CTFR 18/308,403 CTFR 77593 DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status 07-03-aia AIA 15-10-aia The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 07-103 AIA The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action. 07-21-aia AIA Claim s 1-20 are finally rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Poehlmann (7,921,752) in view of Glesser (8,745,878) . Poehlmann meets all of the limitations of claim 1, i.e., a multipurpose tool comprising: a head @jaws 70, Fig. 2 comprising: PNG media_image1.png 227 429 media_image1.png Greyscale a first jaw 70 top ; and a second jaw 70 bottom ; a first handle 20 bottom , the first handle including a first body Fig. 2 and coupled to the first jaw 70 top, Fig. 5E ; a second handle 20 top, Fig. 2 , the second handle including a second body coupled to the second jaw bottom jaw 70 ; a plurality of rotatable tool components 60 stored within the first body of the first handle and the second body of the second handle Fig. 2, tools shown deployed ; and PNG media_image2.png 313 549 media_image2.png Greyscale a locking mechanism , Fig. 5E configured to secure the first handle 20 bottom with respect to the head @jaws 70 , the locking mechanism comprising: an engagement member 69 coupled to the first jaw and including a projection recess 68 ; a pin 154 extending toward the head Fig. 5E , the pin comprising: a first end tip ; and a second end base opposing the first end; and wherein the first handle is rotatable about a pivot axis 72 between a first locked position in which the first jaw 70 extends from the first handle Fig. 5E , and a second locked position in which the first jaw 75 is positioned within the first body Fig. 1 , except for the engagement member 69 to include a projection and for a biasing element that engages the second end of the pin, biasing the first end of the pin toward the engagement member and wherein in an unlocked position the pin is freely rotatable along the outer surface of the engagement member. PNG media_image3.png 209 365 media_image3.png Greyscale Glesser teaches a folding knife locking mechanism 50 for a pivoting head 4 with an engagement member tang with a projection defined by flat/straight surfaces 42/46 intersecting the PNG media_image4.png 252 401 media_image4.png Greyscale curved end portion biased by a biased element 54 that engages a pin 50 toward the engagement member. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective date of the invention, to modify the engaging pin/rod 154 of Poehlmann with a biasing spring and detent/projections as taught by Glesser to positively lock the head in either an extended or a folded position of the head relative to the handles. CLAIM 9 PNG media_image5.png 351 536 media_image5.png Greyscale Poehlmann meets all of the limitations of claim 9, i.e., a multipurpose tool comprising: a head 18, Fig. 2 comprising: a first jaw 70 top ; and a second jaw 70 bottom ; a first handle 20 bottom , the first handle including a first body storing tools 60 and coupled to the first jaw top jaw, Fig. 5E ; a second handle 20 top , the second handle including a second body Fig. 2 coupled to the second jaw 70 bottom ; a plurality of rotatable tool 60 components positioned within the first body of the first handle and the second body of the second handle Fig. 2 ; and PNG media_image2.png 313 549 media_image2.png Greyscale a locking mechanism comprising: an engagement member 69 coupled to at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw Fig. 5E , the engagement member including a projection recess 68 ; a pin 154 extending toward the head Fig. 5E ; and wherein at least one of the first handle and the second handle is pivotable about a pivot axis 74 between a locked position Fig. 5E and an unlocked position Fig. 1 ; wherein, when the at least one of the first handle and the second handle is in the locked position Fig. 5E , pushing the pin 154 into engagement with the projection recess 68 of the engagement member 69 to resist movement of the at least one of the first handle and the second handle with respect to the head @jaws 70 ; and wherein, when the at least one of the first handle and the second handle is in the unlocked position when 154 withdrawn from 68 , the pin 154 is at least capable of being movable along an outer surface of the engagement member around base 69 such that the at least one of the first handle 20 and the second handle 20 is pivotable, except for the engagement member 69 to include a projection and for a biasing element that engages the second end of the pin, biasing the first end of the pin toward the engagement member and wherein in an unlocked position the pin is freely rotatable along the outer surface of the engagement member. PNG media_image3.png 209 365 media_image3.png Greyscale Glesser teaches a folding knife locking mechanism 50 for a pivoting head 4 with an engagement member tang with a projection defined by flat/straight surfaces 42/46 intersecting the curved end portion biased by a biased element 54 that engages a pin 50 toward the engagement member. