Office Action Predictor
Application No. 17/719,156

SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

Non-Final OA §102§103§112
Filed
Apr 12, 2022
Examiner
HAWKINS, JASON KHALIL
Art Unit
3723
Tech Center
3700 — Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing
Assignee
Omachron Intellectual Property INC.
OA Round
5 (Non-Final)
65%
Grant Probability
Favorable
5-6
OA Rounds
2y 9m
To Grant
80%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

65%
Career Allow Rate
110 granted / 169 resolved
Without
With
+14.4%
Interview Lift
avg trend
2y 9m
Avg Prosecution
53 pending
222
Total Applications
career history

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.4%
-38.6% vs TC avg
§103
46.3%
+6.3% vs TC avg
§102
28.5%
-11.5% vs TC avg
§112
21.0%
-19.0% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data

Office Action

§102 §103 §112
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 . Status of Claims This action is in reply to the Amendments/Response filed on October 21, 2025. Claim(s) 23-24, 28-31, 33-34, 37-38, and 41 have been amended. No additional claims have been added. No claims have been cancelled. Claims 23-42 are currently pending and have been examined. Priority The later-filed application must be an application for a patent for an invention which is also disclosed in the prior application (the parent or original nonprovisional application or provisional application). The disclosure of the invention in the parent application and in the later-filed application must be sufficient to comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, except for the best mode requirement. See Transco Products, Inc. v. Performance Contracting, Inc., 38 F.3d 551, 32 USPQ2d 1077 (Fed. Cir. 1994). Through the provided amendments, Application No. 12720570, now provides adequate support or enablement in the manner provided by 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112. As such, the acknowledged priority filing date is 03/10/2010. Response to Amendments The examiner fully acknowledges the amendments to claims 23-24, 28-31, 33-34, 37-38, and 41 filed on October 21, 2025. The applicant’s amendments to claim 23 and 33 are sufficient to overcome the rejection of claims, the art of record used in the previous rejection fails to be meet the requirements to be prior art due to the change in the instant applications effective filing date. The previous action did not address all the limitations within claim 41. Please see the updated action that addresses all the claim limitations. Response to Arguments The applicant’s arguments, see pages 4-9, filed October 21, 2025 with respect to the claims have been fully considered. Status of the Claims – the examiner agrees with the applicant that as amended, the application stands supported by the disclosure of Conrad Application No. 12720570. Claim rejections 102 – The examiner agrees that the rejections of claims 23 and 33 are overcome by amendments. Please see the new rejections set forth within the present action. The rejection for claim 41 has been updated to address limitations improperly rejected in the previous action. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claim 25 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. Claim 25 recites the limitation "the u-shaped channels" in line 1. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Said “u-shaped channels” are introduced in claim 24, whereas claim 25 depends upon claim 23, thus antecedence has not been established. For examination purposes, claim 25 is being treated as dependent upon claim 24. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 23, 26 and 32 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Yoo et al. (US Patent No. 7934286). In regards to claim 23, Yoo discloses an apparatus comprising a hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) and a mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) for the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5), wherein: (a) the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) has a base (suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) which is free standing on a floor and an upper portion comprising an air flow duct (connecting port 22, fig. 3) and PNG media_image1.png 651 467 media_image1.png Greyscale a mounting member (front surface 30a of supporting member, fig. 3) provided at a location above a mid-point of a height of the air flow duct, the mounting member (front surface 30a of supporting member, fig. 3) having a plurality of laterally opposed first engagement members (at least projections 32a-33d, fig. 3), and, (b) the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is slideably mountable (by pressing the first engagement members into the receiving areas) to a position supported by the mounting member (front surface 30a of supporting member, fig. 3) and, as the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is moved downwardly to be supported by the mounting member (front surface 30a of supporting member, fig. 3), the first engagement members (at least projections 32a-33d, fig. 