Patent Application 15756953 - CONNECTORS FOR CONDUITS

Title: CONNECTORS FOR CONDUITS
Application Information

Invention Title: CONNECTORS FOR CONDUITS
Application Number: 15756953
Submission Date: 2025-05-20T00:00:00.000Z
Effective Filing Date: 2018-03-01T00:00:00.000Z
Filing Date: 2018-10-03T00:00:00.000Z
National Class: 128
National Sub-Class: 202270
Examiner Employee Number: 98753
Art Unit: 3785
Tech Center: 3700
Rejection Summary

102 Rejections: 0
103 Rejections: 7
Cited Patents

The following patents were cited in the rejection:
Office Action Text



    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 .

Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection.  Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.  Applicant's submission filed on 04/21/2025 has been entered.
 
Response to Amendment
The amendment filed 04/21/2025 has been entered. Claims 26, 57, and 59-84 remain pending in the application, and claims 85-87 are newly added.

Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) dated 04/22/2025 has been received and considered.

Response to Arguments
 The argument in “Remarks” dated 04/21/2025 that the threads of Bonnet do not describe “a recess engageable with a complementary portion of the second connector”, since one of ordinary skill in the art would not equate the recess (or detent) disclosed by the instant application with a threaded connection, and that this interpretation is not interpreted in light of the specification, has been considered, and is persuasive. The prior art rejection over the threads of Bonnet has been withdrawn. Please refer to the updated rejection below. 

Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.  
The following is a quotation of 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.

Claims 26, 57, 62-63, 66-67, 71, 73 and 76-87 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bonnet et al. (U.S. Publication 2013/0245611 hereafter Bonnet) in view of Gulliver et al. (US 2015/0021909 hereafter Gulliver) and Deighan et al. (US 8684979 hereafter Deighan). 

Regarding claim 26, Bonnet discloses a connector (Figs. 7 and 8, [0092]: Luer connector 11) to be provided at a terminal end of a breathing conduit (it is noted that the limitation “to be provided at a terminal end of a breathing conduit” is  an intended use limitation and is not positively required as a part of the claimed connector; [0079]: the main body 14 of the Luer connector 11 features a conical profile on its end opposite that surrounded by the collar 12, so that it can be inserted in a conduit such as tubing (not shown)- as such the connector is capable to be provided at a terminal end of a breathing conduit), the connector (Figs. 7 and 8: Luer connector 11) comprising: 
a body (annotated Figure 8 below: body), comprising a first end (annotated Figures 7 and 8 below: first end) and a second end (annotated Figures 7 and 8 below: second end), the body internally defining a lumen for a passage of gas between the first end and the second end (Figs. 7, [0095] and [0096]: channel 15 and the space between the two-half cylindrical parts 27 and 28 defined a channel for fluid to pass from the first end to the second end); the first end (annotated Figures 7 and 8 below: first end) is configured to engage with the terminal end of the breathing conduit (as addressed above, the limitation “terminal end of a breathing conduit” renders as an intended use limitation and is not a part of the claimed connector; [0079]: the main body 14 of the Luer connector 11 features a conical profile on its end opposite that surrounded by the collar 12 (which is the annotated first end in annotated Figures 7 and 8 below), so that it can be inserted in a conduit such as tubing (not shown)- as such the first end of the connector 11 is capable to be provided at the terminal end of a breathing conduit);
the second end (annotated Figure 7 and 8 below: second end) is configured to engage with, or is engaged with a second connector (it is noted that “second connector” is not positively recited because the second connector is not part of the claimed connector; Figure 7, [0093]: Luer connector 10); 
wherein an internal portion of the body (Figures 7 and 8: the internal portion of the body of the Luer connector 10) comprises two or more locking fingers (Fig. 8, [0092]: two half cylindrical parts 27 and 28) extending therein configured for connection with a female part of the second connector (Figure 7, [0087]: conical portion 24 - it is noted that the conical portion 24 is being considered as female part of the second connector because, when the conical portion 24 is connected to the Luer connector 10, the conical portion 24 surrounds the two half cylindrical parts 27 and 28), the two or more locking fingers (Fig. 8. [0092]: half cylindrical parts 27 and 28) each comprising an outer surface (annotated Figure 7 below: outer surface) and an opposing inner surface (annotated Figure 7 below: inner surface; [0095]: flat surfaces 30 and 31 of the two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28), the inner surface defining at least a portion of the lumen (annotated Figure 7 below: lumen; [0095]: space between the two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28 make up a channel for fluid to pass through), the outer surface (annotated Figure 7 below: outer surface) of each of the two or more locking fingers (Fig. 7: two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28) comprising a recess (annotated Figure 7 below: recess) engageable with (annotated Figure 7 below shown this configuration; [0093]) a complementary portion (annotated Figure 7 below: complementary portion) of the second connector (Fig. 7: Luer connector 10);
wherein the connector (Fig. 8: Luer connector 11) further comprises an outer wall (Fig. 8, [0096]: collar 12), the outer wall comprising an exterior surface (annotated Figure 8 below: exterior surface) and an opposing interior surface (annotated Figure 8  below: interior surface), the interior surface of the outer wall surrounding (annotated Figure 7 below shown this configuration; [0092]: the two half cylindrical parts 27 and 27 are surrounded by the collar 12) the two or more locking fingers (Fig.7: two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28).

