Office Action 2: Non-Final Rejection (2025-01-15)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
Amendments to ClaimsThis listing of claims will replace all prior versions and listings of claims in the application.

1\. (Currently amended) A one-step locking stand, comprising: a fixing portion and at least one supporting leg connected to the fixing portion, wherein the supporting leg comprises:
first, second and third sections connected one another along an axial direction, each section being movable axially relative to other sections to extend or shorten the supporting leg;
an operating assembly arranged at one of the sections;
a first transmission assembly connected to the operating assembly;
a first locking assembly fixedly arranged at the second section, slidably connected to the first section, and connected to the first transmission assembly;
a second transmission assembly, slidable through a lumen of the second section, connected to the first locking assembly, as well as arranged spaced apart from the first transmission assembly; and
a second locking assembly arranged at the third section and connected to the second transmission assembly;
wherein when the operating assembly is operated, the first locking assembly is driven by the first transmission assembly to move axially, to lock or release the first section relative to the second section, and meanwhile, the second transmission assembly is driven by the first locking assembly to move axially, and the second locking assembly is driven by the second transmission assembly to lock or release the third section relative to the second section, so as to achieve one-step locking or releasing of all the sections of the supporting leg; and
wherein the first transmission assembly comprises:
a driving rod connected to the operating assembly and extending axially;
a hollow screw mounted around one end of the driving rod away from the operating assembly and connected to the first locking assembly; and
a fixing nut threadedly connected to an outer periphery of the hollow screw,
wherein the operating assembly is configured to drive the driving rod to rotate axially, and when the driving rod rotates, the hollow screw moves axially under joint action of the driving rod and the fixing nut, driving the first locking assembly to move axially.

2\. (Original) The stand according to claim 1, wherein the operating assembly is arranged at an end of the first section away from the second section.

3\. (Cancelled)

4\. (Currently amended)The stand according to claim \[\[3\]\]1, wherein the hollow screw and the driving rod are connected in a form-fit manner, wherein when the driving rod rotates, the hollow screw rotates together therewith.

5\. (Currently amended) The stand according to claim \[\[3\]\]1, wherein the first locking assembly comprises a sliding seat respectively mounted around the first and second sections, as well as an adjusting member and a locking block movably arranged within the sliding seat;
wherein the adjusting member is connected to the second transmission assembly and defines a through hole penetrating axially, a top end of the hollow screw passes through the through hole from bottom to top and is then connected to the fixing nut, the fixing nut is fixedly arranged within the sliding seat, a bottom end of the hollow screw supports a bottom end of the adjusting member, and the locking block is arranged between the adjusting member and the first section;
wherein when the hollow screw moves axially, the adjusting member moves axially together therewith, thereby driving the locking block to move towards or away from the first section, and the adjusting member drives the second transmission assembly to move axially at the same time.

6\. (Original) The stand according to claim 5, wherein the adjusting member comprises an upper slider, an ejecting slider and a supporting slider deposed in axial order, the upper slider is configured to drive the locking block to move towards or away from the first section, the ejecting slider has an ejecting portion protruding out from the sliding seat, and the supporting slider is connected to the sliding seat through the ejecting portion, and wherein when the ejecting portion is operated, the ejecting slider drives the upper slider to move axially.

7\. (Currently amended) The stand according to claim \[\[3\]\]1, wherein the first section comprises two first pipes respectively spaced apart on both sides of the driving rod, the second section comprises two second pipes respectively spaced apart on both sides of the driving rod, each second pipe is movable axially between the driving rod and a corresponding first pipe, and the third section comprises a third pipe movable to mount around the driving rod.

8\. (Original) The stand according to claim 7, wherein the second section further comprises a
hollow central shaft extending axially, and the third pipe is movable to be inserted into a lumen of the central shaft.

9\. (Currently amended) The stand according to claim 7, wherein the adjusting member defines \[\[a\]\]one or more erforations running axially therethrough, the second transmission assembly successively passes through a lumen of one second pipe, the one or more perforations, and a lumen of another second pipe, and then connects to the second locking assembly.

10\. (Original) The stand according to claim 1, wherein the second transmission assembly is a cable.

11\. (Original) The stand according to claim 7, wherein the second locking assembly comprises a locking ring and a locking piece, the locking piece defines a locking cavity and is connected to one end of the second transmission assembly, wherein the locking ring comprises a surrounding segment mounted around the third pipe and two free segments respectively connected to both ends of the surrounding segment and received within the locking cavity, and wherein when the second transmission assembly moves axially, the locking piece is driven to move axially together therewith, and the locking cavity matches with the two free segments to bring them to move towards or away from each other, such that the surrounding segment locks or releases the third pipe.