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective date of the invention, to modify the engaging pin/rod 154 of Poehlmann with a biasing spring and detent/projections as taught by Glesser to positively lock the head in either an extended or a folded position of the head relative to the handles. CLAIM 15 Poehlmann meets all of the limitations of claim 1, i.e., a multipurpose tool comprising: a pliers head @jaws 70 Fig. 2 comprising: a first jaw 70 top ; and a second jaw 70 bottom ; a rotatable first handle 20 bottom , the first handle including a first body storing tools 60 and coupled to the first jaw top jaw, Fig. 5E ; a rotatable second handle 20 top , the second handle including a second body and coupled to the second jaw Fig. 5E ; a plurality of rotatably mounted tool components 60 positioned within the first body of the first handle and the second body of the second handle Fig. 2 ; and a locking mechanism 154, 156, 162 configured to secure the first handle 20 bottom with respect to the pliers head @jaws 70 , the locking mechanism comprising: an engagement member 69 coupled to the first jaw, the engagement member including a first projection recess 68 and a second projection ; a pivot axis 30 extending through the engagement member Fig. 5E ; a pin 154 extending toward the pliers head; and wherein, when moving the pin 154 into engagement with the engagement member 69 , the first projection recess 68 resists movement of the pin such that the first handle is secured in an extended position Fig. 5E ; and wherein, when the pin moves past the first projection recess 68 into an unlocked position meeting the narrative/functional language of in which the pin 154 is freely rotatable about an outer surface of the engagement member 154 is at least capable of touching and rotating around the base 69 when not engaged with recess 68 , except for the member 69 to include a projection and for a biasing element that engages the second end of the pin, biasing the first end of the pin toward the engagement member and wherein in an unlocked position the pin is freely rotatable along the outer surface of the engagement member. PNG media_image3.png 209 365 media_image3.png Greyscale Glesser teaches a folding knife locking mechanism 50 for a pivoting head 4 with an engagement member tang with a projection defined by flat/straight surfaces 42/46 intersecting the curved end portion biased by a biased element 54 that engages a pin 50 toward the engagement member. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective date of the invention, to modify the engaging pin/rod 154 of Poehlmann with a biasing spring and detent/projections as taught by Glesser to positively lock the head in either an extended or a folded position of the head relative to the handles. Regarding claim 2 , PA (prior art, Poehlmann modified by Glesser) meets the limitations, i.e., the multipurpose tool of claim 1, wherein the biasing element 54 pushes the first end engaging tip of the pin 50 Glasser into engagement with the projection @42, 46 , such that the first handle resists rotation relative to the head Figs. 1, 2 . PNG media_image6.png 259 200 media_image6.png Greyscale Regarding claims 3 and 13 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the multipurpose tool of claim 1 or 9, the first body e.g., Fig. 5C further comprising: a side wall Fig. 5E having an outward facing surface Fig. 5F supporting the thumb pad 156 ; and a recess 162 defined in the outward facing surface of the side wall Fig. 5F ; wherein the pin 154 and the biasing element as modified above are positioned within the recess of the first body Fig. 5E with a spring biasing the pin into engagement positions . Regarding claim 4 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the multipurpose tool of claim 3, wherein, when the pin 50 is in an orientation aligned with the projection of the engagement member 69 , the projection defined adjacent 42, 46 engages the first end of the pin tip compressing the biasing element 54 such that the first handle is movable past the projection of the engagement member Fig. 5E Poehlmann . Regarding claims 5 and 14 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the multipurpose tool of claim 1 or 9, except for the locking mechanism 50 to further comprise a second engagement member coupled to a side of the first jaw opposing the engagement member; a second pin extending toward the head, the pin comprising a first end; and a second end opposing the first end; and a second biasing element that engages the second end of the pin, biasing the first end of the second pin toward the second engagement member. Poehlmann discloses 7:34-35 that a side of each handle 20 could contain a sliding locking mechanism 150 . It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective date of the invention, to provide another locking mechanism 50 for the other side of the first handle, to double the holding or retention force, since it has been held that mere duplication of the essential working parts of a devise