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 .
Status
In response to the amendment filed on 01/15/2026, claims 1, 2, 7, 11, 12, 17, and 19 have been amended, and claims 8 and 18 are cancelled. Claims 1-7, 9-17, 19, and 20 are pending and under examination.
Drawings
The drawings submitted on 01/15/2026 are being considered by the examiner. In response to the drawing objection made with the previous non-final rejection office action, Applicant has submitted the replacement sheets of figs. 5 and 7. The drawing objection has been withdrawn.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.
Claims 7 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention. Claims 7 and 17 recites, inter alia, “… on condition that the second elongated member contacts a flooring (a surface on an environment), the third fetch (vane) and the fourth fetch (vane) together defining a second deflected diameter at a position of maximum deflection when any of the third fetch (vane) and the fourth fetch (vane) deflect from engagement with the floor surface (the surface of the environment)”. As set forth above, these limitations are not supported in the originally filed specification. Specification of the instant application states the first fletch 404, the second fletch 406, the third fletch 414, or the fourth fletch 416 together can define a deflected diameter 420 (¶ 0059). It does not state only the third and fourth fletches define the second deflected diameter. Therefore, the recitation is considered to be New Matter.
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.
Claims 1-7, 9, 11-17, 19, and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zheng et al. (EP 3766399A1, cited on 03/01/2024 IDS, hereinafter Zheng), in view of Burbank et al. (US 2020/0275812, hereinafter Burbank), Wörwag (CA 2169812A1, hereinafter Worwag), and Ortmann et al. (DE 102017120800A1, hereinafter Ortmann).
Regarding claim 1, Zheng discloses a roller for a mobile cleaning robot (fig. 2 and ¶ 0011, a brushroll 100 for a robot vacuum cleaner 1000), the roller comprising:
a roller core extending along a longitudinal axis of the roller (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 below);
a first elongated member engageable with a floor surface, the first elongated member at least partially surrounding a first portion of the roller core; a second elongated member engageable with a floor surface, the second elongated member at least partially surrounding a second portion of the roller core (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 below and ¶ 0029, the brushroll 100 having sub-brush bodies 31, 41 [correspond to the recited elongated members] is to clean a floor, thus the sub-brush bodies are engageable with the floor. Each sub-brush body at least partially surrounds each portion of the roller core); and
a spacer (connecting member 50) at least partially surrounding the roller core between the first elongated member and the second elongated member (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 below), but does not disclose the first elongated member including flexible elements configured to deflect radially inward when engaging the floor surface to define a deflected diameter at a position of maximum deflection of the flexible elements of the first elongated member.
Although the sub-brush body 31, 41 of Zheng is configured to clean a floor surface, it may contact the floor surface and a tip of the sub-brush body would be compressed, but Zheng does not disclose it explicitly.
Burbank teaches, in an analogous cleaning roller field of endeavor, the first elongated member including flexible elements configured to deflect radially inward when engaging the floor surface to define a deflected diameter at a position of maximum deflection of the flexible elements of the first elongated member (figs. 4B-4D and ¶ 0101, a vane 114 of a sheath 110 is deflectable when the vane engages with a floor surface. The vane would deflect radially inward because it is deflected by contacting with a hard surface. A diameter formed by the maximum deflection of the vane upon contacting the floor surface can be defined as a deflected diameter. Burbank can be combined with Zheng to replace the Zheng’s sub-brush bodies with the Burbank’s deflectable vanes. Examiner notes that any elongated member having elasticity would deflect upon engaging the floor surface. A size of the deflected diameter would depend on material property and size of the elongated member, but claim does not define them).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the flexible elements of Zheng to be deflected as taught by Burbank in order to ensure that the flexible element contact a large area of the floor surface for effective cleaning.
Zheng as modified by Burbank does not disclose the spacer defines a major diameter less than or equal to the deflected diameter to allow independent deflection of the first elongated member.
