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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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 the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-6 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by International Patent Application No: WO2005/053477 to ARJANG et al.
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ARJAN et al discloses “....1. An assisting device for donning and removing a surgical glove, comprising:
at least one fluid-tight wall arrangement encompassing an inner space having a volume of such a size that at least a palm portion and finger portions of the surgical glove can be arranged in the space; and (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off)
an opening adapted to sealingly engage a cuff portion of the surgical glove if the palm portion and the finger portions are arranged in the space; (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209)
wherein the fluid tight wall arrangement is adapted to be transformed from a first con- figuration into a second configuration and vice-versa, wherein in the first configuration the inner space has a first inner volume, and in the second configuration, the inner space has a second inner volume, wherein the first volume is smaller than the second volume. (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
ARJAN et al discloses “...2. The assisting device according to claim 1, wherein the wall arrangement comprises at least one flexible wall section, (see element 206) and wherein in the first configuration the flexible wall section has a first shape, thus defining the first inner volume, and in the second configuration the flexible wall section has a second shape, thus defining the second inner volume”. (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
ARJAN et al discloses “...3. The assisting device according to claim 2, wherein the flexible wall section is biased into the first shape or the flexible wall section is biased into the second shape. . (see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
ARJAN et al discloses “...4. The assisting device according to claim 2, further comprising:
a second flexible wall section, wherein the second flexible wall section is coupled to the first flexible wall section along two opposed edges of the first and second flexible wall sections , wherein in the first configuration the first and second flexible wall sections form a flat pocket- like geometry with the first inner space being inside the pocket and in the second configuration the first and second wall section are bent outward to both form outer convex surfaces. (see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
ARJAN et al discloses “...5. The assisting device according to claim 1, wherein:
the fluid-tight wall arrangement comprises a first tube segment and a second tube segment, the second tube segment being slidable attached to the first ring segment so as to form a telescope-like arrangement, wherein the second tube segment can be displaced in a fluid-tight sealing engagement towards an outer surface of the first tube segment and the second ring segment can be displaced onto the first ring segment in an axial direction from the first configuration into the second configuration, and
in the first configuration the total length in the axial direction of the fluid tight wall arrangement comprised of the first and second ring segment is shorter than in the second configuration. (see bottom flutes that are longer than the top flutes and that can telescope downward; see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
ARJAN et al discloses “...6. The assisting device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid-tight wall arrangement comprises an elastic tube segment which can be elastically deformed from an elliptic cross-sectional shape in the first configuration to a circular cross-sectional shape in the second configuration. (see bottom flutes that are longer than the top flutes and that can telescope downward and the entire structure is circular in shape from the top looking down; see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claim 7 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 103 as being unpatentable as obvious in view of International Patent Application No: WO2005/053477 to ARJANG et al. and in view of U.S. Patent No.: 5456354 A to Wood.
ARJAN et al is silent but Wood teaches “...7. The assisting device according to claim 1, wherein a fluid-tight seal is provided for providing the sealing engagement of the opening and the cuff portion, the fluid tight seal comprising a strap having an outer ring, an inner ring and at least one snap ring; and
wherein the at least one snap ring is adapted to secure the cuff portion of the surgical glove between an inner surface of the outer ring and an outer surface of the inner ring, the outer ring having an outer surface which can be partially inserted into the opening to sealingly engage the opening”. (see FIG. 4 where the opening has a ring for grabbing the portion of the ring so the glove can be removed at the opening of the device 2)”.
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It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to combine the teachings of WOOD with the disclosure of ARJAN with a reasonable expectation of success since WOOD teaches that a collar device 16 can be on the open end of the cavity that is a strap surrounding the entire circular opening. The cuffs of the gloves 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d . . . 2z etc. are stretched over the collar portion 16 of the open end of the inner cavity 11 of the glove package dispenser 1 by virtue of which the open end of the gloves 2a, 2b, 2c . . . 2z etc. are maintained in an open, expanded state, permitting the user to insert a hand 4 into innermost glove 2a. In one embodiment, collar neck 16 of the open end of the glove-shaped package dispenser 1 may be tapered inward, so that when the plastic releasing means 17 or 18 is pulled off, the cuff end of the innermost glove 2a is separated from the package 1 and onto the hand 4 of the user.
Claims 8-9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by International Patent Application No: WO2005/053477 to ARJANG et al.
ARJAN et al discloses “...8. Assisting device according to claim 1, wherein the inner space comprises a first region adjacent to the opening and adapted to accommodate the palm portion of the surgical glove and a second region adjacent to the first region and adapted to accommodate the finger portions of the surgical glove; and (see Fig. 8-9 where the device has flutes that are cut out to show the finger portions and the palm portion)
wherein in the first region the wall arrangement restricts the elastic stretching of the glove in the second configuration such that the palm region is stretched to an extent of less
than 150%, and the elastic stretching is restricted by a contact of an inner surface of the wall arrangement to the surgical glove in the first region. (see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206 without stretching the glove)
ARJAN et al discloses “..9. The assisting device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid-tight wall arrangement is elastically deformed without an external vacuum source. (see Fig. 8-9 where the device has flutes that are cut out to show the finger portions and the palm portion that are deformed with no vacuum)
Claims 10 and 12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 103 as being unpatentable as obvious in view of International Patent Application No: WO2005/053477 to ARJANG et al. and in view of U.S. Patent No.: 5456354 A to Wood.
