DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
Claims 1-10 have been amended. Claims 11-20 have been added. Therefore, claims 1-20 remain pending in the application. Applicant’s amendments to the Specification and Claims have overcome each and every objection and 112(b) rejection previously set forth in the Non-Final Office Action mailed December 23, 2025.
Claim Objections
Claims 1-3 are objected to because of the following informalities:
In claim 1, lines 8 and 10, “the axis” should read “the vertical axis”
In claim 3, lines 3 and 7, “the axis” should read “the vertical axis”
In claim 4, line 2, “the axis” should read “the vertical axis”
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 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 –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Li et al. (US20200096028A1), hereinafter "Li".
Regarding claim 1, Li teaches a compensation nut assembly (Fig 1, fastener 100) for securing two components together (Fig 7, panels 701, 702), the compensation nut assembly (100) comprising:
a first nut (Fig 2, nut 101) comprising a first (see Fig 2, Examiner notes an end of nut 101 adjacent opening 238 as comprising a first) and second end (see Fig 2, Examiner notes an end of a reduced diameter section of nut 101 having bump 217 and distal from opening 238 as a second end) with a limiting tab (Fig 2, bump 217) extending (see Fig 2) from an outer surface (see Fig 2, Examiner notes an outer surface of sleeve 205 as an outer surface) of the first end (see Fig 2) thereof;
a second nut (Fig 2, bolt 102) being in threaded connection (see Fig 7, Paragraph 0033, Examiner notes the outer surface of the adjustment bolt 102 is provided with an external thread for engaging with the internal thread of the mounting nut 101 as being in threaded connection) with the first nut (101) at (see Fig 8A) the second end (see Fig 2), wherein the first nut (101) is configured to be rotatable (capable of being rotated, i.e. this is a functional recitation; see Fig 1, Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) about a vertical axis (Fig 1, axis 120) relative to the second nut (102) in a first rotation direction (see Fig 1, Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) to increase a length (Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) of the compensation nut assembly (100) along the axis (120) and to be rotatable (capable of being rotated, i.e. this is a functional recitation; see Fig 1, Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) in a second rotation direction (see Fig 1, Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) opposite (see Fig 1) to the first rotation direction (see Fig 1) relative to the second nut (102) to reduce the length (Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) of the compensation nut assembly (100) along the axis (120); and
a limiting member (see Figs 3B and 6, Examiner notes with respect to Fig 3B, left and right portions 309 as a limiting member) being connected (see Fig 2) to the second nut (102) and comprising a first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B, Examiner notes with respect to Fig 2, an upper curved portion of left portion 309 as a first blocking arm) and a second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B, Examiner notes with respect to Fig 2, a lower curved portion of right portion 309 as a second blocking arm), wherein the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) are configured such that:
when the compensation nut assembly (100) is in a pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043, Examiner notes shortest position as a pre-assembled state), the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) retain (Paragraphs 0042-0043) the limiting tab (217) of the first nut (101) therebetween in a circumferential direction (see Figs 2 and 3B, Paragraphs 0042-0043, Examiner notes bump 217 can enter the groove 601, i.e. bump 217 being between the upper curved portion of left portion 309 and the lower curved portion of right portion 309, as in a circumferential direction) to maintain (Paragraphs 0042-0043) the length (Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) of the compensation nut assembly (100) within a predetermined range (Paragraph 0043, Examiner notes shortest position as within a predetermined range);
when a certain screwing force (Paragraphs 0042-0043, Examiner notes the retaining portion can be deformed such that the bump 217 on the outer side of the mounting nut 101 can enter the groove 601 as when a certain screwing force) is applied (Paragraphs 0042-0043) to the first nut (101) in the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043) in the first rotation direction (see Fig 1), as the first nut (101) is rotated (see Figs 8A-8B), the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) are at least partially deflected under an action (Paragraph 0042, Examiner notes the retaining portion 309 can be deformed as are at least partially deflected under an action) of the limiting tab (217) of the first nut (101) to allow the first nut (101) to rotate (see Figs 8A-8B, Paragraph 0042) in a direction (see Figs 8A-8B) away from the second nut (102) and out of the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043); and
when a certain screwing force (Paragraphs 0042-0043, Examiner notes providing the bump 217 on the outer side of the mounting nut 101 and the groove 601, the nut fastener can be prevented from getting longer or the adjustment bolt 102 can be prevented from releasing and separating from the mounting nut 101 due to the relative rotation between the adjustment bolt 102 and the mounting nut 101 during transportation as when a certain screwing force) is applied (Paragraphs 0042-0043) to the first nut (101) in the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043) in the second rotation direction (see Fig 1), the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) restrict (Paragraphs 0042-0043) the first nut (101) from rotating out (Paragraphs 0042-0043) of the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043).
