DETAILED 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 .
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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 May 19th, 2025 has been entered.
Response to Amendment
The Amendment filed October 20th, 2025 has been entered. Claims 1-5, 7-10, 12, 14-20 and 22-23 remain pending in the application.
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: a reset mechanism in claim 3, ln. 9.
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. For examination purposes, it will be interpreted that a reset mechanism is a spring or a magnet based on Paragraphs 0009 and 0010 of the specification.
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.
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.
Claims 1-3, 7-10, 12, 14-17, 19-20, and 22-23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cacka et al. (US Patent 10,265,710) in view of Chan (US Patent 5,476,225) and Peng et al. (US Patent 8,418,939).
Regarding claim 1, Cacka discloses a showerhead (100, Figs. 1-2, 4), comprising:
an upper cover (130, Fig. 7), a lower cover (134, Fig. 7), and a middle plate (132, Fig. 7) disposed between the upper cover (130, shown in Fig. 7) and the lower cover (134, shown in Fig. 7);
wherein a bottom portion (bottom surface of jet plate 132, shown in Figs. 7, 10A-10B) of the middle plate (132, Figs. 7, 10A-10B) defines a first water cavity (interpreting as unfilled space within a mass, 246 in Fig. 10A, 288 in Fig. 10B) and a second water cavity (244 in Fig. 10A, 290 in Fig. 10B) that is independent from the first water cavity (246, 288, shown in Figs. 10A-10B);
wherein the middle plate (132, Figs. 7, 10A-10B) defines a first water inlet channel (488, annotated in Fig. 8) in fluid communication with the first water cavity (246, 288, combination of jet plate 132 and face plate 134 defines a second mode chamber 488 that is in fluid communication with second mode chamber 482 and flows through the second mode apertures 254 that is included within the second mode channel 246, shown in Figs. 10A-10B, Col. 14, Ln. 58 to Col. 15, Ln. 2) and a second water inlet channel (486, annotated in Fig. 8) in fluid communication with the second water cavity (244, 290, combination of jet plate 132 and face plate 134 defines a first mode chamber 486 that is in fluid communication with first mode chamber 480 and flows through the first mode apertures 256 that is included within the first mode channel 244, shown in Figs. 10A-10B, Col. 14, Ln. 38-50), and wherein at least a portion of the first water inlet channel (488, annotated in Fig. 8) surrounds the second water inlet channel (486, annotated in Fig. 8) in a radial direction (interpreting as placed like a radius, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, second mode chamber 488 surrounds first mode chamber 486 along a radius with respect to the center of the showerhead 100, shown in Fig. 8) of the middle plate (132, Figs. 7, 10A-10B) such that the first water inlet channel (488, annotated in Fig. 8) is located outward from the second water inlet channel (486, annotated in Fig. 8) along the radial direction (shown in Fig. 8); and
wherein the lower cover (134, Figs. 5, 7) includes a first water outlet (108, Fig. 5) in fluid communication with the first water cavity (246, 288, combination of jet plate 132 and face plate 134 defines a second mode chamber 488 that is in fluid communication with second mode chamber 482 and flows through the second mode apertures 254 that is included within the second mode channel 246 out of the nozzle group 108 of the face plate 134, shown in Figs. 5, 10A-10B, Col. 14, Ln. 58 to Col. 15, Ln. 2) and a second water outlet (106, Fig. 4) in fluid communication with the second water cavity (244, 290, combination of jet plate 132 and face plate 134 defines a first mode chamber 486 that is in fluid communication with first mode chamber 480 and flows through the first mode apertures 256 that is included within the second mode channel 244 out of the nozzle group 106 of the face plate 134, shown in Figs. 4-5, 10A-10B, Col. 14, Ln. 38-50).
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However, Cacka does not teach the first water cavity includes two water cavities as claimed, and the second water cavity includes a first portion that extends in between the two water cavities, and a second portion that surrounds the outsides of the two water cavities as claimed. Chan teaches a showerhead (20, Fig. 1) comprising the first water cavity (annotated in Fig. 15) includes two water cavities (annotated in Fig. 15) disposed on opposing sides of the middle plate (300, Fig. 15);
wherein the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) includes a first portion (annotated in Fig. 15) that extends in between the two water cavities (shown in Fig. 15), and a second portion (annotated in Fig. 15) that surrounds the outsides of the two water cavities (shown in Fig. 15), wherein the second water inlet channel (344, 346, Fig. 15) is fluidly coupled to the second portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) by the first portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) such that the first portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) forms a communication channel (annotated in Fig. 15), and the communication channel (annotated in Fig. 15) extends laterally (interpreting as extending from side to side, Merriam-Webster Dictionary) across the middle plate (300, shown in Fig. 15) through a center (center of plate 300, shown in Fig. 15) of the middle plate (300, annotated in Fig. 15).
