U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
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(definitions have been obtained from the
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Electronic Products Branch)
Class 602
SURGERY: SPLINT, BRACE, OR BANDAGE
Class Definition:
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
ORTHOPEDIC BANDAGE:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter which provides protection, support, or splinting of a
strained, sprained, dislocated, deformed, or fractured body
portion.
Subclass:
2
With light, thermal, or electrical application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which either: (a) exposes some
portion of the bandaged part of the body to a photo
therapeutic dosage of the electromagnetic spectrum having a
wavelength greater than about 100 nanometers (1000 Angstroms)
and less than about 400 nanometers (4000 Angstroms); (b)
treats a body part by removing or applying heat; or, (c)
provides a supply of electrons that are permitted to flow
through the bandaged body portion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 for splints or braces having a ventilation system which
may also provide a thermal treatment.
Subclass:
3
Protective covering means for a bandage or cast:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which encircles or encases a wound
dressing or "plaster" cast to shroud same from moisture due
to inclement weather or ablutions.
Subclass:
4
Sling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which supports the body part by
suspension.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
5, Beds, subclass 89 for slings for carrying invalids.
224, Package and Article Carriers, subclass 157 and 158+ for
body supported slings for carrying children and patients.
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclass 140
for a hand supported carrier harness for a person; and
subclasses 152 and 156 for hand-held slings for carrying
articles.
Subclass:
5
Splint or brace:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising an immobilization appliance which tends to urge a
bandaged body portion into a natural or normal orientation.
(1) Note. As used in this subclass and those subordinate
hereto, the term splint is considered to be generic to such
terms as brace, cast, immobilizer, etc., and is to be
considered an inclusive term.
(2) Note. The disorder being treated is not at issue;
strained, sprained, or pulled muscles, fractured bones, and
other disorders which require support or immobilization are
included.
Subclass:
6
Shaped or shapeable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to have
its configuration readily changeable or moldable to
accommodate the particular requirements of treating a
physical disorder.
Subclass:
7
By heat application:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter
comprising a device which is specially adapted to be
configured or reconfigured by warming the device to a
temperature at which it becomes pliable.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 for appliances that apply heat or cold to a body portion.
Subclass:
8
By chemically reactive material (e.g., plaster cast):
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is pliable at the time of
application so that it can be readily conformed to the
contours of the body portion, but soon becomes rigid due to
an interaction between substances which form or are encased
within the appliance, and thus provides an encircling
immobilization splint for the body portion which will retain
the contours for a substantial segment of the treatment
period.
Subclass:
9
Embedded removal element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter in
which a means for disengaging a splint from a body portion is
buried in the body of the splint which will enable one to
easily sever the splint wall.
Subclass:
10
Embedded walking iron means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter in
which a portion of a ground contact means includes a
cast-attachment member which is at least partially encased by
the material that forms the cast, per se.
Subclass:
11
With toe protector or use enabling means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which provides either: (a) for the
safety of the phalanges of the encased limb, (b) a leg
lifting means, or (c ) means to make wearing a cast easier or
more tolerable.
Subclass:
12
Separable splint elements:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
comprising means to easily remove a cast by making the cast a
plural element assemblage that includes means for holding the
plural elements contiguous to the body portion.
(1) Note. Separable casts are typically used when a
disorder of the splinted body portion requires frequent
dressing changes, e.g., patients with burns or compound
fractures.
(2) Note. The above use of the term cast is not to be
construed as being limited to splints which are comprised of
chemically reactive materials.
Subclass:
13
Inflatable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter in
which the appliance comprises an encircling conformable
restraint for the body portion in the form of a flexible or
elastic, hollow member that may be filled to a positive gage
pressure with a fluid so as to conform the member to the body
portion and simultaneously rigidify the member.
Subclass:
14
With ventilation, heating, or cooling means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
comprising means which provides either: (a) a means for
circulating a fluid of a desired temperature between the body
portion and a splint, or (b) a means to alter the
temperature of the splint which in turn provides a treatment
or feeling of hot or cold to the body portion.
(1) Note. The splints in this subclass provide comfort
means for the wearer in the form of circulated conditioned
air or they provide a means to apply a thermal treatment to
the encased body portion while also maintaining the relative
position of the portion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 for orthopedic bandages in general which apply heat or
cold therapy.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
36, Boots, Shoes, and Leggings, subclass 3 for all
modifications of a boot and its parts to ventilate it.
