Class Definition for Class 42

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CLASS 42,	FIREARMS
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class includes all the portable firearms, i.e., those which are supported by hand when operated, such as shoulder guns, pistols, toy firearms and cane guns, except the automatic or explosion-operated firearms. This class also has such firearms combined with cleaners, intrenching devices, bayonets, and other cutters (including specifically pistol-swords). The following devices are likewise found here either, per se, or in combination with the firearm; ram rods, gun-rests and some body supported arm rests.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

7,	Compound Tools, subclass 158 for hand manipulable cutters (including bayonets) combined with other tools.
15,	Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, subclasses 104.05+ for gun cleaners.
30,	Cutlery, pertinent subclasses, for hand manipulable cutters (including bayonets), per se, and subclasses 142+ for the combination of two or more cutters.
60,	Power Plants, subclasses 632+ , for one shot explosion actuated expansible chamber type motors.
81,	Tools, subclass 3.05 and the notes thereto appended for shell projectile or wad extractors.
86,	Ammunition and Explosive-Charge Making, for pertinent sublcass(es) as determined by schedule review.
89,	Ordnance, for heavier mounted guns, subclass 14.1 for all barrels with heat exchangers, and subclasses 125+ for automatic or explosion-operated firearms.
102,	Ammunition and Explosives, appropriate subclasses, for gun projectiles, per se.
124,	Mechanical Guns and Projectors, for mechanical projectile throwing or impelling apparatus in which the propelling agent is nonexplosive.
206,	Special Receptacle or Package, subclass 317 for a weapon container (e.g., gun case).
221,	Article Dispensing, subclass 24 for article dispensers shaped to simulate various figures and which may include firearm simulations. Also, see the class definition of Class 221 for article dispensers in other classes related to magazine feed in general.
222,	Dispensing, subclass 79 for dispensers simulating firearms, e.g., water pistols, and subclass 192 for dispensers combined with firearms where only so much of the firearm as is necessary to support or operate the dispenser is claimed.
294,	Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclasses 49+ for intrenching tools of the shovel type.

SUBCLASSES

1.01	INDICATORS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices having means to convey information to one of the senses.

1.02	Magazine shot:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.01. Devices comprising a compartment which holds ammunition ready for chambering and having means for indicating the presence or absence of ammunition or for indicating the number of ammunition rounds left or spent from the compartment.

1.03	Single shot, e.g., digital type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.01. Devices having means for either indicating the total number of shots discharged from the firearm or whether a projectile has been fired.

1.04	Hammer position:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.01. Devices having means to designate the position of that part of the firing mechanism of a gun that strikes the firing pin or cartridge primer.

1.05	Chamber status:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.01. Devices having means to designate the presence or absence of ammunition in that part of a gun in which the ammunition is placed for firing.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 1.06]

1.06

WITH RECOIL REDUCER:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices having means to decrease the reaction of a gun after being discharged.

(1) Note. Recoil, particularly as pertains to small firearms, is popularly called "kick".

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74,	for cushioned stocks.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 1.07]

1.07

WITH ADJUSTABLE HEAD SPACE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices having adjustable means to compensate for the distance between the face of the locked bolt or breech block of a firearm and some specified point in the chamber.

(1) Note. With guns designed for rimless, bottlenecked cartridges, head space is the space between the bolt face and specified point on the shoulder of the chamber; with guns using rimmed cartridges, the head space between the bolt face and the ridge or abutment in the chamber against which the rim rests; and with guns using rimless straight-case cartridges, the space between the bolt face and the ridge or point in the chamber where the mouth of the cartridge case rests.

1.071	By reaming:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.07. Subject matter includes enlarging the headspace or the space between the bolt face and specified point on the shoulder of the chamber with a metal working tool.

1.08	FOR DISCHARGING A STUNNING AGENT:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Firearms specifically designed to fire a projectile containing a gas or other medium so as to render physical insensibility to any one of the senses.

1.09	DISGUISED AS BODY ARTICLE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Firearms concealable in such a manner as to appear as an object normally worn, or carried by person, e.g., pen gun, watch, etc.

1.11	BODY BORNE REMOTE OPERATED:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Firearms attachable to some part of the body and discharged from or by another part of the body.

