Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 25, 2026
Application No. 18/198,396

Socks Designed For Soccer

Non-Final OA §102§103§112
Filed
May 17, 2023
Examiner
HUYNH, KHOA D
Art Unit
3732
Tech Center
3700 — Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing
Assignee
None recorded (individual inventor: Pape Diouf)
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
18%
Grant Probability
At Risk
1-2
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
39%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants only 18% of cases
18%
Career Allowance Rate
51 granted / 282 resolved
-51.9% vs TC avg
Strong +21% interview lift
Without
With
+20.7%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 3m
Avg Prosecution
13 currently pending
Career history
302
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
3.7%
-36.3% vs TC avg
§103
44.7%
+4.7% vs TC avg
§102
23.1%
-16.9% vs TC avg
§112
26.0%
-14.0% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 282 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103 §112
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 . DETAILED ACTION Status of Claims This office action is in response to the application filed 5/17/2023, wherein claims 1-13 are pending. Drawings The subject matter of this application admits of illustration by a drawing to facilitate understanding of the invention. Applicant is required to furnish a drawing under 37 CFR 1.81(c). No new matter may be introduced in the required drawing. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, a pair of socks extending from toes to the ankle and the ankle to the knee, also having a top portion from the ankle to the knee must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). No new matter should be entered. If the drawings are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance. Claim Interpretation The examiner is interpreting “mainly” in the claims to mean “majority”. The examiner in interpreting “mainly polyester or nylon” to mean “mainly polyester or mainly nylon”. Claim Objections Claims 2-13 are objected to because of the following informalities: Regarding claims 2-13, the applicant does not need to restate the entirety of claim 1 in all dependent claims. The applicant could amend the claims to recite “ The pair of socks according to claim 1,…” 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 1-13 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 pre-AIA the applicant regards as the invention. Regarding claim 1, “the toes”, “the ankle” and “the knee” are lacking antecedent basis. Additionally, it is not clear if these are referring to parts of the wearer (which would result in a 101 issue) or parts of the sock. These terms also appear in claims 2-13. For the purpose of the prior art rejection, the examiner is interpreting these terms as referring to parts of the sock. Regarding claims 2-13, “the foot” is lacking antecedent basis. It is not clear if this is referring to part of the wearer (which would result in a 101 issue) or part of the sock. For the purpose of the prior art rejection, the examiner is interpreting “the foot” as referring to part of the sock. Additionally, it is not clear if “from the toes to the ankle” in claim 1 is referring to the same area as “from the foot to the ankle” in claims 2-13. Regarding claims 2-13, “the top portion” is lacking antecedent basis. It is unclear if the top portion is referring to a top part of the part extending from the ankle to the knee or is just another term for the part extending from the ankle to the knee. If “the top portion” is another term for the part extending from the ankle to the knee, it would be helpful to incorporate this term into claim 1. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 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. Claim 1 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Serrano-Wu (U.S. 20160150830). Regarding claim 1, Serrano-Wu teaches a pair of socks (para. 5, claim 1) designed for use while playing soccer (para. 5) which comprises mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) and then the socks comprise of mainly polyester or nylon from the ankle to the knee (para. 13, 2 can be made of nylon). 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. Claim(s) 1 and 2 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pinto Rodrigues (U.S. 20150327606) in view of Serrano-Wu (U.S. 20160150830) in view of Araki et al. (U.S. Patent No. 7614257) and further in view of Amarasiriwardena (U.S. 20140311187). Regarding claims 1 and 2, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Araki teaches a sock having a cotton/ polyester blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester with a high degree of water absorbability and rapid drying properties (col. 5, lines 59-61). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Araki in order to provide comfort, protection, a high degree of water absorbability and rapid drying properties to the wearer’s foot. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Amarasiriwardena further teaches providing a sock with 80% polyester and 20% cotton to remove moisture from the wearer (para. 30). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference such that the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton, the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Amarasiriwardena in order to provide desired moisture removing properties from the ankle to the knee. Additionally, it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (varying the ratio of cotton to polyester would impact the moisture removing properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Claim(s) 1,3, and 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pinto Rodrigues (U.S. 20150327606) in view of Serrano-Wu (U.S. 20160150830) in view of Araki et al. (U.S. Patent No. 7614257) and further in view of Gat et. Al. (U.S. 20140162048). Regarding claims 1 and 3, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle, and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle, and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Araki teaches a sock having a cotton/ polyester blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester with a high degree of water absorbability and rapid drying properties (col. 5, lines 59-61). