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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 01/16/2026 has been entered.
Response to Amendment
The Examiner acknowledges the amendment to claim 20.
Allowable Subject Matter
The indicated allowability of claims 1-19 and 21 is withdrawn in view of the newly discovered reference to Guo et al. (US 10,856,466 B2). Rejections based on the newly cited reference follow.
Upon further search and consideration of the amendments to claim 20 the Examiner found Guo which reads on the amendment to claim 20 along with the subject matter of claims 1 and 10 which the Examiner previously indicated as allowable.
Election
Claim 21 directed to an invention that is independent or distinct from the invention originally claimed for the following reasons: The claim is drawn to a device featuring first and second apertures that were not part of the originally filed claims and thus is patentably distinct from claim 1. As the indication of claim 1 containing allowable subject matter has been withdrawn the previous election by original presentation is reinstated and claim 21 is thereby withdrawn.
Since applicant has received an action on the merits for the originally presented invention, this invention has been constructively elected by original presentation for prosecution on the merits. Accordingly, claim 21 withdrawn from consideration as being directed to a non-elected invention. See 37 CFR 1.142(b) and MPEP § 821.03.
To preserve a right to petition, the reply to this action must distinctly and specifically point out supposed errors in the restriction requirement. Otherwise, the election shall be treated as a final election without traverse. Traversal must be timely. Failure to timely traverse the requirement will result in the loss of right to petition under 37 CFR 1.144. If claims are subsequently added, applicant must indicate which of the subsequently added claims are readable upon the elected invention.
Should applicant traverse on the ground that the inventions are not patentably distinct, applicant should submit evidence or identify such evidence now of record showing the inventions to be obvious variants or clearly admit on the record that this is the case. In either instance, if the examiner finds one of the inventions unpatentable over the prior art, the evidence or admission may be used in a rejection under 35 U.S.C. 103 or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) of the other invention.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112(b)
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.
Claims 10-19 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.
Regarding claim 10, the claim states “the retainer comprising a ring including a first series of protrusions extending from a first surface of the ring” in lines 14-15 of the claim. It is unclear what the structure of the claimed ring of the retainer is as the common definition of a ring in the art is a “circular band”. Turning to the specification and drawings for clarity, the specification discloses that the retainer is a ring (P. 0020) and that the retainer may include a ring (P. 0025). As such, it cannot be determined from the language of the claim if the instant limitation requires the retainer to be ring shaped or if the limitation requires the retainer to comprise a ring shaped structure. As best understood by the Examiner in light of the specification and drawings the limitation requires the retainer to comprise a ring structure from which a first set of protrusions extend.
Regarding claims 11-19, these claims are rejected as indefinite under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) due to their dependency on claim 10.
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 20 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zenkus et al. (US 2018/0271011 A1) in view of Guo et al. (US 2020/0008348 A1).
Regarding claim 20, Zenkus teaches a trimmer head (Zenkus, Fig. 5 and 7) for use with a string trimmer assembly (Zenkus, Fig. 1, 10), the trimmer head comprising:
a top plate (Zenkus, Fig. 5 and 7, 122);
a body (Zenkus, Fig. 5 and 7, 22), the body and the top plate defining a cavity (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 7 (Zenkus) below);
a spool (Zenkus, Fig. 5 and 7, 24) supported in the cavity of the trimmer head and operable to support line (Zenkus, Fig. 7, 28, P. 0060) to be dispensed, the spool including a through hole (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 7 (Zenkus) below) for receiving the line, the line dispensable though an opening (Zenkus, Fig. 7, 118 and 120) in the trimmer head;
a nut (Zenkus, Fig. 5 and 7, 66, P. 0078 and 0089) coupled to the spool, the nut defining an aperture (Zenkus, Fig. 5 and 7, 82) aligned with the through hole such that the aperture and the through hole define a passageway for the line (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 7 (Zenkus) below);
a retainer (Zenkus, Fig. 5 and 7, 20) coupled to the body, the retainer configured to accommodate axial and rotational play between the spool and the body (Zenkus, P. 0082), the retainer comprising a first surface (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 7 (Zenkus) below) and second series of protrusions (Zenkus, Figs. 5 and 7, 50) extending from a second surface (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 7 (Zenkus) below) opposite the first surface, wherein the second series of protrusions (Zenkus, Figs. 5 and 7, 50) are engageable with a fourth series of teeth (Zenkus, Figs. 7, 48, P. 0081-0082) extending from the spool; and
a flange (Zenkus, Fig. 7, 56) formed on the spool in a common plane with the opening and with the through hole (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 7 (Zenkus) below), the flange separating the line into a first line portion and a second line portion (Zenkus, P. 0074 and 0079), wherein the first line portion is positioned on a first side of the flange (Zenkus, Fig. 7, 58) and the second line portion is positioned on a second side of the flange (Zenkus, Fig. 7, 60), and
wherein the body is bumpable against a surface to move the body axially toward the top plate, thereby rotating the spool relative to the body and dispensing additional line from the opening (Zenkus, P. 0086).
