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 [Search a list of Patent Appplications for class 401]   CLASS 401,COATING IMPLEMENTS WITH MATERIAL SUPPLY
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is the residual class for patents directed to coating implements as defined in Definition, below.

For placement of a patent in this class, its claimed disclosure must meet the minimum requirements of the class definition and should not extend beyond the boundaries indicated in Scope Of This Class, and in Lines With Other Classes.

Terms followed by an asterisk(*) are defined in the Glossary, and those followed by the symbol # are defined in (10) Note to the definition of subclass 49.

Where a defined term has been identified by an * or # symbol in the definition of a subclass, the identification is generally not repeated for the same term in the definition of subclasses indented thereunder.

Throughout this publication, where appropriate, the alternative singular or plural forms of a noun have been indicated by the addition of "(s)" immediately following such noun (e.g., "tool(s)" to mean "tool or tools").

DEFINITION

This is the residual class for a manually manipulated device for applying or spreading a coating on a work surface by movement of the device relative to the surface and contact therewith, which device includes, or is combined with, either (a) a supply of, or support for, solid coating material, or (b) a tool* and means to supply fluent coating material either to the tool or to the work surface.

(1) Note. For the purpose of this class, the term "manually manipulated" is intended to include manipulation of the implement by any part of the human body (such as the hand, foot or head). SCOPE OF THIS CLASS This class is intended to serve as the residual depository for patents for manually held and manually manipulable coating implements which include a coating tool* and means for supplying coating material to the work contacting portion of the tool or to the work adjacent the tool. The tool may be any form of applicator or spreader, or a surface of a piece of solid coating material. A cleaning tool which cannot be structurally distinguished from a coating tool will be considered as a tool appropriate for this class. The coating material may be liquid, flowable plastic, fluent (particulate) solid, solid dispersible or soluble in a liquid vehicle, solid adapted to be pulverized by some means prior to application to a work surface, or a self-sustaining piece of solid material adapted to deposit a layer of itself by rubbing contact with the work surface. No distinction is made between materials which are intended to form a permanent coating (e.g., paint, ink) or a temporary coating (e.g., water, soap, alcohol). The supply-means* may be a reservoir or material retainer in communication with the tool or a conduit for conveying material from a remote source to the tool. Also included in this class is the combination of a supply container and an independent applicator which is intended to be dipped into the container for collecting a quantity of coating material therefrom. In the case of solid coating material intended for coating by rubbing contact, the entire piece of material will be considered the supply and the work contacting portion will be considered the tool. Included in this class, then, are patents for nib type fountain pens, stylos:graphic pens, ball point and felt nib pens, paint rollers with reservoir (tank, conduit or tray), and fountain brushes and mops; also patents for pencils, crayons, lipsticks and the like. A patent for the combination of an art device of this class with an art device of another class will generally be placed in this class (401) unless specifically provided for elsewhere. A patent for a subcombination of an art device of this class will generally be classified with the combination unless provided for elsewhere. For example, the subcombination of a crayon holder will be placed in subclasses 88+. A patent for a holder of general utility, in which the tool is not claimed or merely claimed broadly but is disclosed alternatively as a coating tool of this class or a tool classifiable elsewhere, will be placed in this class (401) as an original and cross-referenced in the class(es) providing for the other disclosed tool(s). CRITERIA FOR PLACEMENT OF DOCUMENTS IN THIS CLASS In determining placement of patents in the schedule the following guide lines will be followed: (1) As between coordinate subclasses providing for specific tools, (a) Where the tool is only claimed generically and (i) only one specific tool is disclosed, original placement will be in the subclass providing for the specific tool; however, (ii) when the disclosure includes several specific tools, original placement will be in the first subclass providing for any one of the specifically disclosed tools with a cross-reference to each subclass providing for another specifically disclosed tool. (b) Where there are both generic claims and claims to a single disclosed species, the species claims will control original placement. (c) Where there are claims to more than one species of tool, patent placement will follow the usual principles of schedule superiority. (2) A patent to a subcombination of an implement of this class will be placed in the subclass providing for the combination except where the subcombination is provided for lower in the schedule or in another class. (3) For purposes of determining whether an implement has diverse tools (subclasses 16+) or plural tools (29+ etc.), the diverse types of tools, as recognized and defined in the subclasses referenced in Subclass References to This Class, below, are as follows: (a) multiple-tip multiple-discharge tool; (b) solid material for rubbing contact (e.g., pencil, chalk, wax); (c) porous tool through which material flow; (d) ball, roller, or endless belt; (e) bifurcate pointed nib; (f) stylus; (g) blade-like, pad-like, or apertured tool; (h) brush, broom or mop; and (i) any tool which differs from any of the above in structure and in mode of transferring material from supply to work. Tool forms grouped together, as above, (e.g., ball, roller, or endless belt) will be considered as of the same type and not diverse. A patent for an implement, comprising plural tool forms of the same type, which does not fall within the definitions of subclasses 29+, 34+, 36, or 37+, will be placed in the first appearing subclass in the schedule providing for any one of said tool forms. A tool that may appear to fit two different type classifications will be considered to be of that type higher in the list above. For example, a roller brush will be considered a roller ((d) above). Hence, an implement including a roller brush as in (d) and a flat brush as in (h) will be considered as comprising diverse tools for subclasses 16+ (i.e., a roller and a brush). See SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THIS CLASS, below, for a map to the contents of the specific subclasses mentioned herein.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

