Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2024-10-30)

CLAIMS:
Amendments in the Claims: (struck-through parts deleted and underlined parts added)

1\. (currently amended) A guard apparatus for protecting a latch from tampering when a padlock is secured to the latch, the guard apparatus comprising.SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1530.313SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1530.377SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1230.083SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1571.55SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1531.243
a panel having a hole extending therethrough for receiving the padlock, the hole being shaped such that a perimeter edge of the hole is configured to engage a body of the padlock when a shackle of the padlock is received through the hole, the panel being configured to cover the latch when the shackle is received through the hole and secured to the latch, the panel having a tirst edge and a second edge positioned opposite each other and wherein the hole defines a first hole, the panel having a second hole equivalent in size and shape to the first hole, the panel having a third edge and a fourtheach extendingRhetweenthcfrstandsendoftheaneLthe first hole and the second hole being spaced from each other in a directionthethiidandfou

2\. (original) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first flange and a second flange being attached to and forming a unitary structure with the panel. the first flange extending along and rearwardly from the first edge of the panel, the second flange extending along and rearwardly from the second edge of the panel.
3\. (original) The apparatus of claim wherein each of the first flange and the second flange is angled outwardly away from the panel.SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1370.11

4\. (original) The apparatus of claim 3,wherein an angle between the panel and the first flange is between 40.0 degrees and 50.0 degrees, an angle between the panel and the second flange being between 40.0 degrees and 50.0 degrees.

5\. (original) The apparatus of claim 2. wherein the unitary structure has a thickness between 0.100 inches and 0.150 inches.

6\. (original) The apparatus of claim 2. wherein the unitary structure comprises steel.

7\. (original) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the perimeter edge is shaped such that the perimeteredge is configured to conform to an exterior surface of the body of the padlock.

8\. (currently amended) A guard apparatus for protecting a latch from tampering when a padlock is secured to the latch. the guard apparatus comprising:a panel having a hole extending therethrough for receiving the padlock, the hole being shaped such that a perimeter edge of the hole is configured toengagea body-ofthepadlock when ashackleioftheSVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1530.353Ilckistceived through the hole. the panel being configured to cover the latch when the shackleSVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1230.093receivedthroughthe hole and secured totheSVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1570.847manel having a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite each other:
wherein the nerimeter edge is shaped such that the perimeter edge is configured to conform to an exterior surface of the body of the padlock: and wherein the perimeter edge has a first portion facing away from the first edge of the panel and a second portion facing away from the second edge of the panel, each of the first portion and the second portion being concavely arcuate.

9\. (original) The assembly ofclaim 1,further comprising a crossbar being coupled to the panel and extending across the hole such that the crossbar is positionable between the shackle and the body of the padlock when the padlock is received through the hole.

10\. (canceled)
ll. (currently amended) A guard apparatus for protecting a latch from tampering when a padlock is secured to thc latch, the guard apparatus comprising:a panel having a hole extending therethrough for receiving the padlock, the holebeing shaped such that a perimeteredge of the hole is configured to engage a body of the padlock when a shackle of the padlock is received through the hole. the panel being configured to cover thc latch when thc shackle is received through the hole and secured to the latch, the perimeter edge being shaped such that the perimeter edge is configured to conform to an exterior surface of the body of the padlock, the pcrimeteredge having a first portion facing away fromSVG {EMBED HERE} 0.1430.08thella first edge of the panel and a second portion facing away from \[\[thcjjsecond edge of the panel,cach of the first portion and the second portion being concavely arcuate; and
a first flange and a second flange being attached to and forming a unitary structure with the panel, the first flange extending along and rearwardly from \[\[al|the first edge of the panel. the second flange extending along and rearwardly from \[|alltsecond edge of the panel, the first edge being positioned opposite the second edge, the first flange and the second flange each being angled outwardly away from the panel, an angle between the panel and the first flange being between 40.0 degrees and 50.0 degrees, an angle between the panel and the second flange being between 40.0 degrees and 50.0 degrees, the unitary structure having a thickness between 0.100 inches and 0.150 inches, the unitary structure comprising steel.