Wood teaches “...10. The assisting device according to claim 1, wherein the assisting device is disposable”. (See FIG. 1-2 where the device can pull gloves or condoms off and is disposable)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to combine the teachings of WOOD with the disclosure of ARJAN with a reasonable expectation of success since WOOD teaches that a collar device 16 can be on the open end of the cavity that is a strap surrounding the entire circular opening. The cuffs of the gloves 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d . . . 2z etc. are stretched over the collar portion 16 of the open end of the inner cavity 11 of the glove package dispenser 1 by virtue of which the open end of the gloves 2a, 2b, 2c . . . 2z etc. are maintained in an open, expanded state, permitting the user to insert a hand 4 into innermost glove 2a. In one embodiment, collar neck 16 of the open end of the glove-shaped package dispenser 1 may be tapered inward, so that when the plastic releasing means 17 or 18 is pulled off, the cuff end of the innermost glove 2a is separated from the package 1 and onto the hand 4 of the user.
Claims 11 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by International Patent Application No: WO2005/053477 to ARJANG et al.
Arjan discloses “...11. The assisting device according to claim 1, wherein the assisting device is disposed within an isolation device for providing a sterile operation chamber above a skin region of a patient, (see page 3, lines 1-15) the isolation device comprising a first inflatable bag delimiting the sterile operation chamber against an ambient environment, a first and a second access opening to allow a user to insert a first and a second arm into the operation chamber, (see page 4, lines 1-23) a chamber operation opening to allow ac- cess to the skin region of the patient out of the operation chamber, and a window for observing handling operations inside the sterile operation chamber; (see outside which is clear)
wherein the first inflatable bag is coupled to a support frame, the support frame having a transport configuration and an operation configuration, and wherein in the transport configu- ration, the first inflatable bag is confined, such as to have compact dimensions, and in the oper- ation configuration, the first inflatable bag is extended, such as to form the sterile operation chamber; and
wherein the support frame comprises hollow support frame members having at least one connector for introducing a fluid material into the support frame members; and a. in the transport configuration, the support frame members are deflated and slack and in the operation configuration the support frame members are inflated to a pressur- ized state such that the support members are rigid, or
b. in the transport configuration, the support frame members are deflated and slack and in the operation configuration a curable liquid is inserted into the support frame member, the curable liquid being cured to a hardened condition. (see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206 without stretching the glove)
Wood teaches “...12. The assisting device of claim 11, wherein the assisting device can be used inside the in- flatable bag arranged above a surgical site on a patient’s skin and is completely independent from any pressure or vacuum condition inside such inflatable bag. (see element 13 that is a tubular cover member to remove the glove; In contrast to the release tab embodiment shown in FIG. 11, alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the releasing means may be a tubular plastic cover 18, with a wasted linear area cut spiraling around the cover so that as it is removed, releasing portion 18a of release cover 18 resembles a large spring or spiral shape.)
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to combine the teachings of WOOD with the disclosure of ARJAN with a reasonable expectation of success since WOOD teaches that a collar device 16 can be on the open end of the cavity that is a strap surrounding the entire circular opening. The cuffs of the gloves 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d . . . 2z etc. are stretched over the collar portion 16 of the open end of the inner cavity 11 of the glove package dispenser 1 by virtue of which the open end of the gloves 2a, 2b, 2c . . . 2z etc. are maintained in an open, expanded state, permitting the user to insert a hand 4 into innermost glove 2a. In one embodiment, collar neck 16 of the open end of the glove-shaped package dispenser 1 may be tapered inward, so that when the plastic releasing means 17 or 18 is pulled off, the cuff end of the innermost glove 2a is separated from the package 1 and onto the hand 4 of the user.
Claims 13-18 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by International Patent Application No: WO2005/053477 to ARJANG et al.
Arjan teaches “...13. The assisting device of claim 11, wherein the assisting device is a disposable device equipped with one glove and is provided inside a pre-packed package within the inflatable bag to allow a surgeon to take off a glove provided inside the assisting device without the need for any help by an assisting personal or the like. (see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206 without stretching the glove)
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Arjan discloses “...14. An assisting device for donning and removing a surgical glove, comprising:
at least one fluid-tight wall arrangement, encompassing an inner space having a volume of such a size that at least a palm portion and finger portions of the surgical glove can be arranged in the space; and
an opening adapted to sealingly engage a cuff portion of the surgical glove if the palm portion and the finger portions are arranged in the space; (see bottom flutes that are longer than the top flutes and that can telescope downward; see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
wherein the fluid tight wall arrangement is adapted to be transformed from a first con- figuration into a second configuration and vice-versa, such that in the first configuration the inner space has a first inner volume, and in the second configuration, the inner space has a second inner volume, wherein the first volume is smaller than the second volume; (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
wherein the fluid-tight wall arrangement comprises a first tube segment and a second tube segment, the second tube segment being slidable attached to a first ring segment to form a telescope-like arrangement, wherein the second tube segment can be slid in a fluid-tight seal- ing engagement towards an outer surface of the first tube segment; and
wherein the second ring segment can be slid onto the first ring segment in an axial di- rection from the first configuration into the second configuration, and in the first configuration the total length in the axial direction of the fluid tight wall arrangement comprised of the first and second ring segment is shorter than in the second configuration” (see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206).
