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 .
Detailed Action
Specification Objection Withdrawal
Applicant’s amendment of the title of the invention is acknowledged. Thus, the objection to specification is withdrawn.
Drawings Objection Withdrawal
Applicants’ amendment of Claims 1 and 19 is acknowledged. Thus, the objection to drawings is withdrawn.
Claim Rejections – 35 U.S.C. 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.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
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-AlA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis 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.
Claims 1 and 19 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Lee (U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2018/0032189).
Regarding Claim 1
FIG. 5 of Lee discloses a display device comprising a panel body, and the panel body has a main body portion (DA), a bonding portion (PD) disposed on a backlight side of the main body portion, and a bending portion (BA) connected between the main body portion and the bonding portion, wherein the bending portion is connected to a first side of the main body portion, and the bending portion comprises two edge subportions and a wiring subportion (SL-D), wherein the two edge subportions are disposed at both ends of the bending portion in a first direction and are disposed on a side of the bending portion close to the main body portion, and the wiring subportion is disposed between the two edge subportions in the first direction, wherein the first direction is parallel to a direction of extension of the first side of the main body portion, and wherein the panel body comprises: a substrate (SUB, FIG. 6) disposed in the main body portion, the bending portion and the bonding portion; a first inorganic layer (IOL1) disposed on a side of the substrate (FIG. 7); a second inorganic layer (IOL2) disposed on a side of the first inorganic layer away from the substrate; and a first organic layer (OL1) disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer [0108]; wherein, within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions; or the second inorganic layer is disposed outside the edge subportions and the second inorganic layer is disposed between two edge subportions in the first direction.
Regarding Claim 19
FIG. 5 of Lee discloses a display device comprising a panel body, and the panel body has a main body portion (DA), a bonding portion (PD) disposed on a backlight side of the main body portion, and a bending portion (BA) connected between the main body portion and the bonding portion, wherein the bending portion is connected to a first side of the main body portion, and the bending portion comprises two edge subportions (802) and a wiring subportion (SL-D), wherein the two edge subportions are disposed at both ends of the bending portion in a first direction and are disposed on a side of the bending portion close to the main body portion, and the wiring subportion is disposed between the two edge subportions in the first direction, wherein the first direction is parallel to a direction of extension of the first side of the main body portion, and wherein the panel body comprises: a substrate (SUB, FIG. 6) disposed in the main body portion, the bending portion and the bonding portion; a first inorganic layer (IOL1) disposed on a side of the substrate (FIG. 7); a second inorganic layer (IOL2) disposed on a side of the first inorganic layer away from the substrate; and a first organic layer (OL1) disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer [0108]; wherein, within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions; or the second inorganic layer is disposed outside the edge subportions and the second inorganic layer is disposed between two edge subportions in the first direction.
Claim Rejections – 35 U.S.C. 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.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1, 3, 15 and 19 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zhang (U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2023/0325016) of record, in view of Zheng (CN 109560088) of record.
Regarding Claim 1
FIG. 8 of Zhang discloses a display device comprising a display panel, wherein the display panel comprises: a panel body, and the panel body has a main body portion (501), a bonding portion (603-606) disposed on a backlight side of the main body portion, and a bending portion (602) connected between the main body portion and the bonding portion, wherein the bending portion is connected to a first side of the main body portion, and the bending portion comprises two edge subportions (arc-shaped) and a wiring subportion (between fan-out area 601), wherein the edge subportions are disposed at both ends of the bending portion in a first direction and are disposed on a side of the bending portion close to the main body portion, wherein the first direction is parallel to a direction of extension of the first side of the main body portion, and the wiring subportion is disposed between the two edge subportions in the first direction, and wherein the panel body comprises: a substrate (100, FIG. 3) disposed in the main body portion, the bending portion and the bonding portion; a first inorganic layer (231) disposed on a side of the substrate; a second inorganic layer (233) disposed on a side of the first inorganic layer away from the substrate; and a first organic layer (232) disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer; wherein the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions.
Zhang is silent with respect to “within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions; or the second inorganic layer is disposed outside the edge subportions and the second inorganic layer is disposed between two edge subportions in the first direction”.
FIG. 10 of Zheng discloses a similar display panel, wherein within each of the edge subportions (20), the first organic layer (220) is interposed between the first inorganic layer (300) and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions [0044-0046].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Zhang, as taught by Zheng. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Zhang in the above manner for purpose of preventing bending stress sharp increases ([0003] of Zheng).