Cacka and Chan are considered to be analogous art to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of showerheads. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the teaching of the first water cavity and the second water cavity taught in Chan’s showerhead to Cacka’s showerhead, to have the first water cavity includes two water cavities disposed on opposing sides of the middle plate, and the second water cavity includes a first portion that extends in between the two water cavities, and a second portion that surrounds the outsides of the two water cavities, wherein the second water inlet channel is fluidly coupled to the second portion of the second water cavity by the first portion of the second water cavity such that the first portion of the second water cavity forms a communication channel, and the communication channel extends laterally across the middle plate through a center of the middle plate. Doing so simplifies construction and lowers cost (Chan, Col. 5, Ln. 25-26).
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However, Cacka and Chan do not teach the second water inlet channel includes a plug as claimed. Peng teaches a showerhead (entire structure, Fig. 1) comprising the second water inlet channel (241, Fig. 6) includes a plug (322, Fig. 6) configured to open and close the second water inlet channel (241, Fig. 6) responsive to water pressure exerted on the plug (322, when water pressure is greater than elastic forces of the spring 323 connected to second seal unit 322, it causes the second seal unit 322 to slide outwards to seal second branch water inlet hole 241, Fig. 6, Col. 5, Ln. 60 to Col. 6, Ln. 8) within the showerhead (entire structure, Fig. 1).
Cacka, Chan, and Peng are considered to be analogous art to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of showerheads. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teaching of the plug taught in Peng’s showerhead to Cacka’s showerhead, as modified by Chan, to have the second water inlet channel includes a plug configured to open and close the second water inlet channel responsive to water pressure exerted on the plug within the showerhead. Doing so creates more diverse options of changing the shower area (Peng, Col. 2, Ln. 50-54).
Regarding claim 2, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 1. Peng further teaches when the plug (322, Fig. 6) closes the second water inlet channel (241, Fig. 6), water is configured to discharge from the first water outlet (232, when water pressure is less than elastic forces of the spring 323 connected to second seal unit 322, the second seal unit 322 slides outwards to seal second branch water inlet hole 241 and allows water to flow out of first branch water outlet holes 232, Fig. 6, Col. 5, Ln. 60 to Col. 6, Ln. 8, Col. 6, Ln. 22-36); and
when the plug (322, Fig. 6) opens the second water inlet channel (241, Fig. 6), water is configured to discharge from both the first water outlet (232, Fig. 6) and the second water outlet (242, as water pressure is increased to more than the elastic force of the second spring 323, it can permit second branch seal unit 322 to slide inwards to connect second water inlet hole 241 to connect with middle gravity 210 to allow flow coming out of the first branch water outlet holes 232 and second branch water outlet holes 242, Fig. 6, Col. 5, Ln. 60 to Col. 6, Ln. 8, Col. 6, Ln. 22-36).
With respect to claim 3, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 1. Peng further teaches:
a bracket (side walls within second water inlet hole 241, shown in Fig. 6) disposed in the second water inlet channel (241, shown in Fig. 6), the bracket (side walls within second water inlet hole 241 next to plug 322, shown in Fig. 6) having a water inlet (top opening of the side walls within second water inlet hole 241 next to plug 322, shown in Fig. 6);
wherein the plug (322, Fig. 6) is slidably configured in the second water inlet channel (241, Fig. 6, Col. 5, Ln. 60 to Col. 6, Ln. 8);
wherein, when the plug (322, Fig. 6) is in an initial state (shown in Fig. 6), the plug (322, Fig. 6) is engaged with the bracket (recessed side walls within second water inlet hole 241 next to plug 322, shown in Fig. 6) and blocks the water inlet (top opening of the recessed side walls within second water inlet hole 241 next to plug 322, shown in Fig. 6);
wherein, when the plug (322, Figs. 4, 6) is in an open state (shown in Fig. 4), the plug (322, Figs. 4, 6) is separated from the bracket (recessed side walls within second water inlet hole 241 at the top of plug 322, shown in Fig. 4) and withdrawn from the water inlet (top opening of the recessed side walls within second water inlet hole 241 at the top of plug 322, shown in Fig. 4); and
the plug (322, Fig. 6) is coupled to a reset mechanism (interpreting as a spring or a magnet, 323, Fig. 6) configured to bias the plug (322, Fig. 6) towards the initial state (when water pressure is less than the elastic forces of the second spring 323, the second seal unit 322 is in a closed state, shown in Fig. 6, Col. 5, Ln. 60 to Col. 6, Ln. 8).
