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.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 06/08/2025 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 biasing means in claim 17 (spring) for biasing the flap 7 toward a closed position; the one or more corresponding tabs on the saw blade in claim 24; one or more alignment members for locating with one or more corresponding alignment cut-outs in an edge of the saw blade in claim 27 must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). 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.
Specification
The following guidelines illustrate the preferred layout for the specification of a utility application. These guidelines are suggested for the applicant’s use.
Arrangement of the Specification
As provided in 37 CFR 1.77(b), the specification of a utility application should include the following sections in order. Each of the lettered items should appear in upper case, without underlining or bold type, as a section heading. If no text follows the section heading, the phrase “Not Applicable” should follow the section heading:
(a) TITLE OF THE INVENTION.
(b) CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS.
(c) STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT.
(d) THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT.
(e) INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A READ-ONLY OPTICAL DISC, AS A TEXT FILE OR AN XML FILE VIA THE PATENT ELECTRONIC SYSTEM.
(f) STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR.
(g) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.
(1) Field of the Invention.
(2) Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98.
(h) BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION.
(i) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S).
(j) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.
(k) CLAIM OR CLAIMS (commencing on a separate sheet).
(l) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE (commencing on a separate sheet).
(m) SEQUENCE LISTING. (See MPEP § 2422.03 and 37 CFR 1.821 - 1.825). A “Sequence Listing” is required on paper if the application discloses a nucleotide or amino acid sequence as defined in 37 CFR 1.821(a) and if the required “Sequence Listing” is not submitted as an electronic document either on read-only optical disc or as a text file via the patent electronic system.
The specification is objected because it is not following the Arrangement of the Specification above.
Claim Objections
Claims are objected to because of the following informalities: the amendments of claim set 03/06/2025 are massive amendments. To avoiding any confusion, it is required a clean copy version for easily understanding and advantage prosecution. Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are:
The “one or more locating members for locating with one or more corresponding locating cut-outs in a saw blade” in claims 1, 38, 49 and the “biasing means…” in claim 17, the clamping means in claim 20; the one or more alignment members in claim 27. For an example, In claim 1, the “one or more locating members for locating with one or more corresponding locating cut-outs in a saw blade” invokes 112F because first, "member(s)" is a generic substitute for “means”; second, the "member(s)" is modified by functional language including “for locating with one or more corresponding locating cut-outs in a saw blade”; and third, the "member(s)" is not modified by sufficient structure to perform the recited function because "locating" preceding member(s) describes the function, not the structure of the member(s).
Similarly analysis with other limitations.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
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 17, 20 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.
The scope of claim 17 “a biasing means for biasing the flap towards a closed position” is unclear since the drawing does not show it and specification is not clearly discussed it. Therefore, it is unclear how and what structures of the biasing means causes biasing the flap towards a closed position.
Claim 20 “the clamping means” lacks of antecedent basis for the limitation in the claim. This recitation is indefinite because it is unclear whether it refers the clamp or an additional “clamping means”.
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.
Claims 1-3, 6, 8, 12, 20, 22, 24, 27, 31-32, 38, 43, 49, 58, 60, 62 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Ruan (CN206010017U and Translation).
Regarding claim 1, Ruan shows a handle for a saw (Figures 1-9, as the claim is written, it is just a handle 2), comprising:
a handle portion (2); and
a clamp (3),
wherein the handle portion and/or the clamp comprises one or more locating members (303, 304) for locating with one or more corresponding locating cut-outs (101, 102, Figures 2, 7, 9) in a saw blade (1), and the clamp is arranged for clamping the blade against the handle portion (Figures 7-9).
Regarding claims 2-3, Ruan shows wherein the one or more locating members comprise bosses (see the bosses 303, 304 Figure 3), wherein the clamp comprises a flap (plate 3, Figure 9).
Regarding claim 6, Ruan shows that the flap comprises the one or more bosses and the handle portion comprises one or more recesses (see Figure 9) for receiving the one or more bosses when the flap is closed (see claims 2-3 above and see Figures 7 and 9).
Regarding claim 8, Ruan shows that each of the locating members comprises an overhang (see Figure 7, the bosses are overhangs for the blade 1).