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Araki in order to provide comfort, protection, a high degree of water absorbability and rapid drying properties to the wearer’s foot. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Gat teaches Dri Release® fabric being formed of 85 to 90 percent polyester and the remainder being cotton to pull moisture and perspiration away from the skin and push it out of the fabric for improved evaporation (para. 3). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Gat because it would enable pulling moisture and perspiration away from the skin and pushing it out of the fabric for improved evaporation and it has been held to be within the general skill of a worker in the art to select a known material on the basis of its suitability for the intended use (polyester being hydrophobic and cotton being hydrophilic)(MPEP 2144.07). Regarding claims 1 and 4, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Araki teaches a sock having a cotton/ polyester blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester with a high degree of water absorbability and rapid drying properties (col. 5, lines 59-61). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Araki in order to provide comfort, protection, a high degree of water absorbability and rapid drying properties to the wearer’s foot. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Gat teaches Dri Release® fabric being formed of 85 to 90 percent polyester and the remainder being cotton to pull moisture and perspiration away from the skin and push it out of the fabric for improved evaporation (para. 3). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Gat because it would enable pulling moisture and perspiration away from the skin and pushing it out of the fabric for improved evaporation and it has been held to be within the general skill of a worker in the art to select a known material on the basis of its suitability for the intended use (polyester being hydrophobic and cotton being hydrophilic)(MPEP 2144.07). Claim(s) 1,5,6,9,10,13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pinto Rodrigues (U.S. 20150327606) in view of Serrano-Wu (U.S. 20160150830) in view of Amarasiriwardena (U.S. 20140311187). Regarding claims 1 and 5, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Araki teaches a sock having a cotton/ polyester blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester with a high degree of water absorbability and rapid drying properties (col. 5, lines 59-61). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 60% cotton and 40% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Araki in order to provide comfort, protection, a high degree of water absorbability and rapid drying properties to the wearer’s foot. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Amarasiriwardena further teaches providing a sock with various ratios of polyester and cotton to remove moisture from the wearer (para. 30). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference such that the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton, the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Amarasiriwardena in order to provide desired moisture removing properties from the ankle to the knee and it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (varying the ratio of cotton to polyester would impact the moisture removing properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Regarding claims 1 and 6, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Amarasiriwardena teaches a sock having about a 75/25 ratio of hydrophilic (cotton is hydrophilic) fibers to hydrophobic fibers (polyester is hydrophobic)(para. 9) and also teaches various ratios of cotton and polyester may be used to wick moisture away from the wearer (para. 30) (see also claims 15-17). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Amarasiriwardena since it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (optimizing moisture wicking properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Additionally, 70% cotton would provide a high level of breathability while 30% polyester would add durability. The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Amarasiriwardena further teaches providing a sock with 80% polyester and 20% cotton to remove moisture from the wearer (para. 30). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference such that the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton, the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Amarasiriwardena in order to provide desired moisture removing properties from the ankle to the knee. Additionally, it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (varying the ratio of cotton to polyester would impact the moisture removing properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Regarding claims 1 and 9, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Amarasiriwardena teaches a sock having about a 75/25 ratio of hydrophilic (cotton is hydrophilic) fibers to hydrophobic fibers (polyester is hydrophobic)(para. 9) and also teaches various ratios of cotton and polyester may be used to wick moisture away from the wearer (para. 30) (see also claims 15-17). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Amarasiriwardena since it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (optimizing moisture wicking properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Additionally, 70% cotton would provide a high level of breathability while 30% polyester would add durability. The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Amarasiriwardena further teaches providing a sock with various ratios of polyester and cotton to remove moisture from the wearer (para. 30). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference such that the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton, the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Amarasiriwardena in order to provide desired moisture removing properties from the ankle to the knee and it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (varying the ratio of cotton to polyester would impact the moisture removing properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Regarding claims 1 and 10, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Amarasiriwardena teaches a sock having about a 75/25 ratio of hydrophilic (cotton is hydrophilic) fibers to hydrophobic fibers (polyester is hydrophobic)(para. 9) and also teaches various ratios of cotton and polyester may be used to wick moisture away from the wearer (para. 30) (see also claims 15-17). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Amarasiriwardena since it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (optimizing moisture wicking properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Additionally, 80% cotton would provide a high level of breathability while 20% polyester would add durability. The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Amarasiriwardena further teaches providing a sock with 80% polyester and 20% cotton to remove moisture from the wearer (para. 30). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference such that the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton, the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 80% polyester and 20% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Amarasiriwardena in order to provide desired moisture removing properties from the ankle to the knee. Additionally, it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (varying the ratio of cotton to polyester would impact the moisture removing properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Regarding claims 1 and 13, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Amarasiriwardena teaches a sock having about a 75/25 ratio of hydrophilic (cotton is hydrophilic) fibers to hydrophobic fibers (polyester is hydrophobic)(para. 9) and also teaches various ratios of cotton and polyester may be used to wick moisture away from the wearer (para. 30) (see also claims 15-17). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Amarasiriwardena since it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (optimizing moisture wicking properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Additionally, 80% cotton would provide a high level of breathability while 20% polyester would add durability. The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Amarasiriwardena further teaches providing a sock with various ratios of polyester and cotton to remove moisture from the wearer (para. 30). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference such that the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton, the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 95% polyester and 5% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Amarasiriwardena in order to provide desired moisture removing properties from the ankle to the knee and it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (varying the ratio of cotton to polyester would impact the moisture removing properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Claim(s) 1,7,8,11 and 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pinto Rodrigues (U.S. 20150327606) in view of Serrano-Wu (U.S. 20160150830) in view of Amarasiriwardena (U.S. 20140311187) and further in view of Gat et. al. (U.S. 20140162048). Regarding claims 1 and 7, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Amarasiriwardena teaches a sock having about a 75/25 ratio of hydrophilic (cotton is hydrophilic) fibers to hydrophobic fibers (polyester is hydrophobic)(para. 9) and also teaches various ratios of cotton and polyester may be used to wick moisture away from the wearer (para. 30) (see also claims 15-17). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Amarasiriwardena since it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (optimizing moisture wicking properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Additionally, 70% cotton would provide a high level of breathability while 30% polyester would add durability. The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Gat teaches Dri Release® fabric being formed of 85 to 90 percent polyester and the remainder being cotton to pull moisture and perspiration away from the skin and push it out of the fabric for improved evaporation (para. 3). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Gat because it would enable pulling moisture and perspiration away from the skin and pushing it out of the fabric for improved evaporation and it has been held to be within the general skill of a worker in the art to select a known material on the basis of its suitability for the intended use (polyester being hydrophobic and cotton being hydrophilic)(MPEP 2144.07). Regarding claims 1 and 8, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Amarasiriwardena teaches a sock having about a 75/25 ratio of hydrophilic (cotton is hydrophilic) fibers to hydrophobic fibers (polyester is hydrophobic)(para. 9) and also teaches various ratios of cotton and polyester may be used to wick moisture away from the wearer (para. 30) (see also claims 15-17). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 70% cotton and 30% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Amarasiriwardena since it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (optimizing moisture wicking properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Additionally, 70% cotton would provide a high level of breathability while 30% polyester would add durability. The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Gat teaches Dri Release® fabric being formed of 85 to 90 percent polyester and the remainder being cotton to pull moisture and perspiration away from the skin and push it out of the fabric for improved evaporation (para. 3). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Gat because it would enable pulling moisture and perspiration away from the skin and pushing it out of the fabric for improved evaporation and it has been held to be within the general skill of a worker in the art to select a known material on the basis of its suitability for the intended use (polyester being hydrophobic and cotton being hydrophilic)(MPEP 2144.07). Regarding claims 1 and 11, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Amarasiriwardena teaches a sock having about a 75/25 ratio of hydrophilic (cotton is hydrophilic) fibers to hydrophobic fibers (polyester is hydrophobic)(para. 9) and also teaches various ratios of cotton and polyester may be used to wick moisture away from the wearer (para. 30) (see also claims 15-17). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Amarasiriwardena since it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (optimizing moisture wicking properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Additionally, 80% cotton would provide a high level of breathability while 20% polyester would add durability. The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Gat teaches Dri Release® fabric being formed of 85 to 90 percent polyester and the remainder being cotton to pull moisture and perspiration away from the skin and push it out of the fabric for improved evaporation (para. 3). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Araki combined reference such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Gat because it would enable pulling moisture and perspiration away from the skin and pushing it out of the fabric for improved evaporation and it has been held to be within the general skill of a worker in the art to select a known material on the basis of its suitability for the intended use (polyester being hydrophobic and cotton being hydrophilic)(MPEP 2144.07). Regarding claims 1 and 12, Pinto Rodrigues teaches a sock (abstract) designed for use while playing soccer (can be used while playing soccer, this limitation is considered to recite intended use of the claimed invention) wherein the top portion of the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of Dri Release®—mixture of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material and the foot portion (3) can be formed of cotton or polyester (para. 29, claim 9), but doesn’t specifically teach the sock is part of a pair of socks, each sock has a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. However, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have made the sock of Pinto Rodrigues part of a pair of socks in order to cover both feet of a wearer. The modified Pinto Rodrigues reference fails to teach each sock has a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle , and the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Serrano-Wu teaches a sock having a cotton/polyester blend (para. 13, 1 can be made of cotton) from the toes until the ankle (fig. 1) to provide comfort and protection (para. 13). Amarasiriwardena teaches a sock having about a 75/25 ratio of hydrophilic (cotton is hydrophilic) fibers to hydrophobic fibers (polyester is hydrophobic)(para. 9) and also teaches various ratios of cotton and polyester may be used to wick moisture away from the wearer (para. 30) (see also claims 15-17). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the modified Pinto Rodrigues reference so as to have a fabric blend which is 80% cotton and 20% polyester from the foot/toes to the ankle such that each sock is mainly of cotton from the toes until the ankle in view of Serrano-Wu and Amarasiriwardena since it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable (optimizing moisture wicking properties) involves only routine skill in the art (MPEP 2144.05 (II)(B)). Additionally, 80% cotton would provide a high level of breathability while 20% polyester would add durability. The examiner also notes that the specification doesn’t provide criticality for each particular ratio. Pinto Rodrigues teaches the sock from the ankle to the knee (legging 1) can be formed of 85-90% hydrophobic material/synthetic and 10-15% natural/hydrophilic material but the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference fails to teach the hydrophobic material is polyester and the hydrophilic material is cotton such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 85% polyester and 15% cotton and the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee. Gat teaches Dri Release® fabric being formed of 85 to 90 percent polyester and the remainder being cotton to pull moisture and perspiration away from the skin and push it out of the fabric for improved evaporation (para. 3). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have formed each sock of the Pinto Rodrigues/ Serrano-Wu/ Amarasiriwardena combined reference such that the top portion of each sock from the ankle to the knee is 90% polyester and 10% cotton such that the socks comprise of mainly polyester from the ankle to the knee in view of Gat because it would enable pulling moisture and perspiration away from the skin and pushing it out of the fabric for improved evaporation and it has been held to be within the general skill of a worker in the art to select a known material on the basis of its suitability for the intended use (polyester being hydrophobic and cotton being hydrophilic)(MPEP 2144.07). Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ABBY M SPATZ whose telephone number is (571)270-0579. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 10:00-6:00 EST. 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. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Khoa Huynh can be reached on 571-272-4888. 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. /ABBY M SPATZ/ Examiner, Art Unit 3732 /NATHAN E DURHAM/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3732
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Prosecution Timeline

May 17, 2023
Application Filed
Jul 02, 2024
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103, §112
Feb 06, 2025
Response after Non-Final Action
Aug 12, 2026
Response Filed
Aug 12, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action

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1-2
Expected OA Rounds
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Grant Probability
39%
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3y 3m (~0m remaining)
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