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
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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) 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.
Claim(s) 1-8, 10-14, 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102a1 as being anticipated by Hoyle (USPN 8082620).
A squeezing device for a mop bucket, comprising a first squeezer (32), a squeezing frame (30/46) and a water passage (42), wherein the first squeezer is configured to squeeze a wiper on a mop head; the water passage extends from a first side of the squeezing frame (surface shown in figure 4) to a second side of the squeezing frame (opposite side of surface shown in figure 4) and the first side of the squeezing frame is opposite to the second side of the squeezing frame, and the squeezing device is so configured that water squeezed out by the first squeezer flows from a first side of the squeezing frame to a second side of the squeezing frame through the water passage, and thus flows out of a squeezing water section of the mop bucket.
With regards to claim 2, the water passage is located on/in the squeezing frame (via 56).
With regard to claim 3, the first squeezer is attached to the squeezing frame (via 56).
With regards to claim 4, the first squeezer has a squeezing side (top) and a connecting side (figure 4; arms 54), and the squeezing side of the first squeezer is opposite to the connecting side of the first squeezer; and the connecting side of the first squeezer is attached to the squeezing frame (54 is attached to frame via 56), and the squeezing side of the first squeezer is configured to squeeze the wiper on the mop head.
With regards to claim 5, the connecting side of the first squeezer is attached to the first side of the squeezing frame (46 is considered first side).
With regards to claim 6, the first squeezer has a squeezing side (top) and a connecting side (figure 4; arms 54), and the squeezing side of the first squeezer is opposite to the connecting side of the first squeezer; and the connecting side of the first squeezer is disposed adjacent to the first side of the squeezing frame (arms 54 are adjacent to 46).
With regards to claim 7, the squeezing frame has a squeezing port (v-shape opening between 30 and 32 in figure 5) for receiving the mop head of a flat mop, and the first squeezer is disposed adjacent to the squeezing port; and the first squeezer has a squeezing side (top) and a connecting side (arms 54), the squeezing side of the first squeezer is opposite to the connecting side of the first squeezer, and the squeezing side of the first squeezer protrudes out of an edge of the squeezing port (the edge of the port is formed by the first squeezer).
With regards to claim 8, the first squeezer is a squeezing strip or a squeezing sheet or a squeezing plate.
With regards to claim 10, there is a cleaning frame (24; figure 12).
With regards to claim 11, the cleaning frame and the squeezing frame are integrated with each other and disposed at a top of the mop bucket (figure 12; 24 connects with 94).
With regards to claim 12, an end of the water passage is communicated with the cleaning frame (since 30 connects to 24, then the water passages are communicated with the cleaning frame since they are integral).
With regards to claim 13, an end of the water passage is connected to a cleaning port for receiving the mop head in the cleaning frame (front surface of squeezing frame is in connection with the cleaning port which is the v-shaped opening between 32 and 30).
With regards to claim 14, the cleaning frame is located lower than the squeezing frame (the squeezing frame sits on top of the cleaning frame; therefore it would be lower).
With regards to claim 16, a mop bucket (12) for use with the squeezing device according to claim 1.
Claim(s) 17-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102a1 as being anticipated by Li (CN 201675888).
Li teaches a squeezing device for a mop bucket, comprising a squeezing frame (34), a cleaning frame (33), a first squeezer (37), and a second squeezer (39); wherein the squeezing frame has a squeezing port for receiving flat mop, the first squeezer is disposed adjacent to the squeezing port, and the first squeezer is configured to squeeze a wiper on a mop head; and the cleaning frame has a cleaning port for receiving the flat mop, the second squeezer is disposed adjacent to the cleaning port, and the second squeezer is configured to squeeze the wiper on the mop head (figure 14).
With regards to claim 18, the first squeezer exposes out of the squeezing port, the second squeezer exposes out of the cleaning port, at least one of the first squeezer and the second squeezer comprises squeezing strips or squeezing sheets or squeezing plates; the cleaning frame and the squeezing frame are integrated with each other and disposed at a top of the mop bucket (figure 14).
With regards to claim 19, the squeezing frame and the cleaning frame are disposed side by side (figure 14).
