Docket N o. 67467-009 PRV
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Applicant:
`
`Cheong Choon Ng
`
`Group Art Unit:
`
`Unknown
`
`Serial No.:
`
`61/846,270
`
`Examiner:
`
`Unknown
`
`Filed:
`
`07/15/2013
`
`Confirmation No.:
`
`4156
`
`Title:
`
`HAND HELD LINK MAKING DEVICE AND KIT
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`RE! QUEST FOR REFUND
`
`On July 15, 2013, Applicant paid the small entity provisional filing fee, electronically. The
`
`large entity provisional filing fee was also charged on July 19, 2013 and then $130 was credited to
`
`the deposit account. Therefore, since the small entity provisional filing fee was charged twice,
`
`Applicant requests that Deposit Account No. 50-1482, in the name of Carlson, Gaskey & Olds,
`
`P.C., be credited for the small entity provisional filing fee in the amount of $130.
`
`Consideration is respectfully requested.
`
`Dated: August 6, 2013
`
`Respectfully Submitted,
`
`CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C.
`
`/John M. Siragusal
`John M. Siragusa
`Registration N 0. 46,174
`400 West Maple, Suite 350
`Birmingham, MI 48009
`Telephone: (248) 988-8360
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 1
`
`

`
`Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt
`
`16513567
`
`Confirmation Number:
`
`Title of Invention:
`
`HAND HELD LINK MAKING DEVICE AND KIT
`
`First Named Inventor/Applicant Name:
`
`Cheong Choon Ng
`
`Customer Number:
`
`26096
`
`Filer Authorized By:
`
`John M. Siragusa
`
`Attorney Docket Number:
`
`67467-009 PRV
`
`Filing Date:
`
`15-JUL-2013
`
`Time Stamp:
`
`Application Type:
`
`15:09:33
`
`Provisional
`
`Payment information:
`
`Document
`Number
`
`Document Description
`
`File Size(Bytes)/
`Message Digest
`
`Pages
`Multi
`Part /.zip (if appl.)
`
`Miscellaneous Incoming Letter
`
`8-6-13_Req uestforRefund_674
`67_009PRV.pdf
`
`07el 1 (llbSdSab4e73202cad049ll l3d58l
`01654
`
`Information:
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 2
`
`

`
`Total Files Size (in bytes)
`
`This Acknowledgement Receipt evidences receipt on the noted date by the USPTO of the indicated documents,
`characterized by the applicant, and including page counts, where applicable. It serves as evidence of receipt similar to a
`Post Card, as described in MPEP 503.
`
`New Applications Under 35 U.S.C. 111
`lfa new application is being filed and the application includes the necessary components for a filing date (see 37 CFR
`1.53(b)-(d) and MPEP 506), a Filing Receipt (37 CFR 1.54) will be issued in due course and the date shown on this
`Acknowledgement Receipt will establish the filing date of the application.
`
`National Stage of an International Application under 35 U.S.C. 371
`lfa timely submission to enter the national stage of an international application is compliant with the conditions of 35
`U.S.C. 371 and other applicable requirements a Form PCT/DO/E0/903 indicating acceptance of the application as a
`national stage submission under 35 U.S.C. 371 will be issued in addition to the Filing Receipt, in due course.
`
`New International Application Filed with the USPTO as a Receiving Office
`lfa new international application is being filed and the international application includes the necessary components for
`an international filing date (see PCT Article 11 and MPEP 1810), a Notification of the International Application Number
`and of the International Filing Date (Form PCT/R0/105) will be issued in due course, subject to prescriptions concerning
`national security, and the date shown on this Acknowledgement Receipt will establish the international filing date of
`the application.
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 3
`
`

