DETAILED ACTION
FLOOR CLOTH FOR VACUUM CLEANER
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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 09-15-2026 has been entered.
Response to Amendment
The amendment filed 09-15-2026 has been entered. Claims 1-3,5-9,11-25,27-28 are currently pending and have been examined. The previous has been updated due to applicant’s amendments.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 09-15-2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding applicant's argument that the prior art combination of Choi in view of Hong fails to teach a lower end of each of a plurality of cleaning members of the side cleaning part is positioned lower than the surface cleaning part to press the surface, examiner respectfully disagrees.
Prior art Hong discloses that side cleaning part (see 180, figures 10-13) that has plurality of cleaning members (see figures 10-13) where the lower end (see annotated figure below) of the cleaning members are located lower than surface cleaning part (see 130, figure 12) to press a surface (see 181 and 182 figures 11-13; “Since the twisted fiber part 180 has increased flexibility, as shown in detail in FIG. 13, when the obstacle such as the wall B is cleaned, the twisted fiber part 180 may be flexibly introduced into the obstacle structure to perform cleaning. In addition, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning performance, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning efficiency of the range of the cleaning area that can be cleaned. In addition, the twisted fiber unit 180 according to the present embodiment is provided as a loop type twisted fiber unit 180 has an advantage that the cleaning efficiency is increased”) when in use due to lower end of cleaning member are located lower than the surface cleaning part it would press against a surface. Contact between the surface and cleaning part (180)’s plurality cleaning member is not incidental, the specific structure is intended to improve the cleaning efficiency (see Hong “there is an effect of increasing the cleaning performance and there is an effect of increasing the cleaning efficiency of the range of the cleaning area that can be cleaned”), so that a user does not have to perform multiple cleaning steps to remove dirt fixed on the floor. (“The present invention relates to a cleaning pad for a cleaner using water or a liquid cleaning solvent that can be simultaneously performed to improve cleaning efficiency. If dirt is fixed on the floor, there is a problem in that it is not cleaned in a dry state only by the rotational force of the rotating plate”)
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Additionally, a recitation of the intended use of the claimed invention must result in a structural difference between the claimed invention and the prior art in order to patentably distinguish the claimed invention from the prior art. If the prior art structure is capable of performing the intended use, then it meets the claim.
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.
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112:
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 of carrying out his invention.
Claims 1-3,5-9,11-25,27-28 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. In para 0138 of the specification it describes However, claim 1 recites “a plurality of cleaning members thereof is positioned lower than the surface cleaning part to press the surface”. There is no support for this limitation in this, and its dependent claims in the specification. In regard to claims 2-3,5-9,11-22, depend from claim 1, and is therefore rejected accordingly under 35 USC 112(a).
In para 0138 of the specification it describes "a cleaning area 323 provided to be thicker than the stitching area 322 and configured to press the floor cleaning part 310 so that the floor cleaning part 310 is in close contact with the floor surface." However, claim 23 recites “a lower end of the side cleaner is positioned lower than the surface cleaner to press the surface”. There is no support for this limitation in this, and its dependent claims in the specification.
In para 0138 of the specification it describes However, claim 24 recites “a plurality of cleaning members thereof is positioned lower than the surface cleaning part to press the surface”. There is no support for this limitation in this, and its dependent claims in the specification. In regard to claims 25,27,28 depend from claim 24, and is therefore rejected accordingly under 35 USC 112(a).
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.
Claim(s) 1-2,5,7-8,11-22,23-25,27 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Choi (KR20170043227A) in view of Hong (KR102010829B1).
Regarding claim 1, Choi teaches a surface cleaning part (30, figure 4) configured to contact a surface; a liquid absorbing part (23, figure 3) stacked on the surface cleaning part, wherein the liquid absorbing part is configured to absorb liquid and provide the liquid to the surface cleaning part: and a coupling part (271, figure 3) having a ring shape (figure 2) to surround the periphery of the surface cleaning part and a periphery of the liquid absorbing part (23, figure 3).
Choi fails to teach a side cleaning part that protrudes outward from a periphery of the surface cleaning part, wherein the side cleaning part is inclined toward the surface, such that a lower end of each of a plurality of cleaning members thereof is positioned lower than the surface cleaning part to press the surface; wherein the side cleaning part comprises: a base member stacked on a first side of the coupling part; and the plurality of cleaning members each fastened in a loop shape along a periphery of the base member.
