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 § 102
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 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 and 12-13, 15, and 18-20, so far as they are definite, are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by PZOZ (https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Charging-Adapter-Storage-Converter/dp/B0BZRT8HMC).
Regarding Claim 1, PZOZ teaches a coupler (1 in Annotated Figure 1 below) for a portable tracking device (2 in Annotated Figure 1 below), the coupler comprising: a body having a planar shape (3 in Annotated Figure 1 below); and an interface member (4 in Annotated Figure 2 below) coupled to the body (3 in Annotated Figure 1 below) and complementarily configured with the portable tracking device (2 in Annotated Figure 1 below); wherein the interface member (4 in Annotated Figure 2 below) is configured to selectively insert (as seen between Annotated Figures 1 and 2 below) into a recess (5 in Annotated Figure 3 below) defined in the portable tracking device (2 in Annotated Figure 1 below).
PNG
media_image1.png
27
24
media_image1.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image2.png
28
24
media_image2.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image3.png
27
26
media_image3.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image4.png
28
29
media_image4.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image5.png
29
22
media_image5.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image6.png
27
26
media_image6.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image7.png
475
477
media_image7.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image8.png
23
165
media_image8.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image9.png
29
23
media_image9.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image10.png
25
24
media_image10.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image11.png
755
1084
media_image11.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image12.png
20
165
media_image12.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image13.png
28
26
media_image13.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image14.png
355
1094
media_image14.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image15.png
24
163
media_image15.png
Greyscale
Regarding Claim 12, PZOZ further teaches wherein the body (3 in Annotated Figure 1 above) defines a mount (7 in Annotated Figure 1 above) for an object (8 and 9 in Annotated Figure 1 above).
Regarding Claim 13, PZOZ further teaches wherein the object is a memory card (9 in Annotated Figure 1 above); the mount (7 in Annotated Figure 1 above) defines a card receiver recess (7 in Annotated Figure 1 above) complementarily configured with the memory card (9 in Annotated Figure 1 above); and the card receiver recess (7 in Annotated Figure 1 above) selectively secures the memory card (9 in Annotated Figure 1 above) via a friction fit (wherein it can be seen in Annotated Figure 6 below the memory cards are retained by tabs 10) when the memory card (9 in Annotated Figure 1 above) is inserted into the card receiver recess (7 in Annotated Figure 1 above).
PNG
media_image16.png
24
26
media_image16.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image17.png
465
943
media_image17.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image18.png
23
164
media_image18.png
Greyscale
Regarding Claim 15, PZOZ further teaches wherein: the object is a key (8 in Annotated Figure 1 above); and the mount (7 in Annotated Figure 1 above) defines a key receiver recess (7 in Annotated Figure 1 above) complementary configured with the key (8 in Annotated Figure 1 above).
Regarding Claim 18, PZOZ further teaches wherein the body (2 in Annotated Figure 1 above) is formed from plastic. (Wherein PZOZ teaches “Airtag wallet case is made of high quality plastic, which is sturdy and durable.”)
Regarding Claim 19, PZOZ further teaches wherein the coupler (1 in Annotated Figure 1 above) is complementarily configured with a credit card sleeve (13 in Annotated Figure 10 below) to selectively insert (as seen in Annotated Figure 10 below) within the credit card sleeve (13 in Annotated Figure 10 below).
PNG
media_image19.png
20
173
media_image19.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image20.png
26
29
media_image20.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image21.png
463
460
media_image21.png
Greyscale
Regarding Claim 20, PZOZ further teaches wherein the interface member (4 in Annotated Figure 2 above) is integrally (wherein the coupler as taught by PZOZ is a singular unit) coupled to the body (2 in Annotated Figure 1 above).
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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claims 2-3, so far as they are definite, are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over PZOZ (https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Charging-Adapter-Storage-Converter/dp/B0BZRT8HMC), in view of Suritch (https://www.amazon.com/SURITCH-Anti-Lost-Carabiner-Shockproof-Protective/dp/B0CFH5WYX9).
