`
`PA’I'L‘ZN'J‘
`
`[N THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`In re Application of:
`Reiter et a].
`
`Appln. No. [3811.735
`
`Filed: December 6, 2,011
`
`For:
`
`CHAINRING
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`PO. Box [450
`
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`:
`
`:
`
`Art Unit: 3654
`
`Examiner: Henry Y. Liu
`
`Amendment and Response
`
`Sir:
`
`In response to the Office Action dated November 4, 2014, Applicants submit the following
`
`remarks in this request for reconsideration.
`
`Amendments to the Claims start on page 2 of this paper.
`
`Remarks start on page 26 of this paper.
`
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`Serial No. I3/31 1,735
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`l.— 57. (Canceled)
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`AMENDMENT TO CLAIMS
`
`58.
`
`(Twice Amended) A bicycle chainring of a bicycle crankset for engagement with a drive chain,
`
`comprising:
`
`a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chainring;
`
`the plurality of teeth including a first group of teeth and a second group of teeth, each of the first
`
`group of teeth wider than each of the second group of teeth; and
`
`at least some of the second group of teeth arranged alternatingly and adjacently between the first
`
`group of teeth,
`
`wherein the drive chain is a roller drive chain including alternating outer and inner chain links
`
`defining outer and inner link spaces, respectively;
`
`wherein each of the first group of teeth is sized and shaped to fit within one of the outer link
`
`spaces and each of the second group of teeth is sized and shaped to fit within one of the inner link
`
`spaces; and
`
`wherein each of the first group of teeth fills at least 75 percent of an axial distance defmed by the
`
`outer [ink spaces;_a_n_d
`
`
`wherein said chainrinu is configured to guide and maintain said drive chain thereon.
`
`59.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 58, wherein the chainring is a solitary
`
`chai nrio g.
`
`60. (Canceled)
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`PAGE 500 OF 1056
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`Serial No. 13/31 1.735
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`61.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainting of claim 58, wherein each of the first group of teeth
`
`fills at least 80 percent of an axial distance defined by the outer link spaces.
`
`62.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 58, wherein each of the first group of teeth
`
`fills at least 85 percent of an axial distance defined by the outer link spaces.
`
`63. (Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 58, wherein each of the first group of teeth is
`
`wider than the inner link spaces.
`
`64.
`
`(Twice Amended) A bicycle chainring of a bicycle crankset for engagement with a drive chain,
`
`comprising:
`
`a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chainring;
`
`the plurality of teeth including a first group of teeth and a second group of teeth, each of the first
`
`group of teeth wider than each of the second group of teeth; and
`
`at least some of the second group of teeth arranged alternatingly and adiacently between the first
`
`group of teeth;
`
`wherein the drive chain is a roller drive chain including alternating outer and inner chain links
`
`defining outer and inner link spaces. respectively;
`
`wherein each of the first group of teeth. is sized and shaped to fit within one of the outer link
`
`spaces and each of the second group of teeth is sized and shaped to fit within one of the inner link
`
`spaces;
`
`wherein each of the plurality of teeth includes an outboard side and an inboard side opposite the
`
`outboard side and one of the inboard and outboard sides of each of the second group of teeth includes a
`
`link-receiving recess formed in the ehainrin g; and
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`Serial No. 13/311,735
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`wherein each link-receiving recess is defined by a circumferentially-extending base Surface that
`
`extends to a top [and of each of the first group of teeth and by a radially-extending wall that extends to a
`
`top land of each of the second group ofteeth'. and
`
`wherein said chajnring is configured to guide and maintain said drive chain thereon.
`
`65.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 64, wherein each base surface of each link-
`
`receiving recess is generally U—shaped.
`
`66.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 64, wherein each link-receiving recess
`
`extends from a front flank of a first tooth of the first group of teeth to a rear flank of a second tooth of
`
`the first group of teeth, and wherein the first tooth and the second tooth are adjacent ones of the first
`
`group of teeth in a drive direction.