(1) The following classes take precedence over this class (401) for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation, as indicated in the individual notes to the classes in References to Other Classes, below: Class 15, Class 33, Class 47, Class 81, Class 111, Class 132, Class 141, Class 156, Class 184, Class 206, Class 404, Class 425, Class 520, Class 604.

(2) A patent to the combination of an implement of this class (401) and a device classifiable in another class will generally be placed in such other class, provided that no more of the impalement structure is claimed than is necessary to establish its relationship with the other art device. The classes where this rule has been applied are: Class 15, Class 24, Class 30, Class 34, Class 40, Class 224, Class 242, Class 279, Class 362. (See the Search Notes below)

Other related areas in the Search Notes include:

Classes Pertaining to Coating;

Locations of Coating Implements with Material Supply; and

Classes Pertaining to Subcombinations of, or Accessories for, the Subject Matter of Class 401.

Search notes are parenthetically identified as to which of these areas they relate. Also see the Search Notes for further lines between this class (401) and other classes.

SECTION III - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

16+,for an implement having diverse tools (see Criteria For Placement of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
29+,34+, 36, 37+, for an implement having plural tools. A patent for an implement, comprising plural tool forms of the same type, which does not fall within the definitions of these subclasses will be placed in the first appearing subclass in the schedule providing for any one of said tool forms. (See Criteria For Placement Of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
28,for multiple-tip multiple-discharge tool (see Criteria For Placement of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
49,for solid material for rubbing contact (e.g., pencil, chalk, wax) (see Criteria For Placement Of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
196,for porous tool through which material flows. (see Criteria For Placement of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
208,for ball, roller, or endless belt (see Criteria For Placement Of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
221,for bifurcate pointed nib (see Criteria For Placement Of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
258,for stylus (see Criteria For Placement of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
261,blade-like, pad-like, or apertured tool. (See Criteria For Placement of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
268,brush, broom or mop. (See Criteria For Placement of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
292,for any tool which differs from any of the above in structure and in mode of transferring material from supply to work (see Criteria For Placement of Documents In This Class, (3), above).
,