3) slideably interengage with a plurality of laterally opposed second engagement members (areas A, B, C and D, fig. 2) whereby the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is supported in the position. In regards to claim 26, Yoo discloses the apparatus of claim 23 wherein the first engagement members (at least projections 32a-33d, fig. 3) are male engagement members and the second engagement members (areas A, B, C and D, fig. 2) are female engagement members and the first engagement members (at least projections 32a-33d, fig. 3) are slideably receivable in the second engagement members (areas A, B, C and D, fig. 2) and, when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) and the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) is free standing of the floor, the apparatus comprises a plurality of vertically extending walls (vacuum cleaner has structural side walls on the supporting member, projections and receiving members extend away from the sidewalls; see fig. 3) wherein each of the first and second engagement members (areas A, B, C and D, fig. 2) extend away from one of the vertically extending walls. In regards to claim 32, Yoo discloses the apparatus of claim 23 wherein when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5), the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is in air flow communication (col. 4 lines 14-35) with the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5). Claim(s) 23-24 and 26 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Lackner (US Patent No. 4683607). In regards to claim 23, Lackner discloses an apparatus comprising a hand vacuum cleaner (accessory appliance 18, fig. 1) and a mounting structure (at least vacuum cleaner head 12 and bracket 19; fig. 1-4) for the hand vacuum cleaner (accessory appliance 18, fig. 1), wherein: (a) the mounting structure (at least vacuum cleaner head 12 and bracket 19; fig. 1-4) has a base (at least vacuum cleaner head 12; fig. 1-4) which is free standing on a floor and an upper portion (vacuum cleaner head top portion) comprising an air flow duct (vacuum cleaner head 12 has air flow within) and a mounting member (bracket 19, fig. 1-4) provided at a location above (bracket is completely above the vacuum cleaner head 12) a mid-point of a height of the air flow duct (vacuum cleaner head 12 has air flow within), the mounting member (bracket 19, fig. 1-4) having a plurality of laterally opposed first engagement members (ribs 42, 42’, and leg portions 27a and 27a’; fig. 4), and, (b) the hand vacuum cleaner (accessory appliance 18, fig. 1) is slideably mountable to a position supported by the mounting member (bracket 19, fig. 1-4) and, as the hand vacuum cleaner (accessory appliance 18, fig. 1) is moved to be supported by the mounting member (bracket 19, fig. 1-4), the first engagement members (ribs 42, 42’, and leg portions 27a and 27a’; fig. 4) slideably interengage with a plurality of laterally opposed second engagement members (complementary recesses 46 fig. 1) whereby the hand vacuum cleaner (accessory appliance 18, fig. 1) is supported in the position. In regards to claim 24, Lackner discloses the apparatus of claim 23 wherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner (accessory appliance 18, fig. 1) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least vacuum cleaner head 12 and bracket 19; fig. 1-4) and the mounting structure (at least vacuum cleaner head 12 and bracket 19; fig. 1-4) is free standing of the floor, the laterally opposed first and second engagement members comprise U- shaped channels (see fig. 4 – ann. 1), each of which extends away from a vertically extending wall, and wings (recess 46) that are slideabl[[e]]y receivable in the U-shaped channels. PNG media_image2.png 236 748 media_image2.png Greyscale In regards to claim 26, Lackner discloses the apparatus of claim 23, wherein the first engagement members are male engagement (ribs 42 and 42’) members and the second engagement members are female engagement members (recesses 46 and 46’) and the first engagement members are slideably receivable in the second engagement members and, when the hand vacuum cleaner (accessory appliance 18, fig. 1) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least vacuum cleaner head 12 and bracket 19; fig. 1-4) and the mounting structure (at least vacuum cleaner head 12 and bracket 19; fig. 1-4) is free standing of the floor, the apparatus comprises a plurality of vertically extending walls wherein each of the first and second engagement members extend away from one of the vertically extending walls (see the walls the bracket in fig. 4). Claim(s) 41-42 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Yoo (US PG Pub No. 20090178229). In regards to claim 41, Yoo discloses an apparatus comprising a hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8), a mounting adapter (fixing hole 19a, fig. 2), and a mounting structure (at least suction port body 30 including a first supporting protrusion 35; [0037]; fig. 1, 3 and 8) for the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8), wherein: (a) the