`
`67.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 64, wherein each of the first group of teeth
`
`includes a first protrusion On one of the outboard side and the inboard side thereof, the link-receiving
`
`recess defined at least in part by the first protrusion.
`
`68. (Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring ofclaim 67'? wherein the first protrusions fit within the
`
`outer link spaces.
`
`69.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim. 67, wherein each of the first protrusions is
`
`formed as a single—piece construction with a respective one ofthe first group of teeth.
`
`PAGE 502 OF 1056
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`PAGE 502 OF 1056
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`Serial No. 138] L735
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`70. (Previously Presented) ‘l'he bicycle chainring ot‘claim 67, wherein each of the second group of teeth
`
`is arranged alternatingly and adj aceutly between each of the first group of teeth.
`
`71.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 64, wherein the circumferentially-extending
`
`base surface and the radially-extending wall are generally smooth.
`
`72. {Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 64, wherein each ofthe first group ofteeth
`
`fills at least 75 percent of an axial distance defined by the outer link spaces.
`
`73.
`
`(Twice Amended) The bicycle chainring of claim 67, wherein each of the first group of teeth
`
`includes a second protrusion on the other of the outboard side and the inboard side; and
`
`wherein the first protrusions each have a first width and the second protrusions each have a
`
`second width.
`
`74‘
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 73, wherein each of the first group of teeth
`
`fills at least 75 percent of an axial distance defined by the outer link spaces.
`
`75. (Canceled)
`
`76.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring ot‘ claim 64, wherein the chainring is a solitary
`
`chainring.
`
`77. — 79. (Canceled)
`
`30. (Withdrawn)
`
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`Serial No. 13/311,735
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`8].
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 73, wherein each of the first group of teeth
`
`have a cross-shaped cross section adjacent a top [end thereof.
`
`82. (Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring ot'claim 31, wherein each of the second group of teeth
`
`have a rectangular-shaped cross section adjacent a top land thereof.
`
`83. (Canceled)
`
`84.
`
`(Twice Amended) A bicycle chainring of a bicycle crankset for engagement with a drive chain,
`
`comprising:
`
`a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chainring;
`
`the plurality of teeth including a first group of teeth and a second group of teeth, each of the first
`
`group of teeth wider than each of the second group of teeth; and
`
`at least some of the second group of teeth arranged alternatingly and adjacently between the first
`
`group of teeth;
`
`wherein each of the plurality of teeth includes an outboard side and an inboard side opposite the
`
`outboard side and each of the first group of teeth includes at least a first protrusion on one of the
`
`outboard side and the inboard side;
`
`wherein each ofthe first group of teeth and each. of the second group of teeth includes a front
`
`flank;
`
`wherein the front flank includes a contact zone where a roller of the chain contacts the front
`
`Flank; and
`
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`Serial No. 13/3l [.735
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`wherein the front flank includes a protruding tip portion configured to guide the chain and that
`
`protrudes at an angle forward from the contact zone for the front flank; and
`
`wherein said chainring is configured to guide and maintain said drive chain thereon.
`
`85.
`
`(Twice Amended) The bicycle chainring of claim 84, wherein each of the first group of teeth and
`
`each of the second group o_f teeth includes a rear flank, and wherein the rear flank includes a hook
`
`portion configured to guide the chain.
`
`86.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 84, wherein each of the first group of teeth
`
`includes a radially outer chamfer having a first extent along substantially all of the upper portion of the
`
`outboard side of each tooth.
`
`87. (Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 86, wherein each of the second group of teeth
`
`includes a radially outer chamfcr having a second extent along substantially all of the upper portion of
`
`the outboard side of each tooth.
`
`88.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 87, wherein the first extent is lesser than the
`
`second extent.
`
`39,
`
`(Twice Amended) A bicycle chainring of a bicycle crankset for engagement with a drive chain.