`
`U\'T'I‘F'.T‘I STATES T)F'.PAR'I'\IF'.\I'I‘ OF (‘,Ol\’|'lVIF‘.R(“,Fl
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address. COl\/ll\/lTSST0\TFIfi‘. FOR PATENTS
`PO BoX1450
`A1ExaIIdI‘Ia,V1.1grIia Z2313-1450
`wvI.w.uspto.g0V
`
`61/846,270
`
`07/ 15/20 1 3
`
`67467-OOPRV
`
`26096
`CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C.
`400 WEST MAPLE ROAD
`SUITE 350
`BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 4156
`
`FILING RECEIPT
`
`|||||I|l|||I|||l||l|||||||||||||||||
`||||||||lllllllllllllllllflllll |||||||l|||l|||l|||l||
`000000062705
`7
`
`Date Mailed: 07/24/2013
`
`It will not be examined for patentability and will
`Receipt is acknowledged of this provisional patent application.
`become abandoned not later than twelve months after its filing date. Any correspondence concerning the application
`must include the following identification information: the U.S. APPLICATION NUMBER, FILING DATE, NAME OF
`APPLICANT, and TITLE OF INVENTION. Fees transmitted by check or draft are subject to collection. Please verify
`the accuracy of the data presented on this receipt. If an error is noted on this Filing Receipt, please submit
`a written request for a Filing Receipt Correction. Please provide a copy of this Filing Receipt with the
`changes noted thereon. If you received a "Notice to File Missing Parts" for this application, please submit
`any corrections to this Filing Receipt with your reply to the Notice. When the USPTO processes the reply
`to the Notice, the USPTO will generate another Filing Receipt incorporating the requested corrections
`
`lnventor(s)
`
`AppIicant(s)
`
`Cheong Choon Ng, Novi, MI;
`
`Cheong Choon Ng, Novi, MI;
`Power of Attorney:
`John Siragusa—-461 74
`
`If Required, Foreign Filing License Granted: 07/19/2013
`The country code and number of your priority application, to be used for filing abroad under the Paris Convention,
`is US 61/846,270
`Projected Publication Date: None, application is not eligible for pre—grant publication
`Non-Publication Request: No
`Early Publication Request: No
`Title
`
`HAND HELD LINK MAKING DEVICE AND KIT
`
`Statement under 37 CFR 1.55 or 1.78 for AIA (First Inventor to File) Transition Applications: No
`
`PROTECTING YOUR INVENTION OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
`
`Since the rights granted by a U.S. patent extend only throughout the territory of the United States and have no
`effect in a foreign country, an inventor who wishes patent protection in another country must apply for a patent
`in a specific country or in regional patent offices. Applicants may wish to consider the filing of an international
`application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). An international (PCT) application generally has the same
`page 1 of 3
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 4
`
`

`
`effect as a regular national patent application in each PCT—member country. The PCT process simplifies the filing
`of patent applications on the same invention in member countries, but does not result in a grant of "an international
`patent" and does not eliminate the need of applicants to file additional documents and fees in countries where patent
`protection is desired.
`
`Almost every country has its own patent law, and a person desiring a patent in a particular country must make an
`application for patent in that country in accordance with its particular laws. Since the laws of many countries differ
`in various respects from the patent law of the United States, applicants are advised to seek guidance from specific
`foreign countries to ensure that patent rights are not lost prematurely.
`
`Applicants also are advised that in the case of inventions made in the United States, the Director of the USPTO must
`issue a license before applicants can apply for a patent in a foreign country. The filing of a U.S. patent application
`serves as a request for a foreign filing license. The application's filing receipt contains further information and
`guidance as to the status of applicants license for foreign filing.
`
`Applicants may wish to consult the USPTO booklet, "General Information Concerning Patents" (specifically, the
`section entitled "Treaties and Foreign Patents") for more information on timeframes and deadlines for filing foreign
`patent applications. The guide is available either by contacting the USPTO Contact Center at 800-786-9199, or it
`can be viewed on the USPTO website at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html.
`
`For information on preventing theft of your intellectual property (patents, trademarks and copyrights), you may wish
`to consult the U.S. Government website, http://www.stopfakes.gov. Part of a Department of Commerce initiative,
`this website includes self—help "toolkits" giving innovators guidance on how to protect intellectual property in specific
`countries such as China, Korea and Mexico. For questions regarding patent enforcement issues, applicants may
`call the U.S. Government hotline at 1—866—999-HALT (1—866-999-4258).
`
`LICENSE FOR FOREIGN FILING UNDER
`
`Title 35, United States Code, Section 184
`
`Title 37, Code of Federal Regulations, 5.11 & 5.15
`
`GRANTED
`
`if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`The applicant has been granted a license under 35 U.S.C. 184,
`LICENSE GRANTED" followed by a date appears on this form. Such licenses are issued in all applications where
`the conditions for issuance of a license have been met, regardless of whether or not a license may be required as
`set forth in 37 CFR 5.15. The scope and limitations of this license are set forth in 37 CFR 5.15(a) unless an earlier
`license has been issued under 37 CFR 5.15(b). The license is subject to revocation upon written notification. The
`date indicated is the effective date of the license, unless an earlier license of similar scope has been granted under
`37 CFR 5.13 or 5.14.
`
`This license is to be retained by the licensee and may be used at any time on or after the effective date thereof unless
`it is revoked. This license is automatically transferred to any related applications(s) filed under 37 CFR 1.53(d). This
`license is not retroactive.
`
`The grant of a license does not in any way lessen the responsibility of a licensee for the security of the subject matter
`as imposed by any Government contract or the provisions of existing laws relating to espionage and the national
`security or the export of technical data. Licensees should apprise themselves of current regulations especially with
`page 2 of 3
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 5
`
`

