Office Action 4: Ex Parte Quayle Action (2025-12-11)
Rejection types: 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
Amendments to the claims

Please replace all prior versions and listings of claims in the application with the following listing of claims:

1\. (Currently Amended) A mechanism, comprising:an arm comprising a slot, the slot comprising a straight section that is substantially paral- lel to a length of the arm and an angled section that is at an angle relative to the length of the arm, a hole disposed between an end of the slot and an end of the arm distal from the straight section, and a centre of the hole is offset from a centreline of the straight section;
a rivet pin, at least partially disposed in the slot, the slot is slidable relative to the rivet pin, and the rivet pin is engageable with the angled section; and
a pin shaft, at least partially disposed in the hole, such that the arm is rotatable about the pin shaft;
a movable element that includes a receptacle configure to receive a first portion of the pin shaft such that the pin shaft moves with the movable element, the movable element comprises a channel that is offset from the receptacle, and the rivet pin passes through the channel to be re- ceived in the fixed element;
wherein a distance between the rivet pin and the pin shaft remains constant in a direction perpendicular to a length of the \[\[slot\]\]channel in a plane defined by the \[\[arm\]\]receptacle and the channel and the rivet pin is stationary whether the arm moves or is stationary.
2\. (Original) The mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a fixed element that is config- ured to fixedly attach to a fixed frame, and to receive the rivet pin.

3\. (Cancelled)
4\. (Cancelled)
SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.110.053

i. (Currently Amended) The mechanism of claim \[\[4\]\]2, wherein the fixed element com- prises a projection that is configured to be at least partially received in the channel, and the rivet pin is received in the projection.

6\. (Currently Amended) The mechanism of claim \[\[3\]\]1, further comprising a rod, which comprises an aperture that is configured to receive the movable element.

7\. (Original) The mechanism of claim 6, wherein the rod is configured to be movably at- tached to the fixed frame.

8\. (Previously Presented) The mechanism of claim 7,further comprising a hung sash that is connected to the fixed frame by a hinge, allowing the hung sash to rotate about the hinge, wherein the rod comprises a projection;the hung sash comprises a retainer member; and
the projection and the retainer member are engageable to prevent the hung sash from ro- tating away from the fixed frame.

9\. (Original) The mechanism of claim 8, wherein a handle is disposed on the fixed frame, and the handle is operatively connected to the rod, such that a rotation of the handle causes the rod to move along the fixed frame.

10\. (Original) The mechanism of claim 9, wherein a movement of the rod comprises a first portion wherein the straight section slides about the rivet pin and causes the projection to disen- gage from the retainer member, and a second portion wherein the angled section engages the riv- et pin such that the arm rotates about the pin shaft.

11\. (Original) The mechanism of claim 10, further comprising a slider disposed at one end of the arm distal from the slot, the slider is configured to be installed on the hung sash, and the slid- er is slidable with respect to an upright of the hung sash when the arm rotates.

12\. (Original) The mechanism of claim 11, wherein when the hung sash is fully open, the arm is in a locked position.

13\. (Original) The mechanism of claim 12, wherein the arm is substantially perpendicular to a side of the fixed frame and a side of the hung sash in the locked position.

14\. (Previously Presented) The mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a cover member that comprises a groove that a head of the rivet pin is movably received therein, and a receptacle that is configured to receive a second portion of the pin shaft.

15\. (Previously Presented) The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the pin shaft comprises an enlarged portion that comprises a spheroidal surface that is received in the hole, and the hole de- fines a spheroidal inner surface, wherein the spheroidal surface and the spheroidal inner surface cooperate to allow a spheroid joint like connection.

16\. (Original) The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the angle is larger than 0 degrees and smaller than 90 degrees.

17\. (Original) The mechanism of claim 16, wherein the angle is between 20 and 70 degrees.

18\. (Original) The mechanism of claim 17, wherein the angle is 45 degrees.

19\. (Original) A covering for an opening in a building, the covering comprising the mecha- nism of claim 1.

