Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2025-04-10)

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

1 (Original): An extendable support leg comprising:a top leg tube (1), a middle leg tube (2) and an end leg tube (3) arranged axially telescopically and sequentially from outside to inside, wherein the support leg (10) comprises a first clamping mechanism (4) disposed between the top leg tube (1) and the middle leg tube (2), and wherein the support leg (1) comprises a second clamping mechanism (5) disposed between the middle leg tube (2) and the end leg tube (3);
a locking control mechanism (6), comprising a locking ring (61) connected to the upper end of the top leg tube (1) and arranged to rotate circumferentially relative to the top leg tube (1), wherein the locking ring (61) is connected to the upper end of the top leg tube (1), wherein the locking ring (61) drives to extend into a drive shaft (62) in the top leg tube (1);
wherein the locking ring (61) rotates circumferentially relative to the top leg tube (1) to move the middle leg tube (2) relative to the top leg tube (1) so that the drive shaft (62) is operably connected to the second clamping mechanism (5) to releasably prevent movements of the end leg tube (3) relative to the middle leg tube (2).

2 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 1, wherein an upper end of the top leg tube (1) is securely connected to a lower base (64), and wherein the drive shaft (62) rotates relatively circumferentially and relatively axially connected to the lower base (64).

3 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 2, wherein the locking ring (61) is relatively circumferentially rotatable and relatively axially connected to the lower base (64).

4 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 2, further comprising a step structure disposed on an outer periphery of the upper end of the lower base (64), and wherein the locking ring (61) comprises an inner wall having an inward convex structure (611) matching to that of the step structure.

5 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 4, wherein the locking ring (61) and the
drive shaft (62) are drivingly connected with matching gears.

6 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 5, wherein the locking ring (61) is drivingly connected to the drive shaft (62) through a gear transmission assembly.

7 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 6, further comprising an upper cover (65) being securely connected above the lower base (64), wherein the gear transmission assembly comprises a planetary gear assembly (632), and the planetary gear assembly (632) includes a sun gear (631) rotated on a central hole of the lower base (64), disposed between the upper cover (65) and the lower base (64), wherein the planetary gear assembly (632) comprises a plurality of planetary gears on an outer circumference of the sun gear (631) and a ring gear disposed at the outer circumference of the plurality of planetary gears and engaged with the plurality of planetary gears for transmission, wherein the drive shaft ( 62) is securely connected to a gear shaft of the sun gear (631) and arranged coaxially with the gear shaft of the sun gear (631), and wherein the locking ring (61) is securely sleeved on peripheries thereof.

8 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 7, wherein the ring gear is securely connected above an inner structure (611).

9 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 1, wherein the locking ring (61) comprises an anti-slip sleeve (66) on an outer wall thereof, wherein the anti-slip sleeve (66) comprises an anti-slip structure.

10 (Currently Amended): The extendable support leg of claim 1 , wherein the first clamping assembly includes a drive tube (41), an upper locking piece (42), a locking body (43 ) and the expansion member (44), wherein the drive tube (41) is connected to an outer circumference of the drive shaft (62) and maintains relative circumferential position and relative axial sliding with the drive shaft (62), wherein a main body of the locking body (43) is securely connected to the middle leg tube (2) and connected to an outer periphery of the drive tube (41) via threads, wherein the upper
locking piece (42) is securely connected to the outer periphery of the drive tube (41), wherein the expansion member (44) is axially secured relative to the locking body (43) and is disposed on the outer periphery of the upper locking piece (42), wherein the expansion member (44) is in a tightened state in response to outwardly movement of the upper locking piece (42) expanding against the inner wall of the top leg tube (1), or is in a loosen state in response to inwardly movement of the upper locking piece (42) separating from the inner wall of the top leg tube (1).

11 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 10, wherein cross-sections of the drive shaft (62) and the drive tube (41) are non-circular and are the same.

12 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 10, wherein the upper locking piece (42) comprises a tapered section with an outer conical bevel, and wherein the expansion member (44) comprises at least two independent expansion blocks, wherein each of the at least two independent expansion blocks comprises an inner conical slope, and the outer conical bevel matches the inner conical slope.

