Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-12-12)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1\. A control panel for an appliance, the control panel defining a display direction and comprising:
a printed circuit board defining a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface along the display direction, and a through hole passing through the printed circuit board from the first surface to the second surface;
a console cover mounted to the first surface of the printed circuit board;
a standoff feature positioned between the console cover and the printed circuit board to create a localized gap between the console cover and the printed circuit board;
a retention feature that engages the second surface to retain the printed circuit board against the console cover; and
an electronic component mounted to the printed circuit board and having an electrical contact that extends through the through hole, wherein a distal end of the electrical contact forms a connection joint that is positioned within the localized gap between the printed circuit board and the console cover.

2\. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the retention feature is defined proximate to the standoff feature and on an opposite side of the standoff feature relative to the localized gap.

3\. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the standoff feature is defined by and protrudes from the console cover toward the printed circuit board and contacts the first surface to create the localized gap between the console cover and the printed circuit board.

4\. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the standoff feature is defined by and protrudes from the printed circuit board toward the console cover to create the localized gap between the console cover and the printed circuit board.
5\. The control panel of claim I, wherein the standoff feature defines a contact surface that is angled relative to a cover direction, the cover direction being perpendicular to the display direction.
6\. The control panel of claim I, wherein the retention feature is a flexible clip that engages an edge of the printed circuit board.
7\. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board defines a retention aperture, and wherein the retention feature passes through the retention aperture to engage the second surface of the printed circuit board.
8\. The control panel of claim I, wherein the standoff feature is one of a plurality of standoff features and the retention feature is one of a plurality of retention features.
9\. The control panel of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of retention features are defined outside of the plurality of standoff features relative to the localized gap.

10\. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the standoff feature defines a standoff height measured along the display direction, the standoff height being between about 0.01 inches and 0.25 inches.

11\. The control panel of claim 10, wherein the standoff height is about 0.03 inches.

12\. The control panel of claim I, wherein the retention feature is defined by the console cover and protrudes from the console cover toward the printed circuit board to contact the second surface to retain the printed circuit board.

13\. The control panel of claim I, further comprising: a console bracket, wherein the printed circuit board and the console cover are mounted to the console bracket, and wherein the console bracket defines the retention feature that contacts the second surface to retain the printed circuit board.

14\. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the console cover comprises:
a plurality of user input zones; and
a plurality of capacitive sensors mounted to the printed circuit board outside of the localized gap, the capacitive sensors being operable to detect user inputs via contact with the console cover in the plurality of user input zones.

15\. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the control panel is mounted on a front panel or a top edge of a door of a dishwasher appliance.

16\. A dishwasher appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, the dishwasher appliance comprising:
a wash tub positioned within a cabinet and defining a wash chamber;
a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet to provide selective access to the wash chamber; and
a control panel mounted on the door and defining a display direction, the control panel comprising:
a printed circuit board defining a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface along the display direction, and a through hole passing through the printed circuit board from the first surface to the second surface;
a console cover mounted to the first surface of the printed circuit board;
a standoff feature positioned between the console cover and the printed circuit board to create a localized gap between the console cover and the printed circuit board;
a retention feature that engages the second surface to retain the printed circuit board against the console cover; and an electronic component mounted to the printed circuit board and having an electrical contact that extends through the through hole, wherein a distal end of the electrical contact forms a connection joint that is positioned within the localized gap between the printed circuit board and the console cover.

17\. The dishwasher appliance of claim 16, wherein the retention feature is defined proximate to the standoff feature and on an opposite side of the standoff feature relative to the localized gap.

18\. The dishwasher appliance of claim 16, wherein the standoff feature is defined by and protrudes from the console cover toward the printed circuit board and contacts the first surface to create the localized gap between the console cover and the printed circuit board.

19\. The dishwasher appliance of claim 16, wherein the standoff feature defines a contact surface that is angled relative to a cover direction, the cover direction being perpendicular to the display direction.

20\. The dishwasher appliance of claim 14, wherein the retention feature is defined by the console cover and protrudes from the console cover toward the printed circuit board to contact the second surface to retain the printed circuit board. 21 22 23 24