12\. (Original) The stand according to claim 6, wherein one side of the supporting slider is provided with a limiter which defines a fixing hole, and the ejecting portion passes through the fixing hole and extends outside the sliding seat.

13\. (Original) The stand according to claim 6, wherein the ejecting portion is an adjusting screw threaded to the ejecting slider.

14\. (Original) The stand according to claim 6, wherein an extension direction of the ejecting portion is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

15\. (Currently amended) The stand according to claim \[\[1\]\]9, wherein a number of the perforations is two, and the adjusting member is recessed with a groove for holding the second transmission assembly, with the two perforations respectively located at each end of the groove.

16\. (Currently amended) The stand according to claim \[\[3\]\]1, wherein
supporting legs isthe at least one supporting leg comprises three supporting legs.

17\. (Currently amended) The stand according to claim \[\[3\]\]1, wherein the operating assembly comprises a supporter,
a pivot pin rotatably arranged on the supporter and in torque transmission connection with the driving rod, and
a handle connected to the pivot pin,
wherein when the handle is operated, the pivot pin is brought to rotate by the handle, and the driving rod is driven to rotate about a central axis thereof by the pivot pin.

18\. (Original) The stand according to claim 17, wherein a first bevel gear is provided on an outer periphery of the pivot pin, a second bevel gear, which engages with the first bevel gear, is provided on an upper end of the driving rod, and the first bevel gear is arranged perpendicular to the second bevel gear.

19\. (Currently amended) The stand according to claim \[\[3\]\] 1 wherein an outer periphery of the hollow screw is provided with an external thread threaded to the fixing nut.

20\. (Original) The stand according to claim 19, wherein an axial length of the external thread of the hollow screw is greater than an axial length of the fixing nut.