13 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 12, wherein the at least two of the independent expansion blocks comprises elastic sets (45) surrounding outer circumferences thereof, wherein the elastic sets (45) are configured to exert inwardly force on the at least two of the independent expansion blocks.

14 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 12, wherein the outer wall of the expansion member (44) comprises an internal friction plate (46) for abutting against the inner wall of the top leg tube (1).

15 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 10, wherein the second clamping mechanism (5) comprises a relatively axially secured component connected to the drive tube (41) and disposed at an inner tube (51) of the middle leg tube, wherein the second clamping mechanism (5) is connected at one end of the inner tube (51) away from the drive tube (41) and disposed inside the locking sleeve (52) of the middle leg tube (2),
wherein the second clamping mechanism (5) is disposed at a periphery of the end leg tube (3) and having a portion thereof extending into the locking sleeve (52) and is axially secured relative to elastic set (53) of the middle leg tube (2), wherein when the locking sleeve (52) and the elastic set (53) move relative to each other in the axial direction, the elastic set (53) is configured to shrink inward under actions of the locking sleeve (52) to clamp the outer wall of the end leg tube (3) in a tighten state and is configured to separate from the locking sleeve (52) to release the end leg tube (3) in a loosen state.

16 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 15, wherein the locking sleeve (52) comprises an inner wall with an inner inclined guide surface, and wherein the elastic set (53) comprises an outer wall with an outer inclined guide surface, wherein the inner inclined guide surface matches to the outer inclined guide surface.

17 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 15, wherein the middle leg tube (2) comprises a connecting sleeve (54) at a lower end of an outer wall thereof, wherein the connecting sleeve (54) comprises an adjusting sleeve (55) disposed at a periphery of the connecting sleeve (54) via threads, wherein the elastic set (53) is relatively axially securely connected to the adjusting sleeve (55).

18\. The extendable support leg of claim 15, wherein the elastic set (53) comprises a notch (531) on a side wall thereof, wherein the notch (531) is configured to extend from a middle part of the side wall to an end part of the side wall of the elastic set (53).

19 (Original): The extendable support leg of claim 15, further comprising a first anti-slip structure between the top leg tube (1) and the middle leg tube (2) to prevent the middle leg tube (2) from sliding out of the top leg tube (1), and further comprising a second anti- slip structure (8) disposed between the inner tube (51) and the end leg tube (3) to prevent the end leg tube (3) from sliding out of the inner tube (51).

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. Notice of Allowance This is the Notice of Allowance for application number 18/597,809 EXTENDIBLE SUPPORT LEG filed on 3/6/2024. Claims 1-19 are allowed. Reasons for Allowance The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: The prior art of record (2024/0191833 to Gans et al.) teaches an extendable support leg having a top leg tube (162), a middle leg tube (162) and an end leg tube (162, See Figure 5) arranged axially telescopically and sequentially from outside to inside, wherein the support leg (162) has a first clamping mechanism (172) disposed between the top leg tube and the middle leg tube, and wherein the support leg has a second clamping mechanism (172) disposed between the middle leg tube and the end leg tube; a locking control mechanism, comprising a locking ring (124) connected to the upper end of the top leg tube and arranged to rotate circumferentially relative to the top leg tube, wherein the locking ring is connected to the upper end of the top leg tube. The prior art teaches that a locking tab (144) not the locking ring unlocks the movement of the leg. The prior art also does not teach that the locking ring drives to extend into a drive shaft in the top leg tube; wherein the locking ring rotates circumferentially relative to the top leg tube to move the middle leg tube relative to the top leg tube so that the drive shaft is operably connected to the second clamping mechanism to releasably prevent movements of the end leg tube relative to the middle leg tube. Cited References PN 11,221,544 to York shows a telescoping device PN 2011/0101716 to Nolte et al. teaches a telescoping device Conclusion 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.” Any inquiry concerning this communication should be directed to Amy J. Sterling at telephone number 571-272-6823 or to SPE Jonathan Liu at 571-272-8227. Any inquiry of a general -nature or relating to the status of this application should be directed to the Technology Center receptionist at 571-272-3600.