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
The communication dated 10/10/2022 has been entered and fully considered.
Claims 1-20 are currently pending.
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.
Claim 20 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as failing to set forth 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.
Claim 20 refers to the dishwasher appliance of claim 14, but there is no dishwasher appliance in claim 14.  Correction is required.  For the purposes of prosecution, examiner is determining that claim 20 is dependent on claim 16.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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 1-2, 4-5, 8, and 13 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by over Prinz et al. U.S. Publication 2006/0114128 (henceforth referred to as Prinz).
As to claim 1, A control panel (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] operating device 10) for an appliance, the control panel defining a display direction (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] decorative panel 20 faces towards the user defining a display direction) and comprising:
a printed circuit board defining a first surface (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] circuit board 12), a second surface (FIG. 1  shows that there are at least two surfaces of circuit board 12) opposite the first surface along the display direction, and a through hole passing through the printed circuit board from the first surface to the second surface (FIG. 1 shows display elements 14 and carrier 18 going through circuit board 12);
a console cover mounted to the first surface of the printed circuit board (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] decorative panel 20);
a standoff feature (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] the horizontal portions of carrier 18 reads on the claimed standoff feature) positioned between the console cover and the printed circuit board to create a localized gap between the console cover and the printed circuit board (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] the horizontal portions of carrier 18 makes a space between circuit board 12 and decorative panel 20);
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a retention feature that engages the second surface to retain the printed circuit board against the console cover (FIG. 5 paragraph [0039] latching hooks 24); and
an electronic component (paragraph [0029] integral functional module 22 combines components 16-18.  Integral functional module 22 reads on the claimed electronic component) mounted to the printed circuit board and having an electrical contact that extends through the through hole (FIGS. 1 and 5 paragraph [0029] integral functional module 22 can be used with operating device 10.  Integrated functional module 22 is mounted to circuit board 12), wherein a distal end of the electrical contact forms a connection joint that is positioned within the localized gap between the printed circuit board and the console cover (FIG. 1 display elements 14 on circuit board 12 are in contact with mechanical actuating elements 16 within the localized gap).
As to claim 2, Prinz further teaches the retention feature (FIG. 5 paragraph [0039] latching hooks 24) is defined proximate to the standoff feature and on an opposite side of the standoff feature relative to the localized gap (FIGS. 1 and 5 paragraph [0027] The horizontal portions of carrier 18 and latching hooks 24 are on opposite sides of carrier 18).
As to claim 4, Prinz further teaches the standoff feature (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] the horizontal portions of carrier 18 reads on the claimed standoff feature) is defined by and protrudes from the printed circuit board toward the console cover to create the localized gap between the console cover and the printed circuit board (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] the horizontal portions of carrier 18 makes a space between circuit board 12 and decorative panel 20).
As to claim 5, Prinz further teaches the standoff feature defines a contact surface that is angled relative to a cover direction (FIG. 1 the horizontal portions of carrier 18 are at a perpendicular angle relative to decorative panel 20), the cover direction being perpendicular to the display direction (the display direction is what the user sees.  Paragraph [0027] trim panel 20 is placed on the side of carrier 18 that faces the user. The trim panel is perpendicular to the display direction).
As to claim 8, Prinz further teaches the standoff feature is one of a plurality of standoff features (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] there are at least two horizontal portions of carrier 18) and the retention feature is one of a plurality of retention features (FIG. 5 paragraph [0039] plurality of latching hooks 24).
As to claim 13, Prinz further teaches a console bracket (FIG. 1 vertical portion of carrier 18 reads on the claimed console bracket), wherein the printed circuit board and the console cover are mounted to the console bracket (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] carrier 18 holds actuating elements 16 to circuit board 12.  The decorative trim panel 20 is placed on the other side of carrier 18), and wherein the console bracket defines the retention feature that contacts the second surface to retain the printed circuit board (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] vertical portion of carrier 18 is attached to the at least two horizontal portions of carrier 18).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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.
Claims 3, 6, and 9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Prinz et al. U.S. Publication 2006/0114128 (henceforth referred to as Prinz).
As to claim 3, Prinz further teaches the standoff feature (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] the horizontal portions of carrier 18 reads on the claimed standoff feature).