Subclass:
15
Box:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to apply
treatment because of its box-like configuration.
(1) Note. The appliances in this subclass are typically of
the readily collapsible or "knockdown" type and may also
apply an extension force.
Subclass:
16
With hinge or pivot:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to have a
point of flexure intermediate a plurality of substantially
rigid splint elements to accommodate either: (a) applying a
bending force to the body portion being treated, or (b)
flexure of a natural or surgically reconstructed joint.
Subclass:
17
Head:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to the head to treat physical cranial disorders.
Subclass:
18
Neck:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to the neck to treat the cervical vertebrae or the
muscles associated therewith.
Subclass:
19
Body (e.g., scoliosis brace):
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to a person's thorax to treat the vertebrae and the
muscles associated therewith so that a more normal
orientation of the body components is achieved.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 6+ for body braces which are shapeable.
Subclass:
20
Upper extremity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to a person's arm to treat a bone disorder or the
muscles associated therewith so that a more normal
orientation of the body components is achieved.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 for appliances which will protect a bandaged limb from
getting wet while bathing.
Subclass:
21
Hand or wrist:
This subclass is indented under subclass 20. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to a distal portion of a person's arm to treat a bone
disorder or the muscles associated therewith so that a more
normal orientation of the body components is achieved.
Subclass:
22
Finger:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to a person's arm to treat a bone disorder of the
phalanges or the muscles associated therewith so that a more
normal orientation of the body components is achieved.
Subclass:
23
Lower extremity:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to a person's leg to treat a bone disorder or the
muscles associated therewith so that a more normal
orientation of the body components is achieved.
Subclass:
24
Abduction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to the legs and hips so as to spread and rotate the
legs outward from the median plane.
Subclass:
25
Bowed limb:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to a lower extremity to treat an abnormal curvature
thereof.
Subclass:
26
Knee:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to the joint between the upper and lower leg
portions.
Subclass:
27
Ankle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to the joint between the lower leg and the foot.
Subclass:
28
Drop-foot brace:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to be
applied to the foot or between the associated leg and foot to
provide support to the affected foot.
Subclass:
29
Club-foot brace:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter
comprising an appliance which is specially adapted to
straighten a foot to treat the nontraumatic foot deviation.
Subclass:
30
Toe:
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Subject matter
comprising means which is specially adapted to be applied to
the phalanges of a lower extremity to correct disorders or
deformities associated therewith.
Subclass:
31
Toenail appliance:
This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter
which is specially adapted to treat physical disorders of the
unguis growth emanating from the dorsal surface of the
terminal phalanges.
Subclass:
32
Skeletal traction applicator:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter
comprising means which exerts a tensile force on the body or
a portion thereof to place or retain bones or portions
thereof in the proper relative position for healing to occur
or in the proper position for further treatment to be
administered.
Subclass:
33
Bedstead associated traction apparatus:
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
in which the traction applicator is a device which is engaged
with, attached to, or supported by a bed or bedframe or is
freestanding, but so closely positioned to a bed that
traction may be applied to a person lying on the bed.
Subclass:
34
Overhead frame:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
in which the support for the traction apparatus is positioned
above the person lying on a bed.
Subclass:
35
Supported device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
in which the traction apparatus merely rests upon the top
surface of a bed while applying traction to the person lying
on the bed.
(1) Note. The devices in this subclass are typically
relatively small, light weight, and at least semi-portable
self-contained traction applicators.
Subclass:
36
Body attachment means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
comprising a body-contacting appliance which transfers the
tensile force of the applicator to the treated person's
skeletal system.
Subclass:
37
With skin piercing means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
in which the body-contacting appliance makes a direct
engagement with at least one bone to transfer the tensile
force of the applicator to the skeletal system of the person
being treated.
Subclass:
38
Counter-traction or reciprocal stress means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
wherein a sound limb is used as the means to fixedly support
the applicator in traction producing relation to the infirm
limb; a counter-traction or compression stress being thusly
produced in the sound limb.
(1) Note. The devices in this subclass typically attach to
the legs and are used to treat a broken femur or a broken
pelvis by placing the uninjured leg in compression so as to
produce a tensile force in the injured leg or hip.
Subclass:
39
Fracture reducing frame or table:
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
which comprises an adjustable support for a person having one
or more broken bones and which further comprises means to set
the bones in proper orientation so that a retention device
(e.g., a cast or an external fixator) can be installed to
hold the bones in proper orientation during the healing
process.
