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)(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 1-3, 6-9, and 11-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102a1 as being anticipated by JP 2019-182652.
The Japanese document shows a belt conveying apparatus configured to convey a workpiece by running a conveyor belt 3 made up of belt components 31a/b adjacent to each other in a first direction that is the same as an advancing direction in which a workpiece is conveyed. A coupling shaft 32 extending in a second direction pivotably couples the belt components 31A/B adjacent to each other in the first direction. The second direction intersects the first direction and corresponding to a width direction of the conveyor belt 3. Each of the belt components includes coupling pieces 314/315/316/317/318 that are arranged parallel to each other in the second direction. The coupling pieces 314/315/316/317/318 each include a coupling hole 314a/315a/316a/317a/318a through which the coupling shaft is inserted (see figure 8b). The belt components 31a/b adjacent to each other in the first direction are coupled by inserting, into a space between the coupling pieces 314/315 of one of the belt components 31B, the coupling pieces 316/317/318 of the other one of the belt components 31B so that the coupling shaft 32 is inserted through the coupling holes 314a/315a/316a/317a/318a that are overlapped. The coupling shaft includes elastic pieces 32a/32a that move in a radial direction of the coupling hole. The elastic pieces 32a/32a are located at a basal end opposite to an insertion end from which the coupling shaft is inserted into the coupling hole. Each of the elastic pieces include an engagement protrusion P on an outer surface of the elastic piece 32a (see the annotate4d figure below).
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The coupling piece 318 located at an end of the coupling pieces in the second direction is an end coupling piece. The end coupling piece 318 includes engagement grooves G on an inner circumferential surface of the coupling hole, defined between the engagement protrusion K and the transverse sides of the coupling piece 318. The engagement grooves extend continuously in a circumferential direction of the coupling hole 318a so that the engagement protrusion P engages with the engagement groove G. As described above, the Japanese document shows all the structure required by claims 1 and 6.
In regard to claim 2, it may be seen in the figure above that the engagement protrusion P includes an inclined surface S located on a surface of the engagement protrusion in a direction in which the coupling shaft is inserted into the coupling hole 318a. The inclined surface IS is configured to guide insertion into the coupling hole 318a. An engagement surface ES is located on a surface of the engagement protrusion in a direction opposite to the direction of the insertion. The engagement surface ES is configured to engage with the engagement groove G.
In regard to claim 3, the elastic pieces 31a/31a are two elastic pieces that each include the engagement protrusion P on the outer surface of the elastic piece 31a (see paragraph 0051 of the translation).
In regard to claim 7 and 12, it is noted that claims 7 and 12 largely overlaps with claims 1 and 6,only differing from claims 1 and 6 in that claim 7 it includes limitations relating to a detachment prevention member instead of limitations relating to the elastic pieces of the shaft. However, the shaft 32 of the Japanese document may be viewed as including an integral detachment prevention member M formed by the elastic pieces 31a/31a. When this is done, the detachment prevention member M formed by the elastic pieces 31a/31a prevents the coupling shaft from being removed and is arranged in the coupling hole 318a of the end coupling piece 318. This detachment prevention member M includes elastic pieces 31a/31a that move in a radial direction of the coupling hole 318a. Each of the elastic pieces includes an engagement protrusion P on an outer surface of the elastic piece 31a/31a and the end coupling piece 318 includes an engagement groove G on an inner circumferential surface of the coupling hole 318a. The engagement groove G extending continuously in a circumferential direction of the coupling hole 318a so that the engagement protrusion P engages with the engagement groove G.
In regard to claim 8. the engagement protrusion P includes an inclined surface IS located on a surface of the engagement protrusion in a direction in which the detachment prevention member M is inserted into the coupling hole 318a. The inclined surface IS guides insertion into the coupling hole 318a. An engagement surface ES is located on a surface of the engagement protrusion P in a direction opposite to the direction of the insertion to engage with the engagement groove G.
In regard to claim 9, the elastic pieces 31a/31a of the detachment prevention member are two elastic pieces that each include the engagement protrusion P on the outer surface of the elastic piece.
In regard to claim 11, the coupling shaft 32 has a circumferential surface that is smooth and curved (see for example figure 6a).
Claims 1-3, 6-9, and 11-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102a1 as being anticipated by Poerink (US 4,709,807).
