Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-03-24)
Rejection types: 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS
1\. A lighting apparatus comprising: a substate; a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a first direction on the substrate; a resin layer disposed on the substrate; and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, wherein the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, wherein the resin layer includes first and second side surfaces spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and third and fourth side surfaces spaced apart in the first direction, wherein the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction, wherein the plurality of protruding portions protrudes further outward than one ends of the third and fourth side surfaces adjacent to both ends of the first side surface, wherein each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices, wherein an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions reflects incident light, wherein each of the plurality of protruding portions is disposed between the reflective and the substrate, wherein at least one of the protruding portions has a maximum length in the second direction shorter than a maximum length in the first direction, wherein the maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the resin layer, wherein each of the protruding portions includes an extension portion in which both sides in the first direction are a first length in the second direction, and a convex portion extending in a curved surface from both ends of the extension portion, wherein a length of the extension portion in the first direction is the maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction, and wherein the first length of the extension portion in the second direction is greater than a maximum distance between adjacent convex portions in the first direction.
2\. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resin layer includes a plurality of concave portions respectively disposed between adjacent convex portions.
3\. The lighting apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the substrate and the reflective layer includes a plurality of concave portions disposed on each of the concave portions of the resin layer.
4\. The lighting apparatus of claim 2, wherein a radius of curvature of each of the concave portions of the resin layer is smaller than a radius of curvature of each of the convex portions of the resin layer.
5\. The lighting apparatus of claim 4, wherein the radius of curvature of each of the convex portions of the resin layer is in a range of 4 mm to 15 mm.
6\. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein a maximum length of the extension portion in the second direction is in a range of 1 mm to 4 mm.
7\. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extension portion has a horizontal with in the first direction.
8\. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein a maximum second distance from a center of the light emitting device to the first side surfaces of the resin layer in the second direction is greater than a first distance from the center of the light emitting device to the second side surface in the second direction.
9\. The lighting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second distance is in a range of 0.3 to 0.9 times the first distance.
10\. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction is in a range of 7 mm to 20 mm.
11\. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of protruding portions has a shape protruding in the second direction from an imaginary first straight line connecting one end of the third side surface and one end of the fourth side surface adjacent to the first side surface, and wherein light emitted through the light emitting surfaces is reflected from the outer side surface of the protruding portions and emitted through the second side surface.
12\. A lighting apparatus comprising: a substate; a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a first direction on the substrate; a resin layer disposed on the substrate; and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, wherein the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, wherein the resin layer includes first and second side surfaces spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and third and fourth side surfaces spaced apart in the first direction, wherein the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction, wherein the plurality of protruding portions protrudes further outward than one ends of the third and fourth side surfaces adjacent to both ends of the first side surface, wherein each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices, wherein an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions reflects incident light, wherein the plurality of the protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate, and wherein each of the plurality of protruding portions has an extension portion extending in a plane in the second direction at both sides in the first direction, and a convex portion extending in a curved surface from both sides of the extension portion.
13\. The lighting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the protruding portions has a maximum length in the second direction shorter than a maximum length in the first direction, and wherein the maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the resin layer.
14\. The lighting apparatus of claim 13, wherein a length of the extension portion in the first direction is a maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction, and wherein a length of the extension portion in the second direction is greater than a maximum distance between adjacent convex portions in the first direction.
15\. The lighting apparatus of claim 13, wherein light emitted through the light emitting surfaces is reflected from the outer side surface of the protruding portions and emitted through the second side surface.
16\. The lighting apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second side surface of the resin layer has a long plane in the first direction.
17\. The lighting apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of the extension portions has a horizontal width in the first direction, and wherein the horizontal width of the extension portions is constant.
18\. The lighting apparatus of claim 13, wherein a horizontal width of the convex portions in the first direction decreases as a distance between each of the convex portions and a corresponding one of the light emitting devices increases.
19\. The lighting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the resin layer includes a concave portion disposed between adjacent convex portions, and wherein a radius of curvature of the concave portion is smaller than a radius of curvature of each of the convex portions of the resin layer.
20\. A lamp comprising: a housing having one side open and a receiving space therein; and the lighting apparatus of claim 1, the lighting apparatus being disposed within the receiving space of the housing, wherein the second side surface of the lighting apparatus is disposed to face the one side open of the housing, and provides a linear light source or a surface light source.

OFFICE ACTION:
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 .
