Class Definition for Class 108 - HORIZONTALLY SUPPORTED PLANAR SURFACES

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CLASS 108,	HORIZONTALLY SUPPORTED PLANAR SURFACES
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class includes rigid, planar, supporting surfaces having structure to support the surface in a horizontal plane. Throughout the definitions of the subclasses of this class, the supporting surface is referred to as the "surface", and the structure which supports this surface is referred to as the "support".

SECTION II - NOTES TO THE CLASS DEFINITION

(1) Note. This class includes traylike planar supports; i.e., horizontal planar surfaces having an upstanding flange around the perimeter thereof when the flange is not involved in the relationship between the surface and the support.

(2) Note. The schedule of this class was built on patents issued since 1931. Older patents were placed in the schedule on the basis of the total disclosure and not necessarily on the basis of claimed subject matter.

SECTION III - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

For a horizontal surface without claimed support means and having face-to-face sheets with a rim, see Class 52, subclasses 782.2+. For a surface having no claimed support means and having a separate attached, elongated edging or stiffener, see Class 52, subclasses 800.1+.

SECTION IV - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

38,	Textiles: Ironing or Smoothing, subclasses 103+ for tables having structure related to the art of ironing or smoothing textiles.
112,	Sewing, subclasses 217.1+ for a sewing machine table.
114,	Ships, subclass 195 for tables having automatic leveling tops or equivalent devices securing the same end.
119,	Animal Husbandry, subclasses 712+ for restraining an animal on a horizontal surface, especially subclasses 722+ for a tiltable support and subclasses 753+ for a stationary table.
131,	Tobacco, subclasses 50+ for a cigarette making machine having a stationary table.
160,	Flexible or Portable Closure, Partition, or Panel, appropriate subclasses for a flexible or portable panel usable as a table top, especially subclasses 87+ for plural panels; subclasses 327+ for a panel supported at opposite edges by elongated elements; subclasses 371+ for a panel mounted in a frame; and subclasses 383+ for means to fasten one edge of a fabric panel to an elongated supporting element.
178,	Telegraphy, subclass 114 for a supporting stand adapted to connecting up or manipulating telegraph instruments or arrangements thereof specific to telegraphy.
182,	Fire Escape, Ladder, or Scaffold, appropriate subclasses for a platform for supporting a workman in vertically spaced relation with a primary support such as the ground or a floor.
209,	Classifying, Separating, and Assorting Solids, subclasses 703+ for a table for supporting articles for inspection and manual selection of the articles, and subclass 458 for a table on which material with mingled liquid is so treated that the heaviest constituents of the material may settle as a stratum.
227,	Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, subclasses 154+ for apparatus for driving a member; e.g., nail, combined with a work support.
248,	Supports, appropriate subclasses for a supporting surface in the form of an open border framework.
269,	Work Holders, subclasses 289+ for a work holder comprising a surface which, when the work is being treated, is positioned beneath at least a part of the work and is in contact with said part of the work to support the work against the force of gravity in at least one position of adjustment of the work holder.
273,	Amusement Devices: Games, subclasses 108+ for a game table which is used in playing a surface projectile game thereon, subclasses 236+ for gameboard structure for playing a board game thereon, and subclass 309 for a game table or supporting surface, in general.
297,	Chairs and Seats, appropriate subclasses for seats having a bottom and a back, or leg rest, or both.
369,	Dynamic Information Storage or Retrieval, subclasses 264+ for holding a rotating storage medium element in operative position.
378,	X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices, subclass 209 for a table or couch combined with an X-ray device.
400,	Typewriting Machines, subclasses 578+ for supports for webs or sheets or paper to hold the paper in position to be fed into and from a typewriting machine.
428,	Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses for a stock material product in the form of a single or plural layer web or sheet.
446,	Amusement Devices: Toys, subclass 482 for a toy table.
451,	Abrading, subclasses 411+ for a work supporting table of an abrading machine.
473,	Games Using Tangible Projectile, subclasses 4+ for a table or gameboard specifically adapted for playing the games of billiards or pool, subclass 475 for game apparatus for playing the game of table tennis, and subclass 496 for a table tennis table, per se.
601,	Surgery: Kinesitherapy, subclasses 49+ for couches, chairs, or other supports which vibrate as a whole while treating the body.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 1]

TILTABLE SURFACES:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device wherein the surface is operably retained in at least one inclined position.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

83,	Cutting, subclasses 477+ for adjustable work tables; and subclass 477.2 for slatted saw tables.
144,	Woodworking, subclass 171 for a tilting work table of a wood slicing machine.