1.12	CATTLE SLAUGHTER TYPE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Firearms specifically designed to discharged a projectile solely for the purpose of the humane slaughter of animals.

1.13	TRIP, TRAP OR BURGLARY PREVENTION:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices including hidden means attached to a firearm device which can discharge the firearm from a remote area when the hidden means are disturbed.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 1.14]

1.14

UNDERWATER TYPE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Firearms adapted to be used and/or discharge in subaqueous conditions, e.g., spear guns, share cartridges, etc.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

43,	Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, subclasses 6+ for fishing with harpoons and spears.
102,	Ammunition and Explosives, subclass 399 for marine-type projectiles.
124,	Mechanical Guns and Projectors, appropriate subclass.

1.15	FLARE TYPE GUN:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Firearms particularly adapted to discharge a pyrotechnic medium designed to produce a source or light.

1.16	BILLY CLUB TYPE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Firearms disguised as a wooden club which would normally be used by policeman.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 2]

BREECH LOADING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Miscellaneous firearms adapted for loading at the breech. The subclasses under this title, except those of the spring-motor guns, and the grip-magazine pistols, are based on the movements of the breechblock or barrel in opening the breech. Features of magazine structure may be found in any of the magazine subclasses.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

75,	for frame and barrel fastenings for take-down purposes only. Where the barrel must be separated from the frame for the purpose of loading and unloading, the patent is in this subclass (2).

5	Spring-motor operated:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Firearms in which a spring, which is wound up, is utilized to furnish the power for opening the breech, usually by sliding the breechblock rearward, ejecting the shell, reloading and closing the breech. Usually one winding of the spring is sufficient for a magazine full of cartridges.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 6]

Magazine guns:

This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Miscellaneous breech-loading magazine-guns not classifiable in any of the other subclasses of magazine-guns.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

and 7.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 7]

Grip magazine pistols:

This subclass is indented under subclass 2. The magazine is placed in the handle or grip of the pistol. Usually the breech-block slides rearward or the barrel forward to open the breech.

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16,	Miscellaneous Hardware (e.g., Bushing, Carpet Fastener, Caster, Door Closer, Panel Hanger, Attachable or Adjunct Handle, Hinge, Window Sash Balance, etc.), subclass 111.1 and the notes thereto appended for handles which also serve as receptacles.
89,	Ordnance, subclasses 195+ for automatic guns of the grip magazine type.

8	Breech hinged barrel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. "Breakdown" guns in which the hinge is located at the breech.

9	Faucet breechblock:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. The breechblock turns about a central fixed axis, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel like a faucet valve, to open and close the breech. The charge is sometimes received in this block and there retained when fired. In other cases the block closes the breech containing the charge.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 10]

Forward-sliding barrel:

This subclass is indented under subclass 2. The barrel slides forward to open the breech.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

89,	Ordnance, subclass 161 for automatic guns of this type.

11	Magazine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Magazine-guns in which the barrel slides forward to open the breech, this movement also operating to reload the gun from the magazine.

12	Side swinging barrel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. The barrel, to open the breech, is made to swing to one side.

13	Parallel pivot:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 12. The barrel, to open the breech, is made to swing to one side on a pivot, or axis parallel to the length or axis of the barrel.

14	Sliding breechblock:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. The breechblock is made to slide in guides to open or close the breech.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 15]

Movable chamber:

This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Firearms having a chamber which is movable relative to the barrel and surrounds or holds a cartridge or load in firing position, and which may be integral with, connected to, or separate from, the sliding breechblock.

(1) Note. This subclass also includes sectional chambers if at least one section is movable relative to the barrel.

(2) Note. A magazine as distinguished from a chamber, does not hold the cartridge or load in firing position.

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27,	and 39.5, for other firearms having movable chambers.
59+,	for all firearms, whether breech or muzzle loaded, having a revolving cylinder adapted to hold two or more cartridges and to bring each successively to firing position.

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89,	Ordnance, subclasses 155+ for automatic guns with movable chambers.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 16]

Rearward:

This subclass is indented under subclass 14. The breechblock, in opening the breech, is made to slide rearward substantially in line with the barrel.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

and 7.