`
`comprising:
`
`a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chainring;
`
`the plurality of teeth including a first group of teeth and a second group of teeth, each of the first
`
`group of teeth wider than each of the second group of teeth; and
`
`7
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`PAGE 505 OF 1056
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`PAGE 505 OF 1056
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`Serial No. [381 L735
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`at least some of the second group of teeth arranged alternatingly and adjacently between the first
`
`group of teeth;
`
`wherein each of the first group of teeth and each of the second group o_f teeth includes a front
`
`flank and a rear Flank;
`
`wherein the front flank of each tooth includes a contact zone where a roller of the chain contacts
`
`the front flank; and
`
`wherein the front flank ofeach tooth includes a protruding lip portion that protrudes at an angle
`
`forward from the contact zone for the front flank; and
`
`wherein said chainring is confi ggred to guide and maintain said drive chain thereon.
`
`90.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 89, wherein the rear flank of each tooth
`
`includes a hook portion.
`
`91.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 90, wherein the hook portion includes a
`
`generally radially-oriented portion.
`
`92.
`
`(Previously Presented} The bicycle chainring of claim 91, wherein the protruding tip portion and an
`
`adjacent tooth hook portion cooperate to guide the drive chain.
`
`93.
`
`(Twice Amended) A bicycle chainring of a. bicycle crankset for engagement with a drive chain,
`
`comprising:
`
`a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chainring;
`
`the plurality of teeth including a first group of teeth and a second group of teeth. each of the first
`
`group of teeth wider than each of the second group of teeth; and
`
`8
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`PAGE 506 OF 1056
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`Serial No. 13/311735
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`at least some of the second group of teeth arranged alternatingly and adjacently between the first
`
`group of teeth;
`
`wherein each of the plurality of teeth includes an outboard side and an inboard side opposite the
`
`outboard side and one of the inboard and outboard sides ot‘ each of the second group of teeth includes a
`
`link—receiving recess; and
`
`wherein each link-receiving recess is defined by a circumferentially-extending base surface that
`
`extends to a top land of each of the first group of teeth and by a radially-extending wall that extends to a
`
`top land of each of the second group of teeth; and
`
`
`wherein said chainring is configured to guide and maintain said drive chain thereon.
`
`94.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein each link—receiving recess
`
`extends from a front flank of a first tooth of the first group of teeth to a rear flank of a second tooth of
`
`the first group of teeth, wherein the first tooth and the second tooth are adjacent ones of the first group
`
`of teeth in a drive direction.
`
`95.
`
`(Twice Amended) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein each of the first group of teeth
`
`includes a first protrusion on the outboard side and a second protrusion on the inboard side, one of the
`
`first and second protrusions defined at least in part by the link-receiving recess.
`
`96.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring ofclaim 95. wherein each ol’ the first protrusions and
`
`each of the second protrusions is formed as a single-piece construction with a respective one of the first
`
`group of teeth.
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`PAGE 507 OF 1056
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`PAGE 507 OF 1056
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`Serial No. 13/31 [335
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`97. (Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 95. wherein each of the second group of teeth
`
`is arranged alternatingly and adjacently between each of the first group of teeth.
`
`98.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 95, wherein the first protrusion has a first
`
`width and the second protrusion has a second width. wherein the first width is equal to the second width.
`
`‘99. (Withdrawn)
`
`100.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle ehainring of claim 93, wherein each of the first group of teeth
`
`has a cross-shaped cross section adjacent a top land thereof.
`
`101.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein each of the second group of
`
`teeth has a rectangular-shaped cross section adjacent a top land thereof.
`
`102.
`
`(Twice Amended) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein each of the first group of teeth and
`
`the second group o_f teeth includes a front flank, and wherein the front flank includes a protruding tip
`
`portion configured to guide the chain.
`
`103.
`
`(Twice Amended) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein each of the first group of teeth and
`
`the second group of teeth includeg a rear flank, and wherein the rear Hank includes a hook portion
`
`configured to guide the chain.
`
`10
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`PAGE 508 OF 1056
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`Serial No. ”(311.735
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`104.
`
`(Twice Amended) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein each of the first group of teeth and
`
`the second group of teeth includes a from flank and a rear flank, wherein the front flank of each tooth
`
`includes a protruding tip portion.
`
`105.