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 9/23/2024 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 substrate and the reflective layer including a plurality of concave portions disposed on each of the concave portions of the resin layer of Claim 3 lines 1-3, light emitted through the light emitting surfaces being reflected from the outer side surface of the protruding portions and emitted through the second side surface of Claim 11 lines 5-6 and Claim 15 lines 1-3, the horizontal width of the convex portions in the first direction decreasing as a distance between each of the convex portions and a corresponding one of the light emitting devices increases of Claim 18 lines 1-3 must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s).  No new matter should be entered.
Specification
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities:
The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant’s cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the specification.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Objections
Claims 1-11 and 20 are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 1 line 17 “the reflective” should be --the reflective layer--
Appropriate correction is required.
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 1-20 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 pre-AIA  the applicant regards as the invention.
With regards to Claim 1 and claims depending therefrom, Claim 1 lines 12-13 recite the limitation “the plurality of protruding portions protrudes further outward than one ends of the third and fourth side surfaces adjacent to both ends of the first side surface”.  It is unclear as to whether Claim 1 includes in its scope the plurality of protruding portions protruding further outward from an end of the first side surface than an end of one of the third and fourth side surfaces, or the plurality of protruding portions protruding further outward from a first end of the first side surface adjacent the third side surface than the third side surface adjacent the first end of the first side surface and protrude further outward from a second end of the first side surface adjacent the fourth side surface than the fourth side surface adjacent the second end of the first side surface, or another arrangement is intended.  For the purpose of examination, the examiner understands this limitation such that the plurality of protruding portions protruding further outward from a first end of the first side surface adjacent the third side surface than the third side surface adjacent the first end of the first side surface and protrude further outward from a second end of the first side surface adjacent the fourth side surface than the fourth side surface adjacent the second end of the first side surface.  The applicant is encouraged to clarify in the claim language the intended relative protrusions between the protruding portions on the first side surface and the third and/or fourth side surfaces adjacent the first side surface.
With regards to Claim 1 and claims depending therefrom, Claim 1 line 16 recites the limitation “an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions reflects incident light”.  It is unclear as to whether the intent of this limitation is such that a side surface of the plurality of protruding portions facing the light emitting devices reflects light incident from the light emitting devices facing the respective protruding portions (see Claim 1 lines 14-15), whether the intent of this limitation is such that the outer surface of the first side surface on which the plurality of protruding portions extend reflects light external to the surface from an exterior of the resin layer, or both.  For the purpose of examination, the examiner understands this limitation such that a side surface of the plurality of protruding portions facing the light emitting devices reflects light incident from the light emitting devices facing the respective protruding portions.  The applicant is encouraged to clarify in the claim language the intended reflectivity of the plurality of protruding portions and the source of light.
With regards to Claim 1 and claims depending therefrom, Claim 1 lines 23-25 recite the limitation “each of the protruding portions includes an extension portion in which both sides in the first direction are a first length in the second direction, and a convex portion extending in a curved surface from both ends of the extension portion”.  It is unclear as to whether one convex portion extending along from an end of the extension portion between the sides is intended to be included in the scope of this claim, whether a convex portion extending between each of two ends of the protruding portions is intended, or whether a convex portion extending from each of two ends of the protruding portions is intended, and how the location of the extension portion relates to the sides having the first length.  For the purpose of examination, the examiner understands this limitation such that each of the protruding portions includes an extension portion in which both sides in the first direction are a first length in the second direction, and the protruding portions each further comprise a convex portion extending from an end of the respective protruding portion between the two sides and having a curved surface.  The applicant is encouraged to clarify in the claim language the intended positional relationship between the extension portion and convex portion and the number of convex portions.
With regards to Claim 8 and claim depending therefrom, Claim 8 lines 1-2 recite the limitation “a maximum second distance from a center of the light emitting device to the first side surfaces of the resin layer”.  However, Claim 8 depends from Claim 1, which recites on line 3 “a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a first direction”, on line 7 “the resin layer includes first and second side surfaces”, and on line 10-11 “along the first side surface”.  Therefore, it is unclear as to whether  Claim 8 further requires multiple first side surfaces of the resin layer in the scope of the claim and refers to a maximum second distance from a center of each light emitting device to a corresponding first side surface of the resin layer, or the scope of the claim includes a maximum second distance from a center of each light emitting device to the first side surface of the resin layer, or the scope of the claim includes a maximum second distance from a center of one of the light emitting devices of the plurality of light emitting devices to the first side surface of the resin layer, or whether another arrangement is intended.  For the purpose of examination, the examiner understands this limitation such that a maximum second distance from a center of at least one light emitting device to the first side surface of the resin layer in the second direction is greater than a first distance from the center of the same light emitting device to the second side surface in the second direction.  The applicant is encouraged to clarify in the claim language the intended light emitting device(s) and first surface(s) of the resin layer included in the scope of the claim.
