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 [Search a list of Patent Appplications for class 256]   CLASS 256,FENCES
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class includes that type of building structures commonly designated "fences" and characterized by a relatively low, generally openwork, structure adapted to serve the purposes of a barrier.

Those fences in which a part breaks, gives way, or separates under abnormal conditions are classified herein with the type of fence to which the invention is applied.

Posts described for use in fences, but which are of more general application, are classified under the more general appropriate building structure classes. Posts are included herein only when specially adapted for a fence and are classified with the type of fence to which they are adapted.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

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24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps,   etc., subclasses 68+ , especially 71.1, for line stretchers or tighteners of general utility. Wire fences with stretching devices are in this class (256), subclasses 37+. Connectors between parts of a fence are classified in this class (256) with the type of fence involved. Class 24, subclasses 305+ provides for combinations of two or more simple forms of fastenings not for connecting fence parts.
49, Movable or Removable Closures,   appropriate subclasses, for that movable portion of a fence commonly known as a "gate" and characterized by a normally open and closed position. A panel, per se, of general application, although forming part of a gate, is classified in subclass 73 of this class (256).
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   appropriate subclasses for barriers, poles, and posts of more general application, particularly subclass 40 for a shaft with an article support; subclass 102 for an earth supported coping or edging; subclasses 103 and 104 for a land marker or monument; subclass 113 for a shaft with a spring actuated return; subclasses 153 and 154 for a shaft with an embedded wing-type brace; subclasses 155-166 for an earth anchor; subclasses 292-299 for a footing for a vertical shaft; subclasses 300 and 301 for vertical structure with a cap; subclasses 415-442 for a brick and mortar-type barrier; subclasses 633-697 for openwork (e.g., lattice or grating, etc.); and subclasses 831-857 for elongated rigid members.
403, Joints and Connections,   appropriate subclasses for joints of general utility. Connectors between parts of a fence are classified in this class (256) with the type fence involved.
404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus,   subclasses 6+ , for a traffic guide or barrier structure and subclasses 9+, for a traffic director structure.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,   appropriate subclasses for earthwork barriers, especially subclasses 30+ for openwork wave or flow dissipating barriers. Fence structure, per se, of earthwork is classified in this class (256), subclass 19.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,   subclasses 544+ for stock materials, e.g., of indefinite length, which are all metal or have adjacent metal components. See the notes in the main Class Definition of Class 428.

SECTION III - GLOSSARY

STRUCTURAL

As used herein, this term applies to any relatively rigid slat or bar member used as an element of a fence.

WIRE

As used herein, this term includes not only metallic but also any nonmetallic rope, cord, or strand.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 1]    1MISCELLANEOUS:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Fence constructions and accessories peculiar thereto not specifically provided for elsewhere.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 2]    2BARBED:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Fences provided with spurs, points, or barbs so arranged as to discourage the violent passage of animals through them.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 3]    3Guarded:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Barbed fences having guards to protect animals from injury.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 4]    4Visible:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 3.  Devices comprising members serving as a warning of the presence of barbs.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 5]    5Fabrics:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Devices comprising openwork or meshed stock, whether formed of relatively rigid slats or bars or of wire combined with rigid slats or bars.

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245, Wire Fabrics and Structure,   subclasses 2+ , for wire fabrics not provided with barbs.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 6]    6Strands:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Devices relating to the structure of the strands.

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11,for top guard rails, although provided with barbs.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 7]    7Single:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Fence strands in which a barb is capable of attachment to a single strand.

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6,for barbs specialized for attachment to strands made up of two or more wires.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 8]    8Integral barb:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 7.  Single fence strands in which the barbs are integral.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 9]    9Integral barb:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Devices made up of sections or links joined end-to-end.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 10]    10ELECTRIC:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Fences having one or more parts charged with electricity, whereby shock will be imparted to an animal coming into contact therewith.

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109, Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device,   subclass 35 , for safes, etc., with an electrically charged surface.
119, Animal Husbandry,   particularly subclass 721 for an electromagnetic remote control for confining an animal to a predetermined territorial location. The remote control feature may include a buried wire or above ground fence-like structure but does not limit the travel of the animal by direct electrical contact therewith.
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators,   appropriate subclasses, for electric conductors and their supports of general utility.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 11]    11TOP GUARDED:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Fences having special provision to prevent or hinder creatures from traveling or remaining upon the top of the fence.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 12]    12Unstable:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 11.  Fences wherein the top guard has an unstable or movable portion.

