Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-06-02)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS What Is Claimed Is:
1\. A cover apparatus for a bearing comprising: a body defining a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the body dimensioned to provide a stop against an outer surface of a bearing; a boss protruding from the first side of the body, the boss dimensioned for a press-fit connection with a bearing bore of the bearing; and a knob protruding from the second side of the body opposite the first side.
2\. The cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is dimension greater than the bearing bore of the bearing.
3\. The cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side of the body includes a recess defining a cavity.
4\. The cover apparatus of claim 3, wherein the boss protrudes from a base surface of the cavity defined by the recess.
5\. The cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side of the body defines a first seating surface and a second seating surface different than the first seating surface.
6\. The cover apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first seating surface engages a first side surface of an outer ring of the bearing and the second seating surface engages a first side surface of an inner ring of the bearing.
7\. The cover apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second seating surface is recessed relative to the first seating surface.
8\. The cover apparatus of claim 7, wherein the boss protrudes from the second seating surface.
9\. The cover apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first seating surface has a first diameter that is substantially equal to an outside diameter of an outer ring of the bearing.
10\. The cover apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second seating surface has a second diameter that is greater than an outside diameter of an inner ring of the bearing.
11\. The cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the boss has a length that is at least one of half of a thickness of the bearing or less than half the thickness of the bearing, the thickness of the bearing provided between a first side of an outer ring of the bearing and a second side of the outer ring of the bearing opposite the first side.
12\. The cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover apparatus is to remain engaged with the bearing via a frictional force between an inner surface of the bearing bore and an outer surface of the boss.
13\. The cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover apparatus is removably coupled to the bearing via the knob.
14\. The cover apparatus of claim 1, wherein the boss has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the bearing bore of the bearing, the boss to is to compress circumferentially when the boss is inserted into the bearing bore.
15\. A cover assembly for use with a bearing, the cover assembly comprising: a first cover to couple to a first side of a bearing, the first cover including a first protrusion, a first seating surface and a second seating surface, the first protrusion dimensioned to be press-fit into a bore of the bearing; and a second cover to couple to a second side of the bearing opposite the first side, the second cover including a second protrusion, a third seating surface and a fourth seating surface, the second cover dimensioned to be press-fit into the bore of the bearing.
16\. The cover assembly of claim 15, wherein the first protrusion is dimensioned to be press-fit into a first side of the bore and the second protrusion is dimensioned to be press-fit into a second side of the bore.
17\. The cover assembly of claim 15, wherein the first cover and the second cover are dimensioned to be coupled to the bearing via a friction-fit connection provided by a first interface between the first protrusion and the bore of the bearing and a second interface provided by the second protrusion and the bore of the bearing.
18\. The cover assembly of claim 15, wherein the first seating surface engages a first side of an outer ring of the bearing, the second seating surface engages a first side of an inner ring of the bearing, and the first protrusion is at least partially inserted in the bore of the bearing when the first cover is coupled to a first side of the bearing.
19\. A method of forming a cover for a bearing, the method comprising: forming a body defining a first side and a second side; providing a boss protruding from the first side, the boss having a diameter that is greater than a bore diameter of a bearing to which the cover is to couple; and providing a grip protruding from the second side of the body.
20\. The method of claim 19, wherein forming the body further includes forming a first seating surface and a second seating surface recessed relative to the first seating surface on the first side of the body.

OFFICE 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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 15-17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Lemen (US 20180141376 A1).
Regarding claim 15, Lemen discloses (in annotated fig. 6) a cover assembly (320 and 319) for use with a bearing (300), the cover assembly comprising:
a first cover (320) to couple to a first side (356) of a bearing (300),
the first cover (320) including a first protrusion (FP), a first seating surface (FS) and a second seating surface (SS),
the first protrusion (FP) dimensioned to be press-fit into a bore (338) of the bearing (300, it is press-fit in the contact area between 317 and 338);
and a second cover (319) to couple to a second side (2S) of the bearing (300) opposite the first side (356), the second cover (319) including a second protrusion (SP), a third seating surface (TS) and a fourth seating surface (4S), the second cover (319) dimensioned to be press-fit into the bore (338) of the bearing (300, it is press-fit in the contact area between 317 and 338).
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Regarding claim 16, Lemen discloses the cover assembly of claim 15, wherein the first protrusion (FP) is dimensioned to be press-fit into a first side (FSB) of the bore (338) and the second protrusion (SP) is dimensioned to be press-fit into a second side (SSB) of the bore (338).
