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 .
This communication is in response to application No. 18/211,705; Temperature-Controlled Storage for a Vehicle; filed on 6/20/2023 and amended on 12/30/2025. Claims 1 - 19 are currently pending and have been examined.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 12/30/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding the 112(f) interpretation and the 112(a) and 112(b) rejections;
Applicant argues, beginning on page 6, third paragraph, that the terms “a temperature unit” and “a heat unit” can be understood from the claims, but does not provide any evidence for this argument. Applicant then quotes paragraph 26 of the Specification for a description of “a heat unit”. However, paragraph 26 makes reference to “a heating unit”, while claims 4 and 16 include the limitation of a “heat unit”. Accordingly, that the limitations “a temperature unit” and “a heat unit” invoke 112f is maintained. Further, the 112a and 112b rejections are also maintained.
Claims 6 and 18 describe a “heater unit” which is understood, from the claim itself, to be one of a heating pad, a thin film heater, and a laser direct structure. As claims 6 and 18 are dependent claims, this definition (of a heater unit) is only applicable to these two claims and any claims which depend from them (of which there are none).
Regarding the 102 rejections;
Primary reference, Laatikainen, describes a snow vehicle with two different storage compartment locations and the specific ability to internally heat a storage compartment using a heating device located internal to the storage compartment and powered by the vehicle rather than by a power source contained within the storage compartment. The rejection, below has been clarified to reference a temperature controlled storage compartment with a heat source, a plurality of sides, top, bottom, and a movable lid as illustrated in fig. 25 of Laatikainen.
Applicant argues that the primary reference, Laatikainen, is not applicable as art because the storage container is removable (not an integral component of the vehicle).
Applicant further argues that Laatikainen teaches away from a heated storage container because this would result in an increase in vehicle complexity and weight. However, Laatikainen has envisioned a snow vehicle which includes a heated storage container which contains all the required heating elements and controls. Therefore, Laatikainen has disclosed the requisite complexity and additional weight when considering the disclosed snow vehicle. The fact that the storage container is removable does not reduce the weight or complexity of the complete vehicle (with the heated storage compartment installed). Further, the applicant’s claims do not require a heated storage compartment which cannot be removed from the vehicle.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are:
a temperature unit in claims 1, 14
a heat unit in claims 4, 16
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
Temperature unit – “each of temperature units 140 may be a thin film heater, a heating pad, a silicone heater, and/or a laser direct structure” (Paragraph 26, Specification). Also ,“temperature unit comprises a temperature sensor” (Claim 3)
Heat unit- no corresponding structure is provided in the specification.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112:
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
Claims 4, 16 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the enablement requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to enable one skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and/or use the invention. Specifically, no description is given of the heat unit in the specification, and a broadest reasonable interpretation of the term is not useful as a heat unit is not a commonly used term. Claims 6 and 18 (formerly 19) describe a “heater unit” , but It is not clear if the “heat unit” is simply a misspelling of the “heater unit”.
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 4, 13 and 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.
The claim limitation “heat unit” in claims 4 and 16 invokes 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. However, the written description fails to disclose the corresponding structure, material, or acts for performing the entire claimed function and to clearly link the structure, material, or acts to the function. The term “heat unit” does not appear anywhere in the specification. Therefore, the claim is indefinite and is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, second paragraph.
Applicant may:
(a) Amend the claim so that the claim limitation will no longer be interpreted as a limitation under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph;
(b) Amend the written description of the specification such that it expressly recites what structure, material, or acts perform the entire claimed function, without introducing any new matter (35 U.S.C. 132(a)); or
(c) Amend the written description of the specification such that it clearly links the structure, material, or acts disclosed therein to the function recited in the claim, without introducing any new matter (35 U.S.C. 132(a)).