With regards to Claim 9, line 1 recites the phrasing “the second distance”.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim language.  Furthermore, it is unclear as to whether the second distance of Claim 9 line 1 intends to refer to the maximum second distance of Claim 8 lines 1-2, or whether the second distance of Claim 9 intends to refer to a different distance, and if so, what such distance is measured between.  For the purpose of examination, the examiner understands this limitation such that the maximum second distance of Claim 8 lines 1-2 is in a range of 0.3 to 0.9 times the first distance.  The applicant is encouraged to provide proper antecedent basis in the claims for all claimed limitations, and to clarify the second distance included in the comparison of distances of Claim 9.
With regards to Claim 11, lines 5-6 recite the limitation “light emitted through the light emitting surfaces is reflected from the outer side surface of the protruding portions and emitted through the second side surface”.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for the limitation “the light emitting surfaces” and for the limitation “the outer side surface of the protruding portions” in the claim language.  Furthermore, it is unclear as to whether the light is intended to be emitted through the light emitting surfaces before being reflected from the outer side surface of the protruding portion and emitted through the second side surface, or light emitted by the light emitting devices is reflected from the outer surface of the protruding portions and emitted through the second side surface, the second side surface acting as a light emitting surface, or whether another arrangement is intended.  Since it is unclear as to which surfaces are acting as light emitting surfaces and where the light originates, including whether the light originates form the lighting apparatus or externally to the lighting apparatus, and how the light is oriented relative the outer side surface of the protruding portions to be reflected therefrom, Claim 11 has not been further treated on the merits.  The applicant is encouraged to provide proper antecedent basis in the claims for all claimed limitations, and to clarify in the claim language the origination of the light, how the light reaches the outer side surface of the protruding portions to be reflected therefrom, and which surface(s) act as light emitting surfaces.
With regards to Claim 12 and claims depending therefrom, Claim 12 lines 12-13 recite the limitation “the plurality of protruding portions protrudes further outward than one ends of the third and fourth side surfaces adjacent to both ends of the first side surface”.  It is unclear as to whether Claim 1 includes in its scope the plurality of protruding portions protruding further outward from an end of the first side surface than an end of one of the third and fourth side surfaces, or the plurality of protruding portions protruding further outward from a first end of the first side surface adjacent the third side surface than the third side surface adjacent the first end of the first side surface and protrude further outward from a second end of the first side surface adjacent the fourth side surface than the fourth side surface adjacent the second end of the first side surface, or another arrangement is intended.  For the purpose of examination, the examiner understands this limitation such that the plurality of protruding portions protruding further outward from a first end of the first side surface adjacent the third side surface than the third side surface adjacent the first end of the first side surface and protrude further outward from a second end of the first side surface adjacent the fourth side surface than the fourth side surface adjacent the second end of the first side surface.  The applicant is encouraged to clarify in the claim language the intended relative protrusions between the protruding portions on the first side surface and the third and/or fourth side surfaces adjacent the first side surface.
With regards to Claim 12 and claims depending therefrom, Claim 12 line 16 recites the limitation “an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions reflects incident light”.  It is unclear as to whether the intent of this limitation is such that a side surface of the plurality of protruding portions facing the light emitting devices reflects light incident from the light emitting devices facing the respective protruding portions (see Claim 12 lines 14-15), whether the intent of this limitation is such that the outer surface of the first side surface on which the plurality of protruding portions extend reflects light external to the surface from an exterior of the resin layer, or both.  For the purpose of examination, the examiner understands this limitation such that a side surface of the plurality of protruding portions facing the light emitting devices reflects light incident from the light emitting devices facing the respective protruding portions.  The applicant is encouraged to clarify in the claim language the intended reflectivity of the plurality of protruding portions and the source of light.
With regards to Claim 12 and claims depending therefrom, Claim 12 lines 19-21 recite the limitation “each of the protruding portions includes an extension portion in which both sides in the first direction are a first length in the second direction, and a convex portion extending in a curved surface from both ends of the extension portion”.  It is unclear as to whether one convex portion extending along from an end of the extension portion between the sides is intended to be included in the scope of this claim, whether a convex portion extending between each of two ends of the protruding portions is intended, or whether a convex portion extending from each of two ends of the protruding portions is intended, and how the location of the extension portion relates to the sides having the first length.  For the purpose of examination, the examiner understands this limitation such that each of the protruding portions includes an extension portion in which both sides in the first direction are a first length in the second direction, and the protruding portions each further comprise a convex portion extending from an end of the respective protruding portion between the two sides and having a curved surface.  The applicant is encouraged to clarify in the claim language the intended positional relationship between the extension portion and convex portion and the number of convex portions.
