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 .
Drawings
The drawing objection is withdrawn based on the amendments.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 6/17/2026 has been considered by the examiner.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 1, 3, 11-13 and 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hung et al. US Pub 2022/0357771 in view of Wakata US Pub 2019/0005857.
Regarding claim 1, Hung teaches,
A foldable computing device (figures 4a-e) comprising:
a host case (element 130);
a first enclosure (element 120) pivotally coupled to a back side of the host case via a first hinge (element 140b);
a second enclosure (element 110) pivotally coupled to a front side of the first enclosure via a second hinge (140a);
a flexible display panel (element 10; paragraph 65) attached to the first enclosure and the second enclosure; and
Hung suggests the position to be held in place between locked position (i.e., closed position) the first enclosure and the second enclosure together after the second enclosure is opened from the first enclosure, or to unlock (i.e. open position) the first enclosure and the second enclosure before the second enclosure is closed onto the first enclosure.
Hung does not teach a locking unit between the first enclosure and the second enclosure, wherein the locking unit comprises: at least one movable bolt movably arranged inside the second enclosure; and a release button, wherein the at least one movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and to lock with the first enclosure after the second enclosure is opened from the first enclosure, wherein the at least one movable bolt is configured to retract from the first enclosure into the second enclosure before the second enclosure is closed onto the first enclosure, and wherein, in response to the release button being pressed, the at least one movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and lock with the first enclosure.
Wakata in similar field of foldable device (figures 1a-c and 2) teaches a locking unit (element 6 movable bolt and button element 20) between the first enclosure (element 2) and the second enclosure (element 3), wherein the locking unit comprises:
at least one movable bolt (element 6, movable as seen in the operation of figures 1a-c) movably arranged inside the second enclosure (within element 3) ; and
a release button (element 20),
wherein the at least one movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and to lock with the first enclosure after the second enclosure is opened from the first enclosure (as seen in figures 1a-c; paragraphs 62-63 as seem the bolt goes into at least the space indicated by element 8), wherein the at least one movable bolt is configured to retract from the first enclosure into the second enclosure before the second enclosure is closed onto the first enclosure (reverse of figure 1a-c when in closed position; paragraphs 62 and 63), and wherein, in response to the release button being pressed, the at least one movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and lock with the first enclosure (paragraph 62-63; as seen in figure 1c).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to use the locking unit as taught by Wakata with the securing of the first and second enclosures of Hung in more detail use of the locking unit in following configuration such that the locking unit between the first enclosure and the second enclosure, locking unit between the first enclosure and the second enclosure, wherein the locking unit comprises: at least one movable bolt movably arranged inside the second enclosure; and a release button, wherein the at least one movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and to lock with the first enclosure after the second enclosure is opened from the first enclosure, wherein the at least one movable bolt is configured to retract from the first enclosure into the second enclosure before the second enclosure is closed onto the first enclosure, and wherein, in response to the release button being pressed, the at least one movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and lock with the first enclosure, such modification will prevent the respective enclosures from accidently being closed or opened and thereby protecting (paragraphs 17 and 21, Wakata) the device yet providing aesthetical appealing locking unit.
Regarding claim 3, Hung as modified by Wakata teaches,
Wherein a first end of the second hinge is pivotally connected with the front side of the first enclosure (one end of the second hinge of 140a that is engaging the front side of the first enclosure 120 is consider the first end), and a second end of the second hinge is pivotally connected with the back side of the second enclosure (the other end of the second hinge of 140a that is engaging the front side of the second enclosure 110 is consider the first end).
Regarding claim 11, Hung as modified by Wakata teaches,
wherein the front of the host case comprises a supporter (figure 4a-e, element 150, supports the second enclosure 110 after closed onto the first enclosure 120; additionally the office notes this is an operation/conditional limitation "after it is closed" thereby the conditional/operation language is an intermediate step and not the final product. The office notes this is a product claim not a method) configured to support the second enclosure after it is closed onto the first enclosure.
Regarding claim 12, Hung as modified by Wakata teaches,
wherein the host case comprises a keyboard (element 151 as labeled in figure 2 seen in figure 4 not labeled) and a hidden touchpad (element 152).
Regarding claim 13, Hung as modified by Wakata teaches,
wherein the host case comprises a motherboard and a power supply system (paragraph 45 of Hung described the portable electronic device maybe a notebook computer, thus it is understood that motherboard and power supply system is provided within notebook computers).
Regarding claim 14, Hung teaches,
A foldable computing device (Figures 4a-e) comprising:
a first enclosure (element 120) and a second enclosure (element 110), wherein the second enclosure is pivotally (pivotally connected by hinge 140a) coupled to a front side of the first enclosure (figure 4c); and
Hung suggests the position to be held in place between locked position (i.e., closed position) the first enclosure and the second enclosure together after the second enclosure is opened from the first enclosure, or to unlock (i.e. open position) the first enclosure and the second enclosure before the second enclosure is closed onto the first enclosure.