Arjan discloses “...15. The assisting device according to claim 14, wherein the wall arrangement comprises at least one flexible wall section, and wherein in the first configuration the flexible wall section has a first shape, thus defining the first inner volume; and in the second configuration the flexible wall section has a second shape, thus defining the second inner volume. (see bottom flutes that are longer than the top flutes and that can telescope downward; see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
Arjan discloses “...16. The assisting device according to claim 15, wherein the flexible wall section is biased into one of the first shape, or the second shape. (see bottom flutes that are longer than the top flutes and that can telescope downward; see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
Arjan discloses “...17. The assisting device according to claim 15, further comprising:
a second flexible wall section, wherein the second flexible wall section is coupled to the first flexible wall section along two opposed edges of the first and second flexible wall sections, wherein in the first configuration the first and second flexible wall sections form a flat pocket- like geometry with the first inner space being inside the pocket and in the second configuration the first and second wall section are bent outward to both form outer convex surfaces. (see bottom flutes that are longer than the top flutes and that can telescope downward; see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
Arjan discloses “...18. The assisting device according to claim 14, wherein:
the fluid-tight wall arrangement comprises an elastic tube segment which can be elastically deformed from an elliptic cross-sectional shape in the first configuration to a circular cross-sectional shape in the second configuration. (see a circular shape jar like housing from the top view and bottom flutes that are longer than the top flutes and that can telescope downward; see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206)
Claim 19 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. sec. 103 as being unpatentable as obvious in view of International Patent Application No: WO2005/053477 to ARJANG et al. and in view of U.S. Patent No.: 5456354 A to Wood.
ARJAN et al is silent but Wood teaches “...19. The assisting device according to claim 14, wherein:
a fluid-tight seal provides the sealing engagement of the opening and the cuff portion; and
the fluid tight seal comprises a strap having an outer ring, an inner ring and at least one snap ring, wherein the at least one snap ring is adapted to secure the cuff portion of the surgical glove between an inner surface of the outer ring and an outer surface of the inner ring, and the outer ring having an outer surface which can be partially inserted into the opening to sealingly engage the opening”. (see FIG. 4 where the opening has a ring for grabbing the portion of the ring so the glove can be removed at the opening of the device 2)”.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to combine the teachings of WOOD with the disclosure of ARJAN with a reasonable expectation of success since WOOD teaches that a collar device 16 can be on the open end of the cavity that is a strap surrounding the entire circular opening. The cuffs of the gloves 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d . . . 2z etc. are stretched over the collar portion 16 of the open end of the inner cavity 11 of the glove package dispenser 1 by virtue of which the open end of the gloves 2a, 2b, 2c . . . 2z etc. are maintained in an open, expanded state, permitting the user to insert a hand 4 into innermost glove 2a. In one embodiment, collar neck 16 of the open end of the glove-shaped package dispenser 1 may be tapered inward, so that when the plastic releasing means 17 or 18 is pulled off, the cuff end of the innermost glove 2a is separated from the package 1 and onto the hand 4 of the user.
Arjan discloses “...20. The assisting device according to claim 14, wherein:
the inner space comprises a first region adjacent to the opening and adapted to accommodate the palm portion of the surgical glove and a second region adjacent to the first region and adapted to accommodate the finger portions of the surgical glove; and
wherein in the first region the wall arrangement restricts the elastic stretching of the glove in the second configuration such that the palm region is stretched to an extent of less than 125%, and the elastic stretching is restricted by a contact of an inner surface of the wall arrangement to the surgical glove in the first region” . (see Fig. 8-9 where the device has flutes that are cut out to show the finger portions and the palm portion) (see pages 10-12 where the device includes flutes 217 that can fold and compress and see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off) (see FIG. 8-9 where the apparatus for removing the glove has a cavity that is gloved shaped to receive the glove and a vacuum device to pull the glove off and that has an opening 209) (see FIG. 8-9 and page 11-12 where the body 214 is compressed and the inner volume is reduced and then when the body 215 is expanded but the amount of air is not drawn in causing a low pressure causing the glove itself to expand and removed from the chamber 206 without stretching the glove)
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JEAN PAUL CASS whose telephone number is (571)270-1934. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 10 am to 12 noon.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Scott A. Browne can be reached at 571-270-0151. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/JEAN PAUL CASS/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3666