Regarding claim 2, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) according to claim 1 and further teaches wherein when the compensation nut assembly (100) is in the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043), in the first rotation direction (see Fig 1), the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) is in front (see Fig 2) of the limiting tab (217) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) is behind (see Fig 2) the limiting tab (217).
Regarding claim 3, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) according to claim 2 and further teaches wherein the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) comprises a longitudinal arm (see Fig 6, Paragraph 0035, Examiner notes portion 309 extends out from the inner surface of the flanged edge 304 (i.e., the surface that faces the support flange 252), as comprises a longitudinal arm) extending (Paragraph 0035) substantially along the axis (120) and a transverse arm (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6, Examiner notes an upper portion of right portion 309 extending transversely as a transverse arm) extending (see Fig 6) from the longitudinal arm (see Fig 6) towards (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6) the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B), the transverse arm (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6) comprising a blocking face (see Fig 6, Examiner notes a face of the upper portion of right portion 309 extending transversely and facing a threaded shaft of bolt 102 as a blocking face) provided at a free distal end (see Fig 6) thereof and an operating face (see Fig 6, Examiner notes an upper outer face adjacent the upper portion of right portion 309 and extending transversely to the threaded shaft of bolt 102 as an operating face) provided on a top (see Fig 6) thereof, the blocking face (see Fig 6) facing (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6) the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B), and the operating face (see Fig 6) extending (see Fig 6) at an angle (see Fig 6) relative to the axis (120) in a direction away (see Fig 6) from the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) towards (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6) the longitudinal arm (see Fig 6).
Regarding claim 4, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) according to claim 3 and further teaches wherein the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) extends (see Fig 3B, Paragraph 0035) substantially along the axis (120), and the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) has a thickness (see Figs 1 and 4, Examiner notes a width of left portion 309 extending perpendicular to axis 120 as a thickness) less than the thickness (see Figs 1 and 4, Examiner notes a width of right portion 309 extending parallel to axis 120 as the thickness) of the longitudinal arm (see Fig 6) of the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B).
Regarding claim 5, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) according to claim 3 and further teaches wherein the operating face (see Fig 6) is connected (see Fig 6) with the blocking face (see Fig 6) at one end (see Fig 6) thereof.
Regarding claim 6, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) according to claim 3 and further teaches wherein the operating face (see Fig 6) forms a part (see Fig 6) of a surface (see Fig 6) of a top (see Fig 6) of the transverse arm (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6).
Regarding claim 7, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) according to claim 3 and further teaches wherein the longitudinal arm (see Fig 6) extends (see Fig 6) in a circumferential direction (see Fig 6).
Regarding claim 8, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) according to claim 2 and further teaches wherein the limiting member (see Figs 3B and 6) further comprises a connecting ring (Figs 2 and 4, bushing 203, Paragraphs 0033 and 0038), wherein the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) are provided on the connecting ring (203), and the connecting ring (203) is sleeved (see Figs 2 and 4, Paragraphs 0033 and 0038) on the second nut (102).
Regarding claim 9, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) according to claim 4 and further teaches wherein a lower portion (Fig 4, waist 492) of the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) is widened (see Fig 4) to increase strength (see Fig 4, Paragraph 0037, Examiner notes waist 492 located inside the hole 470 as to increase strength) of the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B).
Regarding claim 10, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) according to claim 1 and further teaches wherein the first nut (101) comprises a shaft (see Fig 2, Examiner notes an upper portion of sleeve 205 adjacent substrate 202 as comprises a shaft) and a collar (see Fig 2, Examiner notes a lower portion of sleeve 205 having bump 217 as a collar) provided at one end (see Fig 2) of the shaft (see Fig 2), wherein the limiting tab (217) protrudes (see Fig 2) radially from the collar (see Fig 2).