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Bonnet is silent on wherein the recess of the two or more locking fingers and the complementary portion of the second connector forms a catch or latch (as noted in Applicant’s arguments above, the threaded connection is not equivalent to a catch or a latch; it is also noted that the second connector is not positively recited or claimed as a part of the claimed connector; as such as long as the prior art discloses a recess that capable of being connected to fit into complementary portion of another connector, it will meet the claim). Bonnet also does not explicitly disclose the exterior surface of the outer wall being tapered, in a direction substantially longitudinally with the connector (the exterior surface of 12 is cylindrical, [0072] lines 3-4). 
Gulliver teaches a connector (fig. 1A, connector 140 [0030]) which uses a recess (fig. 1A and 3A, 154 [0031]) on the outer surface of two locking fingers (fig. 3A, 153 [0031]) such that the recess and the complementary portion of the secondary connector forms a catch (fig. 1A, 154 connects with connector 125 using latch, locking tabs 151 [0031]). This connection type is advantageous because it automatically aligns the conduits ([0031]) as well as audibly clicks into place to provide feedback that the conduit components are correctly attached ([0032]). 
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the threads on the outer surface of Bonnet’s fingers (and complementary threads on second connector 20) for Gulliver’s recess (154) and provide a secondary connector with a complementary portion to the recess in the form of a catch or latch, as taught by Gulliver (151), for the benefit of assuring the components are correctly aligned as well as providing an audible click to ensure the connectors are fully attached. 
The now modified Bonnet remains silent on whether the exterior surface of the outer wall being tapered, in a direction substantially longitudinally with the connector. 
Deighan teaches a female connector with an exterior surface of the outer wall being tapered in a direction substantially longitudinally with the connector (figs. 3 and 5C, outer surface of 60 of female connector 14 is shown to have exterior tapered surface 64; col. 4 line 40).
It has been held that changes in shape are obvious, absent persuasive evidence that the particular configuration is significant (In re Dailey, 357 F.2d 669, 149 USPQ 47 (CCPA 1966); see MPEP 2144.04(IV)(B)). Thus, 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 shape of the exterior wall of Bonnet’s outer wall to be tapered rather than cylindrical, as taught by Deighan, as an art-recognized suitable alternative construction of a connector outer wall.

Regarding claim 57, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, wherein a diameter of an outer wall of the second end (Figure 4, [0072]: the diameter of the collar 12) is smallest at a terminal end of the second end ([0072]: due the tapering angle, annotated Figure 4 below shown this configuration), with the diameter increasing in a direction extending away from the terminal end of the second end towards the first end ([0072]: as the result of the tapering- annotated Figure 4 shown this configuration).
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Regarding claim 62, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, wherein a swivel-type connector component (it is noted that limitation “swivel-type connector” is not positively recited because it is not a part of the claimed connector; Bonnet [0079] since the first end of the connector 11 is connectable to a conduit, it is capable to being connected to a swivel-type connector component) is, in use, connected with the body of the connector (Bonnet fig. 7, the body of the Luer connector 11, more specifically the first end of the Luer connector 11).

Regarding claim 63, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, wherein the outer wall (Bonnet fig.7: collar 12) is configured to operate as a sleeve, in use (Figure 7 shown this configuration).