Regarding Claim 2, PZOZ teaches all of the elements of the invention described in claim 1 above;
PZOZ further teaches the portable tracking device (2 in Annotated Figure 1 above) includes a curved outer surface (6 in Annotated Figure 2 above); the recess (5 in Annotated Figure 3 above) of the portable tracking device (2 in Annotated Figure 1 above) extends circumferentially along the curved outer surface (as seen in Annotated Figures 2-3).
PZOZ does not teach the interface member is curved to complement the recess extending circumferentially along the curved outer surface.
Suritch further teaches an interface member (1 in Annotated Figure 4 below) is curved (2 in Annotated Figure 4 below) to complement a recess extending circumferentially (as seen in Annotated Figure 4 below) along the curved outer surface. (Wherein it can be seen in the product video (Annotated Figure 5 below) that the circumferential surface of the tracking device is designed to be inserted into a complimentary recess in the keychain holder.)
It would have been prima facie obvious for a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to take the coupler for a portable tracking device as taught by PZOZ, and substitute the interface member to interact with the recess of the portable tracking device as taught by Suritch. Wherein using simple substitution of one known element for another to obtain predictable results; one would be motivated to substitute the interface member receiving the recess of the portable tracking device rather than the entire device, in order to capitalize on the ridge provided by the recess and improve the retention of the portable tracking device to the coupler.
PNG
media_image5.png
29
22
media_image5.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image6.png
27
26
media_image6.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image22.png
477
457
media_image22.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image23.png
23
162
media_image23.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image24.png
23
163
media_image24.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image2.png
28
24
media_image2.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image25.png
487
597
media_image25.png
Greyscale
Regarding Claim 3, PZOZ, modified above, teaches all of the elements of the invention described in claim 2 above except;
Suritch further teaches the curved outer surface is convexly curved (as seen at 3 in Annotated 5 above); and the interface member (1 in Annotated Figure 4 above) is concavely curved (2 in Annotated Figure 4 above).
It would have been prima facie obvious for a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to take the coupler for a portable tracking device as taught by PZOZ, modified above, and substitute the interface member to interact with the recess of the portable tracking device as taught by Suritch. Wherein using simple substitution of one known element for another to obtain predictable results; one would be motivated to substitute a pass through interface member for a recess member with a concave surface, in order to enhance the securement of the portable tracking device to the coupler.
Claim 14, so far as it is definite, are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over PZOZ (https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Charging-Adapter-Storage-Converter/dp/B0BZRT8HMC), in view of Tang et al. (US 20090301909 A1).
Regarding Claim 14, PZOZ teaches all of the elements of the invention described in claim 13 above except; wherein the card receiver recess defines a finger opening extending through the body to enable a user to grasp the memory card from opposite major sides of the body when the memory card is secured in the card receiver recess.
Tang et al. further teaches wherein a card receiver recess (44) defines a finger opening (66) extending through the body (50) to enable a user to grasp the memory card (34) from opposite major sides (30 and 50 as seen in Figure 5) of the body (50) when the memory card (34) is secured in the card receiver recess (44). (Figs. 1-8; [0030]-[0032])
It would have been prima facie obvious for a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to take the coupler for a portable tracking device as taught by PZOZ, and provide for finger openings for grasping a memory card as taught by Tang et al. Wherein through use of a known technique to a known device ready for improvement to yield predictable results; one would be motivated to provide for finger openings for grasping a memory card on the coupler, in order to provide the user with a convenient configuration for retrieving the memory card.
Claims 16, so far as it is definite, are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over PZOZ (https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Charging-Adapter-Storage-Converter/dp/B0BZRT8HMC), in view of Xanter (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4713242#google_vignette).
Regarding Claim 16; PZOZ teaches all of the elements of the invention described in claim 15 above except; a key receiver recess defines a tab that is complementarily configured with a groove defined in the key; and the tab is configured to selectively insert into the groove of the key to secure the key in the key receiver recess.
Wherein PZOZ teaches a key receiver recess (7 in Annotated Figure 1 above) defines a tab (10 in Annotated Figure 6 above).