`
`respect to certain countries, of other agencies, particularly the Office of Defense Trade Controls, Department of
`State (with respect to Arms, Munitions and Implements of War (22 CFR 121-128)); the Bureau of Industry and
`Security, Department of Commerce (15 CFR parts 730-774); the Office of Foreign AssetsControl, Department of
`Treasury (31 CFR Parts 500+) and the Department of Energy.
`
`NOT GRANTED
`
`No license under 35 U.S.C. 184 has been granted at this time, if the phrase "IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING
`LICENSE GRANTED" DOES NOT appear on this form. Applicant may still petition for a license under 37 CFR 5.12,
`if a license is desired before the expiration of 6 months from the filing date of the application. If 6 months has lapsed
`from the filing date of this application and the licensee has not received any indication of a secrecy order under 35
`U.S.C. 181, the licensee may foreign file the application pursuant to 37 CFR 5.15(b).
`
`SeIectUSA
`
`The United States represents the largest, most dynamic marketplace in the world and is an unparalleled location for
`business investment, innovation, and commercialization of new technologies. The U.S. offers tremendous resources
`and advantages for those who invest and manufacture goods here. Through SeIectUSA, our nation works to
`promote and facilitate business investment. SeIectUSA provides information assistance to the international investor
`community; serves as an ombudsman for existing and potential investors; advocates on behalf of U.S. cities, states,
`and regions competing for global investment; and counsels U.S. economic development organizations on investment
`attraction best practices. To learn more about why the United States is the best country in the world to develop
`technology, manufacture products, deliver services, and grow your business, visit http://www.SelectUSA.gov or call
`+1-202-482-6800.
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 6
`
`

`
`Doc Code: TR.PROV
`Document Description: Provisional Cover Sheet (SB16)
`
`PTOlSBl16 (11-08)
`Approved for use through O5t’31/2015. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Papemrork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number
`
`Provisional Application for Patent Cover Sheet
`This is a request for filing a PROVISIONAL APPLICATION FOR PATENT under 37 CFR 1.53(c)
`
`lnventor(s)
`
`Inventor 1
`
`Given Name
`
`Middle Name
`
`Family Name
`
`All Inventors Must Be Listed — Additional Inventor Information blocks may be
`generated within this form by selecting the Add button.
`
`Title Of InVenti0n
`
`HAND HELD LINK MAKING DEVICE AND KIT
`
`Attorney Docket Number (if applicable)
`
`67467-00PRV
`
`Correspondence Address
`
`Direct all correspondence to (select one):
`
`(9 The address corresponding to Customer Number 0 Firm or Individual Name
`
`Customer Number
`
`26096
`
`The invention was made by an agency of the United States Government or under a contract with an agency of the United
`States Government.
`
`G) No.
`
`0 Yes, the invention was made by an agency of the United States Government. The U.S. Government agency name is:
`
`0 Yes, the invention was under a contract with an agency of the United States Government. The name of the U.S.
`Government agency and Government contract number are:
`
`EFS - Web 1.0.1
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 7
`
`

