DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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)(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.
Claim(s) 1-15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Creasy et al. (Patent Pub. No. US 2022/0294386 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 a mounting mechanism for securing components in a solar tracking system to a torque tube, the mounting mechanism comprising: an attachment structure (1000) comprising a support bracket (1100 or 1220) and a tube clamp (1005), wherein the tube clamp is selectively attachable to the support bracket and, when the support bracket and the tube clamp are in an attached configuration, the attachment structure is configured to be secured around a torque tube (1210); and a support device (Fig. 10A, 1010, i.e., spacers) positioned at least partially between the attachment structure and the torque tube, the support device being configured to reduce application of disproportionate force on the torque tube ([0075] – [0077]).
Regarding claim 2, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the tube clamp (1005) is a U-bolt that secures at each end to the support bracket.
Regarding claim 3, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the attachment structure (1000) is configured to be secured to a torque tube having a circular cross-sectional shape.
Regarding claim 4, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the attachment structure (1000) is configured to be secured to a torque tube having a polygonal cross-sectional shape.
Regarding claim 5, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the support bracket (1220) is configured to engage with a first exterior surface of the torque tube (1210) and the tube clamp (1005) is configured to engage with a second exterior surface of the torque tube.
Regarding claim 6, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 5, wherein the attachment structure does not engage with all exterior surfaces of the torque tube such that there are non-engaged surfaces of the torque tube.
Regarding claim 7, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 6, wherein the support device is configured to engage with at least one of the non-engaged surfaces of the torque tube.
Regarding claim 8, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 7, wherein the support device is a wedge comprising: a first surface that interfaces with the attachment structure; and a second surface configured to interface with the at least one non-engaged surface of the torque tube.
Regarding claim 9, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 7, wherein the support device (1010) is a spacer tube that is configured to deform to interface with the attachment structure and the at least one non-engaged surface of the torque tube.
Regarding claim 10, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the attachment structure comprises a sleeve (1010) that is configured to be positioned between the torque tube and at least one of the support bracket and tube clamp in the attached configuration.
Regarding claim 11, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 10, wherein the sleeve is configured to expand an area of pressure applied by the attachment structure on the torque tube.
Regarding claim 12, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 11, wherein the sleeve is configured to be positioned between the tube clamp (1005) and the torque tube (1210) such that the tube clamp lacks any direct contact with the torque tube.
Regarding claim 13, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the support device (1010) comprises a unibody device comprising a metal material, a steel material, an aluminum material, a plastic material, or a high-density polyethylene material.
Regarding claim 14, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 a mounting mechanism for securing components in a solar tracking system to a torque tube, the mounting mechanism comprising: an attachment structure (1000) comprising a support bracket (1100, 1220) and a tube clamp (1005), wherein the tube clamp is selectively attachable to the support bracket and, when the support bracket and the tube clamp are in an attached configuration, the attachment structure is configured to be secured around an exterior surface of a torque tube (1210); and a sleeve (1010) positioned at least partially between the attachment structure and the torque tube, the sleeve being configured to reduce application of disproportionate force on the torque tube by expanding an area of pressure applied by the attachment structure on the torque tube ([0075] – [0077]).
Regarding claim 15, Creasy et al. shows in Figs. 10-12 the mounting mechanism of claim 14, wherein the sleeve (1010) is configured to be positioned between the tube clamp (10050 and the torque tube (1210) such that the tube clamp lacks any direct contact with the torque tube.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure:
Schuknecht et al. (Patent Pub. No. US 2021/0359640 A1) discloses an extension flat top surface sized to be approximately a same width as the flexible member at a first end of the extension flat top surface proximate the mating surface and flared out as the extension flat top surface extends away from the flexible member.
Kimble (Patent Pub. No. US 2020/0248930 A1) discloses a clamp for mounting a panel to a pipe carried by a support structure.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SEUNG C SOHN whose telephone number is (571)272-4123. The examiner can normally be reached M - F 8 - 5.
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/SEUNG C SOHN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2878