(1) Note. This subclass also includes stands or supports
that are specifically adapted for steadying a limb while a
cast is applied thereto even though the stand is not equipped
with means for orienting the bones.
(2) Note. In some instances the bone setting means also
serves as the retention means.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
248, Supports, subclasses 127+ and 200+ for stands and
brackets of general utility.
Subclass:
40
With compression ring, yoke, or post:
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Subject matter
which provides either a generally circular, generally
U-shaped, or erect padded member to transfer the traction
force to the surface of the patient's body.
Subclass:
41
Bandage structure:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter wherein means are provided which prevents injury to a
body portion, protects or covers a wound upon or under body
skin, or promotes healing of an injured body portion.
(1) Note. The injury could be to the skin or to the tissue
layers under the skin.
(2) Note. Class 424 provides for bandages, bandage
applicators or body dressing which contain bio-affecting,
body treating, or drug compositions with at most a randomly
impregnated base material. For example, Class 128 takes a
base material or substrate wherein particular portions
thereof are impregnated with a Class 424 compositions.
(3) Note. Class 424 provides a process of using a bandaging
device wherein the process is at most single or plural steps
of merely applying one or more Class 424 compositions to a
wound site.
(4) Note. A composition containing a solid synthetic
polymer used to form a barrier or film layer on a wound site
in order to promote healing thereof is properly classifiable
in Class 424.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 60+ for injury support means coverings.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, subclass 82.1 for light, thermal, or
electrical applying devices.
424, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions,
subclasses 43-47 for effervescent of pressurized fluid
containing bandaging material intended for application to the
body; subclasses 78 to 83 for a solid synthetic organic
polymer bandaging material applicable to the body (e.g., a
liquid material which cures or drys in situ; subclasses 443
to 449 for a web or sheet coated or impregnated with a
medicinal composition in the form of a bandage.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
175+, 190, 193, and 196+ for a stock material composite in
the form of a single or plural layer web or sheet and for
such a product embodying a component of mechanically
intertwined strands (e.g., woven, knit, or nonwoven).
442, Fabric (Woven, Knitted, or Nonwoven Textile or Cloth,
etc.), subclasses 181+ and 304+ for a woven or knit
fabric.
523, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, subclasses 105-118
for unmedicated compositions used in the treatment of wounds
or animal tissue. A surgical adhesive composition to be
coated on a fabric, gauze, tape, etc. is classifiable in
Class 523 subclass 111.
604, Surgery, subclasses 304+ for a bandage, pad or shield
placed upon the body for sustained treatment thereof;
subclasses 358 to 402 for generically absorbent subcomponents
of bandages (e.g., pads, fibers, substances used to make an
absorbent pad, etc.) or of body fluids in general (e.g.,
tampons, diapers, sanitary napkins, catamenial devices,
etc.).
606, Surgery, subclasses 213-221 for devices used in
operative surgery to join a wound or incision's edges or lips
together.
Subclass:
42
Skin laceration or wound cover:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
having means for shielding or protecting a rip, cut, tear, or
wound on the surface of the skin (e.g., a burn, scrape,
incision, or supinating wound).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, subclass 82.1 for light, thermal, or
electrical applying devices; subclasses 893+ for devices
which protect or prevent injury of a wound by providing a
cavity or void over the entire wound site (i.e., where there
is no direct contact between the wound and the cover).
424, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions,
subclasses 443-449 for a web or sheet coated or impregnated
with a medicinal composition in the form of a bandage.
523, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, subclasses 105-118
for unmedicated compositions used in the treatment of wounds
or animal tissue. A surgical adhesive composition to be
coated on a fabric, gauze, tape, etc. is classifiable in
subclass 111.
604, Surgery, subclasses 304-308 for a bandage, pad or
shield containing a medicament and placed on the body for
sustained treatment thereof (e.g., medicament containing
bandage, wrap, attachable pad, wound dressing, or wound
shield); see subclasses 358 to 402 for generically absorbent
subcomponents of bandages (e.g., pads, fibers, substances
used to make an absorbent pad, etc.) or of body fluids in
general (e.g., tampons, diapers, sanitary napkins, catamenial
devices, etc.).
606, Surgery, subclasses 213-221 for devices used in
operative surgery to join a wound or incision's edges or lips
together.