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20110101716A1: Claims:
A portable utility lineman's pole having at least one inner section and at least one outer section fitting together in a telescoping configuration, wherein the sections define respective inner section surface openings and outer section surface openings along the length of the pole, the pole comprising: a push button engaging at least one of the sections through at least one surface opening in the section, said push button comprising a connector for adjusting the position of said push button from an end of the lineman's pole.
a push button engaging at least one of the sections through at least one surface opening in the section, said push button comprising a connector for adjusting the position of said push button from an end of the lineman's pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 1 , wherein said connector comprises a gripping mechanism for removing said push button from an end of the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 1 , wherein said connector comprises a gripping mechanism for controlling said push button while sliding said push button into an end of the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 1 , wherein said connector comprises a gripping mechanism for rotating said push button within the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 1 , wherein said connector comprises a threading.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 1 , wherein said connector is selected from the group consisting of a tab, a ring, and a loop.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 1 , wherein said connector defines an opening for gripping said push button.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 1 , wherein said connector releasably engages a tool for gripping said connector and adjusting the position of said push button through an end of the lineman's pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 8 , wherein the tool holds the push button via said connector for manipulating the push button into a fixed position within at least one surface opening.
A portable utility lineman's pole having at least one inner section and at least one outer section fitting together in a telescoping configuration, wherein the sections define respective inner section surface openings and outer section surface openings along the length of the pole, the pole comprising: at least one push button assembly for temporarily fixing the length of the pole by holding the sections together in the telescoping configuration, said push button assembly comprising: a push button for extending through an inner section surface opening and releasably engaging an outer section surface opening; an adapter for holding the push button within an inner section surface opening and allowing the push button to be aligned with an outer section surface opening; and a connector on said adapter for engaging said push button assembly.
at least one push button assembly for temporarily fixing the length of the pole by holding the sections together in the telescoping configuration, said push button assembly comprising:
a push button for extending through an inner section surface opening and releasably engaging an outer section surface opening;
an adapter for holding the push button within an inner section surface opening and allowing the push button to be aligned with an outer section surface opening; and
a connector on said adapter for engaging said push button assembly.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein said connector comprises a gripping mechanism for removing said push button from an end of the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein said connector comprises a gripping mechanism for controlling said push button assembly while sliding said push button into an end of the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein said connector comprises a gripping mechanism for rotating said push button assembly within the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein said connector comprises a threading.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein said connector is selected from the group consisting of a tab, a ring, and a loop.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein said connector defines an opening for gripping said push button.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein said connector releasably engages a tool for gripping said connector and adjusting the position of said push button through an end of the lineman's pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , further comprising a universal spline end connected to a first end of the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 18 , wherein said universal spline end comprises dual bores with a respective bore on opposite sides of the universal spline end.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein said adapter comprises a substantially cylindrically-shaped body defining said connector as a threaded recess along at least a portion of the major axis of the body.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 20 , wherein: the inner and outer sections of the pole comprise respective inner and outer hollow cylinders of different diameters that allow for the inner section to slide within the outer section; and said adapter is so dimensioned as to fit within the inner section of the pole such that the major axis of the inner section and the major axis of the adapter are substantially parallel.
the inner and outer sections of the pole comprise respective inner and outer hollow cylinders of different diameters that allow for the inner section to slide within the outer section; and
said adapter is so dimensioned as to fit within the inner section of the pole such that the major axis of the inner section and the major axis of the adapter are substantially parallel.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 20 , wherein said cylindrically shaped body of said adapter defines an outer bore for aligning with the inner section opening.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein said push button comprises a hollow body, and said push button assembly further comprises a spring fitting within said hollow body of said push button.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 23 , wherein said spring is detachable from said push button.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein: the inner and outer sections of the pole comprise respective inner and outer hollow members of differently sized cross sections that allow for the inner section to slide within the outer section; said adapter is so dimensioned as to fit within the inner section of the pole such that the major axis of the inner section and the major axis of said adapter are substantially aligned; said adapter defines an outer bore in which the push button rests for aligning the push button with the inner section opening; and the pole is adapted for respectively rotating the inner and outer sections such that said push-button protrudes through the outer bore of the adapter, through the inner section opening, and through the outer section opening to temporarily set the combined length of the inner section and the outer section of the pole.