2	Biased:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Device provided with means to urge the supporting surface about its tilt axis.

3	Sectional:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Device wherein the supporting surface comprises a plurality of components, which components are tiltably adjustable relative to each other.

4	About plural axes:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Device in which the surface is tiltable about more than one axis.

5	With horizontal adjustment:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Device in which the surface is additionally movable in a direction parallel to a horizontal plane.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 6]

Pivotally adjustable about horizontal axis:

This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Device wherein the surface is selectively retainable about a horizontal axis in a plurality of inclined positions.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

4,	for a device tiltable additionally about another axis.

7	Mechanical actuator tilts surface:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Device wherein the surface is tilted by means employing a mechanical advantage.

8	Oppositely tiltable with respect to horizontal plane:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Device wherein opposite edges of the surface alternately are above or below a horizontal plane.

9	Surface adjusting link spaced from axis:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Device comprising a surface-engaging, inclination-adjusting link in a spatial relation with the axis about which the surface tilts.

10	Vertically adjustable axis:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Device wherein the tilt axis may be retained at various heights.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 11]

CONVERTIBLE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device having means or parts capable of structural rearrangement or modification by addition, removal, or reassembly of one or more of the parts to provide another structure.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

62,	for an invertible surface.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

5,	Beds, subclass 3 for a table which by inversion or manipulation of parts may be converted to a bed, or a table which has a bed stored within and withdrawable from it.
190,	Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, subclasses 11+ for a table convertible to a carrying case.
248,	Supports, subclass 155 for a cane convertible to a table.
294,	Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclass 144 for a hand-held tray convertible to a table.
312,	Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 241 for a cabinet convertible to a table.

12	Reorientable support:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Device wherein the support is rearranged relative to the element supported.

13	Alternately usable surfaces:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Device wherein (1) a primary surface is moved to a nonuse position with a secondary surface exposed or movable to a position of use, or (2) a primary surface is removed and replaced by another surface having usually a different function.

14	Receptacle:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Device in which the other structure is a receptacle.

15	Vertical surface:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Device wherein the other structure comprises the surface in a vertical plane.

16	Rack support:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Device in which the other structure is a rack.

17	Multiplanar to coplanar position:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Device comprising a plurality of surfaces movable from a terraced or superposed relationship to an arrangement wherein all the surfaces rest in the same horizontal plane.

18	Support becomes inoperative:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Device wherein the other structure has the support in an inoperative position.

19	Alternately usable legs:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Device in which the support comprises at least two sets of legs of different lengths, one set being in an inoperative position when the other set is in an operative position, and wherein the sets of legs support the surface at different elevations above a reference plane.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 20]

POWER DRIVEN:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device provided with motor means designed to impart motion to the surface.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

74,	Machine Element or Mechanism, subclass 16 for a powered table for operating attachments and auxiliaries.
104,	Railways, subclasses 35+ for a railway turntable, and subclasses 48+ for a transfer table.
131,	Tobacco, subclasses 47+ for a cigarette making machine having a movable table.
164,	Metal Founding, subclasses 326+ for horizontal rotating tables carrying metal casting molds.
191,	Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, subclass 9 for a drawbridge, turntable, or other transfer table with means for maintaining the bridge or table or a vehicle thereon in electrical connection with a relatively fixed point exterior to the bridge or table.

21	Intermittent drive:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Device wherein the means imparts motion to the surface in interrupted sequence.

22	Along circuitous path:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Device in which the movement of the surface is along a fixed roundabout course.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 23]

WITH ILLUMINATION MEANS:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device provided with a source of artificial light.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

362,	Illumination, appropriate subclasses for other structure with illumination, particularly subclasses 127+ for furniture.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 24]

WITH DRAIN:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device having fluid drainage means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

5,	Beds, subclasses 604+ for an invalid bed with a toilet, subclass 695 for a mattress which includes a toilet means, and subclass 606 for a surgical table combined with a drain.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 25]

WITH RECEPTACLE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in combination with an upwardly opening container.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

14,	for a surface convertible to a receptacle.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