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1,for steeplechase fences provided with yielding means upon the top rail.
16,for track guards having movable means.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 12.5]    12.5DRIFTAGE CONTROL:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Barriers designed to regulate wind and air currents so that driftage of snow or sand will be controlled.
(1) Note. These barriers usually act either (1) to so direct wind or air currents to cause the same to pick up and remove snow or sand from places it is desired to keep clear thereof, or (2) to cause wind or air currents to drop sand or snow carried thereby to avoid the same accumulating at places it is desired to keep clear, thereof, for example, railways or roadways.

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104, Railways,   subclasses 279+ , for miscellaneous railway track clearing or cleaning means.
135, Tent, Canopy, Umbrella, or Cane,   subclasses 87+ , for portable shelters used as a snow or wind screen.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 13]    13FLOOD:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Devices for use on shores or in stream beds designed to prevent animals from passing, but providing for the more or less free passage of the water and bodies held in suspension therein.

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49, Movable or Removable Closures,   subclasses 10+ for closures which move under the influence of a swollen stream.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 13.1]    13.1HIGHWAY GUARD:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Devices in the nature of barriers, railings, or fences, both rigid and yielding, along road sides, and sufficiently strong to resist automobile impact.

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19,for similar barriers forming complete fences.

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114, Ships,   subclass 219 , for similar devices applied to sides of ships.
238, Railways: Surface Track,   subclass 10, for similar structure in nature of portable track.
248, Supports,   subclass 66 , for brackets, for securing a road guard cable to its post.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 14]    14TRACK GUARD:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device for use upon railroads designed to prevent animals from passing along the tracks and incapable of use as a gate to permit the passage of the animal.

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49, Movable or Removable Closures,   subclasses 131+ for a closure which moves to an inoperative position flush with the ground, such as a railroad track, to permit a train to ride over it.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 15]    15Rocking:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Track guards that consist of a pivoted member or a series of them adapted to rock under pressure.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 16]    16Rotary:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Track guards embodying a series of rotary members.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 17]    17Bar:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Track guards embodying a series of bars spaced apart to form a grating.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 18]    18Pronged:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 17.  Devices comprising bars provided with a series of prongs more or less sharp.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 19]    19EARTH, STONE, PLASTIC, AND WOODEN:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Fences, made wholly or partly of such materials as earth, stone, plastics, or wood where the material of which they are made, as well as the form of the fence, is of consequence.

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13.1,for similar devices for highway guards.

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52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   appropriate subclasses for masonry walls of more general application, particularly subclasses 300+ for vertical structures with a cap or terminal bearing plate.
405, Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,   appropriate subclasses for specialized earthwork barriers (i.e., jetty, dam, levee, etc.).
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 20]    20HEDGE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Fences formed of growing plants used alone or in connection with wire to form the fence.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 21]    21METALLIC:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Fences made wholly or mostly of metal other than wire where the material is of consequence or where the shape of parts is such as to preclude their being made of other material.

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47+,and 65.01+, for joints between fence members.

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52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   subclasses 660+ for fabric or lattice openwork, e.g., grating, of more general application.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 22]    22Picket:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 21.  Fences composed of longitudinal rails and upright members where the upright members serve to increase the effectiveness of the fence as a barrier and not merely to strengthen, brace, or space apart the rails.

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34,for woven, strand fences.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 23]    23SUSPENDED:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Fences having portions hung or suspended between posts or from rails or strands running from post to post.

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49, Movable or Removable Closures,   subclasses 10+ for similar devices used on shores or stream beds.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 24]    24PANEL:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Fences made up of panels.

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23,for sections hung or suspended.
73,for fence panels, per se.

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24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps,   etc., subclasses 455+ , for clasps.
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   appropriate subclasses for an in situ erected building structure of more general application, particularly subclasses 474+ for a facer (panel) held by a frame or shaft.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 25]    25Inclosure:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Devices relating to enclosed structures, generally in the nature of a pen for children, adapted to be folded and stored away.