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 .
Amendment filed 12/13/2024 has been entered,  Claims 1-2 and 4-20 remain pending in the present application.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see Remarks, filed 12/13/2024, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 1-2, 10, 15 and 17-18 under 35 USC 112 and 102(a)(1) have been fully considered and are persuasive.  Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn.  However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of Liang CN 112856168 presented by the Applicant in the IDS dated 12/13/2024.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claims 1-2, 4 and 16-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Liang CN 112856168 (hereinafter Liang).
Re. Cl. 1, Liang discloses: A one-step locking stand (Fig. 1), comprising: a fixing portion (100, Fig. 1) and at least one supporting leg (1, Fig. 1) connected to the fixing portion (see Fig. 1), wherein the supporting leg comprises: first, second and third sections (1a, 1b and 1c, Fig. 4) connected one another along an axial direction (see Fig. 4), each section being movable axially relative to other sections to extend or shorten the supporting leg (translated Abstract, Lines 5-8); an operating assembly (23, 3, Fig. 1-5) arranged at one of the sections (see Fig. 5); a first transmission assembly (21, 22, 24 and upper 4, Fig. 1-5) connected to the operating assembly (see Fig. 1-5); a first locking assembly (upper 2, Fig. 5) fixedly arranged at the second section (see Fig. 5), slidably connected to the first section (see Fig. 1-5), and connected to the first transmission assembly (see Fig. 1-5); a second transmission assembly (lower 4, Fig. 5), slidable through a lumen of the second section (see Fig. 5), connected to the first locking assembly (see Fig. 5), as well as arranged spaced apart from the first transmission assembly (see Fig. 5); and a second locking assembly (lower 2, Fig. 5) arranged at the third section and connected to the second transmission assembly (see Fig. 5); wherein when the operating assembly is operated, the first locking assembly is driven by the first transmission assembly to move axially, to lock or release the first section relative to the second section, and meanwhile, the second transmission assembly is driven by the first locking assembly to move axially, and the second locking assembly is driven by the second transmission assembly to lock or release the third section relative to the second section, so as to achieve one-step locking or releasing of all the sections of the supporting leg (see Fig. 1-5, when operating the handle 23, the locking assemblies are locked/unlocked simultaneously through 4’s); and wherein the first transmission assembly comprises: a driving rod (4, Fig. 8) connected to the operating assembly and extending axially (see Fig. 4-5 and 8);a hollow screw (5, Fig. 10) mounted around one end of the driving rod away from the operating assembly and connected to the first locking assembly (see Fig. 5); and a fixing nut (7, Fig. 10) threadedly connected to an outer periphery of the hollow screw (see Fig. 8-10), wherein the operating assembly is configured to drive the driving rod to rotate axially (see Fig. 10, so that the threads on 5 engage with the threads in 7), and when the driving rod rotates, the hollow screw moves axially under joint action of the driving rod and the fixing nut, driving the first locking assembly to move axially (see Fig. 8-10, once the handle is rotated, the gears 22, 24 mesh, driving the 4 to rotate and thus bias 11 axially outward).
Re. Cl. 2, Liang discloses: the operating assembly is arranged at an end of the first section away from the second section (see Fig. 1).
Re. Cl. 4, Liang discloses: the hollow screw and the driving rod are connected in a form-fit manner (see Fig. 9-10), wherein when the driving rod rotates, the hollow screw rotates together therewith (see Fig. 9-10, to force 5 to rotate relative to 7, thus biasing 11 outwards).
Re. Cl. 16, Liang discloses: the at least one supporting leg comprises three supporting legs (see 1’s Fig. 1).
Re. Cl. 17, Liang discloses: the operating assembly comprises a supporter (see Fig. 6-8, where 21 penetrates to engage with 23), a pivot pin (21, Fig. 6) rotatably arranged on the supporter and in torque transmission connection with the driving rod (see Fig. 6-8, through 22, 24), and a handle (23, Fig. 6) connected to the pivot pin (see Fig. 6), wherein when the handle is operated, the pivot pin is brought to rotate by the handle, and the driving rod is driven to rotate about a central axis thereof by the pivot pin (see Fig. 6-8).
Re. Cl. 18, Liang discloses: a first bevel gear is provided on an outer periphery of the pivot pin (22, Fig. 6), a second bevel gear (24, Fig. 6), which engages with the first bevel gear, is provided on an upper end of the driving rod (see Fig. 6), and the first bevel gear is arranged perpendicular to the second bevel gear (see Fig. 6).
Re. Cl. 19, Liang discloses: an outer periphery of the hollow screw is provided with an external thread threaded to the fixing nut (see Fig. 10).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Liang in view of Hein US 2010/0282921 (hereinafter Hein).
Re. Cl. 10, Liang discloses that the transmission assemblies are rods (4) not a cable.  Hein discloses a locking stand which includes transmission assemblies (81, Fig. 1) and (83, Fig. 6) which are in the form of rods/torsion bars but could also be limp elements such as wire cables (Paragraph 0077, Lines 20-23).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the Liang device to replace the rods with wire cables as disclosed by Hein with reasonable expectation of success since Liang states that rods and cables are alternatives to one another (Paragraph 0077, Lines 20-23).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 5-9, 11-15 and 20 are 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.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Baker US 5320316, Brady US 2018/0252354, HE US 2021/0010637 and Speggiorin US 2022/0291574 disclose other one step locking stands which are presented to the Applicant fort their consideration.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
Claims 1, 2, and 4-20 are now pending. Claim 3 has been cancelled. Claim 1 has been amended to incorporate the additional features of claim 3. Claims 4-5, 7, 15-17 and 19 have been renumbered accordingly. Claims 9, 16 and 17 have been amended editorially. No new matter is involved. The examiner is required to enter the same.
