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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on May 22, 2025 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement has been considered by the examiner.
CLAIM INTERPRETATION
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as "configured to" or "so that"; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier.
Such claim limitation(s) is/are: “a drive assembly…[that] pivots the first handle relative to the second handle…” as in claims 3, 11 and 17. However, claim limitations are read in view of the specification. In the instant case, the Specification in applicant' s PG-PUB describes “the drive assembly” as, “causing pivoting movement of the first and second handle assemblies 120 and 122 relative to each other about the main pivot axis A” (see paragraph 23). Thus, in view of the specification, the limitation, “a drive assembly”, is being interpreted as anything that causes pivoting movement of the first and second handle assemblies 120 and 122 relative to each other about the main pivot axis A and/or equivalents thereof.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
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 1-20 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. Any remaining claims are rejected based on their dependency to a rejected base claim.
Claims 1, 9 and 17 recite the limitation, "a tip assembly supported by the first support block" in Line 6 in each claim. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. In order to expedite prosecution, the examiner has interpreted the limitation above as disclosing, “a tip assembly supported by one of the support blocks”. However, further clarification is respectfully requested.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 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.
Claims 1-6, 9-14 and 17-19 are rejected As Best Understood under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Holmes et al. (6716218).
In reference to claims 1 and 9, As Best Understood, Holmes et al. disclose a plier assembly (10, Figure 1) comprising:
first (12) and second (14) handle assemblies each comprising;
a frame assembly (at 12 and 14 respectively Figure 1),
a support block (at 34 and 36 respectively) defining a support block longitudinal axis (i.e. longitudinal axis of at 34 and 36 respectively), a proximal opening (at 26 and 28 respectively) and a distal opening (see figure below),
a tip assembly (at 40 and 42 respectively) supported by the one of the support blocks,
a proximal pin (not labeled but formed as the pivot pin extending into opening 26 and formed as the other pivot pin extending into opening 28 in Figure 1), and
a distal pin (see figure below);
a main hinge pin (see figure below) for engaging the support blocks to support the second handle assembly for movement relative to the first handle
assembly (Figure 2); and
a bias spring (see figure below) configured to apply a biasing force to the support blocks of the first and second handle assemblies;
wherein the proximal openings are sized and dimensioned (because they are slots) such that, as the second handle assembly moves relative to the first handle assembly, the longitudinal axes of the support blocks are substantially parallel (see Figures 1 and 2). The examiner notes the method claim 9 discloses the method of forming the device of claim 1 including all its limitations and therefore the same reasoning as previously discussed above for claim 1 applies mutatis mutandis to the subject matter of claim 9.
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In reference to claims 2, 10 and 18, Holmes et al. disclose the claimed invention as previously discussed above with respect to claims 1, 9 and 17 (see below) and further disclose that the proximal openings are elongate slots configured to allow movement of the proximal pins (Figure 1). The examiner notes the method claim 10 discloses the method of forming the device of claim 2 including all its limitations and therefore the same reasoning as previously discussed above for claim 2 applies mutatis mutandis to the subject matter of claim 10.
In reference to claims 3, 11 and 17, Holmes et al. disclose the claimed invention as previously discussed above with respect to claims 1, and 9 and further disclose a drive assembly (see figure below) supported between the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly such that operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle assembly (Figures 1 and 2). The examiner notes the method claim 11 discloses the method of forming the device of claim 3 including all its limitations and therefore the same reasoning as previously discussed above for claim 3 applies mutatis mutandis to the subject matter of claim 11.
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In reference to claims 4, 12 and 19, Holmes et al. disclose that the drive assembly is pivotably supported (i.e. at the openings in figure on the page above) by the second handle assembly and detachably attachable to the first handle assembly by removing or unscrewing the thumbwheel (see figure on the page above). The examiner notes the method claim 12 discloses the method of forming the device of claim 4 including all its limitations and therefore the same reasoning as previously discussed above for claim 4 applies mutatis mutandis to the subject matter of claim 12.