Subclass:
43
Wound contact surface:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter
wherein the wound covering device has particular physical
surface features designed to improve the wound taction
properties (e.g., healing rate, wound adherence, etc.).
(1) Note. This subclass contains skin laceration or wound
covers which specify physical structural features or surface
textural features which directly contact the wound (e.g.,
nonstick properties). Subclass 48 contains skin laceration or
wound covers which have treatment material or composition in
the wound contacting layer designed to promote healing of a
wound. A patent which discloses a treatment material or
composition only and has no mention of surface textural
features is properly classifiable in subclass 48. If both
surface textural features and a treatment material are
present, then the patent is properly originally classifiable
in subclass 43 and a cross reference should be made in
subclass 48.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
48 for wound contact layer treatment materials.
54 for skin or wound facing adhesive layers.
Subclass:
44
Woven or knit fiber pattern:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter
having a particular weave or knit fiber engagement structure
which is designed specifically for wound contact.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
76 for fiber engagement patterns for compressive elongate
wraps.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
66, Textiles: Knitting, see appropriate subclasses for the
particular knit textile structure.
139, Textiles: Weaving, see appropriate subclasses for the
particular woven textile structure.
Subclass:
45
Nonwoven fiber pattern:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter
having a surface consisting of a nonwoven fiber engagement
pattern which is specifically designed for wound contact.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
76 for fiber engagement patterns for compressive wraps.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
28, Textiles: Manufacturing, for nonwoven fabrics.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses
221+ for a web or sheet containing structurally defined
element or component.
Subclass:
46
Polymeric foam:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter
having a wound contact surface composed of a synthetic
material with voids or channels throughout the material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
53 for polymeric foams which apply controlled pressure to
the wound.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, subclasses 304-308 for polymeric foams which
apply medicament to the wound; and subclasses 370 and 371 for
thermoplastic absorbent pads or tampons.
Subclass:
47
Perforated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Subject matter
wherein the wound contacting surface is apertured or
pierced.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, subclasses 358-402 for a perforated cover
sheet on body fluid collecting devices.
Subclass:
48
Wound contact layer containing treatment material:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter
having a composition in the wound contacting layer of the
wound cover which is designed to promote healing.
(1) Note. Subclass 43 contains skin laceration or wound
covers which specify physical structural features or surface
textural features which directly contact the wound (e.g.,
nonstick properties). Subclass 48 contains skin laceration or
wound covers which have treatment material or composition in
the wound contacting layer which is designed to promote
healing of a wound. A patent which discloses a treatment
material or composition only and has no mention of surface
textural features is properly classifiable in subclass 48. If
both surface textural features and a treatment material are
present then the patent is properly originally classifiable
in subclass 43 and a cross reference should be made in
subclass 48.
(2) Note. Class 424 provides for bandages, bandage
applicators, or body dressing which contain bio-affecting,
body treating, or drug compositions with at most a randomly
impregnated base material. For example, Class 128 takes a
base material or substrate wherein particular portions
thereof are impregnated with a Class 424 compositions.
(3) Note. Class 424 provides for a process of using a
bandaging device wherein the process is at most single or
plural steps of merely applying one or more Class 424
compositions to a wound site.
(4) Note. A composition containing a solid synthetic
polymer used to form a barrier or film layer on a wound site
in order to promote healing thereof is properly classifiable
in Class 424.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
54 for wound facing adhesive layer materials.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
424, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions,
subclasses 444-449 for bandage compositions with
incorporated medicaments.
604, Surgery, subclasses 304-308 for medicament containing
wound contact layers.
Subclass:
49
Polysaccharide:
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter
wherein the wound contacting layer contains carbohydrates
composed of more than one monosaccharide unit per molecule
and capable of hydrolysis by acids or enzymes to
monosacchrides.
Subclass:
50
Amino acid, polypeptide, or protein:
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter
wherein the wound contacting layer contains either (a) an
acid compound composed of an amino group and a carboxyl
group, or (b) a group of amides formed from amino acids, or
(c) a nitrogenous organic compound of high molecular weight
produced by plants or animals which upon hydrolysis yield
amino acids.
Subclass:
51
Lipid (e.g., oil, fat, or wax):
This subclass is indented under subclass 48. Subject matter
wherein the wound contacting layer contains a compound which
is greasy to the touch, substantially insoluble in water, and
is soluble in an alcohol, ether or other fat solvent.