With regards to claim 20, the first squeezer is slightly higher than the second squeezer (figure 15 shows that the squeezer 37 is slightly higher than 39).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) 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 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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim(s) 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hoyle (‘620) in view of Li (‘888).
Hoyle teaches all the essential elements of the claimed invention however fails to teach the cleaning frame has a cleaning port for receiving the mop head, a second squeezer is disposed adjacent to the cleaning port, and the second squeezer is configured to squeeze the wiper on the mop head. Li teaches a cleaning frame (33) with a port to receive a mop head with a second squeezer (39) disposed in the port. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Hoyle so that the device comprises a second squeezer as taught by Li to allow for further removal of debris from the mop.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 9 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.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:
Claim 9 includes the limitation that the first squeezer is a squeezing strip, a water port is formed on the first squeezer, the water port forms a water inlet of the water passage, and the water squeezed by the first squeezer flows into the water passage through the water port. Hoyle teaches that the squeezer has water ports (52) however, the water ports do not form a water inlet of the water passage and water squeezed by the squeezer does not flow into the water passage through the water port.
It would not have been obvious to modify the prior art to achieve the claimed invention since there is no motivation or teaching to do so. Therefore, the claim is free from the prior art.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claim 1-15 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-15 of copending Application No. 19223097. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because:
Current application:
19223097: (underlined is what is not included in current application)
Claim A squeezing device for a mop bucket, comprising a first squeezer, a squeezing frame and a water passage, wherein the first squeezer is configured to squeeze a wiper on a mop head; the water passage extends from a first side of the squeezing frame to a second side of the squeezing frame, and the first side of the squeezing frame is opposite to the second side of the squeezing frame, and the squeezing device is so configured that water squeezed out by the first squeezer flows from a first side of the squeezing frame to a second side of the squeezing frame through the water passage, and thus flows out of a squeezing water section of the mop bucket.
Claim 1: A squeezing device for a mop bucket, comprising a first squeezer, a squeezing frame and a water passage, wherein the first squeezer is configured to squeeze a wiper on a mop head; the water passage is located on the squeezing frame or in the squeezing frame; the water passage extends from a first side of the squeezing frame to a second side of the squeezing frame, and the first side of the squeezing frame is opposite to the second side of the squeezing frame; the squeezing device is so configured that water squeezed out by the first squeezer flows from the first side of the squeezing frame to the second side of the squeezing frame through the water passage, and thus flows out of the squeezing frame; and a baffle is provided on a side of the water passage, and the baffle is configured to prevent the water squeezed out by the first squeezer from flowing out of the water passage.
Claim 2: the water passage is located on/in the squeezing frame.
Claim 2: the water passage is located on an upper surface of the squeezing frame.
Claim 3: the first squeezer is attached to the squeezing frame
Claim 3: the first squeezer is attached to the squeezing frame
Claim 4: the first squeezer has a squeezing side and a connecting side, and the squeezing side of the first squeezer is opposite to the connecting side of the first squeezer; and the connecting side of the first squeezer is attached to the squeezing frame, and the squeezing side of the first squeezer is configured to squeeze the wiper on the mop head.
Claim 4: the first squeezer has a squeezing side and a connecting side, and the squeezing side of the first squeezer is opposite to the connecting side of the first squeezer; and the connecting side of the first squeezer is attached to the squeezing frame, and the squeezing side of the first squeezer is configured to squeeze the wiper on the mop head.
Claim 5: the connecting side of the first squeezer is attached to the first side of the squeezing frame.
Claim 5: the connecting side of the first squeezer is attached to the first side of the squeezing frame.
Claim 6: the first squeezer has a squeezing side and a connecting side, and the squeezing side of the first squeezer is opposite to the connecting side of the first squeezer; and the connecting side of the first squeezer is disposed adjacent to the first side of the squeezing frame.
Claim 6: the first squeezer has a squeezing side and a connecting side, and the squeezing side of the first squeezer is opposite to the connecting side of the first squeezer; and the connecting side of the first squeezer is disposed adjacent to the first side of the squeezing frame
Claim 7: the squeezing frame has a squeezing port for receiving the mop head of a flat mop, and the first squeezer is disposed adjacent to the squeezing port; and the first squeezer has a squeezing side and a connecting side, the squeezing side of the first squeezer is opposite to the connecting side of the first squeezer, and the squeezing side of the first squeezer protrudes out of an edge of the squeezing port.