12\. (original) The assembly of claim 11,further comprising a crossbar being coupled to the panel and extending across the hole such that the crossbar is positionable between the shackle and the body of the padlock when the padlock is received through the hole.

13\. (original) The assembly of claim 11,wherein the hole defines a first hole. the panel having a second hole equivalent in size and shape to the first hole, the panel having a third edge and a fourth edgeeachextending between the first and second edges of the
panel, the first hole and the second hole being spaced from each other in a direction extending between the third and fourth edgcs of the panel.

14\. (original) The assembly of claim 11,wherein the hole defines a first hole, the panel having a second hole equivalent in size and shape to the first hole, the panel having a third edge and a fourth edge cach extending between the first and second cdgcs of the panel,the first hole and the second hole being spaced from each other in a direction extending between the third and fourth edgcs of the panel. the lock assembly further comprising a first crossbar and a second crossbar, each of the first and second crossbars being coupled to the panel, the first crossbar extending across the first hole such that the first crossbar is positionable between the shackle and the body of the padlock when the padlock is received through the first hole, the second crossbar extending across the second hole such that the second crossbar is positionable between the shackle and the body of the padlock when the padlock is received through the second hole.

15\. (canceled)

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 .
Response to Amendment
Amendment to claims of 10/03/2024 is acknowledged.
Claim objections in the Office action of 09/03/2024 are withdrawn.
Allowable Subject Matter
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The prior art does not disclose or fairly suggest Guard apparatus for latch as claimed in independent claims 1, 8, and 11 of the instant application. The examiner can find no motivation to combine or modify the references of record without the use of impermissible hindsight.
Cernansky (US Patent 5,924,314) discloses, in Figures 1-6, a guard apparatus (30) for protecting a latch (latch 10 includes 15, and 20) from tampering when a padlock is secured to the latch (When the padlock 90 is secured to the latch 10, the guard apparatus 30 protects the latch 10 from tampering. Abstract.), the guard apparatus comprising a panel having a hole extending therethrough for receiving the padlock (All sides of the guard apparatus 30 define the panel. The panel has a hole 50.), the hole being shaped such that a perimeter edge of the hole is configured to engage a body of the padlock when a shackle (100) of the padlock is received through the hole (Perimeter of hole 50 is configured to engage the body of padlock 90. Figure 3.), the panel being configured to cover the latch when the shackle (100) is received through the hole (50) and secured to the latch (When the shackle 100 is received through the hole, the panel of the guard apparatus 30 is configured to cover the latch 10. Figures 1-3.), the panel having a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite each other (In Figure 3, the side of the panel, of the guard apparatus 30 that faces 95 of padlock 90, has two edges defining the first edge and second edge positioned opposite to each other. The first edge is disposed above 15, and the second edge is disposed below 20.)
Cernansky does not disclose the hole defines a first hole, the panel having a second hole equivalent in size and shape to the first hole, the panel having a third edge and a fourth edge each extending between the between the first and second edges of the panel, the first hole and the second hole being spaced from each other in a direction extending between the third and fourth edges of the panel.
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
Prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure and provides examples of similar inventions. Based on the prior art of record it would not have been considered obvious, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to have modified any of the cited prior art to arrive at the invention as claimed without impermissible hindsight.  None of the prior art of record, alone or in combination, teaches the limitations as claimed.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
Section 1 of the Office Action
Claim I I is objected to because of claim limitations. Appropriate correction is required.
Claim I I has been amended as suggested in the office action.
Withdrawal of the objection is respectfully requested by the applicant.
Section 2 of the Office Action
Claims I through 3.5 through 7.9 and 15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. §102(aX)(1) as being anticipated by U.S. Patent 5924314 to Cernansky.
3. 5 through 7. and 9 are believed to be allowable. Claim 15 has been canceled.
Withdrawal of the rejection is respectfully requested by the applicant.
Section 3 of the Office Action
Claim 4 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent 5924314 to Cernansky.
By virtue of dependence on claim 1, claim 4 is believed to be allowable.
Withdrawal of the rejection is respectfully requested by the applicant.
Section 4 of the Office Action
Claims 11 through 14 are allowed.
Section 5 of the Office Action
Claims 8 and 10 are objected to, but would be allowable if rewritten.
Claim 8 has been amended into independent form including all the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Therefore, claim 8 is believed to be in condition for allowance.
Claim 10 has been canceled in favor of amended claim I as noted above. Withdrawal of the objection is respectfully requested by the applicant.
CONCLUSION