mounting structure (at least suction port body 30 including a first supporting protrusion 35; [0037]; fig. 1, 3 and 8) has a base (see fig. 3 - ann. 1) and an air flow duct (hinge portion 31, fig. 1, 3 and 8) which extends vertically when the base (see fig. 3 - ann. 1) is positioned on a floor; and, (b) the mounting adapter (fixing hole 19a, fig. 2) is operable to mount the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8) to the mounting structure (at least suction port body 30 including a first supporting protrusion 35; [0037]; fig. 1, 3 and 8) in a mounted position, and the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8) is removably mountable to the mounting adapter (fixing hole 19a, fig. 2); [0037] Referring to FIG. 3, the suction port body 30 includes a suction port (not illustrated) formed in the bottom to draw in air and dust from outside, and a hinge portion 31 formed on the rear portion and connected with the suction port body 30. The hinge portion 31 is removably connected with the lower portion of the extension pipe 40, and includes a first supporting protrusion 35 formed on the front portion, to be removably engaged with the first fixing hole 19a (FIG. 2) of the cleaner body 10. wherein the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8) is slidably mountable to the mounted position and, as the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8) is moved slidably to the mounted position, a plurality of laterally opposed wings (first and second clamps 21, 23; fig. 1-2 and 4-6) slidably interengage (pivoting in and out of engagement still allows for the member to move smoothly along the surface) with a plurality of laterally opposed U-shaped channels (first and second insertion holes 18a and 18b, fig. 1 - ann. 1) whereby the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8) is supported in the mounted position, and wherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least suction port body 30 including a first supporting protrusion 35; [0037]; fig. 1, 3 and 8) the air flow duct (hinge portion 31, fig. 1, 3 and 8) extends vertically, and the apparatus comprises a plurality of vertically extending walls (see fig. 2-ann. 1) wherein each of the wings (first and second clamps 21, 23; fig. 1-2 and 4-6) is provided on and extends from one of the vertically extending walls (see fig. 2-ann. 1) and each of the U-shaped channels is provided on and extends into one of the vertically extending walls (see fig. 2-ann. 1) and, PNG media_image3.png 685 1032 media_image3.png Greyscale when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8) is mounted as part of the apparatus, each of the wings (first and second clamps 21, 23; fig. 1-2 and 4-6) and the U-shaped channels extend in a lateral direction (see fig. 1-ann. 2) whereby when the air flow duct (hinge portion 31, fig. 1, 3 and 8) extends vertically, a horizontal plane extends through the vertically extending walls (see fig. 1-ann. 2) at a location of the wings (first and second clamps 21, 23; fig. 1-2 and 4-6) and the U-shaped channels (see fig. 1-ann. 2). PNG media_image4.png 685 725 media_image4.png Greyscale In regards to claim 42, Yoo discloses the apparatus of claim 41 wherein the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8) is connected in air flow communication with the mounting structure (at least suction port body 30 including a first supporting protrusion 35; [0037]; fig. 1, 3 and 8) when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8) is mounted in the mounted position by an air flow passage (at least extension pipe 40 and hinge portion 31, fig. 1, 3 and 8) comprising the air flow duct (hinge portion 31, fig. 1, 3 and 8) and, when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1-8) is mounted in the mounted position and the air flow duct (hinge portion 31, fig. 1, 3 and 8) extends vertically, a vertical plane extends through the laterally opposed wings (first and second clamps 21, 23; fig. 1-2 and 4-6) and the air flow passage (at least extension pipe 40 and hinge portion 31, fig. 1, 3 and 8) that is at a location that is inwardly between the laterally opposed wings (first and second clamps 21, 23; fig. 1-2 and 4-6). PNG media_image5.png 685 721 media_image5.png Greyscale Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. 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) 25 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lackner In regards to claim 25, Lackner discloses the apparatus of claim 23 wherein the U-shaped channels have first and second laterally opposed sides, but fails to disclose that “the first laterally opposed side has one of the plurality of first engagement members and the second laterally opposed side has a second of the plurality of second engagement members.” It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made to create a plurality of engagement parts, since it has been held that mere duplication of the essential working parts of a device involves only routine skill in the art. MPEP 2144.04 (VI-B) St. Regis Paper Co. v. Bemis Co., 193 USPQ 8. Claim(s) 27-40 