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
Applicant’s election without traverse of Invention I, claims 1-16 in the reply filed on 04/24/2026 is acknowledged.
Foreign Priority
Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d). The certified copy has been filed in parent Application No. KR10-2022-0191294, filed on 12/30/2022.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 12/27/2023 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Claim Objections
Claim 4 is objected to because of the following informalities: the word "in". Appropriate correction is required.
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.
Claims 1, and 4-9 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yamada; US 2025/0204214 A1; 05/2022 in view of Son et al.; US 12,414,252 B2; 10/2022
Claim 1: Yamada discloses a display device comprising: a display panel ( Fig. 1 ) comprising a first area ( Fig. 1 display region DA ), a second area ( Fig. 1 touch region TA ), a bending area ( Fig. 1 folding portion B ), and a bezel area ( Fig. 1 picture-frame region FA ); a cover member on the display panel ( Fig. 6 cover panel CP );
wherein the back frame ( Fig. 2 back face protective film PF ) supports the reinforcing member ( Fig. 2 second adhesive layer 180 ), supports the bezel area ( Fig. 1 FA ) of the cover member ( [0070] The sealing film 80 is provided in an upper portion of the light-emitting-element layer 60 ), and supports the first area ( Fig. 1 display region DA ), the second area ( Fig. 1 touch region TA ), and the bending area ( Fig. 1 folding portion B ) of the display panel ( Fig 1 display panel DP ).
Yamada does not appear to disclose a protection member outside of the display panel in the bending area; a reinforcing member outside of the protection member in the bending area; and a back frame under the reinforcing member, under the cover member, and under the display panel that is bent.
However, Son teaches a protection member ( Col 6 lines 17 – 20 Referring to FIG. 4, the flexible substrate 111 is a plate-shaped configuration disposed at the bottom, and serves to support and protect other components disposed upon the flexible substrate 111 ) outside of the display panel in the bending area ( as shown in Fig. 9B ); a reinforcing member ( Fig. 9B panel layer 110 ) outside of the protection member ( Fig. 9b #111 ) in the bending area (as discussed above ); and a back frame ( Fig. 9B backplate 101 ) under the reinforcing member ( Fig. 9B #110 ), under the cover member ( Fig. 9B cover window 164 ), and under the display panel that is bent ( as shown in Fig. 9B ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Son with Yamada to implement a protection member outside of the display panel in the bending area; a reinforcing member outside of the protection member in the bending area; and a back frame under the reinforcing member, under the cover member, and under the display panel that is bent because this stacked approach protects the display panel from external impacts, abrasion, and environmental damage.
Claim 4: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 1 ( as discussed above).
Yamada teaches the back frame ( Fig. 2: PF) is in contact with the bezel area ( Fig. 2: FA ) of the cover member ( Fig. 8: sealing film 80), and with the second area of the display panel ( Fig. 1: TA ) and the protection member ( Fig. 8 #80 ) of the bending area ( Fig. 1: B).
Claim 5: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 1 ( as discussed above ).
Yamada does not appear to disclose the first area corresponds to an active area of the display panel, the second area comprises the bent display panel, and the first area and the second area face each other in a vertical direction.
However, Son teaches the first area corresponds to an active area ( Fig. 7 active area AA ) of the display panel ( Fig. 8 display panel 100 ), the second area ( Fig. 7 pad area PA ) comprises the bent display panel ( as shown in Fig. 7 ), and the first area ( Fig. 7: AA ) and the second area ( Fig. 7: PA ) face each other in a vertical direction ( as shown in Fig. 7 ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Son with Yamada to implement the first area corresponds to an active area of the display panel, the second area comprises the bent display panel, and the first area and the second area face each other in a vertical direction because the first area is used to display text, images, and other content while the second area is typically used to accommodate electrical connections so they face each other in a vertical direction to ensure proper optical and mechanical alignment.
Claim 6: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 5 ( as discussed above).
Yamada does not appear to disclose the display panel has a flat shape in the first area, a downwardly bent shape in the bending area, and a flat shape in the second area.
However, Son teaches the display panel has a flat shape in the first area ( Fig. 7: AA ), a downwardly bent shape in the bending area ( as shown in Fig. 7 ), and a flat shape in the second area ( bottom of curve in Fig. 7 ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Son with Yamada to implement the display panel has a flat shape in the first area, a downwardly bent shape in the bending area, and a flat shape in the second area because the first area is generally the image display region which is kept flat to maintain optimal optical performance while the bending area is a transition zone that is curved to distribute stress evenly and facilitate bonding while the second area is usually non-display and serves as a mounting or bonding interface so keeping it flat helps with this process.