38,	Textiles: Ironing or Smoothing, subclass 111 for an ironing table combined with a receptacle to support fabric beneath the table; e.g., work catcher.
126,	Stoves and Furnaces, subclass 33 for a device in the form of shallow chambers provided with means for causing a circulation of steam or hot water therein, whereby the top plates or receptacles placed thereon are heated.
220,	Receptacles, subclasses 694+ for a receptacle in combination with miscellaneous attachments therefor, where the combination is not otherwise provided for. See the search notes thereto.
273,	Amusement Devices: Games, subclass 309 for tables or supporting surfaces having structure which facilitates the playing of a game thereon.
312,	Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 114 for a showcase, subclass 140.1 for a counter, subclasses 235.2+ for a stool or chair in combination with a cabinet structure, subclass 237 for a cabinet structure with a table, subclass 277 for an enclosure with a separable table, subclasses 280+ for an enclosure with a continuously external table, and subclasses 313+ for an enclosure with a table pivotable to a nonhorizontal position.

26	Detachable or relatively movable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Device wherein the container is removable, or is movable relative to the surface.

26.2	Inkwell:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Device wherein the container is intended to hold ink and to receive the tool of a writing implement for the application of ink thereto.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 27]

WITH PERIPHERAL GUARD:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device having an upright barrier adjacent to an edge of the surface.

(1) Note. Included here are devices typed in the art as "splashbacks".

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

55.1,

for an industrial platform with load confining means.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

312,	Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 137 for a showcase with a counter guard, and subclasses 140.1+ for a counter with a guard.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 28]

WITH DIVERSE SUPPORT FOR ARTICLES:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device including nonclass means for supporting articles relative to the surface of the device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

38,	Textiles: Ironing or Smoothing, subclasses 104+ for a device involving an ironing function for supporting a flat iron relative to an ironing board, and subclass 111 for ironing tables combined with devices to support fabric beneath the table; e.g., work catchers.
312,	Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 281 for a cabinet and table.

29	Rod or bar:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Device wherein the diverse support comprises a slender elongated member.

30	Hook:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Device wherein the rod or bar is supported at one end only, and has its other end curved or bent into a hook shape.

31	Superposed:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Device wherein the rod or bar is positioned above the surface.

32	Inclined surface:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Device wherein the diverse support comprises a surface in a sloping relationship with the horizontal surface.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 33]

WITH HOUSING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device which includes structure forming an enclosure for part or all of the surface or support in an inoperative or stored condition.

(1) Note. The enclosing structure may function also as a part of the support for the surface when in an operative condition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

63,	for superposed surfaces which invert to coplanar position exposing another surface.
65+,	for plural related coplanar surfaces wherein one surface is always available for use, but another surface is movable to a stored position beneath the one surface.
93,	for terraced surfaces wherein one surface is concealed beneath another surface.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

5,	Beds, subclass 159.1 for cases for upending beds.
312,	Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 277 for a cabinet associated with a leg-supported table which can be removed from and used independently of the cabinet.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 34]

Formed by collapsible surface:

This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Device wherein the surface collapses to form a substantially enclosed container.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

25+,	for a surface combined with a receptacle.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

190,	Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, subclasses 11+ for a trunk, traveling bag, or camp kit box provided with space for storing disparate articles and which converts to a table or desk.
294,	Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclass 144 for a handheld tray convertible to and from table.
312,	Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 231 for a cabinet combined with a drafting board, and subclasses 281+ for a cabinet combined with a continuously projecting shelf or table.

35	Surface and support pivotally interconnected:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Device wherein the support is hingedly joined to the surface or to its reinforcing structure.

36	Paired legs:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Device wherein the support includes legs which are connected in pairs for simultaneous movement.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 37]

Counterbalanced surface:

This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Device having biasing means to move or assist in moving the surface to or from a housed inoperative position.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

5,	Beds, subclasses 164.1+ for an upending bed having a counterbalancing spring, and subclass 166.1 for an upending bed having a counterbalancing weight.

38	Surface forms closure:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Device wherein the surface in an inoperative position completes one wall of the enclosure.

39	Surface adjusts to plural operative positions:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Device wherein the surface is selectively positionable relative to the housing.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 40]

Surface slidably hinged to housing wall:

This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Device wherein the surface is directly connected to the housing wall by a hinge which is slidable relative to the support.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

39,	for a housed slidably hinged surface which adjusts to plural operative positions.

