Patents > Guidance, Tools, and Manuals >> Classification >>> Class Definition

Class Numbers & Titles   | Class Numbers Only   | USPC Index   | International   | HELP

You are viewing a Class definition.

CLASS 441,	BUOYS, RAFTS, AND AQUATIC DEVICES
Click here for a printable version of this file

SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class includes structure and attachments peculiar to mooring buoys, marker buoys, container buoys and other buoys; structure and attachment peculiar to rafts, and from analogy, to rafting and guiding of floating logs and similar material; water rescue apparatus; and other aquatic devices.

Water rescue apparatus include devices maneuvered on or over the water surface by one person in order to rescue another person, passenger enclosing devices which are not buoys, rafts or boats and garment or other type of buoyant members, commonly known as personal flotation devices which support a user in the water.

Aquatic devices include swimming aids to cause faster or farther propulsion through the water by the user"s own swimming strokes, buoyant or nonbuoyant devices which support a user and which are caused by external means to roll, skim, glide over or through the water, buoyant underwater viewing devices, and other miscellaneous buoyant support devices.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

See Class 440, Marine Propulsion, for buoys or other aquatic devices comprising a motor propulsion means, or animal or human powered propulsion means other than swimming aids as defined in Class 441, subclass 55.

Lifeboats including those which enclose the passenger are classifiable in Class 114, Ships.

A buoyant device made to simulate an animal, fish, fowl, etc., or any part thereof, where such simulation is claimed, is proper for Class 472. However, where such simulation is disclosed but not claimed, classification of the buoyant device is proper for Class 441. See the (2) Note under subclass 129 of Class 441 for a statement of this line.

Class 441, subclass 65 takes all the skimming devices (skis, sleds, toboggans, etc.) which by claim or by disclosure may be used on water, even though also useable on snow or ice. Class 280, Land Vehicles, takes those skimming devices which are useable only on snow or ice.

SUBCLASSES

1	BUOY:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device comprising a distinctly shaped, anchored device, such as cans, spars, nun, etc., especially adapted to float in water for the purpose of indicating a navigable channel, anchorage, some impediment or hazard to navigation, some object below the surface of the water, to provide a mooring or a support for some object, or to perform some other water related function.

2	With means to call buoy to surface:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Buoy normally lying submerged under a body of water and including means to cause the buoy to surface in response to a transmitted signal.

3	For mooring a vessel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Buoy normally anchored to the seabed and having means for securing a marine vessel thereto. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 114,  Ships,   subclasses 230.1+ for a mooring device for a ship, per se, in the absence of a mooring buoy.

4	Having liquid cargo transfer means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 3.  Mooring buoy including a fluid cargo conduit for transferring liquid cargo to a marine vessel. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 137,  Fluid Handling,   subclass 236.1 for whole system combinations for offshore fluid handling; and subclass 615 for fluid handling systems not involving buoys having two or more sections joined for relative movement to assume various delivery or nonuse positions. 141,  Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means,   subclass 279 for specific structure of the connection between the filling head and the receiver.

5	Having swivel coupling for cargo conduit
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Having swivel coupling for cargo conduit: Mooring buoy wherein a cargo conduit has a pipe fitting permitting a swinging movement of the marine vessel relative to the buoy.

6	Marker buoy:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Buoy adapted to be anchored to a vessel or location on or under the waters surface to draw attention to the vessel or location. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 116,  Signals and Indicators,   subclass 107 for audible signalling devices which can be placed on a buoy.

7	Having means to release buoy upon submergence:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Buoy secured to a body or vessel by means which upon the sinking of the body or vessel is released to permit the buoy to surface and mark its location. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 114,  Ships,   subclasses 326+ for submersible devices which have buoys that can be released.

8	Water soluble or water weakened member:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 7.  Buoy wherein the buoy is attached to a body or vessel by securing means soluble in, dissolved in, or weakened by water such that upon contact with water the securing means is disabled thereby releasing the buoy.