Specification
The disclosure stands objected to because of the following informalities: In paragraph [0068], both the limiter and supporting slider are referred as reference character 6232.
In response, the supporting slider in paragraph [0068] has been amended to be referred as reference character 623.
Therefore, withdrawal of the above objection is respectfully required.
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Claims 15 and 17-18 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C.112 (pre-AlA), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AlA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
In response, claim 15 has been amended to depend on claim 9, the limitation "the adjusting member defines a perforation running axially therethrough" in claim 9 has been amended to "the adjusting member defines one or more perforations running axially therethrough", and the limitation "a pivot pin rotatably arranged on the supporter and matching with the driving rod" has been amended to "a pivot pin rotatably arranged on the supporter and in torque transmission connection with the driving rod".
Therefore, withdrawal of the above rejections is respectfully required.
Allowable Subject Matter
The allowability of claims 3-14, 16 and 19-20 has been gratefully acknowledged.
The allowable claim 2 has been incorporated into claim 1. As such, claim 1 should be allowable, and dependent claims 2 and 4-20 should also be allowable at least by virtue of their dependencies.
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Claims 1-2 and 10 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C.102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Hein US 2010/0282921 (hereinafter Hein).
Without conceding the appropriateness of the Examiner's rejections, but simply to expedite prosecution of this application, claim 3 has been cancelled, and claims 1 has been amended to include the limitations of allowable claim 3. Therefore, amended claims 1 is allowable according to the Office Action. The dependent claims 2 and 4-20 are also allowable for at least the same reason as the independent claims.
Therefore, withdrawal of the rejections is respectfully requested.
Arguments regarding the prior art i.e., Brady US 2018/0252354, HE US applicant's disclosure. Baker US 5320316,2021/0010637 and Speggiorin US 2022/0291574 are as follows.
Baker discloses an extensible support leg for a portable stand or support including a locking lever 38 for locking tubes 36, 37 and a locking lever 48 for locking tubes 41,42, respectively. However, Baker fails to disclose an operating assembly and a transmission assembly, let alone the limitations of amended claim 1.
Brady discloses a tripod leg including three legs that can be locked or unlocked in single movement (using both hands). However, as paragraph [0076] recites "The lever is mechanically connected to the clamping mechanisms of the leg via one or more connecting elements. The connecting elements may be one or more torsion rods configuration, which in use, communicate a rotational movement from the lever, to a clamping mechanism which then subsequently releases or locks the clamping mechanism". That is to say, when the lever is operated, the clamping mechanism is driven to rotate rather than moving axially. Therefore, Brady fails to disclose the limitations of amended claim 1.
HE discloses a single-hand-lever double-joint-control adjustable hoop type bearing frame, however, the locking control device of HE is arranged on the fixed supporting rod 3. Besides,
paragraph [0064] recites that "a side face of the locking plate 18 is connected with one end of the swing bolt 20, the other end of the swing bolt 20 is installed on the eccentric rod 21 in a sleeving manner, and movement of the eccentric rod 21 is transmitted through the locking control device 31", combined with Figure 13, 14 and 17, it can be seen that the locking plate is driven by the eccentric rod to move laterally. In addition, paragraph [0066] recites "The locking control device 31 can control locking or loosening of the lower locking mechanism 22 on the second sliding part 40, the eccentric boss shafts 37 are arranged on two sides of the swinging shaft of the pulling handle core 33, an axis of the eccentric boss shaft deviates from that of the swinging shaft 35 of the pulling handle core 33, the eccentric boss shaft 37 is connected with the lower locking mechanism 22, the eccentric boss shaft 37 is driven by eccentric swinging of the swinging shaft 35, so that the locking mechanism carries out locking or loosening on the second sliding part 40" and "the bevel of the tightening wedge block 27 in the upward moving process can push the locking block 28 to move transversely in the groove 30, and the locking block 28 moves transversely so as to lock the second sliding part 40", it can be seen that the rotation of the eccentric wheel drives the axial movement of the second locking component. That is to say, HE fails to disclose the limitations of amended claim 1.
Speggiorin discloses a support for video-photographic equipment. However, the control element 7 of Speggiorin is fixedly joined in terms of translational movement along the longitudinal axis X to one of the movable sections of the leg 3. Besides, paragraph [0136] recited that "When the control element 7 is lowered into a closure position, see FIG. 7, the cam element 16 is oscillated about the rotation axis Y and abuts the wall 11 a with the cylindrical portion 16a thereof, moving the pin 17 away from the wall 11 a. This brings about traction of the tie rod 14 and the consequent movement of the first runner 12 towards the external tubes 4A and 4B", and paragraph [0133] recited that "when the lever 24 is oscillated about the axis Z, the appendage 27 urges the second runner 22 against the internal tube 6A", it can be seen that the first runner is driven by the cam element to move radially to lock or release the tubes, and the second runner is driven to rotate by the transfer element to lock or release the tubes. That is to say, Speggiorin fails to disclose the limitations of amended claim 1.
In summary, none of the cited reference documents disclose the applicant's amended claim
1, therefore, claim 1 is novel and patentable according to the office action, and the dependent claims 2, 4-20 are also patentable by virtue of their dependence.
CONCLUSION