With regards to Claim 13 and claims depending therefrom, Claim 13 lines 1-4 recite the limitations “the protruding portions has a maximum length in the second direction shorter than a maximum length in the first direction, and wherein the maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the resin layer”.  It is unclear as to whether the protruding portions each have a maximum length in the second direction shorter than a maximum length of the respective protruding portion in the first direction and the maximum length of the respective protruding portion in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the resin layer, or the protruding portions on the first surface extend along a length of the first surface having a length in the second direction shorter than a maximum length of the protruding portions in the first direction and the maximum length of the protruding portions in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the resin layer, or whether another relative comparison is required by the scope of the claim.  For the purpose of examination, the examiner understands this limitation such that the protruding portions each have a maximum length in the second direction shorter than a maximum length of the respective protruding portion in the first direction and the maximum length of the respective protruding portion in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the resin layer.  The applicant is encouraged to clarify in the claim language the relative dimensions of the protruding portion(s) and the thickness of the resin layer.
With regards to Claim 15 and claim depending therefrom, Claim 15 lines 1-3 recite the limitation “light emitted through the light emitting surfaces is reflected from the outer side surface of the protruding portions and emitted through the second side surface”.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for the limitation “the light emitting surfaces” and for the limitation “the outer side surface of the protruding portions” in the claim language.  Furthermore, it is unclear as to whether the light is intended to be emitted through the light emitting surfaces before being reflected from the outer side surface of the protruding portion and emitted through the second side surface, or light emitted by the light emitting devices is reflected from the outer surface of the protruding portions and emitted through the second side surface, the second side surface acting as a light emitting surface, or whether another arrangement is intended.  Since it is unclear as to which surfaces are acting as light emitting surfaces and where the light originates, including whether the light originates form the lighting apparatus or externally to the lighting apparatus, and how the light is oriented relative the outer side surface of the protruding portions to be reflected therefrom, Claim 15 has not been further treated on the merits.  The applicant is encouraged to provide proper antecedent basis in the claims for all claimed limitations, and to clarify in the claim language the origination of the light, how the light reaches the outer side surface of the protruding portions to be reflected therefrom, and which surface(s) act as light emitting surfaces.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-10, 12-14, and 16-20 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 regards to Claim 1 and claims depending therefrom, the prior art of record fails to disclose or fairly suggest an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions reflects incident light, in combination with the remaining limitations of the claim, as best understood by the examiner.
With regards to Claim 12 and claims depending therefrom, the prior art of record fails to disclose or fairly suggest an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions reflects incident light, in combination with the remaining limitations of the claim, as best understood by the examiner.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.  In addition to the prior art discussed in this action, the applicant is directed to form 892, and particularly the references Dohan (US 2015/0247613), which discloses at least a lighting apparatus including a plurality of light emitting devices disposed on a substrate, a resin material disposed on the substrate and including a reflective portion on an upper surface thereof and protruding portions disposed along a surface thereof, Hemon et al. (US 10,962,194), which discloses at least a lighting apparatus including a plurality of light emitting devices extending in a first direction, a resin layer including a reflective portion on an upper surface thereof and protruding portions disposed along a surface thereof, the protruding portions including curved portions for reflecting light therefrom, Gao (WO 2019098596), which discloses at least a substrate with a plurality of light emitting devices extending in a first direction, a resin layer on the substrate and a reflective layer on the resin layer, the resin layer having a plurality of protruding portions including extension portions and curved portions, and Goto (JP 2007227095), which discloses at least a plurality of light emitting devices extending in a first direction, a resin layer having a plurality of protruding portions including curved portions reflecting light on a surface thereof.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS/ARGUMENTSClaims 1-20 are pending in this application. By this Reply, the drawings and claims 1, 3, 7-9, 11-13, 15, and 18 are amended.The Office Action states:(1)   The drawings were objected to under 37 CFR § 1.83(a) as allegedly failing to depict one or more claimed elements;(2)   Claims 1-11 and 20 objected to due to alleged informalities;(3)   Claims 1-20 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. §112(b) as allegedly failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter that Applicant regards as the invention; and (4)   Claims 1-10, 12-14, and 16-20 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), second paragraph.Applicant thanks Examiner for the indication that claims 1-10, 12-14, and 16-20 recite allowable subject matter, and Applicant respectfully traverses the objections and rejection.Objections to the Drawings The Office Action objected to the drawings