If applicant is of the opinion that the written description of the specification already implicitly or inherently discloses the corresponding structure, material, or acts and clearly links them to the function so that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize what structure, material, or acts perform the claimed function, applicant should clarify the record by either:
(a) Amending the written description of the specification such that it expressly recites the corresponding structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function and clearly links or associates the structure, material, or acts to the claimed function, without introducing any new matter (35 U.S.C. 132(a)); or
(b) Stating on the record what the corresponding structure, material, or acts, which are implicitly or inherently set forth in the written description of the specification, perform the claimed function. For more information, see 37 CFR 1.75(d) and MPEP §§ 608.01(o) and 2181.
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.
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Claim(s) 1, 2, 7, 14, and 19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Laatikainen (FI 12977 Y1). For clarity, reference will be made to Laatikainen (US 2023/0406451 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Laatikainen discloses;
A temperature-controlled storage compartment (cool / heat box 2500; fig. 25) for a vehicle, comprising:
a bottom panel; a plurality of side panels extending vertically upward from the bottom panel and defining an interior region of the temperature-controlled storage compartment; (fig. 25 illustrates the storage container as comprising a bottom and side panels.)
a lid (lid 2504; fig. 25) movably coupled with the plurality of side panels such that the temperature-controlled storage compartment may be fully enclosed; and
at least one temperature unit arranged within the temperature-controlled storage compartment. (Paragraphs 63, 65-66 and figs. 25 illustrate an electrically operated, heat box.)
Regarding claim 2, Laatikainen discloses;
further comprising a power feature (electric power 2502; fig. 25) configured for at least partial positioning within the temperature-controlled storage compartment. (Paragraph 65 describes a power output to provide electrical power to the accessory heat box.)
Regarding claim 7, Laatikainen discloses;
wherein the power feature is positioned within the interior region such that an accessory arranged within the temperature-controlled storage compartment may be coupled with the power feature. (Paragraph 65 notes that the accessory may comprise additional parts including a USB (power) source.)
Regarding claim 14, Laatikainen discloses;
A storage compartment for a vehicle (cool / heat box 2500; fig. 25), comprising:
a bottom panel; a plurality of side panels extending vertically upward from the bottom panel and defining an interior region of the storage compartment; (fig. 25 illustrates the storage container as comprising a bottom and side panels.)
a lid (lid 2504; fig. 25) movably coupled with the plurality of side panels such that the storage compartment may be fully enclosed;
at least one temperature unit arranged within the storage compartment for providing one of heating and cooling to the storage compartment; and (Paragraphs 63, 65-66 and figs. 25 illustrate an electrically operated, heat box.)
a power feature (electric power 2502; fig. 25) configured for at least partial positioning within the storage compartment. (Paragraph 65 describes a power output to provide electrical power to the accessory heat box.)
Regarding claim 19 (renumbered from 20)
wherein the power feature is positioned within the interior region such that an accessory arranged within the temperature-controlled storage compartment may be coupled with the power feature. (Paragraph 65 notes that the accessory may comprise additional parts including a USB (power) source.)
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) 4, 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Laatikainen.
Regarding claim 4, Laatikainen, figs. 23 and 25, illustrates, diagrammatically, a heating source located within the seat (2032) or storage compartment (2502), but does not specifically mention the location within the containers. However, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, to place the heating element in the lower part of the container, above the bottom surface and below a surface which would dissipate the heat into the container, since it has been held that, absent any showing of unexpected results, rearranging parts of an invention involves only routine skill in the art. In re Japikse, 86 USPQ 70.
Regarding claim 16, Laatikainen, figs. 23 and 25, illustrates, diagrammatically, a heating source located within the seat (2032) and storage compartment (2502), but does not specifically mention the location within the containers. However, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, to place the heating element in the lower part of the container, above the bottom surface and below a surface which would dissipate the heat into the container, since it has been held that, absent any showing of unexpected results, rearranging parts of an invention involves only routine skill in the art. In re Japikse, 86 USPQ 70
Claim(s) 3, 5, 15, 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Laatikainen in view of Park (KR 2011 0028037 A).