SECTION IV - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

15Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,   is the locus of patents to (a) machines designed or adapted for cleaning which includes a tool* and a supply-means*; (b) tools*, with or without supply-means*, which are disclosed as attachments for cleaning or coating machines, see, especially, subclass 104.9 ; (c) coating tools*, per se, which may be disclosed as subcombinations of the subject matter of Class 401, however, a patent to such a tool which includes claimed manipulating means disclosed as also serving as supply-means* (e.g., pen barrel) will be found in Class 401; (d) stationary cleaning devices with material supply-means*, that is, devices which are mounted on a fixed support so as to require manipulation of the work relative to the tool*, see subclass 104.92; (e) tools* which are coated or impregnated with material adapted to be applied to a work surface but not including any additional supply-means*, see subclasses 104.93+; (f) loading means for a coating tool*. See subclasses 257.05+, and especially subclasses 257.07+ wherein the loading means is associated with an inkwell. (Class Pertaining to Coating)
15Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,   is the locus of patents to stationary cleaning devices with material supply; see the reference to subclass 104.92 . Class 15 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. See the above reference to Class 15 (a-d) (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
15Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,   subclasses 427+ , for the combination of a pencil with an eraser. A patent to the combination of an implement of Class 401 and a device classifiable in this class (15) will generally be placed in Class 15 provided no more of the implement structure is claimed than is necessary to establish its relationship with the Class 15 art device. See Lines With Other Classes, (2), above. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
15Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,   is the locus of patents to coating tools, per se, subclasses 104.001+ . (Pertaining To Subcombinations Of/Accessories For, The Subject Matter Of Class 401)
24Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,   subclasses 10+ , for the combination of a pencil, or the like, with means to attach it to a garment pocket. A patent to the combination of an implement of Class 401 and a device classifiable in Class 24 will generally be placed in Class 24, provided no more of the implement structure is claimed than is necessary to establish its relationship with the Class 24 art device. See Lines With Other Classes, (2) above. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
29Metal Working,   subclass 441.2 , is the locus of patents to processes of assembling the ball and seat of a ballpoint pen.
30Cutlery,   subclasses 123+ , for the combination of a coating implement with a cutter. A patent to the combination of an implement of this class (401) and a device classifiable in Class 30 will generally be placed in Class 30, provided no more of the implement structure is claimed than is necessary to establish its relationship with the Class 30 art device. See Lines With Other Classes, (2), above. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
33Geometrical Instruments,   is the locus of patents to line-marking devices (e.g., pen, pencil) combined with means adapted to cooperate with an element upon or adjacent the work surface for guiding movement of the tool*. See subclasses 18.1+ and especially subclasses 34+. Class 33 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
34Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids,   subclass 89.1 , for the combination of a pen with a blotter. A patent to the combination of an implement of Class 401 and a device classifiable in Class 34 will generally be placed in Class 34, provided no more of the implement structure is claimed than is necessary to establish its relationship with the Class 34 art device. See Lines With Other Classes, (2), above. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
40Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,   subclasses 334+ , for a pen or pencil combined with means for displaying indicia (e.g., calendar). A patent to the combination of an implement of Class 401 and a device classifiable Class 40 will generally be placed in Class 40, provided no more of the implement structure is claimed than is necessary to establish its relationship with the Class 40 art device. See Lines With Other Classes, (2), above. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
47Plant Husbandry,   is the locus of patents to applicators claimed or solely disclosed for coating plant surfaces by contact therewith. See, especially, subclass 1.5 . Class 47 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
74Machine Element or Mechanism,   is the residual locus of patents to mechanical movements, per se. See subclasses 20 through 110under Mechanical Movements for means, other than gearing, for imparting motion to one body, wherein the two motions or an intermediate motion, differ in form, type or degree; subclasses 111+, for means for imparting a step-by-step movement to a unidirectionally driven member; subclasses 640+, for relatively rotatable bodies which impart or receive motion to or from each other; and subclasses 469+, for control lever and linkage systems.
81Tools,   subclass 9.22 , is the locus of patents to coating implements with material supply combined with means for perforating the work surface so that the coating material may enter the perforations (e.g., tattooing pen). Class 81 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