Regarding claim 11, Li teaches a compensation nut assembly (Fig 1, fastener 100) for securing two components together (Fig 7, panels 701, 702), the compensation nut assembly (100) comprising:
a first nut (Fig 2, nut 101) comprising a limiting tab (Fig 2, bump 217) extending (see Fig 2) from an outer surface (see Fig 2, Examiner notes an outer surface of sleeve 205 as an outer surface) at a first end (see Fig 2, Examiner notes an end of nut 101 adjacent opening 238 as a first end) thereof;
a second nut (Fig 2, bolt 102) in threaded engagement (see Fig 7, Paragraph 0033, Examiner notes the outer surface of the adjustment bolt 102 is provided with an external thread for engaging with the internal thread of the mounting nut 101 as in threaded engagement) with the first nut (101), wherein the first nut (101) is rotatable (capable of being rotated, i.e. this is a functional recitation; see Fig 1, Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) about an axis (Fig 1, axis 120) relative to the second nut (102) in a first rotational direction (see Fig 1, Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) to increase a length (Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) of the compensation nut assembly (100) along the axis (120) and is rotatable (capable of being rotated, i.e. this is a functional recitation; see Fig 1, Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) in a second rotational direction (see Fig 1, Paragraphs 0030 and 0033), opposite (see Fig 1) the first rotational direction (see Fig 1), to decrease the length (Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) of the compensation nut assembly (100) along the axis (120); and
a limiting member (see Figs 3B and 6, Examiner notes with respect to Fig 3B, left and right portions 309 as a limiting member) coupled (see Fig 2) to the second nut (102) and comprising a first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B, Examiner notes with respect to Fig 2, an upper curved portion of left portion 309 as a first blocking arm) and a second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B, Examiner notes with respect to Fig 2, a lower curved portion of right portion 309 as a second blocking arm),
wherein:
when the compensation nut assembly (100) is in a pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043, Examiner notes shortest position as a pre-assembled state), the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) retain (Paragraphs 0042-0043) the limiting tab (217) of the first nut (101) therebetween in a circumferential direction (see Figs 2 and 3B, Paragraphs 0042-0043, Examiner notes bump 217 can enter the groove 601, i.e. bump 217 being between the upper curved portion of left portion 309 and the lower curved portion of right portion 309, as in a circumferential direction) to maintain (Paragraphs 0042-0043) the length (Paragraphs 0030 and 0033) of the compensation nut assembly (100) within a predetermined range (Paragraph 0043, Examiner notes shortest position as within a predetermined range);
when a threshold screwing force (Paragraphs 0042-0043, Examiner notes the retaining portion can be deformed such that the bump 217 on the outer side of the mounting nut 101 can enter the groove 601 as when a threshold screwing force) is applied (Paragraphs 0042-0043) to the first nut (101) in the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043) in the first rotational direction (see Fig 1), the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) are at least partially deflected under engagement (Paragraph 0042, Examiner notes the retaining portion 309 can be deformed as are at least partially deflected under engagement) with the limiting tab (217) to permit rotation (see Figs 8A-8B, Paragraph 0042) of the first nut (101) relative to the second nut (102) and out of the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043); and
when a threshold screwing force (Paragraphs 0042-0043, Examiner notes providing the bump 217 on the outer side of the mounting nut 101 and the groove 601, the nut fastener can be prevented from getting longer or the adjustment bolt 102 can be prevented from releasing and separating from the mounting nut 101 due to the relative rotation between the adjustment bolt 102 and the mounting nut 101 during transportation as when a threshold screwing force) is applied (Paragraphs 0042-0043) to the first nut (101) in the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043) in the second rotational direction (see Fig 1), the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) restrict rotation (Paragraphs 0042-0043) of the first nut (101) out (Paragraphs 0042-0043) of the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043).
Regarding claim 12, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) of claim 11 and further teaches wherein, in the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043), the limiting tab (217) is positioned (see Fig 2) between the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B).
Regarding claim 13, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) of claim 12 and further teaches wherein the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) comprises a longitudinal arm (see Fig 6, Paragraph 0035, Examiner notes portion 309 extends out from the inner surface of the flanged edge 304 (i.e., the surface that faces the support flange 252), as comprises a longitudinal arm) extending (Paragraph 0035) substantially along the axis (120) and a transverse arm (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6, Examiner notes an upper portion of right portion 309 extending transversely as a transverse arm) extending (see Fig 6) from the longitudinal arm (see Fig 6) toward (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6) the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B), the transverse arm (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6) comprising a blocking face (see Fig 6, Examiner notes a face of the upper portion of right portion 309 extending transversely and facing a threaded shaft of bolt 102 as a blocking face) at a distal end (see Fig 6) thereof and an operating face (see Fig 6, Examiner notes an upper outer face adjacent the upper portion of right portion 309 and extending transversely to the threaded shaft of bolt 102 as an operating face) on a top surface (see Fig 6) thereof, the blocking face (see Fig 6) facing (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6) the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B), and the operating face (see Fig 6) extending (see Fig 6) at an angle (see Fig 6) relative to the axis (120) in a direction away (see Fig 6) from the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) toward (see Figs 2 and 3B) the longitudinal arm (see Fig 6).