Regarding claim 66, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, wherein the connector (Bonnet fig. 7, Luer connector 11) is configured to provide for a plurality of separate sealing surfaces (annotated Figure 7 below, the inner surface of the outer wall seals against the outer surface of the second connector [0087], and when fully engaged, even as modified by Gulliver, the end of the second connector seals against the bottom inner surface of the second end) upon which seals may be made.

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Regarding claim 67, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, wherein a plurality of sealing surfaces (annotated Figure 7 above) provided between the outer wall (Fig.7: collar 12) and the two or more locking fingers (Fig.7: two half cylindrical parts 27 and 28, as modified by Gulliver fig. 1A the outer surface of finger 153 seals against the inner wall of second connector 125 in the same manner as 27, 28 with the second connector).

Regarding claim 71, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, wherein the connector (Bonnet fig. 7: Luer connector 11) is configured as an adapter (annotated Figured 7 and [0079]: because connector 11 is configured to couple to a conduit at the first end and to couple to the Luer connector 10 at the second end).

Regarding claim 76, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, wherein the two or more locking fingers (Bonnet Figure 7: two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28) comprise a length greater than a width (Figure 7 shown this configuration).

Regarding claim 77, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, wherein the two or more locking fingers (Bonnet Figure 7: two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28) extend in the direction of fluid flow (Figure 7 shown this configuration- extends toward the Luer connector 10 direction as shown in Figure 7).

Regarding claim 73, Bonnet discloses a patient interface assembly comprising: a connector comprising:
a body (annotated Figure 8 below: body) comprising a first end (annotated Figures 7 and 8 below: first end) and a second end (annotated Figures 7 and 8 below: second end), the body internally defining a lumen for a passage of gas between the first end and the second end (Figs. 7, [0095] and [0096]: channel 15 and the space between the two-half cylindrical parts 27 and 28 defined a channel for fluid to pass from the first end to the second end);
the first end (annotated Figures 7 and 8 below: first end) is configured to engage with the terminal end of the breathing conduit ([0079]: the main body 14 of the Luer connector 11 features a conical profile on its end opposite that surrounded by the collar 12 (which is the annotated first end in annotated Figures 7 and 8 below), so that it can be inserted in a conduit such as tubing (not show)- as such the first end of the connector 11 is capable to be provided at the terminal end of a breathing conduit); the second end (annotated Figure 7 and 8 below: second end) is configured to engage with, or engaged with (Figure 7 shown this configuration) a second connector (Figure 7, [0093]: Luer connector 10);
wherein an internal portion of the body (Figures 7 and 8: the internal portion of the body of the Luer connector 11) comprises two or more locking fingers (Fig. 8, [0092]: two half cylindrical parts 27 and 28) extending therein configured for connection with a female part of the second connector (Figure 7, [0087]: conical portion 24- it is note that the conical portion 24 is being considered as female part of the second connector because, when the conical portion 24 is connected to the Luer connector 10, the conical portion 24 surrounded the two half cylindrical parts 27 and 28), the two or more locking fingers (Fig. 8. [0092]: half cylindrical parts 27 and 28) each comprising an outer surface (annotated Figure 7 below: outer surface) and an opposing inner surface (annotated Figure 7 below: inner surface; [0095]: flat surfaces 30 and 31 of the two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28), the inner surface defining at least a portion of the lumen (annotated Figure 7 below: lumen; [0095]: space between the two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28 make up a channel for fluid to pass through), the outer surface (annotated Figure 7 below: outer surface) of each of the two or more locking fingers (Fig. 7: two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28) comprising a recess (annotated Figure 7 below: recess) engageable with (annotated Figure 7 below shown this configuration; [0093]) a complementary portion (annotated Figure 7 below: complementary portion) of the second connector (Fig. 7: Luer connector 10);
wherein the connector (Fig. 8: Luer connector 11) further comprises an outer wall (Fig. 8, [0096]: collar 12), the outer wall comprising an exterior surface (annotated Figure 8 below: exterior surface) and an opposing interior surface (annotated Figure 8  below: interior surface), the interior surface of the outer wall surrounding (annotated Figure 7 below shown this configuration; [0092]: the two half cylindrical parts 27 and 27 are surrounded by the collar 12) the two or more locking fingers (Fig.7: two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28). 

