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 Species B, Figs. 4 and 5 in the reply filed on 6/12/2026 is acknowledged. Applicant contends all the claims read on the elected species. However, claims 3-5 and 16 are directed to the non-elected Species A containing the bolt head. Accordingly, claims 3-5 and 16 are withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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.
Claims 1-2, 6-15 and 17-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Salinero (US 9,267,529). Salinero discloses a stamped-metal ergonomic retainer clip comprising: a first planer surface (8); a second planer surface (11); a bend (7) resiliently connecting the first and second planer surfaces defining a channel therebetween; fastener plate (10) resiliently connected to the first planer surface and extending into the channel; an internally threaded collar (60) in the fastener plate for receiving a male fastener; a guide lip positioned adjacent an opening into the channel which can provide a bearing area for being manipulated; a plurality of locking tabs including first interlocking tabs (3) coupled to the fastener plate interleaved with a second interlocking tab (2) formed at the bend adjacent the first and second planer surfaces wherein the first and second tabs are perpendicular to one another (Fig. 1); a panel tab (1) for securing into a hole of a first component and encircling a male fastener; and a male fastener (Brief Description of the Invention) having a head and shank extending through a hole in the second planer surface and threaded into the collar.
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Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Benkel (US 2009/0003961), Johnson (US 2020/0284288) and Guip (US 7,941,930) are cited to teach clips including a fastener plate with retaining tabs. The other references cited are of general interest.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to FLEMMING SAETHER whose telephone number is (571)272-7071. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8:30 - 7:00 eastern.
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/FLEMMING SAETHER/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3675
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