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 .
Status of Claims
In a preliminary amendment filed 2/19/2025, Applicant cancelled claims 1-20 and added new claims 21-40. This amendment is acknowledged. Claims 21-40 are pending and are currently being examined.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statements (IDS) submitted on 12/10/2024 and 11/25/2025 were filed before the mailing date of the first office action on the merits. The submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statements are being considered by the examiner.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to because some of the figures are presented in a horizontal/landscape orientation instead of the preferred vertical/portrait orientation and the nature of the drawings does not appear to require the landscape/horizontal orientation used (37 CFR 1.84(h)-(i)). Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Specification
The abstract of the disclosure is objected to because it exceeds 150 words in length. Correction is required. See MPEP § 608.01(b).
Applicant is reminded of the proper language and format for an abstract of the disclosure.
The abstract should be in narrative form and generally limited to a single paragraph on a separate sheet within the range of 50 to 150 words in length. The abstract should describe the disclosure sufficiently to assist readers in deciding whether there is a need for consulting the full patent text for details.
The language should be clear and concise and should not repeat information given in the title. It should avoid using phrases which can be implied, such as, “The disclosure concerns,” “The disclosure defined by this invention,” “The disclosure describes,” etc. In addition, the form and legal phraseology often used in patent claims, such as “means” and “said,” should be avoided.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
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.
(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.
Claims 21-40 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Langley US Pub. No. 2020/0355458.
Langley teaches:
In Reference to Claim 21
A crossbow (10, Fig. 1-6), comprising:
a stock defining a projectile axis (stock 20 extends along a projectile axis and plane formed along the central length top surface of rail 40);
a first limb and a second limb, each having a first end coupled with the stock and a second end (limbs 152/154 each having first and second ends, each limb having split upper and lower members 152a/b, 154a/b, the first ends 156 of limbs 152/154a secured to main support/pocket 50/56 below the projectile axis, the second free ends 158 of 152/154a extends vertically above the projectile axis/plane, Fig. 1, 5);
a first wheel and a second wheel rotatably coupled with the stock (first and second wheels 136 (right and left) are rotatably coupled to the stock via axle 132 mounted in brackets 54);
a drawstring operatively coupled with the first limb and the second limb, the drawstring configured to move between an undrawn position and a drawn position (drawstring 170 has central portion 172 that is movable between undrawn (Fig. 1) and drawn (held within trigger housing 38) positions); and
the drawstring including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion engaged with the first wheel and oriented at a vertical angle relative to the projectile axis with the drawstring in the undrawn position (the right end/first portion 174 is received vertically along the groove 138 of the first (right) wheel 136 in the undrawn position, Fig. 1), the second portion engaged with the second wheel and oriented at a second vertical angle relative to the projectile axis with the drawstring in the undrawn position (the left end/second portion 174 wraps around the groove 138 of the second (left) wheel 136 in the undrawn position).
In Reference to Claim 22
The crossbow of claim 21, further comprising:
a first power cable operatively coupled with the first wheel and the first limb (first power cable(s) 160a/b (right) are attached to the distal second ends of the first limb 152a/b at one end and are operatively coupled to first wheel 136 via connected cable receiving portion 134); and
a second power cable operatively coupled with the second wheel and the second limb (second power cable(s) 160a/b (left) are attached to the distal second ends of the first limb 152a/b at one end and are operatively coupled to first wheel 136 via connected cable receiving portion 134, Fig. 2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 23
The crossbow of claim 22, wherein the first power cable is coupled with the second end of the first limb and the second power cable is coupled with the second end of the second limb (first end(s) of power cable(s) 160a/b are coupled to the second distal ends 158 of first and second limbs 154/154a/b, Fig. 2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 24
The crossbow of claim 23, wherein a rotation of the first wheel causes the first power cable to wind about a first power wheel, wherein a winding of the first power cable about the first power wheel causes the second end of the first limb to move (during draw, the respective power cables (160a/b are wound about wheel/portion 134 on the wheel assembly drawing the limb tips 158 towards the stock and towards the axle 132, Fig. 2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 25
The crossbow of claim 21, further comprising:
a first power cable operatively coupled with the first wheel and the first limb, the first power cable at least partially extending in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to the projectile axis (first power cable(s) 160a/b (right) extend vertically and are attached to the distal second ends of the first limb 152a/b at one end and are operatively coupled to first wheel 136 via connected cable receiving portion 134); and