Worwag teaches, in an analogous vacuum cleaner field of endeavor, the spacer defines a major diameter less than or equal to the deflected diameter to allow independent deflection of the first elongated member (Worwag, fig. 1 and p. 1:14-15, a diameter connecting tips of the wiper blades is greater than a diameter of a ring flange 7 [corresponds to the recited spacer]. The diameter of the ring flange 7 [corresponds to the recited major diameter] would be less than or at least equal to a diameter formed by deflected tips of the wiper blades, made of elastic material, as the tip of the wiper blade contacts the floor. Because the major diameter is smaller than the deflected diameter, the wiper blades contact the floor surface and the wiper blades can deflect independently).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the roller of Zheng as modified by Burbank to provide the recited spacer diameter and deflected diameter as taught by Worwag so that a large area of the wiper blade contacts the floor for greater dedusting and effective cleaning.
Zheng as modified by Burbank and Worwag does not disclose the spacer is engageable with the floor surface and prevents debris loss between the first elongated member and the second elongated member.
Ortmann teaches, in an analogous vacuum cleaner field of endeavor, the spacer is engageable with the floor surface and prevents debris loss between the first elongated member and the second elongated member (see annotated Ortmann fig. 2 below, a diameter of a spacer is greater than a roller core and similar to heights of bristles 14, thus the spacer is engageable with a floor surface. The spacer also prevents debris collection at a center of the roller. The prevention of the debris collection is an intended use. When the spacer of Ortmann is combined with the roller of Zheng, it would prevent the debris collection between the first and second elongated members. Specification of the instant application states the major diameter 440 can be less than or equal to the deflected diameter 420 or slightly greater than the deflected diameter 410 (¶ 0069). Therefore, there is no criticality regarding the size of the major diameter. A value of the major diameter can be selected arbitrarily in order to prevent the debris loss between the first and second elongated members).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the spacer of Zheng as modified by Burbank and Worwag to replace it with a bigger spacer as taught by Ortmann. The spacer is used for connecting two parts of the roller together. The bigger connector enables holding the two parts of the roller securely so that the roller can withstand high-speed rotation during the cleaning operation.
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Annotated Zheng Figure 1
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Annotated Ortmann Figure 2
Regarding claim 2, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the roller as in the rejection of claim 1, wherein the first elongated member comprises a first shell, and wherein the flexible elements of the first elongated member include: a first fletch extending radially outward from the first shell and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis; and a second fletch extending radially outward from the first shell and extending at least a portion of the longitudinal axis, wherein the first fletch and the second fletch are circumferentially spaced from one another to define a first fletch gap therebetween (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above, first sub-brush bodies 31 [correspond to the recited first and second fletches of the flexible elements] extend radially are circumferentially spaced and a first fletch gap is defined between the first sub-brush bodies 31. The first sub-brush bodies are formed on and along a body of the brushroll 100 [corresponds to the recited first shell]).
Regarding claim 3, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the roller as in the rejection of claim 2, wherein the second elongated member further comprises: a second shell; a third fletch extending radially outward from the second shell and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis; and a fourth fletch extending radially outward from the second shell and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis, wherein the third fletch and the fourth fletch are circumferentially spaced from one another to define a second fletch gap therebetween (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above, as discussed similarly in claim 2 above, third sub-brush bodies 41 [correspond to the recited third and fourth fletches] extend radially are circumferentially spaced and a second fletch gap is defined between the third sub-brush bodies 41. The third sub-brush bodies are formed on and along a body of the brushroll 100 [corresponds to the recited second shell]).
Regarding claim 4, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the roller as in the rejection of claim 3, wherein the first fletch and the second fletch extend around the first elongated member in a first helical pattern, the third fletch and the fourth fletch extend from the spacer in a second helical pattern, and wherein the second helical pattern is symmetric to the first helical pattern about the spacer (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above for the helical patterns of the fletches and symmetrical disposition of the fletches).
Regarding claim 5, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the roller as in the rejection of claim 3, wherein the spacer comprises: a base connected to the roller core and extending circumferentially around the roller core and extending radially outward from the roller core; and a body extending circumferentially around the base and radially outward from the base (see annotated Zhang fig. 1 above and ¶ 0039, the connecting member 50 [corresponds to the recited spacer] may have a circular ring shape, thus it would have a base extending circumferentially around the roller core and a disc body 52 [corresponds to the recited body] extending circumferentially around the base).
