This class relates to the propulsion of land vehicles by a motor
carried on the vehicle and to the following subject matter, which
may be considered as incidental to such propulsion:
1. The mounting of a motor on a land vehicle.
2. Transmission mechanism in connection with specific vehicle
structure. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class,
B, below.)
3. Power steering-gear for land vehicles.
4. Power means for raising a frame or body relative to a wheel
or wheels.
5. Devices not of general application for utilizing the power
of the power plant of a land vehicle to drive other machines, the
specific structure of such machines not being involved.
6. Controlling devices in connection with land vehicle structure.
7. Gyroscopes in connection with land vehicle structure.
8. Safety devices involving a feature limited to use on motor
vehicles.
9. Motor Vehicles provided with wheel substitutes. This
includes vehicles with wheel substitutes even though no power or
driving means is claimed unless the vehicle claimed is identified
in the specific disclosure as only a nonmotor vehicle. Further,
this class takes fluid supported suction effect and surface effect
vehicles, including subcombinations drawn to the fluid producing means
even though no power or driving means or specific vehicle structure
is claimed or disclosed.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
The preceding class definition is subject to the following
exceptions:
A. This class is superior to the various motor classes, and
whenever a patent contains claims involving in any degree the structure
of the vehicle in connection with a power plant or the location
and arrangement of the motive-power plant relative thereto it is
placed in this class. The mere mention of a vehicle broadly, or
of such parts as are necessarily involved in the definition of a vehicle,
in a claim which is in other respects drawn to the specific construction
of the power plant, does not cause such an assignment, the classification
being then based on the power-plant structure, so that the patent
is assigned to the appropriate motor class.
B. Transmission mechanism for driving vehicle-wheels is classified
with other transmission mechanism elsewhere, even when there is
an inclusion in a claim for such structure of a frame, body or boiler,
an axle, and traction-wheels. In general, however, inventions relating
to vehicle structure are classified in Class 180, although transmission
mechanism is included. Transmission-trains designed to drive the
road-wheels on opposite sides of a vehicle at the same speed and
when desired at different speeds or in different directions or to drive
the wheel on one side only are placed in Class 180. Patents containing
claims for vehicle-springs in connection with transmission mechanism
are placed in Class 180. Patents having two sets of claims, one
relating to vehicle structure of general application and the other
to transmission mechanism, are placed in this class. Transmission
mechanism for an occupant-propelled vehicle in connection with vehicle
structure is found elsewhere.
C. Self-propelled vehicles carrying or constituting a device
designed to perform a function not incidental to transportation
are classified in the class having such devices when a functional
manipulation or mounting of the device or more structure than is
necessary for connection to the running gear is claimed. For example,
a traction-engine claimed in connection with a plow is placed elsewhere.
The term "steering wheel" used in the following
definitions means a road-wheel, the axis of which may be swung so
as to change the course of the vehicle; however, for an exception
to this practice see Subclass References to the Current Class, below.
By the term "normal wheel-base" is meant the
arrangement of the four wheels of a vehicle so that straight lines
joining the points of contact of the wheels with the road form approximately
a rectangle when the steering wheels are in the straight-away position.
Vehicle structure designed for motor-vehicles, but not involving
features mentioned in the preceding definition, will be found in
Classes 280, Land Vehicles, 296, Land Vehicles: Bodies and Tops,
and 301, Land Vehicles: Wheels and Axles.
LINE WITH CLASS 475 AND CLASS 74
See Class 475, Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components,
for a planetary gear transmission in a vehicle drive train. The
same line exists between Class 180 and Class 475 as exists between
Class 180 and Class 74.
LINE WITH CLASS 477, CLASS 74, CLASS 180, AND CLASS 192
See Class 477,Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including
Engine Control, for interrelated control between an engine and a
transmission, clutch, or brake. Class 477 was formed from patents
in Classes 74 and 192 and so the same line exists between Class
180 and Class 477 as exists between Class 180 and Classes 74 and
192.
SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS
Railway Rolling Stock, appropriate subclasses (e.g.,
subclasses 215.1+ ) for a motor vehicle which includes means whereby
it may operate in the manner of a vehicle of that class (105).
Earth Working,
subclass 3 for earth working apparatus with automatic motive
power control, subclasses 114+ for a driven earth working tool
mounted on a vehicle, specific propelling means for the vehicle
being claimed, and subclass 292 for earth working apparatus in which specific
propelling means are claimed. Also, see Lines With Other Classes
and Within This Class C, above.
Aeronautics and Astronautics, appropriate subclasses (e.g.,
subclasses 2 , 17.17, 50) for a vehicle of that class which either
is combined with a land or water vehicle or else includes means
whereby it may operate in one or more respects (e.g., braking, steering,
etc.) in the manner of a land or a water vehicle.