Regarding claim 12, Ruan shows one or more secondary locating members for locating with one or more corresponding secondary locating cut-outs in the saw blade (please note that as claim 1 is written “one or more locating members”, it is interpreted as one boss 303 and the one or more secondary locating members is the boss 304 for one or more corresponding secondary locating cut-outs in the saw blade, respectively).
Regarding claim 20, as best understood, Ruan shows that means for clamping by the clamp is arranged for rotary engagement with the handle portion (see Figures 7 and 9) .
Regarding claim 22, Ruan shows that the handle portion comprises a grip portion (where it is near the reference “2” in Figure 6) and an adjacent elongate through hole for receiving a user's fingers in use.
Regarding claim 24, Ruan shows that the handle portion further comprises one or more recesses (see the broken line in Figure 6) for receiving one or more corresponding tabs (the hook 103 inserted into the handle and hooked into the locking pin 5) on the saw blade.
Regarding claim 27, Ruan shows that one or more alignment members (the pin 5, Figure 6) for locating with one or more corresponding alignment cut-outs in an edge of the saw blade (the hook 103).
Regarding claim 31, Ruan shows a saw (Figure 1), comprising: the handle as claimed in Claim 1; and a saw blade (1).
Regarding claim 32, Ruan shows that the one or more locating cut-outs in the saw blade are spaced inwardly from a periphery of the saw blade (see Figure 2).
Regarding claim 38, Ruan shows that the handle further comprises one or more secondary locating members for locating with one or more corresponding secondary locating cut-outs in the saw blade (see the discussion above, the “one or more locating members in claim 1 can be interpreted as one boss 303 and the other boss 304 can be a secondary locating member), and wherein the one or more secondary locating cut-outs in the saw blade are spaced inwardly from a periphery of the saw blade and define closed openings and/or are provided on the periphery of the saw blade and are open at the periphery (Figures 3, 7, 9).
Regarding claim 43, Ruan shows that the blade (1) comprises a cutting edge comprising a plurality of teeth and an opposed top edge (see Figure 1, the saw blade inherently includes teeth cutting edge), wherein a finger grip is provided proximal the top edge, which comprises a cut-out (see Figure 1).
Regarding claim 49, Ruan shows that a saw blade (it is just a blade , Figure 2), comprising:
a first end portion (where the references “101-103”, Figure 2) for detachably connecting to a saw handle,
a cutting edge extending between the first end portion and a second end portion, and a top edge opposed to the cutting edge (see Figures 1-2), wherein the first end portion comprises one or more cut-outs (101-102) for engaging with one or more corresponding locating members of the handle (see the discussion in claims above).
Regarding claim 58, Ruan shows that tabs on the saw blade, which protrude from an edge of the blade in the first end portion (see Figure 2 below).
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Regarding claim 60, Ruan shows that one or more alignment cut-outs are provided in the edge of the blade from which the tabs protrude and are open at the edge (see the cut-out formed by tabs in figure 2 above to form a hook 103).
Regarding claim 62, Ruan shows a saw system, comprising:
a saw (see Claim 31); and
one or more further saw blades, wherein at least two of the saw blades are different to one another (as this is written, it is unclear what the differences are, therefore, in the abstract, it mentions “the saw blade can be disassembled, saw convenient for changing the worn and convenient storage, simple structure, simple operation, firm and reliable” that means the worn blade and the new blade are different and meets the claimed limitation).
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 17 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ruan in view of King (DE 202005008995 U1 and Translation).
Regarding claim 17, as best understood, Ruan shows all of the limitations as stated above except a biasing means for biasing the flap towards a closed position.
King shows a quick changing saw blade system (Figure 1) including a biasing means (12) for biasing a flap (12) towards a closed position (to secure the saw blade 20).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have modified the flap of Ruan to have a biasing means (12) for biasing a flap (12) towards a closed position, as taught by King, in order to allow the flap forcibly closed and locked to the handle while it is in the closed position.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. US 2010/0031512; US 20030000092 A1 are shown a quick change of a saw blade.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to NHAT CHIEU Q DO whose telephone number is (571)270-1522. The examiner can normally be reached 8AM-5PM EST.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Boyer Ashley can be reached at (571) 272-4502. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/NHAT CHIEU Q DO/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3724 6/25/2026
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