Claim 7: the squeezing frame has a squeezing port for receiving the mop head of a flat mop, and the first squeezer is disposed adjacent to the squeezing port; and the first squeezer has a squeezing side and a connecting side, the squeezing side of the first squeezer is opposite to the connecting side of the first squeezer, and the squeezing side of the first squeezer protrudes out of an edge of the squeezing port.
Claim 8: the first squeezer is a squeezing strip or a squeezing sheet or a squeezing plate.
Claim 8: the first squeezer is a squeezing strip or a squeezing sheet or a squeezing plate.
Claim 9: the first squeezer is a squeezing strip, a water port is formed on the first squeezer, the water port forms a water inlet of the water passage, and the water squeezed by the first squeezer flows into the water passage through the water port
Claim 9: the first squeezer is a squeezing strip, a water port is formed on the first squeezer, the water port forms a water inlet of the water passage, and the water squeezed out by the first squeezer flows into the water passage through the water port.
Claim 10: further comprising a cleaning frame.
Claim 10: further comprising a cleaning frame.
Claim 11: the cleaning frame and the squeezing frame are integrated with each other and disposed at a top of the mop bucket.
Claim 11: the cleaning frame and the squeezing frame are integrated with each other and disposed at a top of the mop bucket.
Claim 12: an end of the water passage is communicated with the cleaning frame.
Claim 12: an end of the water passage is connected with the cleaning frame.
Claim 13: an end of the water passage is connected to a cleaning port for receiving the mop head in the cleaning frame.
Claim 13: an end of the water passage is connected to a cleaning port for receiving the mop head in the cleaning frame.
Claim 14: the cleaning frame is located lower than the squeezing frame.
Claim 14: the cleaning frame is located lower than the squeezing frame.
Claim 15: the cleaning frame has a cleaning port for receiving the mop head, a second squeezer is disposed adjacent to the cleaning port, and the second squeezer is configured to squeeze the wiper on the mop head.
Claim 15: the cleaning frame has a cleaning port for receiving the mop head, a second squeezer is disposed adjacent to the cleaning port, and the second squeezer is configured to squeeze the wiper on the mop head.
Claim 1, 3, 8 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 21, 23, 26 of copending Application No. 18784990. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because:
18/784990:
Current application:
Claim 21: A squeezing device for squeezing a flat mop, comprising a squeezer, a squeezing frame and a water passage, wherein the squeezer is configured to squeeze a mop head of the flat mop when the flat mop moves up and down in a squeezing state, so as to squeeze out water from a wiper of the mop head; the water passage is located on the squeezing frame or in the squeezing frame; the water passage extends from a first side of the squeezing frame to a second side of the squeezing frame, and the first side of the squeezing frame is opposite to the second side of the squeezing frame; and the squeezing device is so configured that water squeezed out by the squeezer flows from a first edge of the squeezing frame to a second edge of the squeezing frame through the water passage, and thus flows out of the squeezing frame.
Claim 1: A squeezing device for a mop bucket, comprising a first squeezer, a squeezing frame and a water passage, wherein the first squeezer is configured to squeeze a wiper on a mop head; the water passage extends from a first side of the squeezing frame to a second side of the squeezing frame, and the first side of the squeezing frame is opposite to the second side of the squeezing frame, and the squeezing device is so configured that water squeezed out by the first squeezer flows from the first side of the squeezing frame to the second side of the squeezing frame through the water passage, and thus flows out of a squeezing water section of the mop bucket.
Claim 23: the squeezer is attached to the squeezing frame
Claim 3: the first squeezer is attached to the squeezing frame
Claim 26: the squeezer is a squeezing strip or a squeezing sheet or a squeezing plate.
Claim 8: the first squeezer is a squeezing strip or a squeezing sheet or a squeezing plate.
This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection because the patentably indistinct claims have not in fact been patented.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SHAY LYNN KARLS whose telephone number is (571)272-1268. The examiner can normally be reached M-Th (6am-5pm).
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, Monica Carter can be reached at 571-272-4475. 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.
/SHAY KARLS/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3723
Prosecution Insights