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.
This application is a Continuation of of PCT/JP2023/036660 filed October 10, 2023.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on November 1, 2024 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Claim Objections
Claim 1 is objected to because of the following informalities: “grommet main body” should be “annular grommet main body”. Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 2 is objected to because of the following informalities: “an radial” should be “in a radial direction”. Appropriate correction is required.
Claims 5-8 are objected to because of the following informalities: “incudes” should be “includes”. Appropriate correction is required.
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 1-8 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.
In regards to claim 1:
The terms "and inserts a conductive wiring member laid from one space to a different space through a through-hole of an insertion target object, thereinside;" is unclear. It is ambiguous whether the base member actively performs an insertion action, contains a wiring member, or is merely adapted to receive one. If the wiring member is not part of the claimed structure, it should be introduced as environmental context (e.g., "adapted to receive...").
-The final clause of the claim states: "...the thin portion into close contact with the annular plane side of the circumference portion by bend-deforming the thin portion at the attachment completion position." This phrase lacks a functional verb (e.g., "is brought into close contact" or "brings the thin portion into close contact"). Because the structural mechanics of the thin portion are omitted, the metes and bounds of the physical limitation cannot be determined.
In regards to claim 2:
-"the thin portion bring the wall surface on an outer side in an radial direction..." There is no antecedent basis for "the wall surface" in Claim 1. Claim 1 mentions an "annular wall surface" belonging to the flange, but not a wall surface belonging to the thin portion or the inner lip.
-The phrase "the thin portion bring" should be "brings" or "is configured to bring". As written, the structural relationship is indefinite.
In regards to claim 3:
- the "circumference portion" (e.g., "an annular flat panel portion", "an annular protruding portion"). However, in Claim 1, the circumference portion is explicitly part of the "insertion target object", which is external environmental structure. A dependent claim cannot structurally limit or redefine a component that is not part of the claimed apparatus itself. This creates confusion as to whether the applicant is claiming the grommet alone or a combination of the grommet and the insertion target object.
-The claim states that the protruding portion "locks the engagement portion". Claim 1 introduces "a plurality of engagement portions". The reference to a singular "the engagement portion" lacks a clear, singular antecedent basis.
In regards to claim 4:
-Claim 4 inherits the improper external structural limitations of Claim 3 regarding the circumference portion of the insertion target object.
-Like Claim 2, there is no antecedent basis for "the wall surface" belonging to the thin portion.
Grammatical Errors ("bring", "an outer side in an radial")
In regards to claims 5-8:
-Claims 5–8 each state: "...that contacts the wall surface of the flange..." Claim 1 introduces "an annular wall surface on the circumference portion side of the flange". The broad term "the wall surface" lacks a direct, clear correlation to the highly specific wall surface described in Claim 1.
To overcome these rejections, a clean amendment must be filed to establish proper antecedent bases, correct grammatical/typographical errors, ensure all functional clauses contain clear structural verbs, and clarify that the physical features of the "insertion target object" are either environmental constraints or part of a defined combination system.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Kiyota (US 2026/0162856) teaches a grommet with between the annular peripheral edge portion and the wiring member. Kiyota (US 2021/0257131) teaches a grommet for a wire harness that has two halves. Yamaguchi (US 2021/0241944) teaches a wire harness with a water stop. Mori (US 2020/0231103) teaches a waterproof grommet.
Communication
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KRYSTAL ROBINSON whose telephone number is (571)272-9258. The examiner can normally be reached on 9-5 M-F.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Timothy Dole can be reached on (571)-272-2229. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/KRYSTAL ROBINSON/Examiner, Art Unit 2848
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