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CLASS 16,	MISCELLANEOUS HARDWARE (E.G., BUSHING, CARPET FASTENER, CASTER, DOOR CLOSER, PANEL HANGER, ATTACHABLE OR ADJUNCT HANDLE, HINGE, WINDOW SASH BALANCE, ETC.)
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class includes specific articles of hardware not otherwise classified. It comprises such articles as carpet-fasteners, door-hangers, sash-cord fasteners, sash-weights, hinges, door checks and closures, sash-balances, furniture-casters, etc.

Hardware articles such as nails, screws, staples, bolts, and rivets are classified as in References to Other Classes, below.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SECTION III - GLOSSARY

HINGE AXIS

Any axis about which a hinged member* rotates during operation of the hinge.

HINGED MEMBER

Any device or portion thereof (e.g., closure, seat back, etc.) which is adapted to be swingably connected by a hinge to another device or portion thereof (e.g., frame, box, sill, etc.).

HINGE PIN

An elongated rodlike element about which a hinged member* swings (e.g., "pintle").

LEAF

A rod or platelike portion by which the hinge is adapted to be secured to a hinged member*.

SUBCLASSES

2.1	BUSHING:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device comprising an annular sleeve to line an opening which extends through the interior of a structure to (a) prevent the abrasion of any elements passing through the opening or the structure itself or (b) fortify the opening. (1) Note. The device of this subclass may have any of a variety of means for fastening it to the wall of the opening such as a weld or a compression ring. The opening may be the end of a pipe or other conduit. (2) Note. In a claim proper for this subclass as much of the device having the opening (e.g., pipe) may be included as is necessary to define the bushing. (3) Note. A grommet is considered appropriate for this subclass since it includes structure that extends through an opening having a substantially planar exterior surface. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 2.2, for a bushing with a sealing means. 2.3, for a bung or tap bushing. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 12,  Boot and Shoe Making,   for a bushing used during the manufacture of shoes. 24,  Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,   for subject matter claiming interfitting fasteners, where one is embedded in the structure and intending to receive the other. 174,  Electricity: Conductors and Insulators,   especially subclass 83 , for a bushing limited by structure for use with an electric conduits or cables, subclass 136 for anti-abrasion devices, subclasses 152+ for wall mounted insulators of the bushing type, and subclasses 153+, 154+, and 167 for other bushing insulators. 217,  Wooden Receptacles,   subclasses 98+ for a bung and particularly subclass 113 for a bushing combined with a bung. 226,  Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length,   may include a nominal recitation of a supply or take-up coil (e.g., less than a support for such a coil or a cooperative relationship between a tension or exhaust detector and reel driving or reel stopping means, etc.), subclass 196.1 for a passive guide combined with a material feeder. 242,  Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,   subclasses 615+ for a residual guide or guard that directs elongated flexible material or one combined with more than nominal winding structure. 250,  Radiant Energy,   subclasses 466.1+ for self luminous sources or attachments therefor and subclasses 483.1+ for fluorescent and phosphorescent plates and escutcheons. 285,  Pipe Joints or Couplings,   subclasses 130 and 213 for a bushing or lining for an opening intended to receive a pipe. 384,  Bearings,   subclasses 276+ for a sleeve or liner intended to serve as a bearing. 408,  Cutting by use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,   subclass 241 for a bushing used to guide a drill bit. 439,  Electrical Connectors,   especially subclasses 207+ for an electrical connector combined with a conduit which may include a bushing.

2.2	Providing a restricted or insulated environment (i.e., sealable) for internal elements:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.1.  Bushing particularly adapted to prevent the flow of heat or material from one side of the structure to the other. (1) Note. Included herein are firebreak devices, which prevents smoke and flames from traveling through a wall along the axis of a conduit, and means to insulate electrical conduits.

2.3	Bung or tap:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.1.  Bushing for use in an opening in the wall of a liquid storage container (e.g., a barrel or keg) adapted to receive a plug or valve means to facilitate flow of the liquid into or out of the container. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 137,  Fluid Handling,   subclasses 320+ , for a valved closure i.e., a tap for a pipe or keg. 217,  Wooden Receptacles,   subclasses 98+ for a bung and particularly subclass 113 for the combination of a bung with a bushing. 220,  Receptacles,   appropriate subclasses, for a receptacle combined with a tap means.

2.4	Threaded:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.3.  Subject matter including a helical cooperating portion in the interior adapted to threadingly engage a cooperating helical portion on the exterior of the bung or tap to secure the bushing in place.

2.5	Providing strain relief:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.1.  Subject matter claiming means to relieve externally exerted loads on elements passing through the annular member.

