Battery Pack with Increased Fixation Force of Battery Module Received Therein and Device Including the Same

§102 §103 §112

BATTERY PACK WITH INCREASED FIXATION FORCE OF BATTERY MODULE RECEIVED THEREIN AND DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME 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 . Priority Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55. Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statements (IDS) submitted on 5/3/2024 and 5/13/2025 are in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statements are being considered by the examiner. Drawings The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the “first recess” (Claim 3), “second recess” (Claim 2), “vertical extension line” (Claim 5), “second extension portion disposed on an inner surface of the upper pack case” (Claim 14), and “upper pack case includes a second receiving portion” (Claim 15) must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). No new matter should be entered. Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claims 8 and 14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. Claim 8 discloses “wherein a plurality of first extension portions and a plurality of second extension portions are provided”. The limitation appears to be incomplete. On what are these extension portions provided? Claim 14 discloses wherein the second extension portion is disposed on an inner surface of the upper pack case. However, the claim already states the second extension portion is disposed on the lower pack case. As disclosed above, the drawings do not show the second extension portion on the upper pack case. 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. (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. Claims 1, 2, 8, and 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)/(a)(2) as being anticipated by Yu et al. (CN 215989048 U using US 2023/0327269 A1). Regarding claim 1, Yu et al. teach a battery pack (Abstract; Fig. 1, element 10) comprising: a battery module (Fig. 3, element 120 discloses a battery cell module.) having a first extension portion (Fig. 3, element 121 discloses a convex rib.) and accommodating a plurality of battery cells (Fig. 3, element 120 discloses a cell module which would inherently comprise a plurality of battery cells.) therein; a lower pack case (Fig. 2, element 110 discloses a box.) having a second extension portion (Fig. 2, element 112 discloses convex strips.) and a receiving space configured to receive the battery module therein (Paragraph 0058; Fig. 2, element 1102 discloses a cavity which accommodates the cell module, element 120 (See Fig. 1).); and an upper pack case configured to be coupled with the lower pack case (Paragraph 0098 discloses an upper cover is disposed at the opening, Fig. 2, element 1101.), wherein the first extension portion is disposed on an outer surface of the battery module and extends parallel to the outer surface of the battery module by a predetermined length (Fig. 3 shows element(s) 121 can extend perpendicular with respect to the F2 direction and parallel with respect to the F1 direction.), wherein the first extension portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the battery module by a set distance (Fig. 3 shows that the tip of element 121 is technically spaced apart from the outer surface, element 123.), and wherein the second extension portion is disposed on an inner surface of the lower pack case and extends toward the first extension portion in a first extension direction (Fig. 7 shows element 112 is disposed on an inner surface of element 1120 and extends toward element 121 in the same direction (vertically) as element 121.). Regarding claim 2, Yu et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the lower pack (Fig. 2, element 110) includes a second receiving portion extending parallel to the second extension portion (See annotated Fig. 2), wherein the second receiving portion includes a second recess having a second predetermined depth (Fig. 2, element 111). PNG media_image1.png 1406 2500 media_image1.png Greyscale Fig. 2 of Yu Regarding claim 8, Yu et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of first extension portions and a plurality of second extension portions are provided (Figs. 2 and 3 disclose multiple convex ribs, element 121, and strips, element 112.). Regarding claim 13, Yu et al. teach a device having the battery pack according to claim 1 disposed therein (Paragraph 0003 discloses an electric vehicle.). Claims 1-10 and 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)/(a)(2) as being anticipated by Shikano et al. (JP 2015-228385 A). Regarding claim 1, Shikano et al. teach a battery pack (Abstract; Fig. 1, element 1) comprising: a battery module (Fig. 1, element 17 discloses a battery cell group.) having a first extension portion (Fig. 4, element 40 discloses a rib, which comprises a protrusion portion, elements 40a.) and accommodating a plurality of battery cells (Fig. 1, element 17 discloses a cell group which comprises a plurality of battery cells, elements 16a/16b.) therein; a lower pack case (Fig. 1, element 10b discloses a lower case.) having a second extension portion (Figs. 7 and 8 disclose the bottom plate, element 13a, of the lower case, element 10 b, comprising a protrusion, element 140a.) and a receiving space configured to receive the battery module therein (Paragraph 0043; Fig. 1 discloses the battery block shown in Fig. 2 is placed on the lower case, element 10b, and surrounded by plates, elements 13a-e.) and an upper pack case configured to be coupled with the lower pack case (Fig. 1, element 10a discloses an upper case.), wherein the first extension portion is disposed on an outer surface of the battery module and extends parallel