In reference to claims 5 and 13, Holmes et al. disclose that the drive assembly is detachably attached to the first handle assembly (by removing or unscrewing the thumbwheel) when operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle assembly (see figure on the page above). The examiner notes the method claim 13 discloses the method of forming the device of claim 5 including all its limitations and therefore the same reasoning as previously discussed above for claim 5 applies mutatis mutandis to the subject matter of claim 13.
In reference to claims 6 and 14, Holmes et al. disclose that drive assembly is detached from the first handle assembly (by removing or unscrewing the thumbwheel) to allow the first handle assembly to pivot relative to the second handle assembly without operation of the drive assembly (see figure on the page above). The examiner notes the method claim 14 discloses the method of forming the device of claim 6 including all its limitations and therefore the same reasoning as previously discussed above for claim 6 applies mutatis mutandis to the subject matter of claim 14.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-32 of U.S. Patent No. 11926025.
In reference to claims 1 and 9, although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses a plier assembly comprising: first and second handle assemblies each comprising a frame assembly, a support block defining a support block longitudinal axis, a
proximal opening, and a distal opening, a tip assembly supported by the first support block, a proximal pin, and a distal pin; a main hinge pin for engaging the support blocks to support the second handle assembly for movement relative to the first handle
assembly; and a bias spring configured to apply a biasing force to the support blocks of
the first and second handle assemblies; wherein the proximal openings are sized and dimensioned such that, as the second handle assembly moves relative to the first handle assembly, the longitudinal axes of the support blocks are
substantially parallel (see at least claims 1 and 9).
In reference to claims 2 and 10, U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses that the proximal openings are elongate slots configured to allow movement of the proximal pins (see at least claim 2 and 10).
In reference to claims 3 and 11, U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses that further comprising a drive assembly supported between the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly such that operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle assembly (see at least claims 3 and 11).
In reference to claims 4 and 12, U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses that the drive assembly is pivotably supported by the second handle assembly and detachably attachable to the first handle assembly (see at least claims 4 and 9).
In reference to claims 5 and 13, U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses that the drive assembly is detachably attached to the first handle assembly when operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle
assembly (see at least claims 5 and 10).
In reference to claims 6 and 14, U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses that the drive assembly is detached from the first handle assembly to allow the first handle assembly to pivot relative to the second handle assembly without operation of the drive
assembly (see at least claims 6 and 11).
In reference to claims 7 and 15, U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses that the drive assembly comprises:
a first drive block adapted to engage the first handle assembly;
a second drive block adapted to engage the second handle assembly; and
a drive rod adapted to engage the first and second drive blocks such that
axial rotation of the drive rod displaces the first and second drive
blocks in opposite directions relative to each other (see at least claims 7 and 15).
In reference to claims 8 and 16, U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses that first drive block is detachably attachable to the first handle assembly; and the second drive block is pivotably supported by the second handle assembly (see at least claims 8 and 16).
In reference to claim 17, although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses a plier assembly comprising: first and second handle assemblies each comprising a frame assembly, a support block defining a support block longitudinal axis, a proximal opening, and a distal opening, a tip assembly supported by the first support block,
a proximal pin, and a distal pin; a main hinge pin for engaging the support blocks to support the second handle assembly for movement relative to the first handle
assembly; a bias spring configured to apply a biasing force to the support blocks of
the first and second handle assemblies; and a drive assembly supported between the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly such that operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle
assembly (see at least claim 17).
In reference to claim 18, U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses that the proximal
openings are elongate slots configured to allow movement of the proximal pins (see at least claim 18).
In reference to claim 19, U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses that the drive assembly
is pivotably supported by the second handle assembly and detachably attachable
to the first handle assembly (see at least claim 21).
In reference to claim 20 U.S. Patent No. 11926025 discloses that the drive assembly
comprises: a first drive block adapted to engage the first handle assembly; a second drive block adapted to engage the second handle assembly; and a drive rod adapted to engage the first and second drive blocks such that axial rotation of the drive rod displaces the first and second drive blocks in opposite directions relative to each other (see at least claim 17).
Claims 1-20 are also rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-21 of U.S. Patent No. 11135711 in view of Holmes et al. (6716218).