20\. (Original) The covering of claim 19, wherein the covering is a window or a door.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
This Office Action is in response to the claims filed on 09/20/2025.
Claims 1-2 and 5-20 are currently pending and have been examined below. Claims 3-4 have been cancelled.
Quayle Action
This application is in condition for allowance except for the following formal matters:
Claim Objections
Claims 1 and 2 are objected to because of the following informalities:
In line 10 of claim 1, “configure to receive” should read -- configured to receive --.
In line 13 of claim 1, “the fixed element” should read --a fixed element--.
In line 1 of claim 2, “further comprising a fixed element that is” should read --wherein the fixed element is--
Appropriate correction is required. Above provides non-limiting examples, the applicant(s) must find and correct all issues similar to those discussed above.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
Applicant’s amendments directed to the new matter issues in the previous Office Action have been considered and the rejection was withdrawn.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-2 and 5-20 are allowed.
As allowable subject matter has been indicated, applicant's reply must either comply with all formal requirements or specifically traverse each requirement not complied with.  See 37 CFR 1.111(b) and MPEP § 707.07(a).
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: the prior art Schmock (EP 2116680) seems to disclose most of the limitations of claim 1.
However, claim 1 was amended to recite:
(i) “a movable element that includes a receptacle configure to receive a first portion of the pin shaft such that the pin shaft moves with the movable element, the movable element comprises a channel that is offset from the receptacle”; and
(ii) “the rivet pin passes through the channel to be received in the fixed element”.
Regarding (i), Schmock does disclose a movable element (4) with a receptacle (part of 2 that receives the pin shaft 21), however it does not have a channel that is offset from the receptacle. Interpreting part 2 as the movable element as it has a receptacle and a channel (17) would be unreasonable because Schmock discloses element 2 as fixed to the frame 39 (see page 7 of Schmock below) also the receptacle would not be offset to the channel as shown in figures 2-3.
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page 7 of Schmock
Regarding (ii), the interpreted rivet pin 26 is fixed to the fixed element 2, but fails to pass through a channel. Examiner notes that interpreting the rivet pin as other pins (e.g., 14 or 28) would be unreasonable as claim 1 requires the rivet pin to be stationary (see lines 12-13 of claim 1).
Additionally, examiner also considered interpreting the rivet pin as part 21 such that it passes through the channel 17 to be received in the fixed element 4, however ultimately decided that this interpretation was unreasonable as part 4 is not fixed nor does pin 21 is stationary.
Therefore, examiner has concluded that the mechanism of Schmock has a completely different arrangement/design than applicant’s invention such that Schmock fails to meet all limitations required by claim 1.
Independent claim 19 recites a covering which incorporates the mechanism of claim 1 as such the prior art also fails to meet the limitations of claim 19 for the same reasons above.
Examiner also cites Pacini (US 9518416) and Balbo Di Vinadio (US 9512658) for having similar constructions as the covering of applicant’s invention. However, both prior art do not disclose an arm with a slot.
Further modifications such that any of the prior art mentioned above meets the claim limitations would require hindsight and/or a piece-meal rejection such that examiner finds them unreasonable to apply.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion
Prosecution on the merits is closed in accordance with the practice under Ex parte Quayle, 25 USPQ 74, 453 O.G. 213, (Comm’r Pat. 1935).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this action is set to expire TWO (2) MONTHS from the mailing date of this letter. Extensions of time may be granted under  37 CFR 1.136 but in no case can any extension carry the date for reply to this Office action beyond the maximum period of SIX MONTHS set by statute (35 U.S.C. 133).

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS

Applicant thanks the Examiner for reviewing the application. These remarks are filed in response to the Quayle Action of December 11, 2025, which indi- cates that claims 1-2 and 5-20 are allowable. A response to the Quayle Action is due by Feb. 11, 2026. Accordingly, the Applicants re- spectfully submit that no extension of time fees fall due in connection with the filing of this paper. If the Applicant is incorrect, the Commissioner is hereby authorized to deduct any necessary fees from our Deposit Account No. 604391.

Claim Status

Claims 1-2 and 5-20 are currently pending. Claim 1 is an independent claim, and claims 5-18 depend, directly or indirectly, from claim

1.

Claim 19 is an independent claim. Claim 20 depends from claim 20. Claims 1, 2, and 6 have been amended.

Claim Objections

The Action indicates that claims 1-2 and 5-20 are allowed, but there are certain informalities.

Claim 1 has been amended to add "d" after "configure", and to replace "the" with "a" before "fixed element" in line 10.

Claim 2 has been amended to replace "further comprising" with "wherein the" before "fixed element", to delete "that" after "fixed element".

Claim 2 has also been amended to delete "and to receive the rivet pin" because claim 1 al- ready recites, inter alia, "the rivet pin ... to be received in a fixed element".

Claim 6 has been amended to depend from claim 2 such that "the fixed element" in claim 7, which depends from claim 6, finds antecedent in the "fixed element" in claim 2.

No substantive changes have been made that would affect the patentability of the claims.

It is believed that the Applicant's remarks with respect to the objections contained in the Quayle Action are sufficient to address the rejections. It is respectfully submitted that the Applicant's silence with respect to any parts of the Office Action does not constitute an ad- mission by the Applicant to the correctness of such parts and hereby reserve the right to ana- lyze and dispute such parts in the future in this application, related applications and other- wise as needed.