Wheel Substitutes for Land Vehicles, for wheel substitutes, per se. Class 180 takes
patents relating to a vehicle, disclosed as a motor vehicle, where
some vehicle structure or a special relationship between the vehicle
frame and the wheel substitute is set forth in the claims, irrespective
of whether or not any driving means is claimed. However such expressions
as a "vehicle frame", an "axle",
a "pivotal connection between the vehicle frame and wheel
substitute carrying frame" in claims which are otherwise
directed to specific wheel substitute structure are considered mere
nominal recitations of vehicle structure and are not excluded from
Class 305. Also Class 180 takes patents claiming some element of
the driving means of a wheel substitute except that the mere broad recitation
of a drive means, drive axle or drive sprocket for a wheel substitute
is not sufficient to exclude the patent from Class 305, if the vehicle
is otherwise only nominally recited in the claims. Further Class
180 takes suction effect and surface effect vehicles even though no
driving means or specific vehicle structure is claimed.
Horology: Time Measuring Systems or Devices,
subclasses 6+ for a vehicle responsive parking meter and subclasses
1+ for an horological device acted upon by a disparate device.
Planetary Gear Transmission Systems or Components, for a planetary gear transmission in a vehicle drive
train. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above.)
Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including
Engine Control, for interrelated control between an engine and a
transmission, clutch, or brake. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within
This Class, above.)
SECTION V - GLOSSARY
NORMAL WHEEL-BASE
Means the arrangement of the four wheels of a vehicle so
that straight lines joining the points of contact of the wheels
with the road form approximately a rectangle when the steering wheels
are in the straight-away position.
STEERING WHEEL
Used in the Class 180 subclass definitions means a road-wheel,
the axis of which may be swung so as to change the course of the
vehicle; however, see Subclass References in the Current Class above.
MOTOR SUPPLIED WITH POWER FROM AN EXTERNAL SOURCE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Motors supplied from without the vehicle with fuel or an
equivalent during the travel of the vehicle.
Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, which contains inventions relating to the transmission
of electrical energy from fixed points to vehicles, and not involving
specific vehicle structure nor specific means for applying the electrical
energy to any specific purpose.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
subclasses 738 and 746 for ambulant sprayers with a stationary fluid
supply and having a carriage propelled by the energy of the fluid
to be sprayed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2.1. Motor vehicles wherein the source of power for the motor
is derived from a freely occurring natural force (e.g., sun, wind).
(1)
Note. For the purposes of this subclass, although a sail
is powered by a natural force, it is not considered a motor under the
class definition and therefor vehicles powered by sails except in
connection with a motor are excluded from this class.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Vehicles having means to cause a relative difference in
rate of travel between traction elements on opposite sides, as by:
(1) unclutching or otherwise disengaging the road traction element
or elements on one side from its driving means; (2) changing the
speed of, or the amount of power transmitted to, the traction element
or elements to produce a differential effect; or (3) varying the
effective tractive area of the driving element or elements.
(1)
Note. The line between this group of subclasses and Classes
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, 188, Brakes and 192, Clutches
and Power-Stop Control and 475, Planetary Gear Transmission Systems
or Components, is that where specific vehicle frame structure or arrangement
not related to the transmission of power is claimed, such as, the location
or equilibrious positioning of the motor, transmission or the like
on the frame, or other vehicle feature (e.g., load carrying structure
or nondriven wheels), classification is in Class 180.
Machine Element or Mechanism, appropriate subclasses, for power transmitting elements
included in steering by driving mechanism wherein specific vehicle
structure or specific relation with vehicle structure is not claimed
(i.e., the vehicle is included in name only). See (1) Note.
Brakes, appropriate subclasses, for brakes included in steering
by driving mechanism wherein no significant vehicle structure is
claimed. See (1) Note.
Clutches and Power-Stop Control, appropriate subclasses, for brakes and clutches,
plural clutches, transmission control with brake control or clutch,
etc., wherein no significant vehicle structure is claimed. See
(1) Note.
Interrelated Power Delivery Controls, Including
Engine Control, for steering by driving, including interrelated engine
and transmission, clutch, or brake controls and lacking significant vehicle
structure. The same line exists between Class 180 and Class 477
as exists between Class 180 and Class 74 as set forth above.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Vehicles having combined therewith means for manually turning
or rotating ground engaging elements about a vertical axis; i.e.,
conventional steering gear.
(1)
Note. The manual steering mechanism for the most part controls
nondriven wheels.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.24. Combinations in which the mechanism for steering by driving
is controlled by or responsive to the manual steering mechanism.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.26. Combined steering mechanisms in which the interlocked relation
between the steering mechanisms is accomplished by means of electromechanical
responsive devices.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.26. Combined steering mechanisms in which the interlocked relation
between the steering mechanisms is accomplished through the medium
of a fluid pressure system.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.26. Combined steering mechanisms in which the interlocked relation
between the steering mechanisms is accomplished by means of a mechanical
lever and/or linkage system.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.32. Steering mechanisms in which the mechanical lever and/or
linkage system is operated or controlled by a cam mechanism.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.32. Steering mechanisms in which the mechanical lever and/or
linkage systems is constructed so as to have lost motion.
