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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 12-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
In claim 12, there is lack of antecedent basis for “the central support portion”.
In claim 13, there is lack of antecedent basis for “the central support portion”.
In claim 13, there is lack of antecedent basis for “the front cover”.
In claim 14, there is lack of antecedent basis for “the central support portion”.
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.
Claims 1-5, 7, 11-15 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Croteau (US 3,099,398). Regarding claim 1, Croteau discloses a handheld (see col. 2, line 1) appliance comprising a housing (12, 14, 16, 18, 24, 26) comprising a cavity and an opening (65) that provides a passageway into the cavity; one or more electronic components (54) located within the cavity of the housing; a power cord (62) operably coupled to the one or more electronic components, the power cord being configured to transmit power from a power source to the one or more electronic components; a cord storage compartment coupled to the housing and closing the opening, the cord storage compartment comprising a central support portion (60), wherein the power cord is configured to be at least partially wrapped around the central support portion; and wherein the central support portion of the cord storage compartment is movable relative to the housing between a closed position (see Figs. 3 and 4) wherein the central support portion is at least partially located within the cavity of the housing; and an open position (see Fig. 2) wherein the central support portion protrudes from the housing to allow adjustments to an amount of the power cord that is wrapped around the central support portion. Regarding claim 2, the housing comprises a rim that surrounds the opening (see Fig. 2), and wherein the cord storage compartment comprises a front cover (58) that is coupled to the central support portion, wherein the front cover of the cord storage compartment contacts the rim of the housing when the cord storage compartment is in the closed position. Regarding claim 3, the central support portion of the cord storage compartment comprises a first end, a second end, and an outer surface upon which the power cord is configured to be wrapped, wherein the front cover is coupled to the first end of the central support structure and protrudes radially beyond the outer surface of the central support portion of the cord storage compartment (see Fig. 2). Regarding claim 4, the cord storage compartment comprises a fixed component (52, or a portion of 66, or a portion of 68) that is fixedly coupled to the housing with at least a portion of the fixed component positioned within the cavity of the housing; and a cover plate (58) that is movable relative to the housing and relative to the fixed component between the closed and open positions, the cover plate comprising the central support portion of the cord storage compartment. Regarding claim 5, the fixed component comprises a first stopper feature (a portion of 68 or a portion of 68) and the cover plate comprises a second stopper feature that engages the first stopper feature of the fixed component to prevent the cover plate from becoming detached from the fixed component. Regarding claim 7, when the cord storage compartment is in the closed state, the cord storage compartment and the housing form an interface, and further comprising a notch (28) located along the interface for receiving a portion of the power cord so that a distal portion of the power cord can protrude from the housing when the cord storage compartment is in the closed state. Regarding claim 11, Croteau discloses a handheld (see col. 2, line 1) appliance comprising a housing (12, 14, 16, 18, 24, 26) comprising a cavity and an opening (65) that provides a passageway into the cavity; one or more electronic components (54) located within the cavity of the housing; a power cord (62) operably coupled to the one or more electronic components, the power cord being configured to transmit power from a power source to the one or more electronic components; a cord storage compartment (60) coupled to the housing and closing the opening, wherein the power cord is capable of being wrapped around the cord storage compartment; wherein the at least a portion of the cord storage compartment is movable relative to the housing between a closed position (see Figs. 3 and 4) wherein portions of the power cord that are wrapped around the cord storage compartment are inaccessible to a user; and an open position (see Fig. 2) wherein the portions of the power cord that are wrapped around the cord storage compartment are accessible to the user. Regarding claim 12, the housing comprises a rim that surrounds the opening (see Fig. 2), and wherein the cord storage compartment comprises a front cover (58) that is coupled to the central support portion, wherein the front cover of the cord storage compartment contacts the rim of the housing when the cord storage compartment is in the closed position. Regarding claim 13, the central support portion of the cord storage compartment comprises a first end, a second end, and an outer surface upon which the power cord is configured to be wrapped, wherein the front cover is coupled to the first end of the central support structure and protrudes radially beyond the outer surface of the central support portion of the cord storage compartment (see Fig. 2). Regarding claim 14, the cord storage compartment comprises a fixed component (52, or a portion of 66, or a portion of 68) that is fixedly coupled to the housing with at least a portion of the fixed component positioned within the cavity of the housing; and a cover plate (58) that is movable relative to the housing and relative to the fixed component between the closed and open positions, the cover plate comprising the central support portion of the cord storage compartment. Regarding claim 15, the fixed component comprises a first stopper feature (a portion of 68 or a portion of 68) and the cover plate comprises a second stopper feature that engages the first stopper feature of the fixed component to prevent the cover plate from becoming detached from the fixed component. Regarding claim 17, when the cord storage compartment is in the closed state, the cord storage compartment and the housing form an interface, and further comprising a notch (28) located along the interface for receiving a portion of the power cord so that a distal portion of the power cord can protrude from the housing when the cord storage compartment is in the closed state.
