DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Election/Restrictions
Claims 5-8 are withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b), as being drawn to a nonelected Group I, Species II and Group II, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Applicant timely traversed the restriction (election) requirement in the reply filed on 03/27/2026.
Applicant's election with traverse of Group I, Species I in the reply filed on 03/27/2026 is acknowledged. The traversal is on the ground(s) that a thorough search for the subject matter of any one Group of claims or species would encompass a search for the subject matter of the remaining claims and species. This is not found persuasive because the inventions of Group I and Group II require a different field of search such as searching different classifications since Group II is a method of manufacturing a coil component. In addition, the species of patentably indistinct species require a different field of search (for example, searching different classifications, classes/subclasses or electronic resources, or employing different search queries). Species I is a specific design that is not found in other Species.
The requirement is still deemed proper and is therefore made FINAL.
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.
Claim(s) 1-3 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Tanaka et al. [JP 2012-195399].
Regarding Claim 1, Tanaka et al. shows a coil component (Figs. 1-8) comprising:
a coil (22) configured of a winding (see Figs. 1-8);
an exterior body (21) provided to cover the coil (see Figs. 1-8); and
a terminal part (elements 27, 26 combined) configured to be continuous with the winding (see Figs. 1-8, Paragraph [0062]),
wherein a proximal end portion (26) of the terminal part is buried in the exterior body (see Figs. 1-8), and
a distal end portion (27) ahead of the proximal end portion is bent from the proximal end portion (see Figs. 1-8, element 27 ahead of element 26 is bent from element 26) and located outside a surface (right surface, see Fig. 2) of the exterior body along the surface (see Figs. 1-8, element 27 located outside of a right surface of element 21 along the right surface).
Regarding Claim 2, Tanaka et al. shows the terminal part has a flat shape with a thickness smaller than a diameter of the winding (see Figs. 1-5, element 27 has a flat shape with a thickness smaller than a diameter of element 22, Paragraphs [0016], [0020], [0025], [0030]); and the proximal end portion has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward the distal end portion (see Fig. 5, element 26 has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward element 27).
Regarding Claim 3, Tanaka et al. shows the distal end portion (27) protrudes more than the coil (22) in an extending direction (up-down direction or y-direction, see Fig. 2) of a central axis of the coil (see Fig. 2, element 27 protrudes more than element 22 in up-down direction or y-direction of a central axis of element 22).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 2 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tanaka et al. in view of Kakizaki et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0193374].
Regarding Claim 2, Tanaka et al. shows the terminal part has a flat shape with a thickness smaller than a diameter of the winding (see Figs. 1-5, element 27 has a flat shape with a thickness smaller than a diameter of element 22, Paragraphs [0016], [0020], [0025], [0030]); and the proximal end portion has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward the distal end portion (see Fig. 5, element 26 has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward element 27).
In addition, Kakizaki et al. shows (Fig. 3B) the proximal end portion (12a) has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward the distal end portion (see Fig. 3B, Paragraph [0047]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the proximal end portion has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward the distal end portion as taught by Kakizaki et al. for the coil component as disclosed by Tanaka et al. to have mounting area, improves mounting strength, and improves reliability of electrical connection (Paragraph [0070]).
Claim(s) 2 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tanaka et al. in view of Kim et al. [KR 2018-0017409].
Regarding Claim 2, Tanaka et al. shows the terminal part has a flat shape with a thickness smaller than a diameter of the winding (see Figs. 1-5, element 27 has a flat shape with a thickness smaller than a diameter of element 22, Paragraphs [0016], [0020], [0025], [0030]); and the proximal end portion has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward the distal end portion (see Fig. 5, element 26 has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward element 27).
In addition, Kim et al. shows (Fig. 7) the proximal end portion (1242) has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward the distal end portion (1240, see Fig. 7).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the proximal end portion has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward the distal end portion as taught by Kim et al. for the coil component as disclosed by Tanaka et al. to achieve stable performance (Paragraph [0057]) which improves mounting strength and improves reliability of electrical connection.
Claim(s) 2 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tanaka et al. in view of Kim et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2022/0181068] (hereinafter as “Kim ‘068”).
Regarding Claim 2, Tanaka et al. shows the terminal part has a flat shape with a thickness smaller than a diameter of the winding (see Figs. 1-5, element 27 has a flat shape with a thickness smaller than a diameter of element 22, Paragraphs [0016], [0020], [0025], [0030]); and the proximal end portion has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward the distal end portion (see Fig. 5, element 26 has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward element 27).