Regarding claim 3, Laatikainen does not disclose a temperature sensor configured for continuous monitoring of a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage compartment, however Park teaches;
wherein the at least one temperature unit comprises a temperature sensor (sensor 71/72) configured for continuous monitoring of a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage compartment. (Page 15, line 13 describes temperature sensors located within a container which are connected to a control unit and power source in order to control the temperature within the container.)
A person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to modify Laatikainen to include a temperature sensor configured for continuous monitoring of a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage compartment as taught by Park, as the references and the claimed invention are directed to temperature controlled storage compartments. As disclosed by Park, it is well known for a temperature controlled storage compartment to include a temperature sensor configured for continuous monitoring of a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage compartment. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Laatikainen to include a temperature sensor configured for continuous monitoring of a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage compartment as taught by Park, as such a modification would provide the ability to maintain the temperature within the container.
Regarding claim 5, Laatikainen, figs. 23 and 25, illustrates a heating source but does not specifically describe wherein the at least one temperature unit comprises a first temperature unit positioned within the bottom panel and a second temperature unit positioned within at least one of the plurality of side panels. However, Park teaches;
wherein the at least one temperature unit comprises a first temperature unit (heater plate 53; page 13, line 4) positioned within the bottom panel and a second temperature unit positioned within at least one of the plurality of side panels. (Park teaches a heater plate located in the bottom of a compartment for maintaining the temperature of the compartment. It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, to duplicate a heating source located in the bottom panel of the compartment, since it has been held that mere duplication of the essential working parts of a device involves only routine skill in the art. St. Regis Paper Co. v. Bemis Co., 193 USPQ 8. Likewise, it would have been obvious to arrange these heating plates in the side panels of the compartment, since it has been held that, absent any showing of unexpected results, rearranging parts of an invention involves only routine skill in the art. In re Japikse, 86 USPQ 70.)
Regarding claim 15, Laatikainen does not disclose a temperature sensor configured for continuous monitoring of a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage compartment, however Park teaches;
wherein the at least one temperature unit comprises a temperature sensor (sensor 71/72) configured for continuous monitoring of a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage compartment. (Page 15, line 13 describes temperature sensors located within a container which are connected to a control unit and power source in order to control the temperature within the container.)
A person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to modify Laatikainen to include a temperature sensor configured for continuous monitoring of a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage compartment as taught by Park, as the references and the claimed invention are directed to temperature controlled storage compartments. As disclosed by Park, it is well known for a temperature controlled storage compartment to include a temperature sensor configured for continuous monitoring of a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage compartment. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Laatikainen to include a temperature sensor configured for continuous monitoring of a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage compartment as taught by Park, as such a modification would provide the ability to maintain the temperature within the container.
Regarding claim 17, Laatikainen, figs. 23 and 25, illustrates a heating source but does not specifically describe wherein the at least one temperature unit comprises a first temperature unit positioned within the bottom panel and a second temperature unit positioned within at least one of the plurality of side panels. However, Park teaches;
wherein the at least one temperature unit comprises a first temperature unit (heater plate 53; page 13, line 4) positioned within the bottom panel and a second temperature unit positioned within at least one of the plurality of side panels. (Park teaches a heater plate located in the bottom of a compartment for maintaining the temperature of the compartment. It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, to duplicate a heating source located in the bottom panel of the compartment, since it has been held that mere duplication of the essential working parts of a device involves only routine skill in the art. St. Regis Paper Co. v. Bemis Co., 193 USPQ 8. Likewise, it would have been obvious to arrange these heating plates in the side panels of the compartment, since it has been held that, absent any showing of unexpected results, rearranging parts of an invention involves only routine skill in the art. In re Japikse, 86 USPQ 70.)
Claim(s) 6, 8-12, 18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Laatikainen in view of Rhodes (US 2021 0188383 A1).