a second power cable operatively coupled with the second wheel and the second limb, the second power cable at least partially extending in the vertical direction (second power cable(s) 160a/b (left) extend vertically and are attached to the distal second ends of the first limb 152a/b at one end and are operatively coupled to first wheel 136 via connected cable receiving portion 134, Fig. 2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 26
The crossbow of claim 21, wherein the first wheel and the second wheel are operatively coupled together (wheels 136 are operatively coupled to one another via axle 132, Fig. 1-2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 27
The crossbow of claim 21, further comprising:
a mechanical element coupled with the first wheel and the second wheel to mechanically time the first wheel and the second wheel (mechanical axle 132 couples the wheels 136 to time the wheels to rotate together, Fig. 1-2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 28
The crossbow of claim 27, wherein mechanical timing of the first wheel and the second wheel causes the first portion of the drawstring to unwind from the first wheel and the second portion of the drawstring to unwind from the second wheel at substantially the same rate (mechanical axle 132 couples the wheels 136 to time the wheels to rotate together so that they unwind and wind the respective cable portions at substantially the same rate, Fig. 1-2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 29
A crossbow (10, Fig. 1-6), comprising:
a stock defining a projectile axis (stock 20 extends along a projectile axis and plane formed along the central length top surface of rail 40);
a first limb and a second limb, each having a first end coupled with the stock and a second end (limbs 152/154 each having first and second ends, each limb having split upper and lower members 152a/b, 154a/b, the first ends 156 of limbs 152/154a secured to main support/pocket 50/56 below the projectile axis, the second free ends 158 of 152/154a extends vertically above the projectile axis/plane, Fig. 1, 5);
a first wheel and a second wheel rotatably coupled with the stock (first and second wheels 136 (right and left) are rotatably coupled to the stock via axle 132 mounted in brackets 54);
a first power cable operatively coupled with the first wheel and the first limb, the first power cable at least partially extending in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to the projectile axis (first power cable(s) 160a/b (right) extend vertically and are attached to the distal second ends of the first limb 152a/b at one end and are operatively coupled to first wheel 136 via connected cable receiving portion 134); and
a second power cable operatively coupled with the second wheel and the second limb, the second power cable at least partially extending in the vertical direction (second power cable(s) 160a/b (left) extend vertically and are attached to the distal second ends of the first limb 152a/b at one end and are operatively coupled to first wheel 136 via connected cable receiving portion 134, Fig. 2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 30
The crossbow of claim 29, further comprising:
a drawstring operatively coupled with the first limb and the second limb, the drawstring configured to move between an undrawn position and a drawn position (drawstring 170 has central portion 172 that is movable between undrawn (Fig. 1) and drawn (held within trigger housing 38) positions); and
the drawstring including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion operatively engaged with the first wheel and oriented at a vertical angle relative to the projectile axis with the drawstring in the undrawn position (the right end/first portion 174 is received vertically along the groove 138 of the first (right) wheel 136 in the undrawn position, Fig. 1), the second portion operatively engaged with the second wheel and oriented at a second vertical angle relative to the projectile axis with the drawstring in the undrawn position (the left end/second portion 174 wraps around the groove 138 of the second (left) wheel 136 in the undrawn position).
In Reference to Claim 31
The crossbow of claim 29, wherein a rotation of the first wheel causes the first power cable to wind about the first wheel, wherein a winding of the first power cable about the first wheel causes the second end of the first limb to move (during draw, the respective power cables (160a/b) are wound about wheel/portion 134 on the wheel assembly drawing the limb tips 158 towards the stock and towards the axle 132, Fig. 2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 32
The crossbow of claim 29, wherein the first wheel and the second wheel are operatively coupled together (wheels 136 are operatively coupled to one another via axle 132, Fig. 1-2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 33
The crossbow of claim 29, further comprising: a mechanical element coupled with the first wheel and the second wheel to mechanically time the first wheel and the second wheel (mechanical axle 132 couples the wheels 136 to time the wheels to rotate together, Fig. 1-2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 34
The crossbow of claim 33, wherein mechanical timing of the first wheel and the second wheel causes the first power cable to wind about the first wheel and the second power cable to wind about the second wheel at substantially the same rate (mechanical axle 132 couples the wheels 136 to time the wheels to rotate together so that they unwind and wind the respective cable portions at substantially the same rate, Fig. 1-2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 35
A crossbow (10, Fig. 1-6), comprising:
a stock defining a projectile axis (stock 20 extends along a projectile axis and plane formed along the central length top surface of rail 40);
a first limb and a second limb, each having a first end coupled with the stock and a second end (limbs 152/154 each having first and second ends, each limb having split upper and lower members 152a/b, 154a/b, the first ends 156 of limbs 152/154a secured to main support/pocket 50/56 below the projectile axis, the second free ends 158 of 152/154a extends vertically above the projectile axis/plane, Fig. 1, 5);
