Detailed Action
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . See 35 U.S.C. § 100 (note).
Art Rejections
Anticipation
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.
Obviousness
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.
Claims 1, 2, 6–8 and 10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over the combination of US Patent Application Publication 2016/0021441 (published 21 January 2016) (“Shao”) and US Patent Application Publication 2024/0089666 (effectively filed 13 September 2022) (“Lee”).
Claims 3, 4 and 9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over the combination of Shao; Lee and US Patent Application Publication 2023/0217179 (effectively filed 20 May 2020) (“Liu”).
Claim 1 is drawn to “a sound device.” The following table illustrates the correspondence between the claimed device and the Shao reference.
Claim 1
The Shao Reference
“1. A sound device, comprising:
The Shao reference describes a micro-speaker 10 corresponding to the claimed sound device. Shao at Abs., ¶¶ 15, 19–20, FIGs.1, 5–7.
“a frame;
Shao’s speaker 10 includes a frame 11. Id. at ¶1 5, FIG.1.
“a first vibration system;
“a magnetic circuit system;
“a second vibration system; and
Frame 11 contains a first vibration unit/system 13 and a second vibration unit/system 14 in conjunction with a magnetic system 12. Id.
“a front cover;
Shao’s cover 15 corresponds to the claimed cover. Id. at ¶ 19, FIGs.1, 5–7.
“wherein the frame comprises a first frame and a second frame, the second frame is stacked on and fixed to the first frame;
Shao’s speaker 10 includes a frame 11. Id. at ¶1 5, FIG.1. Frame 11 is a uniform piece, not two stacked frames. This also means that the elements of Shao’s speaker 10 are fixed to a unitary frame and not one of a first and second frame.
“wherein the first vibration system comprises a first vibrating diaphragm and a first voice coil,
“the first vibrating diaphragm is fixed to the first frame, and
“the first voice coil is configured to drive the first vibrating diaphragm to vibrate and sound;
“…the first voice coil is inserted into the first magnetic gap; and
First vibration unit 13 includes a diaphragm 131 and a voice coil 132. Id. Vibration unit 13 is fixed to frame 11 opposite second vibration unit 14 relative to magnetic circuit unit 12. Id. Voice coil 132 is inserted into a first gap 121e in order to drive diaphragm 141. Id. at ¶¶ 15, 18, FIGs.3, 6.
“the magnetic circuit system is fixed to the frame, the magnetic circuit system comprises a first magnetic conductive plate, a main magnetic steel, first side magnetic steels, second side magnetic steels, and second magnetic conductive plates;
The Shao reference describes a similar magnetic circuit unit 12 having a yoke 121 corresponding to the claimed first magnetic conductive plate, magnet assembly 122 having a permanent magnet and top plate (i.e., main magnetic steel), second magnetic assemblies 123 having second permanent magnets and top plates (first side magnetic steels, second side magnetic steels and second magnetic conductive plates). Id. at ¶ 16, FIG.2.
“the first magnetic conductive plate is fixed to the first frame,
“the first magnetic conductive plate comprises a magnetic conductive plate body, side plates, and fixing plates;
“the side plates are bent and respectively extend towards the first vibration system from two opposite sides of the magnetic conductive plate body, the fixing plates are bent and respectively extend from the side plates to the first frame, the fixing plates are directly fixed to the first frame;
Yoke 121 has a bottom 121a corresponding to the claimed plate body, sidewalls 121b corresponding to the claimed side plates and flanges 121c corresponding to the claimed fixing plates. Sidewalls 121b and flanges 121c are oriented in the same manner as the claimed side plates and fixing plates. Id. at ¶¶ 16–18, FIGs.2–4. Flanges 121c are in direct contact with rib 111 of a top portion of frame 1. Id. at ¶ 19, FIG.6.
“the main magnetic steel is fixed to one side, close to the first vibration system, of the magnetic conductive plate body;
“the first side magnetic steels are fixed to the frame and are located between the first frame and the second frame and are spaced apart;
“the first side magnetic steels are respectively disposed on a first side and a second side of the main magnetic steel,
“the two side plates are spaced apart, the two side plates are respectively disposed on a third side and a fourth side of the main magnetic steel;
“the main magnetic steel, the first side magnetic steels, and the side plates enclose to define a first magnetic gap;
“the second side magnetic steels are fixed to one side, away from the first vibration system, of the fixing plates;
“each of the second side magnetic steels is disposed on one side, away from the main magnetic steel, of a corresponding side plate;
“the second side magnetic steels are spaced apart;
“each of the second magnetic conductive plates is stacked on one side, away from the first vibration system, of each of the first side magnetic steels and/or each of the second side magnetic steels;
“the second magnetic conductive plates are directly fixed to the second frame,
“the second magnetic conductive plates are disposed around the magnetic conductive plate body at intervals and
“the second magnetic conductive plates are enclosed to define a second magnetic gap; and
Shao similarly, clearly depicts all the above-described magnetic unit components arranged within frame 11 and as claimed in order to define first and second magnetic gaps 121e and 121f. Id. The pole plates of magnet assemblies 123 are directly connected to a sidewall of a bottom portion of frame 11. Id. at FIG.6.