`
`(Previously Presented) 'l’he bicycle chainring of claim 104. wherein the rear flank of each tooth
`
`includes a hook portion.
`
`[06.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim [05, wherein the hook portion includes a
`
`generally radially-oriented portion.
`
`107.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 105, wherein the protruding tip portion and
`
`an adjacent one of the hook portions cooperate to guide the chain.
`
`108.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein each of the first group of teeth
`
`includes a radially outer chamfer having a first extent along substantially all of the upper portion of the
`
`outboard side of each tooth.
`
`109.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein each of the second group of
`
`teeth includes a radially outer chamfer having a second extent along a first extent along substantially all
`
`of the upper portion of the outboard side of each tooth.
`
`l 10. (Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein the first extent is lesser than the
`
`second extent.
`
`ll
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`PAGE 509 OF 1056
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`PAGE 509 OF 1056
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`Serial No. [331 L735
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`111.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring 01" claim 93, wherein the link—receiving recess is
`
`formed by a circmnfcrcntially~extending base surface and a radially-extending wall.
`
`112.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein the drive chain is a roller drive
`
`chain including alternating outer and inner chain links defining outer and inner link spaces, respectively;
`
`and wherein each of the first group of teeth fills at least 75 percent of an axial distance defined by the
`
`outer link spaces.
`
`113.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein the chainring is a solitary
`
`chainring.
`
`114. (Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 93, wherein the circumferential]y-extending
`
`base surface and the radially-extending wall are generally smooth.
`
`115.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 84, wherein the drive chain is a roller drive
`
`chain including alternating outer and inner chain links defining outer and inner link spaces, respectively;
`
`and wherein the each of the first group of teeth fills at least 75 percent of an axial distance defined by
`
`the outer link spaces.
`
`1 16.
`
`(Twice Amended) The bicycle chainring ot‘claim 843 wherein eithe—fisst—the chainring is a solitary
`
`chainring.
`
`11?.
`
`(Previously Presented) The. bicycle chainring of claim 89. wherein the drive chain is a roller drive
`
`chain including alternating outer and inner chain links defining outer and inner link spaces, respectively;
`
`12
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`PAGE 510 OF 1056
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`Serial No. 13f3| L735
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`and wherein each of the first group of teeth fills at least '75 percent of an axial distance defined by the
`
`outer link spaces.
`
`118.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 89, wherein the chainring is a solitary
`
`chainring.
`
`l 19. — 12L (Canceled)
`
`122. (Twice Amended) A bicycle drivetrain comprising:
`
`a roller drive chain including alternating outer and inner chain links defining outer and inner link
`
`spaces, respectively; and
`
`a bicycle chainring including:
`
`a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chainring;
`
`the plurality of teeth including a first group of teeth and a second group of teeth;
`
`each of the first group of teeth wider than each of the second group of teeth; and
`
`at least some of the second group of teeth arranged alternatingly and adjacently between
`
`the first group of teeth;
`
`wherein each of the first group 01‘ teeth is sized and shaped to fit within one of the outer
`
`link spaces, and each of the second group of teeth is sized and shaped to fit within one of the
`
`inner link spaces;
`
`wherein each of the plurality of teeth includes an Outboard side and an inboard side
`
`opposite the outboard side and one of the inboard and outboard sides of each of the second group
`
`of teeth includes a link—receiving recess; and
`
`13
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`PAGE 511 OF 1056
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`PAGE 511 OF 1056
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`Serial No. 13311335
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`wherein each link-receiving recess is defined by a circumferentially—extending base
`
`surface that extends to a top land of each of the first group of teeth and by a radially—extending
`
`wall that extends to atop land of each of the second group of teeth: and
`
`wherein said chainring is configured to guide and maintain said drive chain thereon
`
`123. (Previously Presented) The bicycle drivetrain of claim 122, wherein each base surface of each link-
`
`receiving recess is generally U-shaped.
`
`124.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle drivetrain of claim 122, wherein each link—receiving recess
`
`extends from a front flank of a first tooth of the first group of teeth to a rear flank of a second tooth of
`
`the first group of teeth, wherein the first tooth and the second tooth are adjacent ones of the first group
`
`of teeth in a drive direction.