101Printing,   is the locus of patents to hand-manipulated implements adapted to apply a coating in the form of characters or designs to a work surface. See especially subclasses 114+ , 327+ and 335+. (Class Pertaining to Coating)
106Compositions: Coating or Plastic,   is the residual locus of patents to coating compositions and processes for making them. See, especially, subclasses 3+ for polishes, and subclasses 31.01+ for marking compositions (e.g., inks in subclasses 31.13+). See, also the class definition of Class 106 for the relation of that class to the other composition classes. (Class Pertaining to Coating).
108Horizontally Supported Planar Surfaces,   subclass 26.2 , is the locus of patents to the combination of an inkwell and a desk.
111Planting,   is the locus of patents to implements claimed or solely disclosed for inserting seed, fertilizer or poisons into the ground. See especially, subclass 7.2 . Class 111 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
118Coating Apparatus,   is the residual locus of patents to coating apparatus including coating devices which are stationary, that is, devices which are mounted on a fixed support so as to require manipulation of the work relative to the tool*. See especially, subclasses 76+ , for a coating device which includes a piece of solid material for rubbing contact, and subclasses 264+, for a device which includes a static, saturable or fluid-permeable, solid work-contacting coating element. For the line between Classes 15 and 118 see the class definition of Class 118. (Class pertaining to coating.)
132Toilet,   subclasses 286+ , is the locus of patents to toilet kits including a coating implement (e.g., lipstick, powder puff) and an additional part or device particularly useful for a toilet function (e.g., comb, mirror); and subclasses 216+ and 320, for cosmetic applicators (e.g., lipstick) so shaped as to aid in applying the cosmetic in a definite form or pattern. Class 132 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
134Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids,   subclasses 6+ , is the residual locus of patents to processes of cleaning involving the use of an implement of this class (401).
137Fluid Handling,   is the residual locus of patents to fluid handling means which includes a flow-regulator*. (Pertaining To Subcombinations Of/Accessories For, The Subject Matter Of Class 401)
141Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means,   subclass 20.5 , is the locus of patents to implements comprising a coating tool and a reservoir in combination with a source of supply and separable therefrom, wherein the source of supply includes force-producing means for moving coating material from the source of supply to the reservoir. (However, where the force-producing means (e.g., pump) is solely in the implement, or entirely absent from the combination, such patents will be found in Class 401, subclasses 118+). Class 141 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
141Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means,   is the locus of patents to a source of supply combined with filling means adapted to coact with a separable receiver which is an implement of Class 401 (e.g., fountain pen); and see Lines With Other Classes, above, for classes that take precedence of Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply (Pertaining To Subcombinations Of/Accessories For, The Subject Matter of Class 401).
156Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,   is the locus of patents to coating implements combined with means for pressing the coated layer into engagement with another layer. See especially, subclasses 441.5+ for implements of the envelope moistening and sealing type. Class 156 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
184Lubrication,   is the locus of patents to implements for lubricating machine parts (e.g., belt, cable or chain) wherein the part to be lubricated is recited in the claim. See, especially subclasses 15.1+ and 99. Class 184 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
206Special Receptacle or Package,   is the locus of patents to a coating implement combined with a receptacle or packaging means therefor. See especially subclasses 214 , 229, 316.1+, and 371. However, where the combination is of such a nature that part of the cover material of the package remains with the implement during the coating operation (e.g., as a handle) or where the cover is only nominally claimed, such patent will be found in Class 401. Class 206 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
211Supports: Racks,   subclasses 69.2+ , is the locus of patents to inkwells or inkstands combined with a pen rack. (Pertaining To Subcombinations Of/Accessories For, The Subject Matter Of Class 401).
215Bottles and Jars,   is the locus of patents to bottles and jars which may be disclosed as supply containers for coating material (e.g., inkwell).
220Receptacles,   is the residual locus of patents to containers which may be disclosed as supply containers for coating material.
222Dispensing,   is the residual locus of patents to apparatus for dispensing material. See, especially, subclasses 92+ , for a dispenser including a nonresilient collapsible wall (e.g., toothpaste tube); subclasses 129+, for a dispensing device including selective or separate feed from plural supply sources or compartments; subclass 146, for a dispenser including means for heating or cooling the material dispensed; subclass 187, for a dispenser from which the material is discharged or fed by means of a wick or absorbent material; subclass 191, for a dispenser combined with a handle adapted for connection with a coating tool; subclasses 206+, for a dispenser including a resilient wall portion which is adapted to be elastically deformed so as to apply a discharging force on the material; subclasses 251+, for a dispenser having force-producing means for discharging material, which is not provided for in preceding subclasses; and subclasses 544+, for a dispenser having a flow-regulator*. (Pertaining To Subcombinations Of/Accessories For, The Subject Matter Of Class 401).