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Bonnet is silent on and wherein the recess of the two or more locking fingers and the complementary portion of the second connector forms a catch or latch (as noted in Applicant’s arguments above, the threaded connection is not equivalent to a catch or a latch; it is also noted that the second connector is not positively recited or claimed as a part of the claimed connector; as such as long as the prior art discloses a recess that capable of being connected to fit into complementary portion of another connector, it will meet the claim). Bonnet also does not explicitly disclose the exterior surface of the outer wall being tapered, in a direction substantially longitudinally with the connector (the exterior surface of 12 is cylindrical, [0072] lines 3-4). 
Gulliver teaches a connector (fig. 1A, connector 140 [0030]) which uses a recess (fig. 1A and 3A, 154 [0031]) on the outer surface of two locking fingers (fig. 3A, 153 [0031]) such that the recess and the complementary portion of the secondary connector forms a catch (fig. 1A, 154 connects with connector 125 using latch, locking tabs 151 [0031]). This connection type is advantageous because it automatically aligns the conduits ([0031]) as well as audibly clicks into place to provide feedback that the conduit components are correctly attached ([0032]). 
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the threads on the outer surface of Bonnet’s fingers for Gulliver’s recess and provide a secondary connector with a complementary portion to the recess in the form of a catch or latch, as taught by Gulliver, for the benefit of assuring the components are correctly aligned as well as providing an audible click to ensure the connectors are fully attached. 
The now modified Bonnet does not explicitly disclose the exterior surface of the outer wall being tapered, in a direction substantially longitudinally with the connector (the exterior surface of 12 is cylindrical, [0072] lines 3-4). 
Deighan teaches a female connector with an exterior surface of the outer wall being tapered in a direction substantially longitudinally with the connector (figs. 3 and 5C, outer surface of 60 of female connector 14 is shown to have exterior tapered surface 64; col. 4 line 40).
It has been held that changes in shape are obvious, absent persuasive evidence that the particular configuration is significant (In re Dailey, 357 F.2d 669, 149 USPQ 47 (CCPA 1966); see MPEP 2144.04(IV)(B)). Thus, 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 shape of the exterior wall of Bonnet’s outer wall to be tapered rather than cylindrical, as taught by Deighan, as an art-recognized alternative construction of a connector outer wall. 

Regarding claim 78, Bonnet as modified, discloses the patient interface assembly of claim 73, wherein the two or more locking fingers (Bonnet Fig.7: two half cylindrical parts 27 and 28) comprise a length greater than a width (Figure 7 shown this configuration).

Regarding claim 79, Bonnet as modified, discloses the patient interface assembly of claim 73, wherein the two or more locking fingers (Bonnet Figure 7: two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28) extend in the direction of fluid flow (Figure 7 shown this configuration- extends toward the Luer connector 10 direction as shown in Figure 7).

Regarding claim 80, Bonnet discloses a connector of a patient interface comprising: 
a body (annotated Figure 8 below: body) comprising a first end (annotated Figures 7 and 8 below: first end) and a second end (annotated Figures 7 and 8 below: second end), the body defining a lumen for a passage of gas therethrough (Figs. 7, [0095] and [0096]: channel 15 and the space between the two-half cylindrical parts 27 and 28 defined a channel for fluid to pass from the first end to the second end), and wherein the second end (annotated Figure 7 and 8 below: second end) is configured to engage with, or is engaged with a second connector (Figure 7, [0093]: Luer connector 10); 
two or more internal locking fingers (Fig. 8, [0092]: two half cylindrical parts 27 and 28) extending within the body (Figures 7 and 8: the internal portion of the body of the Luer connector 11), the two or more internal locking fingers each comprising an outer surface (annotated Figure 7 below: outer surface) and an opposing inner surface (annotated Figure 7 below: inner surface; [0095]: flat surfaces 30 and 31 of the two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28), and 
an outer wall comprising an exterior surface (annotated Figure 8 below: exterior surface) and an opposing interior surface (annotated Figure 8 below: interior surface), the interior surface (Figure 7 and annotated Figure 8 below:  interior surface) of the outer wall surrounding (Figure 7 shown this configuration) the two or more locking fingers (Fig. 8 : two half-cylindrical parts 27 and 28).

