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 .
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, 4-8, 10-17, and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shen et al. (US 2022/0203813) in view of Chen (US 5,295,717).
With respect to claim 1, disclose Shen et al. disclose the claimed locking device except for the locking component disposed on the handle and capable of being engaged in a positioning recess of the locking block. Shen et al. disclose a locking device, configured to be engaged with a carriage, comprising:
a locking block 4 capable of abutting against the carriage 10 (as shown in Fig. 4B of Shen et al.); and
a handle 5 slidably disposed in the locking block 4 (as shown in Figs. 4B and 4C of Shen et al.).
Chen teaches a similar locking device including a locking block 25, a handle 40, and a locking component 51 disposed on the handle 40 and capable of being engaged in a positioning recess 26 of the locking block 25 (as shown in Fig. 5 of Chen),
wherein the locking component 51 comprises a positioning member 53 and a guide frame, the guide frame is disposed on the handle 40 as shown below in the image taken from Fig. 10 of Chen:
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and the positioning member 53 is slidably disposed in the guide frame and capable of being engaged in the positioning recess 26 as shown above.
wherein the positioning member 53 comprises a long pin (which is a mechanical equivalent of a long strip plate) as shown in Fig. 10 of Chen), the long strip plate is capable of being engaged in the positioning recess 26 (as shown in Fig. 10 of Chen), the guide frame is formed with a bypass groove 47, and the long strip plate is located in the bypass groove 47 and capable of sliding in the bypass groove 47 (as shown in Figs. 7-8 of Chen),
wherein when the locking component 51 is engaged in the positioning recess 26, the locking component restricts relative movement between the locking block 25 and the handle 40 (Chen, col. 5, lines 4-16; Fig. 10).
It 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, with a reasonable expectation of success, to combine the teaching of Chen with the locking device disclosed by Shen et al. for the advantage of preventing the handle from easily opening due to movement and vibration of the locking device.
With respect to claim 4, Chen teaches that the positioning member 8 further comprises an operation boss 52 disposed on the long strip plate 51 (as shown in Fig. 8 of Chen), the guide frame is further formed with a sliding channel 44 extending in a first direction, the operation boss 52 is restricted in the sliding channel 44, and when the operation boss moves in the sliding channel in the first direction, the long strip plate synchronously moves in the bypass groove in the first direction (as can be seen from Fig. 8 of Chen.).
With respect to claim 5, Chen discloses that the locking component further comprises an elastic member 54 disposed in the guide frame (as shown in Fig. 8 of Chen), and two ends of the elastic member 54 abut against the guide frame (at locking ring 55) and the positioning member respectively (through operation boss 52).
With respect to claim 6, Chen discloses that the positioning member comprises a stop boss 52, the guide frame is formed with a stop slot 44, the stop boss 52 is restricted in the stop slot 44 and is capable of sliding in the stop slot 44 (as shown in Figs. 7-8 of Chen), and the elastic member 54 is disposed in the stop slot 44 and abuts against an inner wall of the stop slot 44 and/or the stop boss 52 (as shown in Fig. 8 of Chen).
With respect to claim 7, Shen et al. disclose an adapter block 2 and a sliding rod 3, wherein an end of the sliding rod 3 is disposed in the adapter block 2, the sliding rod 3 is capable of sliding in the adapter block 2 and is capable of rotating relative to the adapter block 2 (Shen et al., paragraph [0017]), the locking block 4 sleeves outside the sliding rod 3, and the handle 5 is rotatably connected to the sliding rod 3 (threaded hole 601 in insertion block which is inside the handle 5 rotates to attach to threads 302 of rod 3).
With respect to claim 8, Shen et al. disclose a cylindrical pin 6 rotatably connected to the handle 5 and screwed to the sliding rod (Shen et al., paragraph [0022]; Fig. 1).
With respect to claim 10, Shen et al. in view of Chen disclose a carriage cover, comprising
a carriage cover body (Shen et al., paragraph [0005]),
a first mounting strip 8,
a second mounting strip 1, and
the locking device according to claim 1 (as outlined above in the prior art rejection of claim 1), wherein the first mounting strip and the second mounting strip are perpendicular to each other and are disposed on a lower side of the carriage cover body (as shown in Figs. 3 and 4B of Shen et al.), the locking device is disposed on the second mounting strip 1 (as shown in Fig. 4B of Shen et al.), and when the carriage cover covers the carriage, the locking device is configured to be engaged with the carriage 10 (Shen et al., paragraphs [0004]-[0005]).