`
`125. (Previously Presented) The bicycle drivetrain of claim 1222 each of the first group of teeth includes
`
`a first protrusion on one of the outboard side and the inboard side thereof, the link-receiving recess
`
`defined at least in part by the first protrusion.
`
`126. (Previously Presented) The bicycle drivetrain of claim 125, wherein the first protrusions fit within
`
`the outer link spaces.
`
`127.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle drivetrain ofclaim 125, wherein each of the first protrusions is
`
`formed as a single—piece construction with a respective one of the first group of teeth.
`
`14
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`Serial No. 13/311,735
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`l28.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle drivetrain of claim 125, wherein each of the second group of
`
`teeth is arranged alternatingly and adjacently between each of the first group of teeth.
`
`l29. (Previously Presented) The bicycle clrivetrain of claim 122, wherein the drivetrain includes a
`
`solitary bicycle chainring.
`
`130. (Previously Presented) The bicycle drivettain ol'claim 122, wherein. each of" the first group of teeth
`
`fills at least 75 percent of an axial distance defined by the outer link spaces.
`
`13].
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle drivetrain of claim 122, wherein the circumferentially-
`
`extending base surface and the radially-extending wall are generally smooth.
`
`132. ~ 140. (Canceled)
`
`14]. (Twice Amended) A bicycle chainring, for engagement with a roller drive chain having alternating
`
`outer and inner chain links defining outer and inner link Spaces, respectively, the chainring comprising:
`
`a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chajnring;
`
`the plurality oi" teeth including a pair of first teeth Spaced apart by an adjoining second tooth to
`
`form an arrangement thereof;
`
`wherein the first teeth fit within the outer link spaces and the second tooth fits within the inner
`
`link spaces; and
`
`wherein the first teeth are wider than the inner link spaces;
`
`15
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`PAGE 513 OF 1056
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`Serial No. 13/311,735
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`wherein each of the plurality of teeth includes an outboard side and an inboard side opposite the
`
`outboard side and one of the inboard and outboard sides of the second tooth includes a link—receiving
`
`recess; and
`
`wherein each link-receiving recess is defined by a circuinferentially-extending and generally
`
`smooth base surface that extends to a top land of each of the first teeth and by a radially-extending and
`
`generally smooth wall that extends to atop land of each of the second teethgfld
`
`wherein said chainring is configured to guide and maintain said drive chain thereon.
`
`142.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 141, wherein the plurality of teeth number
`
`20 or more teeth.
`
`143.
`
`(Twice Amended) The bicycle chainring of claim 142, wherein each of the plurality of first teeth
`
`includes an outboard side and an inboard side opposite the outboard side and each of the first teeth
`
`includes at least a first protrusion on one of the outboard side and the inboard side.
`
`144.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 143, wherein the first protrusions fit within
`
`the outer link spaces.
`
`[45.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring ofclaim 143, wherein each oftlie first protrusions is
`
`formed as a single-piece construction with a respective one of the first teeth,
`
`146. (Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 14], wherein each. of the plurality of first
`
`teeth .tilis at least 75 percent of an axial distance defined by the outer link spaces.
`
`16
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`PAGE 514 OF 1056
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`Serial No.
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`lLi/3l '335
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`14?. (Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 14], wherein the chainring is a solitary
`
`chainring.
`
`148.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 141, wherein the circumferentially-
`
`extending base surface and the radially-extending wall are generally smooth.
`
`149.
`
`(Twice Amended) A bicycle chainring, for engagement with a roller drive chain having
`
`alternating outer and inner chain links defining outer and inner link spaces, respectively, the chainring
`
`comprising:
`
`a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chainring;
`
`each of the plurality of teeth has a cross-shaped cross section adjacent a top land thereof and a cross
`
`Shaped cross section adjacent a base thereof; and
`
`each of the plurality of teeth is sized and shaped to fit within one of the outer link spaces; ml
`
`wherein said chainring is configured to guide and maintain said drive chain thereon.