“the second vibration system comprises a second vibrating diaphragm and a second voice coil, the second vibrating diaphragm is fixed to the second frame and located on one side, away from the first vibration system, of the magnetic circuit system;
“the second voice coil drives the second vibrating diaphragm to vibrate and sound, and the second voice coil is inserted into the second magnetic gap;
Second vibration unit 14 includes a diaphragm 141 and a voice coil 142. Id. at ¶ 15, FIG.1. Vibration unit 14 is fixed to frame 11 opposite first vibration unit 13 relative to magnetic circuit unit 12. Id. Voice coil 142 is inserted into a second gap 121f in order to drive diaphragm 141. Id. at ¶¶ 15, 18, FIGs.4, 6.
“the front cover covers on one side, away from the second vibration system, of the second frame for forming a housing.”
Shao’s cover 15 fits on a top portion of frame 11 to create a housing. Id. at ¶ 19, FIGs.1, 5–7.
Table 1
The table above shows that the Shao reference describes a micro-speaker 10 that corresponds closely to the claimed sound device. Shao does not anticipate the cover and the two frames arranged in the same manner as the claimed invention.
The differences between the claimed invention and the Shao reference are such that the invention as a whole would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time this Application was effectively filed. Shao’s speaker 10 includes a frame 11 and cover 15. Frame 11 corresponds to the claimed first frame and cover 15 corresponds to the claimed cover. Shao at ¶ 19, FIGs.1, 5–7. All components, including side magnets 123 are located within the bounds of the frame 11. See id. Yoke 121, vibration system 14 and plates 121c are all fixed to frame 11. Id. However, Shao does not split its frame into two parts as claimed.
The Lee reference, however, teaches an alternative frame structure, in which a frame is split into an upper frame 2 and a lower frame 1. This would have reasonably suggested similarly forming Shao’s frame in two stacked parts featuring a top frame and a bottom frame. Internal vibration and magnetic elements located near a top of frame 11 would be located in and/or in direct contact with the first frame; vibration and magnetic elements located near a bottom of frame 11 would be located in and/or in direct contact with the second frame. Shao’s cover would then fit over the upper frame 2 to create a housing. For the foregoing reasons, the combination of the Shao and the Lee references makes obvious all limitations of the claim.
Claim 2 depends on claim 1 and further requires the following:
“wherein the first side magnetic steels are respectively disposed on two opposite long sides of the main magnetic steel at intervals, and the second side magnetic steels are respectively disposed on two opposite short sides of the main magnetic steel at intervals.”
Shao similarly describes two sets of side magnets 123 distributed around magnet 122. Shao at ¶ 16, FIG.2. A first set of side magnets 123 is longer and a second set of magnets 123 is shorter in order to form a rectangular speaker. Id. For the foregoing reasons, the combination of the Shao and the Lee references makes obvious all limitations of the claim.
Claim 3 depends on claim 1 and further requires the following:
“wherein each of the first side magnetic steels comprises a first magnetic steel body, a bending portion, and a first extending portion;
“each first magnetic steel body is fixed to the frame, each bending portion extends from one side, close to the main magnetic steel, of a corresponding first magnetic steel body to the first vibration system;
“each first extending portion protrudes and extends towards the main magnetic steel from a corresponding bending portion, and first extending portions and the main magnetic steel are spaced apart to form the first magnetic gap.”
Shao’s side magnets 123 are described as bar magnets aligned on the same plate, but that do not include a bending portion and an extending portion. See Shao at FIGs.3, 4. The Liu reference, however, describes alternative magnet shapes that include bends and extending portions in order to provide avoidance areas for moving components. Liu at ¶¶ 21, 314–319, FIG.62. Accordingly, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time this Application was effectively filed to have modified Shao’s side magnets 123 to exhibit a shape similar to the shapes taught and suggested by the Liu reference. One of ordinary skill in the art would have reasonably expected that doing so would provide avoidance areas so that moving parts would be able to operate through a wider range of motion in a smaller volume without striking other components, which would cause unwanted distortions. For the foregoing reasons, the combination of the Shao, the Lee and the Liu references makes obvious all limitations of the claim.
Claim 4 depends on claim 1 and further requires the following:
“wherein each of the first side magnetic steels comprises a second magnetic steel body and a second extending portion, each second magnetic steel body is fixed to the frame, each second extending portion extends from a corresponding second magnetic steel body to a position close to the main magnetic steel;
“one side, close to the first vibration system, of each second extending portion and one side, close to the first vibration system, of each second magnetic steel body are located on a same plane, and
“second extending portions and the main magnetic steel are spaced apart to form the first magnetic gap.”
Shao’s side magnets 123 are described as bar magnets aligned on the same plate, but that do not include an extending portion. See Shao at FIGs.3, 4. The Liu reference, however, describes alternative magnet shapes that include bends and extending portions in order to provide avoidance areas for moving components. Liu at ¶¶ 21, 314–319, FIG.62. Accordingly, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art at the time this Application was effectively filed to have modified Shao’s side magnets 123 to exhibit a shape similar to the shapes taught and suggested by the Liu reference. One of ordinary skill in the art would have reasonably expected that doing so would provide avoidance areas so that moving parts would be able to operate through a wider range of motion in a smaller volume without striking other components, which would cause unwanted distortions. For the foregoing reasons, the combination of the Shao, the Lee and the Liu references makes obvious all limitations of the claim.