Zenkus does not teach the retainer comprising a first series of protrusions extending from a first surface and a second series of protrusions extending from a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first series of protrusions are engageable with a third series of protrusions extending from the top plate and the second series of protrusions are engageable with a fourth series of teeth extending from the spool and wherein the body is bumpable against a surface to move the body axially toward the top plate of the body and momentarily inhibits relative axial and rotational play between the top plate and the body.
Guo teaches a trimmer head (Guo, Figs. 4A-4B, 410) comprising a retainer (Guo, Figs. 4D-4E, 412a), a top plate (Guo, Figs. 4D-4E, 412c) and a spool (Guo, Figs. 4D-4E, 411), wherein the retainer comprises a first series of protrusions (Guo, Fig. 4D and 4F, 412d) extending from a first surface (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 4D (Guo) below) and a second series of protrusions (Guo, Fig. 4F, 412f) extending from a second surface (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 4F (Guo) below), the Examiner would note that the claim only requires that the surfaces from which the protrusions extend be opposite not that the protrusions themselves extend in opposite directions, wherein the first series of protrusions are engageable with a third series of protrusions (Guo, Fig. 4E, 412e, P. 0178) extending from the top plate and the second series of protrusions are engageable with a fourth series of teeth (Guo, Fig. 4G, 411a, P. 0182) extending from the spool (Guo, Fig. 4D and 4G, 411), and wherein the body is bumpable against a surface to move the body axially toward the top plate of the body momentarily inhibits relative axial and rotational play between the top plate and the body (Guo, P. 0187), it should be noted that the limitation as claimed does not require that the top plate and body be relatively rotatable only that when the body is bumped that rotation between the top plate and body be inhibited which is met as the top plate and body of Guo are engaged by the first series of protrusions and third series of protrusions which do not permit rotational or axial movement between these components (Guo, P. 0178). This arrangement allows for the spool to rotate separate from the housing and top plate to pay out line (Guo, P. 0187).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the instant invention to modify the retainer to feature a first series of protrusions and the top plate to feature a third series of protrusions and the body such that when the body is bumped against a surface to move the body axially toward the top plate of the body momentarily inhibits relative axial and rotational play between the top plate and the body as taught by Guo as this allows for the spool to rotate separate from the housing and top plate to pay out line.
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Claims 1-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Proulx et al. (US 2011/0302791 A1) in view of Zenkus (US 2018/0271011 A1) and Guo (US 2020/0008348 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Proulx teaches a string trimmer assembly (Proulx, Fig. 1-32) comprising:
a trimmer head (Proulx, Fig. 1-28b, 10) rotatably driven by a drive shaft (Proulx, Fig. 27a-27b, 12) about a rotational axis (Proulx, P. 0111, lines 19-25 also see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) below), the trimmer head comprising a housing (Proulx, Fig. 1-2, 14) including a body (Proulx, Figs. 1-2, 14b) and a top plate (Proulx, Figs. 25A-30, 500) defining a cavity (Proulx, Figs. 4 and 27a, 46 and 518);
a spool (Proulx, Fig. 1-28b, 16) including a central body (Proulx, Fig. 11A, 64, P. 0077) supported in the cavity of the trimmer head and operable to support line (Proulx, Fig. 6a-6c, 17 and 17’) to be dispensed, the spool including a through hole (Proulx, Fig. 6a-6c, 74) for receiving the line, the through hole extending through the central body perpendicular to the rotational axis (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) below), while the entirety of the through hole is not perpendicular to the rotation axis at least a small portion of the through hole is, the line dispensable though an opening (Proulx, Fig. 6a-6c, 32) in the trimmer head;
a retainer (Proulx, Figs. 1-2, 14a) coupled to the body (Proulx, Figs. 1-2, 14b); and
a flange (Proulx, Fig. 4-6c, 61) formed on the spool in a common plane with the opening and with the through hole;
wherein the flange separates the line into a first line portion and a second line portion (Proulx, Fig. 4-6c, 66’ and 66’’, see annotated image of Fig. 6c (Proulx) below); and
wherein the first line portion is positioned on a first side of the flange and the second line portion is positioned on a second side of the flange (see annotated image of Fig. 6c (Proulx) below).