Prinz does not teach a standoff feature that protrudes from the console cover toward the printed circuit board.  However, absent the demonstration of any new or unobvious results, the claimed configuration is considered by Examiner to be prima facie obvious as a rearrangement of parts. It is old and well known to rearrange parts, with no change in their respective functions, due to size/space design criteria, the manufacturing expense thereof or purely for aesthetics. See MPEP § 2144.04, VI, C. Rearrangement of Parts.
As to claim 6, Prinz further teaches the retention feature is a flexible clip (FIG. 5 paragraph [0039] latching hooks 24 come into snapping engagement with corresponding openings of the casing.  The latching hooks are flexible enough to snap into place.).
Prinz does not teach engaging the edge of the printed circuit board.  However, absent the demonstration of any new or unobvious results, the claimed configuration is considered by Examiner to be prima facie obvious as a rearrangement of parts. It is old and well known to rearrange parts, with no change in their respective functions, due to size/space design criteria, the manufacturing expense thereof or purely for aesthetics. See MPEP § 2144.04, VI, C. Rearrangement of Parts.
As to claim 9, Prinz further teaches the plurality of retention features (FIG. 5 paragraph [0039] plurality of latching hooks 24).
Prinz does not teach that the retention features are defined outside the plurality of standoff features relative to the localized gap.  However, absent the demonstration of any new or unobvious results, the claimed configuration is considered by Examiner to be prima facie obvious as a rearrangement of parts. It is old and well known to rearrange parts, with no change in their respective functions, due to size/space design criteria, the manufacturing expense thereof or purely for aesthetics. See MPEP § 2144.04, VI, C. Rearrangement of Parts.
Claims 7 and 12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Prinz et al. U.S. Publication 2006/0114128 (henceforth referred to as Prinz) in view of Kim et al. U.S. Publication 2010/0177494 (henceforth referred to as Kim).
As to claim 7,  Prinz differs from the instant claim in failing to teach the printed circuit board defines a retention aperture, and wherein the retention feature passes through the retention aperture to engage the second surface of the printed circuit board.
Kim teaches a similar control panel (FIG. 1 paragraph [0041] control panel assembly 100).  Kim teaches the printed circuit board defines a retention aperture (FIG. 2 paragraph [0044] circuit board 400 is connected to guide member 300, which contains a hook reception parts 310 and 320.  Hook reception parts read on the claimed retention aperture), and wherein the retention feature (FIG. 2 paragraph [0045] hooks 210 and 220) passes through the retention aperture to engage the second surface of the printed circuit board (paragraph [0057] at least one hook reception part 310 and 320, receives at least one first hook 210 and 220 to assemble circuit board 400 to control panel 200).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the control panel as taught by Prinz with a retention aperture as taught by Kim.  It is known in the art to have apertures as it provides a surface that can be gripped by the retention portions (Prinz paragraph [0039]).  The apertures can also aid the control cover panel to be properly placed with the circuit board (Kim paragraph [0045]).
As to claim 12,  Kim further teaches the retention feature is defined by the console cover and protrudes from the console cover (FIG. 2 paragraph [0045] at least one hook 210 and 220 protrude from the rear surface of the control panel 200) toward the printed circuit board to contact the second surface to retain the printed circuit board (paragraph [0045] the hook 210 and 220 with the aid of guide member 300, allows for the assembly of control panel 200 and circuit board 400).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the control panel taught by Prinz with a retention feature that protrudes from the console cover as taught by Kim.   The retention feature allows the control panel 200 to assemble to circuit board 400 (paragraph [0045]).
Claims 10-11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Prinz et al. U.S. Publication 2006/0114128 (henceforth referred to as Prinz) in view of Park et al. U.S. Publication 2014/0298865 (henceforth referred to as Park).
As to claim 10, Prinz differs from the instant claim in failing to teach the standoff feature defines a standoff height measured along the display direction, the standoff height being between about 0.01 inches and 0.25 inches.
Park teaches a similar control panel (FIG. 1 paragraph [0016] control panel CP).  Park teaches standoff feature defines a standoff height measured along the display direction, the standoff height being between about 0.01 inches and 0.25 inches (paragraph [0082] the interval between two parts may be increased to 7 millimeters or more by spacers 75.  Spacers 75 read on the claimed standoff feature and are used to create a height distance).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the control panel as taught by Prinz with a standoff height as taught by Park.  The use of spacers 75 are to prevent transmission of current between two parts (paragraph [0083]).  Since the art recognizes that the standoff height is a result effectively variable (enough to prevent current transmission), it would have been obvious to one skilled in the art to determine an optimal value for the standoff height in Prinz, through routine experimentation, and that the claimed heights would have been found obvious through such routine experimentation, unless the applicant can demonstrate unexpected results.
As to claim 11, Park further teaches the standoff height is about 0.03 inches (paragraph [0082] the interval can be increased to 7 millimeters or more.  This means the interval between two parts can be less than 7 millimeters).
Claims 14-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Prinz et al. U.S. Publication 2006/0114128 (henceforth referred to as Prinz) in view of Min et al. U.S. Publication 2017/0188787 (henceforth referred to as Min).