Regarding claim 6, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the roller as in the rejection of claim 5, wherein the body of the spacer further comprises:
a first wing extending axially from a first surface of the body, the first wing also extending axially from a second surface of the body such that the first wing extends at least partially into the first fletch gap from the first surface and the second surface (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above, a first snap block 54 and a second snap block 56 [correspond to the recited first wing] extend from each side of the disc body 52. The first snap block 56 extends partially into the first fletch gap); and
a second wing circumferentially spaced from the first wing and extending axially from the first surface, the second wing also extending axially from the second surface such that the second wing extends at least partially into the second fletch gap from the first surface and the second surface (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above, another first and second snap blocks are designated as the second wing. The second wing extend from each side of the disc body 52 and also extend partially into the second fletch gap).
Regarding claim 7, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the roller as in the rejection of claim 6, wherein the third fletch and the fourth fletch of the second elongated member compress radially inward on condition that the second elongated member contacts a flooring, the third fletch and the fourth fletch together defining a second deflected diameter at a position of maximum deflection when the third fletch and the fourth fletch deflect from engagement with the floor surface (Worwag, p. 1:14-15, Worwag teaches a roller for a suction head of a vacuum cleaning device. The roller comprises a plurality of wiper blades 5, 15 [correspond to the recited third, and fourth fletches] as shown in fig.1. The wiper blade is comprised of an elastic material, i.e. rubber. Thus, the wiper blade would be compressed inward when the wiper blade contacts a flooring; fig. 1, the wiper blades 5, 15 can define the recited second deflected diameter when the wiper blade has a maximum deflection upon contacting the floor surface. Specification of the instant application does not state whether the third fletch and the fourth fletch are different from the first fletch and the second fletch in material or size. Thus the deflected diameter and the second deflected diameter can be the same. Additionally claim does not recite the second deflected diameter is different from the deflected diameter. Therefore, the second deflected diameter can be defined as discussed in the rejection of claim 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the fletches of Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann to be compressed as taught by Worwag in order to ensure deflection of the wiper blade to contact a large area of an object for effective cleaning (Worwag, p. 1:15-16).
Regarding claim 9, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the roller as in the rejection of claim 5, wherein the spacer comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are removably coupled to one another (see annotated Ortmann fig. 2 above, the spacer is shown to be comprised of two portions. The two portions of an object can be removable. Examiner notes that Applicant has amended specification that the base of the spacer comprises the first and second portions. However, claim recites just the spacer comprises the first and second portions, thus any component of the spacer can be comprised of two portions. Ortmann teaches the spacer comprises the first and second portions).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the spacer of Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann to comprise the first portion and the second portion as taught by Ortmann so that the first elongated member and the second elongated member can be separated for maintenance or replacement conveniently.
Regarding claim 11, Zheng discloses a mobile cleaning robot (fig. 7, robot vacuum cleaner 1000) comprising:
a body including a suction duct (fig. 7 and ¶ 0048, a cleaner body 300 includes a dust suction port [corresponds to the recited suction duct]); and
a cleaning assembly operable to ingest debris from a surface of an environment (fig. 7 and ¶ 0044, 0048, a brushroll 100 including the sub-brush bodies 31, 34 and the connecting member 50 is mounted to the cleaner and a motor is used to drive the brushroll to rotate. A vacuum motor generates a negative pressure to ingest debris from a surface of an environment), the cleaning assembly comprising:
a roller rotatable with respect to the body and engageable with the surface to direct debris toward the suction duct (fig. 7 and ¶ 0044, 0048, a brushroll 100 is mounted to the cleaner and a motor is used to drive the brushroll to rotate to direct debris toward the suction port), the roller including:
a roller core extending along a longitudinal axis of the roller (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above);
a first elongated member circumferentially surrounding a first portion of the roller core; a second elongated member circumferentially surrounding a second portion of the roller core (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above and ¶ 0029, the brushroll 100 has sub-brush bodies 31, 41 [correspond to the recited elongated members]. Each sub-brush body circumferentially surrounds each portion of the roller core); and
a spacer (connecting member 50) at least partially circumferentially surrounding the roller core between the first elongated member and the second elongated member (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above), but does not disclose the first elongated member including flexible elements that deflect radially inward when engaging the floor surface to define a deflected diameter at a position of maximum deflection of the flexible elements of the first elongated member.