Favorable reconsideration and allowance of this application are respectfully requested. If the Examiner believes that additional amendments to the claims may be required to secure al- lowance of this application; the Examiner is invited to phone the undersigned at the below- noted number to facilitate the prosecution of subject application.

Respectfully submitted,

/Lei Gao/

Lei Gao, Reg. #79042

Date: January 12, 2026

Customer No. 17178418 King St E, Suite 1400 Toronto, ON M5C 1C4 Canada

Phone: 6478589050


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US12421778B2: Claims:
An electrical linkage assembly for a window sash mounted in a window frame, the electrical linkage assembly comprising: a frame mount comprising: a housing configured to couple to the window frame and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein an elongated opening extending along the longitudinal axis is defined by the housing, and wherein the housing includes one or more stop projections; a track disposed at least partially within the housing proximate the elongated opening, the track slidable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis; a sash mount configured to couple to the window sash and defining an interior cavity; a first link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the track of the frame mount forming a first pivot joint and a second end, wherein the one or more stop projections extend into a path of travel of the first link arm to define a pivot stop; a second link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the first link arm forming a second pivot joint and a second end pivotably coupled to the sash mount forming a third pivot joint; and one or more electrical wires extending from the frame mount, through the first and second link arms and each of the first, second, third pivot joints, fully enclosed therein, and out of the interior cavity of the sash mount.
a frame mount comprising: a housing configured to couple to the window frame and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein an elongated opening extending along the longitudinal axis is defined by the housing, and wherein the housing includes one or more stop projections; a track disposed at least partially within the housing proximate the elongated opening, the track slidable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis;
a housing configured to couple to the window frame and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein an elongated opening extending along the longitudinal axis is defined by the housing, and wherein the housing includes one or more stop projections;
a track disposed at least partially within the housing proximate the elongated opening, the track slidable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis;
a sash mount configured to couple to the window sash and defining an interior cavity;
a first link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the track of the frame mount forming a first pivot joint and a second end, wherein the one or more stop projections extend into a path of travel of the first link arm to define a pivot stop;
a second link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the first link arm forming a second pivot joint and a second end pivotably coupled to the sash mount forming a third pivot joint; and
one or more electrical wires extending from the frame mount, through the first and second link arms and each of the first, second, third pivot joints, fully enclosed therein, and out of the interior cavity of the sash mount.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the first, second, and third pivot joints include a hollow cylindrical protrusion received at least partially within an aperture and forming a hollow path therein for the one or more electrical wires.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 2 , wherein a distal end of each of the hollow cylindrical protrusions defines a flange that snap-fits to the aperture and is freely rotatably around a pivot axis.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the first, second, and third pivot joints are parallel to each other.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first pivot joint is slidable relative to the housing.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a connector terminating one or more ends of the one or more electrical wires.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first link arm has a different length than the second link arm.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first link arm is disposed on a different horizontal plane than the second link arm.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 1 , wherein the housing defines at least one cable cradle for the one or more electrical wires.
An electrical linkage assembly comprising: a frame mount comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis, wherein an elongated opening is defined within the housing and elongated along the longitudinal axis; and a slider disposed at least partially within the housing and slidable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis, the slider having a boss received at least partially within the elongated opening of the housing such that longitudinal sliding movement of the slider is bounded by the housing; a sash mount; a first link arm having a first end and an opposite second end; and a second link arm having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first link arm is pivotably connected between the boss of the slider and the second link arm, and the second link arm is pivotably connected between the first link arm and the sash mount, such that an open path is formed from the frame mount to the sash mount, through the first and second link arms, and configured to receive at least one electrical wire, and wherein each pivot connection is formed from a hollow cylindrical protrusion received at least partially within an aperture and defining a pivot axis.
a frame mount comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis, wherein an elongated opening is defined within the housing and elongated along the longitudinal axis; and a slider disposed at least partially within the housing and slidable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis, the slider having a boss received at least partially within the elongated opening of the housing such that longitudinal sliding movement of the slider is bounded by the housing;
a housing defining a longitudinal axis, wherein an elongated opening is defined within the housing and elongated along the longitudinal axis; and
a slider disposed at least partially within the housing and slidable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis, the slider having a boss received at least partially within the elongated opening of the housing such that longitudinal sliding movement of the slider is bounded by the housing;