Regarding Claim 3
FIG. 13 of Senoo discloses a plurality of wiring subportions disposed between two edge subportions, the first inorganic layer has a first end surface disposed within the edge subportions, and the second inorganic layer has a second end surface disposed within the edge subportions, wherein in a direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions, the second end surface of the second inorganic layer is disposed between the first end surface of the first inorganic layer and the wiring subportions.
Regarding Claim 15
FIG. 10 of Zhang discloses the bending portion further comprises a cutting subportion (401) disposed on a side of the edge subportions of the bending portion away from the wiring subportions of the bending portion, and the substrate and the first inorganic layer are disposed within the cutting subportion.
Regarding Claim 19
FIG. 8 of Zhang discloses a display device comprising a display panel, wherein the display panel comprises: a panel body, and the panel body comprises a main body portion (501), a bonding portion (603-606) disposed on a backlight side of the main body portion, and a bending portion (602) connected between the main body portion and the bonding portion, wherein the bending portion is connected to a first side of the main body portion, and the bending portion comprises two edge subportions (arc-shaped) and a wiring subportion (between fan-out area 601), wherein the two edge subportions are respectively disposed at both ends of the bending portion in a first direction and are disposed on a side of the bending portion close to the main body portion, and the wiring subportion is disposed between the two edge subportions in the first direction, wherein the first direction is parallel to a direction of extension of the first side of the main body portion, and wherein the panel body comprises: a substrate (100, FIG. 3) disposed in the main body portion, the bending portion and the bonding portion; a first inorganic layer (231) disposed on a side of the substrate; a second inorganic layer (233) disposed on a side of the first inorganic layer away from the substrate; and a first organic layer (232) disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer; wherein the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions.
Zhang is silent with respect to “within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions; or the second inorganic layer is disposed outside the edge subportions and the second inorganic layer is disposed between two edge subportions in the first direction”.
FIG. 10 of Zheng discloses a similar display panel, wherein within each of the edge subportions (20), the first organic layer (220) is interposed between the first inorganic layer (300) and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions [0044-0046].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Zhang, as taught by Zheng. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Zhang in the above manner for purpose of preventing bending stress sharp increases ([0003] of Zheng).
Claims 16-18 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zhang and Zheng, in view of Gwon (DE 102018127234) of record.
Regarding Claim 16
Zhang as modified by Zheng discloses Claim 1, FIG. 3 of Zhang the panel body further comprises a touch layer disposed on a side of the first organic layer away from the substrate, wherein the touch layer comprises a first touch metal layer (312), a second touch metal layer (314) disposed on a side of the first touch metal layer away from the substrate, the second inorganic layer spaced between the first touch metal layer and the second touch metal layer, and a second organic layer (315) disposed on a side of the second touch metal layer away from the substrate.
Zhang as modified by Zheng is silent with respect to “the panel body comprises a thin film transistor layer disposed between the substrate and the first organic layer, wherein the thin film transistor layer comprises a gate layer, a source-drain layer disposed on a side of the gate layer away from the substrate, and the first inorganic layer, wherein the first inorganic layer comprises a first inorganic sublayer and a second inorganic sublayer, wherein the first inorganic sublayer is disposed between the gate layer and the substrate, and the second inorganic sublayer is disposed between the source-drain layer and the gate layer”.
FIG. 9 of Gwon discloses a similar display panel, wherein the panel body comprises a thin film transistor layer (210) disposed between the substrate (111) and the first organic layer (320), wherein the thin film transistor layer comprises a gate layer (212), a source-drain layer disposed on a side of the gate layer away from the substrate, and the first inorganic layer; the first inorganic layer comprises a first inorganic sublayer (220) and a second inorganic sublayer (230), wherein the first inorganic sublayer is disposed between the gate layer and the substrate, and the second inorganic sublayer is disposed between the source-drain layer and the gate layer.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Zhang, as taught by Gwon. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Zhang in the above manner for purpose of preventing occurrence of arcing (Abstract of Gwon).
Regarding Claim 17
FIG. 9 of Gwon discloses the display panel further comprises a protection layer (410) disposed on a light-out side of the main body portion of the panel body, and the protection layer is adhered to the panel body, and a curvature of the protection layer at any point on a surface of a side away from the panel body is not 0.
Regarding Claim 18
Zhang as modified by Gwon discloses the edge subportions are adhered to the protection layer, and a curvature of the edge subportions at any point on a surface of a side close to the protection layer is not 0.
Claims 1-3, 19 and 20 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Senoo (U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2021/0135159) of record, in view of Nagata (U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2017/0279073).