In further reference to claims 1, 9 and 17, although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses a plier assembly comprising: first and second handle assemblies each comprising a frame assembly, a support block defining a support block longitudinal axis, a tip assembly supported by the first support block, a main hinge pin for engaging the support blocks to support the second handle assembly for movement relative to the first handle assembly; and a bias spring configured to apply a biasing force to the support blocks of the first and second handle assemblies (see at least claims 1, 8, 15, 18 and 20).
U.S. Patent No. 11135711 lacks,
the first support block defining a first proximal opening and a first distal opening, a first distal pin extending through the first distal opening to pivotably support the first support block relative to the first frame assembly; a second support block defining a second proximal opening and a second distal opening, a second distal pin extending through the second distal opening to pivotably support the second support block relative to the second frame assembly, the first and second proximal openings are sized and dimensioned such that, as the second handle assembly moves relative to the first handle assembly, the first and second support block longitudinal axes are substantially parallel.
However, Holmes et al. teach that it is old and well known in the art at the time the invention was made to provide pliers (10) with a first support block (34) defining a first proximal opening (26) and a first distal opening (formed as the opening between the connection of elements 12 and 34, Figure 1), a first distal pin (not labeled but formed as the pivot pin) extending through the first distal opening to pivotably support the first support block relative to a first frame assembly (14); a second support block (36) defining a second proximal opening (28) and a second distal opening (formed as the opening between the connection of elements 14 and 36, Figure 1), a second distal pin (not labeled but formed as the pivot pin) extending through the second distal opening to pivotably support the second support block relative to the second frame assembly, the first and second proximal openings are sized and dimensioned such that, as the second handle assembly moves relative to the first handle assembly, the first and second support block longitudinal axes are substantially parallel (Figures 1 and 2 and see Abstract).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to modify the device, of U.S. Patent No. 11135711, with the known technique of providing the first support block defining a first proximal opening and a first distal opening, the first distal pin extending through the first distal opening, the second support block defining a second proximal opening and a second distal opening, the second distal pin extending through the second distal opening, and first and second proximal openings being sized and dimensioned such that, as the second handle assembly moves relative to the first handle assembly, the first and second support block longitudinal axes are substantially parallel as taught by Holmes et al., and the results would have been predictable. In this situation, one could provide a more advantageous and versatile device which provides working ends that remain parallel to one another thereby allowing for the best visualization, while maintaining the instrument in a plane that allows the optimum force to be applied (Column 2, Lines 18-21).
In reference to claims 2 and 10, U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses that the proximal openings are elongate slots configured to allow movement of the proximal pins (see at least claim 2 and 9).
In reference to claims 3 and 11, U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses that further comprising a drive assembly supported between the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly such that operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle assembly (see at least claims 1 and 8).
In reference to claims 4 and 12, U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses that the drive assembly is pivotably supported by the second handle assembly and detachably attachable to the first handle assembly (see at least claims 3 and 10.
In reference to claims 5 and 13, U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses that the drive assembly is detachably attached to the first handle assembly when operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle
assembly (see at least claims 4 and 11).
In reference to claims 6 and 14, U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses that the drive assembly is detached from the first handle assembly to allow the first handle assembly to pivot relative to the second handle assembly without operation of the drive
assembly (see at least claims 5 and 12).
In reference to claims 7 and 15, U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses that the drive assembly comprises:
a first drive block adapted to engage the first handle assembly;
a second drive block adapted to engage the second handle assembly; and
a drive rod adapted to engage the first and second drive blocks such that
axial rotation of the drive rod displaces the first and second drive
blocks in opposite directions relative to each other (see at least claims 1, 6, 8, 13 and 18).
In reference to claims 8 and 16, U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses that first drive block is detachably attachable to the first handle assembly; and the second drive block is pivotably supported by the second handle assembly (see at least claims 8 and 19).
In reference to claim 18, U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses that the proximal
openings are elongate slots configured to allow movement of the proximal pins (see at least claim 17).
In reference to claim 19, U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses that the drive assembly
is pivotably supported by the second handle assembly and detachably attachable
to the first handle assembly (see at least claim 19).