Proulx further teaches in an embodiment of Fig. 16 a spool wherein a longer section of the through hole is perpendicular to the rotation axis (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 16 (Proulx) below) but Proulx does not teach the through hole extending through the spool entirely perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
Zenkus teaches a spool (Zenkus, Fig. 5 and 7, 24) wherein a through hole (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 7 (Zenkus) above) wherein the entirety of the through hole extends through the spool perpendicular to the axis of rotation (Zenkus, Fig. 7, 52).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the instant invention to modify the through hole of Proulx such that a larger portion or the entirety of the through hole that extends through the spool is perpendicular to the rotation axis as it is within the general skill of a worker in the art to define the shape for a structure. See MPEP 2144.04(IV)(B) and In re Dailey, 357 F.2d 669, 149 USPQ 47 (CCPA 1966).
Proulx further does not teach the retainer comprising a first series of protrusions extending from a first surface and a second series of protrusions extending from a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first series of protrusions are engageable with a third series of protrusions extending from the top plate and the second series of protrusions are engageable with a fourth series of teeth extending from the spool.
Guo teaches a trimmer head (Guo, Figs. 4A-4B, 410) comprising a retainer (Guo, Figs. 4D-4E, 412a), a top plate (Guo, Figs. 4D-4E, 412c) and a spool (Guo, Figs. 4D-4E, 411), wherein the retainer comprises a first series of protrusions (Guo, Fig. 4D and 4F, 412d) extending from a first surface (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 4D (Guo) above) and a second series of protrusions (Guo, Fig. 4F, 412f) extending from a second surface (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 4F (Guo) above), the Examiner would note that the claim only requires that the surfaces from which the protrusions extend be opposite not that the protrusions themselves extend in opposite directions, wherein the first series of protrusions are engageable with a third series of protrusions (Guo, Fig. 4E, 412e, P. 0178) extending from the top plate and the second series of protrusions are engageable with a fourth series of teeth (Guo, Fig. 4G, 411a, P. 0182) extending from the spool (Guo, Fig. 4D and 4G, 411). This arrangement allows for the spool to rotate separate from the housing and top plate to pay out line (Guo, P. 0187).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the instant invention to modify the retainer to feature a first series of protrusion and a second series of protrusions, the top plate to feature a third series of protrusions and the spool to feature a fourth series of teeth as taught by Guo as this allows for the spool to rotate separate from the housing and top plate to pay out line.
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Regarding claim 2, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 1, wherein the flange includes a first ramped surface configured to direct the first line portion toward the first side of the flange (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 14a-14c (Proulx) below), the ramped surface of Proulx is capable of directing a portion of the line toward the first side of the flange as it is a ramped surface on the first side of the flange that the first line portion would come into contact with.
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Regarding claim 3, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 2, wherein the flange includes a second ramped surface configured to direct the second line portion toward the second side of the flange (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 14a-14c (Proulx) above), the ramped surface of Proulx is capable of directing a portion of the line toward the second side of the flange as it is a ramped surface on the second side of the flange that the second line portion would come into contact with.
Regarding claim 4, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 3, wherein the first ramped surface and the second ramped surface are positioned on opposing sides of the spool adjacent the through hole (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 14a-14c (Proulx) above).
Regarding claim 5, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 1, wherein the first line portion extends through a first portion of the through hole in a first direction (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above), the first portion of the through hole positioned on a first side of the trimmer head (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above), and wherein the second line portion extends through a second portion of the through hole in a second direction (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above), the second portion of the through hole positioned on a second side of the trimmer head opposite the first side (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above).
Regarding claim 6, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 5, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite one another (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above).
Regarding claim 7, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 6, wherein the flange (Proulx, Figs. 4-6c, 61) isolates the first line portion (Proulx, Fig. 6c, 66’) extending in the first direction from the second line portion (Proulx, Fig. 6c, 66”) extending in the second direction relative to an axial direction extending along an axis of the drive shaft, as best seen in fig. 6c of Proulx the flange of Proulx divides the line into a first storage area and a second storage area these areas being about the axis of rotation of the spool.
Regarding claim 8, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housing (Proulx, Figs. 1-2, 14), wherein the trimmer head (Proulx, Fig. 1, 10) is configured to be mounted to the drive shaft (Proulx, Fig. 1, 12) via the housing (Proulx, P. 0070).