In addition, Kim ‘068 shows (Figs. 2-3) the proximal end portion (332) has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward the distal end portion (see Figs. 2-3, Paragraph [0065]).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the proximal end portion has a flared shape of which a width gradually widens toward the distal end portion as taught by Kim ‘068 for the coil component as disclosed by Tanaka et al. to improve inductance and current characteristics (Paragraph [0105]) which improves mounting strength and improves reliability of electrical connection.
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tanaka et al. in view of Sasamori et al. [U.S. Patent No. 9,305,702].
Regarding Claim 4, Tanaka et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil.
Sasamori et al. shows a device (Fig. 5) teaching and suggesting the winding has a connection portion (51A or 51B) with the terminal part; and the connection portion (51A or 51B) is bent inward toward the central axis (central axis of element 51) of the coil (51, see Fig. 5, element 51A or 51B is bent inward toward central axis of element 51).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil as taught by Sasamori et al. for the coil component as disclosed by Tanaka et al. to achieve spring characteristics to facilitate strong contacts (Col. 5, Lines 35-42).
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tanaka et al. in view of Kim [KR 102098623 B1].
Regarding Claim 4, Tanaka et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil.
Kim shows a device (Figs. 1-2) teaching and suggesting the winding has a connection portion (22) with the terminal part; and the connection portion (22) is bent inward toward the central axis (central axis of element 21) of the coil (21, see Fig. 1, element 22 is bent inward toward central axis of element 21).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil as taught by Kim for the coil component as disclosed by Tanaka et al. to achieve desirable coupling and operating characteristics.
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tanaka et al. in view of Kikukawa [U.S. Pub. No. 2013/0143381].
Regarding Claim 4, Tanaka et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil.
Kikukawa shows a device (Fig. 1 and Drawing 1 below) teaching and suggesting the winding has a connection portion (connection portion CP) with the terminal part; and the connection portion (connection portion CP) is bent inward toward the central axis (central axis CA) of the coil (4, see Drawing 1 below).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil as taught by Kikukawa for the coil component as disclosed by Tanaka et al. to reduce transmission loss and achieve excellent in terms of magnetic field generation efficiency (Paragraphs [0025]-[0026]).
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tanaka et al. in view of Hachiya [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0035730].
Regarding Claim 4, Tanaka et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil.
Hachiya shows a device (Fig. 2 and Drawing 2 below) teaching and suggesting the winding has a connection portion (connection portion CP) with the terminal part; and the connection portion (connection portion CP) is bent inward toward the central axis (A) of the coil (100, see Drawing 2 below).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil as taught by Hachiya for the coil component as disclosed by Tanaka et al. to enable the reduction of the height and overall size while turns of the conducting wire can be adhered sufficiently (Paragraph [0007]).
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tanaka et al. in view of Oka [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0020356].
Regarding Claim 4, Tanaka et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil.
Oka shows a device (Fig. 2 and Drawing 3 below) teaching and suggesting the winding has a connection portion (connection portion CP) with the terminal part (490); and the connection portion (connection portion CP) is bent inward toward the central axis (central axis CA) of the coil (400, see Drawing 3 below).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil as taught by Oka for the coil component as disclosed by Tanaka et al. to provide an inductor with improved electromagnetic characteristics (Paragraph [0005]).
Claim(s) 4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tanaka et al. in view of Yamada et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0260821].
Regarding Claim 4, Tanaka et al. shows the claimed invention as applied above but does not show the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil.
Yamada et al. shows a device (Fig. 1 and Drawing 4 below) teaching and suggesting the winding has a connection portion (connection portion CP) with the terminal part (2); and the connection portion (connection portion CP) is bent inward toward the central axis (central axis CA) of the coil (1, see Drawing 4 below).
Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the winding has a connection portion with the terminal part; and the connection portion is bent inward toward the central axis of the coil as taught by Yamada et al. for the coil component as disclosed by Tanaka et al. to heighten the bending accuracy of the terminal to provide a coil component in which external-dimensional accuracy is preferable (Paragraphs [0025], [0058]) to achieve stable force so that accuracy in bending the terminal portion can be improved and provide the coil component is stable in overall size (Paragraphs [0058], [0077]).
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Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to TSZFUNG J CHAN whose telephone number is (571)270-7981. The examiner can normally be reached M-TH 8:00AM-6:00PM.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Shawki Ismail can be reached at (571)272-3985. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/TSZFUNG J CHAN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2837
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