NEXT 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 .
Amendment filed 4/15/2025 has been entered.  Claims 1-2 and 4-21 remain pending in the present application.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claims 1-2, 4 and 16-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Liang CN 112856168 (hereinafter Liang).
Re. Cl. 1, Liang discloses: A one-step locking stand (Fig. 1), comprising: a fixing portion (100, Fig. 1) and at least one supporting leg (1, Fig. 1) connected to the fixing portion (see Fig. 1), wherein the supporting leg comprises: first, second and third sections (1a, 1b and 1c, Fig. 4) connected one another along an axial direction (see Fig. 4), each section being movable axially relative to other sections to extend or shorten the supporting leg (translated Abstract, Lines 5-8); an operating assembly (23, 3, Fig. 1-5) arranged at one of the sections (see Fig. 5); a first transmission assembly (21, 22, 24 and upper 4, Fig. 1-5) connected to the operating assembly (see Fig. 1-5); a first locking assembly (upper 2, Fig. 5) fixedly arranged at the second section (see Fig. 5), slidably connected to the first section (see Fig. 1-5), and connected to the first transmission assembly (see Fig. 1-5); a second transmission assembly (lower 4, Fig. 5), slidable through a lumen of the second section (see Fig. 5), connected to the first locking assembly (see Fig. 5), as well as arranged spaced apart from the first transmission assembly (see Fig. 5); and a second locking assembly (lower 2, Fig. 5) arranged at the third section and connected to the second transmission assembly (see Fig. 5); wherein when the operating assembly is operated, a movement of the operating assembly synchronously causes the first locking assembly to move in the axial direction relative to the first section through the first transmission assembly to thereby lock or release the first section relative to the second section, and meanwhile, a movement of the first locking assembly synchronously causes the second transmission assembly to move in the axial direction and the second locking assembly is driven by the second transmission assembly to lock or release the third section relative to the second section, so as to achieve one-step locking or releasing of all the sections of the supporting leg (see Fig. 1-5, Paragraphs 0056 and 0063; as discussed in Paragraph 0063, when 3 drives 2, rod 4 rotates which drives portions 10 in an axial direction (i.e. “downward” and “upward”) to lock/unlock the locking assemblies simultaneously; in other words, portions 10 of the locking assemblies are driven axially to lock/unlock the leg components); and wherein the first transmission assembly comprises: a driving rod (4, Fig. 8) connected to the operating assembly and extending axially (see Fig. 4-5 and 8);a hollow screw (5, Fig. 10) mounted around one end of the driving rod away from the operating assembly and connected to the first locking assembly (see Fig. 5); and a fixing nut (7, Fig. 10) threadedly connected to an outer periphery of the hollow screw (see Fig. 8-10), wherein the operating assembly is configured to drive the driving rod to rotate axially (see Fig. 10, so that the threads on 5 engage with the threads in 7), and when the driving rod rotates, the hollow screw moves axially under joint action of the driving rod and the fixing nut, driving the first locking assembly to move axially (see Fig. 8-10, once the handle is rotated, the gears 22, 24 mesh, driving the 4 to rotate and thus bias 11 axially outward).
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 2 and 4-20 are allowable over the prior art of record.
Claim 21 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.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 4/15/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Re. Applicant’s argument that Liang does not disclose the limitation “wherein when the operating assembly is operated, a movement of the operating assembly synchronously causes the first locking assembly to move in the axial direction relative to the first section through the first transmission assembly to thereby lock or release the first section relative to the second section, and meanwhile, a movement of the first locking assembly synchronously causes the second transmission assembly to move in the axial direction and the second locking assembly is driven by the second transmission assembly to lock or release the third section relative to the second section, so as to achieve one-step locking or releasing of all the sections of the supporting leg,” the Examiner disagrees. As discussed above, Liang’s component (10), which is part of the locking assembly (2) moves axially (i.e. upward and downward) within the legs to provide force expanding/contracting elements (11) and thus achieving the locking/unlocking effect as discussed in Paragraph 0063 of the Liang translation.  Therefore, it is the Examiner’s position that Lian meets Applicants current claim language and Applicant’s arguments are considered but are not persuasive.
Re. Applicant’s argument that Liang does not disclose Applicant’s one-step locking or releasing of all the sections of the support leg, the Examiner disagrees.  As can be seen in Figs. 1-5, the transmission rod (4) is a continuous rod which has two parts, one connecting the top member (3) and top locking unit (2) and one connecting the two locking units (2).  Therefore, it is the Examiner’s position that by rotating the transmission rod using handle (23) as discussed, one would achieve a one-step locking of both locking unit (2).  Further, in Paragraph 0053 of the attached translation, Liang states: “When the tensioning component 2 contracts, the second leg segment 1b can slide axially relative to the first leg segment 1a, and the third leg segment 1c can slide axially relative to the second leg segment 1b, so as to adjust the length of the supporting leg 1. After the length is adjusted, the control component 3 drives the transmission rod 4 to make the tensioning component 2 expand and press against the inner wall of the first leg segment 1a and the inner wall of the second leg segment 1b, so that the second leg segment 1b is locked relative to the first leg segment 1a, and the third leg segment 1c is locked relative to the second leg segment 1b, so as to achieve adjustment and locking.”  It is the Examiner’s position that this cited text supports the Examiner’s understanding of how the one-step locking/unlocking is achieved by Liang.  Applicant’s argument has been considered but is not persuasive.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Baker US 5320316, Brady US 2018/0252354, HE US 2021/0010637 and Speggiorin US 2022/0291574 disclose other one step locking stands which are presented to the Applicant fort their consideration.