Regarding claim 14, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) of claim 13 and further teaches wherein the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) extends (see Fig 3B, Paragraph 0035) substantially along the axis (120) and has a thickness (see Figs 1 and 4, Examiner notes a width of left portion 309 extending perpendicular to axis 120 as a thickness) less than a thickness (see Figs 1 and 4, Examiner notes a width of right portion 309 extending parallel to axis 120 as a thickness) of the longitudinal arm (see Fig 6) of the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B).
Regarding claim 15, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) of claim 13 and further teaches wherein the operating face (see Fig 6) is connected (see Fig 6) to the blocking face (see Fig 6) at one end (see Fig 6) thereof.
Regarding claim 16, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) of claim 13 and further teaches wherein the operating face (see Fig 6) forms at least a portion (see Fig 6) of a top surface (see Fig 6) of the transverse arm (see Figs 2, 3B, and 6).
Regarding claim 17, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) of claim 13 and further teaches wherein the longitudinal arm (see Fig 6) extends (see Fig 6) in a circumferential direction (see Fig 6) about the axis (120).
Regarding claim 18, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) of claim 12 and further teaches wherein the limiting member (see Figs 3B and 6) further comprises a connecting ring (Figs 2 and 4, bushing 203, Paragraphs 0033 and 0038), and wherein the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) extend (see Figs 2 and 4) from the connecting ring (203), the connecting ring (203) being disposed (see Figs 2 and 4, Paragraphs 0033 and 0038) on the second nut (102).
Regarding claim 19, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) of claim 11 and further teaches wherein a lower portion (Fig 4, waist 492) of the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) is widened (see Fig 4) to increase structural strength (see Fig 4, Paragraph 0037, Examiner notes waist 492 located inside the hole 470 as to increase strength) of the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B).
Regarding claim 20, Li teaches the compensation nut assembly (100) of claim 11 and further teaches wherein the first nut (101) comprises a shaft (see Fig 2, Examiner notes an upper portion of sleeve 205 adjacent substrate 202 as comprises a shaft) and a collar (see Fig 2, Examiner notes a lower portion of sleeve 205 having bump 217 as a collar) at one end (see Fig 2) of the shaft (see Fig 2), the limiting tab (217) protruding (see Fig 2) radially outward (see Fig 2) from the collar (see Fig 2).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed March 23, 2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. With respect to amended independent claim 1 on Pg 13 of Applicant’s Remarks filed March 23, 2026, Applicant argues that the bump is formed on a second end where the second nut is in threaded connection with the first nut and thus, does not teach the limitation of “a first nut comprising a first and second end with a limiting tab extending from an outer surface of the first end thereof; a second nut being in threaded connection with the first nut at the second end”. The Examiner respectfully disagrees and as set forth above, Li teaches a first nut (Fig 2, nut 101) comprising a first (see Fig 2, Examiner notes an end of nut 101 adjacent opening 238 as comprising a first) and second end (see Fig 2, Examiner notes an end of a reduced diameter section of nut 101 having bump 217 and distal from opening 238 as a second end) with a limiting tab (Fig 2, bump 217) extending (see Fig 2) from an outer surface (see Fig 2, Examiner notes an outer surface of sleeve 205 as an outer surface) of the first end (see Fig 2) thereof; a second nut (Fig 2, bolt 102) being in threaded connection (see Fig 7, Paragraph 0033, Examiner notes the outer surface of the adjustment bolt 102 is provided with an external thread for engaging with the internal thread of the mounting nut 101 as being in threaded connection) with the first nut (101) at (see Fig 8A) the second end (see Fig 2).
Further, with respect to newly added independent claim 11 on Pg 13, Applicant argues that retaining portions 309, i.e. first and second blocking arms, do not deflect under engagement with bump 217 when mounting nut 101 is unscrewed. The Examiner respectfully disagrees and as set forth above, the first blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) and the second blocking arm (see Figs 2 and 3B) are at least partially deflected under engagement (Paragraph 0042, Examiner notes the retaining portion 309 can be deformed as are at least partially deflected under engagement) with the limiting tab (217) to permit rotation (see Figs 8A-8B, Paragraph 0042) of the first nut (101) relative to the second nut (102) and out of the pre-assembled state (Paragraphs 0042-0043).
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JOCK WONG whose telephone number is (571)270-1349. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 5:00pm (ET).
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Kristina Fulton can be reached at (571)272-7376. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/J.W./Examiner, Art Unit 3675 /KRISTINA R FULTON/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3675
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