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5, Beds,   subclasses 93.1+ , for crib-type beds and for play-pens having a bottom wall even if the bottom and side members are not connected. The bottom may be a fabric and may rest directly on the floor.
119, Animal Husbandry,   subclass 20 , for animal pens.
135, Tent, Canopy, Umbrella, or Cane,   subclasses 87+ for portable shelters.
472, Amusement Devices,   particularly subclasses 92+ for an enclosure for an athletic or exhibition event, e.g., for arena, track, court, playing field, etc.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 26]    26Hinged:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Devices hingedly connected so that adjacent panel units are capable of lying in the same or intersecting planes.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 27]    27Angle:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Panel fences in which two adjacent panels are capable of attachment so as to stand in intersecting planes.

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25,for similar structure forming enclosures.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 28]    28Tied:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 27.  Fences wherein the panels are tied together by a wire running the length of several panels, the panel ends are bolted or wired together, or a separate element is used to lock or tie adjacent panels together.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 29]    29Tied:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Fences wherein the panels extend in the same general direction (right line) and are tied together by a wire running the length of a plurality of panels, when the panel ends are bolted or wired together, or where a separate element is used to lock or tie adjacent panels together.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 30]    30Braced:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 29.  Devices wherein the panels or fence as a whole are braced in addition or wherein the panels or fence are tied and braced by the same means.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 31]    31Braced:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Devices comprising combinations of panels with braced posts or separate brace members and braced posts or like parts particularly adapted to receive the support fence panels.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 32]    32WIRE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Fences made wholly or partially of wire and elements and combinations of elements used as parts of wire fences not otherwise provided for and characterized by the presence of strands of wire connected to the spanning post members.

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23,for spanning strands supporting panel members.
24,for panels made wholly or partially of wire.
73,for fence panels, and see the search note therewith.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 33]    33All wire:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Fences composed entirely of wire.

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47, Plant Husbandry,   subclasses 44+ , for plant supports.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 34]    34Picket:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Fences composed of woven longitudinal strands and upright members where the upright members serve to increase the effectiveness of the fence as a barrier and not merely to strengthen, brace, or space apart the strands.

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22,for fences composed of rails and uprights.
35,for braces.

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245, Wire Fabrics and Structure,   subclass 11 , for slat and wire fabrics.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 35]    35Braced:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Devices particularly adapted for the bracing of wire fences. Braced posts, and braces or stays generally to strengthen, reinforce, or space apart the strands of a wire fence. Combinations of a plurality of fence posts with brace members connecting so as to brace each other.

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22,for fences composed of rails and uprights.
34,for fences composed of woven strands and uprights.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 36]    36Trussed:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Wire fences wherein the strands are provided with a diagonal bracing member or some of the strands are deflected from their true horizontal course to brace the fence after the manner of a truss.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 37]    37Stretcher:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Devices with stretching devices which form permanent parts of the fence, and are provided with details particularly adapting them for use in a fence.

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24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps,   etc., subclasses 71.1+ , for tighteners intermediate the ends of a line or wire.
84, Music,   subclass 200 , for tuning devices, and 304, for tuning pegs.
140, Wireworking,   subclass 123.5 , for wire tighteners.
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force,   subclasses 199+ for a portable implement or apparatus for tensioning flexible material (e.g., fence wire from which the implement or apparatus is detached when moved).
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 38]    38Gravity:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 37.  Devices including a suspended weight.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 39]    39Spring:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 37.  Devices that employ the power of a spring to accomplish the stretching.

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54, Harness for Working Animal,   subclass 48 , for elastic stirrups.
267, Spring Devices,   subclasses 69+ , for elastic extension devices.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 40]    40Winder:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 37.  Devices employing a member upon which the wire is wound.

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254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force,   subclasses 213+ for a portable, rotatably driven drum for tensioning a flexible material, the drum engages and pulls on either the material or a cable attached to the material.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 41]    41Multiple:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 40.  Devices having winding elements for a plurality of strands and pluralities of winding elements operating upon individual strands, but mounted upon a common spindle.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 42]    42Bracket:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 40.  Devices carried by brackets secured to or bearing against the post.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 43]    43Internal:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 40.  Devices mounted within the post.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 44]    44Lateral:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 40.  Devices mounted upon the post and project laterally therefrom.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 45]    45Fabrics:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Devices consisting of fabrics formed wholly or partially of wire wherein the stays and strands are held together by separate ties, such as wires, lock rods, or clips.

