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 .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 12/30/2026 has been entered.
Status of Claims
Claims 1, 11 and 19 have been amended.
Claims 12 remains canceled
Claims 1- 11 and 13 – 20 are pending
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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.
Claim(s) 1 – 6 and 8 – 11 and 13 – 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tastad (2011/0003631) in view of Tran et al (US 2009/0187125) in view of Miner et al (US 2012/0282997).
As per claim 1, Tastad discloses:
a game deck; (Tastad Fig 1, #106)
a pedestal positioned on the game deck; (Tastad discloses pedestal or base that the gaming machine comprising the display is positioned on wherein the pedestal or base is positioned on the sled (i.e. deck). See Figs 4 and 5 wherein the wheels and a portion of the sled (#506, #502, #522) is position under the pedestal of Fig 4 and the deck is attached to the pedestal, thus the pedestal is positioned on the sled) (Tastad Fig 1, 4, 5, #108)
a main display mounted to the pedestal and supported above the game deck by the pedestal; (Tastad discloses main display mounted on the pedestal and supported above the sled) (Tastad Fig 1)
a gaming chair positioned on the game deck and spaced from the pedestal on the game deck, wherein the pedestal extends from the game deck to the main display, the gaming chair comprising: (Tastad discloses a gaming chair #102 on the game sled and spaced from pedestal #108, wherein the pedestal extends upward to cause the main display (game machine with display) to be positioned on) (Tastad Fig 1)
a chair body comprising a chair base and a seat supported by the chair base; (Tastad discloses a seat #112 and chair base ( #110, #122, #105 collectively) (Tastad Fig 1)
a plurality of player interface hardware elements coupled to the chair body and accessible by a player seated on the seat… (Tastad discloses interface elements such as speaker accessible by the player seated in the chair) (Tastad Fig 1, #124)
…wherein the chair base is rotatably mounted to the game deck and selectively positionable relative to the game deck to provide access to the…; and (Tastad discloses the gaming chair being rotatable mounted to the gaming sled) (Tastad 0018, 0024)
an electrical connector configured to couple the power supply unit to the main display wherein the electrical connector extends from the chair body, through the game deck, into the pedestal and to the main display. (Tastad discloses a gaming machine that comprises a main display (Fig 10, #1014) wherein the game machine powers the main display to play a game of chance, wherein the main display is spaced from the chair body and an electrical wires connect the game machine to that chair, through the sled #106, wherein the electrical wires facilitate an electrical connection between the chair and the gaming machine through the pedestal) (Tastad 0028 – 0029)
Tastad fails to disclose:
…for providing a game play input; and
a power supply unit positioned inside the chair body, the power supply unit being configured to receive electrical power from a main power supply connection and distribute output power at one or more specified regulated voltages to provide power to the plurality of player interface hardware elements and a main display; and… to provide access to the power supply unit; and
However, in a similar field of endeavor, Tran teaches a chair that is used for wagering game purposes wherein the chair comprises a plurality of player interface elements coupled to the chair body and accessible by a player) (Tran Fig 1, #42 — 45, 20b). Regarding the limitations directed towards “a power supply unit positioned inside the chair body”, the Examiner notes that Tran discloses a gaming chair that comprises a gaming computer position within the chair (Tran 0044). Tran further discloses that that the gaming computer further comprises electronics that are known in the art for the generation and display of a gambling game (Tran 0049). Power supplies are well known computing components or electronics used in gaming computers.
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of filing, to modify Tastad in view of Tran to provide a gaming chair that comprises player input elements that enable a user to provide game inputs. This would enable a player greater flexibility in terms of ergonomics and comfort to enable them to play the game in varying positions. It would also obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of filing, to specify that the gaming computer of Tran comprises a power supply to provide electrical power to power the various electrical components of the gaming chair and the gaming display for the generation and display of the gambling game. Tran further discloses that that the gaming computer further comprises electronics that are known in the art for the generation and display of a gambling game (Tran 0049). Power supplies are well known computing components or electronics used in gaming computers.
In a similar field of endeavor, Miner discloses a game machine that interfaces with a gaming chair wherein the gaming chair comprises a power supply #840 that receives power from a gaming machine power supply connection and provides power at a specified voltage (Miner 0079 – 0082). The Examiner further notes that Miner teaches the use of a power supply #840 that is in contained within the chair wherein the power supply provides power to a programmable light display. Miner states “The programmable light display 844 can be a marquee with scrolling and/or blinking lights, or can be a display screen that is driven according to instructions indicated by the digital signals 830. The audio amplifier 842 is then coupled to the speaker 524, and optionally to other speakers (such as the speaker 526 and subwoofer 528 shown in FIG. 5) (Miner 0082). Miner further teaches the use of a gaming chair that is rotatable about an axis in relation to the chair base (Miner 0056)
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of filing, to modify Tastad in view of Miner to utilize a known technique to improve similar devices in the same way by providing a gaming chair that comprises a power supply that provides power at specified voltages to interface elements such as a separate display screen. This be beneficial as it will provide additional power redundancy and flexibility when it comes to providing power to additional electrical components of the gaming chair as needed.