Regarding claim 17, Lemen discloses the cover assembly of claim 15, wherein the first cover (320) and the second cover (319) are dimensioned to be coupled to the bearing (300) via a friction-fit connection provided by a first interface between the first protrusion (FP) and the bore (338) of the bearing (300) and a second interface provided by the second protrusion (SP) and the bore (338) of the bearing (300).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-14, and 19-20 are allowed.
Claim 18 is objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:  the prior art of record does not show nor disclose the combination set forth in claim 1, 18, and 19.
In particular for claim 1, the prior art of record does not disclose nor render obvious a cover apparatus for a bearing comprising a knob protruding from the second side of the body opposite the first side in combination with the other claim limitations.
In particular for claim 18, the prior art of record does not disclose nor render obvious the cover assembly of claim 15, wherein the first seating surface engages a first side of an outer ring of the bearing, the second seating surface engages a first side of an inner ring of the bearing, and the first protrusion is at least partially inserted in the bore of the bearing when the first cover is coupled to a first side of the bearing in combination with the other claim limitations.
In particular for claim 19, the prior art of record does not disclose or render obvious a method of forming a cover for a bearing, the method comprising a grip protruding from the second side of the body in combination with the other claim limitations.
The bearing covers in the prior arts shows the cover having a protrusion toward or outward the bearing but none of them show any sort of grip or knob on the cover.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Scheller (US 5711617 A) discloses a dust cap for a bearing assembly.
Waskiewicz (US 5711618 A) discloses another dust cap for a bearing assembly.
Gingrich (US 5816711 A) discloses a bearing assembly with an end cap.
Yamashita (US 6193418 B1) discloses a safety end cap for rotary bearing.
Downey et al. (US 6283635 B1) discloses a bearing housing and cover assembly.


NEXT OFFICE 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 .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-20 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: the prior art record does not disclose nor render obvious the combination 1, 15, and 19.
In particular for claim 1, the prior art of record does not disclose nor render obvious a cover apparatus for a bearing comprising a knob protruding from the second side of the body opposite the first side in combination with the other claim limitations.
In particular for claim 15, the prior art of record does not disclose nor render obvious the cover assembly wherein the first seating surface engages a first side of an outer ring of the bearing in combination with the other claim limitations.
In particular for claim 19, the prior art of record does not disclose or render obvious a method of forming a cover for a bearing, the method comprising a grip protruding from the second side of the body in combination with the other claim limitations.
The bearing covers in the prior arts shows the cover having a protrusion toward or outward the bearing but none of them show any sort of grip or knob on the cover.
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 US20180141376A1: Claims:
A packaging system for a wheel hub assembly, the packaging system comprising an outboard guard and an outboard retainer cap, the outboard guard having a planform and comprising: an outboard guard opening comprising a substantially circular hole through the planform of the outboard guard, an engagement portion comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard guard opening, an outboard bearing protector portion comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the engagement portion of the outboard guard, the annular surface of the outboard bearing protector portion being offset axially from the annular surface of the engagement portion of the outboard guard, and an outer rim comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard bearing protector portion; and the outboard retainer cap being configured to be removably affixed to the outboard guard and comprising: an outboard alignment protrusion comprising a circular surface, an engagement portion comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard alignment protrusion, the annular surface of the engagement portion of the outboard retainer cap being offset axially from the circular surface of the outboard alignment protrusion, and a retaining flange comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the engagement portion of the outboard retainer cap, the annular surface of the retaining flange being offset axially from the annular surface of the engagement portion of the outboard retainer cap.
the outboard guard having a planform and comprising: an outboard guard opening comprising a substantially circular hole through the planform of the outboard guard, an engagement portion comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard guard opening, an outboard bearing protector portion comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the engagement portion of the outboard guard, the annular surface of the outboard bearing protector portion being offset axially from the annular surface of the engagement portion of the outboard guard, and an outer rim comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard bearing protector portion; and
an outboard guard opening comprising a substantially circular hole through the planform of the outboard guard,
an engagement portion comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard guard opening,
an outboard bearing protector portion comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the engagement portion of the outboard guard, the annular surface of the outboard bearing protector portion being offset axially from the annular surface of the engagement portion of the outboard guard, and
an outer rim comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard bearing protector portion; and
the outboard retainer cap being configured to be removably affixed to the outboard guard and comprising: an outboard alignment protrusion comprising a circular surface, an engagement portion comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard alignment protrusion, the annular surface of the engagement portion of the outboard retainer cap being offset axially from the circular surface of the outboard alignment protrusion, and a retaining flange comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the engagement portion of the outboard retainer cap, the annular surface of the retaining flange being offset axially from the annular surface of the engagement portion of the outboard retainer cap.