9	Gas assisted:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 7.  Buoy wherein the release of the buoy is assisted by a gas and wherein the release or generation of the gas is initiated by sinking of the body or vessel.

10	Responsive to hydrostatic pressure:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 7.  Buoy wherein the securing means is activated by a device which is sensitive to changes in liquid pressure.

11	With signalling device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Buoy wherein means to draw attention to the buoy and its location is affixed thereon. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 116,  Signals and Indicators,   signalling devices, per se.

12	Audible:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11.  Buoy wherein the attention drawing means is an audible signal, e.g., bell, whistle, etc.

13	Illuminating:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11.  Buoy wherein the attention drawing means produces light, e.g., lamps, torches, etc.

14	By combustion of fluid:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Buoy wherein the light is produced by burning of a liquid or gas.

15	Fluid produced by chemical reaction with water:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14.  Buoy wherein the combustible liquid or gas is generated by the reaction of a chemical substance with water. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 48,  Gas: Heating and Illuminating,   subclasses 1+ for acetylene generators using chemical reactions not adapted specifically to a marine environment.

16	Electric light:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Buoy wherein the light is produced by an electric lamp.

17	Having water activated switch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Buoy wherein the electric lamp is controlled by a mechanical means which makes or breaks a circuit upon its submergence.

18	Having water activated battery:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 16.  Buoy wherein the electric lamp is powered by an electrochemical battery activated by the water in which the buoy is located.

19	Smoke producing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11.  Buoy wherein the attention directing means generates a smoke signal.

20	Reflecting means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 11.  Buoy wherein the attention directing device includes a surface capable of reflecting a light or a radar beam.

21	Having means to control attitude or position:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Buoy provided with means to control vertical, horizontal, or rotational movement of the buoy. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 114,  Ships,   subclasses 330+ for submersible devices having means for attitude control.

22	Fluid reaction surface:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 21.  Buoy wherein a surface is provided which reacts with a fluid to produce a force for controlling the attitude or position of the buoy.

23	Tether:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 21.  Buoy wherein a pliant fastening line is used to place the buoy at a predetermined location.

24	Having playout means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 23.  Buoy wherein means are provided for storing and feeding out the pliant line.

25	Having means to control playout:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Buoy wherein the playout means includes means for regulating the amount of line played out, the rate of playout, or the tension on the line after it has played out.

26	Reel for tether:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Buoy wherein the line is wound on a spool from which it is played out.

27	Having seat for buoy:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Buoy wherein means is provided on a marine body or a vessel which conforms to a portion of the buoy and upon or within which the buoy rests.

28	Having ballast means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 21.  Buoy wherein the means to control the vertical, horizontal, or rotational movement includes a heavy material intended to alter the draft or stability of the buoy.

29	Variable ballast:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 28.  Buoy wherein the ratio of heavy material to buoyancy producing agent may be varied.

30	Inflatable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Buoy wherein the body of the buoy is expanded from a collapsed position by a gaseous medium.

31	Having chemical reactor to produce gas:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 30.  Buoy wherein the pressurized gas is generated on site by the chemical interaction of a plurality of substances.

32	Container type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 1.  Buoy provided with a space therein for storage of materials.

33	With means to release transponder, sensor, etc.:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Buoy wherein a transponder, hydrophone, sensor, or other related instrument is contained within the storage space and means for selectively releasing such instruments from the storage space is provided.

34	Storm oil distributor:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Buoy wherein oil for distribution on the surface of a body of water to calm wave activity is contained in the storage space and a means for distributing the oil is provided.

35	RAFT:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Buoyant device which is free floating, of shallow draft and little free board, and has a platform or floor for supporting a user. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 5,  Beds,   subclasses 706+ for those devices commonly known as air mattresses, per se.

36	With signal device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Device including an attention getting device in the form of a flag, light, etc.

37	Having water reactant stabilizing means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Device including means to maintain a raft by limiting the effects of wave action on the raft.

38	With shelter:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Device including a structure mounted on the floor or platform of a raft to protect an occupant from the elements.