Regarding claim 6, Laatikainen, paragraphs 63 and 65 describe the accessory as a heat box but does not describe the functionality of the heating source other than to describe it as electrically powered. Electrically powered heat sources include heating pads and thin film heaters. Rhodes teaches;
wherein the at least one temperature unit includes at least one heater unit which is one of a heating pad, a thin film heater, and a laser direct structure. (Paragraph 5 of Rhodes describes a thin, heat generation device utilizing electrical current, which is configured to warm a hand grip of a snowmobile.)
A person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to modify Laatikainen to include a heater unit which is one of a heating pad, a thin film heater, and a laser direct structure as taught by Rhodes, as the references and the claimed invention are directed to heating devices for snow vehicles. As disclosed by Rhodes, it is well known for a heater unit to be one of a heating pad, a thin film heater, and a laser direct structure. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Laatikainen to include a heater unit which is one of a heating pad, a thin film heater, and a laser direct structure as taught by Rhodes, as such a modification would provide the ability to selective heating on a snowmobile.
Regarding claim 8, Laatikainen discloses;
A snowmobile with a temperature-controlled storage area, the vehicle comprising:
a plurality of ground engaging members; (fig. 25 and paragraph 51 describe runners and a drive wheel which contact the ground to support the vehicle.)
a powertrain operatively coupled to the ground engaging members to power movement of the ground engaging members; (Paragraph 25 describes a traction wheel powered by an electric motor.)
a structural frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members, the structural frame including a front portion and a steering assembly supported by the structural frame and operatively coupled to the ground engaging members; and (Paragraphs 22-25 describe a frame of the vehicle supporting the runners and the drive wheel. Figs. 22-27 illustrate a forward portion which allows mounting of a container or seat.)
Laatikainen does not describe the structural frame including a tunnel and a front portion positioned forward of the tunnel, a display positioned generally adjacent the steering assembly, or the temperature-controlled storage area is operably coupled to at least one of an input on the steering assembly and an input on the display and the at least one input is configured for adjusting a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage area. However , Rhodes teaches;
a structural frame including a tunnel (tunnel 32; Rhodes, fig. 2); (Paragraph 44 describes a tunnel in which the track circulates.)
a display positioned generally adjacent the steering assembly; (Paragraphs 50-51 and fig. 8A describe the LED display, positioned on the handlebar, which controls the electric hand warmers.)
wherein the temperature-controlled storage area is operably coupled to at least one of an input on the steering assembly and an input on the display and the at least one input is configured for adjusting a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage area. (Paragraphs 50-51 describe a handlebar mounted control for a heating device with the hand grips. Fig. 10A and paragraph 61, illustrate a display screen indicating the operation of the heated control grips. The modification of Laatikainen to include the heating element controls and display of Rhodes would place the control of the heating source located in the storage compartment, disclosed by Laatikainen, at the handlebar mounted control unit and display screen of Rhodes. Paragraph 54 of Rhodes suggests the use of storage compartment warmers.)
A person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to modify Laatikainen to include a structural frame including a tunnel, a display positioned generally adjacent the steering assembly, and the temperature-controlled storage area is operably coupled to at least one of an input on the steering assembly and an input on the display and the at least one input is configured for adjusting a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage area as taught by Rhodes, as the references and the claimed invention are directed to heated storage compartments for snow vehicles. As disclosed by Rhodes, it is well known for a snow vehicle to include a structural frame including a tunnel, a display positioned generally adjacent the steering assembly, and the temperature-controlled storage area is operably coupled to at least one of an input on the steering assembly and an input on the display and the at least one input is configured for adjusting a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage area as. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Laatikainen to include a structural frame including a tunnel, a display positioned generally adjacent the steering assembly, and the temperature-controlled storage area is operably coupled to at least one of an input on the steering assembly and an input on the display and the at least one input is configured for adjusting a temperature level of the temperature-controlled storage area as taught by Rhodes, as such a modification would provide the ability to position the heated compartment on a conventional snow-mobile and control the heated compartment from the operator’s station along with the other vehicle controls.