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Bonnet is silent on the outer surface of each of the two or more locking fingers forming a detent with a complementary portion of the second connector (as noted in Applicant’s arguments above, the threaded connection is not equivalent to a detent; it is also noted that the second connector is not positively recited or claimed as a part of the claimed connector; as such as long as the prior art discloses a recess that capable of being connected to fit into complementary portion of another connector, it will meet the claim). Bonnet also does not explicitly disclose the exterior surface of the outer wall being tapered, in a direction substantially longitudinally with the connector (the exterior surface of 12 is cylindrical, [0072] lines 3-4). 
Gulliver teaches a connector (fig. 1A, connector 140 [0030]) which uses a detent (fig. 1A and 3A, 154 [0031]) on the outer surface of two locking fingers (fig. 3A, 153 [0031]) such that the detent and the complementary portion of the secondary connector forms a catch (fig. 1A, 154 connects with connector 125 using latch, locking tabs 151 [0031]). This connection type is advantageous because it automatically aligns the conduits ([0031]) as well as audibly clicks into place to provide feedback that the conduit components are correctly attached ([0032]). 
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to substitute the threads on the outer surface of Bonnet’s fingers for Gulliver’s detent and provide a secondary connector with a complementary portion to the detent in the form of a catch or latch, as taught by Gulliver, for the benefit of assuring the components are correctly aligned as well as providing an audible click to ensure the connectors are fully attached. 
The now modified Bonnet does not explicitly disclose the exterior surface of the outer wall being tapered, in a direction substantially longitudinally with the connector (the exterior surface of 12 is cylindrical, [0072] lines 3-4). 
Deighan teaches a female connector with an exterior surface of the outer wall being tapered in a direction substantially longitudinally with the connector (figs. 3 and 5C, outer surface of 60 of female connector 14 is shown to have exterior tapered surface 64; col. 4 line 40).
It has been held that changes in shape are obvious, absent persuasive evidence that the particular configuration is significant (In re Dailey, 357 F.2d 669, 149 USPQ 47 (CCPA 1966); see MPEP 2144.04(IV)(B)). Thus, 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 shape of the exterior wall of Bonnet’s outer wall to be tapered rather than cylindrical, as taught by Deighan, as an art-recognized alternative construction of a connector outer wall.

Regarding claim 81, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 80, wherein the connector (Bonnet Fig. 7: Luer connector 11) is configured as an adapter (annotated Figured 7 and [0079]: because connector 11 is configured to couple to a conduit at the first end and to couple to the Luer connector 10 at the second end).

Regarding Claim 82, Bonnet as modified discloses a connector of claim 26, wherein the two or more locking fingers of the connector and the complementary portion of the second connector prevent rotational movement when engaged (as modified, Gulliver’s fig. 1A recess 154 and locking tabs 151 prevent the rotational movement of the conduits [0031]).   

Regarding Claim 83, Bonnet as modified discloses a patient interface assembly of claim 73, wherein the two or more locking fingers of the connector and the complementary portion of the second connector prevent rotational movement when engaged (as modified, Gulliver’s fig. 1A recess 154 and locking tabs 151 prevent the rotational movement of the conduits [0031]).   

Regarding Claim 84, Bonnet as modified discloses a connector of claim 80, wherein the two or more locking fingers of the connector and the complementary portion of the second connector prevent rotational movement when engaged (as modified, Gulliver’s fig. 1A detent 154 and locking tabs 151 prevent the rotational movement of the conduits [0031]).

Regarding Claim 85, the modified Bonnet discloses a connector of claim 26, wherein the recess of the two or more locking fingers of the connector and the complementary portion of the second connector engage when the two or more locking fingers are in a predetermined rotational alignment with the second connector (as modified by Gulliver, the recess 154 and locking tab 151 align the two connectors in a particular rotational alignment, fig. 1A [0031]). 

Regarding Claim 86, the modified Bonnet discloses a patient interface assembly of claim 73, wherein the recess of the two or more locking fingers of the connector and the complementary portion of the second connector engage when the two or more locking fingers are in a predetermined rotational alignment with the second connector (as modified by Gulliver, the recess 154 and locking tab 151 align the two connectors in a particular rotational alignment, fig. 1A [0031]).

Regarding Claim 87, the modified Bonnet discloses a connector of claim 80, wherein the detent formed by one of the two or more locking fingers of the connector and the complementary portion of the second connector engage when the two or more locking fingers are in a predetermined rotational alignment with the second connector (as modified by Gulliver, the detent 154 and locking tab 151 align the two connectors in a particular rotational alignment, fig. 1A [0031]).  