As per claim 2, further comprising a game controller coupled in communication with the plurality of player interface hardware elements, the game controller including a processor that executes game play instructions in accordance with game play inputs, executes game play rules and outputs game play outcomes. (Combination of Tastad in view of Tran as applied above, wherein Tran teaches a game controller in communication with player interface elements of the gaming chair, wherein the gaming machine executes gaming instructions to play the game according to game rules) (Tran 0026, 0049, 0055)
As per claim 3, wherein the game controller is configured to be coupled in communication with the main display to display the game play outcomes output by the game controller. (Combination of Tastad in view of Tran as applied above, wherein Tran teaches a game controller in communication with the game display to play a game comprising game outcomes) (Tran 0044, 0049)
As per claim 4, wherein the game controller is positioned inside the chair body. (Combination of Tastad in view of Tran as applied above, Tran teaches a game controller in the chair body) (Tran 0049, #20a)
As per claim 5,
Tastad discloses a sled (i.e. game deck) that contains electrical wires that are used to communication signals and power from a game machine to a gaming chair as applied to claim 1.
Tastad fails to disclose:
further comprising a display connector extending from the chair body, through the game deck, and to the main display for coupling the main display in wired communication with the game controller.
However, Tran teaches a gaming chair wherein a display is electrically connected to a game controller in the gaming chair by means of electrical connection through a support member (Tran Fig 1, #50, #51, #52).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of filing, to modify Tastad in view of Tran to provide an electrical connecting means that is housed in a support member such as the sled. This would be an obvious way to protect fragile electrical components by containing the wires withing a structurally strong housing. This would also enable the display to be position at a distance that is more comfortable to the user while they are playing the game.
As per claim 6, wherein the power supply unit provides power to each of the plurality of player interface hardware elements. (Combination of Tastad in view of Tran as applied above, Tran teaches “First, second and third control buttons 43, 44 and 45, respectively, are preferably in electrical communication with gaming computer 20a, wherein gaming computer 20a preferably comprises the electronics as such are known in the art for generation and display of a gambling game) (Tran 0049).
As per claim 8, wherein the main display includes at least one of a video display, a virtual reality component, an augmented reality component, a hologram component, a projector element or a slot machine reel. (Tastad 0046)
As per claim 9, wherein the plurality of player interface hardware elements is selected from the group of: a speaker, a video display, an input/output element, a card and/or ticket reader, a printer, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism, and a coin or token output mechanism. (Combination of Tastad in view of Tran as applied above, Tran 0049)
As per claim 10, wherein the gaming chair further comprises an access door for providing access to the power supply unit. (Combination of Tastad in view of Tran as applied above, Tran teaches “Right arm rest 39 further comprises security card slot 76, wherein security card slot 76 allows access to computer 20a for servicing/adjustment upon insertion of authorized security access card AC into security card slot 76. Insertion of authorized security access card AC into security card slot 76 further provides access to dispenser box 90 for retrieval of cash, or the event that dispenser box 90 requires additional cash for dispersal, such can be added subsequent to access authorized via authorized security access card AC inserted into security card slot 76.”) (Tran 0051)
Independent claim(s) 11 is/are obvious by Tastad, Tran and Miner based on the same analysis set forth for claim(s) 1, which are similar in claim scope.