Hong teaches a mop that includes a side cleaning part (180, figure 12) that protrudes outward from a periphery of a surface cleaning part (130, figure 12), wherein the side cleaning part is inclined toward the surface such that a lower end (see annotated figure below) of each of a plurality of cleaning members see 181 and 182 figures 11-13) thereof is positioned lower than the surface cleaning part to press the surface (see 181 and 182 figures 11-13; Hong recites “Since the twisted fiber part 180 has increased flexibility, as shown in detail in FIG. 13, when the obstacle such as the wall B is cleaned, the twisted fiber part 180 may be flexibly introduced into the obstacle structure to perform cleaning. In addition, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning performance, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning efficiency of the range of the cleaning area that can be cleaned. In addition, the twisted fiber unit 180 according to the present embodiment is provided as a loop type twisted fiber unit 180 has an advantage that the cleaning efficiency is increased”); a base member (160, figure 12) stacked on a first side of the coupling part; and the plurality of cleaning members (181 and 182, figures 11- 13) each fastened in a loop shape along a periphery of the base member.
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before effective filing date to have modified Choi to have a side cleaning part that protrudes outward from a periphery of the surface cleaning part, wherein the side cleaning part is inclined toward the surface, such that a lower end of each of a plurality of cleaning members thereof is positioned lower than the surface cleaning part to press the surface; wherein the side cleaning part comprises: a base member stacked on a first side of the coupling part; and the plurality of cleaning members each fastened in a loop shape along a periphery of the base member, based on the teachings of Hong. This modification would help increase the cleaning performance (see Hong “In addition, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning performance, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning efficiency of the range of the cleaning area that can be cleaned”).
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Regarding claim 2, modified Choi teaches wherein the side cleaning part (see Hong 180, figure 12) is fastened to the cleaning part by a stitching (see Hong annotated figure below).
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Regarding claim 5, modified Choi teaches wherein the base member (see Hong 160, figures 10-12) is fastened to the coupling part by the stitching, and wherein each of the plurality of cleaning members (see Hong 181 and 182) is fastened to the periphery of the base member and radially inclined toward the surface (see figures 10-12 of Hong).
Regarding claim 7, modified Choi teaches wherein the side cleaning part (see Hong 180, figures 10- 12) is configured such that the plurality of cleaning members are stacked on each other at different stages along the periphery of the base member (see Hong 160, figures 10- 12), and wherein each of the stacked cleaning members is fastened to the base member.
Regarding claim 8, modified Choi teaches wherein the side cleaning part (see Hong 180, figures 10- 12) is configured such that the plurality of cleaning members is stacked on each other at different stages along the periphery of the base member, wherein each of the stacked cleaning members is fastened to the base member, and wherein a gap (see hong figures 10-12)between the stacked cleaning members is greater in a radial direction away from the base member.
Regarding claim 11, modified Choi teaches the liquid absorbing part (see Choi 23, figure 3) is fastened to the coupling part by a stitching.
Regarding claim 12, modified Choi teaches a liquid supply part (see Choi 22, figure 3) stacked on the liquid absorbing part (see Choi 23, figure 3), wherein the liquid supply part is configured to absorb liquid and to provide the liquid to the liquid absorbing part.
Regarding claim 13, modified Choi teaches wherein the coupling part (see Choi 271, figures 2-4) surrounds part of the liquid supply part (see Choi 22, figure 3) and the liquid absorbing part (see Choi 23, figure 3) , and wherein the liquid supply part is fastened to the coupling part by the stitching. (see Choi figures 2-4 and “a sponge layer, a protective monolayer, and an end portion of the velcro monolayer, respectively, by a sewing operation so as to be stitched on the surface of the fabric monolayer and the back of the velcro monolayer, A sponge layer, a protective monolayer, and a rod portion for fixing the velcro monolayer; And a buffer space formed between the edge of the fabric monolayer, the sponge layer, the protection monolayer, the velcro monolayer, and the installation portion.”)
Regarding claim 14, modified Choi teaches wherein the liquid absorbing part (see Choi 23, figure 3) has a shape that includes a stitching area (see annotated figure below) at an outer periphery of the liquid absorbing part and a cleaning area (see annotated figure below) that is radially inside of the stitching area, wherein the coupling part ((see Choi 271, figure 3) surrounds part of the stitching area, wherein the cleaning area has a larger thickness than the stitching area, and wherein the cleaning area is configured to move the surface cleaning part to be in closer to the surface (see annotated figure below).