Claim 59 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bonnet, Gulliver, and Deighan as applied to claim 26 above, and further in view of Werschmidt et al (U.S. Patent 5,620,427 hereinafter Werschmidt).
Regarding claim 59, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26.
Bonnet as modified, does not explicitly disclose an outwardly flared portion located at the first end of the connector.
However, Werschmidt disclose a Luer lock system (title) and also teaches an outwardly flared portion (Fig. 1, Col. 4, Lns. 58-60: flared out mouth 40 for receiving a flexible delivery hose) located at the first end of the connector (the first end of Bonnet is to receive a conduit ([0079]) which is similar to the configuration to Werschmidt’s Figure 1 the flared out mouth 40 is for receiving the a flexible delivery hose).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s connector body to have an outwardly flared portion located at the first end of the connector, as taught by  Werschmidt, for the benefit of aiding in fitting and retaining of the conduit into to the connector. 

Claims 60-61 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as unpatentable over Bonnet, Gulliver, and Deighan, and further in view of Doherty et al. (US 2008/0264413), hereafter Doherty. 

Regarding claim 60, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, but is silent on  wherein the internal portion of the second end of the body further comprises a protrusion configured for engagement with a commensurately shaped portion of the second connector to be received by or within the internal portion bounded by the outer wall. 
However, Doherty teaches a connector having a projection at the end of the connecting portion (fig. 27a, projection 138 with recess 112 [0115]) that engages with a commensurately shaped portion of a second connector (fig. 27a, first connector 104 inserts into second connector 108, which has a stem 132 to engage the projection 138 with recess 112 [0115]). This provides a means of attachment between the two tubular portions so that they do not become detached.   
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to include a protrusion (Doherty fig. 27a, 138) on the internal portion of the second end of the body (Bonnet fig. 7, 27 and 28) configured for engagement with a commensurately shaped portion of the second connector (Doherty fig. 27a, stem 132) to be received within the internal portion bounded by the outer wall, for the benefit of an additional means of securing the two components together so that the connectors do not detach.    
 
Regarding claim 61, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 60, wherein the protrusion extends as a shoulder radially outwardly (Bonnet fig. 7 as modified by Doherty, has a protrusion 138 and a recess 112 at the distal ends of fingers 27, 28 extending radially outward as seen in Doherty fig. 27a) from the two or more locking fingers (Fig. 7: two half cylindrical parts 27 and 28).

Claims 64 and 65 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bonnet, Gulliver, and Deighan as applied to claim 26 above, and further in view of Uehara et al. (U.S. Publication 2010/0148500 hereinafter Uehara).

Regarding claim 64, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26. 
Bonnet does not disclose the outer wall is configured as a 22 mm male taper connector (based on fig. 7, it appears that the outer wall, collar 12, acts as a female connector since it surrounds connection outer surface 24 when the second connector is attached).  
Deighan teaches that the outer wall of a similar connector (fig. 3, 64 having a tapered exterior surface 54, col. 4 lines 23-28) can be used as a male taper connector by inserting the outer wall into a complementary female second connector (fig. 3, 64 inserts into female connector 60, col. 4 lines 23-24). 
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention for the outer wall of the modified Bonnet to operate as a male connector by inserting the outer wall into a complementary female second connector, as needed for forming a sealed connection between two tubing components (Deighan, col. 4 lines 23-33). 
The modified Bonnet remains silent on the size of the taper connector. 

However, it has been held that mere changes in size or proportion do not constitute patentable improvements in the art when said changes do not result in a non-obvious change in functionality (MPEP 2144.04. IV. A.).  In this case, applicant did not disclose the outer wall is configured as a 22mm male taper connector as a critical feature that would have provided unexpected results (paragraph [0405] of Applicant’s original specification disclosed “In one embodiment, the outer wall is configured for use as a 22 mm male taper connector to another connector comprising a female connection facility, and in another the outer wall is a sleeve, configured for use as a 22 female taper connector to another connector comprising a male connection facility”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the invention to provide Bonnet’s connector as a 22mm male taper connector, for the purpose of providing appropriate fitment when using the connector with a system with such fitment size.
Alternatively, Uehara discloses a Luer connector (Fig.1, [0067]: rotating connector is a Luer connector) and also teaches that the connector may be 22 mm ([0067] the rotating connector may be applied as a 22mm conical connector).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s outer wall to be a 22 mm male taper connector, as taught by Uehara, for the purpose of providing appropriate fitment when using the connector with a system with such fitment size.