Regarding claim 9, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 1, wherein the trimmer head (Proulx, Fig. 27a, 10) is configured to be mounted to the drive shaft (Proulx, Fig. 27a, 12) via the spool (Proulx, Fig. 3 and 27a, 16), as best seen in fig 3 and 27a the drive shaft of Proulx is connected to the drive bolt (Proulx, Fig. 3, 5, and 27a, 20) and passes through the spool to do so as the drive bolt is mounted in the spool.
Regarding claim 10, Proulx teaches a string trimmer assembly (Proulx, Fig. 1-32) comprising:
a trimmer head (Proulx, Fig. 1-28b, 10) rotatably driven by a drive shaft (Proulx, Fig. 27a-27b, 12) about a rotational axis (Proulx, P. 0111, lines 19-25 also see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above), the trimmer head comprising a housing (Proulx, Fig. 1-2, 14) including a body (Proulx, Figs. 1-2, 14b) and a top plate (Proulx, Figs. 25A-30, 500) defining a cavity (Proulx, Figs. 4 and 27a, 46 and 518);
a spool (Proulx, Fig. 1-28b, 16) including a central body (Proulx, Fig. 11A, 64, P. 0077) supported in the cavity of the trimmer head and operable to support line (Proulx, Fig. 6a-6c, 17 and 17’) to be dispensed, the spool including a through hole (Proulx, Fig. 6a-6c, 74) for receiving the line, the through hole extending through the central body perpendicular to the rotational axis (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above), the line dispensable though an opening (Proulx, Fig. 6a-6c, 32) in the trimmer head;
a first flange (Proulx, Fig. 3-6c, 60) formed on the spool positioned adjacent an upper portion (see annotated image 2 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) below) of the spool;
a second flange (Proulx, Fig. 3-6c, 62) formed on the spool positioned adjacent a lower portion of the spool (see annotated image 2 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) below);
a third flange (Proulx, Fig. 3-6c, 61) formed on the spool positioned between the first flange and the second flange adjacent an intermediate portion of the spool (see annotated image 2 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) below), at least a portion of the third flange positioned in a common plane with the opening (Proulx, Fig. 6a-6c, 32) and with the through hole (Proulx, Fig. 6a-6c, 74);
a retainer (Proulx, Figs. 1-2, 14a) coupled to the body (Proulx, Figs. 1-2, 14b); and
a first line space (Proulx, Fig. 4-6c, 66’) defined between the first flange (Proulx, Fig. 3-6c, 60) and the third flange (Proulx, Fig. 3-6c, 61); and
a second line space (Proulx, Fig. 4-6c, 66’’) defined between the second flange (Proulx, Fig. 3-6c, 62) and the third flange (Proulx, Fig. 3-6c, 61), such that the third flange separates the first line space and the second line space (see annotated image 2 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) below).
Proulx further teaches in an embodiment of Fig. 16 a spool wherein a longer section of the through hole is perpendicular to the rotation axis (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 16 (Proulx) above). Proulx does not teach wherein the through hole is entirely perpendicular to the rotation axis.
Zenkus teaches a spool (Zenkus, Fig. 5 and 7, 24) wherein a through hole (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 7 (Zenkus) above) wherein the entirety of the through hole extends through the spool perpendicular to the axis of rotation (Zenkus, Fig. 7, 52).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the instant invention to modify the through hole of Proulx such that a larger portion or the entirety of the through hole that extends through the spool is perpendicular to the rotation axis as it is within the general skill of a worker in the art to define the shape for a structure. See MPEP 2144.04(IV)(B) and In re Dailey, 357 F.2d 669, 149 USPQ 47 (CCPA 1966).
Proulx further does not teach the retainer comprising a ring including a first series of protrusions extending from a first surface of the ring and a second series of protrusions extending from a second surface of the ring opposite the first surface, wherein the first series of protrusions are engageable with a third series of protrusions extending from the top plate and the second series of protrusions are engageable with a fourth series of teeth extending from the first flange.