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US11085207B2: Claims:
A theft deterrent system, comprising: a handle cover comprising through-holes dimensioned to align with a through-hole in a handle of an electronics cabinet, wherein the handle cover is adapted to at least partially cover the handle, and wherein the through-holes of the handle cover are dimensioned to receive a shackle of a lock; and a shackle cover dimensioned to receive the shackle of the lock, wherein the shackle cover comprises an upper tab and a lower tab, each comprising a respective shackle slot therein dimensioned to receive the shackle of the lock, wherein each shackle slot is open toward an outer wall of the shackle cover, and wherein the lower tab further comprises a through-hole dimensioned to receive the shackle of the lock.
a handle cover comprising through-holes dimensioned to align with a through-hole in a handle of an electronics cabinet, wherein the handle cover is adapted to at least partially cover the handle, and wherein the through-holes of the handle cover are dimensioned to receive a shackle of a lock; and
a shackle cover dimensioned to receive the shackle of the lock, wherein the shackle cover comprises an upper tab and a lower tab, each comprising a respective shackle slot therein dimensioned to receive the shackle of the lock, wherein each shackle slot is open toward an outer wall of the shackle cover, and wherein the lower tab further comprises a through-hole dimensioned to receive the shackle of the lock.
The theft deterrent system of claim 1 , wherein the handle cover comprises a channel dimensioned to receive the handle of the electronics cabinet.
The theft deterrent system of claim 1 , wherein the handle cover and the shackle cover comprise galvanized steel.
The theft deterrent system of claim 1 , wherein the shackle cover is a unitary body.
The theft deterrent system of claim 1 , wherein a height of the shackle cover at an outer wall is greater than a height of the shackle cover at the upper tab.
The theft deterrent system of claim 1 , wherein the handle cover comprises an opening dimensioned to receive the upper tab when the shackle is installed on the electronics cabinet.
The theft deterrent system of claim 1 , wherein an outer wall of the shackle cover comprises a back edge angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shackle cover.
A shackle cover having a unitary body comprising: an upper tab and a lower tab, each comprising a respective shackle slot therein dimensioned to receive a shackle of a lock; a through-hole in the lower tab dimensioned to receive the shackle of the lock; and outer walls, wherein a height of the shackle cover along the outer walls is greater than a height of the shackle cover at the upper tab.
an upper tab and a lower tab, each comprising a respective shackle slot therein dimensioned to receive a shackle of a lock;
a through-hole in the lower tab dimensioned to receive the shackle of the lock; and
outer walls, wherein a height of the shackle cover along the outer walls is greater than a height of the shackle cover at the upper tab.
The shackle cover of claim 8 , wherein the shackle cover comprises galvanized steel.
The shackle cover of claim 8 , wherein a front surface of the shackle cover comprises a first portion and a second portion arranged on opposite sides of the upper tab, wherein the first portion comprises a greater surface area than the second portion, and wherein the height of the first portion is greater than the height of the shackle cover at the upper tab.
The shackle cover of claim 10 , wherein the first portion is located on a left side of the shackle cover when viewed in a front view.
The shackle cover of claim 10 , wherein the first portion is located on a right side of the shackle cover when viewed in a front view.
The shackle cover of claim 8 , wherein an outer wall of the shackle cover comprises a back edge angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shackle cover.
The shackle cover of claim 8 , wherein the upper tab is dimensioned to seat in an opening of a handle cover.
The shackle cover of claim 8 , wherein the shackle slots of the upper and lower tabs are substantially “U”-shaped.
A system comprising: an electronics cabinet; a handle cover comprising through-holes dimensioned to align with a through-hole in a handle of the electronics cabinet, wherein the handle cover is adapted to at least partially cover the handle, and wherein the through-holes of the handle cover are dimensioned to receive a shackle of a padlock; and a shackle cover dimensioned to receive the shackle of the padlock, wherein the shackle cover comprises an upper tab and a lower tab, each comprising a respective shackle slot therein dimensioned to receive the shackle of the padlock, wherein each shackle slot is open toward an outer wall of the shackle cover, and wherein the lower tab further comprises a through-hole dimensioned to receive the shackle of the lock.
an electronics cabinet;