under 37 CFR § 1.83(a) as allegedly failing to depict features depicted in claims 3, 5, 11, 15, and 18. By this reply, Applicant has amended FIG. 4 to depict, for example, that a substrate layer 100 is provided under second reflective layer 500 provided over resin layer 400, such that each of substrate layer 100 and second reflective layer 500 includes a plurality of concave portions disposed, respectively, at the concave portions of the resin layer, as recited in claim 3. Applicant further notes that this claim feature is also depicted, for example, in FIG. 3 that shows the boundaries of substrate 100 and second reflective layer 500 at first surface S1 to correspond to the boundary of resin layer 400 at the first surface S1, which includes protruding portions 410, such that the substrate 100 and second reflective layer 500 would also include corresponding protruding portions. Applicant has further amended FIG. 4 to depict that that light emitted by a light emitting device 400 reflected from a first side surface (S1) passes through a second side surface (S2), as recited in claims 11 and 15. With respect to claim 18, Applicant has reworded this claim to clarify the recited feature as a design parameter and respectfully submits that one of reasonable skill in relevant technical field such that no corresponding drawing is necessary for understanding of the subject matter sought to be patented (see 35 U.S.C. §113). Hence, withdrawal of the objections to the drawings is respectfully requested.Objections to the Claims Claims 1-11 and 20 objected to due to an alleged informality in claim 1. By this reply, Applicant has amended claim 1 as suggested in the claim 1 to address the identified informality. Hence, withdrawal of the objections to the claims is respectfully requested.35 U.S.C. §112(b) Rejection Claims 1-20 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. §112(b) due to alleged clarity concerns in claims 1, 8, 9, 11-13, and 15. Without acquiescing in the allegations in the Office Action and merely to expedite prosecution, Applicant herein amends these claims to address the identified clarity concerns. Furthermore, Applicant respectfully submits that the pending claims are in immediate condition for allowance since all concerns raised in the Office Action have been addressed. Hence, withdrawal of the 35 U.S.C. §112(b) rejection and allowance of the pending claims is respectfully requested.CONCLUSIONIn view of the foregoing amendments and remarks, it is respectfully submitted that the application is in immediate condition for allowance. Favorable consideration and prompt allowance are earnestly solicited.If the Examiner believes that any additional changes would place the application in better condition for allowance, the Examiner is invited to contact the undersigned attorney, David D. Nelson, at the telephone number listed below or contact via email at mail(ked- iplaw.coi.To the extent necessary, a petition for an extension of time under 37 C.F.R. §1.136 is hereby made. Please charge any shortage in fees due in connection with the filing of this, concurrent and future replies, including extension of time fees, to Deposit Account 16-0607 and please credit any excess fees to such deposit account.Respectfully submitted, IED & ASSOCIATES, LLP/David D. Nelson/ Daniel Y.J. Kim Registration No. 36,186 David D. Nelson Registration No. 47,818 Correspondence Address:P.O. Box 8638 Reston, VA 20195 703 766-3777 (Office Number) 703-766-3748 (Direct Line for David Nelson) DYK:DDN Please direct all correspondence to Customer Number 34610

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
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 Amendment
The amendment filed 6/13/2025 has been entered.
The drawings were received on 6/13/2025.  These drawings are accepted.
The objections over the Drawings as presented in the Office Action mailed 3/24/2025 have been withdrawn based on the amendment filed 6/13/2025.
The objections over the Claims as presented in the Office Action mailed 3/24/2025 have been withdrawn based on the amendment filed 6/13/2025.
The rejections under 35 U.S.C.112(b) as presented in the Office Action mailed 3/24/2025 have been withdrawn based on the amendments filed 6/13/2025.
Reasons for Allowance
Claims 1-20 are allowable over the prior art of record.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
With regards to Claim 1 and claims depending therefrom, the prior art of record fails to disclose or fairly suggest a lighting apparatus comprising a substate, a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a first direction on the substrate, a resin layer disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the resin layer includes first and second side surfaces spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and third and fourth side surfaces spaced apart in the first direction, the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction, the plurality of protruding portions protrudes further outward than a first end of the first side surface adjacent to the third side surface and protrudes further outward than a second end of the first side surface adjacent to the fourth surface, each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices, an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, each of the plurality of protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate, at least one of the protruding portions has a maximum length in the second direction shorter than a maximum length in the first direction, the maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction is greater than a thickness of the resin layer, each of the protruding portions includes an extension portion in which both having sides that are spaced apart in the first direction and that extends by a first length in the second direction, and a convex portion having a curved surface extending from respective ends of the sides of the extension portion, a distance between the pair of extension portions in the first direction is a maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction, and the first length of the pair of extension portions in the second direction is greater than a maximum distance between adjacent convex portions in the first direction, as specifically called for in the claimed combinations.