a first link arm having a first end and an opposite second end; and
a second link arm having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the first link arm is pivotably connected between the boss of the slider and the second link arm, and the second link arm is pivotably connected between the first link arm and the sash mount, such that an open path is formed from the frame mount to the sash mount, through the first and second link arms, and configured to receive at least one electrical wire, and wherein each pivot connection is formed from a hollow cylindrical protrusion received at least partially within an aperture and defining a pivot axis.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 10 , wherein each pivot connection is freely rotatable around the pivot axis.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 10 , wherein each pivot connection is reinforced with a spool extending along the pivot axis.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 10 , wherein the first and second ends of the first link arm include first end caps coupled to a first link arm body and the first and second ends of the second link arm include second end caps coupled to a second link arm body, the first and second end caps having one of the hollow cylindrical protrusion and the aperture.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 13 , wherein the first end caps are different than the second end caps.
The electrical linkage assembly of claim 13 , wherein the first and second link arm bodies have two separate channels defined therein.
A window assembly comprising: a window frame; a window sash pivotably and translatably mounted to the window frame; and an electrical linkage assembly coupled between the window frame and the window sash for running one or more electrical cables between the window frame and the window sash, the electrical linkage assembly comprising: a frame mount comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis and fixed to the window frame with one or more fasteners, wherein the housing defines a recess; and a slider slidably disposed at least partially within the recess of the housing and captured between the housing and the window frame, wherein the slider is slidable along the longitudinal axis within the recess; a sash mount; a first link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the slider of the frame mount forming a first pivot joint and a second end, the first pivot joint moveable along the longitudinal axis; and a second link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the first link arm forming a second pivot joint and a second end pivotably coupled to the sash mount forming a third pivot joint.
a window sash pivotably and translatably mounted to the window frame; and
an electrical linkage assembly coupled between the window frame and the window sash for running one or more electrical cables between the window frame and the window sash, the electrical linkage assembly comprising: a frame mount comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis and fixed to the window frame with one or more fasteners, wherein the housing defines a recess; and a slider slidably disposed at least partially within the recess of the housing and captured between the housing and the window frame, wherein the slider is slidable along the longitudinal axis within the recess; a sash mount; a first link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the slider of the frame mount forming a first pivot joint and a second end, the first pivot joint moveable along the longitudinal axis; and a second link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the first link arm forming a second pivot joint and a second end pivotably coupled to the sash mount forming a third pivot joint.
a frame mount comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis and fixed to the window frame with one or more fasteners, wherein the housing defines a recess; and a slider slidably disposed at least partially within the recess of the housing and captured between the housing and the window frame, wherein the slider is slidable along the longitudinal axis within the recess;
a housing defining a longitudinal axis and fixed to the window frame with one or more fasteners, wherein the housing defines a recess; and
a slider slidably disposed at least partially within the recess of the housing and captured between the housing and the window frame, wherein the slider is slidable along the longitudinal axis within the recess;
a first link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the slider of the frame mount forming a first pivot joint and a second end, the first pivot joint moveable along the longitudinal axis; and
a second link arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the first link arm forming a second pivot joint and a second end pivotably coupled to the sash mount forming a third pivot joint.
The window assembly of claim 16 , wherein the electrical linkage assembly further comprises a side jamb mount discrete from the frame mount and configured to receive at least a portion of the one or more electrical cables.
The window assembly of claim 16 , wherein the housing includes one or more stop projections extending into a path of travel of the first link arm to define a pivot stop for the first pivot joint.
The window assembly of claim 16 , wherein the frame mount is disposed above the first link arm and the sash mount is disposed below the second link arm.
Ref CN119411898A: Claims:
A flat-sliding window hardware system with locking function, comprising:
The horizontal pushing hinge is connected between the window sash and the window frame;
the horizontal pushing driving mechanism is arranged on the window frame and is used for providing acting force for driving the window sash to open or close;
One end of the transmission mechanism is connected with the output end of the horizontal pushing driving mechanism, and the other end of the transmission mechanism is connected with the window sash and used for opening or closing the window sash;
the locking mechanism comprises a first locking component and a second locking component, the first locking component is connected to the output end of the flat-pushing driving mechanism and located in the window frame, and the second locking component is arranged on the window sash.
The locking function of claim 1, wherein the horizontal pushing drive mechanism comprises:
The first transmission box is used for generating driving acting force electrically or manually;
the second transmission box is in transmission connection with the first transmission box through a driving rod, the second transmission box is provided with a connecting piece, and the transmission mechanism and the first locking component are respectively connected with the connecting piece.