`
`Doc Code: TR.PROV
`Document Description: Provisional Cover Sheet (SB16)
`
`PTOlSBl16 (11-08)
`Approved for use through O5t’31/2015. OMB 0651-0032
`US. Patent and Trademark Office: U.S_ DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Papemrork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number
`
`Entity Status
`Applicant asserts small entity status under 37 CFR 1.27 or applicant certifies micro entity status under 37 CFR 1.29
`
`0 Applicant asserts small entity status under 37 CFR 1.27
`
`0 Applicant certifies micro entity status under 37 CFR 1.29. Applicant must attach form PTOISB/15A or B or equivalent.
`
`®No
`
`Warning
`
`Petitioner/applicant is cautioned to avoid submitting personal information in documents filed in a patent application that may
`contribute to identity theft. Personal information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card
`numbers (other than a check or credit card authorization form PTO-2038 submitted for payment purposes) is never required
`by the USPTO to support a petition or an application.
`If this type of personal information is included in documents submitted
`to the USPTO, petitionerslapplicants should consider redacting such personal information from the documents before
`submitting them to USPTO. Petitioner/applicant is advised that the record of a patent application is available to the public
`after publication of the application (unless a non-publication request in compliance with 37 CFR 1.213(a) is made in the
`application) or issuance of a patent. Furthermore, the record from an abandoned application may also be available to the
`public if the application is referenced in a published application or an issued patent (see 37 CFR1.14). Checks and credit
`card authorization forms PTO-2038 submitted for payment purposes are not retained in the application file and therefore are
`not publicly available.
`
`Signature
`
`Please see 37 CFR 1.4(d) for the form of the signature.
`
`Signature
`
`/John M. Siragusal
`
`Date (YYYY-M M-DD)
`
`2013-07-15
`
`First Name
`
`John M.
`
`Last Name
`
`.
`Slragusa
`
`Registration Number
`.
`(If appropriate)
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.51. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to
`file (and by the USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection
`is estimated to take 8 hours to complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO.
`Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or
`suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, US. Patent and Trademark Office, U_S_ Department
`of Commerce, P_O_ Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. This
`form can only be used when in conjunction with EFS-Web. If this form is mailed to the USPTO, it may cause delays in handling
`the provisional application.
`
`EFS - Web 1.0.1
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 8
`
`

`
`Privacy Act Statement
`
`The Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579) requires that you be given certain information in connection with your submission of
`the attached form related to a patent application or paten. Accordingly, pursuant to the requirements of the Act, please be
`advised that :
`(1) the general authority for the collection of this information is 35 U.S.C. 2(b)(2); (2) furnishing of the
`information solicited is voluntary; and (3) the principal purpose for which the information is used by the U.S. Patent and
`Trademark Office is to process andlor examine your submission related to a patent application or patent.
`If you do not
`furnish the requested information, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office may not be able to process and/or examine your
`submission, which may result in termination of proceedings or abandonment of the application or expiration of the patent.
`
`The information provided by you in this form will be subject to the following routine uses:
`
`1.
`
`The information on this form will be treated confidentially to the extent allowed under the Freedom of Information
`Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C 552a). Records from this system of records may be disclosed to the
`Department of Justice to determine whether disclosure of these records is required by the Freedom of Information
`Act.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, in the course of presenting evidence to
`a court, magistrate, or administrative tribunal, including disclosures to opposing counsel in the course of settlement
`negotiations.
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Member of Congress submitting a
`request involving an individual, to whom the record pertains, when the individual has requested assistance from the
`Member with respect to the subject matter of the record.
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a contractor of the Agency having need
`for the information in order to perform a contract. Recipients of information shall be required to comply with the
`requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(m).
`A record related to an International Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty in this system of
`records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property
`Organization, pursuant to the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
`A record in this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a n other federal agency for purposes
`of National Security review (35 U.S.C. 181) and for review pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act (42 U.S.C. 218(c)).
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the Administrator, General Services,
`or his/her designee, during an inspection of records conducted by GSA as part of that agency's responsibility to
`recommend improvements in records management practices and programs, under authority of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and
`2906. Such disclosure shall be made in accordance with the GSA regulations governing inspection of records for this
`purpose, and any other relevant (i.e., GSA or Commerce) directive. Such disclosure shall not be used to make
`determinations about individuals.
`
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to the public after either publication of
`the application pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 122(b) or issuance of a patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 151. Further, a record
`may be disclosed, subject to the limitations of 37 CFR 1.14, as a routine use, to the public if the record was filed in an
`application which became abandoned or in which the proceedings were terminated and which application is
`referenced by either a published application, an application open to public inspection or an
`issued patent.
`A record from this system of records may be disclosed, as a routine use, to a Federal, State, or local law
`enforcement agency, if the USPTO becomes aware of a violation or potential violation of law or regulation.
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 9
`
`