Regarding Claim 1
FIG. 13 of Senoo discloses a display device comprising a display panel, wherein the display panel comprises: a panel body, and the panel body has a main body portion (2), a bonding portion (4) disposed on a backlight side of the main body portion, and a bending portion (70) connected between the main body portion and the bonding portion, wherein the bending portion is connected to a first side of the main body portion, and the bending portion comprises two edge subportions and a wiring subportion (15), wherein the two edge subportions are disposed at both ends of the bending portion in a first direction and are disposed on a side of the bending portion close to the main body portion, wherein the first direction is parallel to a direction of extension of the first side of the main body portion, and the wiring subportion is disposed between the two edge subportions in the first direction, wherein the first direction is parallel to a direction of extension of the first side of the main body portion, and wherein the panel body comprises: a substrate (7) disposed in the main body portion, the bending portion and the bonding portion.
Senoo is silent with respect to “a first inorganic layer disposed on a side of the substrate; a second inorganic layer disposed on a side of the first inorganic layer away from the substrate; and a first organic layer disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer; wherein, within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions; or the second inorganic layer is disposed outside the edge subportions and the second inorganic layer is disposed between two edge subportions in the first direction”.
FIG. 3 of Nagata discloses a similar display panel, comprising a first inorganic layer (120a) disposed on a side of the substrate; a second inorganic layer (120b) disposed on a side of the first inorganic layer away from the substrate; and a first organic layer (120c) disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer; wherein, within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Senoo, as taught by Nagata. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Senoo in the above manner for purpose of improving resistance to bending of the display device ([0007] of Nagata).
Regarding Claim 2
FIG. 3 of Nagata discloses the first inorganic layer comprises a first subsegment disposed in each of the edge subportions, the second inorganic layer comprises a second subsegment disposed in each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer comprises a first organic subsegment disposed in each of the edge subportions, and the first organic subsegment is disposed between the first subsegment and the second subsegment.
Regarding Claim 3
FIG. 13 of Senoo discloses a plurality of wiring subportions disposed between two edge subportions, the first inorganic layer has a first end surface disposed within the edge subportions, and the second inorganic layer has a second end surface disposed within the edge subportions, wherein in a direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions, the second end surface of the second inorganic layer is disposed between the first end surface of the first inorganic layer and the wiring subportions.
Regarding Claim 19
FIG. 13 of Senoo discloses a display device comprising a display panel, wherein the display panel comprises: a panel body, and the panel body has a main body portion (2), a bonding portion (4) disposed on a backlight side of the main body portion, and a bending portion (70) connected between the main body portion and the bonding portion, wherein the bending portion is connected to a first side of the main body portion, and the bending portion comprises two edge subportions and a wiring subportion (15), wherein the two edge subportions are disposed at both ends of the bending portion in a first direction and the edge subportions are disposed on a side of the bending portion close to the main body portion, wherein the first direction is parallel to a direction of extension of the first side of the main body portion, and wherein the panel body comprises: a substrate (7) disposed in the main body portion, the bending portion and the bonding portion.
Senoo is silent with respect to “a first inorganic layer disposed on a side of the substrate; a second inorganic layer disposed on a side of the first inorganic layer away from the substrate; and a first organic layer disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer; wherein, within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions; or the second inorganic layer is disposed outside the edge subportions and the second inorganic layer is disposed between two edge subportions in the first direction”.
FIG. 3 of Nagata discloses a similar display panel, comprising a first inorganic layer (120a) disposed on a side of the substrate; a second inorganic layer (120b) disposed on a side of the first inorganic layer away from the substrate; and a first organic layer (120c) disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer; wherein, within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Senoo, as taught by Nagata. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Senoo in the above manner for purpose of improving resistance to bending of the display device ([0007] of Nagata).
Regarding Claim 20
FIG. 3 of Nagata discloses the first inorganic layer comprises a first subsegment disposed in each of the edge subportions, the second inorganic layer comprises a second subsegment disposed in each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer comprises a first organic subsegment disposed in each of the edge subportions, and the first organic subsegment is disposed between the first subsegment and the second subsegment.
Claim 4 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Senoo and Nagata, in view of Ohara (U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2018/0088390) of record.
Regarding Claim 4
Senoo as modified by Choi discloses Claim 3, wherein the edge subportions comprise at least one first region along the direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions.