With respect to claim 11, Chen teaches that the locking component 51 comprises a positioning member 53 and a guide frame, the guide frame is disposed on the handle 40 as shown below in the image taken from Fig. 10 of Chen:
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and the positioning member 53 is slidably disposed in the guide frame and capable of being engaged in the positioning recess 26 as shown above.
With respect to claim 12, Chen discloses that the positioning member 53 comprises a long pin (which is a mechanical equivalent of a long strip plate) as shown in Fig. 10 of Chen), the long strip plate is capable of being engaged in the positioning recess 26 (as shown in Fig. 10 of Chen), the guide frame is formed with a bypass groove 47, and the long strip plate is located in the bypass groove 47 and capable of sliding in the bypass groove 47 (as shown in Figs. 7-8 of Chen).
With respect to claim 13, Chen teaches that the positioning member 8 further comprises an operation boss 52 disposed on the long strip plate 51 (as shown in Fig. 8 of Chen), the guide frame is further formed with a sliding channel 44 extending in a first direction, the operation boss 52 is restricted in the sliding channel 44, and when the operation boss moves in the sliding channel in the first direction, the long strip plate synchronously moves in the bypass groove in the first direction (as can be seen from Fig. 8 of Chen.).
With respect to claim 14, Chen discloses that the locking component further comprises an elastic member 54 disposed in the guide frame (as shown in Fig. 8 of Chen), and two ends of the elastic member 54 abut against the guide frame (at locking ring 55) and the positioning member respectively (through operation boss 52).
With respect to claim 15, Chen discloses that the positioning member comprises a stop boss 52, the guide frame is formed with a stop slot 44, the stop boss 52 is restricted in the stop slot 44 and is capable of sliding in the stop slot 44 (as shown in Figs. 7-8 of Chen), and the elastic member 54 is disposed in the stop slot 44 and abuts against an inner wall of the stop slot 44 and/or the stop boss 52 (as shown in Fig. 8 of Chen).
With respect to claim 16, Shen et al. disclose an adapter block 2 and a sliding rod 3, wherein an end of the sliding rod 3 is disposed in the adapter block 2, the sliding rod 3 is capable of sliding in the adapter block 2 and is capable of rotating relative to the adapter block 2 (Shen et al., paragraph [0017]), the locking block 4 sleeves outside the sliding rod 3, and the handle 5 is rotatably connected to the sliding rod 3 (threaded hole 601 in insertion block which is inside the handle 5 rotates to attach to threads 302 of rod 3).
With respect to claim 17, Shen et al. disclose a cylindrical pin 6 rotatably connected to the handle 5 and screwed to the sliding rod (Shen et al., paragraph [0022]; Fig. 1).
With respect to claim 19, Shen et al. in view of Chen do not disclose a fastening hole formed through the guide frame, the handle being formed with a hole aligned with the fastening hole, and a fastener extending through the fastening hole and the hole aligned with the fastening hole so that the guide frame is fixed on the handle. However, the structure recited in claim 19 is merely structure that makes the guide frame separable from the handle. It has been held that making something separable is obvious if there is a motivation for separating that structure. In re Dulberg, 289 F.2d 522, 523, 129 USPQ 348, 349 (CCPA 1961) (The claimed structure, a lipstick holder with a removable cap, was fully met by the prior art except that in the prior art the cap is “press fitted” and therefore not manually removable. The court held that “if it were considered desirable for any reason to obtain access to the end of [the prior art’s] holder to which the cap is applied, it would be obvious to make the cap removable for that purpose.”). See MPEP § 21044.04, part V. In this case, making the guide frame separable from the handle would allow for simplified replacement of the elastic member that biases the positioning member into the positioning recess (in the case that it loses elasticity or breaks).
Claims 1, 9, 10, and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zheng (US 11,014,436) in view of Chen (US 5,295,717).
With respect to claim 1, disclose Zheng discloses the claimed locking device except for the locking component disposed on the handle and capable of being engaged in a positioning recess of the locking block. Zheng discloses a locking device, configured to be engaged with a carriage, comprising:
a locking block 338 capable of abutting against the carriage 22 (as shown in Fig. 3 of Zheng); and
a handle 340 slidably disposed in the locking block 338 (Zheng, col. 9, lines 20-27).