The closest prior art, Hemon et al. (US 10,962,194) does not disclose the plurality of light emitting devices arranged in the first direction are on a substrate, the resin layer is disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the convex portion having the curved surface extends from respective ends of the sides of the extension portion, a distance between the pair of extension portions in the first direction is a maximum length of the protruding portion in the first direction, and the first length of the pair of extension portions in the second direction is greater than a maximum distance between adjacent convex portions in the first direction, as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant’s own disclosure to modify the Hermon et al. reference in the manner required by the claims.
The closest prior art, Kang et al. (KR 20190054605) does not disclose an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant’s own disclosure to modify the Kang et al. reference in the manner required by the claims.
While a lighting apparatus formed of a plurality of light sources disposed on an substrate, a resin layer on the substrate, a reflective layer on the resin layer, the resin layer having protruding portions with convex portions aligned with the positions of the light sources is known in the art, and using a reflective layer on a resin layer and convex end portions of a resin layer to reflect light is known in the art, the combination of a resin layer disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction, each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices, an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, each of the protruding portions includes an extension portion in which both having sides that are spaced apart in the first direction and that extends by a first length in the second direction, and a convex portion having a curved surface extending from respective ends of the sides of the extension portion, is not disclosed in the prior art of record as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant's own disclosure to modify the prior art of record in the manner required by the claims.
With regards to Claim 12 and claims depending therefrom, the prior art of record fails to disclose or fairly suggest a lighting apparatus comprising a substate, a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a first direction on the substrate, a resin layer disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the resin layer includes first and second side surfaces spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and third and fourth side surfaces spaced apart in the first direction, the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction, the plurality of protruding portions protrudes further outward than a first end of the first side surface adjacent to the third side surface and protrudes further outward than a second end of the first side surface adjacent to the fourth side surface, each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices, an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, the plurality of the protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate, and each of the plurality of protruding portions has an extension portion extending in a plane in the second direction and having sides that are separated in the first direction, and a convex portion including a curved surface extending the sides of the extension portion, as specifically called for in the claimed combinations.
The closest prior art, Hemon et al. (US 10,962,194) does not disclose the plurality of light emitting devices arranged in the first direction are on a substrate, the resin layer is disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the plurality of the protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate, as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant’s own disclosure to modify the Hermon et al. reference in the manner required by the claims.
The closest prior art, Kang et al. (KR 20190054605) does not disclose an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant’s own disclosure to modify the Kang et al. reference in the manner required by the claims.
While a lighting apparatus formed of a plurality of light sources disposed on an substrate, a resin layer on the substrate, a reflective layer on the resin layer, the resin layer having protruding portions with convex portions aligned with the positions of the light sources is known in the art, and using a reflective layer on a resin layer and convex end portions of a resin layer to reflect light is known in the art, the combination of a resin layer disposed on the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on an upper surface of the resin layer, the resin layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer, the resin layer includes a plurality of protruding portions disposed along the first side surface in the first direction, each of the plurality of protruding portions faces each of the plurality of light emitting devices, an outer side surface of the plurality of protruding portions faces the light emitting devices and reflects light from the light emitting devices, the plurality of the protruding portions is disposed between the reflective layer and the substrate, and each of the plurality of protruding portions has an extension portion extending in a plane in the second direction and having sides that are separated in the first direction, and a convex portion including a curved surface extending the sides of the extension portion, is not disclosed in the prior art of record as required by the claim and there is no motivation absent the applicant's own disclosure to modify the prior art of record in the manner required by the claims.
Any comments considered necessary by the 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 US20150247613A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US10962194B1: Claims:
An optical device of a motor vehicle comprising: a plurality of light sources; and a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light-exit face, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light-exit face; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet including a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portion towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
a plurality of light sources; and
a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light-exit face, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light-exit face; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet including a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portion towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet including a plurality of light reflecting facets;
wherein the plurality of reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and
wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portion towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the light-exit face includes a plurality of stepped surface facets adapted to transmit, reflect, or diffuse light at the light-exit face.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets include a plurality of prisms that are located juxtaposed to each other.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one light source is disposed at bottom of a collimator and is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the light guide.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the light guiding portion comprises an upper face and a bottom face that are parallel and interconnected by the light-exit face.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the couplers is same as the thickness of the light guiding portion.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the other portion of the light beam from the curved facets travel along the optical axis of the light guide.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the angled facet surfaces are angled with respect to the optical axis.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each coupler comprises a collimator to collimate the received light beam.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein light guide, and the at least one optical coupler are comprised of a single polymeric piece.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the optical device functions for providing lighting, signaling or both for the motor vehicle.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the collimated light beam that is directed from the facets of the couplers to the light-exit face is in the form of a beam of parallel rays.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of couplers are oriented along an X-axis component and the plurality of light sources are positioned along a Z-axis component along the light guide's optical axis.