16.1	Method of making:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter includes a step of fabricating a rearward sliding breechblock.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 17]

Magazine:

This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Magazine-guns having a breechblock made to slide rearward substantially in line with the gun-barrel.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

and 7.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 18]

Box:

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. The magazine is of the side-feeding or "box" type.

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and 7.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 19]

Rotary:

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Firearms in which a rotary magazine, like a revolver-cylinder, is employed to bring the cartridges successively to position in line with the breech, where they are pushed into the barrel by the returning breechblock. In revolvers the cartridges are retained in the cylinder when fired.

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59,

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 20]

Pivoted hammer:

This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Guns of this type in which a pivoted hammer is employed to strike the charge or a firing-pin which transmits the blow to the charge.

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and 7.

21	Magazine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Magazine-guns of the type in the preceding subclass.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 22]

Box:

This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Magazine-guns with this breech-block movement which have the side-feeding or "box" magazine.

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and 7.

23	Vertical mortise:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14. The breech-block, in opening the breech, slides vertically in a mortise.

24	Magazine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Magazine-guns which have the breechblock fitted to slide in a vertical mortise.

25	Extractors:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Shell-extracting devices pertaining to this type of gun.

26	Swinging breechblock:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. The breech-block is hinged or pivoted and made to swing to open the breech.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 27]

Movable chamber:

This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Firearms having a chamber which is movable relative to the barrel and which surrounds or holds a cartridge or load in firing position, and which may be integral with, connected to, or separated from, the swinging breechblock.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

15,	39.5 and 59+, and see the notes under subclass 15.

28	Downward and rearward:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26. The breech-block being pivoted at its rear end, its front end swings downward and to the rear to uncover the breech.

29	Magazine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Magazine-guns in which the breech-block is pivoted at its rear end, so its front end swings downward and to the rear.

30	Laterally forward:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26. The breech-block, pivoted at its forward end, swings outward and forward at its rear end to open the breech.

31	Laterally rearward:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26. The breech-block is pivoted at its rear end, and its front end swings outward and to the rear to open the breech.

32	Parallel pivot:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26. The breech-block, to open the breech, swings on a pivot or hinge which is parallel with the gun-barrel axis.

33	Magazine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Magazine-guns in which the breech-block, to open the breech, swings on a pivot or hinge which is parallel to the gun-axis.

34	Rearward and downward:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26. The breech-block is pivoted below the gun- axis, and the upper part of the block, to open the breech, swings rearward and downward.

35	Magazine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Magazine-guns in which the breech-block, to open the breech, swings to the rear and downward.

36	Upward and forward:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26. The breech-block is pivoted at its forward part, and, to open the breech, its rearward part swings upward and forward.

37	Magazine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Magazine-guns in which the breech-block is pivoted at its forward part and, to open the breech, swings the rearward part upward and forward.

38	Upward and rearward:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26. The breech-block is pivoted at the rear end, and to open the breech, its forward end swings upward and to the rear.

39	Magazine:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Magazine-guns in which the breech-block is pivoted at its rear end. To open the breech, its forward end swings upward and to the rear.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 39.5]

39.5

Movable chamber:

This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Firearms having a chamber which is movable relative to the barrel and which surrounds or holds the cartridge or load in firing position.

(1) Note. Plural chambers carried by endless carriers and moved by star wheels or formed by tangential contact of two cylinders having complementary grooves, are in this subclass rather than subclasses 59+.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

15,	27 and 59+, and see the notes under subclass 15.

40	Upward-tilting breech:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2. The barrel is pivoted to the stock at a point in advance of the breech, and, to open the breech, the barrel swings on this pivot, the muzzle downward and breech upward. These are often styled "breakdown" guns.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 41]

Firing mechanism:

This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Guns having means functioning to ignite or to control the igniting of the charge.

(1) Note. The term "lock" is sometimes used to designate firing mechanism, particularly in the older patents.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

65+,	for firing mechanism limited to revolvers.
69+,	for firing mechanism not limited to revolvers nor to upward swinging breech guns.

42.01	With single actuator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Devices having a single trigger that is interconnected to two or more firing train mechanisms of a firearm which is comprised of plural barrels and may be discharged either simultaneously or sequentially.

42.02	Plural triggers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 42.01. Devices wherein the plural triggers are interconnected to a firing train mechanism and plural triggers are operated by a single trigger actuator.