Senoo as modified by Choi is silent with respect to “the first subsegment comprises at least one first groove, the first groove is disposed within the first region of the edge subportions, the first groove extends in a second direction parallel to a direction of extension of a side of the edge subportions away from the wiring subportions”.
FIG. 5 of Ohara discloses a similar display panel, wherein the first subsegment comprises at least one first groove (102d), the first groove is disposed within the first region of the edge subportions, the first groove extends in a second direction parallel to a direction of extension of a side of the edge subportions away from the wiring subportions.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Senoo, as taught by Ohara. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Senoo in the above manner for purpose of improving flexibility ([0077] of Ohara).
Claim 5 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Senoo, Nagata and Ohara, in view of Han (U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2013/0148312) of record.
Regarding Claim 5
Senoo as modified by Nagata and Ohara discloses Claim 4.
Senoo as modified by Nagata and Ohara is silent with respect to “at least one second region (114) disposed on a side of a first region close to the wiring subportions along the direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions, the first groove is disposed outside the second region, and the first subsegment is disposed within the first region and the second region”.
FIG. 5 of Han discloses a similar display panel, at least one second region (110) disposed on a side of a first region close to the wiring subportions along the direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions, the first groove is disposed outside the second region, and the first subsegment is disposed within the first region and the second region.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Senoo, as taught by Han. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Senoo in the above manner for purpose of providing a reliable tape wiring substrate ([0005] of Han).
Claims 4-13 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Senoo and Nagata, in view of Ochi (U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2019/0363275) of record.
Regarding Claim 4
Senoo as modified by Nagata discloses Claim 3, wherein the edge subportions comprise at least one first region along the direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions.
Senoo as modified by Nagata is silent with respect to “the first subsegment comprises at least one first groove, the first groove is disposed within the first region of the edge subportions, the first groove extends in a second direction parallel to a direction of extension of a side of the edge subportions away from the wiring subportions”.
FIG. 8 of Ochi discloses a similar display panel, wherein the first subsegment comprises at least one first groove [0197], the first groove is disposed within the first region of the edge subportions, the first groove extends in a second direction parallel to a direction of extension of a side of the edge subportions away from the wiring subportions.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Senoo, as taught by Ochi. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Senoo in the above manner for purpose of preventing infiltration of moisture/oxygen and improving reliability ([0113] of Ochi).
Regarding Claim 5
FIG. 8 of Ochi discloses at least one second region disposed on a side of a first region close to the wiring subportions along the direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions, the first groove is disposed outside the second region, and the first subsegment is disposed within the first region and the second region.
Regarding Claim 6
FIG. 8 of Ochi discloses the second end surface of the second inorganic layer (33) is disposed within the second region.
Regarding Claim 7
FIG. 8 of Ochi discloses at least one third region along the direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions, and the third region is disposed on a side of the second region of the edge subportions close to the wiring subportions; the first subsegment further comprises a plurality of second grooves, the second grooves are disposed within the third region, the second grooves extend along the direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions, and the plurality of the second grooves are sequentially arranged in the second direction.
Regarding Claim 8
FIG. 8 of Ochi discloses the first subsegment is further disposed within the third region and the second end surface of the second inorganic layer is disposed within the second region.
Regarding Claim 9
FIG. 8 of Ochi discloses the first subsegment is further disposed within the third region and the second end surface of the second inorganic layer is disposed within the third region.
Regarding Claim 10
FIG. 8 of Ochi discloses a plurality of the first grooves are sequentially arranged along the direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions within the first region.
Regarding Claim 11
FIG. 8 of Ochi discloses the edge subportions further comprise a third region along the direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions, and the third region is disposed on a side of the first region of the edge subportions close to the wiring subportions; and wherein the first subsegment further comprises a plurality of second grooves, the second grooves are disposed within the third region, the second grooves extend along the direction from the edge subportions to the wiring subportions, and the plurality of the second grooves are sequentially arranged in the second direction.
Regarding Claim 12
FIG. 8 of Ochi discloses the first subsegment is further disposed within the third region and the second end surface of the second inorganic layer (33) is disposed within the third region.
Regarding Claim 13
FIG. 8 of Ochi discloses the panel body further comprises a second organic layer (32) disposed on a side of the second inorganic layer (31) away from the substrate, and the second organic layer comprises a second organic subsegment disposed at the edge subportions; and wherein the first organic subsegment (17B) exposes a portion of the first subsegment, and the second organic subsegment covers the second subsegment and covers the first subsegment exposed by the first organic subsegment.
Claim 14 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Senoo and Nagata, in view of Wang (U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2024/0244903) of record.
