Detailed Action
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claim Rejections
Claims 1-7, 9-18 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Thiers (US Patent 9,019,698) in view of Jankura, et al (EP 3772214). Regarding independent claims 1 and 15, and as previously discussed, Thiers comprises a stand system for holding an electronic device 10 in a selected orientation, the stand system comprises a case 20, wherein a back surface of the case includes an interface module which includes an electrical interface 32 for receiving electrical power and an electrical connector 16 configured to interface to the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the case; and a stand including a base 64; an arm attached to the base (Fig 7); an electrical connector (attached to cable 90); and a mounting head 61 attached to the arm, wherein the case and the interface module are removably attachable to the mounting head for holding the case and the installed electronic device in the selected orientation on the stand (Fig. 1), wherein the mounting head includes electrical contacts 50 electrically connected to the electrical connector of the stand.
Thiers lacks the specific, claimed receivers and keepers on the interface module and mounting head, respectively. However, Jankura discloses a similar stand system that teaches the interface module including a plurality of receivers 116 each configured for mechanically engaging a respective one of a plurality of keepers 126 on the mounting head to removably attach the case to the mounting head. The arrangement of Jankura allows the case to be lockable to the stand. It would have been obvious to use the latch-type keeper system of Jankura with, or in addition to, the magnet connection of Thiers in order to provide a more secure attachment.
Contrary to applicant’s suggestion, combining the latching mechanism of Jankura with the stand system of Thiers would not have rendered Theirs unsatisfactory for its intended purpose. It is noted that both devices (along with the present invention) include numerous embodiments and therefore also numerous purposes. One of the embodiments discussed by Theirs includes detent structures that hold the electronic device in discrete positions (Fig. 14; col. 13, lines 36-56). Although some of the embodiments suggested by Theirs are intended to enable “any number of orientations” as suggested by applicant, that is not the only use of the device. Further, one of ordinary skill would certainly be able to combine the teachings of these devices (for example by replacing the dimples 27 and protrusions 47 of Thiers with the more robust latches of Jankura) in order to provide a more secure attachment system to the mounting system of Thiers.
Applicant has not separately argued dependent claims 2-7, 9-14, 16-18 and 20.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new grounds of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, 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 Renee Luebke, whose telephone number is (571) 272-2009 and who can normally be reached between 11am and 5pm.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
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.
/renee s luebke/Supervisory Patent Examiner
Art Unit 2831
Prosecution Insights