224Package and Article Carriers,   appropriate subclasses for a coating implement combined with means for attachment to the body, hand, or wrist. A patent to the combination of an implement of Class 401 and a device classifiable in Class 224 will generally be placed in Class 224, provided no more of the implement structure is claimed than is necessary to establish its relationship with the Class 224 art device. See Lines With Other Classes, (2), above. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
239Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,   is the locus of patents to devices which are disclosed as adapted to discharge material in the form of a spray, mist, droplets, or modified stream either to a coating tool or directly to a work surface. (Pertaining To Subcombinations Of/Accessories For, The Subject Matter Of Class 401)
242Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,   subclasses 570+ , particularly subclasses 588+ for a randomly oriented coil holder which may include a particularly supported roll of note paper in a nominally defined writing implement, and subclass 905 for a reel with a storage chamber. A patent to the combination of an implement of Class 401 and a device classifiable in Class 242 will generally be placed in Class 242, provided no more of the implement structure is claimed than is necessary to establish its relationship with the Class 242 art device. See Lines With Other Classes, (2), above. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
251Valves and Valve Actuation,   is the residual locus for patents to a flow-regulator*, per se. (Pertaining To Subcombinations Of/Accessories For, The Subject Matter Of Class 401).
279Chucks or Sockets,   for the combination of a coating implement (e.g., pencil) and a socket for securing an accessory device (e.g., eraser) thereto; and see, for example, subclasses 42 , 43, and 43.1+ for such an attachment having resilient jaws. A patent to the combination of an implement of Class 401 and a device classifiable in Class 279 will generally be placed in Class 279, provided no more of the implement structure is claimed than is necessary to establish its relationship with the Class 279 art device. See Lines With Other Classes, (2), above. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
285Pipe Joints or Couplings,   is the locus of patents for joints between fluid, wire or cable conducting pipes, tubes or tubular bodies. (Pertaining To Subcombinations Of/Accessories For, The Subject Matter Of Class 401).
346Recorders,   is the locus of patents to coating implements (e.g., pen) disclosed solely for use as attachments for recorder mechanisms. See, especially, subclass 140.1 .
347Incremental Printing of Symbolic Information,   see subclasses 1+ for selective printing of symbolic information by ink jet.
362Illumination,   subclass 96 , for a coating implement combined with a light. A patent to the combination of an implement of Class 401 and a device classifiable in Class 362 will generally be placed in Class 362, provided no more of the implement structure is claimed than is necessary to establish its relationship with the Class 362 art device. See Lines With Other Classes, (2), above. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
403Joints or Connections,   is the locus of patents for joints of general application. (Pertaining To Subcombinations Of/Accessories For, The Subject Matter Of Class 401).
404Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus,   subclass 94 , for a device to affix indicia to the hard surface of a roadway and subclasses 101+, for a device which distributes material on the surface of a road of the earth combined with means to treat said surface of material. A manually manipulated device which merely coats a road surface to provide a visual indicia is classified in Class 401. Class 404 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
425Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus,   is the locus of patents to coating apparatus for moldable plastic material or earth materials (e.g., clay or mortar) in which the apparatus is capable of shaping the coating in plural dimensions, e.g., coating and controlling the shape of one side edge or imparting a particular cross-sectional shape to the deposited material. See especially subclasses 87 and 458. Class 425 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
427Coating Processes,   for processes of coating, per se. (Class Pertaining to Coating)
520Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers,   appropriate subclasses, particularly Class 523, subclass 161 for a composition containing a synthetic resin and having utility as a ballpoint pen ink composition or to processes of preparing said composition. Class 520 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)
604Surgery,   subclasses 1 through 3, 11+, 289+, and 890.1+ for patents to applicators and depositors solely disclosed as applying medicaments to the human body. Class 604 takes precedence over Class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply including or combined with a particular feature or limitation. (Coating Implements With Material Supply.)