42.03	Single trigger and hammer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 42.01. Devices wherein a single trigger actuator is utilized to operate the firing train mechanism device which discharges each of the plural barrels.

43	Cocking devices:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 41. In the breaking down of the gun or in closing the breech the hammer is cocked.

44	Barrel locks:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Devices for holding or locking the breech in the closed position.

45	Hammer cocking:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Barrel-locking devices which also operate to cock or partly cock the hammer.

46	Extractors:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Shell-extracting mechanism usually operated by the breakdown of the gun.

47	Ejectors:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Mechanism, usually operated by the breakdown of the gun, for throwing out or ejecting the cartridge-shells.

48	Hammer:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47. The ejector is struck by an ejector hammer, usually in breaking down the gun, and thus throws out the cartridge-shells.

49.01

Magazines:

This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Devices comprising a dtructure or compartment for storing ammunition or explosives ready for chambering and which may be detachable or nondetachable to the firearm.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

6,	for magazines guns.
11,	17, 18, 21, and 22, for breech loading firearm type magazines.
59+,	for revolving cylinders containing cartridges.
87+,	for magazine chargers.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

89,	Ordnance, subclasses 33.01+ for cartridge feeding devices.

49.02

Adapters or capacity reducers:

This subclass is indented under subclass 49.01. Devices including structure which provides for the feeding and firing of difference size caliber rounds within the firearm.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

16,	for bolt adapters.
77,	for barrel adapters.

49.1	Method of making:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49.01. Subject matter includes a step of fabricating a structure or compartment for storing ammunition or explosives ready for chambering.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 50]

Box:

This subclass is indented under subclass 49.01. The novelty resides solely in the magazine, of the side-feeding or "box" type.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

88,

51	MUZZLE LOADERS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Firearms which can be loaded only through the muzzle.

52	CANE GUNS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Walking-canes, which are adapted also to be used as firearms.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 53]

PISTOL SWORDS:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Those pistols which combine therewith a sword or knife attachment.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

30,	Cutlery, appropriate subclasses for cutters not attached to or combined with a gun.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 54]

TOY:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices--such as toy pistols, cannon, etc., -- made to imitate firearms and which either fire an explosive, like a cap or match, by means of some sort of a lock or which have a barrel in which an explosive is placed and fired.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

102,	Ammunition and Explosives, subclasses 202+ for caps for toy firearms.
124,	Mechanical Guns and Projectors, subclass 2 for spring or air guns which project a missile and also explode a cap.
222,	Dispensing, subclass 79 for simulated firearms, e.g., water pistols, and subclass 192 for dispensers (other than cartridge magazines) combined with firearms where only so much of the firearm as is necessary to support or operate the dispenser is claimed.
446,	Amusement Devices: Toys, subclasses 398+ for cap-exploding toy which do not simulate firearms; and subclass 473 for toy firearms which do not explode caps.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 55]

Cannon:

This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Devices made in imitation of cannon, mortars, etc., and adapted to hold an explosive charge, generally a firecracker. A projectile may or may not be used.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

124,	Mechanical Guns and Projectors, subclass 29 for devices made in imitation of pieces of ordnance adapted to project a missile by some mechanical means.

57	Ribbon fed:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 54. The device is adapted to receive a "ribbon" of the explosives or caps and feed this ribbon as the caps are successively exploded by the hammer.

58	Revolvers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 54. The toy is made to imitate a revolver.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 59]

REVOLVERS:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Pistols or rifles in which there is a revolving cylinder adapted to carry a plurality of loads and bring each load successively to firing position.

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39.5,

for plural chambers carried by endless chains or formed by tangential contact of two cylinders having complementary grooves.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

89,	Ordnance, subclasses 13.05+ for machine guns with revolving cylinders, and subclasses 155+ for automatic guns with movable chambers.

[List of Patents for class 42 subclass 60]

Magazine-fed cylinder:

This subclass is indented under subclass 59. The revolver carries a fixed magazine from which the cylinder is supplied or fed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

19,

61	Cylinder loaded from muzzle end:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 59. The cylinder can be loaded only from the forward end.

62	Swinging cylinder:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 59. The cylinder swings outward to reload, clean, etc.