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Regarding claim 15, modified Choi teaches an attachment part (see Choi 31, figure 3) stacked on the liquid supply part, wherein the attachment part is configured to attach to a rotary plate of the cleaner.
Regarding claim 16, modified Choi teaches wherein the coupling part (see Choi 271, figure 3) surrounds part of the attachment part (see Choi 31, figure 3) and the liquid supply part (see Choi 22, figure 3) and wherein the attachment part is fastened to the coupling part by the stitching.
Regarding claim 17, modified Choi teaches a liquid supply part (see Choi 22, figure 3) stacked on the liquid absorbing part, wherein the liquid supply part is configured to absorb liquid from the cleaner and to provide the liquid to the liquid absorbing part; and
an attachment part (see Choi 22, figure 4) stacked on the liquid supply part, wherein the attachment part is configured to attach to a rotary plate of the cleaner.
Regarding claim 18, modified Choi teaches wherein a first auxiliary stitching is fastened to a central area of each of the liquid supply part, the liquid absorbing part, and the surface cleaning part. (see Choi figures 2-4 and “a sponge layer, a protective monolayer, and an end portion of the velcro monolayer, respectively, by a sewing operation so as to be stitched on the surface of the fabric monolayer and the back of the velcro monolayer, A sponge layer, a protective monolayer, and a rod portion for fixing the velcro monolayer; And a buffer space formed between the edge of the fabric monolayer, the sponge layer, the protection monolayer, the velcro monolayer, and the installation portion.”)
Regarding claim 19, modified Choi teaches wherein the first auxiliary stitching is disposed around central openings of each of the liquid supply part, the liquid absorbing part, and the surface cleaning part. (See Choi , figures 2-4“a sponge layer, a protective monolayer, and an end portion of the velcro monolayer, respectively, by a sewing operation so as to be stitched on the surface of the fabric monolayer and the back of the velcro monolayer, A sponge layer, a protective monolayer, and a rod portion for fixing the velcro monolayer; And a buffer space formed between the edge of the fabric monolayer, the sponge layer, the protection monolayer, the velcro monolayer, and the installation portion.”)
Regarding claim 20, modified Choi teaches a second auxiliary stitching is to fasten to a central area of the attachment part. (See Choi , figures 2-4“a sponge layer, a protective monolayer, and an end portion of the velcro monolayer, respectively, by a sewing operation so as to be stitched on the surface of the fabric monolayer and the back of the velcro monolayer, A sponge layer, a protective monolayer, and a rod portion for fixing the velcro monolayer; And a buffer space formed between the edge of the fabric monolayer, the sponge layer, the protection monolayer, the velcro monolayer, and the installation portion.”)
Regarding claim 21, modified Choi teaches wherein the second auxiliary
stitching is disposed around a central opening of the attachment part, and
penetrates the liquid supply part, the liquid absorbing part, and the surface cleaning part. (See Choi , figures 2-4“a sponge layer, a protective monolayer, and an end portion of the velcro monolayer, respectively, by a sewing operation so as to be stitched on the surface of the fabric monolayer and the back of the velcro monolayer, A sponge layer, a protective monolayer, and a rod portion for fixing the velcro monolayer; And a buffer space formed between the edge of the fabric monolayer, the sponge layer, the protection monolayer, the velcro monolayer, and the installation portion.”)
Regarding claim 22, modified Choi teaches a plurality of pairs of the cleaning members (see Hong 180, figures 11-13) are disposed along the periphery of the surface cleaning part, wherein each pair includes two stacked cleaning members, wherein the
two stacked cleaning members (see Hong 181 and 182, figures 11-13) are spaced apart from each other at an outer side thereof, and wherein one of the two cleaning members is inclined downward such that a lower end of each of the cleaning member is lower than the surface cleaning part.
Regarding claim 23, Choi teaches a surface cleaning part (30, figure 4) configured to contact a surface; a liquid absorbing part (23, figure 3) stacked on the surface cleaning part, wherein the liquid absorbing part is configured to absorb liquid and provide the liquid to the surface cleaning part: and a coupling part (271, figure 3) having a ring shape (figure 2) to surround the periphery of the surface cleaning part and a periphery of the liquid absorbing part (23, figure 3).