SECTION V - GLOSSARY

Terms used in titles and definitions of this class, either repeatedly or in a special or limited sense, are defined below. For economy of space, an asterisk (*) following a term in a definition or note indicates that reference should be had to this glossary for its specific meaning. Certain terms related particularly to implements including solid material for rubbing contact are defined in (10) Note to the definition of subclass 49 and are signalized by the symbol # following the term in a definition or note where it occurs.

APPLICATOR

A coating tool or such a tool combined with a manually manipulable holder.

FEEDER

Means to guide fluent coating material from a reservoir to or through a coating tool or to a work surface.

FLOW-REGULATOR

Means (e.g., valve), including a part which is movable, to open, close, or restrict a passage for coating material or for gas, and thus to control movement of coating material in the implement. A removable closure, however, will not be considered to be a flow-regulator.

MATERIAL

A liquid or solid substance which is intended to be applied to a work surface as a coating.

RESERVOIR

A container or retainer for storing fluent coating material.

SUPPLY-MEANS

A reservoir or a feeder for fluent coating material.

TOOL

An instrumentality having a portion which is designed and intended to apply or spread coating material on a work surface by contact therewith. The tool may be spaced from the work surface only by the thickness of material deposited by the tool.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 1]    1WITH MEANS TO IMPART HEAT TO MATERIAL
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement provided with means for transferring thermal energy to the coating material carried by the implement prior to its application to the surface.
(1) Note. For placement in this subclass a patent must contain an express teaching of a heat imparting means whereby heat is either (a) generated within the implement, as by a burner or resistance heater, or (b) conducted by the implement from an outside source, e.g., body (hand) heat of the user.
(2) Note. A patent claiming structure adapted to utilize heat from a user"s hand to induce or cause flow of material, by thermal expansion of said material in an unvented reservoir, for the purpose of coating a work surface will be placed in this subclass.
(3) Note. A patent for a device for heating and applying sealing wax is acceptable for this class and subclass only when the disclosure makes it clear that the device includes a tool which contacts the work for applying or spreading the coating material. A patent for a device for heating and dispensing sealing wax onto a surface, without contact between the device and the surface, will be placed in the Dispensing class (see Search Class note below).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

12,for an implement whose coating material is melted by transfer of heat from a workpiece.
225+,for a bifurcate tool implement including means for retaining coating material which has flowed out of the reservoir because of inadvertent heating.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

118Coating Apparatus,   subclasses 620+ , for coating apparatus including means for treating the coating material with electrical or radiant energy, and especially subclasses 641+ for such an apparatus including radiant heating; and subclass 271, for an apparatus including an applicator coated or impregnated with normally solid material which requires the application of heat to render it fluent; and see the Search Notes reference to Class 118 in the class definition of this class (401).
184Lubrication,   subclasses 98+ , for a lubricating device in which solid or semi-solid lubricant is adapted to be heated by the friction of bearing parts and thereby melted.
222Dispensing,   subclass 113 or 146.1, for a dispenser combined with a heater for melting sealing wax and permitting it to flow to a surface; and see (3) Note, above.
228Metal Fusion Bonding,   subclasses 51+ for a similar implement, limited by disclosure to coating a metal surface with molten metal.
425Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus,   subclasses 110+ , for a hand-manipulable sealing wax applier including (1) means to melt the wax and apply it to a surface and (2) a seal for making an impression on the applied wax.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 2]    2At discharge portion of implement
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Implement including a reservoir* and/or a feeder* and in which the heat imparting means is located only in the zone containing the tool* and the feeder, or at that portion of the reservoir from which the material passes directly to the work surface.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 3]    3INCLUDING HEAT-INSULATING HANDLE
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement including manually engageable means for manipulation of the implement which means is of a material or construction which resists heat transfer between the coating material and the hand of the user and is disclosed as having this property.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

1+,for an implement including material heating means and a heat-insulating handle.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 4]    4WITH MEANS TO AGITATE MATERIAL IN RESERVOIR
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement including a reservoir* and means within the reservoir which has the sole function of stirring or shaking the material therein or otherwise moving it for the purpose of putting or maintaining the material in a fluent state.
(1) Note. The agitating means must be other than, or a modification of, a part of the implement which is used for a different purpose (e.g., tool, feeder, valve, valve actuator).
(2) Note. A scraper, cutter, or comminutor which merely divides the material into smaller particles is not considered to be an agitator for this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

258+,for an implement including a stylus tool in which the work-engaging rod or needle has an enlarged portion within the reservoir, usually serving primarily as a valve or a tool-actuator, which portion incidentally serves to agitate material in the reservoir.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 5]    5INCLUDING MEANS TO REGULATE COATING THICKNESS
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement provided with adjustable means for positively determining the depth of the material deposited on the work surface by physical contact with the layer of material deposited or being deposited.
(1) Note. The regulating means may be structure for adjustably spacing the tool orifice from the work surface, or it may be an additional adjustable element (e.g., an adjustable doctor blade) moving with the tool and smoothing or scraping the deposited material to the desired thickness.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

425Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus,   subclasses 87 and 458 for a similar device including means for also controlling the shape of one side edge of, or for imparting a particular cross-sectional shape to, the deposited material; and see the class definition of this class (401) for classes that take precedence over class 401 for a claimed coating implement with material supply.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 6]    6WITH MEANS TO ATTACH OR CONFORM TO BODY OF USER
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device provided with means shaped to fit some portion of the body of the operator or to secure the implement to the operator"s body while in use; or to secure a supply reservoir*, which feeds to the tool*, to the operator"s body.
(1) Note. The mere recitation of a "handle" will not justify placement of a patent in this subclass. However, such terms as "hand-grip," "pistol-grip," or "finger notch will be sufficient for such placement.