In reference to claim 20 U.S. Patent No. 11135711 discloses that the drive assembly
comprises:
a first drive block adapted to engage the first handle assembly;
a second drive block adapted to engage the second handle assembly; and
a drive rod adapted to engage the first and second drive blocks such that
axial rotation of the drive rod displaces the first and second drive
blocks in opposite directions relative to each other (see at least claim 18).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 7, 8, 15, 16 and 20 would be allowable upon proper submissions of terminal disclaimers thereby removing the double patenting issues discussed above.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Schrem (2681501) discloses a pliers having first and second working tip portions (i), first and second handle portions (f) and an actuator (b) that moves the tips toward or away from one another (Figures 1 and 3).
Wang (2006/0162509) discloses a plier having (Figure 3) capable of installing and removing retaining rings, the plier assembly comprising: a first handle assembly comprising a first frame assembly (10), a first support block (412) defining a first support block longitudinal axis (Figure 4), where the first support block is pivotably supported by the first frame assembly (at 414), and a first tip assembly (41) supported by the first support block (Figure 4); a second handle assembly pivotably supported for movement relative to the first handle assembly, the second handle assembly comprising a second frame assembly (11), a second support block (402) defining a second support block longitudinal axis (Figure 4), where the second support block is pivotably supported by the second frame assembly (at 404), and a second tip assembly (40) supported by the second support block (Figure 4), a drive assembly (31/32) supported between the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly (Figure 4); wherein operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle assembly (Figures 4 and 5) and as the first handle assembly pivots relative to the second handle assembly, the first support block pivots relative to the first handle assembly and the second support block pivots relative to the second handle assembly such that the first support block longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second support block longitudinal axis (Figures 4 and 5).
Hashimoto (3662449) also discloses a plier having (Figure 1) capable of installing and removing retaining rings, the plier assembly comprising: a first handle assembly comprising a first frame assembly (5), a first support block (at 1 or 4’, Figure 3) defining a first support block longitudinal axis (Figure 4), where the first support block is pivotably supported by the first frame assembly (at 9), and a first tip assembly (23) supported by the first support block (Figure 1); a second handle assembly pivotably supported (at 8) for movement relative to the first handle assembly, the second handle assembly comprising a second frame assembly (5”), a second support block (at the other 1 or 4’, Figure 3) defining a second support block longitudinal axis (Figure 4), where the second support block is pivotably supported by the second frame assembly (at 11), and a second tip assembly (23) supported by the second support block (Figure 1), a drive assembly (18) supported between (i.e. vertically between the handles at least in part, Figure 2) the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly (Figure 2); wherein operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle assembly (Figures 1 and 2) and as the first handle assembly pivots relative to the second handle assembly, the first support block pivots relative to the first handle assembly and the second support block pivots relative to the second handle assembly such that the first support block longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second support block longitudinal axis (Figures 1-4).
Klamt (1817988) discloses a plier having (Figure 1) capable of installing and removing retaining rings, the plier assembly comprising: a first handle assembly comprising a first frame assembly (upper 17), a first support block (5) defining a first support block longitudinal axis (Figure 2), where the first support block is pivotably supported by the first frame assembly (at 9), and a first tip assembly (A) supported by the first support block (Figure 1); a second handle assembly pivotably supported for movement relative to the first handle assembly, the second handle assembly comprising a second frame assembly (lower 17), a second support block (lower 5) defining a second support block longitudinal axis (Figure 2), where the second support block is pivotably supported by the second frame assembly (at lower 9), and a second tip assembly (Lower A) supported by the second support block (Figure 1), a drive assembly (8/10/12) supported between the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly (Figure 1); wherein operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle assembly (Figures 1 and 2) and as the first handle assembly pivots relative to the second handle assembly, the first support block pivots relative to the first handle assembly and the second support block pivots relative to the second handle assembly such that the first support block longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the second support block longitudinal axis (Figures 1 and 2).
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ROBERT J SCRUGGS whose telephone number is (571)272-8682. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 6-2.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, David Posigian can be reached at 313-446-6546. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/ROBERT J SCRUGGS/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3723
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