The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of couplers are oriented in the direction of the extrusion of the light guide.
A lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising: a reflector assembly; a lens; a housing; and an optical device, wherein the optical device comprises: a plurality of light sources; and a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light-exit face, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light-exit face; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet surface including a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the light beam portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portions towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
a reflector assembly;
a lens; a housing; and an optical device, wherein the optical device comprises:
a light guide having an optical axis, the light guide comprises: a plurality of couplers, a light-exit face, and a light guiding portion connecting the couplers and the light-exit face; wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet surface including a plurality of light reflecting facets; wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the light beam portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portions towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
wherein each coupler is arranged to receive a light beam from at least one light source and collimate the received light beam to generate a collimated light beam, wherein a profile of each coupler is formed by a curved facet and an angled facet surface joined to the curved facet, where each successive coupler of the plurality of couplers is juxtaposed and offset to overlap over an adjoining coupler where each angled facet surface is created, each angled facet surface including a plurality of light reflecting facets;
wherein the plurality of light reflecting facets of the angled facet surface of each coupler is adapted to receive a portion of the collimated light beam and directs the light beam portion towards a side of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face; and
wherein the curved facet of each coupler is adapted to receive other portion of the collimated light beam and directs the other portions towards a forward direction of the vehicle via the light guiding portion and the light-exit face.
Ref WO2019098596A1: Claims:
Board; A light emitting element disposed on the substrate; A first reflective layer disposed on the substrate; A resin layer disposed on the first reflective layer; And And a second reflective layer disposed on the resin layer, Wherein the resin layer includes a front surface through which light generated from the light emitting element is emitted, Wherein the front surface of the resin layer includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions.
A light emitting element disposed on the substrate;
A first reflective layer disposed on the substrate;
A resin layer disposed on the first reflective layer; And
And a second reflective layer disposed on the resin layer,
Wherein the resin layer includes a front surface through which light generated from the light emitting element is emitted,
Wherein the front surface of the resin layer includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions.
The method according to claim 1, Wherein a plurality of the light emitting elements are arranged in a first direction, Wherein the resin layer is disposed around the plurality of light emitting elements, Wherein the resin layer comprises a rear face facing the front face, and a first side face and a second side opposite to each other connecting the front face and the rear face, Wherein a distance between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer is less than a distance between the front surface and the rear surface of the resin layer, Wherein each of the plurality of convex portions protrudes convexly from the light emitting element toward the front side, Each of said plurality of recesses being recessed in a rear direction in an area between said plurality of convex portions.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein a plurality of the light emitting elements are arranged in a first direction,
Wherein the resin layer is disposed around the plurality of light emitting elements,
Wherein the resin layer comprises a rear face facing the front face, and a first side face and a second side opposite to each other connecting the front face and the rear face,
Wherein a distance between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer is less than a distance between the front surface and the rear surface of the resin layer,
Wherein each of the plurality of convex portions protrudes convexly from the light emitting element toward the front side,
Each of said plurality of recesses being recessed in a rear direction in an area between said plurality of convex portions.
The method of claim 2, Wherein the first reflective layer has a hole through which the plurality of light emitting elements pass, Wherein the first and second reflective layers face each other on an upper surface and a lower surface of the resin layer.
The method of claim 2,
Wherein the first reflective layer has a hole through which the plurality of light emitting elements pass,
Wherein the first and second reflective layers face each other on an upper surface and a lower surface of the resin layer.
The method of claim 2, Wherein a distance between the first and second side surfaces of the resin layer is greater than a distance between a peak of the convex portion and the rear surface, Wherein the front surface, the rear first side surface, and the second side surface of the resin layer are side surfaces between the first and second reflective layers, And the convex portion faces an emission surface of the light emitting element.
Wherein a distance between the first and second side surfaces of the resin layer is greater than a distance between a peak of the convex portion and the rear surface,
Wherein the front surface, the rear first side surface, and the second side surface of the resin layer are side surfaces between the first and second reflective layers,
And the convex portion faces an emission surface of the light emitting element.