`
`HAND HELD LINK MAKING DEVICE AND KIT
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`67467-001 PRV
`
`[0001]
`
`This disclosure generally relates to method and device for creating a linked
`
`item. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a method and device for creating a linked
`
`wearable item from elastic bands.
`
`[0002]
`
`Kits that include materials for making a uniquely colored bracelet or necklace
`
`have always enjoyed some popularity. However such kits usually just include the raw materials
`
`such as different colored threads and beads and rely on the individual’s skill and talent to
`
`construct a usable and desirable item. Accordingly there is a need and desire for a kit that
`
`provides not only the materials for creating a unique wearable item, but also that simplifies
`
`construction to make it easy for people of many skill and artistic levels to successfully create a
`
`desirable and durable wearable item.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0003]
`
`A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to
`
`capture another closed loop to form a chain. Elastic bands can be utilized to form such links in a
`
`desired manner. The example kit and device provides for creation of Brunnian and other linked
`
`articles. Moreover, the example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable
`
`articles using Brunnian and other link assembly techniques.
`
`[0004]
`
`The example kit includes a template for mounting an initial band and a hook
`
`utilized for attaching additional bands to the initial bands placed on the template. The template
`
`includes pins that hold the initial band in place while additional bands are linked onto each other.
`
`The kit further includes a clip utilized to attach ends once the desired length is formed.
`
`[0005]
`
`These and other features disclosed herein can be best understood from the
`
`following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0006]
`
`Figure l perspective view of an example kit for creating a linked article.
`1
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 10
`
`

`
`67467-001 PRV
`
`[0007]
`
`Figure 2 is schematic View of link article.
`
`[0008]
`
`Figure 3 is a schematic View of a series of a series of Brunnian links.
`
`[0009]
`
`Figure 4 is a side View of an example template.
`
`[0010]
`
`Figure 5 is an end View of the example template.
`
`[0011]
`
`Figure 6 is a top View of the example template.
`
`[0012]
`
`Figure 7 is a plan View of an example clip for securing loose ends of a
`
`Brunnian linked article.
`
`[0013]
`
`Figure 8 is perspective View illustrating elastic bands secured with the
`
`example clip.
`
`[0014]
`
`Figures 9A—9M are Views of an example method of creating a linked article
`
`using the example template and kit.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0015]
`
`Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an example kit is indicated at 10 for creating
`
`linked items such as bracelets, necklaces and other wearable or decorative article as generally
`
`indicated in Figure 2. The example kit 10 includes a template 12, a clip 16 and a hook 14. The
`
`example kit 10 also includes a number of elastic members 18 that are used with the kit 10 to
`
`form links for the resulting wearable article. The elastic members 18 are consumed as articles
`
`are fabricated, and are replaced and replenished with additional elastic members. Moreover, the
`
`example elastic members 18 are of a size corresponding with the example template 12. Further,
`
`although a single clip 16 is illustrated, the example kit 10 will include many clips 16 to provide
`
`for the fabrication of many articles 26.
`
`[0016]
`
`Referring to Figure 3, a Brunnian link 20 is formed from a continuous looped
`
`structure without forming an actual knot. Several links 20 are formed in a chain to form a
`
`circular structure. Ends 22 of each elastic member 18 are secured and a durable wearable article
`
`is created.
`
`In this example three links 20 fonning a single chain. Each link 20 is formed by
`
`capturing the ends 22 of one loop structure with a mid portion 24 of another loop structure in
`
`series. Each link 20 depends on the previous and subsequent links 20 to maintain the desired
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 11
`
`

