Zip and clean

Abstract

A plastic shower liner with a plastic zipper sewn across the width of the liner just below a series of plastic grommets. The plastic shower liner measuring 72″×72″ divided into two parts—an upper portion measuring 72″×1.75″ (#2) and the bottom portion measuring 72″×70.25″ (#3). Sewn across the width of each portion is, respectively, one side of a plastic zipper measuring 72″ in width (#1) by means of which the two portions can be either attached or detached. Nine plastic grommets (#4) are equally placed 6.5″ apart across the entire width of the smaller top portion of the shower liner (#2) in which rings (not included) would be placed in order that the shower liner might be hung on a rod (also not included).

1 .  Claim 1  is rejected as failing to define the invention in the manner required by 35 U.S.C. 112, second paragraph. 
 The claim is narrative in form and replete with indefinite and functional or operational language. The structure which goes to make up the device must be clearly and positively specified. The structure must be organized and correlated in such a manner as to present a complete operative device. The claim(s) must be in one sentence form only. Note the format of the claims in the patent(s) cited.    
     
     
         2 . The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: 
 A person shall be entitled to a patent unless—   (b) the invention was patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country or in public use or on sale in this country, more than one year prior to the date of application for patent in the united states.    
     
     
         3 .  Claim 1 , as best understood, is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(b) as being anticipated by Thompson. 
 The Thompson reference ( FIG. 4 ) discloses a shower liner 16 removably attached by a zipper 26 (col. 4 lns. 11-13), as claimed.    
     
     
         4 . Applicant is referred to MPEP 714.02 and 608.01(o) in responding to this Office action.  
     
     
         5 . Any inquiry concerning this communication should be directed to Robert M. Fetsuga at telephone number 571/272-4886 who can be most easily reached Monday through Thursday.