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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 09/25/2025 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the following must be shown or the features canceled from the claims:
Claim 16 recites “wherein when said segments are in a configuration between said factory assembled configuration and said fully installed configuration, said respective first action surfaces of said first and second segments are in contact and said respective first support surfaces of said first and second segments are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said first adjustable fastener.”.
No new matter should be entered.
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.
Claim Objections
Claims 17, 26, and 35 are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 17 recites “a configuration” and should be “[[a]] the configuration” since that particular configuration was recited in claim 16.
Claim 26 recites “wherein said first support surface of each of said segments is oriented at a first angle transverse to said longitudinal axis of said first fastener, and said second support surface of each of said segments is oriented at a second angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of said second fastener” and should be “wherein said first support surface of each of said segments is oriented at a first angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said first fastener, and said second support surface of each of said segments is oriented at a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said second fastener” since the angle of the support surfaces transverse to the axes of the fasteners are always perpendicular as shown in the drawings. The slopes of the support surfaces as described in the specification and shown in at least Fig. 1 at 46 and 60 are relative to the axes of the fasteners along a direction of the fasteners, however, those slopes are not transverse to the axes of the fasteners because the support surfaces are spaced away from the fasteners.
Claim 35 recites “a first angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of said first fastener…a second angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of said second fastener” and should be “a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said first fastener…a second angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said second fastener” for similar reasons above for claim 26.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(d):
(d) REFERENCE IN DEPENDENT FORMS.—Subject to subsection (e), a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, fourth paragraph:
Subject to the following paragraph [i.e., the fifth paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112], a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers.
Claims 26 and 31-32 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(d) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, 4th paragraph, as being of improper dependent form for failing to further limit the subject matter of the claim upon which it depends, or for failing to include all the limitations of the claim upon which it depends.
Claim 26 requires the first and second support surfaces to be oriented at respective first and second angles relative to a longitudinal axis of respective first and second fasteners, however, claim 16 recites “said first support surface being oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of said first fastener…said second support surface being oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of said second fastener”. The only difference appears to be the recitation of “a first angle” and “a second angle”, however, the support surfaces are inherently at an angle even if they are at zero degrees. Therefore, claim 26 does not appear to further limit the subject matter.
Claim 31 recites “said first action surface of each said segments is oriented at said first angle”, however, claim 26 recites “said first support surface of each of said segments is oriented at a first angle” which requires the first support surface of each segment to be oriented at the first angle. Therefore, claim 31 does not appear to further limit the subject matter.
Claim 32 does not appear to further limit the subject matter similar to claim 31 above.
Claims 48 and 49 also do not appear to further limit the subject matter for similar reasons above for claim 31.
Applicant may cancel the claims, amend the claims to place the claims in proper dependent form, rewrite the claims in independent form, or present a sufficient showing that the dependent claims complies with the statutory requirements.
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.
Claims 16-18, 33-35, 40-42, and 46-49 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-15 of U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because of the following:
In regard to claim 16, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses a coupling in a factory assembled configuration for joining pipe elements in end to end relation, said coupling comprising:
first and second segments, wherein in said factory assembled configuration, said first and second segments are attached to one another end to end surrounding a central space and are supported in spaced apart relation at a distance permitting said pipe elements to be inserted into said central space, each segment of said first and second segments comprising a first lug extending from a first end thereof and a second lug extending from a second end thereof, said first and second lugs of said first segment aligning respectively with said first and second lugs of said second segment;
a first adjustable fastener extending between said first lugs and a second adjustable fastener extending between said second lugs (Claim 6 requires the same features of “A coupling…a second adjustable fastener extending between said lugs”), wherein said first and second adjustable fasteners are tightenable to draw said first and second segments toward one another from said factory assembled configuration to an installed configuration (Claim 6 requires two segments to be connected by two adjustable fasteners, therefore, the two fasteners are at least tightenable to draw the first and second segments toward one another from at least an initially configuration as a factory assembled configuration to a final installed configuration); wherein
each said segment further comprises:
a first action surface positioned between said central space and said first lug of said segment, and a first support surface positioned on said first lug of said segment, said first fastener being positioned between said first action surface and said first support surface of said segment, said first action surface and said first support surface being oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of said first fastener;
a second action surface positioned between said central space and said second lug of said segment, and a second support surface positioned on said second lug of said segment, said second fastener being positioned between said second action surface and said second support surface of said segment, said second action surface and said second support surface being oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of said second fastener (Claim 6 requires the same features of “a first action surface…said second fastener”),
wherein in said installed configuration, respective first action surfaces of said first and second segments are in contact, respective first support surfaces of said first and second segments are in contact, respective second action surfaces of said first and second segments are in contact, and respective second support surfaces of said first and second segments are in contact (Claim 7 requires contact between the action surfaces and stop surfaces), and
wherein when said segments are in a configuration between said factory assembled configuration and said fully installed configuration, said respective first action surfaces of said first and second segments are in contact and said respective first support surfaces of said first and second segments are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said first adjustable fastener (Claim 7 recites “tightening said first adjustable fastener such that the first action surfaces contact one another…thereafter continue tightening said first adjustable fastener such that said first support surfaces contact one another” which prior to the support surfaces contact one another defines a configuration between said factory assembled configuration and said fully installed configuration and in this configuration the action surfaces are in contact while the support surfaces are spaced apart).