a handle cover comprising through-holes dimensioned to align with a through-hole in a handle of the electronics cabinet, wherein the handle cover is adapted to at least partially cover the handle, and wherein the through-holes of the handle cover are dimensioned to receive a shackle of a padlock; and
a shackle cover dimensioned to receive the shackle of the padlock, wherein the shackle cover comprises an upper tab and a lower tab, each comprising a respective shackle slot therein dimensioned to receive the shackle of the padlock, wherein each shackle slot is open toward an outer wall of the shackle cover, and wherein the lower tab further comprises a through-hole dimensioned to receive the shackle of the lock.
The system of claim 16 , further comprising the padlock.
The system of claim 17 , wherein the handle cover, shackle cover, and padlock are located in a pocket of the electronics cabinet.
Ref US5924314A: Claims:
A padlock protecting locking bar comprising: (a) an elongated tube mountable to a slidebolt latch; (b) an access channel extending substantially the length of the tube, sized to slideably enclose the slidebolt latch; (c) an aperture in the tube providing access to the slidebolt latch, sized to accommodate a padlock having a shackle; (d) a bridge element spanning the aperture and rigidly secured to the tube; whereby the elongated tube is slideably received via the access channel over the slidebolt latch, the aperture in the tube exposing the slidebolt latch, the shackle of the padlock enveloping and securing both the slidebolt latch and the bridge element to each other.
(a) an elongated tube mountable to a slidebolt latch;
(b) an access channel extending substantially the length of the tube, sized to slideably enclose the slidebolt latch;
(c) an aperture in the tube providing access to the slidebolt latch, sized to accommodate a padlock having a shackle;
(d) a bridge element spanning the aperture and rigidly secured to the tube; whereby the elongated tube is slideably received via the access channel over the slidebolt latch, the aperture in the tube exposing the slidebolt latch, the shackle of the padlock enveloping and securing both the slidebolt latch and the bridge element to each other.
whereby the elongated tube is slideably received via the access channel over the slidebolt latch, the aperture in the tube exposing the slidebolt latch, the shackle of the padlock enveloping and securing both the slidebolt latch and the bridge element to each other.
The padlock protecting locking bar of claim 1 whereby the elongated tube has a substantially rectangular cross-section.
The padlock protecting locking bar of claim 1 whereby a plurality of notches within the access channel receive corresponding protrusions on the slidebolt latch.
The padlock protecting locking bar of claim 1 whereby the bridge element is formed of a 1/2 inch wide by 1/8 inch thick metal strap.
The padlock protecting locking bar of claim 1 whereby the tube and bridge element are constructed of stainless steel.
The padlock protecting locking bar of claim 1 whereby the tube and bridge element are covered with an oxidation-resistant sealant.
Ref US4977763A: Claims:
A padlock protector for use with a padlock in securing both dead bolt door locks and hasp and staple latches comprising: a thin-walled container having side walls one closed end and one open end, the container is sized to receive and contain a padlock and shackle through the open end; a first slot means in a side wall sized to receive the staple of a conventional hasp and staple latch; spacer means surrounding the first slot and attached to the container for limiting the extension of the staple inside the container for engagement by the padlock shackle; and second slot means in a side wall having a radius, the slot means sized in width to receive a dead bolt door lock with a lateral shackle engaging hole therein which is engageable by the padlock shackle from within the container.
a thin-walled container having side walls one closed end and one open end, the container is sized to receive and contain a padlock and shackle through the open end;
a first slot means in a side wall sized to receive the staple of a conventional hasp and staple latch;
spacer means surrounding the first slot and attached to the container for limiting the extension of the staple inside the container for engagement by the padlock shackle; and
second slot means in a side wall having a radius, the slot means sized in width to receive a dead bolt door lock with a lateral shackle engaging hole therein which is engageable by the padlock shackle from within the container.
A padlock protector as set forth in claim 2, wherein the container has at least three planar walls each joined by a radius corner.
A padlock shackle and staple protector as set forth in claim 1, wherein the container has at least three planar walls each joined by a radius corner, the first slot means is positioned in one of said planar walls and the second slot means is positioned in a radius corner between two of said planar walls.