The hardware system of the sliding window with the locking function according to claim 2, wherein the sliding driving mechanism further comprises a corner device, the first transmission box is arranged at the bottom edge of the window frame, the second transmission box is arranged at the two side edges of the window frame, the corner device is arranged at the corner position of the window frame, and the first transmission box is connected with the corner device and the second transmission box is connected with the corner device through driving rods.
The flat-sliding window hardware system with locking function according to claim 1, the transmission mechanism is characterized by comprising:
the transmission shell is connected with the output end of the horizontal pushing driving mechanism and is arranged in the window frame;
The horizontal pushing rocker arm is rotatably connected with the transmission shell at one end and used for opening or closing the window sashes;
the horizontal pushing installation seat is connected with the window sashes in a sliding manner, and the other end of the horizontal pushing rocker arm is rotatably connected with the horizontal pushing installation seat.
The flat-sliding window hardware system with locking function according to claim 4, the transmission case is characterized in that the transmission case comprises:
the transmission base is fixed on the window frame and internally provided with a sliding groove;
the first transmission rod slides in the sliding groove, and the end part of the first transmission rod is connected with the output end of the flat push driving mechanism.
The locking function of claim 5, wherein the transmission mechanism further comprises a first rotation shaft and a second rotation shaft, one end of the sliding rocker is provided with a rotation through hole and an arc-shaped driving groove, the first rotation shaft penetrates through the rotation through hole and is connected to the first transmission rod, and the second rotation shaft penetrates through the arc-shaped driving groove and is connected to the transmission base.
The sliding window hardware system with locking function of claim 1, wherein the first locking assembly is a lock point assembly and the second locking assembly is a lock base.
The locking function of claim 7, wherein the lock point assembly comprises a lock point structure and a second transmission rod, the lock point structure is fixed on the second transmission rod, and an end of the second transmission rod is connected with an output end of the horizontal pushing driving mechanism.
The flat-sliding window hardware system with a locking function according to claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises an angle driver, the bottom edge and the two side edges of the window frame are respectively provided with the locking point structure, the bottom edge and the two side edges of the window sash are respectively provided with the locking seat, and two ends of the second transmission rod are respectively connected with the locking point structure and the angle driver.
The flat-sliding window hardware system with the locking function according to claim 2, wherein the first transmission box is of a hand-operated structure, the second transmission box comprises a transmission box body and a spiral transmission rod, the spiral transmission rod is provided with external threads, the connecting piece is provided with internal threads matched with the external threads, and the connecting piece extends out of the transmission box body.
Ref GB2559782A: Claims:
An espagnolette, comprising:
an elongate guide housing defining a channel having a length dimension; a drive arrangement coupled to the elongate guide housing; a first elongate member, extending along the channel in the length dimension from the drive arrangement, and supporting at least a first bolt; and a second elongate member supporting at least a second bolt, wherein the second elongate member extends along the channel in the length dimension from the drive arrangement beyond the first bolt, such that the first bolt is positioned between the drive arrangement and the second bolt in the length dimension; wherein:
the drive arrangement is configured to simultaneously drive the first elongate member along the channel in a first direction and the second elongate member along the channel in a second direction.
The espagnolette of claim 1, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite to the first direction.
The espagnolette of claim 2, wherein the first direction and the second direction are aligned with the length dimension.
The espagnolette of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first bolt and the second bolt are substantially aligned in a second dimension defined by a width of the channel.
The espagnolette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first elongate member comprises a bolt support for supporting the first bolt, and the second elongate member comprises a recess for accommodating the bolt support.
The espagnolette of claim 5, wherein the recess is longer in the length dimension than the bolt support to enable movement of the bolt support in the recess.
The espagnolette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first bolt is attached to the first elongate member through a slot in the elongate guide housing.
The espagnolette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the second bolt is attached to the second elongate member through a slot in the elongate guide housing.
The espagnolette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive
arrangement is configured to simultaneously drive the first elongate member along the channel in the second direction and the second elongate member along the channel in the first direction.
The espagnolette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate guide
housing comprises channel walls and channel lips which define the channel and retain the first and second elongate members in the channel.
The espagnolette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate guide housing has a C-shaped cross-section.
The espagnolette of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first elongate member extends along the channel beyond the second bolt and supports a third bolt, wherein the second bolt is positioned between the first bolt and the third bolt in the length dimension.
The espagnolette of claim 12, wherein the second elongate member comprises a bolt support for supporting the second bolt, and the first elongate member comprises a recess for accommodating the bolt support.
The espagnolette of claim 13, wherein the recess is longer in the length dimension than the bolt support to enable movement of the bolt support in the recess.
housing comprises one or more countersunk apertures for mounting the espagnolette to a door or a window using one or more fasteners.
The espagnolette of cl
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