39	Having boarding aid:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Device including means for assisting a person floating in the water in climbing aboard the raft, i.e., ladders.

40	Inflatable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Device including a structural member used in forming the raft which is capable of being expanded by the introduction into the member of a fluent medium, e.g., gas. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 30, for inflatable buoys. 66, for inflatable water skimming or walking devices. 90+, for nonoral expanding means for personal flotation devices worn by the user. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 114,  Ships,   subclass 345 for inflatable boats.

41	Having inflation valve means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 40.  Device including means to control the flow of the fluent medium into the structural member. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 99, and 100, for valves used in nonoral expanding means for personal flotation device worn by user. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 137,  Fluid Handling,   for fluid handling devices not specifically adapted for marine use. 251,  Valves and Valve Actuation,   for valve structure, per se.

42	Having storage container for raft:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 40.  Device including a receptacle for holding the raft in a deflated condition.

43	Having centrally located suspended basket
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Having centrally located suspended basket: Device wherein the platform or floor of the raft is in the form of an open cage hanging in the center of the raft below the level of a surrounding buoyancy means.

44	Columnar flotation member:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Device wherein the raft has an elongated buoyancy providing member having a cross-section with a periphery of a shape similar to a circle, or multiple sided geometric figure.

45	Hollow:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 44.  Device wherein the buoyancy providing member contains a void.

46	Barrel or drum:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 45.  Device wherein the buoyancy providing means is a cylinder of flat or slightly bulging sides having flat parallel ends and a ratio between the height and the diameter somewhat greater than one.

47	Formed from log or other product:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  Device in which logs or other similar raw material are formed into a raft in order to transport the same material. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 134, for a float used to give a log additional buoyancy. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 405,  Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,   subclass 60.5 for devices which guide floating logs around bends in a river or into holding areas along a river.

48	Booming:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Device wherein logs are joined end to end so as to form a closed loop within which logs or similar material are placed to form a raft.

49	Cribbing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Device wherein a rigid framework of logs is provided into which other logs are placed to form a raft.

50	Coupling means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Device having means which joins and holds logs or similar material together.

51	Dog:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 50.  Device wherein the joining means is a spike or wedgelike device driven into a log to couple one to another.

52	Clamp:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 50.  Device wherein the joining means has opposite facing saws which may be adjusted to contain one or more logs between them.

53	Transverse rigid member:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 50.  Device wherein the joining means is a bar, rod, or similar rigid member which is oriented transversely to and affixed to a log for the purpose of joining them together.

54	Encircling flexible member:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 50.  Device wherein the joining means is a pliant member such as a rope or chain and which is passed around a log to join it with other logs.

55	SWIMMING AID TO INCREASE STROKE EFFICIENCY:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device secured to or held by a swimmer which increases the effective surface used to propel the swimmer through the water, thereby providing for faster or farther propulsion through the liquid by the user"s swimming strokes.

56	Hand attached, held, or worn:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 55.  Device which is secured to, grasped by, or borne on the hand of a swimmer.

57	Having finger stalls (e.g., gloves):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 56.  Device having a chamber into which a finger or the entire hand of the user may be inserted in the manner of a glove or mitt.

58	Secured to hand by strap:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 56.  Device including bands for securing the device on the user"s hands.

59	Arm attached:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 55.  Device which is secured to the arm of the swimmer.

60	Leg attached:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 55.  Devices which is secured to the leg of a swimmer.

61	Foot attached:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 55.  Device which is secured to the foot of a swimmer.

62	Repositioned by biasing means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 61.  Device having means to urge the water-contacting surface to a selected position. (1) Note. These biasing means keep the surface in an operating position or at selected operating angles.

63	With lock or latch:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 61.  Device having means to hold or secure the water-contacting surface in a predetermined position.

64	Flipper:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 61.  Device including a flexible water-contacting surface resembling webbed feet in appearance and operation.