A padlock shackle and staple protector as set forth in claim 2, wherein the spacer means is a u-shaped bracket with a similar slot therein spaced from the adjacent side wall to provide close tolerance between the protector and staple to prevent exposure of the staple to a cutting means.
A padlock shackle and staple protector as set forth in claim 2, wherein the open end container is sized to receive the padlock shackle within the staple or dead bolt lateral engaging hole but small enough to prevent the padlock in its locked position from rotating sufficiently to expose the shackle from said open end.
A padlock shackle and staple protector as set forth in claim 2, wherein the container is fabricated in a triangular shaped box with radius corners from high strength steel with the closed end having a flange there around which is spot welded to the side walls.
Ref US4566296A: Claims:
In cooperation with a padlock having a shackle engaging at least one eye of a lock or link of a chain for securing a door, gate or the like, a cover comprising: a first plate shaped and dimensioned for mounting against the door, or gate; a second plate hinged to the forward edge of the first plate for pivoting between an open position and a closed position generally parallel to and distal from said first plate and covering at least the shackle of the padlock; said second plate including an eye member projecting from its inner face proximally to said eye or link in said closed position for locking engagement with said padlock shackle.
a first plate shaped and dimensioned for mounting against the door, or gate;
a second plate hinged to the forward edge of the first plate for pivoting between an open position and a closed position generally parallel to and distal from said first plate and covering at least the shackle of the padlock;
said second plate including an eye member projecting from its inner face proximally to said eye or link in said closed position for locking engagement with said padlock shackle.
The security cover as claimed in claim 1 which further comprises means for adjusting the position of said eye member on said inner face.
The security cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first plate is secured rigidly to a door or frame part of the door; and said eye member projects proximally to said eye and is secured to the opposite part of the door in said closed position.
said eye member projects proximally to said eye and is secured to the opposite part of the door in said closed position.
The security cover of claim 1 for association with a door lock of the type comprising a fixed member having said eye and a second member rotatably moveable into a position co-operating with said first member for locking engagement by the padlock, wherein said first plate is shaped and dimensioned for engagement behind said second member on opposite sides of said first fixed member, said second plate is L-shaped for covering said door lock and at least the shackle part of said padlock in the closed position, and said eye member is mounted on the inner face of the longer leg of said L-shaped plate and positioned for alignment with said eye in said closed position.
The security cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said eye member is adjustably mounted on said second plate.
The security cover as claimed in claim 1 for association with a gate lock comprising the locking together of opposite links of a chain with the padlock, said first plate and second plate having locking means for engagement in said closed position, said locking means including means for locking engagement by said padlock shackle to lock said chain and security cover closed.
The security cover as claimed in claim 6 wherein said locking means comprise the eye member on said second plate passing through a loop member integral with said first plate.
The security cover as claimed in claim 7 which further comprises a post associated with said first plate and placed and dimensioned for engagement with links of said chain respectively adjacent to said opposite links.
Ref US4031719A: Claims:
A lock-protective device for garage-door locking units and similar locking units having a mounting plate, a slidable locking bolt, and locking ear, and including the use of various styles of padlocks having a locking arm, wherein the device comprises: an elongated cover plate having a front cover wall and a rear wall wherein each wall is interconnected along its upper portion; a support keeper formed by said rear wall, said keeper being arranged to be received over said sliding bolt, and disposed between said sliding bolt and said mounting plate of said locking unit; and a strut member positioned between said front and rear wall and secured thereto, said strut having an aperture therein to receive said locking arm of said padlock.
an elongated cover plate having a front cover wall and a rear wall wherein each wall is interconnected along its upper portion;