While claim 6 of U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 does not expressly disclose the configurations of contact or no contact between the action surfaces and support surfaces, however, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 to try contacting the action surfaces prior to the support surfaces with a reasonable expectation of success because there are a finite number of solutions to configurations of contact or no contact between the action surfaces and support surfaces. See MPEP 2143(I)(E). In this case, a person having ordinary skill in the art would reasonably try contacting the action surfaces prior to the support surfaces in order to have a proper and strong connection between the two segments intended to be joined.
In regard to claim 17, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 16, wherein when said segments are in the configuration between said factory assembled configuration and said fully installed configuration, said respective second action surfaces of said first and second segments are in engagement and said respective second support surfaces of said first and second segments are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said second adjustable fastener (Claim 6 and the combination of claims 6 and 7 disclose “the configuration…said respective second action surfaces…said second adjustable fastener” for similar reasons above for claim 16 with regard to the first action surfaces.).
In regard to claim 18, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 16, wherein said first support surface of each of said segments is oriented transversely to said longitudinal axis of said first adjustable fastener, and wherein said second support surface of each of said segments is oriented transversely to said longitudinal axis of said second adjustable fastener (Claim 6 recites “said first support surface being oriented at a first angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of the said first fastener…said second support surface being oriented at a second angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of said second fastener”).
U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 does not expressly disclose the first and second support surfaces are oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the first and second adjustable fasteners respectively.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 to try orienting the first and second action support surfaces at a 90 degree angle or perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the respective first and second adjustable fasteners with a reasonable expectation of success because there are a finite number of solutions to angle the supports surfaces relative to the axes of the fasteners. See MPEP 2143(I)(E). In this case, a person having ordinary skill in the art would reasonably try the first and second support surfaces are oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the first and second adjustable fasteners respectively in order to have a strong connection between the support surfaces since the fasteners are tightened along their respective axis.
In regard to claim 33, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 16, wherein said first action surface of each of said segments is oriented perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis of said first fastener (See claim 18 above for similar reasons).
In regard to claim 34, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 16, wherein said second action surface of each of said segments is oriented perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis of said second fastener (See claim 18 above for similar reasons).
In regard to claim 35, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses a coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relation, said coupling comprising:
first and second segments attached to one another end to end surrounding a central space for receiving said pipe elements, each said segment comprising a first lug extending from a first end thereof and a second lug extending from a second end thereof, said first and second lugs of said first segment aligning respectively with said first and second lugs of said second segment;
a first adjustable fastener extending between said first lugs of said first and second segments and a second adjustable fastener extending between said second lugs of said first and second segments (Claim 6 requires the same features of “A coupling…said first and second segments”), wherein each fastener of said first adjustable fastener and said second adjustable fastener is tightenable to draw said segments toward one another (Claim 6 requires two segments to be connected by two adjustable fasteners, therefore, the two fasteners are at least tightenable to draw the first and second segments toward one another); wherein
each said segment further comprises:
a first action surface positioned between said central space and said first lug of said segment, and a first support surface positioned on said first lug of said segment, said first fastener being positioned between said first action surface and said first support surface of said segment, said first support surface being oriented at a first angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of said first fastener;
a second action surface positioned between said central space and said second lug of said segment, and a second support surface positioned on said second lug of said segment, said second fastener being positioned between said second action surface and said second support surface of said segment, said second support surface being oriented at a second angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of said second fastener;
at least a first stop surface of said segment positioned on said first lug of said segment adjacent to said first support surface, said first stop surface being oriented at a third angle having a slope opposite to said first angle;
at least a second stop surface of said segment positioned on said second lug of said segment adjacent to said second support surface, said second stop surface being oriented at a fourth angle having a slope opposite to said second angle (Claim 6 requires the same features of “a first action surface…said second angle”);
wherein upon tightening said first and second fasteners to draw said first and second segments toward one another, respective first support surfaces of said first and second segments engage, respective first stop surfaces of said first and second segments engage, respective second support surfaces of said first and second segments engage, and respective second stop surfaces of said first and second segments engage (Claim 6 requires the stop surfaces to be in contact with one another to define engagement and since fasteners are intended to draw the segments together, the support surfaces are at least engaged with one another by being aligned and assembled together when the fasteners are tightened. Claim 7 further explicitly define the engagement between the support surfaces as being in contact with one another.).