`
`67467-001 PRV
`
`shape and integrity. Removing one link 20 results in all of the links becoming loose from each
`
`other.
`
`[0017]
`
`Referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6, the example template 12 includes two posts
`
`28A, 28B spaced a distance 30 apart from each other. Each of the pins 28A, 28B includes a first
`
`arm 32a—b and second arm 34a—b supported on a base 36. The arms 32a—b, 34a—b defines an
`
`access slot 38 that extends across both of the posts 28A, 28B. The base 36 includes a link
`
`opening 40 for completed links of a linked article during fabrication.
`
`Each of the first and
`
`second arms 32a—b, 34a—b include upper and lower tabs 42 that maintain a linked article within a
`
`center section 44.
`
`[0018]
`
`Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the example clip 16 is generally C—shaped with
`
`inwardly facing ends 48. The inwardly facing ends 48 point inwardly to an open space 50 where
`
`parts of the elastic members are kept 18. The inwardly facing ends 48 prevent ends 22 from
`
`sliding out from the inner area 50 off of the clip 16.
`
`[0019]
`
`Referring to Figures 9A—M,
`
`the example template 12 is utilized for the
`
`formation of a linked article. As appreciated, elastic bands 18 can be difficult to manipulate and
`
`hold during the construction of a desired article. The example template 12 provides for holding
`
`of an initial number of links 20 connection of each link in the linked article. The template 12
`
`includes the first and second posts 28A, 28B along with the access slot 38 across both of the
`
`posts 28A—B. The specific linked configuration can be a simple Brunnian link, but may also be
`
`more complex and intricate link structures such as a fishbone type link structure. The template
`
`12 includes the link opening 40 to facilitate the fishbone link structure where the linked article
`
`grows and is extends form the template 12 through the link opening 40.
`
`[0020]
`
`The Figures illustrate formation of a fishbone linked structure utilizing the
`
`example template 12. The initial step illustrated in Figure 9A includes assembling a first elastic
`
`band 18A by crossing over itself to form a figure 8 pattern across the posts 28a—b. A second
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`elastic band 18B and third elastic band 18C is then assembled over the first elastic band l8A
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`without crossing over as is shown in Figure 9B. Three elastic bands are therefore supported
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`across the posts 28a—b with the first band 18A on the bottom below the second and third elastic
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`bands 18B, 18C.
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`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 12
`
`

`
`67467-001 PRV
`
`[0021]
`
`Utilizing the hook tool l4, the bottom, lower most, or first elastic band l8A is
`
`pulled off of the posts 28A—B and looped over the second and third elastic bands 18B, 18C as is
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`shown in Figures 9C and 9D. The first elastic band 18A is positioned to loop around each of the
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`second and third elastic bands 18B, 18C and is not supported directly by the posts 28a—b.
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`[0022]
`
`An additional elastic band ISD is then added above the second and third
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`elastic bands 18B, 18C such that the second elastic band 18B is now the lower most elastic band
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`as is shown in Figure 9E. The lower most elastic band l8B is then grasped with the hook tool 14
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`(Figure 9F) by extending the hook tool 14 into the access slot 38 and grasping ends of the elastic
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`band in sequence, pulling the ends away from the corresponding post (Figure 9G) and looping
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`each end over onto the and around the other links supported between the first and second posts as
`
`is shown in Figure 9H.
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`[0023]
`
`An additional link is added above the two remaining links 18C, 18D across
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`the two posts 28a—b as is shown in Figure 91 and the process shown in Figures 9F through 9H is
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`repeated with additional links to grow the length of the linked structure as is shown in Figures 9J
`
`and 9K until a desire length or number of links are connected to each other as is illustrated in
`
`Figure 9L.
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`[0024]
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`Once the desired length is achieved, as the example in Figure 9L illustrates a
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`clip 16 is attached to the end elastic link. The remaining links on the posts 28a—b can be removed
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`at attached to the clip l6 to form the completed linked article as is shown in Figure 9M. As
`
`appreciated although the ends are connected to form the example linked article. The linked
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`article may have terminal ends that are separately terminated to provide a length of a linked
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`article.
`
`[0025]
`
`Accordingly, the example kit and method provide for the creation of many
`
`different combinations and configurations of Brunnian links for the creation of bracelets,
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`necklaces, and other wearable items. Moreover, the example kit is expandable to further create
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`and expand the capabilities of potential Brunnian link creations.
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`Further,
`
`the example kit
`
`provides for the creation of such links and items in an easy manner allowing persons of varying
`
`skill levels to be successful in creating unique wearable items.
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 13
`
`