In regards to claim 7, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 3. Peng further teaches when the water pressure exerted on the plug (322, Fig. 6) is greater than or equal to a threshold pressure value, the plug (322, Fig. 6) is configured to slide to open the water inlet (top opening of the recessed side walls within second water inlet hole 241 at the top of plug 322, when water pressure exceeds the elastic force of the spring 232 connected to second seal unit 322, it slides the second seal unit 322 to open, shown in Fig. 4, Col. 5, Ln. 60 to Col. 6, Ln. 8, Col. 6, Ln. 22-36); and
when the water pressure exerted on the plug (322, Fig. 6) is less than the threshold pressure value, the plug (322, Fig. 6) is configured to slide to block the water inlet (top opening of the recessed side walls within second water inlet hole 241 at the top of plug 322, shown in Fig. 6) via the reset mechanism (323, when water pressure is less than the elastic force of the spring 232 connected to second seal unit 322, it seals the second seal unit 322, shown in Fig. 6, Col. 5, Ln. 60 to Col. 6, Ln. 8, Col. 6, Ln. 22-36).
Regarding claim 8, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 3. Peng further teaches the plug (322, Fig. 6) includes a sliding rod (annotated in Fig. 6); and
the bracket (side walls within second water inlet hole 241 next to plug 322, shown in Fig. 6) includes a guide hole (space between the side walls within second water inlet hole 241 next to plug 322, annotated in Fig. 6) to receive the sliding rod (annotated and shown in Fig. 6).
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With respect to claim 9, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 8. Peng further teaches a diameter of the guide hole (diameter of cross-sectional area of annotated guide hole, shown in Fig. 6) is greater than or equal to a diameter of the sliding rod (diameter of cross-sectional area of annotated sliding rod, shown in Fig. 6).
With respect to claim 10, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 1. Chan further teaches the second portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) is located outward from outside the first water cavity (annotated in Fig. 15) along the radial direction of the middle plate (300, shown in Fig. 15).
In regards to claim 12, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 1. Cacka further discloses the first water outlet (108, Fig. 5) is located outward from outside the second water outlet (106, Fig. 4) along the radial direction of the middle plate (132, shown in Figs. 4-5).
With respect to claim 14, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 10. Chan further teaches the two water cavities (annotated in Fig. 15) of the first water cavity (annotated in Fig. 15) are symmetrically positioned on the middle plate (300, shown in Fig. 15).
Regarding claim 15, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 1. Peng further teaches the plug (322, Fig. 6) includes a radial seal (322b, 322b is a seal, shown in Fig. 6, Col. 5, Ln. 21-29).
Regarding claim 16, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 1. Peng further teaches the second water inlet channel (241, Fig. 6) includes a radial seal (322b, 322b is a seal, shown in Fig. 6, Col. 5, Ln. 21-29).
In regards to claim 17, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 1. Cacka further discloses the lower cover (134, Fig. 7) includes a plurality of first water outlets (outer water outlets, shown in Fig. 7) in fluid communication with the first water cavity (246, 288, water flows from second mode channel 246 and 288 to apertures 254 which flow through the respective mode channels of the face plate 134, Figs. 10A-10B, Col. 8, Ln. 45-67, Col. 9, Ln. 19-40) and a plurality of second water outlets (inner water outlets, shown in Fig. 7) in fluid communication with the second water cavity (244, 290, water flows from first mode channel 244 and 290 to apertures 256 which flow through the respective mode channels of the face plate 134, Figs. 10A-10B, Col. 8, Ln. 45-67, Col. 9, Ln. 19-40).
Regarding claim 19, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 1. Chan further teaches the middle plate (300, Fig. 15) includes a separating rib (304, Fig. 15) between the first water cavity (annotated in Fig. 15) and the second water cavity (annotated in Fig. 15).