Claim 1-5, 7-9, 11-15 and 17-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Clapp et al. (US 7,175,473). Regarding claim 1, Clapp discloses a handheld appliance (10) comprising a housing (22) comprising a cavity and an opening (76 or the larger opening that is covered by plate 60) that provides a passageway into the cavity; one or more electronic components (see col. 3, line 27) located within the cavity of the housing; a power cord (12) operably coupled to the one or more electronic components, the power cord being configured to transmit power from a power source to the one or more electronic components; a cord storage compartment (40) coupled to the housing and closing the opening, the cord storage compartment comprising a central support portion (80 and/or 100), wherein the power cord is configured to be at least partially wrapped around the central support portion; and wherein the central support portion of the cord storage compartment is movable relative to the housing between a closed position (see Fig. 1) wherein the central support portion is at least partially located within the cavity of the housing; and an open position (see Fig. 2) wherein the central support portion protrudes from the housing to allow adjustments to an amount of the power cord that is wrapped around the central support portion. Regarding claim 2, the housing comprises a rim that surrounds the opening, and wherein the cord storage compartment comprises a front cover (120) that is coupled to the central support portion, wherein the front cover of the cord storage compartment contacts the rim of the housing when the cord storage compartment is in the closed position. Regarding claim 3, the central support portion of the cord storage compartment comprises a first end, a second end, and an outer surface upon which the power cord is configured to be wrapped, wherein the front cover is coupled to the first end of the central support structure and protrudes radially beyond the outer surface of the central support portion of the cord storage compartment (see Fig. 5). Regarding claim 4, the cord storage compartment comprises a fixed component (80) that is fixedly coupled to the housing with at least a portion of the fixed component positioned within the cavity of the housing; and a cover plate (120) that is movable relative to the housing and relative to the fixed component between the closed and open positions, the cover plate comprising the central support portion of the cord storage compartment. Regarding claim 5, the fixed component comprises a first stopper feature (98) and the cover plate comprises a second stopper feature (108) that engages the first stopper feature of the fixed component to prevent the cover plate from becoming detached from the fixed component. Regarding claim 7, when the cord storage compartment is in the closed state, the cord storage compartment and the housing form an interface, and further comprising a notch (146) located along the interface for receiving a portion of the power cord so that a distal portion of the power cord can protrude from the housing when the cord storage compartment is in the closed state. Regarding claim 8, the handheld appliance is a hand mixer (20) and the one or more electronic components comprises a motor (see col. 3, line 27). Regarding claim 9, the housing comprises a working surface portion having a first opening (30) and a second opening (30) each of which is configured to receive a portion of a mixer attachment (32) to facilitate coupling the mixer attachment to the housing. Regarding claim 11, Clapp discloses a handheld appliance (10) comprising a housing (22) comprising a cavity and an opening (76 or the larger opening that is covered by plate 60) that provides a passageway into the cavity; one or more electronic components (see col. 3, line 27) located within the cavity of the housing; a power cord (12) operably coupled to the one or more electronic components, the power cord being configured to transmit power from a power source to the one or more electronic components; a cord storage compartment (40) coupled to the housing and closing the opening, wherein the power cord is capable of being wrapped around the cord storage compartment; wherein the at least a portion (100, 120) of the cord storage compartment is movable relative to the housing between a closed position (see Fig. 1) wherein portions of the power cord that are wrapped around the cord storage compartment are inaccessible to a user; and an open position (see Fig. 2) wherein the portions of the power cord that are wrapped around the cord storage compartment are accessible to the user. Regarding claim 12, the housing comprises a rim that surrounds the opening, and wherein the cord storage compartment comprises a front cover that is coupled to the central support portion, wherein the front cover (120) of the cord storage compartment contacts the rim of the housing when the cord storage compartment is in the closed position. Regarding claim 13, the central support portion of the cord storage compartment comprises a first end, a second end, and an outer surface upon which the power cord is configured to be wrapped, wherein the front cover is coupled to the first end of the central support structure and protrudes radially beyond the outer surface of the central support portion of the cord storage compartment (see Fig. 5). Regarding claim 14, the cord storage compartment comprises a fixed component (80) that is fixedly coupled to the housing with at least a portion of the fixed component positioned within the cavity of the housing; and a cover plate (120) that is movable relative to the housing and relative to the fixed component between the closed and open positions, the cover plate comprising the central support portion of the cord storage compartment. Regarding claim 15, the fixed component comprises a first stopper feature (98) and the cover plate comprises a second stopper feature (108) that engages the first stopper feature of the fixed component to prevent the cover plate from becoming detached from the fixed component. Regarding claim 17, when the cord storage compartment is in the closed state, the cord storage compartment and the housing form an interface, and further comprising a notch (146) located along the interface for receiving a portion of the power cord so that a distal portion of the power cord can protrude from the housing when the cord storage compartment is in the closed state. Regarding claim 18, the handheld appliance is a hand mixer (20) and the one or more electronic components comprises a motor (see col. 3, line 27). Regarding claim 19, the housing comprises a working surface portion having a first opening (30) and a second opening (30) each of which is configured to receive a portion of a mixer attachment (32) to facilitate coupling the mixer attachment to the housing.
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.
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.
Claims 6 and 16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Clapp et al. (US 7,175,473) alone or in view of Tracy et al. (US 2009/0035986). The appliance of Clapp was discussed above, which is as claimed except the fixed and movable portions are reverse, the cord being wound on the fixed portion rather than the movable portion. See In re Gazda, 219 F.2d 449, 104 USPQ 400 (CCPA 1955) concerning the obviousness of reversing parts. As additional evidence of obvious, see Tracy where cord (16) is instead wound around a central movable portion in a highly analogous situation. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to have reversed the fixed and movable portions of Clapp such that the cord is wound on the movable portion, as taught by Tracy, because such represents a known improvement in an analogous situation.
Claim 10 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Clapp et al. (US 7,175,473) alone or in view of Ripple (US 2,730,901). The appliance of Clapp was discussed above. While two openings are disclosed, a third opening is not. Ripple teaches providing an additional opening (40 or 50) as well as a closure member (41 or 56) for the additional opening. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to have provide an additional opening, for example for a power takeoff, and a closure to cover the opening when not in use, as taught by Ripple.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DAVID L SORKIN whose telephone number is (571)272-1148. The examiner can normally be reached 7am-3:30pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Claire X Wang can be reached at (571) 270-1051. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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DAVID L. SORKIN
Examiner
Art Unit 1774
/DAVID L SORKIN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1774