replacement region formed at a body to couple the plurality of filters to an interior of the body and a door detachably coupled to the body to open or close the filter replacement region, it was known in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a filter replacement region and a door detachably mounted on a body to expose a filter replacement region in an air purifier. Hak (‘349) discloses an air purifier (10) (see Figures 1-16) comprising:
a body (12) including a suction port (i.e. opening of 14 where 38 and 39 are located – see Figure 1) and a discharge port (i.e. opening where 106 and 108 are located – see Figure 8), the body (12) having an inner space (35) through which air is configured to flow from the suction port to the discharge port (see entire document, particularly Figures 1-8, p. 8 lines 3-5);
a fan (78) disposed in the inner space (16) of the body (12) (see Figures 6-7);
at least one light source module (86) disposed in the inner space of the body (12), the at least one light source module (86) comprising at least one UV light source (88);
a plurality of filters (38 – 56, 66) disposed in the inner space of the body (within 14 of 12) (see Figures 2 and 7);
a filter replacement region (14 - i.e. opening which is covered by 39) formed at the body (12) to detachably couple the plurality of filters (38 – 56, 66) to an interior of the body (12) (see Figure 2); and
a door (39) detachably mounted on the body (12) to expose the filter replacement region (14 - i.e. opening which is covered by 39) (see entire document, particularly Figure 2),
wherein the door (39) is not configured to expose the at least one light source module (86) when the door (39) is opened (see entire document, particularly Figures 2 and 7-8),
in order to allow the door to be secured to the body, to keep the at least one filter in place and to ensure user safety (see entire document, particularly Figures 1-2, p. 8 lines 8-18, p. 16 lines 11-14).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in this art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide a filter replacement region and a door detachably mounted on the body to expose the filter replacement region in the air purifier of Goswami as a known components of an air purifier in order to secure the door to the body so as to allow insertion/access to the at least one filter and to ensure user safety as shown by Hak.
As to the limitation that the at least one light source module is positioned within the body after the plurality of filters and before the fan with respect to a flow direction of the air from the suction port to the discharge port, it was known in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide at least one light source module after at least one filter and before a fan with respect to a flow direction of the air from a suction port to a discharge port in an air purifier. Beam (‘259) discloses an air purifier (10) (see Figures 1-4) comprising:
a body (12, 14) including a suction port (16) having a first opening through which external air is configured to be suctioned into an inner space of the body (12, 14), and a discharge port (18) having a second opening through which the air in the inner space is configured to be discharged to an outside after being subjected to sterilization inside the body (12, 14);
a fan (70) disposed in the inner space of the body (12, 14), the fan (70) having a side surface (i.e. surface facing 72) separated from an inner wall of the body (12, 14) (see Figure 1);
at least one light source module (46) disposed in the inner space of the body (12, 14) (see Figures 1-2), the at least one light source module (46) comprising at least one UV light source (48) configured to emit light for sterilizing microorganisms in the air;
a power controller (20) mounted on the inner wall of the body and physically or electrically connected to a power source to supply electric power to the at least one light source module;
at least one filter (28) disposed in the inner space of the body;
a filter replacement region (22, 24, 30, 32, 34) formed at the body (12, 14) to couple the at least one filter (28) to an interior of the body (12, 14) (see Figure 1); and
a door (14) detachably coupled to the body (12) to open or close the filter replacement region (30 of 22) (see entire document, particularly Figure 1, Col. 6 lines 6-10),
wherein the at least one light source module (46) is positioned within the body (12, 14) after the at least one filter (28) and before the fan (70) with respect to a flow direction (15) of the air from the suction port (16) to the discharge port (18) (see Figure 1),
in order to remove contaminants such as particulates in the air flow prior to irradiation/purification with UV light (see entire document, particularly Figures 1-2, Col. 4 lines 26-29).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in this art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide the at least one light source module after the plurality of filters and before the fan with respect to a flow direction of the air from the suction port to the discharge port in the air purifier of Goswami as modified by Hak as a known alternate configuration of components in order to pretreat the airflow to remove particulate contaminants prior to irradiation and purification by the at least one light source module as shown by Beam.
Thus, Claim 20 would have been obvious within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. 103 over the combined teachings of Goswami (‘073), Hak (‘349), and Beam (‘259).
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1-6, 8-9, 11-16 and 18-19 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on the same combination of references applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Applicant's arguments filed 7/30/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Specifically, as to applicant’s argument on p. 9 of Remarks with respect to claim 20, examiner indicates that applicant's argument is against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986). Moreover, examiner disagrees and points out that while the fan 70 is located adjacent the front cover 12, where examiner points out that as the front cover 12 is where the discharge port/air outlet 18 is located, the UV light source 46 is deemed to be located after/downstream a filter module 28 but before the fan 70.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. The following references relate either to the field of the invention or subject matter of the invention, but are not relied upon in the rejection of record: JP2008109984 (air disinfection apparatus with latches and hook for the doors).
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to REGINA M YOO whose telephone number is (571)272-6690. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Maris Kessel can be reached at (571)270-7698. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/REGINA M YOO/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1758
Prosecution Insights