As to claim 14, Prinz further teaches the console cover comprises: a plurality of user input zones (paragraph [0012] decorative panel has corresponding openings for actuating elements and/or optical display elements); and a plurality of actuating elements mounted to the printed circuit board outside of the localized gap (FIG. 1 actuating elements 16 are outside the localized gap), the actuating elements being operable to detect user inputs via contact with the console cover in the plurality of user input zones (paragraph [0008] user inputs information to the control device via the control panel).
Prinz differs from the instant claim in failing to teach a capacitive sensor.
Min teaches a similar control panel (FIG. 2 paragraph [0061] operating unit 22).  Min teaches capacitive sensors (paragraph [0065] touch sensor 62 reads on the claimed capacitive sensors).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the control panel as taught by Prinz with capacitive sensors as taught by Min.  It is common the art to change actuators with capacitive-sensor style buttons.
As to claim 15, Min further teaches the control panel is mounted on a front panel or a top edge of a door of a dishwasher appliance (FIG. 1 paragraph [0061] operating unit 22 may be formed on upper surface of the door 20).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the control panel taught by Prinz be located at the upper surface of the door as taught by Min.  Having the control panel located at the top of the door makes it easier for users to see the panel and/or see the status of the dishwasher (paragraph [0037]).
Claims 16-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Prinz et al. U.S. Publication 2006/0114128 (henceforth referred to as Prinz) in view of Min et al. U.S. Publication 2017/0188787 (henceforth referred to as Min).
As to claim 16,  Prinz teaches control panel (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] operating device 10) comprising a printed circuit board defining a first surface (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] circuit board 12), a second surface (FIG. 1  shows that there are at least two surfaces of circuit board 12) opposite the first surface along the display direction (FIG. 1 decorative panel 20 is facing the user defining the display direction), and a through hole passing through the printed circuit board from the first surface to the second surface (FIG. 1 shows display elements 14 and carrier 18 going through circuit board 12);
a console cover mounted to the first surface of the printed circuit board (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] decorative panel 20);
a standoff feature (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] the horizontal portions of carrier 18 reads on the claimed standoff feature) positioned between the console cover and the printed circuit board to create a localized gap between the console cover and the printed circuit board (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] the horizontal portions of carrier 18 makes a space between circuit board 12 and decorative panel 20);
a retention feature (FIG. 5 paragraph [0039] latching hooks 24) that engages the second surface to retain the printed circuit board against the console cover;
and an electronic component (paragraph [0029] integral functional module 22 combines components 16-18.  Integral functional module 22 reads on the claimed electronic component) mounted to the printed circuit board and having an electrical contact that extends through the through hole (FIGS. 1 and 5 paragraph [0029] integral functional module 22 can be used with operating device 10.  Integrated functional module 22 is mounted to circuit board 12), wherein a distal end of the electrical contact forms a connection joint that is positioned within the localized gap between the printed circuit board and the console cover (FIG. 1 display elements 14 on circuit board 12 are in contact with mechanical actuating elements 16 within the localized gap).
Prinz differs from the instant claim in failing to teach a dishwasher appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, the dishwasher appliance comprising:
a wash tub positioned within a cabinet and defining a wash chamber;
a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet to provide selective access to the wash chamber;
and a control panel mounted on the door and defining a display direction.
Min teaches a dishwasher appliance (FIG. 1 paragraph [0056] dish washer 1).  Min teaches a dishwasher appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction (FIG. 1 the dishwasher is a three-dimensional appliance), the dishwasher appliance comprising:
a wash tub positioned within a cabinet and defining a wash chamber (paragraph [0057] a tub is provided inside cabinet 10);
a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet (FIG. 1 paragraph [0059] door 20 is rotatably mounted on front of cabinet 10) to provide selective access to the wash chamber (paragraph [0058] the door 20 can be opened and closed to expose the tub inside cabinet 10);
and a control panel mounted on the door and defining a display direction (FIG. 1 paragraph [0061] operating unit 22 may be formed on upper surface of the door 20).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the control panel taught by Prinz with the dishwasher as taught by Min.  It is known in the art to have a control panel to control the operations of a dishwasher (Min paragraph [0080]).
As to claim 17,  Prinz further teaches the retention feature (FIG. 5 paragraph [0039] latching hooks 24) is defined proximate to the standoff feature and on an opposite side of the standoff feature relative to the localized gap (FIGS. 1 and 5 paragraph [0027] The horizontal portions of carrier 18 and latching hooks 24 are on opposite sides of carrier 18).
As to claim 18, Prinz further teaches the standoff feature (FIG. 1 paragraph [0027] the horizontal portions of carrier 18 reads on the claimed standoff feature).
Prinz does not teach a standoff feature that protrudes from the console cover toward the printed circuit board.  However, absent the demonstration of any new or unobvious results, the claimed configuration is considered by Examiner to be prima facie obvious as a rearrangement of parts. It is old and well known to rearrange parts, with no change in their respective functions, due to size/space design criteria, the manufacturing expense thereof or purely for aesthetics. See MPEP § 2144.04, VI, C. Rearrangement of Parts.