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15Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,   subclass 443 for a dip pen shaped to engage or receive the hand or finger of the user; and see the search notes thereto.
224Package and Article Carriers,   appropriate subclasses for a portable device having means for attachment to the body, or for conforming to the hand, respectively, to facilitate transportation thereof.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 7]    7Hand-or finger-receiving pocket
 This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Device wherein the body attaching means is in the form of a pouchlike or cuplike receptacle which is open only at one end for receiving the hand or finger of the user.
(1) Note. The receptacle may be in the form of a mitt or glove.

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15Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,   subclass 227 , for a coating implement, per se, with a pocket for receiving a hand, finger, or foot of the user.
294Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,   subclass 25 , for a miscellaneous pouchlike or cuplike receptacle for receiving a hand or finger for facilitating a handling operation.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 8]    8Hand-or finger loop or strap
 This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Device wherein the body attaching means is in the form of a ring (open or closed), or a band secured at its ends to the implements, for receiving the hand or finger of the user therethrough or thereunder.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 9]    9INCLUDING TOOL(S) FOR CURVED OR PLURAL WORK SURFACE(S)
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement wherein the tool* is shaped, or a plurality of tools are arranged, (a) to engage a work surface which is concave or convex, or (b) to simultaneously engage (1) the opposing edges or surfaces of slit or groove, (2) angularly related or noncoplanar surfaces of a workpiece, or (3) opposite surfaces of a workpiece.

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33Geometrical Instruments,   subclasses 41.1+ , for an implement including a plurality of scribing tools for making spaced, parallel, relatively narrow lines on a curved or on plural work surfaces.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 10]    10Confronting tool faces
 This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  Implement including two tool surfaces facing toward each other so as to engage simultaneously two oppositely facing surfaces of a workpiece.
(1) Note. A patent for an implement having tool surfaces for engaging the inner and outer surfaces of a tubular member will be placed in this subclass.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 11]    11Concave tool face
 This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  Implement wherein the tool has an inwardly curved surface adapted to conform to an outwardly curved work surface.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 12]    12For buttering ear corn
 This subclass is indented under subclass 11.  Implement provided with means for retaining a supply of butter or equivalent material and having an arcuate tool surface for conforming to the surface of an ear of corn and for applying the material thereto as the implement is moved therealong.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 13]    13WITH MEANS TO WITHDRAW MATERIAL FROM WORK SURFACE INTO STORAGE
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement provided with means, including a receiver, for removing all or some of the material* which has been applied by the tool* to the work surface for subsequent disposal or reuse.
(1) Note. The receiver must be in the nature of a chamber or conduit and not merely an absorbent element which, by its nature, is inherently capable of performing the spreading function of a tool; but it may also serve as the supply-means*.

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5,for an implement including adjustable means for regulating coating thickness by displacing a surface portion of the material deposited by the tool.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 14]    14WITH SURFACE-PROTECTING BUMPER
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement provided with cushioning, shock absorbing or other spacing means adapted to contact a surface in the working environment of the tool* and thereby to prevent contact of the tool or some other portion of the implement with said surface such as might scratch or mar that surface.

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193,for an implement provided with a work-engaging guide.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 15]    15WITH SPLASH GUARD OR DRIP CATCHER
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement provided with means to deflect or to prevent accidental or undesired spattering or spreading of material*, or to receive excess material which may flow by gravity from the tool* or the work surface.
(1) Note. The excess material received by the drip catcher may or may not be returned to the supply means.

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13,for an implement including means to withdraw material from the work surface.
225+,for an implement of the bifurcate pointed nib type provided with a capillary overflow receiver.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 16]    16DIVERSE COATING TOOLS
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement which includes two or more coating tools* of different type as listed under section I, D, 3, of this publication.
(1) Note. Two or more tools of the same type, differing in degree (e.g., size or rigidity) or color of coating material to be applied, will not be considered diverse tools. For example, a broom combined with a brush, or a chalk stick with a crayon, will be considered a plural tool, rather than a diverse tool, device.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 17]    17Each with individual supply
 This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Implement including mutually exclusive and entirely independent means in feeding relation to each of said diverse coating tools.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 18]    18Separable for independent use
 This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Device wherein one of said diverse tools is adapted to be physically removed, for individual use, from another part of the device which retains another tool.
(1) Note. The inclusion in the device of a flexible strand or a chain to limit the distance which a removed tool can be moved away from the rest of the device will not bar placement in this subclass.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 19]    19Including solid material for rubbing contact
 This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Implement including a piece of cohesive, nonfluent, self-sustaining material, an end or surface of the piece constituting one of the tools and the rest of the piece serving as the supply for said tool.
(1) Note. A patent for an implement comprising a holder for solid material for rubbing contact combined with a tool of a different type which has no related supply means* will be placed in this subclass.