an outboard alignment protrusion comprising a circular surface,
an engagement portion comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the outboard alignment protrusion, the annular surface of the engagement portion of the outboard retainer cap being offset axially from the circular surface of the outboard alignment protrusion, and
a retaining flange comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the engagement portion of the outboard retainer cap, the annular surface of the retaining flange being offset axially from the annular surface of the engagement portion of the outboard retainer cap.
The packaging system of claim 1 , in which the outboard guard further comprises one or more retainer clips about the outer rim of the outboard guard, the one or more retainer clips being configured to removably affix the outboard guard to a vehicle wheel hub when the outboard guard is installed on the vehicle wheel hub.
The packaging system of claim 2 , in which the retainer clips are integrated with the outer rim of the outboard guard.
The packaging system of claim 2 , in which the retainer clips are affixed to the outboard guard yet, separable from the outer rim of the outboard guard.
The packaging system of claim 1 , in which the outboard guard further comprises a stiffening rib about the outer rim of the outboard guard, the stiffening rib comprising an arcuate surface raised axially from the outer rim of the outboard guard.
The packaging system of claim 1 , in which the outboard guard further comprises a pull tab extending radially from the outer rim of the outboard guard, the pull tab being configured to allow a user to pinch the pull tab between the user's fingers.
The packaging system of claim 1 , further comprising an inboard guard, the inboard guard comprising: an inboard alignment protrusion comprising a circular surface, an annular shelf radially surrounding the inboard alignment protrusion, the annular shelf being offset axially from the circular surface of the inboard alignment protrusion, an outer brim comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the annular shelf, the annular surface of the outer brim being offset axially from the annular shelf, and a ridge raised axially from the outer brim, the ridge being radially outward from the annular shelf.
an inboard alignment protrusion comprising a circular surface,
an annular shelf radially surrounding the inboard alignment protrusion, the annular shelf being offset axially from the circular surface of the inboard alignment protrusion,
an outer brim comprising an annular surface radially surrounding the annular shelf, the annular surface of the outer brim being offset axially from the annular shelf, and
a ridge raised axially from the outer brim, the ridge being radially outward from the annular shelf.
The packaging system of claim 7 , in which the inboard guard further comprises a flange comprising an annular surface radially extending from the outer brim, the flange being configured to allow a user to pinch the flange between the user's fingers.
A wheel hub assembly comprising: a vehicle wheel hub having a wheel hub bore configured to accept a vehicle spindle; an inboard bearing assembly installed on an inboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and comprising an inboard bearing cone and inboard bearing elements; an outboard bearing assembly installed on an outboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and comprising an outboard bearing cone and outboard bearing elements; and outboard packaging comprising an outboard retainer cap removably affixed within an outboard guard by an interference fit between the outboard retainer cap and the outboard guard, the outboard guard being removably affixed to an outboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and retaining the outboard bearing assembly within the vehicle wheel hub, a portion of the outboard retainer cap extending through an opening in the outboard guard and into the outboard side of the wheel hub bore of the vehicle wheel hub, the portion of the outboard retainer cap contacting an inner diameter of the outboard bearing cone to align the outboard bearing assembly within the wheel hub.
a vehicle wheel hub having a wheel hub bore configured to accept a vehicle spindle;
an inboard bearing assembly installed on an inboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and comprising an inboard bearing cone and inboard bearing elements;
an outboard bearing assembly installed on an outboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and comprising an outboard bearing cone and outboard bearing elements; and
outboard packaging comprising an outboard retainer cap removably affixed within an outboard guard by an interference fit between the outboard retainer cap and the outboard guard, the outboard guard being removably affixed to an outboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and retaining the outboard bearing assembly within the vehicle wheel hub, a portion of the outboard retainer cap extending through an opening in the outboard guard and into the outboard side of the wheel hub bore of the vehicle wheel hub, the portion of the outboard retainer cap contacting an inner diameter of the outboard bearing cone to align the outboard bearing assembly within the wheel hub.