Hung does not teach a locking unit between the first enclosure and the second enclosure, wherein the locking unit comprises:
a first movable bolt movably arranged inside the second enclosure,
at least one release button,
wherein the first movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and to lock with the first enclosure after the second enclosure is opened from the first enclosure,
wherein the first movable bolt is configured to retract from the first enclosure into the second enclosure before the second enclosure is closed onto the first enclosure, and
wherein, in response to the least one release button being pressed, the first movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and lock with the first enclosure.
Wakata in similar field of foldable device (figures 1a-c and 2) teaches a locking unit (element 6 movable bolt and button element 20) between the first enclosure (element 2) and the second enclosure (element 3), wherein the locking unit comprises:
A first movable bolt (element 6, movable as seen in the operation of figures 1a-c) movably arranged inside the second enclosure (within element 3) ; and
At least one release button (element 20),
wherein the first movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and to lock with the first enclosure after the second enclosure is opened from the first enclosure (as seen in figures 1a-c; paragraphs 62-63 as seem the bolt goes into at least the space indicated by element 8),
wherein first movable bolt is configured to retract from the first enclosure into the second enclosure before the second enclosure is closed onto the first enclosure (reverse of figure 1a-c when in closed position; paragraphs 62 and 63), and
wherein, in response to the at least one release button being pressed, the first movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and lock with the first enclosure (paragraph 62-63; as seen in figure 1c).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to use the locking unit as taught by Wakata with the securing of the first and second enclosures of Hung in more detail use of the locking unit in following configuration such that the locking unit comprises: a first movable bolt movably arranged inside the second enclosure, at least one release button, wherein the first movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and to lock with the first enclosure after the second enclosure is opened from the first enclosure, wherein the first movable bolt is configured to retract from the first enclosure into the second enclosure before the second enclosure is closed onto the first enclosure, and wherein, in response to the least one release button being pressed, the first movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and lock with the first enclosure., such modification will prevent the respective enclosures from accidently being closed or opened and thereby protecting (paragraphs 17 and 21, Wakata) the device yet providing aesthetical appealing locking unit.
Claim(s) 2 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hung et al. US Pub 2022/0357771 in view of Wakata US Pub 20019/0005857 further in view of Ditzik US Pub 2001/0030850.
Regarding claim 2,
Hung as modified by Wakata teaches the first hinge and the second hinge comprises degree range of rotation (as seen in figures 4a-e).
Hung as modified by Wakata does not teach wherein the first hinge and the second hinge comprise a 360 degree range of rotation.
Ditzik in similar field of computing device teaches a hinge (paragraph 51, element 10, hinge means) comprise a 360 degree range of rotation.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to use the hinge of 360 degree range of rotation as taught by Ditzik as the hinge choice of the first hinge and the second hinge of Hung as modified by Wakata such modification will enable the foldable computing device to be compact and used in notebook configuration (paragraph 51) such that the user have option to place it in notebook, table or desk viewing configuration.
Claim(s) 4-6 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hung et al. US Pub 2022/0357771 in view of Wakata US Pub 20019/0005857 further in view of Tazbaz US Pub 2016/0215541
Regarding claim 4,
Hung as modified by Wakata teaches the second hinge as described in claim 1.
Hung as modified by Wakata does not teach the specific second hinge details, specifically, wherein the second hinge comprises a first hinge plate, a second hinge plate, and a pin, wherein each of the first and the second hinge plates comprise a plate body and a plurality of pin lugs distributed along each side of the plate body, wherein the plurality of pin lugs of the first and the second hinge plates interlock with one another, and the pin is inserted through the interlocked pluralities of pin lugs of the first and the second hinge plates, and wherein the first and the second hinge plates are pivotally connected with each other.
Tazbaz in similar field of electronic device comprising hinge (figures 3, 5-7; figures 5-7 as a whole is the hinge) comprises a first hinge plate (any one or more of element 510), a second hinge plate (any one or more of element 510, fig 7), and a pin (any one of 508 that engages to the first hinge plate and second hinge plate 510), wherein each of the first and the second hinge plates comprise a plate body (body of the element 51) and a plurality of pin lugs (elements 528/530, fig 7) distributed along each side of the plate body, wherein the plurality of pin lugs of the first and the second hinge plates interlock with one another (figure 7, for example 510(5) engages to 510(3)), and the pin is inserted through the interlocked pluralities of pin lugs of the first and the second hinge plates (as seen between figures 5-7, at least the pin is engaged to at least two hinge plates via the pin lugs as described above), and wherein the first and the second hinge plates are pivotally connected with each other (figures 5-7).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to use the hinge details as described by Tazbaz such that this hinge configuration is used for as the hinge of choice for second hinge of Hung, in more detail using the hinge of Tazbaz that teaches he second hinge comprises a first hinge plate, a second hinge plate, and a pin, wherein each of the first and the second hinge plates comprise a plate body and a plurality of pin lugs distributed along each side of the plate body, wherein the plurality of pin lugs of the first and the second hinge plates interlock with one another, and the pin is inserted through the interlocked pluralities of pin lugs of the first and the second hinge plates, and wherein the first and the second hinge plates are pivotally connected with each other as the hinge of Hung as modified, such modification will provide quick attachment/detachment (paragraph 12, Tazbaz) thus reducing the time of service.