4	CARPET FASTENERS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Devices comprising fastening devices for securing carpets rugs, and floor-coverings in extended position upon floors. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 17.1, for a rug antislip or stiffener attachment, per se, in combination with a rug, where no more of the rug structure is recited than is necessary to support the attachment. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 24,  Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,   subclass 311 for combined fasteners of the buckle, button or clasp type; subclasses 706+ for pin fasteners; subclass 572 for separable fasteners and subclass 455 for clasps. 411,  Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or Locked-Threaded Fastener,   appropriate subclasses for fasteners in which the floor penetrating member is an integral part of the fastener.

5	Combined fasteners and stretchers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Devices for stretching and holding carpets and rugs in stretched position upon floors.

6	Hook:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Devices comprising hook devices.

7	Moldings:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Devices including floor-moldings.

8	Rug:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Devices for securing rugs in extended position upon carpets or floor-coverings.

9	Sliding:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Devices of the sliding type. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 411,  Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or Locked-Threaded Fastener,   subclasses 439+ for impact driven fasteners.

10	Stair:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Devices for securing stair-carpets in extended position upon stairs.

11	Risers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Devices for securing stair-carpets in extended position upon or adjacent to stair-risers.

12	Rods:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 10.  Devices of the rod type.

13	Catches:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 12.  Devices having catch devices for holding the rods in adjusted position.

14	Sliding:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Devices of the sliding type.

15	Swinging:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 13.  Devices of the swinging type.

16	Strips:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Devices comprising binding-strips.

17	Swinging:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 4.  Devices of the swinging type.

17.1	CARPET STIFFENER OR ANTI-SLIP DEVICE, PER SE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter adapted for attachment to a fabric type floor covering, i.e., a rug, especially to maintain the rug in a flattened condition or to prevent the rug from sliding on the floor. (1) Note. A carpet stiffener or anti-slip device combined with a carpet is not included herein; however, the device of this subclass may include the carpet structure necessary to support the device. (2) Note. Included herein is a carpet stiffener attached to the corners of a carpet. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 4+, for a carpet fastener used to secure a rug or carpet to the floor. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 24,  Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,   especially subclass 311 for a combined diverse multi part fastener of the buckle, button or clasp type, subclasses 455+ for a clasp, subclasses 572+ for a separable fastener and subclasses 706+ for a pin fasteners. 139,  Textiles: Weaving,   subclasses 391+ for a carpet, including a carpet combined with a carpet stiffener or with an anti-slip device. 411,  Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool Deformed, or Lock Threaded Fastener,   for a fastener in which a floor penetrating member is an integral part of the fastener.

18	CASTERS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Casters comprising wheels, balls or sliding shoes mounted for movably supporting furniture and other like objects. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 97, and see the Notes appended thereto, for wheel mounts for panel hangers or travelers. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 211,  Supports: Racks,   subclass 74 for condiment cruets and stands entitled casters.

19	Adjustable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters having vertically adjustable means for the wheel or pintle. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 280,  Land Vehicles,   subclasses 43+ for vehicles having vertically adjustable wheels.

20	Antifrictionally swivelled:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters which are antifrictionally swiveled. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 48, for multiple wheel casters antifrictionally swiveled.

21	Ball:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.  Casters in which the casters antifrictional swiveling means comprises balls.

22	Cylinder:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.  Casters in which the antifrictional swiveling means comprises cylinders.

23	Pivoted:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 22.  Casters in which the cylinders are pivoted.

24	Ball:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters comprising balls.

25	Antifrictionally mounted:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Casters having antifrictional mounting means. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 46, for caster wheels having antifrictionally mounting means.

26	Ball:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Casters in which the antifrictional mounting means comprises balls.

27	Cylinder:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Casters in which the antifrictional mounting means comprises cylinders.

28	Pivoted:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.  Casters in which the balls are pivoted in the caster-frames with or without antifriction means.

29	Bracket supports:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Devices comprising corner braces or brackets for mounting casters.

30	Detachable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters bodily separable from the article supported.

31	Frame:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters having a wheel mount or horn of specific construction.

32	Leg elevators:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Devices having means for supporting the caster or leg in raised or lowered position above or upon the floor. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 280,  Land Vehicles,   subclasses 43.14+ for vehicles having nonwheel means for engaging the vehicle supporting surface.

33	Sliding:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Devices slidably mounted for supporting the caster or leg in raised or lowered position above or upon the floor.

34	Swinging:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 32.  Devices pivotally mounted for supporting the caster or leg in raised or lowered position above or upon the floor.

35	Locked:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters having means for fastening the caster-wheels or caster-mounts against movement.

36	Lubricators:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters having means for lubricating the pintles or wheels.

37	Pintles:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters having pintles of specific construction.

38	Pintle retainers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters having specific means for retaining the pintles in their sockets or bearings.