65	WATER SKIMMING OR WALKING DEVICES:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device constructed so as to permit walking, gliding, or planing on the surface of a body of water while sustaining a user substantially out of contact with the water. (1) Note. Movement usually occurs by action of the user or of an external agent. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 114,  Ships,   subclasses 242+ for devices used in towing vessels for use in water.

66	Inflatable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 65.  Device which are expandable when filled with pressurized gas. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 30, for an inflatable buoy. 40, for an inflatable raft. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 114,  Ships,   subclass 345 for inflatable boats.

67	Circular:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 65.  Device which has a periphery in the shape of a circle.

68	Water ski:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 65.  Device comprising an elongated boardlike member having a width somewhat greater than a user"s foot and a normally upturned leading edge adapted to support the user while planing across the water surface while under tow.

69	Ski tow handle:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 68.  Device which is a handle secured to a towing device. (1) Note. The ski tow handle is usually attached to an elongated flexible member and is adapted to be grasped by the skier. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 114,  Ships,   subclasses 253+ for towing with a cable.

70	Ski binding:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 68.  Device including means to secure a ski to the foot of a skier.

71	With rooster tail producing means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 68.  Device including an attachment at the rear of a ski to project a stream of water in an arc above the water surface and behind the ski for visual effects. (1) Note. An example of such a device is a funnel like pipe whose outlet is oriented upwardly.

72	With seat:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 68.  Devices including means upon which a skier may sit while being towed.

73	Having connecting means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 68.  Device wherein means are provided to link together at least two skis.

74	Surfboard:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 65.  Device comprising an elongated member of a width comparable to the shoulder width of a user adapted to be propelled by a wave and capable of supporting the user.

75	With lashing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 74.  Device including a ropelike or cordlike member attached to the surfboard which can also be attached to the user.

76	Water walking device (e.g., water shoes):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 65.  Device including a buoyant member supporting the user in a standing position and enabling the user to move across the water surface in a walking manner.

77	Having pivoted traction flap:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 76.  Device wherein an element is provided having a fulcrum point which allows the element to move in and out of a working position in order to increase the traction of the buoyant member.

78	Spheroid or wheel-like device encircling walker:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 76.  Device wherein the buoyant member is a globe or disclike means which supports, circumscribes, and rotates about the user as it moves across the water surface.

79	Having stabilizing surface:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 65.  Device including a means, such as a keel, fin, etc. which tend to steady the water skimming or walking device.

80	WATER RESCUE OR LIFE PROTECTING APPARATUS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device adapted to remove a person from the water from a position remote from said person, to protect a person from the elements or hostile marine life, or to sustain a person above the water for an extended time period.

81	Tossable apertured member (e.g., ring):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 80.  Device comprising a buoyant flotation device adapted to be thrown to a person in the water. (1) Note. The device is usually secured to a rope.

82	For use over ice:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 80.  Device specifically adapted for rescuing a person who has fallen through broken ice.

83	Air-sea rescue device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 80.  Device wherein means to assist a person in the water is carried by and is capable of being dropped from an aircraft to the person.

84	Lifeline:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 80.  Device comprising a buoyant elongated pliant member used to rescue a person floating in a body of water.

85	Having line propelling means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 84.  Device including apparatus for delivering the elongated buoyant member from a remote location to a person in need of rescue.

86	Buoyant shark screen encircling user:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 80.  Device wherein a buoyancy means to float the user is combined with a means to surround and hide the user from a shark.

87	Passenger enclosing buoyancy device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 80.  Device comprising an apparatus for protecting a user who has been stranded or shipwrecked in the water from the elements until he is rescued, by enclosing him and having sufficient buoyancy to support the user on the water surface. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 38, for rafts having a shelter. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 114,  Ships,   subclass 349 for life boats enclosing passengers.

88	Personal flotation device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 80.  Device worn by a user and including buoyancy means to sustain the user floating in a body of water. (1) Note. Buoyancy compensation vests for divers are classifiable elsewhere. See Search note below. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 405,  Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,   subclass 186 for buoyancy compensation vests.