the inner and outer sections of the pole comprise respective inner and outer hollow members of differently sized cross sections that allow for the inner section to slide within the outer section;
said adapter is so dimensioned as to fit within the inner section of the pole such that the major axis of the inner section and the major axis of said adapter are substantially aligned;
said adapter defines an outer bore in which the push button rests for aligning the push button with the inner section opening; and
the pole is adapted for respectively rotating the inner and outer sections such that said push-button protrudes through the outer bore of the adapter, through the inner section opening, and through the outer section opening to temporarily set the combined length of the inner section and the outer section of the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein the inner and outer sections of the pole comprise respective inner and outer hollow members, each hollow member having open ends providing access to the interior of the hollow members, the pole further comprising: a locking mechanism that fits within an open end of the inner section, said locking mechanism comprising: a lock button for extending through a second opening on the surface of the inner section and releasably engaging a corresponding opening on the surface of the outer section; and a base ring around one end of said locking mechanism for engaging an open end of both the inner and outer sections, thereby holding the locking mechanism in place during use.
a locking mechanism that fits within an open end of the inner section, said locking mechanism comprising:
a lock button for extending through a second opening on the surface of the inner section and releasably engaging a corresponding opening on the surface of the outer section; and
a base ring around one end of said locking mechanism for engaging an open end of both the inner and outer sections, thereby holding the locking mechanism in place during use.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 26 , wherein each section of the pole has a proximal end and a distal end in relation to a person using the pole and wherein said base ring around said locking mechanism engages an open proximal end of the inner section, and said locking mechanism also engages an open distal end of the outer section.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 27 , wherein the open proximal end and the open distal end of the sections comprise respective rims, said rims engaging the fitting lip on said locking mechanism.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 26 , wherein the corresponding opening on the surface of the outer section releasably engages either of the push button or the lock button by telescoping the inner and outer sections of the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 26 , comprising at least one additional section, said additional section comprising an additional locking mechanism and inner edges defining two additional surface openings at opposite ends of said additional section.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , further comprising a tool for engaging said connector through an end of the inner section, such that depressing said push button and engaging said connector with the tool allows for removal of said push button assembly from the inner section.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein the inner section comprises a locking mechanism and said outer section comprises a corresponding opening for engaging either said push button assembly or said locking mechanism.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 10 , wherein the inner section opening and the outer section opening are positioned along respective visible lines on the inner section and the outer section.
A portable utility lineman's pole and tool combination for maneuvering a push button assembly within the lineman's pole, the combination comprising: at least one inner pole section and at least one outer pole section fitting together in a telescoping configuration, wherein the sections define respective inner section openings and outer section openings along the length of the pole; a push button for extending through an inner section opening and releasably engaging an outer section opening; an adapter for holding said push button within said inner pole section, a connector attached to said adapter, wherein said connector is accessible through an end of the inner section; and a tool that engages said connector to adjust the position of said adapter and said push button through one end of said inner section.
at least one inner pole section and at least one outer pole section fitting together in a telescoping configuration, wherein the sections define respective inner section openings and outer section openings along the length of the pole;
a push button for extending through an inner section opening and releasably engaging an outer section opening;
an adapter for holding said push button within said inner pole section,
a connector attached to said adapter, wherein said connector is accessible through an end of the inner section; and
a tool that engages said connector to adjust the position of said adapter and said push button through one end of said inner section.
A portable utility lineman's pole and tool combination according to claim 34 , wherein said connector is selected from the group consisting of a tab, a ring, and a loop.