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20240377019A1: Claims:
A tripod comprising: an angle snap-fit structure fixedly disposed on a seat of the tripod, wherein said seat is provided with a tripod center seat mechanism for mounting photographic equipment; a rotating member, and one end of the rotating member is rotatably connected to said angle snap-fit structure and the other end of the rotating member is connected to a support leg of the tripod; an angle control member slidably disposed on the rotating member; and said angle control member is cooperatively snap-fitting with said angle snap-fit structure to lock a corresponding angle of rotation of said rotating member relative to said angle snap-fit structure; said support leg comprises two or more leg sections, wherein each leg section is axially movable relative to one or more of the other leg sections to lengthen or shorten said support leg; said support leg further comprises an expandable assembly mounted on the second leg section and the third leg section, wherein said expandable assembly is capable of performing operations of an expansion and a contraction for position locking and releasing; said support leg further comprises a control assembly mounted on the first leg section, wherein said control assembly is used to control said expandable assembly to expand or contract; and said support leg further comprises a transmission lever, and said control assembly is connected to said expandable assembly by means of said transmission lever and transmitting therebetween.
an angle snap-fit structure fixedly disposed on a seat of the tripod, wherein said seat is provided with a tripod center seat mechanism for mounting photographic equipment;
a rotating member, and one end of the rotating member is rotatably connected to said angle snap-fit structure and the other end of the rotating member is connected to a support leg of the tripod;
an angle control member slidably disposed on the rotating member; and said angle control member is cooperatively snap-fitting with said angle snap-fit structure to lock a corresponding angle of rotation of said rotating member relative to said angle snap-fit structure;
said support leg comprises two or more leg sections, wherein each leg section is axially movable relative to one or more of the other leg sections to lengthen or shorten said support leg;
said support leg further comprises an expandable assembly mounted on the second leg section and the third leg section, wherein said expandable assembly is capable of performing operations of an expansion and a contraction for position locking and releasing;
said support leg further comprises a control assembly mounted on the first leg section, wherein said control assembly is used to control said expandable assembly to expand or contract; and
said support leg further comprises a transmission lever, and said control assembly is connected to said expandable assembly by means of said transmission lever and transmitting therebetween.
The tripod according to claim 1 , wherein said angle snap-fit structure is provided with multiple snap catches, and said angle control member is provided with a coupling member; said coupling member is capable of abutting against any one of said snap catches to lock the rotating member at a corresponding angle of rotation relative to the angle snap-fit structure; and said rotating member is provided with a locking screw, and said angle control member is provided with a movable guide groove therethrough, wherein said locking screw passes through said movable guide groove of said angle control member and is screwed to said rotating member, and said locking screw is provided with multiple disc spring spacers between said locking screw and said angle control member to press against said angle control member.
said coupling member is capable of abutting against any one of said snap catches to lock the rotating member at a corresponding angle of rotation relative to the angle snap-fit structure; and
said rotating member is provided with a locking screw, and said angle control member is provided with a movable guide groove therethrough, wherein said locking screw passes through said movable guide groove of said angle control member and is screwed to said rotating member, and said locking screw is provided with multiple disc spring spacers between said locking screw and said angle control member to press against said angle control member.
The tripod according to claim 1 , wherein said expandable assembly comprises a transmission seat, an extrusion sleeve, and a fixed seat, wherein said fixed seat is threadedly coupled to the periphery of a lower end of said transmission seat, and multiple expandable blocks are distributed at equal intervals around the periphery of said fixed seat, wherein the multiple expandable blocks are provided with elastic sleeves around a periphery of said expandable blocks; the extrusion sleeve is movably coupled to a periphery of said transmission seat, and the top of said transmission seat is provided with a pressing deck that is slidably coupled to a top of said extrusion sleeve and said extrusion sleeve is used to extrude the expandable block to cause the expandable block to expand outwardly, and a friction spacer is provided on the outer wall of said expandable block.
The tripod according to claim 3 , wherein multiple first extrusion bevels are provided at equal intervals around the periphery of the lower edge of said extrusion block, and the first extrusion bevels correspond to the expandable blocks one by one.
The tripod according to claim 3 , wherein the lower outer edge of said transmission seat is provided with an annular table, and multiple second extrusion bevels are provided at equal intervals around the outer periphery of the upper edge of said annular table, and the second extrusion bevels correspond to the expandable blocks one by one.
The tripod according to claim 3 , wherein an upper end and a lower end of an inner sidewall of the expandable block are provided with an abutting bevel.
The tripod according to claim 3 , wherein an upper surface of said extrusion sleeve is provided with an upper annular groove, which is rotatably provided with multiple balls, and a lower surface of said pressing deck is provided with a lower annular groove, wherein said upper annular groove corresponds to the lower annular groove, and the multiple balls are slidably coupled to the lower annular groove.