39	Frame:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 38.  Casters in which the caster-pintles are provided with pintle-retaining frames.

40	Rigid wheel supports:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters which are nonswiveling and have rigid wheel-mounts.

41	Scrapers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters having scrapers for engaging the caster-wheels.

42	Sliding:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters comprising rounded sliding shoes for furniture and the like. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 248,  Supports,   subclass 188.9 for an attachment for a furniture leg or foot to prevent sliding, e.g., pad, antiskid device.

43	Sockets:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters comprising sockets of specific construction.

44	Spring supported:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters having means for resiliently supporting furniture and the like.

45	Wheels:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 18.  Casters having wheels of specific construction. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 107, for wheels on panel hangers. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 301,  Land Vehicles: Wheels and Axles,   subclass 5.301 for skate wheels. 492,  Roll or Roller,   for a roll, per se, not elsewhere provided for, and see the notes thereunder.

46	Antifrictionally mounted:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 45.  Caster-wheels having antifriction-bearings comprising balls or cylinders. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 98, for panel hanger and traveler wheels which are antifrictionally mounted.

47	Multiple:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 45.  Casters having a plurality of floor-engaging wheels.

48	Antifrictionally swivelled:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Devices having antifrictional swiveling bearings comprising balls and cylinders. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 20+, for other antifrictionally swiveled casters.

48.5	THERMALLY RELEASED CHECK OR CLOSER:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device including means for holding a closure open or for maintaining a closing device inoperative, said means including an element disabled at a predetermined temperature, or rate of change thereof, to release the closure or closer for movement. (1) Note. The means for holding the closure open are usually associated with a closing device, so that release of the holder permits the device to act. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 49,  Movable or Removable Closures,   subclasses 7+ for a thermally released check or closer combined with a closure of that class, and see the search notes thereto for the loci of other thermally released devices. This class (16) takes patents which claim only enough of the closure or its supporting frame as is necessary to mount the check or closer.

49	CHECKS AND CLOSERS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Devices for closing doors and the like, and checking them against slamming. (1) Note. The closing force is usually derived from spring means associated with the device. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 49,  Movable or Removable Closures,   subclass 137 for an interrelated fluid operator and closure check.

50	Hinge:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49.  Devices combined with hinge structure. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 54, for liquid type checks combined with hinge structure. 68, for pneumatic type checks combined with hinge structure. 221+, for hinge structure, per se.

51	Liquid:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49.  Devices the checking devices including liquid acting as the checking means.

52	Concentric spring chamber:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 51.  Devices in which the spring-chamber is within or concentric with the liquid-chamber.

53	Cam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 52.  Devices having cam-operating means for the pistons. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 60, for cam-operating structure in side spring chamber checks.

54	Hinge:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 51.  Devices combined with hinge structure.

55	Floor pivot:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 54.  Devices the hinges having floor-pivots.

56	Multiple piston:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 51.  Devices including a plurality of cylinders and pistons.

57	Oscillating cylinder:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 51.  Devices including oscillating cylinders.

58	Oscillating piston:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 51.  Devices including cylinders having oscillating pistons.

59	Side spring chamber:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 51.  Devices in which the spring-chambers are at one side and at right angles to the checking-cylinders.

60	Cam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 59.  Devices having cam or eccentric operating means for the pistons.

61	Spring and flexible link:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 51.  Devices in which the closing devices include springs and flexible links. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 63, for springs and flexible link checks, per se. 78, for spring and flexible link type door closers.

62	Spring and gear:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 51.  Devices in which the closing devices include springs and gear elements. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 64, for spring and gear checks, per se. 69, for pneumatic checks including spring and gear elements. 79, for spring and gear type door closers.

63	Spring and flexible link:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49.  Devices in which the closing devices include springs and flexible links.

64	Spring and gear:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49.  Devices in which the closing devices include springs and gear elements. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 69, for pneumatic checks including spring and gear elements. 79, for spring and gear type door closers.

65	Spring and lever:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49.  Devices in which the closing devices include springs and lever elements. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 70, for pneumatic checks including spring and lever elements. 80, for spring and lever type door closers.

66	Pneumatic:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49.  Devices the checking devices including pneumatic checking means.

67	Flexible link:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 66.  Devices in which the closing devices include flexible elements.

68	Hinge:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 66.  Devices combined with hinge structure.

69	Spring and gear:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 66.  Devices in which the closing devices include springs and gear elements.

70	Spring and lever:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 66.  Devices in which the closing devices include springs and lever elements.

71	CLOSERS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Closing devices for doors and the like. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 49,  Movable or Removable Closure,   subclasses 386+ for a closure mounted for swinging movement combined with a means to bias it in one direction.

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