The wheel hub assembly of claim 9 , in which the outboard retainer cap contacts an outboard end of the outboard bearing cone.
The wheel hub assembly of claim 9 , in which the outboard guard contacts the outboard bearing assembly.
The wheel hub assembly of claim 9 , in which the outboard guard is removably affixed to the vehicle wheel hub by an interference fit between the outboard guard and the vehicle wheel hub.
The wheel hub assembly of claim 9 , further comprising an inboard guard removably affixed to an inboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and retaining the inboard bearing assembly within the vehicle wheel hub, a portion of the inboard guard extending into the inboard side of the wheel hub bore of the vehicle wheel hub, the portion of the inboard guard contacting an inner diameter of the inboard bearing cone to align the inboard bearing assembly within the wheel hub, the inboard guard contacting an inboard end of the inboard bearing cone.
The wheel hub assembly of claim 13 , the wheel hub assembly further comprising a wheel hub seal on the inboard side of the vehicle wheel hub, in which the inboard guard does not contact an inboard side of the wheel hub seal.
A method of installing a wheel hub assembly onto a vehicle spindle, the wheel hub assembly comprising a vehicle wheel hub having a wheel hub bore with an inboard side and an outboard side, the wheel hub bore being configured to accept the vehicle spindle, an inboard bearing assembly installed on an inboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and comprising an inboard bearing cone and inboard bearing elements, and an outboard bearing assembly installed on an outboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and comprising an outboard bearing cone and outboard bearing elements, the wheel hub assembly further comprising an outboard retainer cap removably affixed within an outboard guard by an interference fit between the outboard retainer cap and the outboard guard, the outboard guard being removably affixed to an outboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and retaining the outboard bearing assembly within the vehicle wheel hub, a portion of the outboard retainer cap extending through an opening in the outboard guard and into the outboard side of the wheel hub bore of the vehicle wheel hub, the wheel hub assembly further comprising an inboard guard removably affixed to an inboard side of the vehicle wheel hub and retaining the inboard bearing assembly within the vehicle wheel hub, the method comprising: removing the inboard guard from the inboard side of the vehicle wheel hub to expose the wheel hub bore; inserting the vehicle spindle into the wheel hub assembly from the inboard side of the wheel hub bore; disengaging the outboard retainer cap from the outboard guard by force of the vehicle spindle within the wheel hub bore and against the outboard retainer cap in an outboard direction; and continuing to insert the vehicle spindle into the wheel hub assembly until the vehicle spindle protrudes from the outboard side of the wheel hub bore.
removing the inboard guard from the inboard side of the vehicle wheel hub to expose the wheel hub bore;
inserting the vehicle spindle into the wheel hub assembly from the inboard side of the wheel hub bore;
disengaging the outboard retainer cap from the outboard guard by force of the vehicle spindle within the wheel hub bore and against the outboard retainer cap in an outboard direction; and
continuing to insert the vehicle spindle into the wheel hub assembly until the vehicle spindle protrudes from the outboard side of the wheel hub bore.
The method of claim 15 , further comprising removing the outboard guard from the vehicle wheel hub before securing the wheel hub assembly onto the vehicle spindle.
The method of claim 16 , in which removing the outboard guard from the vehicle wheel hub comprises pulling on one or more pull tabs of the outboard guard in the outboard direction to extract one or more retainer clips of the outboard guard from hubcap mounting holes of the vehicle wheel hub.
The method of claim 15 , further comprising removing the outboard guard from the vehicle wheel hub after securing the wheel hub assembly onto the vehicle spindle.
The method of claim 18 , in which removing the outboard guard from the vehicle wheel hub comprises pulling on one or more pull tabs of the outboard guard in the outboard direction to extract one or more retainer clips of the outboard guard from hubcap mounting holes of the vehicle wheel hub.
Ref US5711617A: Claims:
In combination, a bearing assembly and a dustcap, the bearing assembly having an outer race ring and an inner race ring with a plurality of ball bearings therebetween, the bearing assembly being gimballed in a housing such that said outer race ring may slide against said housing, said outer race ring having a groove therein and the dustcap having a lip extending outwardly therefrom, said lip being receivable in said groove to support said dustcap from said outer race ring such that said dustcap gimbals with said outer race ring and is not ejected by said gimballing outer race ring, and a seal normally disposed in said groove, said seal being displaced by said lip when said lip is received in said groove.