As per claim 13, wherein the gaming chair and the pedestal are each attached to the game deck (Tastad Fig 1, #108, #106, #104)
As per claim 14, wherein at least one of the gaming chair and the pedestal is slidably mounted to the game deck to adjust a distance between the gaming chair and the main display. (Tastad 0029)
As per claim 15, wherein the pedestal is sized to support the main display vertically above the game deck at least partly at an eye level of a player seated in the gaming chair. (Tastad Fig 1, Game machine display is positioned above sled and is eye-level) (Tastad Fig 1)
As per claim 16, further comprising a game controller coupled in communication with the plurality of player interface hardware elements, the game controller including a processor that executes game play instructions in accordance with game play inputs, executes game play rules and outputs game play outcomes. (Combination of Tastad in view of Tran as applied above, wherein Tran teaches a game controller in communication with player interface elements of the gaming chair, wherein the gaming machine executes gaming instructions to play the game according to game rules) (Tran 0026, 0049, 0055)
As per claim 17, wherein the main display is coupled in communication with the game controller to display the game play outcomes output by the game controller. (Combination of Tastad in view of Tran as applied above, wherein Tran teaches a game controller in communication with the game display to play a game comprising game outcomes) (Tran 0044, 0049)
As per claim 18, wherein the game controller is positioned inside the chair body. (Combination of Tastad in view of Tran as applied above, wherein Tran teaches a game controller in communication with the game display to play a game comprising game outcomes) (Tran 0044, 0049)
As per claim 19,
providing a game deck; (Tastad Fig 1, #106)
positioning a pedestal on the game deck; (Tastad discloses pedestal or base that the gaming machine comprising the display is positioned on wherein the pedestal or base is positioned on the sled (i.e. deck). See Figs 4 and 5 wherein the wheels and a portion of the sled (#506, #502, #522) is position under the pedestal of Fig 4 and the deck is attached to the pedestal, thus the pedestal is positioned on the sled) (Tastad Fig 1, 4, 5, #108)
positioning a gaming chair on the game deck, the gaming chair including a chair body…wherein the chair body is rotatably mounted to a game deck and selectively positionable relative to the game deck…; (Tastad discloses a gaming chair #102 on the game sled and spaced from pedestal #108, wherein the pedestal extends upward to cause the main display (game machine with display) to be positioned on) (Tastad Fig 1) (Tastad discloses the gaming chair being rotatable mounted to the gaming sled) (Tastad 0018, 0024)
mounting a main display on the pedestal, wherein the main display is supported above the game deck by the pedestal, the pedestal extends from the game deck to the main display, and the gaming chair is spaced from the pedestal on the game deck; (Tastad discloses main display mounted on the pedestal and supported above the sled. Tastad discloses a gaming chair #102 on the game sled and spaced from pedestal #108, wherein the pedestal extends upward to cause the main display (game machine with display) to be positioned on) (Tastad Fig 1)
providing a gaming chair including a chair body (Tastad discloses a gaming chair with a chair body that comprises a seat #112 and chair base ( #110, #122, #105 collectively) (Tastad Fig 1) a plurality of player interface hardware elements incorporated into the chair body…(Tastad discloses interface elements such as speaker accessible by the player seated in the chair) (Tastad Fig 1, #124)
Tastad fails to disclose:
… a plurality of player interface hardware elements incorporated into the chair body for providing game play inputs, and a power supply unit positioned inside the chair body… to provide access to the power supply unit; and
coupling an electrical connector to the power supply unit and the main display, where the electrical connector extends from the chair body, through the game deck, and into the pedestal, the power supply unit, the power supply unit configured to receive electrical power from a main power supply connection and distribute output power at one or more specified regulated voltages to provide power to the plurality of player interface hardware elements and the main display.
However, in a similar field of endeavor, Tran teaches a chair that is used for waging game purposes wherein the chair comprises a plurality of player interface elements coupled to the chair body and accessible by a player) (Tran Fig 1, #42 — 45, 20b). Regarding the limitations directed towards “a power supply unit positioned inside the chair body”, the Examiner notes that Tran discloses a gaming chair that comprises a gaming computer position within the chair (Tran 0044). Tran further discloses that that the gaming computer further comprises electronics that are known in the art for the generation and display of a gambling game (Tran 0049). Power supplies are well known computing components or electronics used in gaming computers.
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of filing, to modify Tastad in view of Tran to provide a gaming chair that comprises player input elements that enable a user to provide game inputs. This would enable a player greater flexibility in terms of ergonomics and comfort to enable them to play the game in varying positions. It would also obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of filing, to specify that the gaming computer of Tran comprises a power supply to provide electrical power to power the various electrical components of the gaming chair and the gaming display for the generation and display of the gambling game. Tran further discloses that that the gaming computer further comprises electronics that are known in the art for the generation and display of a gambling game (Tran 0049). Power supplies are well known computing components or electronics used in gaming computers.
In a similar field of endeavor, Miner discloses a game machine that interfaces with a gaming chair wherein the gaming chair comprises a power supply #840 that receives power from a gaming machine power supply connection and provides power at a specified voltage (Miner 0079 – 0082). The Examiner further notes that Miner teaches the use of a power supply #840 that is in contained within the chair wherein the power supply provides power to a programmable light display. Miner states “The programmable light display 844 can be a marquee with scrolling and/or blinking lights, or can be a display screen that is driven according to instructions indicated by the digital signals 830. The audio amplifier 842 is then coupled to the speaker 524, and optionally to other speakers (such as the speaker 526 and subwoofer 528 shown in FIG. 5). (Miner 0082) Miner further teaches the use of a gaming chair that is rotatable about an axis in relation to the chair base (Miner 0056)
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of filing, to modify Tastad in view of Miner to utilize a known technique to improve similar devices in the same way by providing a gaming chair that comprises a power supply that provides power at specified voltages. This be beneficial as it will provide additional power redundancy and flexibility when it comes to providing power to additional electrical components of the gaming chair as needed.
