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 .
Drawings
The drawings were received on 8/12/26. These drawings are accepted.
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 9-16 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.
With regard to claim 9: Line 2 of the claim, it’s unclear as to how the Reciprocal Frame system is “a roller” in a close state. Does applicant mean the Reciprocal Frame system is a --a roll-- in the closed state such as shown in figures 9B-9C of the instant application. Line 6 of the claim, it’s unclear if the limitation “adjacent formed modules” are referencing the previously recited modules. For the purpose of examination, the limitation is considered to be directed to --adjacent said formed modules--. Lines 9-10 of the claim, it’s unclear as how the lengths of the non-parallel nexors is lengthened and shortened. Note that on pg. 1, lines 16-17 of the original specification, the nexor is a bar. While the positioning of the non-parallel nexors can be adjusted such as shown in fig. 7A, it does not appear the length of the respective bar itself changes. Line 9 of the claim, it’s unclear if the limitation “non-parallel nexors” is referencing the previously recited non-parallel nexors. Line 10 of the claim, the limitation “the joined nexors” lacks sufficient antecedent basis. Line 11 of the claim, it’s unclear if the step of adding new modules is referencing to the previously formed modules. Line 11 of the clam, the limitation “the joined module” lacks sufficient antecedent basis.
With regard to claim 13: Line 2 of the claim, the limitation “the formed module” lacks sufficient antecedent basis. For the purpose of examination, the limitation is considered to be directed to --each formed module--.
With regard to claim 15: Line 1 of the claim, the limitation “the joined nexors” lacks sufficient antecedent basis.
With regard to claim 16: Line 1 of the claim, it’s unclear if the limitation “non-parallel nexors” are referencing the previously recited non-parallel nexors.
Claims 9-16 are examined as best understood.
Allowable Subject Matter
Upon overcoming the claim objection, claim 2 would be allowable.
Claims 1 and 3-7 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:
With regard to claim 1: The combination of all the steps of the claimed method of obtaining a rollable framework based on a reciprocal frame system, which takes the form of a vault in an open state and becomes a roll in a close state, in particular forming modules by connecting a non-parallel nexors to parallel nexors with cylindrical joints and the parallel nexors to the non-parallel nexors with prismatic joints is not adequately taught or suggested in the cited prior art of record.
As understood, the prismatic joint refers to joint that comprises a prism.
Note that allowability of the claims are subject to reconsideration should the scope of the claims change.
Response to Arguments
The previous objection of claims 1-8 has been withdrawn in view of the amendment filed 8/12/26.
The previous rejection of claims 1 and 3-8 under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, has been withdrawn in view of the amendment filed 8/12/26.
The rejection of claim 8 under 35 U.S.C. 112(d) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, 4th paragraph, has been withdrawn in view of the amendment filed 8/12/26.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JESSIE T FONSECA whose telephone number is (571)272-7195. The examiner can normally be reached 7:00am - 3:30pm.
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, Brian Glessner can be reached at (571)272-6754. 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.
/JESSIE T FONSECA/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3633