to the outer surface of the battery module by a predetermined length (Fig. 5 shows the protrusion, element 40a, extending parallel to the outer surface of the battery module. See annotation below.), wherein the first extension portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the battery module by a set distance (Fig. 5 shows element 40a spaced apart from the outer surface of the battery module. See annotated Fig. 5 below.), and PNG image3.png 100 100 image3.png Greyscale Fig 5 of Shikano wherein the second extension portion is disposed on an inner surface of the lower pack case and extends toward the first extension portion in a first extension direction (Fig. 7 shows element 140a is disposed on an inner surface of the bottom plate, element 13a, and extends toward element 40a in the same direction (vertically) as element 40a.). Regarding claim 2, Shikano et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the lower pack (Fig. 7, element 13a) includes a second receiving portion extending parallel to the second extension portion (Fig. 7, element 141b), wherein the second receiving portion includes a second recess having a second predetermined depth (Fig. 7, element 52). Regarding claim 3, Shikano et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the battery module includes a first receiving portion disposed on the outer surface of the battery module (Fig. 7, element 40b) and is adjacent to the first extension portion (Fig. 7, element 40a is adjacent to element 40b.), wherein the first receiving portion includes a first recess having a predetermined depth (Fig. 7, element 50d.). Regarding claim 4, Shikano et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 3, wherein each of the second extension portion and the second receiving portion extends from an edge of an inner bottom surface of the lower pack case (Fig. 7 shows elements 140a and 140b extending from an inner surface of the bottom plate, element 13a.). Regarding claim 5, Shikano et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 4, wherein each of the first extension portion, the first receiving portion, the second extension portion, and the second receiving portion include a vertical extension line extending along the first extension direction and second extension direction, respectively, so as not to overlap each other (See annotated Fig. 7 below.). PNG image5.png 100 100 image5.png Greyscale Fig. 7 of Shikano Regarding claim 6, Shikano et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the first extension portion has a first protrusion protruding from an end of a surface of the first extension portion facing the battery module (Fig. 5, element 50a.). Regarding claim 7, Shikano et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of second extension portions is provided (Fig. 4 shows a plurality of extension portions, elements 40-42a.) and includes an incision portion disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of second extension portions (Fig. 4, elements 19d and 19f.). Regarding claim 8, Shikano et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of first extension portions and a plurality of second extension portions are provided (Paragraph 0114(7); Fig. 4). Regarding claim 9, Shikano et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 2, wherein each of the first extension portion and the second extension portion include an elastic material (Paragraph 0077). Regarding claim 10, Shikano et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 4, wherein a sum of a thickness of the first extension portion (Fig. 7, element 40a), a thickness of the second extension portion (Fig. 7, element 140a), and a thickness of the second receiving portion (Fig. 7, element 140b) is greater than a distance between the outer surface of the battery module and the inner surface of the lower pack case (Fig. 7 clearly shows thickness of elements 40a, 140b, and 140b would be greater than a distance between the outer surface of any point of the battery and inner surface of the lower pack case.). Regarding claim 13, Shikano et al. teach a device having the battery pack according to claim 1 disposed therein (Paragraph 0001 discloses electronic devices, electric vehicles, power tools, etc.). 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. 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 14 and 15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yu et al. (CN 215989048 U using US 2023/0327269 A1). Regarding claim 14, Yu et al. teach a battery pack (Abstract; Fig. 1, element 10) comprising: a battery module (Fig. 3, element 120 discloses a battery cell module.) having a first extension portion (Fig. 3, element 121 discloses a convex rib.) and accommodating a plurality of battery cells (Fig. 3, element 120 discloses a cell module which would inherently comprise a plurality of battery cells.) therein; a lower pack case (Fig. 2, element 110 discloses a box.) having a second extension portion (Fig. 2, element 112 discloses convex strips.) and a receiving space configured to receive the battery module therein (Paragraph 0058; Fig. 2, element 1102 discloses a cavity which accommodates the cell module, element 120 (See Fig. 1).); and an upper pack case configured to be coupled with the lower pack case (Paragraph 0098 discloses an upper cover is disposed at the opening, Fig. 2, element 1101.), wherein the first extension portion is disposed on an outer surface of the battery module and extends parallel to the outer surface of the battery module by a predetermined length (Fig. 3 shows element(s) 121 can extend perpendicular with respect to the F2 direction and parallel with respect to the F1 direction.), wherein the first extension portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the battery module by