Regarding claim 65, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, wherein the outer wall is configured as a female taper connector (Bonnet fig. 7, the outer wall, collar 12, is considered female since it surrounds second connection 24; as modified by Deighan, the outer wall is tapered).
Bonnet as modified, does not explicitly disclose the size of the outer wall.
However, it has been held that mere changes in size or proportion do not constitute patentable improvements in the art when said changes do not result in a non-obvious change in functionality (MPEP 2144.04. IV. A.).  In this case, applicant did not disclose the outer wall is configured as a 22mm female taper connector as a critical feature that would have provided unexpected results (paragraph [0405] of Applicant’s original specification disclosed “In one embodiment, the outer wall is configured for use as a 22 mm male taper connector to another connector comprising a female connection facility, and in another the outer wall is a sleeve, configured for use as a 22 female taper connector to another connector comprising a male connection facility”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the invention to provide Bonnet’s connector as a 22mm female taper connector, because a change in proportion is generally recognized as being within the level of ordinary skill in the art.
Alternatively, Uehara discloses a Luer connector (Fig.1, [0067]: rotating connector is a Luer connector) and also teaches a 22 mm female taper connector ([0061], [0067]: the outer diameter is 22mm; the rotating connector may be applied as a 22mm conical connector).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s outer wall to be a 22 mm female taper connector, as taught by Uehara, for the purpose of providing appropriate fitment when using the connector with a system with such fitment size.

Claim 68-70 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bonnet, Gulliver, and Deighan as applied to claim 26 above, and further in view of Sheffer et al. (U.S. Publication 2013/0167841 hereinafter Sheffer).
Regarding claim 68, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26.
Bonnet as modified, does not explicitly disclose the first end of the connector is provided with a cuff.
However, Sheffer discloses an apparatus of fluid delivery connection (title) and also teaches the first end of the connector (Fig 9, [0052]: the end closer to the element 30 of connector 126) is provided with a cuff (Fig. 9, [0052]: cuff 130).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s connector so that the first end of the connector is provided with a cuff, as taught by Sheffer, for the benefit of improving the rigidity of the connector.

Regarding claim 69, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26.
Bonnet as modified, does not explicitly disclose a cuff is pre-formed for placing onto the connector.
However, Sheffer discloses an apparatus of fluid delivery connection (title) and also teaches a cuff (Fig. 9, [0052]: cuff 130) is pre-formed for placing onto the connector (Fig. 9, [0052]: connector 126).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s connector so that the first end of the connector is provided with a cuff, as taught by Sheffer, for the benefit of improving the rigidity of the connector.

Regarding claim 70, Bonnet as modified, discloses, the connector of claim 26.
Bonnet as modified, does not explicitly disclose a cuff includes an indicator of the connector to which it is in place therewith.
However, Sheffer discloses an apparatus of fluid delivery connection (title) and also teaches a cuff (Fig. 9, [0052]: cuff 139) includes an indicator (Fig.9, [0052]: window 120 and visual indication 122) of the connector to which it is in place therewith (Fig. 9, [0050] and [0051]: to provide indication whether connector is in a locked or unlocked configuration).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s connector so that the first end of the connector is provided with a cuff, as taught by Sheffer, for the benefit of providing the user with current connector lock state ([0051] and [0052]).

Claim 72 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bonnet, Gulliver, and Deighan as applied to claims 26 above, and further in view of Boucher et al. (U.S. Publication 2014/0158127 hereinafter Boucher).
Regarding claim 72, Bonnet as modified, discloses the connector of claim 26, wherein the connector (Fig. 7: Luer connector 11) is configured for use with a nasal cannula (it is noted that limitation “configured for use with a nasal cannula” renders a an intended use limitation where the nasal cannula is not positively recited because it is not a part of the claimed connector- Bonnet discloses the Luer connector 11 is used for transferring fluid for medical used, as such it is capable of being used with a nasal cannula to deliver medicament fluid for medical purposes).
 Alternative, Boucher discloses a nasal cannula for delivery of aerosolized medicaments (title) which utilizes a Luer connector (Fig, 1, [0105]: coupling mechanism 536 can be a Luer connector which connected to a supply line 530) and is configured for use with a nasal cannula (Figs. 1 and 2, [0111], [0118]: nasal cannula assembly 500 can be same as 1560 which shown as nasal cannula).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s fluid transfer system to have a nasal cannula, as taught by Boucher, for the benefit of providing a user interface for administering inhaling medicament as necessary.