Claim 7: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 1 ( as discussed above).
Yamada teaches a first back plate ( Fig. 2: polarizing plate PP ) under the display panel ( Fig. 2: DA, TA ), the first back plate ( Fig. 2: PP ) supporting the display panel in the first area ( Fig. 2: DA ) and the bending area ( Fig. 2: B ); a second back plate ( Fig 2: first adhesive layer 160 ) on the bent display panel ( Fig. 2: B ), the second back plate ( Fig. 2 PP portion under B ) supporting the display panel in the second area ( Fig. 2: TA is covered by PP ); and a plate between ( [0103] Then, a portion, which is included in polarizing plate PP attached to the panel body PL and is positioned in the folding portion B, is removed so that the first adhesive layer 160 is exposed from the polarizing plate PP in the folding portion B ) the first back plate ( Fig. 2 top portion of PP ) and the second back plate ( Fig. 2 bottom portion of PP ).
Claim 8: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 7 ( as discussed above).
Yamada teaches a connection member ( Fig. 2 first adhesive layer 160 ) that fixes the bent display panel ( Fig. 2: B) in the bezel area ( Fig. 2: FA ) is between the second back plate ( Fig. 2 bottom portion of PP ) and the plate ( Fig. 2 upper portion of PP ).
Claim 9: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 8 ( as discussed above).
Yamada teaches the connection member ( Fig. 2 #160 ) is made of at least one material of an optical clear adhesive, an optical clear resin, or a pressure sensitive adhesive, as at least one layer ( [0083] the first adhesive layer 160 include an acrylic adhesive ).
Claims 2 and 3 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yamada; US 2025/0204214 A1; 05/2022 in view of Son et al.; US 12,414,252 B2; 10/2022 as it relates to claim 1 above and further in view of Wang; US 2024/0032408 A1; 05/2021
Claim 2: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 1 ( as discussed above).
Neither Yamada nor Son appear to disclose the protection member comprises metal nanoparticles.
However, Wang teaches the protection member ( [0065] the metal nanoparticle layer 102 achieves a function of resisting solar radiation, and achieves an effect of preventing the luminous efficiency and the lifespan of the organic light-emitting display panel 10 from decreasing, thereby improving the performance and quality of the organic light-emitting display panel 100 ) comprises metal nanoparticles ( [0063] In one embodiment, a material of the metal nanoparticle layer 102 is selected from aluminum nanoparticle, copper nanoparticle, silver nano-ion, or zinc oxide nanoparticle. The specific material of the metal nanoparticle layer 102 is determined according to a specific process requirements of the organic light emitting display panel 10 ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Wang with Yamada and Son to implement the protection member comprises metal nanoparticles because incorporating these materials improves scratch resistance and does not degrade the transparency of the layer.
Claim 3: Yamada, Son, and Wang disclose the display device of claim 2 ( as discussed above).
Neither Yamada nor Son appear to disclose the metal nanoparticles comprise aluminum or silver.
However, Wang teaches the metal nanoparticles comprise aluminum or silver ( [0063] In one embodiment, a material of the metal nanoparticle layer 102 is selected from aluminum nanoparticle, copper nanoparticle, silver nano-ion, or zinc oxide nanoparticle. The specific material of the metal nanoparticle layer 102 is determined according to a specific process requirements of the organic light emitting display panel 10 ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Wang with Yamada and Son to implement the metal nanoparticles comprise aluminum or silver because both aluminum and silver nanoparticles can be engineered to maintain high visible light transmittance.
Claims 10 and 13-16 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yamada; US 2025/0204214 A1; 05/2022 in view of Son et al.; US 12,414,252 B2; 10/2022 as it relates to claim 8 above and further in view of Liu; US 2025/0089524 A1; 04/2022
Claim 10: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 8 ( as discussed above).
Neither Yamada nor Son appear to disclose the connection member comprises a tape or a double-sided tape with conductivity that is a foam tape or a foam pad.
However, Liu teaches the connection member ( Fig. 3 connection element 14 ) comprises a tape or a double-sided tape with conductivity that is a foam tape or a foam pad ( [0039] the connection element 14 can include a tape and a super clean foam (SCF)).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Liu with Yamada and Son to implement the connection member comprises a tape or a double-sided tape with conductivity that is a foam tape or a foam pad because
Claim 13: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 1 ( as discussed above).