Poerink shows a belt conveying apparatus configured to convey a workpiece by running a conveyor belt made up of belt components 1/2 adjacent to each other in a first direction that is the same as an advancing direction in which a workpiece is conveyed (see figure 1). A two part coupling shaft 9/10 extending in a second direction pivotably couples the belt components 1/2 adjacent to each other in the first direction. The second direction intersects the first direction and corresponding to a width direction of the conveyor belt. Each of the belt components includes coupling pieces 5/6/5’/6’ that are arranged parallel to each other in the second direction. The coupling pieces 5/6/5’/6’ each include a coupling hole 8 through which the coupling shaft is inserted (see figure 4). The belt components 1/2 adjacent to each other in the first direction are coupled by inserting, into a space between the coupling pieces 5/6/ of one of the belt components 1, the coupling pieces 5’/6’ of the other one of the belt components 2 so that the coupling shaft 9/10 is inserted through the coupling holes 8 that are overlapped. The coupling shaft 9/10 includes elastic pieces 17/18 that move in a radial direction of the coupling hole. The elastic pieces 17/18 are located at a basal end opposite to an insertion end from which the coupling shaft 9/10 is inserted into the coupling hole 8. Each of the elastic pieces 17/18 include an engagement protrusion 14/14’ on an outer surface of the elastic piece 17/18. The coupling piece 5” located at an end of the coupling pieces in the second direction is an end coupling piece. The end coupling piece 5” includes an engagement groove 20 that may be located on an inner circumferential surface of the coupling hole (see column 3 lines discussing providing the interior of the openings 8 with depressions or recesses). The engagement groove 20 defined in the interior of the coupling hole 8 would extend continuously in a circumferential direction at least partially around the surface of the coupling hole 8 so that the engagement protrusion 14/14’ engages with the engagement groove 20. As described above, the Japanese document shows all the structure required by claims 1 and 6.
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In regard to claim 2, it may be seen in the figure above that the engagement protrusion 14/14’ includes an inclined surface 16 located on a surface of the engagement protrusion in a direction in which the coupling shaft is inserted into the coupling hole 8. The inclined surface 16 is configured to guide insertion into the coupling hole 8. An engagement surface 15 is located on a surface of the engagement protrusion 14/14’ in a direction opposite to the direction of the insertion. The engagement surface 15 is configured to engage with the engagement groove 20.
In regard to claim 3, the elastic pieces 17/18 are two elastic pieces that each include the engagement protrusion 14/14’ on the outer surface of the elastic piece 17/18.
In regard to claim 7 and 12, it is noted that claims 7 and 12 largely overlaps with claims 1 and 6,only differing from claims 1 and 6 in that claim 7 it includes limitations relating to a detachment prevention member instead of limitations relating to the elastic pieces of the shaft. The portion 10 of the shaft 9/10 forms such a detachment prevention member. This detachment prevention member 10 prevents the coupling shaft from 9 from being removed and is arranged in the coupling hole 8 of the end coupling piece 5”. This detachment prevention member 10 includes elastic pieces 17/18 that move in a radial direction of the coupling hole 8. Each of the elastic pieces includes an engagement protrusion 14/14’ on an outer surface of the elastic piece 17/18 and the end coupling piece 5” includes an engagement groove 20 on an inner circumferential surface of the coupling hole 8. The engagement groove 20 extending continuously in a circumferential direction of the coupling hole 8 at least partly round the coupling hole 8 so that the engagement protrusion 14/14’ engages with the engagement groove 20.
In regard to claim 8. the engagement protrusion 14/14’ includes an inclined surface 16 located on a surface of the engagement protrusion in a direction in which the detachment prevention member 10 is inserted into the coupling hole 8. The inclined surface 16 guides insertion into the coupling hole 8. An engagement surface 15 is located on a surface of the engagement protrusion 14/14’ in a direction opposite to the direction of the insertion to engage with the engagement groove 20.
In regard to claim 9, the elastic pieces 17/18a of the detachment prevention member are two elastic pieces that each include the engagement protrusion P on the outer surface of the elastic piece.
In regard to claim 11, the coupling shaft 9/10 has a circumferential surface that is smooth and curved.
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.
Claims 1-4 and 6-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hodlewsky (US 4,848,753) in view of Poerink.