Claims 74 and 75 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bonnet, Gulliver, and Deighan as applied to claim 73 above, and further in view of Boucher and Kooij et al. (U.S. Publication 2011/0067704 hereinafter Kooij).
Regarding claim 74, Bonnet as modified, discloses the patient interface assembly of claim 73.
While Bonnet discloses the Luer connector 11 is used for transferring fluid for medical used, as such it is capable of being used with a nasal cannula to deliver medicament fluid for medical purposes; Bonnet as modified does not explicitly disclose a non-sealing nasal canula with the interface assembly.
Boucher discloses a nasal cannula for delivery of aerosolized medicaments (title) which utilizes a Luer connector (Fig, 1, [0105]: coupling mechanism 536 can be a Luer connector which connected to a supply line 530) and also teaches the connector is configured for use with a nasal cannula (Figs. 1 and 2, [0111], [0118]: nasal cannula assembly 500 can be same as 1560 which shown as nasal cannula).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s fluid transfer system to have a nasal cannula, as taught by Boucher,  for the benefit of providing a user interface for administering inhaling medicament as necessary.
Kooij discloses unobtrusive interface systems (title) and teaches a non-sealing nasal cannula (Fig. 1, [0130]: cannulae 2a and 2b; [0026]: non-sealing manner) as an alternative to sealing cannula (Fig. 4a, [0139]: foam gasket 900 to surround each of the prong and to contact the nares 952R).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s fluid transfer system to have a non-sealing nasal cannula, as taught by Kooij, for the benefit of providing a more comfortable user interface while allowing the users to inhale ambient air as needed.

Regarding claim 75, Bonnet as modified, discloses the patient interface assembly of claim 73.
While Bonnet discloses the Luer connector 11 is used for transferring fluid for medical used, as such it is capable of being used with a nasal cannula to deliver medicament fluid for medical purposes; Bonnet as modified does not explicitly disclose a breathing conduit comprising a first end and a second end, a non-sealing nasal canula being at the first end of the breathing conduit and the connector being at the second end of the breathing conduit.
Boucher discloses a nasal cannula for delivery of aerosolized medicaments (title) which utilizes a Luer connector (Fig, 1, [0105]: coupling mechanism 536 can be a Luer connector which connected to a supply line 530) and also teaches a breathing conduit (Fig. 1, [0105] and [0107]: supply line 530 and face piece tube 535a and 535b) comprising a first end (Fig. 1: the end closer to the element 560) and a second end (Fig. 1: the end closer to the connector 536), a nasal cannula (Fig. 1, [0105]: face piece 560 of the nasal cannula 500; [0118]: nasal cannula assembly 500 can be same as 1560 which shown as nasal cannula) being at the first end of the breathing conduit (Figure 1 show this configuration) and the connector (Fig.1: connector 536 is a Luer connector) being at the second end of the breathing conduit (Figure 1 shown this configuration).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s fluid delivery system to have a breathing conduit comprising a first end and a second end, a nasal canula being at the first end of the breathing conduit and the connector being at the second end of the breathing conduit, as taught by Boucher, for the benefit of providing a more comfortable user interface to administering inhaling medicament while allowing the user to inhale ambient air as needed.
Kooij discloses unobtrusive interface systems (title) and teaches a non-sealing nasal cannula (Fig. 1, [0130]: cannulae 2a and 2b; [0026]: non-sealing manner) as an alternative to sealing cannula (Fig. 4a, [0139]: foam gasket 900 to surround each of the prong and to contact the nares 952R).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the invention to modify Bonnet’s fluid transfer system to have a non-sealing nasal cannula, as taught by Kooij, for the benefit of providing a more comfortable user interface to administering inhaling medicament while allowing the user to inhale ambient air as needed.

Conclusion
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/SARA K TOICH/Examiner, Art Unit 3785             

                                                                                                                                                                                           /VICTORIA MURPHY/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 4100