As per claim 20, wherein the main display is positioned on the pedestal vertically above the game deck and at least partly at an eye level of a player seated in the gaming chair. (Tastad Fig 1, Game machine display is positioned above sled and is eye-level) (Tastad Fig 1)
Claim(s) 7 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tastad (US 2011/0003631) in view of Tran et al. (US 20090187125) in view of Miner et al (US 2012/0282997) in view of Jacobs et al (US 9,943,174).
As per claim 7, Tran fails to disclose:
wherein the power supply unit is an uninterruptable power supply unit.
However, Jacobs discloses a chair that is used in an entertainment venue wherein the chair comprises an uninterruptible power supply that provides power to a video display and other user interface elements (Jacobs 35:63-36:5; 61:25-30)
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, at the time of filing, to modify Tran in in view of Jacobs to provide a chair that comprises an uninterruptible power supply within the chair to provide the game system with electrical redundancy when engaged in monetary transactions such as wagering to ensure that player transactions are successfully carried out in the event of a power failure.
Response to Applicants Summarization of Interview Held on 7/28/2025
Applicant states the following:
“During the Interview, the outstanding prior art rejections of the claims were discussed in view of proposed amendments. It was agreed that the amendments to the claims made herein would overcome the outstanding prior art rejections, though further search and consideration would be required.”
The Examiner notes that no agreement was made regarding the proposed amendments definitively overcoming the prior art rejections. The Examiner points to Examiner’s Interview summary that specifically states the following: “Applicant provided amendments to the claims introducing new claim limitations. Specifically the Applicant proposed amending the claims to include "wherein the chair base is rotatably mounted to the game deck and selectively positionable relative to the game deck to provide access to the power supply unit;" The Examiner noted that the claims clearly introduce new limitations that appear on face value to overcome the prior art of record, however further search and/or consideration would be needed upon the applicant filing the claim amendments would be needed. No agreements was reached.” Upon further a more thorough and complete review of the applied references, it is clear that Tastad and Miner both disclose and teach the use of a gaming chair that is rotatable about an axis and attached to a game deck or sled.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 12/30/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
The Applicants arguments rest upon the following argument:
“Claim 1 is submitted to be patentable over Tastad, Tran, and Miner for at least the reason that the cited references, whether considered alone or in combination, fail to describe or suggest a chair base rotatably mounted to a game deck and selectively positionable relative to the game deck to provide access to a power supply unit, as recited in Claim 1 as amended herein.” (Remarks page 6).
The Examiner notes that Tastad and Miner as pointed out in the rejection above clearly disclose and teach the use of a gaming chair that is rotatable about an axis and attached to a game deck or sled.
Regarding the limitations of “to provide access to the power supply unit”, the Examiner notes that these limitations amount to mere “intended use” language and does not impart a patentable structural difference over the prior art. As can be clearly seen, Tastad and Miner both disclose or teach a chair rotating about an axis when attached to a base. The rotating assemblies of Tastad and Miner are both capable of being positioned to provide access to whatever is located in the chairs surroundings or environment, which would include a power supply. The chair of both Tastad and Miner are structurally capable of performing this function.
MPEP 2144(ii)
MANNER OF OPERATING THE DEVICE DOES NOT DIFFERENTIATE APPARATUS CLAIM FROM THE PRIOR ART
"[A]pparatus claims cover what a device is, not what a device does." Hewlett-Packard Co. v. Bausch & Lomb Inc., 909 F.2d 1464, 1469, 15 USPQ2d 1525, 1528 (Fed. Cir. 1990) (emphasis in original). A claim containing a "recitation with respect to the manner in which a claimed apparatus is intended to be employed does not differentiate the claimed apparatus from a prior art apparatus" if the prior art apparatus teaches all the structural limitations of the claim. Ex parte Masham, 2 USPQ2d 1647 (Bd. Pat. App. & Inter. 1987) (The preamble of claim 1 recited that the apparatus was "for mixing flowing developer material" and the body of the claim recited "means for mixing ..., said mixing means being stationary and completely submerged in the developer material." The claim was rejected over a reference which taught all the structural limitations of the claim for the intended use of mixing flowing developer. However, the mixer was only partially submerged in the developer material. The Board held that the amount of submersion is immaterial to the structure of the mixer and thus the claim was properly rejected.).
The Examiner maintains the rejection.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the Examiner should be directed to ROSS A WILLIAMS whose telephone number is (571)272-5911. The Examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm.
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, Kang Hu can be reached at (571)270-1344. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/RAW/ Examiner, Art Unit 3715
4/1/2025
/KANG HU/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3715
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