In regard to claim 40, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 35, wherein each one of said first and second adjustable fasteners comprises a nut and bolt (Claim 8 requires each fasteners comprises a nut and a bolt).
In regard to claim 41, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 35, wherein each of said segments comprises first and second arcuate projections positioned on respective opposite sides of each of said segments, each of said arcuate projections facing said central space, each of said arcuate projections being engageable within circumferential grooves in said pipe elements when said segments are drawn toward one another by said adjustable fasteners (Claim 9 requires the same features of “wherein each of said segments…said adjustable fasteners.”).
In regard to claim 42, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 35, further comprising a seal positioned within said central space, said seal supporting said segments in spaced apart relation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said central space without disassembling said coupling (Claim 10 requires the same features of “a seal positioned…without disassembling said coupling”).
In regard to claim 46, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 35, wherein said first action surface of each of said segments is oriented perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis of said first fastener (See claim 33 above for the same reasons).
In regard to claim 47, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 35, wherein said second action surface of each of said segments is oriented perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis of said second fastener (See claim 34 above for the same reasons).
In regard to claim 48, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 35, wherein said first action surface of each of said segments is oriented at said first angle (See claim 35 above for the same reasons which require the first action surface of each segment to be oriented at the first angle).
In regard to claim 49, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 35, wherein said second action surface of each of said segments is oriented at said second angle (See claim 35 above for the same reasons which require the second action surface of each segment to be oriented at the second angle).
Claims 19-32, 36-39, and 43-45 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-15 of U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 in view of Dole et al. (US 2003/0178850 A1, hereinafter “Dole”).
In regard to claim 19, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 discloses the coupling according to claim 16, but does not expressly disclose wherein said first lugs define a first opening surrounding a first axis oriented perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis of said first fastener, wherein said first opening is positioned between said first action surfaces and said first support surfaces of said first and second segments.
In the related field of couplings having adjustable fasteners for joining two segments, Dole shows wherein first lugs define a first opening surrounding a first axis oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of a first fastener (Fig. 3, lugs at 80 of each segment have a first fastener at 82 and there is an opening surrounding a longitudinal axis of the first fastener 82 and the opening is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener 82 such that a person can visually see the bolt 82 in an axial direction), wherein the first opening is positioned between first action surfaces and first support surfaces of first and second segments (Fig. 3, the first opening is positioned between first action surfaces closer to the pipes 62 and 64 and first support surfaces near the free ends of the lugs) which allows only the intended surfaces to contact and at least allow a user to visually inspect proper connection.
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 to include said first lugs define a first opening surrounding a first axis oriented perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis of said first fastener, wherein said first opening is positioned between said first action surfaces and said first support surfaces of said first and second segments with a reasonable expectation of success in order to have the advantage of having only intended surfaces to contact and allow for a user to visually inspect proper connection as taught by Dole. See MPEP 2143(I)(G) with regard to a motivation to combine references may be implicit and when the ‘improvement’ is technology-independent and the combination of references results in a product or process that is more desirable, for example because it is stronger, cheaper, cleaner, faster, lighter, smaller, more durable, or more efficient. In this case, it is at least lighter and more efficient to have an opening as claimed in order to have only the intended surfaces to contact to ensure a proper connection which also requires less material and allow for visual inspection.
In regard to claim 20, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 19, wherein said first opening extends through said first lugs (See claim 19 above for similar reasons).
