DETAILED ACTION
This is the first office action for US Application 19/312,910 for a Storage Device and Storage Unit.
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 § 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 3-5 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.
Claims 3-5 recite the limitation “and/or” which is indefinite as it is not clear what is or is not covered by the limitation.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1, 2, 6, and 7 are allowed. Claims 3-5 would be allowable if rewritten 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 and to include 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: The prior art of record discloses storage devices with a placement portion that include first and second plates, with the first plate including one first slit extending in an up-down direction and the second plate including one second slit extending in an up-down direction, the first slit and the second slit engaged in an X shape in plan view, but does not disclose or suggest the placement portion being arranged on an arrangement portion in which the at least one first plate is fitted into a first groove of the arrangement portion and the second plate is fitted in a second groove of the arrangement portion, the first groove and second groove formed to intersect with each other in an X shape in plan view..
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
US 1630140 to Sibbald
US 3059825 to Thomas
US 2268637 to Belia
US 2002/0071733 to Parker
US 5590824 to Weeks
US 4187975 to Shepherd
US 5423463 to Weeks
US 4917429 to Giger
US 7004323 to Symonds
US 6174116 to Brand
US 6845871 to Culp
US 4595246 to Bross
US 5244268 to Derrickson
The above prior art cited above discloses various storage devices.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to STEVEN M MARSH whose telephone number is (571)272-6819. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Thurs 9 am-7:30 pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Terrell McKinnon can be reached at 571-272-4797. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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STEVEN M. MARSH
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 3632
/STEVEN M MARSH/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3632