The tripod according to claim 1 , wherein said control assembly comprises a control base, a control shaft rotatably mounted on the control base, a control bevel gear socketed on the periphery of said control shaft, and a pivot handle coupled to said control shaft; said transmission lever is provided with a transmission bevel gear at a top of said transmission lever which is connected to said control bevel gear in an engaging transmission; said pivot handle is positioned on a periphery of said control base, and said pivot handle is provided with a positioning assembly and a first housing accommodating said positioning assembly, and said positioning assembly comprises a first spring and a steel ball, wherein said first spring is connected to an inner wall of the first housing and an outer surface of the steel ball at the first spring's two ends, respectively, and the front end of said steel ball protrudes from said first housing, the steel ball is slidably connected to an outer wall of the control base, and said control base is provided with a snap-in recess on the outer wall for snap-in engagement with said steel ball; and the outer wall of said control base is also provided with a second housing, said second housing is equipped with a limiting assembly for limiting the pivot handle, and said limiting assembly comprises a second spring and a limiting block, wherein the two ends of said second spring are connected to the inner wall of the second housing and one end of the limiting block, respectively, and the other end of the limiting block protrudes from said second housing and abuts the pivot handle.
said transmission lever is provided with a transmission bevel gear at a top of said transmission lever which is connected to said control bevel gear in an engaging transmission;
said pivot handle is positioned on a periphery of said control base, and said pivot handle is provided with a positioning assembly and a first housing accommodating said positioning assembly, and said positioning assembly comprises a first spring and a steel ball, wherein said first spring is connected to an inner wall of the first housing and an outer surface of the steel ball at the first spring's two ends, respectively, and the front end of said steel ball protrudes from said first housing, the steel ball is slidably connected to an outer wall of the control base, and said control base is provided with a snap-in recess on the outer wall for snap-in engagement with said steel ball; and
the outer wall of said control base is also provided with a second housing, said second housing is equipped with a limiting assembly for limiting the pivot handle, and said limiting assembly comprises a second spring and a limiting block, wherein the two ends of said second spring are connected to the inner wall of the second housing and one end of the limiting block, respectively, and the other end of the limiting block protrudes from said second housing and abuts the pivot handle.
The tripod according to claim 1 , wherein said tripod center seat mechanism comprises a locking assembly, a center seat bushing, a movable swing seat, a locking block, and a connecting rod, wherein the center seat bushing is mounted on the seat, and the movable swing seat is movably mounted on the top of said center seat bushing, and a first through hole is provided in said movable swing seat and the connecting rod is threaded through the first through hole, and the lower end of the connecting rod is connected to said locking assembly, and the upper end of the connecting rod is connected to the locking block, wherein the width of said locking block is greater than the width of the first through hole.
The tripod according to claim 9 , wherein said locking assembly comprises a slider and a screw, wherein said slider is provided with a third extrusion bevel on both sides, and said screw is rotatably installed in said center seat bushing and threaded in said connecting rod, and said locking block is connected to said slider through the connecting rod; the screw is threaded with a first compression block and a second compression block, and said first compression block and said second compression block is located on both sides of the connecting rod, respectively, and both of said first compression block and said second compression block is provided with a fourth extrusion bevel cooperating with said third extrusion bevel, and said screw is provided with a right-hand threaded section and a left-hand threaded section, wherein said first compression block and second compression block being threaded with the right-hand threaded section and the left-hand threaded section, respectively.
Ref CN112856168: Claims:
1. A tripod, comprising:
the angle clamping structure is fixedly arranged on the base body of the tripod;
the base body is provided with a foot rest middle base mechanism for loading photographic equipment;
one end of the rotating piece is rotatably connected to the angle clamping structure, and the other end of the rotating piece is connected with a supporting leg of the tripod;
the angle control piece is arranged on the rotating piece in a sliding manner; the angle control piece is matched and clamped with the angle clamping structure so as to lock the corresponding angle of the rotating piece relative to the angle clamping structure;
the support leg comprises two or more leg sections, each leg section being axially movable relative to one or more of the other leg sections to lengthen or shorten the support leg;
the supporting leg further comprises a tensioning assembly mounted on the second leg section and the third leg section, and the tensioning assembly can be used for position locking and position releasing through tensioning and contraction;
the supporting leg further comprises a control assembly arranged on the first leg section, and the control assembly is used for controlling the expansion assembly to expand or contract;
the supporting leg further comprises a transmission rod, and the control assembly is in transmission connection with the expansion assembly through the transmission rod.
2. A tripod according to claim 1, wherein: the angle clamping structure is provided with a plurality of clamping positions; the angle control piece is provided with a combination part;
the combination part can be abutted against any position clamping part so as to lock the corresponding angle of the rotating part relative to the angle position clamping structure;
the angle control piece is provided with a movable guide groove, the locking screw penetrates through the movable guide groove of the angle control piece and then is in threaded connection with the rotating piece, and a plurality of disc spring gaskets used for abutting against the angle control piece are arranged between the locking screw and the angle control piece.