The combination according to claim 1, wherein said dustcap includes a substantially cylindrical sidewall having first and second ends; said lip extending radially outward from said first end; and an endwall enclosing said second end.
The combination according to claim 2, wherein said lip extends approximately 360 degrees around said dustcap.
The combination according to claim 2, wherein said lip includes a first angled portion connected to a second angled portion to form a circumferential apex.
Apparatus associated with a rotating shaft subject to misalignment, comprising a housing having a curved housing bore, an outer race ring slidingly disposed in said housing bore, an inner race ring carried by the shaft, a plurality of ball bearings disposed between said outer race ring and said inner race ring, the inner surface of said outer race ring having a groove, a dustcap having a sidewall with a lip extending radially outwardly therefrom, said dustcap being connected to said outer race ring when said lip is received in said groove in said outer race ring, and a seal extending between said inner race ring and said lip of said dustcap.
Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said sidewall has a slot therein.
Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said lip extends approximately 360 degrees around said sidewall.
Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said lip includes a first angled portion connected to a second angled portion to define an apex.
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said apex is received in the groove in the race ring.
Ref US5711618A: Claims:
A bearing assembly comprising: a housing having an axially extending bore with circumferentially spaced grooves extending axially partially through the housing from one axial end of the housing, the grooves being adapted to facilitate the insertion of a rolling element bearing into the housing; a bearing mounted in the bore and having inner and outer bearing rings with rolling elements; and a hollow end cap having a closed wall at one axial end, the end cap being provided with resilient projections extending axially from the peripheral edge of the open end of the end cap and firmly engaging the housing grooves; the housing having a channel located within each of the grooves, extending radially outwardly and axially outwardly into the housing, each projection having a finger at its axial end extending radially outwardly and axially toward the end cap closed wall and fitting into the respective channel.
a housing having an axially extending bore with circumferentially spaced grooves extending axially partially through the housing from one axial end of the housing, the grooves being adapted to facilitate the insertion of a rolling element bearing into the housing;
a bearing mounted in the bore and having inner and outer bearing rings with rolling elements; and
a hollow end cap having a closed wall at one axial end, the end cap being provided with resilient projections extending axially from the peripheral edge of the open end of the end cap and firmly engaging the housing grooves;
the housing having a channel located within each of the grooves, extending radially outwardly and axially outwardly into the housing, each projection having a finger at its axial end extending radially outwardly and axially toward the end cap closed wall and fitting into the respective channel.
A bearing assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the grooves in the housing are two in number, diametrically opposed from each other, and wherein the end cap projections are two in number, each projection firmly engaging a corresponding housing groove.
A bearing assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the end cap is a one-piece component.
A bearing assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein each projection extends axially and radially outwardly in an unbiased condition and is adapted to be compressed radially inwardly when inserted into the respective groove of the housing.
A bearing assembly comprising: a housing having an axially extending bore with circumferentially spaced grooves extending axially partially through the housing from one axial end of the housing, the grooves being adapted to facilitate the insertion of a rolling element bearing into the housing; a bearing mounted in the bore and having inner and outer bearing rings with rolling elements; and a hollow end cap having a closed wall at one axial end, the end cap being provided with resilient projections extending axially from the peripheral edge of the open end of the end cap and firmly engaging the housing grooves; each of the grooves of the housing having a concave recess extending radially outwardly into the housing, and each of the projections having a convex protuberance extending radially outwardly to engage the respective concave recess.
each of the grooves of the housing having a concave recess extending radially outwardly into the housing, and each of the projections having a convex protuberance extending radially outwardly to engage the respective concave recess.
A bearing assembly comprising: a housing having a grease fitting on an outer surface and an axially extending bore with circumferentially spaced grooves extending axially partially through the housing from one axial end of the housing, the grooves being adapted to facilitate the insertion of a rolling element bearing into the housing; a bearing mounted in the bore and having inner and outer bearing rings with rolling elements; a hollow end cap having a closed wall at one axial end, the end cap being provided with two resilient projections extending axially from the peripheral edge of the open end of the end cap and firmly engaging said housing grooves; and a strap holder integral with the end cap, located circumferentially between the flexible projections and extending from the cap radially outwardly along the axial end of the housing having the grooves and axially along the housing outer surface of the housing, the strap holder having an opening for the gr
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