Regarding claim 20, Cacka discloses a method (Col. 1, Ln. 54 to Col. 2, Ln. 45), comprising:
providing a showerhead (100, Figs. 1-2, 4, Col. 1, Ln. 54 to Col. 2, Ln. 45), the showerhead (100, Figs. 1-2, 4) including:
an upper cover (130, Fig. 7), a lower cover (134, Fig. 7), and a middle plate (132, Fig. 7) disposed between the upper cover (130, shown in Fig. 7) and the lower cover (134, shown in Fig. 7);
wherein a bottom portion (bottom surface of jet plate 132, shown in Figs. 7, 10A-10B) of the middle plate (132, Figs. 7, 10A-10B) defines a first water cavity (interpreting as unfilled space within a mass, 246 in Fig. 10A, 288 in Fig. 10B) and a second water cavity (244 in Fig. 10A, 290 in Fig. 10B) that is independent from the first water cavity (246, 288, shown in Figs. 10A-10B);
wherein the middle plate (132, Figs. 7, 10A-10B) defines a first water inlet channel (488, annotated in Fig. 8) in fluid communication with the first water cavity (246, 288, combination of jet plate 132 and face plate 134 defines a second mode chamber 488 that is in fluid communication with second mode chamber 482 and flows through the second mode apertures 254 that is included within the second mode channel 246, shown in Figs. 10A-10B, Col. 14, Ln. 58 to Col. 15, Ln. 2) and a second water inlet channel (486, annotated in Fig. 8) in fluid communication with the second water cavity (244, 290, combination of jet plate 132 and face plate 134 defines a first mode chamber 486 that is in fluid communication with first mode chamber 480 and flows through the first mode apertures 256 that is included within the first mode channel 244, shown in Figs. 10A-10B, Col. 14, Ln. 38-50), and wherein at least a portion of the first water inlet channel (488, annotated in Fig. 8) surrounds the second water inlet channel (486, annotated in Fig. 8) in a radial direction (interpreting as placed like a radius, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, second mode chamber 488 surrounds first mode chamber 486 along a radius with respect to the center of the showerhead 100, shown in Fig. 8) of the middle plate (132, Figs. 7, 10A-10B) such that the first water inlet channel (488, annotated in Fig. 8) is located outward from the second water inlet channel (486, annotated in Fig. 8) along the radial direction (shown in Fig. 8); and
wherein the lower cover (134, Figs. 5, 7) includes a first water outlet (108, Fig. 5) in fluid communication with the first water cavity (246, 288, combination of jet plate 132 and face plate 134 defines a second mode chamber 488 that is in fluid communication with second mode chamber 482 and flows through the second mode apertures 254 that is included within the second mode channel 246 out of the nozzle group 108 of the face plate 134, shown in Figs. 5, 10A-10B, Col. 14, Ln. 58 to Col. 15, Ln. 2) and a second water outlet (106, Fig. 4) in fluid communication with the second water cavity (244, 290, combination of jet plate 132 and face plate 134 defines a first mode chamber 486 that is in fluid communication with first mode chamber 480 and flows through the first mode apertures 256 that is included within the second mode channel 244 out of the nozzle group 106 of the face plate 134, shown in Figs. 4-5, 10A-10B, Col. 14, Ln. 38-50).
However, Cacka does not teach the first water cavity includes two water cavities as claimed, and the second water cavity includes a first portion that extends in between the two water cavities, and a second portion that surrounds the outsides of the two water cavities as claimed. Chan teaches a showerhead (20, Fig. 1) comprising the first water cavity (annotated in Fig. 15) includes two water cavities (annotated in Fig. 15) disposed on opposing sides of the middle plate (300, Fig. 15);
wherein the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) includes a first portion (annotated in Fig. 15) that extends in between the two water cavities (shown in Fig. 15), and a second portion (annotated in Fig. 15) that surrounds the outsides of the two water cavities (shown in Fig. 15), wherein the second water inlet channel (344, 346, Fig. 15) is fluidly coupled to the second portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) by the first portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) such that the first portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) forms a communication channel (annotated in Fig. 15), and the communication channel (annotated in Fig. 15) extends laterally across the middle plate (300, shown in Fig. 15) through a center (center of plate 300, shown in Fig. 15) of the middle plate (300, Fig. 15).
Cacka and Chan are considered to be analogous art to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of showerheads. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the teaching of the first water cavity and the second water cavity taught in Chan’s showerhead to Cacka’s showerhead, to have the first water cavity includes two water cavities disposed on opposing sides of the middle plate, and the second water cavity includes a first portion that extends in between the two water cavities, and a second portion that surrounds the outsides of the two water cavities, wherein the second water inlet channel is fluidly coupled to the second portion of the second water cavity by the first portion of the second water cavity such that the first portion of the second water cavity forms a communication channel, and the communication channel extends laterally across the middle plate through a center of the middle plate. Doing so simplifies construction and lowers cost (Chan, Col. 5, Ln. 25-26).
However, Cacka and Chan do not teach the second water inlet channel includes a plug as claimed. Peng teaches a showerhead (entire structure, Fig. 1) comprising the second water inlet channel (241, Fig. 6) includes a plug (322, Fig. 6) configured to open and close the second water inlet channel (241, Fig. 6) responsive to water pressure exerted on the plug (322, when water pressure is greater than elastic forces of the spring 323 connected to second seal unit 322, it causes the second seal unit 322 to slide outwards to seal second branch water inlet hole 241, Fig. 6, Col. 5, Ln. 60 to Col. 6, Ln. 8) within the showerhead (entire structure, Fig. 1).