Guo teaches a trimmer head (Guo, Figs. 4A-4B, 410) comprising a retainer (Guo, Figs. 4D-4E, 412a) comprising a ring (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 4D (Guo) and annotated image 1 of Fig. 4F (Guo) above), a top plate (Guo, Figs. 4D-4E, 412c) and a spool (Guo, Figs. 4D-4E, 411) comprising a first flange (Guo, Fig. 4G, 411e), wherein the ring of the retainer comprises a first series of protrusions (Guo, Fig. 4D and 4F, 412d) extending from a first surface of the ring (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 4D (Guo) above) and a second series of protrusions (Guo, Fig. 4F, 412f) extending from a second surface of the ring (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 4F (Guo) above), the Examiner would note that the claim only requires that the surfaces from which the protrusions extend be opposite not that the protrusions themselves extend in opposite directions, wherein the first series of protrusions are engageable with a third series of protrusions (Guo, Fig. 4E, 412e, P. 0178) extending from the top plate and the second series of protrusions are engageable with a fourth series of teeth (Guo, Fig. 4G, 411a, P. 0182) extending from the spool (Guo, Fig. 4D and 4G, 411). This arrangement allows for the spool to rotate separate from the housing and top plate to pay out line (Guo, P. 0187).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the instant invention to modify the ring of the retainer to feature a first series of protrusions and a second series of protrusions, the top plate to feature a third series of protrusions and the first flange of the spool to feature a fourth series of teeth as taught by Guo as this allows for the spool to rotate separate from the housing and top plate to pay out line.
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Regarding claim 11, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 10, wherein the third flange (Proulx, Fig. 3-6c, 61) directs a first line portion of the line in to the first line space (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 14a-14c (Proulx) above), the ramped surface of the third flange of Proulx as best seen in Fig. 14b would direct a first line portion of the line into the first line space.
Regarding claim 12, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 11, wherein the third flange (Proulx, Fig. 3-6c, 61) directs a second line portion of the line in to the second line space (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 14a-14c (Proulx) above), the ramped surface of the third flange of Proulx as best seen in fig. 14c would direct a second line portion of the line into the second line space.
Regarding claim 13, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 12, wherein the first line portion extends through a first portion of the through hole in a first direction (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above), the first portion of the through hole positioned on a first side of the spool (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above), and wherein the second line portion extends through a second portion of the through hole in a second direction (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above), the second portion of the through hole positioned on a second side of the spool opposite the first side (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above).
Regarding claim 14, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 13, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite one another (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 6c (Proulx) above).
Regarding claim 15, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 12, wherein the third flange includes a first ramped surface configured to direct the first line portion toward the first flange (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 14a-14c (Proulx) above), the ramped surface of Proulx is capable of directing a first portion of the line toward the first flange as it is a ramped surface on the side of the third flange facing that the first line portion would come into contact with.
Regarding claim 16, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 15, wherein the third flange includes a second ramped surface configured to direct the second line portion toward the second flange (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 14a-14c (Proulx) above), the ramped surface of Proulx is capable of directing a second portion of the line toward the second flange as it is a ramped surface on the side of the third flange facing that the second line portion would come into contact with.
Regarding claim 17, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 16, wherein the first ramped surface and the second ramped surface are positioned on opposing sides of the spool adjacent the through hole (see annotated image 1 of Fig. 14a-14c (Proulx) above).
Regarding claim 18, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 10, further comprising a housing (Proulx, Fig. 1-2, 14), wherein the trimmer head (Proulx, Fig. 1, 10) is configured to be mounted to the drive shaft (Proulx, Fig. 1, 12) via the housing (Proulx, P. 0070).
Regarding claim 19, Proulx in view of Zenkus and Guo teaches the string trimmer assembly of claim 10, wherein the trimmer head (Proulx, Fig. 27a, 10) is configured to be mounted to the drive shaft (Proulx, Fig. 27a, 12) via the spool (Proulx, Fig. 3 and 27a, 16), as best seen in fig 3 and 27a the drive shaft of Proulx is connected to the drive bolt (Proulx, Fig. 3, 5, and 27a, 20) and passes through the spool to do so as the drive bolt is mounted in the spool.
Response to Arguments
To ensure clarity of record and to expedite prosecution in response to the assertion and traversal of the election requirement first included in the Non-Final rejection of record mailed on 04/29/2025 and then withdrawn in the subsequent Final rejection of record mailed on 10/16/2025 and reinstated in the office action the applicant asserts that the election by original presentation and withdrawal of claim 21 was improper as Figs. 3-6 of the instant drawings show the claimed features and thus all of the drawings must show a single species. The Examiner disagrees, Figs. 1-2 do not show the structure claimed in claim 21 and further no other claims include the structures claimed in claim 21.
The applicant asserts that the amendment to claim 20 overcomes the 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) rejection of record for the claim. The Examiner agrees as Zenkus alone does not teach the amended limitations, however, after further search and consideration the claim is now rejected under 35. U.S.C. 103 over Zenkus in view of Guo.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Robert D Cornett whose telephone number is (571)270-0182. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 7:30 am-5:30 pm.
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, Boyer Ashley can be reached at (571) 272-4502. 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.
/ROBERT D CORNETT/Examiner, Art Unit 3724 /BOYER D ASHLEY/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3724