Neither Yamada nor Son appear to disclose the protection member covers the display panel of the bending area, and a portion of the display panel of the first area in contact with the bending area.
However, Liu teaches the protection member ( Fig. 3 integrated adhesive layer 17 ) covers the display panel of the bending area ( as shown in Fig. 3 ), and a portion of the display panel of the first area ( Fig. 3 display portion 161 ) in contact with the bending area ( Fig. 3 bending portion 163 ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Liu with Yamada and Son to implement the protection member covers the display panel of the bending area, and a portion of the display panel of the first area in contact with the bending area because this approach improves durability, reduces mechanical stress and improves optical performance.
Claim 14: Yamada, Son, and Liu disclose the display device of claim 13 ( as discussed above).
Yamada teaches the protection member ( Fig. 2: CP ) further covers the display panel of the second area ( Fig. 2: TA).
Claim 15: Yamada, Son, and Liu disclose the display device of claim 13 ( as discussed above).
Neither Yamada nor Liu appear to disclose the reinforcing member covers the protection member of the bending area, and covers a portion of the protection member of the first area in contact with the bending area.
However, Son teaches the reinforcing member ( Fig. 9B #164 ) covers the protection member ( Col. 9 lines 2-5 The cover window 164 is formed to be larger than the bent flexible substrate 111 so that the cover window 164 can accommodate the flexible substrate 111 in its inside ) of the bending area ( as shown in Fig. 9B ), and covers a portion of the protection member of the first area ( as shown in Fig. 8 ) in contact with the bending area ( illustrated further in Fig. 9B ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Son with Yamada and Liu to implement the reinforcing member covers the protection member of the bending area, and covers a portion of the protection member of the first area in contact with the bending area because this approach improves structural integrity in these high-stress zones.
Claim 16: Yamada, Son, and Liu disclose the display device of claim 15 ( as discussed above).
Yamada teaches the reinforcing member ( Fig. 2 #180 ) further covers the protection member ( Fig. 2 protective film PF ) of the second area ( Fig. 2 touch region TA).
Claim 11 is rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yamada; US 2025/0204214 A1; 05/2022 in view of Son et al.; US 12,414,252 B2; 10/2022 as it relates to claim 7 above and further in view of Park et al.; US 2022/0209167 A1; 11/2021
Claim 11: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 7 ( as discussed above).
Neither Yamada nor Son appear to disclose the plate comprises: an embossed layer in contact with the first back plate; a cushion layer under the embossed layer; and a heat dissipation layer under the cushion layer.
However, Park (‘167) teaches the plate comprises: an embossed layer ( Fig. 2 embossed layer 310 ) in contact with the first back plate ( Fig. 2 first backplate 210 ); a cushion layer ( Fig. 2 metal foam 320 ) under the embossed layer ( Fig. 2 #310 ); and a heat dissipation layer ( [0143] the metal foam 320 as a metal structure having a multiple of pores 321 therein can have a heat-dissipation function and a cushion function at the same time ) under the cushion layer ( Fig. 2 #320 ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Park (‘167) with Yamada and Son to implement the plate comprises: an embossed layer in contact with the first back plate; a cushion layer under the embossed layer; and a heat dissipation layer under the cushion layer because this approach provides mechanical protection, improves optical and structural performance and also provides thermal management.
Claim 12 is rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yamada; US 2025/0204214 A1; 05/2022 in view of Son et al.; US 12,414,252 B2; 10/2022 as it relates to claim 1 above and further in view of Park; US 2023/0217604 A1; 11/2022
Claim 12: Yamada and Son disclose the display device of claim 1 ( as discussed above).
Neither Yamada nor Son appear to disclose the reinforcing member comprises a micro-coating layer.
However, Park (‘604) teaches the reinforcing member ( Fig. 4 reinforcing plate 332 ) comprises a micro-coating layer ( Fig. 4 coating layer 336 ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Park (‘604) with Yamada and Son to implement the reinforcing member comprises a micro-coating layer because adding a micro-coating to a reinforcing member improves scratch resistance and reduces the risk of delamination.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KIMBERLY N FREY whose telephone number is (571)272-5068. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5 pm.
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, Marlon Fletcher can be reached at (571)272-2063. 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.
/K.N.F./Examiner, Art Unit 2817
/MARLON T FLETCHER/Supervisory Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2817
Prosecution Insights