Although the sub-brush body 31, 41 of Zheng is configured to clean a floor surface, it may contact the floor surface and a tip of the sub-brush body would be compressed, but Zheng does not disclose it explicitly.
Burbank teaches, in an analogous cleaning roller field of endeavor, the first elongated member including flexible elements that deflect radially inward when engaging the floor surface to define a deflected diameter at a position of maximum deflection of the flexible elements of the first elongated member (figs. 4B-4D and ¶ 0101, a vane 114 of a sheath 110 is deflectable when the vane engages with a floor surface. The vane would deflect radially inward because it is deflected by contacting with a hard surface. A diameter formed by the maximum deflection of the vane upon contacting the floor surface can be defined as a deflected diameter. Burbank can be combined with Zheng to replace the Zheng’s sub-brush bodies with the Burbank’s deflectable vanes).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the flexible elements of Zheng to be deflected as taught by Burbank in order to ensure that the flexible element contact a large area of the floor surface for effective cleaning.
Zheng as modified by Burbank does not disclose the spacer defines a major diameter less than or equal to the deflected diameter to allow independent deflection of the first elongated member.
Worwag teaches, in an analogous vacuum cleaner field of endeavor, the spacer defines a major diameter less than or equal to the deflected diameter to allow independent deflection of the first elongated member (Worwag, fig. 1 and p. 1:14-15, a diameter connecting tips of the wiper blades is greater than a diameter of a ring flange 7 [corresponds to the recited spacer]. The diameter of the ring flange 7 [corresponds to the recited major diameter] would be less than or at least equal to a diameter formed by deflected tips of the wiper blades, made of elastic material, as the tip of the wiper blade contacts the floor. Because the major diameter is smaller than the deflected diameter, the wiper blades contact the floor surface and the wiper blades can deflect independently).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the roller of Zheng as modified by Burbank to provide the recited spacer diameter and deflected diameter as taught by Worwag so that a large area of the wiper blade contacts the floor for greater dedusting and effective cleaning.
Zheng as modified by Burbank and Worwag does not disclose the spacer is engageable with the floor surface and prevents debris loss between the first elongated member and the second elongated member.
Ortmann teaches, in an analogous vacuum cleaner field of endeavor, the spacer is engageable with the floor surface and prevents debris loss between the first elongated member and the second elongated member (see annotated Ortmann fig. 2 below, a diameter of a spacer is greater than a roller core and similar to heights of bristles 14, thus the spacer is engageable with a floor surface. The spacer also prevents debris collection at a center of the roller. The prevention of the debris collection is an intended use. When the spacer of Ortmann is combined with the roller of Zheng, it would prevent the debris collection between the first and second elongated members. Specification of the instant application states the major diameter 440 can be less than or equal to the deflected diameter 420 or slightly greater than the deflected diameter 410 (¶ 0069). Therefore, there is no criticality regarding the size of the major diameter. A value of the major diameter can be selected arbitrarily in order to prevent the debris loss between the first and second elongated members).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the spacer of Zheng as modified by Burbank and Worwag to replace it with a bigger spacer as taught by Ortmann. The spacer is used for connecting two parts of the roller together. The bigger connector enables holding the two parts of the roller securely so that the roller can withstand high-speed rotation during the cleaning operation.
Regarding claim 12, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the mobile cleaning robot as in the rejection of claim 11, wherein the first elongated member comprises a first shell, and wherein the flexible elements of the first elongated member include: a first vane extending radially outward from the first shell and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis; and a second vane extending radially outward from the first shell and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis, wherein the first vane and the second vane are circumferentially spaced from one another to define a first vane gap therebetween (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above, first sub-brush bodies 31 [correspond to the recited first and second vanes of the flexible elements] extend radially are circumferentially spaced and a first vane gap is defined between the first sub-brush bodies 31. The first sub-brush bodies are formed on and along a body of the brushroll 100 [corresponds to the recited first shell]. Examiner notes that the same elements are referred differently in this and subsequent claims. The first vane is the first fletch, the second vane is the second fletch, and the first vane gap is the first fletch gap recited in claim 2 and annotated in the annotated Zheng fig. 1 above).