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198, Conveyors: Power-Driven,   subclasses 848+ for an endless belt conveyor formed of wire fabric.
245, Wire Fabrics and Structure,   for woven all wire or slat-and-wire fabric.
403, Joints and Connections,   subclasses 384+ for connections, between individual rods joined side-to-side.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 46]    46Strands:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Devices including circular section and ribbon strands peculiar to fences.

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6+,for barbed strand structure.

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52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   appropriate subclasses for a masonry construction of general application.
211, Supports: Racks,   subclasses 119.01+ , for clothesline supports.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,   subclasses 544+ for stock materials, e.g., of indefinite length, which are all metal or have adjacent metal components. See the notes in the main Class Definition of Class 428.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 47]    47Connections:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Subject matter relating to connections peculiarly adapted to attach a strand of the fence to a post, pole, stay, or like upright having a structural shape.

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24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps,   etc., subclasses 335+ for combinations of two or more simple forms of fastenings for connecting other than fence parts.
248, Supports,   subclasses 49+ is the general locus for supports for cables, particularly subclass 66, for brackets for securing a road guard cable to its post.
403, Joints and Connections,   subclasses 384+ for rods joined side-to-side.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 48]    48Cross:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Devices wherein the strand crosses a structural upright.

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65.01+,for connections between a rail and structural upright.

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47, Plant Husbandry,   subclasses 44+ , for plant supports.
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators,   subclasses 154+ and 168+, for conductor holders.
248, Supports,   subclass 353 , for clothesline props.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 49]    49Facing strip:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 48.  Devices wherein the strand is stapled or otherwise attached to a facing strip which is secured to or embedded in a structural upright.

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65.01+,for a rail attached to a facing strip on the upright.

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52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   appropriate subclasses for a structure of more general application, particularly subclasses 364+ for a ground member serving as a penetrating fastener receiver, and subclasses 698+ for an anchor or tie.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 50]    50Plastic:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 48.  Devices which require that the upright shall be made of some plastic material.

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49,for facing strips upon a plastic post to which the strand is attached.

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52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   subclasses 698+ for a building component anchor or tie which is generally assembled with other components as the structure is erected, e.g., anchors set in concrete before hardening.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 51]    51Reenforced:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 50.  Subject matter , the plastic post having a reinforcing element.

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52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),   appropriate subclasses for a structure or building component of more general classification, particularly subclasses 633 through 697for openwork and subclasses 850-857 for elongated rigid members which in use may be embedded in concrete.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 52]    52Multiple:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 48.  Subject matter relating to a plurality of crossing wires to a structural upright by a single member extending longitudinally of the upright.

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49,for single members imbedded or otherwise longitudinally secured to a post to which a series of wires are stapled or similarly attached.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 53]    53Nonaligned slots:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 48.  Devices where the wire is held in a plurality of slots, which slots or their mouths are out of alinement, so that it is necessary to bend a portion of the strand to cause it to enter the slots.

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48,for separate members attached to uprights to receive the wire in a curved or obliquely formed slot therein or between oppositely directed hooks formed thereon.
58,for obliquely formed slots in the upright or oppositely directed hooks struck from the material of the upright in which the wire is held.

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174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators,   subclasses 174+ , for analogous insulator structure.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 54]    54Clamp:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 48.  Devices comprising clamps.

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68,for rail clamps.

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174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators,   subclasses 154+ , for insulator and conductor holders; 169+, for terminal-type conductor-holding means and 172+, for insulator-holding means.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 55]    55Screw:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 54.  Connections in which a screw is an essential element of the clamp.

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69,for similar structure in rail fences.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 56]    56Wedge:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 54.  Connections in which a wedge is an essential element of the clamp.

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70,for similar structure in rail fences.
  
[List of Patents for class 256 subclass 57]    57Tie:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 48.  Connections in which the strand is tied to the structural shaped upright by means of a flexible member.

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71,for similar structure in rail fences.

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47, Plant Husbandry,   subclasses 44+ , for plant supports.
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators,   subclass