Hodlewsky shows a belt conveying apparatus configured to convey a workpiece by running a conveyor belt made up of belt components 14 adjacent to each other in a first direction that is the same as an advancing direction in which a workpiece is conveyed (see figure 1). A two part coupling shaft 24/28 or 50 extending in a second direction pivotably couples the belt components 14 adjacent to each other in the first direction. The second direction intersects the first direction and corresponding to a width direction of the conveyor belt. Each of the belt components includes coupling pieces 40/42 that are arranged parallel to each other in the second direction. The coupling pieces 40/42/44 each include a coupling hole through which the coupling shaft is inserted. The belt components 14 adjacent to each other in the first direction are coupled by inserting, into a space between the coupling pieces 40/42/44 of one of the belt components 14, the coupling pieces 40/42/44 of the other one of the belt components 14 so that the coupling shaft 24/28 or 50 is inserted through the coupling holes that are overlapped. The coupling shaft 24/28 or 50 includes elastic pieces that move in a radial direction of the coupling hole (see the resilient legs discussed in column 4, lines 10-15). The elastic pieces are located at a basal end opposite to an insertion end from which the coupling shaft 24/28 or 50 is inserted into the coupling hole. Each of the elastic pieces includes an engagement protrusion 30 on an outer surface of the elastic piece (see figure 22). The coupling piece 42/44 located at an end of the coupling pieces in the second direction is an end coupling piece. The end coupling piece 42/44 includes an engagement groove G that are engaged by the engagement protrusion 30. As described above, Hodlewsky shows generally all the structure required by claims 1 and 6. However, instead of having an engagement groove that extends continuously in a circumferential direction on an inner surface of the engagement hole, the engagement groove is defined as a gap between the coupling pieces 42 and 44.
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Poerink shows a conveyor belt similar to that of Hodlewsky. Poerink teaches that an engagement groove 20 for engaging protrusions 14/14’ on elastic pieces 17/18 may be formed alternatively and equivalently as a slot between coupling pieces (as shown in figure 4 of Poerink) or as an engagement groove 20 defined in the interior of the coupling hole 8 extending continuously in a circumferential direction at least partially around the surface of the coupling hole 8 (see the discussion of column 3, lines 35-40). Therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the present invention to form the groove of Hodlewsky on an interior surface of the coupling hole so that it extends continuously in a circumferential direction at least partially around the surface of the coupling hole according to the teachings of Poerink. When this is done, the resulting conveyor belt would have all the structure required by claims 1 and 6.
In regard to claim 2, it may be seen in the figure above that the engagement protrusion 30 includes an inclined surface IS located on a surface of the engagement protrusion in a direction in which the coupling shaft is inserted into the coupling hole. The inclined surface IS is configured to guide insertion into the coupling hole. An engagement surface ES is located on a surface of the engagement protrusion 30 in a direction opposite to the direction of the insertion. The engagement surface ES is configured to engage with the engagement groove G.
In regard to claim 3, the elastic pieces are two elastic pieces that each include the engagement protrusion 30 on the outer surface of the elastic piece.
In regard to claim 4, a tip of each of the elastic pieces includes a flange F. The end coupling piece 42 includes an insertion surface 45 from which the coupling shaft is inserted. The insertion surface including a recess 48 that accommodates the flange. The recess is shaped so as not to engage with the flange, allowing the coupling shaft 24/28 or 50 to rotate around an axis.
In regard to claim 7 and 12, it is noted that claims 7 and 12 largely overlaps with claims 1 and 6,only differing from claims 1 and 6 in that claim 7 it includes limitations relating to a detachment prevention member instead of limitations relating to the elastic pieces of the shaft. The portion 28 or 50 of the shaft forms such a detachment prevention member. This detachment prevention member 28 or 50 prevents the coupling shaft from 24 from being removed and is arranged in the coupling hole of the end coupling piece 42/44. This detachment prevention member 28 or 50 includes elastic pieces that move in a radial direction of the coupling hole. Each of the elastic pieces includes an engagement protrusion 30 on an outer surface of the elastic piece and the end coupling piece 42/44 includes an engagement groove G on an inner circumferential surface of the coupling hole 8 when Hodlewsky is modified according to the teachings of Poerink as described above. The engagement groove G extends continuously in a circumferential direction of the coupling hole at least partly round the coupling hole so that the engagement protrusion 30 engages with the engagement groove G.
In regard to claim 8. the engagement protrusion 30 includes an inclined surface IS located on a surface of the engagement protrusion in a direction in which the detachment prevention member 28 or 50 is inserted into the coupling hole. The inclined surface IS guides insertion into the coupling hole. An engagement surface ES is located on a surface of the engagement protrusion 30 in a direction opposite to the direction of the insertion to engage with the engagement groove G.
In regard to claim 9, the elastic pieces of the detachment prevention member are two elastic pieces that each include the engagement protrusion 30 on the outer surface of the elastic piece.
A tip of each of the elastic pieces includes a flange F. The end coupling piece 42/44 includes an insertion surface 45 from which the coupling shaft 24 is inserted. The insertion surface 45 including a recess 48 that accommodates the flange F. The recess 48 is shaped so as not to engage with the flange F, allowing the detachment prevention member to rotate around an axis.
In regard to claim 11, the coupling shaft 24 has a circumferential surface that is smooth and curved.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 5 is 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.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MARK A DEUBLE whose telephone number is (571)272-6912. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday flex schedule.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Gene Crawford can be reached at 571-272-6911. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/MARK A DEUBLE/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3651