Choi fails to teach a side cleaning part that protrudes outward from the surface cleaning part, wherein the side cleaning part is inclined downward such that an end of the side cleaning part is lower than the surface cleaning part to press the surface in a state where the mop is placed on the surface; wherein the side cleaning part comprises: a base member stacked on a first side of the coupling part: and a plurality of cleaning members each fastened to a circumference of the base member, radially extending from the circumference of the base member, and inclined in a direction toward the surface.
Hong teaches a mop that includes a side cleaning part (180, figure 12) that protrudes outward from a periphery of a surface cleaning part (130, figure 12), wherein the side cleaning part is inclined downward such that an end of the side cleaning part is lower than the surface cleaning part (figures 10-12; see annotated figure below) to press the surface (see 181 and 182 figures 11-13; Hong recites “Since the twisted fiber part 180 has increased flexibility, as shown in detail in FIG. 13, when the obstacle such as the wall B is cleaned, the twisted fiber part 180 may be flexibly introduced into the obstacle structure to perform cleaning. In addition, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning performance, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning efficiency of the range of the cleaning area that can be cleaned. In addition, the twisted fiber unit 180 according to the present embodiment is provided as a loop type twisted fiber unit 180 has an advantage that the cleaning efficiency is increased”); in a state where the mop is placed on the surface; a base member (160, figure 12) stacked on a first side of the coupling part; and a plurality of cleaning members (181 and 182, figures 11- 13) each fastened in a loop shape along a periphery of the base member radially extending from the circumference of the base member, and inclined in a direction toward the surface. (see Hong figures 11-13)
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before effective filing date to have modified Choi to have a side cleaning part that protrudes outward from the surface cleaning part, wherein the side cleaning part is inclined downward such that an end of the side cleaning part is lower than the surface cleaning part to press the surface in a state where the mop is placed on the surface; , wherein the side cleaning part comprises: a base member stacked on a first side of the coupling part: and a plurality of cleaning members each fastened to a circumference of the base member, radially extending from the circumference of the base member, and inclined in a direction toward the surface, based on the teachings of Hong. This modification would help increase the cleaning performance. (see Hong “In addition, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning performance, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning efficiency of the range of the cleaning area that can be cleaned”).
Regarding claim 24, Choi teaches a surface cleaner (30, figure 4) having a ring shape with a central opening, the surface cleaner being configured to contact a surface to be cleaned; a liquid absorbing part (23, figure 3) stacked on the surface cleaner, the liquid absorbing part being configured to absorb liquid and provide the liquid to the surface cleaning part; a coupler (271, figures 2-4) having a ring shape (figures 2-4), wherein the coupler provided at an outer circumference of the surface cleaner and the liquid absorbing part.
Choi fails to teach a side cleaner stacked with the coupler and the surface cleaner, the side cleaner extending radially outward from the surface cleaner and inclined
downward to be below the surface cleaner such that a lower end of the side cleaner is positioned lower than the surface cleaner to press the surface, wherein the side cleaner comprises: a base member stacked on a first side of the coupler; and a plurality of cleaning members each fastened to a circumference of the base member, radially extending from the circumference of the base member, and inclined in a direction toward the surface.
Hong teaches a mop that includes a mop that includes a side cleaner (180, figure 12) stacked with the coupler and the surface cleaner, the side cleaner extending radially outward from the surface cleaner and inclined downward to be below the surface cleaner such that a lower end of the side cleaner (see annotated figure below) is positioned lower than the surface cleaner to press the surface (see Hong 181 and 182 figures 11-13; Hong recites “Since the twisted fiber part 180 has increased flexibility, as shown in detail in FIG. 13, when the obstacle such as the wall B is cleaned, the twisted fiber part 180 may be flexibly introduced into the obstacle structure to perform cleaning. In addition, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning performance, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning efficiency of the range of the cleaning area that can be cleaned. In addition, the twisted fiber unit 180 according to the present embodiment is provided as a loop type twisted fiber unit 180 has an advantage that the cleaning efficiency is increased”); , wherein the side cleaner comprises: a base member (160, figure 12) stacked on a first side of the coupler; and a plurality of cleaning members (181 and 182, figures 11-13) each fastened to a circumference of the base member, radially extending from the circumference of the base member, and inclined in a direction toward the surface (see figures 11-13).