As to claim 19, Prinz further teaches the standoff feature defines a contact surface that is angled relative to a cover direction (FIG. 1 the horizontal portions of carrier 18 are at a perpendicular angle relative to decorative panel 20), the cover direction being perpendicular to the display direction (the display direction is what the user sees.  Paragraph [0027] trim panel 20 is placed on the side of carrier 18 that faces the user. The trim panel is perpendicular to the display direction).
Claim 20 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Prinz et al. U.S. Publication 2006/0114128 (henceforth referred to as Prinz) and Min et al. U.S. Publication 2017/0188787 (henceforth referred to as Min) as applied to claim 16 above, and in further view of Kim et al. U.S. Publication 2010/0177494 (henceforth referred to as Kim).
As to claim 20, Prinz and Min differ from the instant claim in failing to teach the retention feature is defined by the console cover and protrudes from the console cover toward the printed circuit board to contact the second surface to retain the printed circuit board.
Kim teaches a similar control panel (FIG. 1 paragraph [0041] control panel assembly 100).  Kim teaches the retention feature is defined by the console cover and protrudes from the console cover (FIG. 2 paragraph [0045] at least one hook 210 and 220 protrude from the rear surface of the control panel 200) toward the printed circuit board to contact the second surface to retain the printed circuit board (paragraph [0045] the hook 210 and 220 with the aid of guide member 300, allows for the assembly of control panel 200 and circuit board 400).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the control panel taught by Prinz and Min with a retention feature that protrudes from the console cover as taught by Kim.   The retention feature allows the control panel 200 to assemble to circuit board 400 (paragraph [0045]).
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
Claims 1-20 are pending in the present application including independent claims 1 and 16. Claims 1, 16, and 20 are currently amended. Claim 5 and 19 are hereby canceled without prejudice. Applicants respectfully request reconsideration and allowance in view of the amendments to the claims and the following remarks.
Statement of the Interview
Applicants wish to thank the Examiner for the courtesies extended during the telephone interview on January 6, 2025 (the "Examiner Interview"). During the interview the Examiner and the Applicant's representative discussed the claimed subject matter and the cited art as well as possible recommendations to further clarify and distinguish the claims from the cited art.
Claim Re
j
ections - 35 U.S.C.
&
Claims 20 is 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 pre-AIA the applicant regards as the invention. Applicant has amended the claims in a manner that is believed to overcome these rejections. Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests that the rejections under § 112(b) be withdrawn.
Claim Re
j
ections - 35 U.S.C.
"
102 and 103
Claims 1-2, 4-5, 8, and 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being anticipated by
Prinz
et al. (US 2006/0114128). Claims 3, 6, and 9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over
Prinz.
Claims 7 and 12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over
Prinz
in view of
Kim
et al. (US 2010/0177494). Claims 10-11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over
Prinz
in view of
Park
et al. (US 2014/0298865). Claims 14-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over
Prinz
in view of
Park
and
M
in
et al. (US 2017/0188787). Claims 16-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over
Prinz
in view of
M
in
.
Claim 20 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over
Prinz
in view of
M
in
and
Kim.
These rejections are
respectfully traversed. In this regard, Applicant respectfully submits that these claims are not obvious for at least the reason that the proffered combinations do not yield the claimed invention.
Independent claim 1 has been amended above to recite that the standoff feature defines a contact surface that is angled in a non-parallel direction relative to a cover direction, the cover direction being perpendicular to the display direction. The new limitations include no new matter and are fully supported by the specification and the drawings of the present application.
See, e.
g.,
[0067] and FIG. 8. Notably, these limitations were also previously recited at least in part independent claim 5 (now canceled). As explained in the Examiner Interview,
Prinz
and the remaining cited references fail to teach such a construction. Accordingly, Applicant respectfully submits that the cited references fail to teach, disclose, or suggest such limitations and that this claim is currently in condition for allowance.
In view of the above, the Examiner is respectfully requested to reconsider the rejection of independent claim 1. Applicant respectfully submits that the cited references fail to teach all limitations of independent claim 1 and that this claim patentably defines over the cited references. The Office Action rejected independent claim 16 on the same grounds and based upon the same authority as claim 1. Notably, independent claim 16 has been amended to include similar limitations as claim 1. Thus, for the same reasons as discussed with respect to claim 1, Applicant respectfully submits that claim 16 is patentable over the cited references. Consequently, it is respectfully submitted that independent claims 1 and 16 are in condition for allowance.
Applicant also respectfully submits that for at least the reasons indicated above relating to independent claims 1 and 16, the corresponding dependent claims are also in condition for allowance. However, Applicant also notes that the patentability of corresponding dependent claims certainly does not hinge on the patentability of the independent claims. In particular, it is believed that some or all of these other claims may possess features that are independently patentable, regardless of the patentability of the independent claims. In summary, it is
respectfully submitted that the present application is in complete condition for allowance and favorable action is therefore respectfully requested.
Conclusion