(1)
Note. These devices, for the most part, are operative only
when making sharp turns.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.32. Steering mechanisms in which the motion of the mechanical
lever and/or linkage system is controlled by geared members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.32. Steering mechanisms in which the mechanical lever and/or
linkage system includes flexible and/or yieldable elements.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Vehicles in which a separate motor is used to modify or
vary the drive to the traction element or elements to effect steering
by driving.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Vehicles in which different traction elements are driven
by individually controlled motor units for varying motor power output
to effect steering by driving.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Vehicles in which means for controlling the steering by
driving mechanism is located on a pivotally mounted platform or
turntable type of superstructure.
(1)
Note. These are for the most part vehicles having endless
flexible tracks.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.58. Combinations in which the steering by driving mechanism
is responsive to the position of and/or controllable by
the rotation of the superstructure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Vehicles claimed in combination with features other than
the steering by driving structure and not provided for in preceding
subclasses.
(1)
Note. Steering by driving structure includes propulsive ground
engaging elements and power, transmission and/or driving
means such as will produce variation in the relative motion of the
traction elements either by changing power or tractive effort, with
connecting framework or platform.
(2)
Note. In this subclass, for example, are combinations with
power take-offs, hitches or hangers for a trailing load or animal
draft, furrow engaging wheels used as a controlling element for
the steering by driving mechanism, and supports on which the vehicle
can be tilted.
Clutches and Power-Stop Control, the unnumbered title "Interrelated power delivery
controls" and see the Notes thereto for interrelated control
of one or more of prime movers, clutches, gearing, brakes and loads
by name only.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Vehicles having a frame member, carrying driven traction
elements, mounted so as to swing about a vertical axis in response
to the steering by driving.
Land Vehicles,
subclass 124.109 for a general utility wheeled land vehicle including
a self-sustaining structural assembly disposed between the vehicle
body, chassis, or frame and the axle, wheel, or wheels; subclasses 124.11+ for
a general utility wheeled land vehicle wherein the running gear includes
a pivotally mounted axle or axle assembly providing resilient, shock
absorbing support for the vehicle body chassis or frame; subclasses 137.5+ for
a general utility wheeled land vehicle wherein the running gear includes
a turnable axle lacking resilient, shock absorbing support; or subclasses
400+ for an articulated vehicle or interconnected plural
vehicles (i.e., vehicle train).
This subclass is indented under subclass 6.2. Vehicles in which means are provided for driving the traction
elements in relatively reverse directions to effect steering by
driving.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Motor-vehicles driven in some other way than by the mere
rotation of road-wheels as traction-wheels.
for a motor vehicle which includes a ski-like or
runner member and wherein the vehicle is provided with at least
one surface-engaging propulsion element.
Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
subclass 390.7 for a reeling device driven by a vehicle motor,
392 for a spool mounted on a vehicle wheel, and 391+ for
a traction driven spool in a reeling device.
Land Vehicles,
subclasses 8+ for a general utility land vehicle including both
wheel and runner ground engaging elements; subclass 28.5 for a general
utility land vehicle including wheel substitutes; or subclasses
845+ for a general utility land vehicle including runner
ground engaging elements. In each instance identified above, the
vehicle being claimed is a nonmotor vehicle or identified only as a
nonmotor vehicle in the specific disclosure.
Wheel Substitutes for Land Vehicles, appropriate subclasses, for wheel substitutes, per
se. See the class definition of Class 180 for the line between Class
180 and Class 305.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7.1. Motor vehicle wherein at least one propulsion element comprises
a reaction surface in the form of a screw or a helix which is driven about
its axis of rotation, said axis being in general alignment with
the direction of the vehicle"s motion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7.1. Motor vehicle wherein the special driving device is a driven
cable reel which is mounted on the vehicle and winds a cable connected
at its other end to a stationary object.
(1)
Note. These devices are usually used to extract the vehicle
from the mud and the like.
(2)
Note. A wheeled roadway vehicle having a motor powered, traction
cable-pulling device mounted on it for propelling it from one location
to another as the cable is pulled by the device, is found in this subclass;
if, however, the vehicle is not claimed, or the device is not disclosed
as also being used to pull a load, classification is in Class 254.
Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or
Pulling Force,
subclasses 264+ , for apparatus for hauling or hoisting a load which
includes a driven device for pulling on or traveling along a cable,
and wherein either the device or the cable is attached to the load;
see (2) Note above.
for a motor vehicle of the kind described in the
reference to subclasses 186+ appearing in subclass 7.1 above,
and wherein the propulsion element is of a type which shuffles along
the vehicle-supporting surface.
for a motor vehicle provided with powered, ground-engaging
means for producing, or assisting in the production of, lateral
movement of the vehicle (e.g., for parking) and wherein the means
comprises a reciprocally driven stepper or a rotatably driven cam.
Earth Working,
subclasses 84+ for earth working blades having a reciprocating
and oscillating motion, and subclass 352 for earth working apparatus
with manually driven stepper propulsion means.
Land Vehicles,
subclasses 1.181+ for an occupant propelled land vehicle which simulates
an animate figure including similar driving means; or subclasses
218 and 219 for a general utility wheeled land vehicle of occupant
propelled type including similar driving means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.1. Motor vehicle wherein the mechanical legs are used to propel
the vehicle up or down steps or abutments (e.g., stair climber).
(1)
Note. Vehicles to be placed in this subclass must have legs
that engage the step or abutment by intermittent action. Legs on
wheels which form spiders will be found in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.1. Motor vehicle having a ground engaging supporting base and
at least one mechanical leg and including means that alternately
lift the base and the leg from the ground and means for moving the
base and leg relative to one another to move the vehicle.
Motor vehicle under 8.1 having ground engaging means that
are alternately lifted from the ground and reciprocated or swung
relative to the vehicle to move the vehicle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 8.1. Motor vehicle wherein the mechanical legs are mounted for
guided motion on an endless guide track or a rotary support and
engage with and disengage from the ground in succession.
for a motor vehicle which includes a ski-like or
runner member, which member is substitutable for support structure
of the wheel type, and wherein the vehicle is provided with a propulsion
element of the endless track type.
for a motor vehicle which includes a ski-like or
runner member and wherein the vehicle is provided with at least
one surface-engaging propulsion element of the endless track type.
Land Vehicles,
subclass 5.22 for a step or abutment ascending land vehicle including
an endless track; subclass 28.5 for a nonmotor general utility land
vehicle including wheel substitutes; or subclasses 124.128+, particularly
subclass 124.129 for a general utility wheeled land vehicle wherein
the running gear includes a wheel separately supported upon an individual
stub axle by a longitudinally extending swinging support arm as
commonly used in conjunction with an endless track but not claiming the
endless track.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9.1. Motor vehicles wherein the endless track is substituted
for one or more of the regular drive wheels of the vehicle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9.1. Motor vehicles provided with means by which the vehicle
may be supported or guided by a walking attendant.
(1)
Note. Motorized stair climbers using endless tread drives
will be found in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9.1. Motor vehicles wherein (1) a flexible track is always carried
by a vehicle provided with ground wheels but by an adjustment of
parts the vehicle is either a flexible track vehicle (i.e., a vehicle
in which a flexible track engages the ground) or a wheeled vehicle
(i.e., a vehicle in which all of the supporting means are wheels)
or (2) a frame carrying a flexible track apparatus is mounted on
a wheeled vehicle without removing any of the wheels from the vehicle.
(1)
Note. Devices in which the drive wheel of a vehicle is removed
and a flexible track apparatus substituted therefor, and devices
in which a flexible track is applied to the drive wheel of a motor vehicle
to extend between such drive wheel and an idler wheel to convert
the wheel vehicle into an endless track vehicle are not included
in this subclass. Such devices are classified on other features
in other subclasses under subclass 9.1.
for a motor vehicle which includes a ski-like or
runner member, which member is substitutable for support structure
of the wheel type, and wherein the vehicle is provided with a propulsion
element of the endless track type and further wherein the track
comprises a substitute for or an addition to a propulsion element
in the nature of a traction wheel.
Wheel Substitutes for Land Vehicles,
subclass 20 for a flexible track apparatus adapted to be positioned
beneath a vehicle so that the vehicle wheel directly engages the
upper surface of the flexible track to drive said track.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9.26. Motor vehicles wherein the flexible track is always carried
by a vehicle provided with ground wheel means and by an adjustment
of parts may be brought into or out of ground contact.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9.28. Motor vehicles wherein the arrangement of parts is such
that when the flexible track contacts the ground the wheel means
is out of ground contact.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9.1. Apparatus provided with means in addition to the running
gear of the vehicle, said means being out of ground contact during
normal operation of the vehicle but being operative when the vehicle
encounters an obstacle to assist the vehicle in surmounting the
obstacle.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9.1. Motor vehicles provided with a ground engaging wheel adapted
to assist the endless track in supporting or propelling the vehicle.
for a flexible track motor vehicle provided with
wheels which are normally out of ground contact, but which are engageable
with the ground when the vehicle encounters an obstruction.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9.34. Motor vehicles wherein the ground wheel is located to one
side of the track, and a portion thereof lies within an area defined
by a horizontal projection of the track periphery.
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