Regarding claim 13, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the mobile cleaning robot as in the rejection of claim 12, wherein the first vane and the second vane extend around the first elongated member in a helical pattern (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above for the helical patterns of the vanes).
Regarding claim 14, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the mobile cleaning robot as in the rejection of claim 13, wherein the second elongated member further comprises: a second shell; a third vane extending radially outward from the second shell and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis; and a fourth vane extending radially outward from the second shell and extending at least a portion of the longitudinal axis, wherein the third vane and the fourth vane are circumferentially spaced from one another to define a second vane gap therebetween (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above, as discussed similarly in claim 12 above, third sub-brush bodies 41 [correspond to the recited third and fourth vanes] extend radially are circumferentially spaced and a second vane gap is defined between the third sub-brush bodies 41. The third sub-brush bodies are formed on and along a body of the brushroll 100 [corresponds to the recited second shell]. As discussed above regarding nomenclature, the third vane is the third fletch and the fourth vane is the fourth fletch recited in claim 3 and annotated in the annotated Zheng fig. 1 above).
Regarding claim 15, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the mobile cleaning robot as in the rejection of claim 14, wherein the spacer comprises: a base connected to the roller core and extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the roller core and extending radially outward from the roller core; and a body extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the base and radially outward from the base (see annotated Zhang fig. 1 above and ¶ 0039, as discussed in claim 5 above, the connecting member 50 [corresponds to the recited spacer] may have a circular ring shape, thus it would have a base extending circumferentially around the roller core and a disc body 52 [corresponds to the recited body] extending circumferentially around the base), and
wherein the body comprises: a first surface extending circumferentially around the body; and a second surface extending circumferentially around the body opposite the first surface (Zheng fig. 1, a circumferential surface toward the first vane can be defined as a first surface and the other circumferential surface toward the third vane can be defined as a second surface).
Regarding claim 16, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the mobile cleaning robot as in the rejection of claim 15, wherein the body of the spacer further comprises: a first wing extending axially from the first surface, the first wing also extending axially from the second surface such that the first wing extends at least partially into the first vane gap from the first surface and the second surface(see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above, as discussed in claim 6 above, a first snap block 54 and a second snap block 56 [correspond to the recited first wing] extend from each side of the disc body 52. The first snap block 56 extends partially into the first vane gap); and
a second wing circumferentially spaced from the first wing and extending axially from the first surface, the second wing also extending axially from the second surface such that the second wing extends at least partially into the second vane gap from the first surface and the second surface (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above, another first and second snap blocks are designated as the second wing. The second wing extend from each side of the disc body 52 and also extend partially into the second vane gap).
Regarding claim 17, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the mobile cleaning robot as in the rejection of claim 16, wherein the third vane and fourth vane of the second elongated member compress radially inward on condition that the second elongated member contacts a surface of an environment, the third vane and the fourth vane together defining a second deflected diameter at a position of maximum deflection when any of the third vane and the fourth vane deflect from engagement with the surface of the environment (Worwag, p. 1:14-15, Worwag teaches a roller for a suction head of a vacuum cleaning device. The roller comprises a plurality of wiper blades 5, 15 [correspond to the recited third, and fourth vanes] as shown in fig.1. The wiper blade is comprised of an elastic material, i.e. rubber. Thus, the wiper blade would be compressed inward when the wiper blade contacts a flooring; fig. 1, the wiper blades 5, 15 can define the recited second deflected diameter when the wiper blade has a maximum deflection upon contacting the floor surface. Specification of the instant application does not state whether the third vane and the fourth vane are different from the first vane and the second vane in material or size. Thus the deflected diameter and the second deflected diameter can be the same. Additionally claim does not recite the second deflected diameter is different from the deflected diameter. Therefore, the second deflected diameter can be defined as discussed in the rejection of claim 11).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the fletches of Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann to be compressed as taught by Worwag in order to ensure deflection of the wiper blade to contact a large area of an object for effective cleaning (Worwag, p. 1:15-16).