Regarding claim 9, Laatikainen in view of Rhodes discloses;
wherein the temperature-controlled storage area is supported by the front portion of the structural frame. (fig. 25 of Laatikainen illustrates the temperature controlled storage area located on the front portion of the vehicle frame.)
Regarding claim 10, Rhodes further teaches;
wherein the temperature-controlled storage area is supported by the tunnel of the structural frame. (Fig. 6 of Rhodes suggests an accessory mounting location (36) behind the seat, supported on the tunnel.)
Regarding claim 11, Laatikainen discloses;
wherein the temperature-controlled storage area includes a power outlet arranged within the temperature-controlled storage area. (Laatikainen, paragraph 65 notes that the accessory may comprise additional parts including a USB (power) source.)
Regarding claim 12, Rhodes further teaches;
wherein the display of the snowmobile includes a plurality of actuators for selecting a heat level of the snowmobile. (Rhodes, fig. 10A and paragraph 61, describe the control display as being capable of controlling the heating units by way of touch inputs. With the modification of Laatikainen, based on the teachings of Rhodes, the display unit’s touch input would control the heating devices in the storage compartment.)
Regarding claim 18 (renumbered from 19), Laatikainen, paragraphs 63 and 65 describe the accessory as a heat box but does not describe the functionality of the heating source other than to describe it as electrically powered. Electrically powered heat sources include heating pads and thin film heaters. Rhodes teaches;
wherein the at least one temperature unit includes at least one heater unit which is one of a heating pad, a thin film heater, and a laser direct structure. (Paragraph 5 of Rhodes describes a thin, heat generation device utilizing electrical current, which is configured to warm a hand grip of a snowmobile.)
A person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to modify Laatikainen to include a heater unit which is one of a heating pad, a thin film heater, and a laser direct structure as taught by Rhodes, as the references and the claimed invention are directed to heating devices for snow vehicles. As disclosed by Rhodes, it is well known for a heater unit to be one of a heating pad, a thin film heater, and a laser direct structure. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Laatikainen to include a heater unit which is one of a heating pad, a thin film heater, and a laser direct structure as taught by Rhodes, as such a modification would provide the ability to selective heating on a snowmobile.
Claim(s) 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Laatikainen in view of Rhodes (US 2021 0188383 A1) as applied to claim 8 above, and further in view of Gao (CN 111038448 A).
Regarding claim 13, and considering the 112(b) rejection above, Laatikainen in view of Rhodes discloses a temperature-controlled storage area with a means for controlling the temperature inside the storage area, but does not disclose control over the storage area by a coupled, mobile device. However, Gao teaches;
wherein the temperature-controlled storage area is operatively coupled to a mobile device for controlling a heat level of the temperature-controlled storage area. (Claim 1 and paragraph 8 of Gao describes a heating system for a vehicle which can be controlled by a software program on a mobile phone. Described functions include starting, stopping and adjusting the level of the heating system.)
A person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to modify Laatikainen in view of Rhodes to include control of a heat level of the temperature-controlled storage area by an operatively coupled mobile device as taught by Gao, as the references and the claimed invention are directed to vehicle accessory heating systems. As disclosed by Gao, it is well known for a vehicle accessory heating system to include control of a heat level of the temperature-controlled storage area by an operatively coupled mobile device. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Laatikainen in view of Rhodes to include control of a heat level of the temperature-controlled storage area by an operatively coupled mobile device as taught by Gao, as such a modification would provide the ability to remotely adjust the state of the temperature-controlled storage area.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SCOTT LAWRENCE STRICKLER whose telephone number is (703)756-1961. The examiner can normally be reached Mon. - Fri. 9:30am to 5:30pm.
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, Jason Shanske can be reached at (571) 270-5985. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/SCOTT LAWRENCE STRICKLER/ Examiner, Art Unit 3614
/JASON D SHANSKE/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3614