Subclass:
52
Thin polymeric film or adhesive:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter
wherein the wound cover has a relatively small thickness and
consists of either a single layer of a continuous polymeric
film or a skin-facing sticky layer.
(1) Note. The term thin is meant to denote a continuous
film thickness of less than about 1mm.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
888 for wound shields (e.g., vaccination shields).
Subclass:
53
Compressive element over wound site:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter
wherein the wound contact surface includes an element which
generates pressure on the wound by direct or indirect contact
with the wound.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
606, Surgery, subclasses 201+ for external pressure
applicators.
Subclass:
54
Skin or wound facing adhesive layer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter
wherein significance is attributed to a skin or wound
contacting sticky layer which has some specific physical
feature or material composition suited for skin or wound
contact (e.g., tackiness, porosity, hypoallegenicity, wound
nonstick properties, etc.).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
52 for a single layer of adhesive which covers a wound.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
523, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, subclasses 105-118
for unmedicated compositions specifically intended for
contact with a wound or animal tissue. A surgical adhesive
compositions to be coated on a fabric, gauze, tape, etc. is
classifiable in subclass 111.
604, Surgery, subclass 389 for absorbent pads having an
adhesive layer.
Subclass:
55
Patterned:
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter
wherein the skin or wound facing adhesive layer has a
particular configuration or design.
Subclass:
56
Absorbent:
This subclass is indented under subclass 54. Subject matter
wherein the adhesive layer contacting the skin or wound is
capable of assimilating liquid.
Subclass:
57
System for adhesive layer release (e.g., release sheet):
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter
wherein the laceration or wound cover adhesive layer is
provided with a specialized protective covering for a sticky
portion thereof wherein the specialized covering has a
particular feature (e.g., shape, pull tab set up, etc.) which
affects the manner in which a specialized covering is removed
from the sticky portion.
(1) Note. Release covers or coatings may be either tear-off
strips or tabs which are peeled from the adhesive surface of
the bandage to permit attachment of the bandage to a person
or animal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., subclass 304 for
adhesive fasteners.
206, Special Receptacle or Package, subclass 440 and 441 for
packaged bandages or wound covers.
604, Surgery, subclass 390 for pads having a release sheet
associated with a tab fastener element.
Subclass:
58
Backing layer having particular structural feature (e.g.,
permeability, shape, or elasticity, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter
wherein significance is attributed to a particular structural
feature of a top or exposed layer specifically designed to
improve the skin laceration or wound cover characteristics.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
604, Surgery, subclasses 386+ for pads having means for
securing an absorbent pad during use.
Subclass:
59
Perforated:
This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Subject matter
wherein holes are provided in the backing layer, at least
over the wound site, primarily for the purpose of
ventilation.
Subclass:
60
Support covering:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
wherein the bandage structure is designed to protect an
injured portion of the body from further injury, prevent an
injury to the body or promote the healing of an injured
portion of the body.
(1) Note. The injury can be to a bone, ligament, tendon,
muscle, etc., below the surface of the skin.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 1+ for orthopedic devices.
subclasses 5+ for appliances designed to treat bone
fractures.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclasses 455+ for guards and protectors.
128, Surgery, subclasses 845+ for similar body supports and
protectors.
604, Surgery, subclasses 289+ for support coverings which
apply or remove a treatment material from the external
surface of the body.
Subclass:
61
For a particular body portion:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
wherein the support covering is adapted or designed to fit a
specific part of the body (e.g., abdomen, neck).
Subclass:
62
Arm or leg:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter
adapted or designed to fit an upper or lower body extremity
and optionally including the digits thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclasses 16-24 for similar structures used to
protect or guard the arms or legs.
128, Surgery, subclasses 892+ for chafing shields designed
for arms and legs.
606, Surgery, subclass 212 for hoof crack repair devices.
Subclass:
63
Tubular:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
wherein the arm or leg support covering is a hollow
cylindrical sleeve member with a permanent cylindrical form.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
901 for a tubular bandage applicator.
Subclass:
64
Wrist:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
designed to fit around and support the carpus or lower part
of the forearm where it joins the hand.
Subclass:
65
Ankle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
designed to fit around and support the joint, consisting of
the bones and related structure, which connects a leg and
foot.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
62 for leg appliances which support more than the ankle.
Subclass:
66
Arch:
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Subject matter
designed specifically to support the curved portion of a foot
lying between heel and toe portions thereof.