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
The communication dated 1/17/2025 has been entered and fully considered.
Claims 1-4, 6-18 and 20 are currently pending.  Claims 1, 16, and 20 are currently amended.
Claims 5 and 19 are canceled.
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 .
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see page 6, filed 1/17/2025, with respect to claim 20 have been fully considered and are persuasive.  The 35 U.S.C. § 1 of claim 20 has been withdrawn.
Applicant’s arguments, see pages 6-7, filed 1/17/2025, with respect to 1-2, 4-5, 8 and 13 have been fully considered and are persuasive.  The 35 U.S.C. §102 rejection of claims 1-2, 4-5, 8 and 13 has been withdrawn.
Applicant’s arguments, see pages 6-7, filed 1/17/2025, with respect to claims 3, 6-7, 9-12,14-20 have been fully considered and are persuasive.  The 35 U.S.C. §103 rejection of claims 3, 6-7, 9-12,14-20  has been withdrawn.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-4, 6-18 and 20 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
As for claim 1, Prinz et al. U.S. Publication 2006/0114128, the closest prior art, differs from the instant claim in failing to teach a standoff feature that defines a contact surface that is angled in a non-parallel direction relative to a cover direction.  Furthermore, Examiner agrees that it would not have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the standoff feature as taught by Prinz as claimed.
Claims 2-4, 6-15 are allowed as they are dependent upon allowed claim 1.
As for claim 16, Prinz et al. U.S. Publication 2006/0114128, the closest prior art, differs from the instant claim in failing to teach a standoff feature that defines a contact surface that is angled in a non-parallel direction relative to a cover direction.  Furthermore, Examiner agrees that it would not have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the standoff feature as taught by Prinz as claimed.
Claims 17-18, and 20 are allowed as they are dependent upon allowed claim 16.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20060114128A1: Claims:
An operating device for a domestic electrical appliance, the operating device comprising: a control device; a plurality of electrical elements containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of operating elements, switching elements and display elements coupled to said control device; a plurality of further elements containing at least one further element selected from the group consisting of mechanical actuating elements and optical display elements which can be operated or observed respectively by a user and respectively associated with said electrical elements; and a carrier for holding said plurality of further elements, said plurality of further elements and said carrier forming an integral functional module, said carrier formed from at least one hard component material and said plurality of further elements formed from at least one soft component material being softer than said hard component material.
a control device;
a plurality of electrical elements containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of operating elements, switching elements and display elements coupled to said control device;
a plurality of further elements containing at least one further element selected from the group consisting of mechanical actuating elements and optical display elements which can be operated or observed respectively by a user and respectively associated with said electrical elements; and
a carrier for holding said plurality of further elements, said plurality of further elements and said carrier forming an integral functional module, said carrier formed from at least one hard component material and said plurality of further elements formed from at least one soft component material being softer than said hard component material.
The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said mechanical actuating elements of said integral functional module include pushbutton switches.
The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said optical display elements of said integral functional module include at least one element selected from the group consisting of operating displays, function displays, seven-segment displays and symbol displays.
The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said mechanical actuating elements of said integral functional module each have decorative caps on sides facing towards the user.
The operating device according to claim 4 , wherein said decorative caps of said mechanical actuating elements of said integral functional module are made from said hard component material and are integral with said integral functional module.
The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said integral functional module has a side facing towards the user, said side having a decorative panel with corresponding openings formed therein for receiving said mechanical actuating elements and/or said optical display elements.
The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said integral functional module has a decorative design on a side facing toward the user.
The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said integral functional module has a seal for sealing off electronic components of the operating device.
The operating device according to claim 8 , wherein said seal of said integral functional module is formed of said soft component material and is integral with said integral functional module.
The operating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a casing, said plurality of electrical elements being disposed in said casing and said integral functional module is connected to said casing.
The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said integral functional module has a damping element for damping between said integral functional module and an adjacent component of the operating device.
The operating device according to claim 11 , wherein said damping element is formed of said soft component material and is integral with said integral functional module.
The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said carrier and said plurality of further elements are formed by integral injection molding.
The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one hard component material is a casing plastic material selected from the group consisting of ABS, PA, PA66, PBT, and PCABS.
The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one soft component material is a thermoplastic or a thermosetting elastomer.
Ref US20100177494A1: Claims:
A control panel assembly comprising: a control panel provided with at least one hook; a guide member disposed at the inside of the control panel and provided with at least one hook reception part corresponding to the at least one hook; and an electronic component fixed to the inside of the guide member.
a control panel provided with at least one hook;
a guide member disposed at the inside of the control panel and provided with at least one hook reception part corresponding to the at least one hook; and
an electronic component fixed to the inside of the guide member.
The control panel assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising: knob assemblies installed through openings formed through the control panel; knob guides provided on the guide member to support the knob assemblies; and rotation switches provided on the electronic component and connected to the knob assemblies to select a function.