3. A tripod according to claim 1, wherein: the tight subassembly that expands includes driving seat, extrusion cover piece and fixing base, the fixing base screw thread cup joint in the periphery of driving seat lower extreme, the equidistant distribution of periphery of fixing base has a plurality of tight pieces that expand, and the periphery cover of a plurality of tight pieces that expand is equipped with the elasticity external member, and extrusion cover piece movable sleeve is located the periphery of driving seat, the top of driving seat is provided with presses the platform, press the platform with the top slip butt of extrusion cover piece, the extrusion cover piece is used for extrudeing the tight piece that expands and makes its outside bloated, the outer wall of the tight piece that expands is provided with friction pad.
4. A tripod according to claim 3, wherein: the periphery of the lower edge of the extrusion sleeve block is provided with a plurality of first extrusion inclined planes at equal intervals, and the first extrusion inclined planes correspond to the expansion blocks one to one.
5. A tripod according to claim 3, wherein: the outer edge of the lower end of the transmission seat is provided with a ring table, a plurality of second extrusion inclined planes are arranged on the periphery of the upper edge of the ring table at equal intervals, and the second extrusion inclined planes correspond to the expansion blocks one to one.
6. A tripod according to claim 3, wherein: the upper end and the lower extreme of bloated compact heap inside wall all are provided with the butt inclined plane.
7. A tripod according to claim 3, wherein: the up end of extrusion cover piece is provided with annular groove on, the annular groove internal rotation is provided with a plurality of balls, the lower extreme of pressing the platform is full of and is provided with annular groove down, goes up annular groove and corresponds the setting with annular groove down, a plurality of balls and the sliding butt of lower annular groove.
8. A tripod according to claim 1, wherein: the control assembly comprises a control base, a control shaft body rotatably arranged on the control base, a control bevel gear sleeved on the periphery of the control shaft body and a hand-piece connected with the control shaft body;
the top end of the transmission rod is provided with a transmission bevel gear which is in meshing transmission connection with the control bevel gear;
the swing arm is positioned on the periphery of the control base and provided with a positioning assembly and a first accommodating cavity for accommodating the positioning assembly, the positioning assembly comprises a first spring and a steel ball, two ends of the first spring are respectively connected to the inner wall of the first accommodating cavity and the outer wall of the steel ball, the front end of the steel ball protrudes out of the first accommodating cavity, the steel ball is in sliding butt joint with the outer wall of the control base, and the outer wall of the control base is also provided with a clamping groove in matched clamping connection with the steel ball;
the outer wall of control base still is provided with second holding chamber, second holding chamber is installed and is used for carrying out spacing subassembly to the hand pendulum, spacing subassembly includes second spring and spacing lug, the both ends of second spring are connected respectively in the inner wall in second holding chamber and the one end of spacing lug, and the other end of spacing lug stretches out suddenly the second holding chamber and be used for with the hand pendulum butt carries on spacingly to the hand pendulum.
9. A tripod according to claim 1, wherein: the foot rest middle seat mechanism comprises a locking assembly, a middle seat shaft sleeve, a movable swing seat, a locking block and a connecting rod, wherein the middle seat shaft sleeve is arranged on a seat body, the movable swing seat is movably arranged at the top end of the middle seat shaft sleeve, the movable swing seat is provided with a first through hole, the connecting rod penetrates through the first through hole, the lower end of the connecting rod is connected with the locking assembly, the locking block is connected with the upper end of the connecting rod, and the width of the locking block is greater than that of the first through hole.
10. A tripod according to claim 9, wherein: the locking component comprises a sliding block and a screw rod, wherein third extrusion inclined planes are arranged on two sides of the sliding block, the screw rod is rotatably arranged on the middle seat shaft sleeve and penetrates through the connecting rod, the locking block is connected with the sliding block through the connecting rod, a first pressing block and a second pressing block are respectively in threaded sleeve connection on the screw rod, the first pressing block and the second pressing block are respectively located on two sides of the connecting rod and are in threaded sleeve connection with the sliding block, the first pressing block and the second pressing block are respectively provided with a fourth extrusion inclined plane matched with the third extrusion inclined planes to be abutted against, the screw rod is provided with a real thread section and an inverse thread section, and the first pressing block and the second pressing block are respectively in threaded connection with the real thread section and the inverse thread section.
Ref US20100282921: Claims:
1. Stand, in particular camera stand, comprising: a receptacle for mounting an apparatus, in particular a camera; and at least one leg which is connected to the receptacle and comprises at least two telescopic units, of which a first telescopic unit is connected to the receptacle and a second telescopic unit is displaceable relative to the first telescopic unit and can be locked in a desired position in relation to the first telescopic unit, wherein two locking points set apart in the longitudinal direction of the leg are provided between the second telescopic unit and the first telescopic unit for locking the telescopic units.
2. Stand according to claim 1, in which the leg also has a third telescopic unit which is displaceable in relation to the second telescopic unit and can be locked in a desired position in relation to the second telescopic unit, wherein two locking points set apart in the longitudinal direction of the leg are provided between the third telescopic unit and the second telescopic unit for locking the telescopic units.
3. Stand accordi
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