involves only routine skill in the art. St. Regis Paper Co. v. Bemis Co., 193 USPQ 8. Regarding claims 6 and 19 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the multipurpose tool of claim 1 or 15, further comprising a second locking mechanism defined by the sliding locking mechanism 150 for the other handle, 07:34, Poehlmann configured to secure the second handle top handle with respect to the head @jaws 70 , the second locking mechanism comprising similar elements as the first locking mechanism, described above. Regarding claim 7 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the multipurpose tool of claim 1, wherein the pivot axis defined by 30, Fig. 5E Poehlmann is a central axis of the engagement member 69 . Regarding claim 8 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the multipurpose tool of claim 1, wherein the engagement member 69 of Poehlmann modified for projections is coupled to an outer surface of the first jaw 70 , Fig. 5E . Regarding claim 10 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the hand tool of claim 9, wherein, when the projection modified by Glasser engages the pin 50 Glasser such that the biasing element 54 is compressed, at least one of the first handle 20 and the second handle top handle 20 is rotatable past the projection of the engagement member and moveable into the unlocked position. Regarding claim 11 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the hand tool of claim 9, the engagement member 69 further comprising a second projection modified by Glasser extending outward from the engagement member 69 at a position angularly spaced apart from the projection about the pivot axis Fig. 5E . PNG media_image7.png 301 281 media_image7.png Greyscale Regarding claim 12 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the hand tool of claim 11, wherein, when the second projection modified by Glasser engages the pin modified 154 such that the biasing element 54 is compressed e.g., Fig. 7 , at least one of the first handle 20 and the second handle top jaw 20 is rotatable past the second projection adjacent 42 of the engagement member and moveable into a storage position Fig. 2 in which the head is positioned within at least one of the first body and the second body. Regarding claim 16 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the multipurpose tool of claim 15, wherein, when the first handle bottom handle 20 is in the unlocked position modified pin 154, withdrawn from 69 , the pin 154 is positioned along the outer surface of the engagement member 69, Fig. 5E between the first projection adjacent 46 and the second projection adjacent 42, Figs. 1 and 2 Glasser . Regarding claims 17 and 20 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the multipurpose tool of claim 15 or 19, wherein, when the first handle bottom handle 20, Fig. 5E is in the unlocked position modified pin 154 withdrawn against the biased of spring 54 and rotated toward the pliers head and the engagement member 69 applies a force greater than the locking force spring force on the pin, the pin moves past the second projection e.g., adjacent 46 such that the first handle is secured in a storage position pin engaged adjacent 42, Fig. 2 . Regarding claim 18 , PA meets the limitations, i.e., the multipurpose tool of claim 17, wherein the pliers head @jaws 70 is positioned within the first body when in the storage position Fig. 1, Poehlmann . Conclusion 07-40 AIA Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL . See MPEP § 706.07(a). 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. Response to Arguments 07-37 AIA Applicant's arguments filed January 29, 2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive because the new ground of rejection does not rely on the teaching reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument. The arguments for the newly added features, e.g., freely rotated along the other surface of the engagement member is met by newly relied upon teaching reference . Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to HADI SHAKERI whose telephone number is (571)272-4495. The fax phone number for forwarding unofficial documents for discussion purposes only is (571) 273-4495. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F. 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, Brian Keller can be reached on 571 272 8548. The fax number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /Hadi Shakeri/ May 26, 2026 Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3723 Application/Control Number: 18/308,403 Page 2 Art Unit: 3723 Application/Control Number: 18/308,403 Page 3 Art Unit: 3723 Application/Control Number: 18/308,403 Page 4 Art Unit: 3723 Application/Control Number: 18/308,403 Page 5 Art Unit: 3723 Application/Control Number: 18/308,403 Page 6 Art Unit: 3723 Application/Control Number: 18/308,403 Page 7 Art Unit: 3723 Application/Control Number: 18/308,403 Page 8 Art Unit: 3723 Application/Control Number: 18/308,403 Page 9 Art Unit: 3723
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