`
`150.
`
`1' Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 149, wherein each of the plurality of teeth is
`
`wider than the inner link spaces.
`
`151.
`
`(_ Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim [50: wherein adjacent ones ol‘thc plurality
`
`of teeth are sized and shaped to lit within adjacent outer links spaces.
`
`152.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 15], wherein the plurality of teeth number
`
`20 or more teeth.
`
`17
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`PAGE 515 OF 1056
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`Serial No. 13/31 [.735
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`153.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainriug of claim 152, wherein the plurality of teeth consist of
`
`an even number.
`
`154.
`
`(Twice Amended) The bicycle chainriug of claim 153, wherein each of the plurality of teeth
`
`includes an outboard side and an inboard side opposite the outboard side and each of the plurality of
`
`teeth includes at least a first protrusion on one oi" the outboard side and the inboard side.
`
`155.
`
`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 154, wherein the first protrusions fit within
`
`the outer link spaces.
`
`156. (Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 154, wherein each of the first protrusions is
`
`formed as a single-piece construction with a respective one of the plurality of teeth.
`
`157.
`
`(Twice Amended) The bicycle chainring of claim 149, wherein each of the plurality of first teeth
`
`includes an outboard side and an inboard side opposite the outboard side and each of the first teeth
`
`includes at least a first protrusion on one of the outboard side and the inboard side.
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`158.
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`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring ofclaim 157, wherein the first protrusions fit within
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`the outer link spaces.
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`159.
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`(Previously Presented) The bicycle chainring of claim 157, wherein each of the first protrusions is
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`formed as a Single—piece construction with a respective one of the first teeth.
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`18
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`Serial No. Ill/Til l,735.
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`160. (Canceled)
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`16L (Previously Presented) The chainring ofclaim 149, wherein each of the plurality offirst teeth fills
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`at least 75 percent of an axial distance defined by the Outer link spaces.
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`I62. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 149, wherein the chainring is a solitary chainring.
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`163. (Withdrawn)
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`164. (Twice Amended) A solitary chainring of a bicycle front cranksct for engaging a drive chain,
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`comprising:
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`a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chaim‘ing, the plurality of teeth consisting of
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`an even number;
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`the plurality of teeth including a first group of teeth and a second group of teeth arranged
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`alternatingly between the first group of teeth;
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`wherein the first group of teeth and the second group of teeth are equal in number;
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`each of the first and second group of teeth comprising an outboard side and an inboard side
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`opposite the outboard side;
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`wherein each tooth of the first group oi'teeth comprises at least a first protrusion on the outboard
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`side thereof and each tooth of the second group of teeth are free of the first protrusions on the outboard
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`side and the inboard side; and
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`wherein the first group of teeth each have a cross-shaped cross section adjacent a top land thereof
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`and a cross-shaped cross section adjacent a base thereof; and
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`wherein said chainring is con figured to guide and maintain said drive chain thereon.
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`Serial No. 131111335
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`165. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 164, wherein the second group of teeth. each have a
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`rectangular-shaped cross section adjacent a top land thereof.
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`166. (Twice Amended) The chainring of claim 164, wherein each tooth of the first group ol’teeth and the
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`second group o_f teeth includes a front flank, and wherein the front flank includes a protruding tip portion
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`configured to guide the chain.
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`167. (Twice Amended) The chainring of claim 164, wherein each tooth of the first group of teeth and the
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`second group of teeth includes a rear flank, and wherein the rear flank includes a hook portion
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`configured to guide the chain.
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`I68. (Twice Amended) The chainring of claim 164, wherein each tooth of the first group of teeth and the
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`second group of teeth includes a front flank and a rear flank, wherein the front flank of each tooth
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`includes a protruding tip portion.
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`[69. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 168, wherein the rear flank of each tooth includes a
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`hook portion.
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`170. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 169. wherein the hook portion includes a generally
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`radially—oriented portion.
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`171. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 169, wherein the protruding, tip portion and an
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`adjacent tooth hook portiOn cooperate to guide the chain.