A portable utility lineman's pole and tool combination according to claim 35 , wherein said connector is a threading and said tool is adapted to engage said threading.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 34 , wherein said connector comprises a gripping mechanism for removing said push button from an end of the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 34 , wherein said connector comprises a gripping mechanism for controlling said push button while sliding said push button into an end of the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 34 , wherein said connector comprises a gripping mechanism for rotating said push button within the pole.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 34 , the inner and outer sections of the pole comprise respective inner and outer hollow cylinders of different diameters that allow for the inner section to slide within the outer section; and said adapter is so dimensioned as to fit within the inner section of the pole such that the major axis of the inner section and the major axis of the adapter are substantially parallel.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 40 , wherein said adapter defines an outer bore for aligning with the inner section opening.
A portable utility lineman's pole according to claim 40 , wherein said push button comprises a hollow body, and said push button assembly further comprises a spring fitting within said hollow body of said push button.
Ref US11221544B1: Claims:
A portable camera support device for elevated photography and videography, the portable camera support device comprising: a base assembly, the base assembly including a plurality of collapsible legs extending downwardly from a central hub, at least one of the plurality of collapsible legs of the base assembly comprising a plurality of telescoping leg sections such that a length of the collapsible leg is adjustable anywhere between a collapsed position and an extended position; a telescoping mast assembly adjustably coupled to the central hub of the base assembly, the telescoping mast assembly including a plurality of telescoping pole members; a handle coupled to the telescoping mast assembly, the handle being disposed proximate to the central hub, the handle having a central rotational axis extending vertically along a length of the telescoping mast assembly, the handle being coupled to the telescoping mast assembly by means of a handle collar, the handle configured to allow a user to rotate a camera at an uppermost end of the telescoping mast assembly about the central rotational axis when the portable camera support device is in a deployed position, and the handle configured to rotate with the telescoping mast assembly about the central rotational axis; a clamp collar, the clamp collar configured to fix a rotational position of the telescoping mast assembly relative to the base assembly, the clamp collar being separate from the handle; a ring member coupled to the telescoping mast assembly, the ring member disposed between the clamp collar and the handle collar, the ring member disposed on a top of the clamp collar, and the ring member configured to prevent the telescoping mast assembly from sliding downward so that a rotational position of the telescoping mast assembly about the central rotational axis is able to be adjusted without an undesirable downward sliding of the plurality of telescoping pole members of the telescoping mast assembly; and a camera mount connected to, and supported by the uppermost end of the telescoping mast assembly, the camera mount being disposed above the uppermost end of the telescoping mast assembly, and the camera mount configured to attach the camera to the uppermost end of the telescoping mast assembly; wherein the portable camera support device is configured to provide an elevated vantage point for the camera from which to photograph and/or record a desired area.
a base assembly, the base assembly including a plurality of collapsible legs extending downwardly from a central hub, at least one of the plurality of collapsible legs of the base assembly comprising a plurality of telescoping leg sections such that a length of the collapsible leg is adjustable anywhere between a collapsed position and an extended position;
a telescoping mast assembly adjustably coupled to the central hub of the base assembly, the telescoping mast assembly including a plurality of telescoping pole members;
a handle coupled to the telescoping mast assembly, the handle being disposed proximate to the central hub, the handle having a central rotational axis extending vertically along a length of the telescoping mast assembly, the handle being coupled to the telescoping mast assembly by means of a handle collar, the handle configured to allow a user to rotate a camera at an uppermost end of the telescoping mast assembly about the central rotational axis when the portable camera support device is in a deployed position, and the handle configured to rotate with the telescoping mast assembly about the central rotational axis;
a clamp collar, the clamp collar configured to fix a rotational position of the telescoping mast assembly relative to the base assembly, the clamp collar being separate from the handle;
a ring member coupled to the telescoping mast assembly, the ring member disposed between the clamp collar and the handle collar, the ring member disposed on a top of the clamp collar, and the ring member configured to prevent the telescoping mast assembly from sliding downward so that a rotational position of the telescoping mast assembly about the central rotational axis is able to be adjusted without an undesirable downward sliding of the plurality of telescoping pole members of the telescoping mast assembly; and
a camera mount connected to, and supported by the uppermost end of the telescoping mast assembly, the camera mount being disposed above the uppermost end of the telescoping mast assembly, and the camera mount configured to attach the camera to the uppermost end of the telescoping mast assembly;
wherein the portable camera support device is configured to provide an elevated vantage point for the camera from which to photograph and/or record a desired area.
The portable camera support device according to claim 1 , wherein, when the portable camera support device is in a deployed position, the base assembly has a base height measured from the ground to the central hub, and the telescoping mast assembly has a mast height measured from the central hub to a top surface of the camera mount; and wherein, in the deployed position, the mast height of the telescoping mast assembly is more than two times greater than the base height of the base assembly.
wherein, in the deployed position, the mast height of the telescoping mast assembly is more than two times greater than the base height of the base assembly.
The portable camera support device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of co
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