knob assemblies installed through openings formed through the control panel;
knob guides provided on the guide member to support the knob assemblies; and
rotation switches provided on the electronic component and connected to the knob assemblies to select a function.
The control panel assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the control panel is provided with an inclined manipulation surface.
The control panel assembly according to claim 2 , wherein when the electronic component is fixed to the guide member and the at least one hook of the control panel and the at least one hook reception part of the guide member are connected, the knob assemblies are connected to the rotation switches through the openings of the control panel under the condition that the rotation switches are arranged.
The control panel assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one hook includes first hooks provided at the edge of the rear surface of the control panel, and second hooks provided at the middle portion of the rear surface of the control panel.
The control panel assembly according to claim 5 , wherein first hook reception parts corresponding to the first hooks and second hook reception parts corresponding to the second hooks are provided on the guide member.
The control panel assembly according to claim 6 , wherein: the first and second hook reception parts respectively include first and second hook holes; and the first and second hooks respectively include first and second locking parts elastically deformed to be inserted into the first and second hook holes, and first and second seat parts, on which the first and second hook holes are respectively seated, when the first and second locking parts are respectively inserted into the first and second hook holes.
the first and second hook reception parts respectively include first and second hook holes; and
the first and second hooks respectively include first and second locking parts elastically deformed to be inserted into the first and second hook holes, and first and second seat parts, on which the first and second hook holes are respectively seated, when the first and second locking parts are respectively inserted into the first and second hook holes.
The control panel assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the first and second seat parts are respectively movable within the first and second hook holes.
The control panel assembly according to claim 7 , wherein each of the second hooks and each of the second hook reception parts respectively further include a screw connection part and a screw hole, to which a screw is connected.
A control panel assembly comprising: knob assemblies connected to a control panel through openings of the control panel; at least one hook formed on the rear surface of the control panel; at least one hook reception part formed on a guide member corresponding to the at least one hook; and rotation switches protruding from a circuit board fixed to the guide member and connected to the knob assemblies.
knob assemblies connected to a control panel through openings of the control panel;
at least one hook formed on the rear surface of the control panel;
at least one hook reception part formed on a guide member corresponding to the at least one hook; and
rotation switches protruding from a circuit board fixed to the guide member and connected to the knob assemblies.
The control panel assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the at least one hook is movable within the at least one hook reception part to arrange the guide member and the circuit board.
The control panel assembly according to claim 10 , wherein: the at least one hook includes first hooks formed at the edge of the control panel; and the at least one hook reception part includes first hook reception parts to respectively receive the first hooks.
the at least one hook includes first hooks formed at the edge of the control panel; and
the at least one hook reception part includes first hook reception parts to respectively receive the first hooks.
The control panel assembly according to claim 12 , wherein: the at least one hook further includes second hooks formed at the middle portion of the control panel; and the at least one hook reception part further includes second hook reception parts to respectively receive the second hooks.
the at least one hook further includes second hooks formed at the middle portion of the control panel; and
the at least one hook reception part further includes second hook reception parts to respectively receive the second hooks.
A washing machine having a control panel assembly to control the operation of the washing machine, the control panel assembly comprising: a control panel provided with at least one hook; a guide member disposed at the inside of the control panel and provided with at least one hook reception part corresponding to the at least one hook; an electronic component fixed to the inside of the guide member; rotation switches rotatably installed on the electronic component to select a function; and knob assemblies passing through the control panel and respectively connected to the rotation switches.
a guide member disposed at the inside of the control panel and provided with at least one hook reception part corresponding to the at least one hook;
an electronic component fixed to the inside of the guide member;
rotation switches rotatably installed on the electronic component to select a function; and
knob assemblies passing through the control panel and respectively connected to the rotation switches.
The washing machine according to claim 14 , wherein the guide member includes knob guides to respectively support the knob assemblies.
The washing machine according to claim 14 , wherein the guide member and the electronic component are integrally formed.
The washing machine according to claim 14 , wherein the electronic component is mounted on a circuit board.
A washing machine having a control panel assembly to control the operation of the washing machine, the control panel assembly comprising: a control panel provided with at least one hook; a guide member provided with at least one hook reception part movably connected to the at least one hook; and knob assemblies passing through the control panel.
a guide member provided with at least one hook reception part movably connected to the at least one hook; and
knob assemblies passing through the control panel.
The washing machine according to claim 18 , wherein the guide member is connected to the control panel in parallel.
Ref US20140298865A1: Claims:
A clothes treating apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a drum provided within the cabinet and configured to receive clothes; a driving unit that rotates the drum; a power supply unit that supplies power to the driving unit; and a control panel located on the cabinet, wherein the control panel includes: a panel body that defines the external appearance of the control panel; a printed circuit board (PCB) located adjacent to the panel body; input units, each of which includes: a contact part located on the panel body and configured to receive bioelectric currents of a user; a bar fixed to the PCB and located below the contact part; and a connection damper located between the contact part and the bar and electrically connecting the contact part and the bar; and an anti-separation unit located on at least one of the panel body and the PCB and configured to restrict the connection damper from being separated from the bar.