a set distance (Fig. 3 shows that the tip of element 121 is technically spaced apart from the outer surface, element 123.), and However, while Yu et al. teach wherein the second extension portion is disposed on an inner surface of the lower pack case and extends toward the first extension portion in a first extension direction (Fig. 7 shows element 112 is disposed on an inner surface of element 1120 and extends toward element 121 in the same direction (vertically) as element 121.), they do not teach wherein the second extension portion is disposed on an inner surface of the upper pack case and extends toward the first extension portion in a first extension direction. This is merely an example of reversal of parts. MPEP 2144.04 VI A. Reversal of Parts: In re Gazda, 219 F.2d 449, 104 USPQ 400 (CCPA 1955) Regarding claim 15, Yu et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 1. However, they only teach wherein the lower pack (Fig. 2, element 110) includes a second receiving portion extending parallel to the second extension portion (See annotated Fig. 2), wherein the second receiving portion includes a second recess having a second predetermined depth (Fig. 2, element 111). They do not teach wherein the upper pack includes a second receiving portion extending parallel to the second extension portion, wherein the second receiving portion includes a second recess having a second predetermined depth. This is merely an example of reversal of parts. MPEP 2144.04 VI A. Reversal of Parts: In re Gazda, 219 F.2d 449, 104 USPQ 400 (CCPA 1955) Claims 14 and 15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shikano et al. (JP 2015-228385 A). Regarding claim 14, Shikano et al. teach a battery pack (Abstract; Fig. 1, element 1) comprising: a battery module (Fig. 1, element 17 discloses a battery cell group.) having a first extension portion (Fig. 4, element 40 discloses a rib, which comprises a protrusion portion, elements 40a.) and accommodating a plurality of battery cells (Fig. 1, element 17 discloses a cell group which comprises a plurality of battery cells, elements 16a/16b.) therein; a lower pack case (Fig. 1, element 10b discloses a lower case.) having a second extension portion (Figs. 7 and 8 disclose the bottom plate, element 13a, of the lower case, element 10 b, comprising a protrusion, element 140a.) and a receiving space configured to receive the battery module therein (Paragraph 0043; Fig. 1 discloses the battery block shown in Fig. 2 is placed on the lower case, element 10b, and surrounded by plates, elements 13a-e.) and an upper pack case configured to be coupled with the lower pack case (Fig. 1, element 10a discloses an upper case.), wherein the first extension portion is disposed on an outer surface of the battery module and extends parallel to the outer surface of the battery module by a predetermined length (Fig. 5 shows the protrusion, element 40a, extending parallel to the outer surface of the battery module. See annotation below.), wherein the first extension portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the battery module by a set distance (Fig. 5 shows element 40a spaced apart from the outer surface of the battery module. See annotated Fig. 5 below.), and PNG image3.png 100 100 image3.png Greyscale Fig 5 of Shikano However, while Shikano et al. teach wherein the second extension portion is disposed on an inner surface of the lower pack case and extends toward the first extension portion in a first extension direction (Fig. 7 shows element 140a is disposed on an inner surface of the bottom plate, element 13a, and extends toward element 40a in the same direction (vertically) as element 40a.), they do not teach wherein the second extension portion is disposed on an inner surface of the upper pack case and extends toward the first extension portion in a first extension direction. This is merely an example of reversal of parts. MPEP 2144.04 VI A. Reversal of Parts: In re Gazda, 219 F.2d 449, 104 USPQ 400 (CCPA 1955) Regarding claim 15, Shikano et al. teach the battery pack according to claim 1. However, they only teach wherein the lower pack (Fig. 7, element 13a) includes a second receiving portion extending parallel to the second extension portion (Fig. 7, element 141b), wherein the second receiving portion includes a second recess having a second predetermined depth (Fig. 7, element 52). They do not teach wherein the upper pack includes a second receiving portion extending parallel to the second extension portion, wherein the second receiving portion includes a second recess having a second predetermined depth. This is merely an example of reversal of parts. MPEP 2144.04 VI A. Reversal of Parts: In re Gazda, 219 F.2d 449, 104 USPQ 400 (CCPA 1955) Allowable Subject Matter Claims 11 and 12 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including 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: the subject matter of claims 11 and 12 are not disclosed in Yu or Shikano. Specifically, they do not disclose the second receiving portion is configured to be inserted between the first extension portion and the first receiving portion. Modifying this limitation to Yu and/or especially Shikano, would teach away from the invention(s) and not present a prima facie case of obviousness. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DANIEL S GATEWOOD whose telephone number is (571)270-7958. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8:00-5:30. 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, Ula Tavares-Crockett can be reached at 571-272-1481. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. Daniel S. Gatewood, Ph.D. Primary Examiner Art Unit 1729 /DANIEL S GATEWOOD, Ph. D/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1729 October 7th, 2026