41	Formed from support:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Device wherein the surface is housed in an enclosure made up of elements of the support.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 42]

WITH STRUCTURAL INSTALLATION:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device with (1) means having a function external to the subject matter of this class, (2) combined with another static constructional installation, or (3) related to a particular geographic feature, wherein there is included only enough structure foreign to this class to associate it with the device.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

134+,	for a folding laterally attached surface.
152,	for a surface laterally attached to its support.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

52,	Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclass 36.4 for a combination of a horizontal surface type of article of furniture and more building structure than is required to support or house the article.
182,	Fire Escape, Ladder, or Scaffold, subclass 128 for workman-supporting platform mounted on the inside wall of a shaft.
297,	Chairs and Seats, subclass 163 for a table mounted behind a seat, and subclass 174 for a table mounted in front of a seat.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 43]

Body related:

This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Device including means for supporting the surface from some part of a person"s body or for accommodating a portion of the body when so supported.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

224,	Package and Article Carriers, appropriate subclasses, particularly subclass 270 for a body or belt attached package or article carrier.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 44]

Vehicle supported:

This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Device comprising means to attach the device to a vehicle.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

5,	Beds, subclasses 94 and 118+ for a crib or a bed attached to a vehicle.
224,	Package and Article Carriers, subclasses 400+ for a vehicle supported package and article carrier.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 45]

Instrument panel:

This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Device wherein the vehicle structure is an instrument panel.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

224,	Package and Article Carriers, subclasses 400+ for a vehicle-supported package or article carrier, especially subclass 483 where the article carrier is attached to the dashboard of the vehicle.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 46]

Support enters window recess:

This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Device wherein the means includes structure which extends over a window sill of the vehicle door and into a space which accommodates the window.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

224,	Package and Article Carriers, subclasses 400+ for a vehicle-supported package or article carrier, especially subclass 482 where the article carrier is attached to the window or window frame.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 47]

On top and side of upright wall:

This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Device wherein the surface rests upon the top edge of an upright wall and has a clamp or brace which engages the side of the wall below the top.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

11+,	for a similar device additionally provided with legs for supporting the device on a horizontal surface.

48	Having wall and floor relationship:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Device in which the surface is laterally attached to an upright wall and is retained in operative position by a floor-engaging prop or leg member.

[List of Patents for class 108 subclass 49]

Bed supported:

This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Device having its support related to specific features of a bed.

(1) Note. Specific features of a bed include laterally spaced side rails, and a structural relationship between the side rails and the head and/or foot structure.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

5,	Beds, subclass 507.1 for a bed-supported surface wherein the bed structure is in some way altered to receive and support the surface.

50.01

WITH MACHINE (I.E., TYPEWRITER, COPY MACHINE, ETC.):

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device adapted to support a mechanical apparatus.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

312,	Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclasses 208.1+ for cabinet structure for key-board writing machine, and subclasses 208.5+ for cabinet structure for sewing machine.

50.02

HAVING MEANS FOR SUPPORTING AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT (E.G., WIRE, OUTPUT JACK, ETC.):

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device adapted to support an electrical element.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

312,	Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclasses 223.1+ for cabinet having structure to accommodate an electrical device or component.

50.11	COMBINED:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device in combination with structure having another function or serving to perfect the device for its intended function.

50.12

With umbrella structure:

This subclass is indented under subclass 50.11. Device in combination with structure of an umbrella (e.g., umbrella shaft, canopy, etc.).

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

135,	Tent, Canopy, Umbrella, or Cane, appropriate subclasses for particular umbrella structure.
297,	Chairs and Seats, subclasses 184.1+ for chair or seat with weather shield or insect protector.

50.13

With heating or air moving means:

This subclass is indented under subclass 50.11. Device in combination with a heating source or a fan.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

62,	Refrigeration, subclass 258 for refrigeration apparatus combined with a noncooled work surface, and subclass 458 for similar apparatus including an access surface and cooling means therefore.
312,	Supports: Cabinet Structure, subclass 236 for cabinet structure with heating, cooling, or heat exchange means.

50.14

With head, arm, leg, or foot rest:

This subclass is indented under subclass 50.11. Device in combination with a means for supporting a user"s head, arm, leg, or foot.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

297,	Chairs and Seats, subclasses 391+ , 411.2+, and 423.1+ for head, arm, knee, leg, or foot rest.
601,	Surgery: Kinesitherapy, subclasses 24+ for treatment table or surface with head, arm, leg, or foot support.

50.15

With mirror:

This subclass is indented under subclass 50.11. Device in combination with structure of a mirror (e.g., mirror frame, etc.).

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

297,	Chairs and Seats, subclass 185 for chair or seat with mirror.