Regarding claim 19, Zheng discloses a method of operating a mobile cleaning robot comprising:
operating a drive wheel of the mobile cleaning robot to navigate the mobile cleaning robot about an environment (fig. 1 and ¶ 0049, Two wheels and an omni-directional wheel are provided for the robot cleaner to navigate. The two wheels are driven by separate drive motors); and
operating a cleaning assembly to ingest debris from a surface of the environment, to operate the mobile cleaning robot in a cleaning mode (fig. 7 and ¶ 0044, 0048, a brushroll 100 including the sub-brush bodies 31, 34 and the connecting member 50 is mounted to the cleaner and a motor is used to drive the brushroll to rotate. A vacuum motor generates a negative pressure to ingest debris from a surface of an environment), the cleaning assembly including:
a roller rotatable with respect to a body of the mobile cleaning robot and engageable with the surface to direct debris toward a suction duct (fig. 7 and ¶ 0044, 0048, a brushroll 100 is mounted to the cleaner and a motor is used to drive the brushroll to rotate to direct debris on the surface toward the suction port), the roller including:
a roller core extending along a longitudinal axis of the roller (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above);
a first elongated member circumferentially surrounding a first portion of the roller core; a second elongated member circumferentially surrounding a second portion of the roller core (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above and ¶ 0029, the brushroll 100 has sub-brush bodies 31, 41 [correspond to the recited elongated members]. Each sub-brush body circumferentially surrounds each portion of the roller core); and
a spacer (connecting member 50) at least partially circumferentially surrounding the roller core between the first elongated member and the second elongated member (see annotated Zheng fig. 1 above), but does not disclose the first elongated member including flexible elements that deflect radially inward when engaging the floor surface to define a deflected diameter at a position of maximum deflection of the flexible elements of the first elongated member.
Although the sub-brush body 31, 41 of Zheng is configured to clean a floor surface, it may contact the floor surface and a tip of the sub-brush body would be compressed, but Zheng does not disclose it explicitly.
Burbank teaches, in an analogous cleaning roller field of endeavor, the first elongated member including flexible elements that deflect radially inward when engaging the floor surface to define a deflected diameter at a position of maximum deflection of the flexible elements of the first elongated member (figs. 4B-4D and ¶ 0101, a vane 114 of a sheath 110 is deflectable when the vane engages with a floor surface. The vane would deflect radially inward because it is deflected by contacting with a hard surface. A diameter formed by the maximum deflection of the vane upon contacting the floor surface can be defined as a deflected diameter. Burbank can be combined with Zheng to replace the Zheng’s sub-brush bodies with the Burbank’s deflectable vanes).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the flexible elements of Zheng to be deflected as taught by Burbank in order to ensure that the flexible element contact a large area of the floor surface for effective cleaning.
Zheng as modified by Burbank does not disclose the spacer defines a major diameter less than or equal to the deflected diameter to allow independent deflection of the first elongated member.
Worwag teaches, in an analogous vacuum cleaner field of endeavor, the spacer defines a major diameter less than or equal to the deflected diameter to allow independent deflection of the first elongated member (Worwag, fig. 1 and p. 1:14-15, a diameter connecting tips of the wiper blades is greater than a diameter of a ring flange 7 [corresponds to the recited spacer]. The diameter of the ring flange 7 [corresponds to the recited major diameter] would be less than or at least equal to a diameter formed by deflected tips of the wiper blades, made of elastic material, as the tip of the wiper blade contacts the floor. Because the major diameter is smaller than the deflected diameter, the wiper blades contact the floor surface and the wiper blades can deflect independently).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the roller of Zheng as modified by Burbank to provide the recited spacer diameter and deflected diameter as taught by Worwag so that a large area of the wiper blade contacts the floor for greater dedusting and effective cleaning.
Zheng as modified by Burbank and Worwag does not disclose the spacer is engageable with the floor surface and prevents debris loss between the first elongated member and the second elongated member.