Subclass:
67
Perineal support:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter
having a supporting element attached to or part of a garment
covering the pelvic region of the body designed to support or
protect the urogenital tract or the rectum.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, Apparel, subclasses 400+ for undergarments which are
nonsupportive.
604, Surgery, subclasses 358+ for similar structures used
to absorb bodily discharges from the urogenital tract or
rectum.
Subclass:
68
With separable sack:
This subclass is indented under subclass 67. Subject matter
wherein the perineal support has a perineal support element
which is detachably secured to the garment.
Subclass:
69
With drawstring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 67. Subject matter
having a cord or ribbon running through a hem of a portion
supporting the perineum and used to tighten or loosen the
support portion.
Subclass:
70
Suspensory:
This subclass is indented under subclass 67. Subject matter
comprising a nether garment that is specially adapted to
support or protect the external genitalia of a male without
the need for a separate garment to affix the device to the
body.
Subclass:
71
With drawstring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
having a cord or ribbon running through a hem of the element
supporting the external genitalia and used to tighten or
loosen the support element.
Subclass:
72
With rigid cup:
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
wherein the suspensory has a rigid concave member or element
adapted to fit over and protect the external genitalia of a
wearer.
Subclass:
73
With separable sack:
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
wherein the suspensory has a means which can be removed
completely from any strap or support means used to hold it in
place.
Subclass:
74
Head (e.g., headache relief, eye bandage, etc.):
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
adapted to fit on the uppermost body portion which is
separated from the torso by the neck including the face,
ears, eyes, etc. wherein the device has a therapeutic
function or affect such as keeping eyelids closed, preventing
the spread of pink-eye or relieving headaches.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
902 for antisnoring or mouth closure devices.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, subclass 848 for antisnoring devices.
606, Surgery, subclass 204.35 for wrinkle eradicators.
Subclass:
75
Compressive elongate wrap (e.g., generic wrapping
materials):
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
comprising an elastic elongated sheet or strip which applies
a constricting pressure to the body part around which it is
wrapped.
Subclass:
76
Woven, knit, or nonwoven fiber pattern:
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Subject matter
wherein significance is attributed to a particular knit,
woven, or nonwoven structural feature.
Subclass:
77
Rubber or latex coated fabric:
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. Subject matter
wherein the elongated wrap is a fabric coated or impregnated
with a component which is a natural or synthetic elastomer.
Subclass:
78
Separable fasteners for support coverings:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
having means to fasten (i.e., fasteners only) a support
covering on the body wherein the fastening means is entirely
detachable or removable from the support covering.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., subclasses 572+ for
separable fastener elements.
Subclass:
79
Retainers for wound dressings:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
having means which is specifically designed to hold a skin
laceration or wound cover against the injured part of the
body.
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
Subclass:
900
METHOD OF MAKING BANDAGE STRUCTURE:
A collection of documents disclosing methods of making a
device which protects or covers a wound in or below the skin
of a patient.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, subclasses 898+ for methods of making
surgical articles and methods of treatment not classifiable
in appropriate method classes.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Manufacture,
subclasses appropriate for laminating methods.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, appropriate subclasses molding processes used to
make bandage structures.
427, Coating Processes, subclass 2.1 for processes of
coating or impregnating bandage and other products having
medical or dental purpose.
Subclass:
901
TUBULAR BANDAGE APPLICATORS:
A collection of documents disclosing methods or apparatus for
applying a tubular bandage to the body.
Subclass:
902
ANTISNORING OR MOUTH CLOSING DEVICES:
A collection of documents disclosing methods or apparatus for
preventing snoring or keeping the mouth closed during sleep.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, Surgery, subclass 848 for antisnoring devices.
Subclass:
903
SURGICAL TAPE:
A collection of documents disclosing methods or apparatus
having an adhesive coated substrate for attaching surgical
devices to the body.
(1) Note. A surgical adhesive compositions to be coated on
a fabric, gauze, tape, etc. is classifiable in Class 523,
subclass 111.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
523, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, subclass 111 for
tape adhesive, binder, or impregnate for body fluid absorbent
devices.
Subclass:
904
FILM-FORMING BANDAGE MATERIAL:
A collection of documents disclosing methods or apparatus for
covering a wound with a liquid synthetic polymer composition
which then dries or cures in situ into a solid continuous
flexible coating.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
424, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions,
subclasses 78+ for solid synthetic organic polymer
containing materials.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000