a drum provided within the cabinet and configured to receive clothes;
a driving unit that rotates the drum;
a power supply unit that supplies power to the driving unit; and
a control panel located on the cabinet, wherein the control panel includes: a panel body that defines the external appearance of the control panel; a printed circuit board (PCB) located adjacent to the panel body; input units, each of which includes: a contact part located on the panel body and configured to receive bioelectric currents of a user; a bar fixed to the PCB and located below the contact part; and a connection damper located between the contact part and the bar and electrically connecting the contact part and the bar; and an anti-separation unit located on at least one of the panel body and the PCB and configured to restrict the connection damper from being separated from the bar.
a panel body that defines the external appearance of the control panel;
a printed circuit board (PCB) located adjacent to the panel body;
input units, each of which includes: a contact part located on the panel body and configured to receive bioelectric currents of a user; a bar fixed to the PCB and located below the contact part; and a connection damper located between the contact part and the bar and electrically connecting the contact part and the bar; and
a contact part located on the panel body and configured to receive bioelectric currents of a user;
a bar fixed to the PCB and located below the contact part; and
a connection damper located between the contact part and the bar and electrically connecting the contact part and the bar; and
an anti-separation unit located on at least one of the panel body and the PCB and configured to restrict the connection damper from being separated from the bar.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the anti-separation unit includes at least one of (i) an upper guider located above the connection damper and abutting the connection damper or (ii) a lower guider located below the connection damper and abutting the connection damper.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the anti-separation unit includes the lower guider and the lower guider extends from the PCB toward the connection damper and substantially surrounds an outer circumferential surface of a lower portion of the connection damper.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the lower guider includes: a bar housing having an upper surface (i) oriented substantially parallel to the panel body, (ii) fixed to the PCB, and (iii) surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the bar; and a flange located on the upper surface of the bar housing and surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the connection damper.
a bar housing having an upper surface (i) oriented substantially parallel to the panel body, (ii) fixed to the PCB, and (iii) surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the bar; and
a flange located on the upper surface of the bar housing and surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the connection damper.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the control panel further includes: a character display unit that displays control commands that are selectable by a user through the input units and are on the panel body; a light emission unit fixed to the PCB and located under the character display unit; and a light emission unit housing fixing the light emission unit to the PCB, wherein the lower guider is located on the light emission unit housing.
a character display unit that displays control commands that are selectable by a user through the input units and are on the panel body;
a light emission unit fixed to the PCB and located under the character display unit; and
a light emission unit housing fixing the light emission unit to the PCB,
wherein the lower guider is located on the light emission unit housing.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the anti-separation unit includes the upper guider and the upper guider is substantially integrated with the panel body and extends downward toward the connection damper.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the upper guider substantially surrounds an outer circumferential surface of an upper portion of the connection damper.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the control panel further includes an assistant panel fixed to a lower portion of the panel body, wherein through holes are defined through the assistant panel and are located under each contact part.
wherein through holes are defined through the assistant panel and are located under each contact part.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 8 , wherein each of the through holes is adjacent to the outer circumferential surface of the connection damper.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the control panel further includes spacers, each of which extends from the panel body downward toward the connection damper and separates the connection damper and the contact part by a designated distance.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 10 , wherein a respective spacer is configured to pass through a respective through hole.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 11 , wherein each of the spacers includes a support surface contacting the connection damper.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the upper guider includes a protrusion protruding from the support surface and configured to surround the outer circumferential surface of the connection damper.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 12 , wherein each of the spacers further includes a connection bar connecting the support surface and the contact part.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the control panel further includes spacers that are substantially integrated with the panel body, each of the spacers extending from the panel body downward toward the connection damper and separating the connection damper and the contact part by a designated distance, wherein an upper guider is located at a lower portion of each of the spacers.
wherein an upper guider is located at a lower portion of each of the spacers.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the contact part includes a conductor passing through the panel body.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the contact part is formed from insulating plastic having a thickness of 2.7 millimeters to 3.0 millimeters.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 17 , wherein each of the input units further include a boundary part that is configured to define a closed curve surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the contact part.
The clothes treating apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the boundary part is a conductor and fixed to the panel body.
A clothes treating apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a drum located within the cabinet and configured to accommodate clothes; a driving unit that rotates the drum; a power supply unit that supp
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