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before effective filing date to have modified Choi to have teach a side cleaner stacked with the coupler and the surface cleaner, the side cleaner extending radially outward from the surface cleaner and inclined downward to be below the surface cleaner such that a lower end of the side cleaner is positioned lower than the surface cleaner to press the surface, wherein the side cleaner comprises: a base member stacked on a first side of the coupler; and a plurality of cleaning members each fastened to a circumference of the base member, radially extending from the circumference of the base member, and inclined in a direction toward the surface, , based on the teachings of Hong. This modification would help increase the cleaning performance (see Hong “In addition, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning performance, there is an effect of increasing the cleaning efficiency of the range of the cleaning area that can be cleaned”).
Regarding claim 25, modified Choi teaches wherein a stitching (see Hong annotated figure below ) is used to couple the side cleaner to a first part of the coupler, the surface cleaner, and a second part of the coupler.
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Regarding claim 27, modified Choi teaches wherein two of the plurality of cleaning members (see Hong 181 and 182, figures 10-12) are stacked on each other in multiple stages along the circumference of the base member.
Claim(s) 3,9,28 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Choi (KR20170043227A) in view of Hong (KR102010829B1) further in view of Cannan (US3728075A) ids cited art.
Regarding claim 3, modified Choi teaches all limitations stated above, and teaches wherein the stitching comprises: a first stitching (see annotated figure above)configured to couple the side cleaning part, a first side of the coupling part, the surface cleaning part, and a second side of the coupling part; and a second stitching (see annotated figure above), but fails to teach configured to couple the side cleaning part and the surface cleaning part without stitching to the coupling part.
Cannan discloses a mop where the fabric layers are stitched together, and different stitching patterns (col 6 lines 14-40).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before effective filing date to use the teachings of Cannan to try and modify the structure of the cleaning member of Hong to have any desired shape or design, including having a second stitching configured to couple the side cleaning part and the surface cleaning part without stitching to the coupling part, to optimize the functionality and cleaning performance of the rotary squeegee, as a person with ordinary skill has good reason to pursue the known options within his or her technical grasp cleaning part .
Regarding claim 6, modified Hong teaches wherein the base member has a ring shape (see Hong 160, figures 10-12) that includes a first base portion at an outer periphery of the base member, and a second base portion radially inside of the first base portion, wherein the first base portion is to fasten to the coupling part by the first stitching, wherein the second base portion has a smaller thickness than the first base portion, and wherein the second base portion is fastened to the coupling part by the second stitching (see annotated figure below)
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Regarding claim 9, modified Choi teaches all limitations stated above, and teaches wherein the stitching comprises: a first stitching (see annotated figure above)configured to couple the side cleaning part, a first side of the coupling part, the surface cleaning part, and a second side of the coupling part; and a second stitching (see annotated figure above), but fails to teach configured to couple the side cleaning part and the surface cleaning part without stitching to the coupling part.
Cannan discloses a mop where the fabric layers are stitched together, and different stitching patterns (col 6 lines 14-40).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before effective filing date to use the teachings of Cannan to try and modify the structure of the cleaning member of Hong to have any desired shape or design, including having a second stitching configured to couple the side cleaning part and the surface cleaning part without stitching to the coupling part, to optimize the functionality and cleaning performance of the rotary squeegee, as a person with ordinary skill has good reason to pursue the known options within his or her technical grasp cleaning part .
Regarding claim 28, modified Choi teaches all limitations stated above, and teaches wherein the stitching comprises: a first stitching (see annotated figure above)configured to couple the side cleaning part, a first side of the coupling part, the surface cleaning part, and a second side of the coupling part; and a second stitching (see annotated figure above), but fails to teach configured to couple the side cleaning part and the surface cleaning part without stitching to the coupling part.
Cannan discloses a mop where the fabric layers are stitched together, and different stitching patterns (col 6 lines 14-40).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before effective filing date to use the teachings of Cannan to try and modify the structure of the cleaning member of Hong to have any desired shape or design, including having a second stitching configured to couple the side cleaning part and the surface cleaning part without stitching to the coupling part, to optimize the functionality and cleaning performance of the rotary squeegee, as a person with ordinary skill has good reason to pursue the known options within his or her technical grasp cleaning part .
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SARAH AKYAA FORDJOUR whose telephone number is (571)272-0390. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm and Friday 6:00am-3:00pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Monica Carter can be reached at 571-272-4475. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/SARAH AKYAA FORDJOUR/ Examiner, Art Unit 3723
/MONICA S CARTER/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3723
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