Regarding Claim 14
Senoo as modified by Nagata discloses Claim 1.
Senoo as modified by Nagata is silent with respect to “the first inorganic layer is disposed in the wiring subportions and the edge subportions of the bending portion, and the second inorganic layer is disposed only in the wiring subportions of the bending portion within the bending portion”.
FIG. 5 of Wang discloses a similar display panel, wherein the first inorganic layer (3) is disposed in the wiring (2) subportions and the edge subportions of the bending portion, and the second inorganic layer (5) is disposed only in the wiring subportions of the bending portion within the bending portion.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Senoo, as taught by Wang. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Senoo in the above manner for purpose of preventing multiple signal leads from water vapor ([0083] of Wang).
Claims 1 and 19 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Rhe (U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2019/0129567) of record, in view of Jeon (KR 102081986, machine-translation provided).
Regarding Claim 1
FIG. 8 of Rhe discloses a display device comprising a panel body, and the panel body has a main body portion (AA), a bonding portion (below BA) disposed on a backlight side of the main body portion, and a bending portion (BA) connected between the main body portion and the bonding portion, wherein the bending portion is connected to a first side of the main body portion, and the bending portion comprises two edge subportions (802) and a wiring subportion (801), wherein the two edge subportions are disposed at both ends of the bending portion in a first direction and are disposed on a side of the bending portion close to the main body portion, and the wiring subportion is disposed between the two edge subportions in the first direction, wherein the first direction is parallel to a direction of extension of the first side of the main body portion, and wherein the panel body comprises: a substrate [0098] disposed in the main body portion, the bending portion and the bonding portion (FIG. 9); a first inorganic layer (912) disposed on a side of the substrate; a second inorganic layer (914) disposed on a side of the first inorganic layer away from the substrate; and a first organic layer (913) disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer; wherein, within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer is interposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer; or the second inorganic layer is disposed outside the edge subportions and the second inorganic layer is disposed between two edge subportions in the first direction.
Rhe is silent with respect to “direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions”.
FIG. 8 of Jeon discloses a similar display panel, wherein within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer (OL2) is interposed between the first inorganic layer (IOL1) and the second inorganic layer (IOL2) and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Rhe, as taught by Jeon. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Rhe in the above manner for purpose of forming a display device including a touch sensing unit ([0003] of Jeon).
Regarding Claim 19
FIG. 8 of Rhe discloses a display device comprising a display panel, wherein the display panel comprises: a panel body, and the panel body has a main body portion (AA), a bonding portion (below BA) disposed on a backlight side of the main body portion, and a bending portion (BA) connected between the main body portion and the bonding portion, wherein the bending portion is connected to a first side of the main body portion, and the bending portion comprises at least one edge subportion (802), wherein the edge subportions are disposed at both ends of the bending portion in a first direction and the edge subportions are disposed on a side of the bending portion close to the main body portion, wherein the first direction is parallel to a direction of extension of the first side of the main body portion, and wherein the panel body comprises: a substrate [0098] disposed in the main body portion, the bending portion and the bonding portion (FIG. 9); a first inorganic layer (912) disposed on a side of the substrate; a second inorganic layer (914) disposed on a side of the first inorganic layer away from the substrate; and a first organic layer (913) disposed between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer; wherein the first organic layer is spaced between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer; and the second inorganic layer is disposed outside the edge subportions and the second inorganic layer is disposed (801) between two edge subportions in the first direction.
Rhe is silent with respect to “direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions”.
FIG. 8 of Jeon discloses a similar display panel, wherein within each of the edge subportions, the first organic layer (OL2) is interposed between the first inorganic layer (IOL1) and the second inorganic layer (IOL2) and separates the first inorganic layer from the second inorganic layer, such that direct contact between the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer is avoided within each of the edge subportions.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to modify the device of Rhe, as taught by Jeon. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Rhe in the above manner for purpose of forming a display device including a touch sensing unit ([0003] of Jeon).
Pertinent Art
US 20160035812; Zheng (CN 109560088), Eun (CN 107887338), Sun (CN 109273505), Gwon (DE 102018127234), Choi (KR 20170127603).
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to Claims 1 and 19 have been considered but are moot because the arguments do not apply to any of the references being used in the current rejection.
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).
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SHENG-BAI ZHU whose telephone number is (571)270-3904. The examiner can normally be reached on 11am – 7pm EST.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Chad Dicke can be reached on (571)270-7996. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/SHENG-BAI ZHU/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2897