`
`[0026]
`
`Although an example embodiment has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary
`
`skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this
`
`disclosure. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the scope and
`
`content of this invention.
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`67467-001 PRV
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 14
`
`

`
`What is claimed is:
`
`CLAIMS
`
`67467-001 PRV
`
`l.
`
`A device for creating an item consisting of a series of links,
`
`the device
`
`comprising:
`
`at least two posts spaced part from each other in a first direction, wherein each of the
`
`posts including a first arm and a second arm and an access slot disposed therebetween.
`
`The device as recited in claim 1, including a base supporting the at least two
`
`3.
`
`The device as recited in claim 1, including a link opening disposed within the
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`base and between the at least two posts providing a space for completed links to during
`
`fabrication of a linked article.
`
`4.
`
`A method of creating a linked item comprising the steps of:
`
`assembling a first elastic band across at least two posts of a template;
`
`assembling at least one additional elastic band across the at least two posts above the first
`
`elastic band;
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`looping a first and second ends of the first elastic band over the at least one additional
`
`elastic band and off of the at least two posts;
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`adding at least one additional elastic band;
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`looping first and second ends of the bottom elastic band and over the added elastic band;
`
`repeating adding additional elastic bands and looping first and second ends of the bottom
`
`band over the added elastic bands to obtain a desired number of links.
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 15
`
`

`
`5.
`
`The method as recited in claim 4, wherein looping comprises grasping one of the
`
`first and second ends of the elastic bands with a hook tool and pulling the end over additional
`
`elastic bands.
`
`67467-001 PRV
`
`6.
`
`The method as recited in claim 5, including securing ends of the linked article
`
`with a clip by inserting ends of the elastic bands into a clip to form the linked item.
`
`7.
`
`A kit for creating an item consisting of a series of links, the kit comprising:
`
`a template at least two posts spaced part from each other in a first direction, wherein each
`
`of the posts including a first arm and a second arm and an access slot disposed therebetween; and
`
`at least one clip including inward facing ends disposed on each side of an opening for
`
`securing ends of the series of links together.
`
`The device as recited in claim 7, including a base supporting the at least two
`
`9.
`
`The device as recited in claim 7, including a link opening disposed within the
`
`base and between the at least two posts providing a space for completed links to during
`
`fabrication of a linked article.
`
`10.
`
`The kit as recited in claim 7, wherein the clip comprises a C— shape and the inward
`
`facing ends extend in a direction perpendicular to the opening.
`
`ll.
`
`The kit as recited in claim 7, including a hook for manipulating elastic members
`
`relative to each other.
`
`12.
`
`The kit as recited in claim 7, including a plurality of elastic members for forming
`
`the series of links.
`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 16
`
`

`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 17
`
`

`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 18
`
`

`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 19
`
`

`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 20
`
`

`
`Tristar Ex. 1003, pg. 21
`
`

`
`Electronic Patent Application Fee Transmittal
`
`Title of Invention:
`
`HAND HELD LINK MAKING DEVICE AND KIT
`
`First Named Inventor/Applicant Name:
`
`Cheong Choon Ng
`
`Filer:
`
`John M. Siragusa/laura combs
`