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yoo in view of Yoo et al. (US PG Pub No. 20090031522). In regards to claim 27, Yoo discloses the apparatus of claim 23 wherein the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is connected in air flow communication (col. 4 lines 14-35: connecting port 22 is in flow com with cleaner body 10 through hose 16) with the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) by an air flow passage (hose 16, fig. 1, 3-5) comprising the air flow duct when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) and, when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5), and the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) is free standing of the floor. Yoo fails to disclose “a vertical plane extends through the first and second engagement members and the air flow passage (hose 16) that is at a location that is inwardly between the first and second engagement members.” However, Yoo (20090031522), which also discloses a floor vacuum cleaner with mounting structure and upright positioning teaches an airflow passage (at least connecting tube 23b and extension pipe 17; see fig. 2) that is located inwardly between engagement members for mounting the hand vacuum such that a vertical plane would extend through the engagement members and tube. Pursuant MPEP 2144.04.VI.C, to rearrange the location of the air flow passage, in view of Yoo (20090031522) would be an obvious matter of design choice. In regards to claim 28, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 27 wherein the mounting member comprises an air flow passage (inlet of hose 16) in fluid flow communication with the air flow duct of the mounting structure. In regards to claim 29, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 28 wherein the air flow passage comprises a mounting member inlet port (top of connecting port 22) of that extends in a vertical plane when the mounting structure is positioned on a floor. In regards to claim 30, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 29 wherein, in use, the hand vacuum cleaner has an upper side and a lower side and, when the hand vacuum cleaner is mounted to the mounting structure (see fig. 1), the lower side of the hand vacuum cleaner has an air flow port (port of hose 16) that faces the mounting member inlet port (top of connecting port 22). In regards to claim 31, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 30 wherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner is mounted to the mounting structure, the air flow port on the lower side of the hand vacuum cleaner abuts the mounting member inlet port (connecting port 22 and hose 16 connect to each other). In regards to claim 32, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 23 wherein when the hand vacuum cleaner is mounted to the mounting structure, the hand vacuum cleaner is in air flow communication with the mounting structure (connecting port 22 and hose 16 connect to each other). In regards to claim 33, Yoo discloses an apparatus comprising a hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) and a mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) for the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5), the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) having a base (suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) and an upper portion comprising an air flow duct (connecting port 22, fig. 3) extending upwardly from the base (suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) wherein a mounting member (front surface 30a of supporting member, fig. 3) is provided at a location above a mid-point of a height of the air flow duct, the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) and the mounting member (front surface 30a of supporting member, fig. 3) have first and second interengagement members comprising first and second laterally opposed male engagement members (at least projections 32a-33d, fig. 3) slideably interengagable with first and second laterally opposed female engagement members (areas A, B, C and D, fig. 2) wherein the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is downwardly slideably mountable to the mounting member (front surface 30a of supporting member, fig. 3) and, as the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is moved to be supported by the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5), the first and second laterally opposed male engagement members (at least projections 32a-33d, fig. 3) are slidably received in the first and second laterally opposed female engagement members (areas A, B, C and D, fig. 2) and, when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) and the air flow duct extends vertically, the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is connected in air flow communication (col. 4 lines 14-35: connecting port 22 is in flow com with cleaner body 10 through hose 16) with the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) by an air flow passage (through at least hose 16 and connecting port 22) comprising the air flow duct and a vertical plane