Regarding claim 5,
Hung as modified teaches the second hinge cover as described in claim 4.
Furthermore, Hung as modified by Wakata does not teach an outer protective cover on an outer side of the second hinge; and a flexible screen supporting plate under the flexible display panel, wherein the flexible screen supporting plate is arranged on an inner side of the second hinge.
Tazbaz teaches an outer protective cover (Figure 3 Tazbaz, at least the exterior of cover 304 in figure 3 that is facing the outside of the device) on an outer side of the second hinge; and
a flexible screen supporting plate (figure 3 Tazbaz, at least the interior of cover 304 in figure 3 that is facing the interior of the device) under the display panel, wherein the flexible screen supporting plate is arranged on an inner side of the second hinge (as seen in fig 3 of Tazbaz).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention was made to use provide the the outer protective cover on an outer side of the second hinge and the flexible screen support plate that is under the display panel and the flexible screen supporting plate arranged on an inner side of the second hinge a taught by Tazbaz with as the second hinge configuration of Hung, such that the modification will provide the hinge of Tazbaz thereby making the outer protective cover on an outer side of the second hinge; and the flexible screen supporting plate under the flexible display panel of Hung, wherein the flexible screen supporting plate is arranged on an inner side of the second hinge, such modification will ensure no unwanted particles such as dust, water, etc. enter the device.
Regarding claim 6, Hung as modified by Wakata and Tazbaz teaches,
wherein a notch (the opening of the position of the hinge of Hung that is between the two enclosure is consider the notch; furthermore, in Tazbaz, figure 3 shows spacing between the two enclosure for the hinge 106 and the flexible screen support plate as described above in claim 5 such is movable as the device is folded and unfolded) is formed between the first enclosure and the second enclosure, and wherein the flexible screen supporting plate is movably arranged within the notch.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 8-10, 15-20 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.
Primary reasons for allowance of claim 8 in examiners opinion the pertinent prior art, when taken alone, or, in combination, cannot be reasonably construed as adequately teaching or suggesting all of the elements and features of the claimed inventions as arranged, disposed or provided in the manner as claimed by the applicant. Specifically, wherein the locking unit further comprises a second movable bolt movably arranged inside the second enclosure, wherein the second movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and lock with the first enclosure after the second enclosure is opened from the first enclosure, and the second movable bolt is configured to retract from the first enclosure into the second enclosure before the second enclosure is closed onto the first enclosure, and wherein the first and the second movable bolt are respectively arranged on each side of the second hinge, and both the second hinge and the first and the second movable bolts are covered by the outer protective cover.
Primary reasons for allowance for claims 9 and 10 are same as for claim 8 since claims 9 and 10 dependent thereupon.
Primary reasons for allowance of claim 15 in examiners opinion the pertinent prior art, when taken alone, or, in combination, cannot be reasonably construed as adequately teaching or suggesting all of the elements and features of the claimed inventions as arranged, disposed or provided in the manner as claimed by the applicant. Specifically, a hinge; and an outer protective cover, wherein the locking unit further comprises a second movable bolt movably arranged inside the second enclosure, wherein the second movable bolt is configured to protrude from the second enclosure and lock with the first enclosure after the second enclosure is opened from the first enclosure, and the second movable bolt is configured to retract from the first enclosure into the second enclosure before the second enclosure is closed onto the first enclosure, and wherein the first and the second movable bolts are respectively arranged on each side of the hinge, and both the hinge and the first and the second movable bolts are covered by the outer protective cover.
Primary reasons for allowance for claims 16-20 are same as for claim 15 since claims 16-20 dependent thereupon.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1, 14 and claims dependent thereupon have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument. Applicant’s amendments necessitated new grounds of rejection and thereupon the newly amended limitation is taught by Wakata as mentioned above under 35USC§103.
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).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ABHISHEK M RATHOD whose telephone number is (571)270-3947. The examiner can normally be reached 7:30AM-5:00PM ET.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Allen L Parker can be reached at 303-297-4722. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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ABHISHEK M. RATHOD
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2841
/ABHISHEK M RATHOD/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2841