a support keeper formed by said rear wall, said keeper being arranged to be received over said sliding bolt, and disposed between said sliding bolt and said mounting plate of said locking unit; and
a strut member positioned between said front and rear wall and secured thereto, said strut having an aperture therein to receive said locking arm of said padlock.
A lock-protective device as recited in claim 1, wherein said front and rear walls are integrally formed as a single member, whereby said rear wall is bent downwardly and inclined outwardly from said front wall, forming a substantially inverted "V"-shaped configuration, wherein said front wall covers the padlock, and said rear wall covers said locking ear to prevent access thereto.
A lock-protective device as recited in claim 2, wherein said rear wall thereof includes a depending leg member formed along one side thereof.
A lock-protective device as recited in claim 3, wherein said strut member is affixed between said front and rear walls so as to be positioned adjacent said locking ear of said locking unit in a side-to-side relationship, wherein a hole disposed in said ear is aligned with said aperture of said strut member, whereby said locking arm of said padlock is received therethrough, providing a locking relationship therebetween.
Ref US4095828A: Claims:
A locking assembly comprising: a bolt member; a barrel member, said barrel member including a central portion thereof for slidably mounting and enclosing said bolt member, said barrel member further including outer edge portions reversed upon themselves to form grooves for receiving means for mounting said barrel member of said locking assembly; each of said barrel member and said bolt member having at least one aperture therein such that the apertures can be selectively aligned whereby a lock member can be inserted therethrough internally of said barrel member, said outer edge portions of said barrel member being reversed upon themselves by approximately 180Â° for a substantial distance such that the outer edges extend above said barrel member whereby said grooves are formed so as to protect said means for mounting and prevent access thereto.
a barrel member, said barrel member including a central portion thereof for slidably mounting and enclosing said bolt member, said barrel member further including outer edge portions reversed upon themselves to form grooves for receiving means for mounting said barrel member of said locking assembly;
each of said barrel member and said bolt member having at least one aperture therein such that the apertures can be selectively aligned whereby a lock member can be inserted therethrough internally of said barrel member,
said outer edge portions of said barrel member being reversed upon themselves by approximately 180Â° for a substantial distance such that the outer edges extend above said barrel member whereby said grooves are formed so as to protect said means for mounting and prevent access thereto.
The locking assembly recited in claim 1 wherein: said bolt member includes a first portion thereof which is solid and a second portion thereof which engages said barrel member.
said bolt member includes a first portion thereof which is solid and a second portion thereof which engages said barrel member.
The locking assembly recited in claim 2 wherein: said central portion of said barrel member includes apertures through which said second portion of said bolt member projects and through which the shackle portion of a lock member extends.
said central portion of said barrel member includes apertures through which said second portion of said bolt member projects and through which the shackle portion of a lock member extends.
The locking assembly recited in claim 2 wherein: said first portion of said bolt member is substantially cylindrical in configuration; and said second portion of said bolt member includes a relatively thin member having an arcuate portion at the end thereof whereby the end of said second portion of said bolt member protrudes through said central portion of said barrel member.
said first portion of said bolt member is substantially cylindrical in configuration; and
said second portion of said bolt member includes a relatively thin member having an arcuate portion at the end thereof whereby the end of said second portion of said bolt member protrudes through said central portion of said barrel member.
The locking assembly recited in claim 4 wherein: said end of said second portion of said bolt member includes ear-like extensions for retaining said bolt member in said barrel member.
said end of said second portion of said bolt member includes ear-like extensions for retaining said bolt member in said barrel member.
The locking assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said barrel member receives the shackle of a lock member through said aperture and within said barrel member.
The locking assembly recited in claim 1 wherein; s
[Truncated to input limit]