In regard to claim 21, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 19, wherein said second lugs define a second opening surrounding a second axis oriented perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis of said second fastener, wherein said second opening is positioned between said second action surfaces and said second support surfaces of said first and second segments (See claim 19 above for similar reasons which the reasoning also applying to the second lugs).
In regard to claim 22, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 19, wherein said second opening extends through said second lugs (See claim 19 above for similar reasons which the reasoning also applying to the second lugs).
In regard to claim 23, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 19, and U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 further discloses wherein each one of said first and second adjustable fasteners comprises a nut and bolt (Claim 8 requires each fasteners comprises a nut and a bolt).
In regard to claim 24, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 19, and U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 further discloses wherein each of said segments comprises respective first and second arcuate projections positioned on opposite sides of each of said segments, each of said arcuate projections facing said central space, each of said arcuate projections being engageable within circumferential grooves in said pipe elements when said segments are drawn toward one another by said adjustable fasteners (Claim 9 requires the same features of “wherein each of said segments…said adjustable fasteners.”).
In regard to claim 25, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 19, and U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 further discloses further comprising a seal positioned within said central space, said seal supporting said segments in spaced apart relation sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said central space without disassembling said coupling (Claim 10 requires the same features of “a seal positioned…without disassembling said coupling”).
In regard to claim 26, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 19, and U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 further discloses wherein said first support surface of each of said segments is oriented at a first angle transverse to said longitudinal axis of said first fastener, and said second support surface of each of said segments is oriented at a second angle transverse to a longitudinal axis of said second fastener (Claim 6 requires the support surfaces and fasteners, therefore, the support surfaces are at least at an angle relative to the fasteners even if they are at zero degrees).
In regard to claim 27, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 26, but do not expressly disclose wherein said first angle has a slope ranging from 30° to 60° (Dole show various angled action surfaces in Figs. 4 and 8-9).
While U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole do not expressly disclose the angle ranging from 30° to 60°; the angle may be determined through the use of routine experimentation during the engineering design process to optimize the functionality of the device, suited to the intended use and desired parameters. See MPEP 2144.05(II).
It would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole to have an angle ranging from 30° to 60°, as the angle may be optimized to the desired operational parameters through the use of routine experimentation to have the advantage of a strong and reliable connection between two coupled segments. A person of ordinary skill in the art undertaking such experimentation would have had a reasonable expectation of success and the results would have been predictable.
In regard to claim 28, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 26, wherein said first angle has a slope of 45° (See claim 27 for similar reasons).
In regard to claim 29, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 26, wherein said second angle has an equal but opposite slope to said first angle (See claim 27 for similar reasons and see Fig. 4 of Dole which shows the action surfaces are oppositely configured but have equal slopes).
In regard to claim 30, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 26, and U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 further discloses wherein each segment further comprises:
at least a first stop surface positioned on said first lug adjacent to said first support surface, said first stop surface being oriented at a third angle having a slope opposite to said first angle; and
at least a second stop surface positioned on said second lug adjacent to said second support surface, said second stop surface being oriented at a fourth angle having a slope opposite to said second angle (Claim 6 requires first and second stops having opposite slopes).
In regard to claim 31, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 26, wherein said first action surface of each of said segments is oriented at said first angle (See claim 26 above for the same reasons).
In regard to claim 32, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 31, wherein said second action surface of each of said segments is oriented at said second angle (See claim 26 above for the same reasons).
In regard to claims 36-39, the claims recite the same as claims 19-22, therefore, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose claims 36-39 for the same reasons above for claims 19-22.
In regard to claim 43, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 35, wherein said first angle has a slope of 45° (See claim 28 above for the same reasons).
In regard to claim 44, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 35, wherein said first angle has a slope ranging from 30° to 60° (See claim 27 above for the same reasons).
In regard to claim 45, U.S. Patent No. 12,297,936 and Dole disclose the coupling according to claim 35, wherein said second angle has an equal but opposite slope to said first angle (See claim 29 above for the same reasons).
Conclusion
The following prior arts made of record and not relied upon are considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure:
Bowman et al. (US 2019/0271424 A1) and Cuvo et al. (US 2017/0184226 A1) disclose a coupling having at least two segments joined together by at least one fastener similar to applicant’s invention.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to William S. Choi whose telephone number is (571)272-8223. The examiner can normally be reached Mon - Fri 9:30-5:30.
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/WILLIAM S. CHOI/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3679
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