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`20
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`Serial No. 133] 1,735
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`[72. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 164, wherein each tooth of the first group of teeth
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`includes a radially outer chami’er having a first extent a first extent along substantially all of the upper
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`portion of the outboard side of each tooth.
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`173. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 164, wherein each tooth of the second group of teeth
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`includes a radially outer chamtfi having a second extent along a first extent along substantially all of the
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`upper portion of the outboard side of each tooth.
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`174. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim l64, wherein the first extent is lesser than the second
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`extent.
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`175. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 164, wherein each of the inboard and outboard sides
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`of each of the second group of teeth define a recess formed in the chainring.
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`176.
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`(Previously Presented) The ehainring of claim 175, wherein each recess is defined by a
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`circumferentially-extending base surface and a radially-extending wall.
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`177. (Twice Amended) A solitary chainring of a bicycle front crankset for engaging a drive chain, the
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`drive chain including interleaved inner and outer links: the ehainring comprising:
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`a plurality of teeth formed about a periphery of the chainring, the plurality of teeth consisting of
`
`an even number;
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`the plurality of teeth including a first group of teeth and a second group of teeth arranged
`
`alternatingly between the first group of teeth;
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`21
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`Serial No. l3/31 1,735
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`wherein the first group of teeth and the second group of teeth are equal in number;
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`wherein each of the first. group of teeth is sized and shaped to fit within one of the outer link
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`spaces and each of the second group of teeth is sized and shaped to fit within one of the inner link
`
`spaces;
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`each of the first and second group of teeth cornprising an outboard side and an inboard side
`
`opposite the outboard side;
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`wherein each of the outboard side and the inboard side of each of the second group of teeth
`
`defines a link-receiving recess formed in the chainring along each of the second group of teeth; and
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`wherein each link-receiving recess is defined by a circumferentially—extending base surface that
`
`extends to a top land of each of the first group of teeth and by a radially-extending wall that extends to a
`
`top land ofeach of the second group of teeth; and
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`wherein said ohainring is configgred to guide and maintain said drive chain thereon.
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`178. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 177, wherein each link-receiving recess extends
`
`from a front flank of a first tooth of the first group of teeth to a rear flank of a second tooth of the first
`
`group of teeth, wherein the first tooth and the second tooth are adjacent ones of the first group of teeth in
`
`a drive direction.
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`179. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 177, further comprising a first protrusion on the
`
`outboard side and a second protrusion on the inboard side of each of the first group of teeth. the first and.
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`second protrusions defined at least in part by the link~receiving recess.
`
`180. (Previously Presented) The chajnring of claim 17‘)“ wherein the first protrusion has a first width and
`
`the second protrusion has a second width, wherein the first width is equal to the second width»
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`22
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`Serial No. 33/31 L735
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`18]. (Withdrawal)
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`1822. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 177, wherein the first group of teeth each have. a
`
`cross-shaped cross section adjacent a top land thereof.
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`183. (Previously Presented) The chainriug 01‘ claim 177. wherein the second group oftecth each have a
`
`rectangular-shaped cross section adjacent a top land thereof.
`
`184. (Twice Amended) The chainring of claim [77, wherein each tooth of the first group of teeth and the
`
`second group o_f teeth includes a front flank, and wherein the front flank includes a protruding tip portiOn
`
`configured to guide the chain.
`
`185. (Twice Amended) The chainring of claim 17?, wherein each tooth of the first group of teeth and the
`
`second group teeth of includes a rear flank, and wherein the rear flank includes a hook portion
`
`configured to guide the chain.
`
`186. (Twice Amended) The chainring of claim 177, wherein each tooth of the first group ot‘tecth and the
`
`second group of teeth includes a front flank and a rear flank. wherein the front flank of each tooth
`
`includes a protruding tip portion.
`
`18?. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 186, wherein the rear flank of each tooth includes a
`
`hook portion.
`
`23
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`PAGE 521 OF 1056
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`PAGE 521 OF 1056
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`Serial No. 13(311,73S
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`188. (Previously Presented) The chainring of claim 187, wherein the hook portion includes a ge