Chen teaches a similar locking device including a locking block 25, a handle 40, and a locking component 51 disposed on the handle 40 and capable of being engaged in a positioning recess 26 of the locking block 25 (as shown in Fig. 5 of Chen), wherein when the locking component 51 is engaged in the positioning recess 26, the locking component restricts relative movement between the locking block 25 and the handle 40 (Chen, col. 5, lines 4-16; Fig. 10),
wherein the locking component 51 comprises a positioning member 53 and a guide frame, the guide frame is disposed on the handle 40 as shown below in the image taken from Fig. 10 of Chen:
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and the positioning member 53 is slidably disposed in the guide frame and capable of being engaged in the positioning recess 26 as shown above.
wherein the positioning member 53 comprises a long pin (which is a mechanical equivalent of a long strip plate) as shown in Fig. 10 of Chen), the long strip plate is capable of being engaged in the positioning recess 26 (as shown in Fig. 10 of Chen), the guide frame is formed with a bypass groove 47, and the long strip plate is located in the bypass groove 47 and capable of sliding in the bypass groove 47 (as shown in Figs. 7-8 of Chen),
It 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, with a reasonable expectation of success, to combine the teaching of Chen with the locking device disclosed by Zheng et al. for the advantage of preventing the handle from easily opening due to movement and vibration of the locking device.
With respect to claim 9, Zheng discloses that the locking block 338 is provided with two sliding protrusions 345, the two sliding protrusions 345 are disposed opposite to each other (as shown in Fig. 6 of Zheng), the handle 340 comprises two wing plates 347 symmetrically disposed, and the two wing plates 347 abut against the two sliding protrusions 345 and are capable of sliding on the two sliding protrusions 345 (Zheng, col. 9, lines 20-27; Fig. 6).
With respect to claim 10, Zheng in view of Chen disclose a carriage cover, comprising
a carriage cover body 18,
a first mounting strip 20,
a second mounting strip 30, and
the locking device according to claim 1 (as outlined above in the prior art rejection of claim 1), wherein the first mounting strip 20 and the second mounting strip 30 are perpendicular to each other and are disposed on a lower side of the carriage cover body (as shown in Fig. 2 of Zheng), the locking device is disposed on the second mounting strip 30 (as shown in Fig. 2 of Zheng), and when the carriage cover covers the carriage (as shown in Fig. 1 of Zheng), the locking device is configured to be engaged with the carriage 10 (As shown in Fig. 3 of Zheng).
With respect to claim 18, Zheng discloses that the locking block 338 is provided with two sliding protrusions 345, the two sliding protrusions 345 are disposed opposite to each other (as shown in Fig. 6 of Zheng), the handle 340 comprises two wing plates 347 symmetrically disposed, and the two wing plates 347 abut against the two sliding protrusions 345 and are capable of sliding on the two sliding protrusions 345 (Zheng, col. 9, lines 20-27; Fig. 6).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 4/29/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive of any error in the above rejection.
Regarding claim 1 and the rejection over Shen in view of Chen, Applicant argues that “Chen is silent with respect to a long strip plate located in a bypass groove of the guide frame and capable of sliding in the bypass groove, as substantially recited in amended claim 1. Chen teaches a rod-in-bore arrangement, not the presently claimed plate-in-bypass-groove arrangement. Thus, Chen does not cure the deficiency of Shen.”
However, Applicant is simply arguing semantics. Each element of Chen performs the same function, respectively, as claimed by Applicant. In claim 1, Applicant recites a guide frame, and Chen recites an equivalent structure inside the handle 40. Such structure provides a guide for slidingly disposing a positioning member therein. In claim 1, Applicant recites a positioning member comprising a long strip plate, and Chen recites rod 51. Although the shapes are slightly different they both perform the same function of sliding inside the guide frame. In claim 1, Applicant recites a bypass groove (which is an opening formed in the top of the guide member), and Chen recites an opening 47 in the portion of the handle 40 that acts as the guide member. Thus, the rejection is maintained.
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 DANIEL J COLILLA whose telephone number is (571)272-2157. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 7:30 - 4:00.
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/Daniel J Colilla/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3612
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