Xanter further teaches a holder (1 in Annotated Figure 7 below) with a key receiver recess (2 in Annotated Figure 7 below) defines a tab (3 in Annotated Figure 7 below) that is complementarily configured with a groove (4 in Annotated Figure 7 below) defined in the key (5 in Annotated Figure 7 below); and the tab (3 in Annotated Figure 7 below) is configured to selectively insert into the groove (4 in Annotated Figure 7 below) of the key (5 in Annotated Figure 7 below) to secure the key in the key receiver recess (2 in Annotated Figure 7 below).
It would have been prima facie obvious for a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to take the coupler for a portable tracking device as taught by PZOZ, and substitute the key and tab for a door key and a tab that interfaces with the grooves of the key as taught by Xanter. Wherein using simple substitution of one known element for another to obtain predictable results; one would be motivated to substitute the key and tab, in order to provide the user with a coupler that can retain a house key.
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image10.png
25
24
media_image10.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image26.png
350
557
media_image26.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image13.png
28
26
media_image13.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image5.png
29
22
media_image5.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image6.png
27
26
media_image6.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image2.png
28
24
media_image2.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image27.png
24
167
media_image27.png
Greyscale
Regarding Claim 17; PZOZ teaches all of the elements of the invention described in claim 12 above;
PZOZ further teaches the body includes: a first major face (11 in Annotated Figure 8 below) on which the mount (7 in Annotated Figure 1 above) and the interface member (4 in Annotated Figure 2 above) are defined; and a second major face (12 in Annotated Figure 8 below) opposite the first major face (11 in Annotated Figure 8 below);
PZOZ does not teach the second major face having a level surface without recesses defined in it.
Xanter further teaches a second major face (9 in Annotated Figure 9 below) having a level surface without recesses defined in it. (Wherein it can be seen in Annotated Figure 9 that the bottom surface is level and devoid of recesses).
It would have been prima facie obvious for a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to take the coupler for a portable tracking device as taught by PZOZ, and substitute a rear surface with recesses for a level and bare rear surface as taught by Xanter. Wherein using simple substitution of one known element for another to obtain predictable results; one would be motivated to substitute the rear surface for a rear surface absent recesses, in order to prevent accidental dislodging of the devices mounted within the holder.
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image28.png
22
27
media_image28.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image29.png
22
29
media_image29.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image30.png
671
1109
media_image30.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image31.png
278
608
media_image31.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image32.png
21
163
media_image32.png
Greyscale
[AltContent: connector][AltContent: arrow]
PNG
media_image1.png
27
24
media_image1.png
Greyscale
PNG
media_image33.png
22
163
media_image33.png
Greyscale
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 4-11 would be allowable if rewritten to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action and to include all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:
Regarding Claim 4, PZOZ (https://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Charging-Adapter-Storage-Converter/dp/B0BZRT8HMC) is considered the most relevant prior art of record. The prior art does not teach:
A curved sidewall; and a curved rim projecting transversely from the curved sidewall.
Since the prior art of record does not teach a holder with a curved sidewall, with a curved rim projecting transversely from the curved sidewall, the prior art does not anticipate the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, it would not have been obvious to a skilled artisan to have modified the prior art in order to arrive at the claimed invention without resorting to impermissible hindsight.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to the applicant’s disclosure.
Raptic (https://www.amazon.com/AirTags-Anti-Theft-Combination-Carabiner-Polycarbonate/dp/B0992SKBXZ), teaches a carabiner configured to receive a position tracking device.
Caszlution (https://www.amazon.com/Airtag-Holder-Sticker-Cover-Stick/dp/B0B4FG95XP), teaches a position tracking device holder case.
Vittadini (EP 4070683 A1), teaches a tracking device containment structure.
Bohm (US 6275383 B1), teaches a memory card storage device.
Sheba et al. (US 20100051487 A1), teaches a memory card holder.
Harase (US 5155663 A), teaches a memory cartridge system.
Fiorentino (US D553130 S), teaches a flash memory device carrier.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JUSTIN R CAUDILL whose telephone number is (303)297-4349. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30 MT.
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, NATHAN JENNESS can be reached on (571) 270-5055. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see https://ppair-my.uspto.gov/pair/PrivatePair. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/JUSTIN CAUDILL/Examiner, Art Unit 3733
/NATHAN J JENNESS/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3733 21 January 2026