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17,for an implement in which each of the diverse coating tools has an independent supply (e.g., pencil and ball point pen).
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 20]    20Pencil and bifurcate nib pen
 This subclass is indented under subclass 19.  Implement wherein the solid material is in the shape of an elongated relatively slender rod positioned in a casing or holder and another tool is a bifurcate nib pen as defined in subclass 221.

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17,for a pencil combined with a pen having individual supply-means* (e.g., fountain pen).
18,for a pencil combined with a dip pen without supply-means, which pencil and pen are separable for independent use.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 21]    21Including ball, roller or endless-belt tool
 This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Implement one tool of which has an endless peripheral work-engaging surface and is mounted for movement about an axis passing therethrough, and wherein a portion of the surface is always communicable with the supply-means* and some other portion of the surface is simultaneously in position to engage the work.

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208+,for an implement of this class including only a ball, roller or endless belt tool.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 22]    22Simultaneously operative along same path
 This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Implement wherein said tools are so positioned relative to each other that substantially the same area of work surface engaged by one of the tools is immediately thereafter engaged by another of the tools in their movement over the surface.

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33Geometrical Instruments,   subclasses 41.1+ , for an implement including diverse scribing tools simultaneously operative along parallel paths for making a plurality of spaced, relatively narrow lines.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 23]    23Including porous tool through which material flows
 This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Implement wherein one tool is formed of a previous layer or mass having interstices of substantially capillary size through which the coating material must pass from one surface thereof to another and hence to the work surface.

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196+,for an implement of this class including only a porous tool.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 24]    24And brush, broom, or mop
 This subclass is indented under subclass 23.  Implement in which another tool is formed of a plurality of elongated filamentary elements joined to a common support, either individually or in groups, and projecting therefrom free of one another.

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27,for an implement which includes a tool which is a brush, broom or mop and another tool which is blade-like or pad like.
268+,for an implement of this class including only a tool of the brush, broom or mop type.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 25]    25Including blade-like, pad-like, or apertured tool
 This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Implement in which one tool has a work-engaging portion in the form of either an elongated edge, a surface having substantial length and width, or an edge surrounding an opening at the end of a passage for coating material.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 26]    26Apertured tool
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Implement wherein said one tool includes an opening extending through, and entirely surrounded by, the work engaging surface or edge, through which opening the material* may flow for distribution on the work surface by the tool.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 27]    27Including means for dispensing material directly to work surface
 This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Implement including means for releasing material* to a work surface in a zone which is near the area contracted by one of the tools, or in a manner not requiring engagement of any of the tools with the work surface.
(1) Note. For the purpose of this subclass the depositing means may release the material to the work surface only, or partly to the work surface directly and partly to a tool.
(2) Note. To be considered as discharging material to the work surface, for placement in this subclass, the discharge must be beyond the area circumscribed by the totality of the work-surface-contacting portions of the implement (e.g., beyond the area within a ring of work-surface-contacting filamentary elements or a group of brushes).

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137,for an implement comprising a tool, or similar tools, and means for dispensing material adjacent the tool(s), and see the search notes thereto.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 28]    28MULTIPLE-TIP MULTIPLE-DISCHARGE TOOL (E.G., MASSAGE TOOL)
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement wherein the tool* comprises a support and a plurality of individually spaced finger-like or tooth-like work contacting projections extending therefrom and wherein either (a) the projections are hollow and open-ended to provided a passage for material* from the supply-means* to the work surface, or (b) the projections are formed integrally from the same material as the support and the support has a plurality of feed apertures adjacent the projections.

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268+,for an implement whose tool comprises a support and a plurality of filamentary elements assembled therewith; particularly, subclass 291, for such type of tool having a multi-perforate support for the filamentary elements.

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239Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,   subclasses 589+ , for a multiple-tip multiple-discharge spray head.
  
[List of Patents for class 401 subclass 29]    29PLURAL TOOLS INCLUDING PROJECTABLE AND RETRACTABLE TOOL
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Implement including more than one coating tool*, an enclosing member for at least one of said tools, and means to cause or permit relative movement between said one tool and its enclosing member, without complete separation, to the extent that the tool may alternately occupy an exposed