Ortmann teaches, in an analogous vacuum cleaner field of endeavor, the spacer is engageable with the floor surface and prevents debris loss between the first elongated member and the second elongated member (see annotated Ortmann fig. 2 below, a diameter of a spacer is greater than a roller core and similar to heights of bristles 14, thus the spacer is engageable with a floor surface. The spacer also prevents debris collection at a center of the roller. The prevention of the debris collection is an intended use. When the spacer of Ortmann is combined with the roller of Zheng, it would prevent the debris collection between the first and second elongated members. Specification of the instant application states the major diameter 440 can be less than or equal to the deflected diameter 420 or slightly greater than the deflected diameter 410 (¶ 0069). Therefore, there is no criticality regarding the size of the major diameter. A value of the major diameter can be selected arbitrarily in order to prevent the debris loss between the first and second elongated members).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the spacer of Zheng as modified by Burbank and Worwag to replace it with a bigger spacer as taught by Ortmann. The spacer is used for connecting two parts of the roller together. The bigger connector enables holding the two parts of the roller securely so that the roller can withstand high-speed rotation during the cleaning operation.
Regarding claim 20, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the method as in the rejection of claim 19, further comprising: blocking debris within the first elongated member and within the second elongated member from collecting between the first elongated member and the second elongated member; directing debris wrapped around the first elongated member to the second elongated member; and directing debris wrapped around the second elongated member to the first elongated member (specification of instant application states these operations in ¶ 0077, 0101-03. However, specification does not present if there were involvement of a user or additional component for blocking the debris within each elongated member and directing the debris/hairs to the other elongated member. Because Zheng as modified by Ortmann teaches the roller having the spacer as recited, it would perform the same as the instant application).
Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zheng in view of Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann, as applied to claim 5 above, and in further view of Yuan et al. (CN 114424915A, hereinafter Yuan).
Regarding claim 10, Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann teaches the roller as in the rejection of claim 5, but does not disclose the body of the spacer comprises a plurality of bristles extending radially outward from the body of the spacer.
Yuan teaches, in an analogous cleaning device field of endeavor, the body of the spacer comprises a plurality of bristles extending radially outward from the body of the spacer (fig. 1, a roller brush 100 for cleaning comprises bristles 30, 40 on either side of the roller brush. Bristles 20 are located at a center of the roller by extending radially outward from a body of the roller. Thus, the center bristles 20 of Yuan can be combined with the roller of Zheng, wherein the connecting member 50 [corresponds to the recited spacer] is located at the center of the roller, to dispose the bristles on the body of the spacer).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the roller of Zheng as modified by Burbank, Worwag, and Ortmann to provide the bristles on the spacer as taught by Yuan so that an entire roller including the center of the roller can clean dust on the floor surface.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant argues Zheng and Ortmann do not teach or suggest the amended claim limitations that the first elongated member including flexible elements configured to deflect radially inward when engaging the floor surface to define a deflected diameter at a position of maximum deflection of the flexible elements of the first elongated member and the spacer defining a major diameter less than or equal to the deflected diameter to allow independent deflection of the first elongated member while preventing debris loss between the first elongated member and the second elongated member. Applicant further argues Worwag is erroneously cited for teaching the above claim limitations. Examiner respectfully disagrees.
As Applicants points out the wipers of Worwag rotate about the pivot axis 13, but the wipers of Worwag are made of elastic material, i.e., rubber (p. 1:14-15). Therefore, when the wipers engage the floor surface, they would deflect radially inward even if it may be the small deflection due to the rotation about the pivot axis 13.
For clarity, Examiner has cited Burbank which teaches the cleaning roller comprises deflectable vanes. The vanes of Burbank can replace the Zheng’s sub-brush bodies.
Regarding defining the major diameter less than or equal to the deflected diameter to allow independent deflection of the first elongated member while preventing debris loss between the first and second elongated members, no cited reference explicitly disclose the claim limitations. However, specification of the instant application does not define a particular size of the major diameter for the spacer for performing the claim limitation which is an intended use. A spacer having the major diameter appropriately greater than a diameter of a roller body would prevent debris loss between the first and second elongated members. Ortmann shows its spacer is bigger than the body of the roller.
Regarding the independent deflection of the elongated members, as long as the major diameter is smaller than the deflected diameter, the elongated members would contact the floor surface, and they would deflect independently as shown by Worwag.
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.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SUKWOO JAMES CHANG whose telephone number is (571)272-7402. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8:00a-5:00p.
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/S.J.C./Examiner, Art Unit 3723
/DAVID S POSIGIAN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3723
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