The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, Wherein the convex portion is a lens portion having a convex curved surface in the front direction in the resin layer, Wherein a highest point of the lens unit is at a maximum distance from a center of the light emitting element.
The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
Wherein the convex portion is a lens portion having a convex curved surface in the front direction in the resin layer,
Wherein a highest point of the lens unit is at a maximum distance from a center of the light emitting element.
The method of claim 5, Wherein the lens portion has a thickness equal to a thickness of the resin layer between the first and second reflective layers, Wherein the thickness of the resin layer is not more than twice the thickness of the light emitting device.
The method of claim 5,
Wherein the lens portion has a thickness equal to a thickness of the resin layer between the first and second reflective layers,
Wherein the thickness of the resin layer is not more than twice the thickness of the light emitting device.
The method of claim 5, Wherein the plurality of convex portions are overlapped with the plurality of light emitting elements in a second direction overlapping the second direction, Wherein the concave portion overlaps with a region between the plurality of light emitting elements in the second direction, Wherein the first and second reflective layers are overlapped with the convex portion in the vertical direction.
Wherein the plurality of convex portions are overlapped with the plurality of light emitting elements in a second direction overlapping the second direction,
Wherein the concave portion overlaps with a region between the plurality of light emitting elements in the second direction,
Wherein the first and second reflective layers are overlapped with the convex portion in the vertical direction.
The method of claim 5, Wherein the first and second reflective layers have the same shape as the convex portion and the concave portion disposed on the front surface of the resin layer, Wherein the substrate has the same shape as the convex portion and the concave portion disposed on the front surface of the resin layer.
Wherein the first and second reflective layers have the same shape as the convex portion and the concave portion disposed on the front surface of the resin layer,
Wherein the substrate has the same shape as the convex portion and the concave portion disposed on the front surface of the resin layer.
The method of claim 5, Wherein the plurality of convex portions include first and second convex portions, Wherein the plurality of light emitting elements include first and second light emitting elements adjacent to each other, Wherein the first convex portion overlaps with the first light emitting element and the second convex portion overlaps with the second light emitting element in a second direction from the rear surface to the front side of the resin layer, Wherein the concave portion has a concave curved surface in the rear direction between the first and second convex portions and corresponds to a region between the first and second light emitting elements.
Wherein the plurality of convex portions include first and second convex portions,
Wherein the plurality of light emitting elements include first and second light emitting elements adjacent to each other,
Wherein the first convex portion overlaps with the first light emitting element and the second convex portion overlaps with the second light emitting element in a second direction from the rear surface to the front side of the resin layer,
Wherein the concave portion has a concave curved surface in the rear direction between the first and second convex portions and corresponds to a region between the first and second light emitting elements.
Board; A plurality of light emitting elements arranged on the substrate; A first reflective layer disposed on the substrate; A resin layer disposed on the first reflective layer; And And a second reflective layer disposed on the resin layer, Wherein the resin layer includes a front surface through which light generated from the plurality of light emitting devices is emitted, Wherein the front surface of the resin layer includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions, Wherein the plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions have the same height, Wherein the plurality of light emitting devices includes a first light emitting device, a second light emitting device, and a third light emitting device disposed between the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device, Wherein the plurality of convex portions includes a first convex portion facing the first light emitting element, a second convex portion corresponding to the second light emitting element, and a third convex portion facing the third light emitting element.
A plurality of light emitting elements arranged on the substrate;
Wherein the resin layer includes a front surface through which light generated from the plurality of light emitting devices is emitted,
Wherein the front surface of the resin layer includes a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions,
Wherein the plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions have the same height,
Wherein the plurality of light emitting devices includes a first light emitting device, a second light emitting device, and a third light emitting device disposed between the first light emitting device and the second light emitting device,
Wherein the plurality of convex portions includes a first convex portion facing the first light emitting element, a second convex portion corresponding to the second light emitting element, and a third convex portion facing the third light emitting element.
Ref JP2007227095A: Claims:
A recess that can be arranged in a state where at least a part of the light emitting source is inserted, and a plurality of recesses arranged side by side; A plurality of convex portions arranged in a protruding manner on the side facing the concave portion; A light mixing member comprising:
The light mixing member according to claim 1, An interval in which the convex portions are arranged is shorter than an interval in which the concave portions are arranged; A light mixing member characterized by the above.
In the light mixing member according to claim 1 or 2, A reflective layer is formed on at least a part of the portion excluding the concave portion and the convex portio
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