Cacka, Chan, and Peng are considered to be analogous art to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of showerheads. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teaching of the plug taught in Peng’s showerhead to Cacka’s showerhead, as modified by Chan, to have the second water inlet channel includes a plug configured to open and close the second water inlet channel responsive to water pressure exerted on the plug within the showerhead. Doing so creates more diverse options of changing the shower area (Peng, Col. 2, Ln. 50-54).
Regarding claim 21, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the method of claim 20. Chan further teaches the second water inlet channel (344, 346, Fig. 15) is fluidly coupled to the second portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) by the first portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) such that the first portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15) forms a communication channel (annotated in Fig. 15).
With respect to claim 22, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 1. Peng further teaches the plug (322, Fig. 6) is located at a radial center (shown in Fig. 6) of the showerhead (shown in Fig. 6).
Regarding claim 23, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 1. Chan further teaches the first portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15), the second portion (annotated in Fig. 15) of the second water cavity (306, Fig. 15), and the communication channel (annotated in Fig. 15) form one, continuous fluid pathway (shown in Fig. 15).
Claims 4-5 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cacka et al. (US Patent 10,265,710) in view of Chan (US Patent 5,476,225) and Peng et al. (US Patent 8,418,939) as applied to claims 1 and 3 above, and further in view of Lin et al. (US 20170259279 A1).
Regarding claim 4, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 3. However, Cacka, Chan, and Peng do not teach the reset mechanism comprises a first magnet and a second magnet as claimed. Lin teaches a showerhead (10, Fig. 1) comprising the reset mechanism (40, 22, Fig. 1) comprises a first magnet (41, Figs. 1, 4) coupled to the bracket (42, shown in Figs. 1, 4) and a second magnet (22, Figs. 1, 4) coupled to the plug (21, shown in Figs. 1, 4); and
the second magnet (22, Figs. 1, 4) is configured to attract the first magnet (21, Figs. 1, 4, Paragraph 0045).
Cacka, Chan, Peng, and Lin are considered to be analogous art to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of showerheads. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the teaching of the reset mechanism taught in Lin’s showerhead to Cacka’s showerhead, as modified by Chan and Peng, to have the reset mechanism comprises a first magnet coupled to the bracket and a second magnet coupled to the plug, and the second magnet is configured to attract the first magnet. Doing so enables better control of the water flow (Lin, Paragraph 0006).
In regards to claim 5, Cacka, as modified by Chan, Peng, and Lin, discloses the showerhead according to claim 4. Lin further teaches the first magnet (41, Figs. 1, 4) and the second magnet (22, Figs. 1, 4) are both annular (shown in Fig. 1, Paragraph 0053).
Claim 18 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cacka et al. (US Patent 10,265,710) in view of Chan (US Patent 5,476,225) and Peng et al. (US Patent 8,418,939) as applied to claims 1 and 17 above, and further in view of Miura et al. (US Patent 7,537,175).
In regards to claim 18, Cacka, as modified by Chan and Peng, discloses the showerhead according to claim 17. However, Cacka, Chan, and Peng do not teach an amount of the plurality of first water outlets is less than an amount of the plurality of second water outlets. Miura teaches a showerhead (121, Fig. 7) comprising an amount of the plurality of first water outlets (214, Fig. 7) is less than an amount of the plurality of second water outlets (212, shown in Fig. 7).
Cacka, Chan, Peng, and Miura are considered to be analogous art to the claimed invention because they are in the same field of showerheads. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the teaching of the plurality of the first water outlets and the plurality of the second water outlets taught in Miura’s showerhead to Cacka’s showerhead, as modified by Chan and Peng, to have an amount of the plurality of first water outlets is less than an amount of the plurality of second water outlets. Doing so provides a showerhead capable of suppressing water dripping after stoppage of water discharge and an aesthetic streamline when water pressure is low (Miura, Col. 2, Ln. 34-39).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed October 20th, 2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
In response to applicant’s argument that Cacka, in view of Chan and Peng, does not disclose the amended features of independent claims 1 and 20, see Remarks, pg. 8-11, the cited references in combination do teach these features. Specifically, Chan teaches the limitation of the communication channel extends laterally across the middle plate through a center of the middle plate. This can be shown in the annotated Fig. 15 of Chan below.
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Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
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/ANNA THI HO/Examiner, Art Unit 3752 /ARTHUR O. HALL/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3752
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