Claim 6 depends on claim 1 and further requires the following:
“wherein the sound device further comprises supporting plates,
“the supporting plates are respectively fixed to two opposite sides of the first frame, and
“the first side magnetic steels are respectively fixed to the supporting plates.”
Similarly, Shao’s frame 111 includes supporting ribs/plates 111 to which magnets 123 attach. See Shao at ¶ 19, FIGs.6, 7. For the foregoing reasons, the combination of the Shao and the Lee references makes obvious all limitations of the claim.
Claim 9 depends on claim 1 and further requires the following:
“wherein the sound device further comprises an elastic conductive component,
“the elastic conductive component comprises a first elastic conductive component and second elastic conductive components,
“the first elastic conductive component is fixed to one side, close to the first vibration system, of the first frame;
“the second elastic conductive components are fixed to one side, close to the second vibration system, of the second frame; and
“the first elastic conductive component and the second elastic conductive components are respectively electrically connected to the first voice coil and the second voice coil.”
Shao’s speaker 10 includes elastic components (i.e., suspensions) to suspend diaphragms 131, 141 from cover 15 and frame 11, respectively. See Shao at FIGs.1, 6, 7. Shao also describes electrifying voice coils 132 and 142. Id. at ¶ 15. Shao does not describe the use of the suspensions to provide the electric signal to the voice coils. The Liu reference, however, teaches and suggests adding a combination of auxiliary diaphragms 6 and flexible circuit boards 4 to a small speaker, like the Shao speaker, in order to support the voice coil, prevent over excursion and conduct electrical signals to the voice coils. Liu at ¶¶ 171, 172, 198, 301, FIGs.12, 20–23, 35. This would have reasonably suggested modifying Shao’s speaker 10 to similarly include flexible circuit boards like the ones described by Liu. One of ordinary skill would have reasonably expected that doing so would have improved the reliable sound production of speaker 10 and solved the problem of routing electrical signals to voice coils in a small speaker volume. For the foregoing reasons, the combination of the Shao, the Lee and the Liu references makes obvious all limitations of the claim.
Claim 10 depends on claim 1 and further requires the following:
“wherein
“sound outlet holes are defined on the front cover and penetrate the front cover,
“the front cover is spaced apart from the second vibrating diaphragm to form a sound front cavity, and
“the sound front cavity is communicated with outside through the sound outlet holes.”
Cover 15 includes a top surface corresponding to the claimed front cover and side walls and an interior that corresponds to the claimed second frame. See Shao at FIGs.1, 5, 6. Cover 15 covers diaphragm 131 and voice coil 132. See id. The top surface of cover 15 includes an opening for sound generated by diaphragm 131. See id. There is a gap/cavity between the top surface of cover 15 and the top of diaphragm 131. See id. The cavity is vented through the opening in the top surface of cover 15. See id. For the foregoing reasons, the combination of the Shao and the Lee references makes obvious all limitations of the claim.
Claim 7 depends on claim 1 and further requires the following:
“wherein the magnetic circuit system further comprises a lower clamping plate, and
“the lower clamping plate is stacked on and fixed to one side, close to the first vibration system, of the main magnetic steel.”
The Shao reference describes a similar magnetic circuit unit 12 having a yoke 121 corresponding to the claimed first magnetic conductive plate, magnet assembly 122 having a permanent magnet and top plate (i.e., main magnetic steel and lower clamping plate), which top plate is arranged like the lower clamping plate. Shao at ¶ 16, FIG.2. For the foregoing reasons, the combination of the Shao and the Lee references makes obvious all limitations of the claim.
Claim 8 depends on claim 1 and further requires the following:
“wherein the magnetic conductive plate body, the side plate, and the fixing plate are integrally formed or independent structures.”
Similarly, Shao’s magnetic circuit unit 12 includes a yoke 121 with a bottom part 121a, sidewalls 121b and fixing plates 121c that are integral. Shao at ¶ 16, FIG.2. For the foregoing reasons, the combination of the Shao and the Lee references makes obvious all limitations of the claim.
Summary
Claims 1–4 and 6–10 are rejected under at least one of 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103 as being unpatentable over the cited prior art. 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.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 C.F.R. § 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Response to Applicant’s Arguments
Applicant’s Reply (26 September 2025) has substantively amended all the claims. This Office action has been updated accordingly.
Applicant’s Reply at 6–7 further includes comments pertaining to the amended claims and the rejections presented in the Non-Final Office action (27 June 2025). Those comments have been considered, but are moot in light of the new grounds of rejection presented in this Office action.
Conclusion
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.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to WALTER F BRINEY III whose telephone number is (571)272-7513. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8 am-4:30 pm.
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/Walter F Briney III/
Walter F Briney IIIPrimary ExaminerArt Unit 2692
2/4/2026