a first wheel and a second wheel rotatably coupled with the stock (first and second wheels 136 (right and left) are rotatably coupled to the stock via axle 132 mounted in brackets 54); and
a drawstring operatively coupled with the first limb and the second limb, the drawstring configured to move between an undrawn position and a drawn position (drawstring 170 has central portion 172 that is movable between undrawn (Fig. 1) and drawn (held within trigger housing 38) positions), the drawstring including a first portion engaged with the first wheel (the right end/first portion 174 is received vertically along the groove 138 of the first (right) wheel 136 in the undrawn position, Fig. 1) and a second portion engaged with the second wheel (the left end/second portion 174 wraps around the groove 138 of the second (left) wheel 136 in the undrawn position),
wherein the first wheel and the second wheel are mechanically timed (mechanical axle 132 couples the wheels 136 to time the wheels to rotate together so that they unwind and wind the respective cable portions at substantially the same rate, Fig. 1-2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 36
The crossbow of claim 35, further comprising: a first power cable operatively coupled with the first wheel and the first limb (first power cable(s) 160a/b (right) extend vertically and are attached to the distal second ends of the first limb 152a/b at one end and are operatively coupled to first wheel 136 via connected cable receiving portion 134); and a second power cable operatively coupled with the second wheel and the second limb (second power cable(s) 160a/b (left) extend vertically and are attached to the distal second ends of the first limb 152a/b at one end and are operatively coupled to first wheel 136 via connected cable receiving portion 134, Fig. 2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 37
The crossbow of claim 35, further comprising:
a first power cable operatively coupled with the first wheel and the first limb, the first power cable at least partially extending in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to the projectile axis (first power cable(s) 160a/b (right) extend vertically and are attached to the distal second ends of the first limb 152a/b at one end and are operatively coupled to first wheel 136 via connected cable receiving portion 134); and
a second power cable operatively coupled with the second wheel and the second limb, the second power cable at least partially extending in the vertical direction (second power cable(s) 160a/b (left) extend vertically and are attached to the distal second ends of the first limb 152a/b at one end and are operatively coupled to first wheel 136 via connected cable receiving portion 134, Fig. 2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 38
The crossbow of claim 35, wherein the first portion of the drawstring is oriented at a vertical angle relative to the projectile axis with the drawstring in the undrawn position (the right end/first portion 174 is received vertically along the groove 138 of the first (right) wheel 136 in the undrawn position, Fig. 1), wherein the second portion of the drawstring is oriented at a second vertical angle relative to the projectile axis with the drawstring in the undrawn position (the left end/second portion 174 wraps around the groove 138 of the second (left) wheel 136 in the undrawn position).
In Reference to Claim 39
The crossbow of claim 36, further comprising:
a mechanical element coupled with the first wheel and the second wheel to mechanically time the first wheel and the second wheel (mechanical axle 132 couples the wheels 136 to time the wheels to rotate together, Fig. 1-2, 5-6).
In Reference to Claim 40
The crossbow of claim 35, wherein the mechanical timing of the first wheel and the second wheel causes the first portion of the drawstring to unwind from the first wheel and the second portion of the drawstring to unwind from the second wheel at substantially the same rate (mechanical axle 132 couples the wheels 136 to time the wheels to rotate together so that they unwind and wind the respective cable portions at substantially the same rate, Fig. 1-2, 5-6).
Double Patenting Potential Issues
It is noted that Claims 21-40 (or any potential amended versions to be presented in the future) could potentially be rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-19 of U.S. Pat. No. 12,163,758, claims 1-18 of U.S. Pat. No. 11,713,940, claims 1-19 of U.S. Pat. No. 11,549,77, and claims 1-28 of U.S. Pat. No. 11,402,171. For now the presented claims are not rejected under nonstatutory double patenting, however it is noted that the presented claims should be presented with these already patented claims in mind. Although the presented claims at issue are not identical to the patented claims, they should be patentably distinct from the patented claims such that the presented claims are not anticipated by or are obvious variations of the patented claims to one of ordinary skill in the art of the presented claims.
Brief Discussion of Other Prior Art References
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. See the references cited page for publications that are noted for containing similar subject matter as the applicant. For example, Prior (9,052,154) and Popov (10,533,822) teach a similarly arranged projectile launchers/crossbows.
Conclusion
If the applicant or applicant’s representation has any questions or concerns regarding this office action or the application they are welcome to contact the examiner at the phone number listed below and schedule and interview to discuss the outstanding issues and possible amendments to expedite prosecution of this application.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ALEXANDER R NICONOVICH whose telephone number is (571)270-7419. The examiner can normally be reached Mon - Fri 8-6 MST.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Nicholas Weiss can be reached at (571) 270-1775. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/ALEXANDER R NICONOVICH/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3711
Prosecution Insights