extends through the first and second laterally opposed male engagement members (at least projections 32a-33d, fig. 3). Yoo fails to disclose “and an air flow passage that is at a location that is inwardly between the first and second laterally opposed male engagement members (at least projections 32a-33d, fig. 3).” However, Yoo (20090031522), which also discloses a floor vacuum cleaner with mounting structure and upright positioning teaches an airflow passage (at least connecting tube 23b and extension pipe 17; see fig. 2) that is located inwardly between engagement members for mounting the hand vacuum such that a vertical plane would extend through the engagement members and tube. Pursuant MPEP 2144.04.VI.C, to rearrange the location of the air flow passage, in view of Yoo (20090031522) would be an obvious matter of design choice. In regards to claim 34, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 33 wherein the air flow passage comprises a mounting member inlet port (inlet of hose 16) that extends in a vertical plane when the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) is positioned on a floor. In regards to claim 35, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 33 wherein the apparatus is free standing on a floor (see fig. 1). In regards to claim 36, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 33 wherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) and the air flow duct extends vertically, the apparatus comprises a plurality of vertically extending walls (vacuum cleaner has structural side walls on the supporting member, projections and receiving members extend away from the sidewalls; see fig. 3) wherein each of the first and second laterally opposed male engagement members (at least projections 32a-33d, fig. 3) extend away from one of the vertically extending walls. In regards to claim 37, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 36 wherein the first and second laterally opposed male engagement members (at least projections 32a-33d, fig. 3) are provided on laterally opposed sides of the mounting member (front surface 30a of supporting member, fig. 3). In regards to claim 38, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 37 wherein the air flow passage comprises a mounting member inlet port (inlet of hose 16) that is positioned laterally between the first and second laterally opposed mounting member engagement members. In regards to claim 39, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 33 wherein when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5), the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is in air flow communication with the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5). In regards to claim 40, Yoo as modified discloses the apparatus of claim 33, wherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner (cleaner body 10, fig. 1, 3, 5) is mounted to the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) and the mounting structure (at least supporting member 30 and suction assembly 20, fig. 1, 3-5) is free standing of the floor, the apparatus comprises a plurality of vertically extending walls (vacuum cleaner has structural side walls on the supporting member, projections and receiving members extend away from the sidewalls; see fig. 3) wherein each of the first and second engagement members extend away from one of the vertically extending walls. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JASON KHALIL HAWKINS whose telephone number is (571)272-5446. The examiner can normally be reached M-F; 8-5PM. 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, Brian Keller can be reached at (571) 272-8548. 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. /JASON KHALIL HAWKINS/Examiner, Art Unit 3723
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Apr 12, 2022
Application Filed
Jun 13, 2023
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103, §112
Jun 21, 2023
Response Filed
May 07, 2024
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103, §112
Aug 15, 2024
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Aug 16, 2024
Examiner Interview Summary
Aug 16, 2024
Response Filed
Jan 18, 2025
Final Rejection — §102, §103, §112
Mar 26, 2025
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Mar 26, 2025
Examiner Interview Summary
Mar 28, 2025
Response after Non-Final Action
Apr 29, 2025
Request for Continued Examination
Apr 30, 2025
Response after Non-Final Action
Jul 26, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103, §112
Oct 17, 2025
Examiner Interview (Telephonic)
Oct 17, 2025
Examiner Interview Summary
Oct 21, 2025
Response Filed
Jan 23, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103, §112
Mar 23, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary
Mar 23, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Mar 24, 2026
Response Filed

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Prosecution Projections

5-6
Expected OA Rounds
65%
Grant Probability
80%
With Interview (+14.4%)
2y 9m
Median Time to Grant
High
PTA Risk
Based on 169 resolved cases by this examiner