Class Definition for Class 47

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CLASS 47,	PLANT HUSBANDRY
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is the parent class for apparatus and processes employed in treating the earth and its products and includes all inventions relating thereto that have not been especially provided for in other classes.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

30,	Cutlery, appropriate subclasses for mere cutting implements adapted for use in plant husbandry, but of more general utility.
83,	Cutting, appropriate subclasses for the cutting and slicing of material in general including vegetables and other foods.
99,	Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for apparatus relating to the preservation and preparation of foods and beverages, including earth products, and for separating one distinguishable portion of a food item from another.
111,	Planting, appropriate subclasses for processes and implements for inserting in the ground seed, fertilizer, poison, plants, or other material or objects handled in a similar manner.
118,	Coating Apparatus, subclasses 13+ for apparatus for coating edible material.
134,	Cleaning and Liquid Contact With Solids, appropriate subclasses and the notes thereto for apparatus for applying liquid to solid earth products.
160,	Flexible or Portable Closure, Partition, or Panel, for (1) panel units in which a flexible fabric or other flexible sheet material forms the panel portion, (2) in the form of panel units formed of plural strips, slats, or panels interconnected for relative motion (excluding those connected only by a common operator or mounted on a common support), (3) panel units the form of portable partitions and (4) parts (1)-(3) combined with each other or with rigid closures or panels.
172,	Earth Working, appropriate subclasses, for subject matter relating only to working the earth. Combinations of earth working means with other means, such as for treating the earth by heating or for plant handling are in Class 47.
241,	Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, appropriate subclasses for the comminution of material in general including vegetables and other foods.
366,	Agitating, for apparatus for mixing materials with earth products.
426,	Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, and Products, appropriate subclasses for products and processes of perservation and preparation of edible material, including earth products.
427,	Coating Processes, appropriate subclasses, especially subclass 4 for processes of coating plant members, including seeds, with compositions which do not affect their growth characteristics.
428,	Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses 17+ for either simulated or treated nonliving, natural articles having the general appearance and structure of plants.
435,	Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology, subclasses 93 and 185 for materials and processes that contain germinated seeds; subclasses 291.1+ for apparatus for malting or mashing; and appropriate subclasses for materials that contain molds, yeasts, bacteria plant cells or other living organisms, or for processes of making such materials or using such materials in fermentations, or propagating such living organisms, or for compositions or apparatus for use in such processes, or processes of making such compositions.
504,	Plant Protecting and Regulating Compositions, subclasses 116+ for compositions for treating terrestrial or aquatic plants or their habitat with chemicals which affect the growth characteristics of the plants and processes of mere use of said compositions.
520,	Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate subclasses, particularly Class 523, subclass 123 for a composition containing a synthetic resin or natural rubber having utility as a plant receptacle composition; subclasses 124+ for a composition containing a synthetic resin or natural rubber which is claimed or solely disclosed as having enhanced degradability by exposure to an environmental stimuli or to processes of preparation thereof; and subclasses 132+ for a composition containing a synthetic resin or natural rubber having utility in situ as a soil conditioner or stabilizer or to preparation thereof.
800,	Multicellular Living Organisms and Unmodified Parts Thereof and Related Processes, for methods of plant breeding, methods of mutating plants, methods of producing plants using somatic cell fusion, methods of introducing nucleic acid into or rearrangement of genetic material within a plant and for the plants and plant parts per se.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 1.01]

1.01

MISCELLANEOUS:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Patents not otherwise classifiable.

(1) Note. Seeds treated for planting, as by coating, are found in this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

58.1R,

for miscellaneous processes.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

71,	Chemistry: Fertilizers, subclasses 5+ for compositions of seeds and fertilizer.
504,	Plant Protecting and Regulating Compositions, subclasses 116.1 through 367for compositions of seeds and growth regulating substances.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 1.1]

1.1

MUSHROOM CULTURE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and processes for the culture of mushrooms and other edible fungi, except yeast, comprising unobvious uses of mushroom fertilizers, mushroom beds and their structure, houses and caves adapted particularly for mushroom culture, and receptacles for growing and transporting mushroom spawn before planting in beds.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

71,	Chemistry: Fertilizers, subclass 5 for fertilizers of general use.
435,	Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology, particularly subclasses 254.1 through 256.8for unicellular fungi (including molds, rusts, yeasts, etc.) and processes and compositions involved in their propagation (i.e., maintenance, growth, production, purification, preserving, etc.); and subclasses 283.1+ for apparatus used to perform said processes and make said compositions.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 1.3]

1.3

ELECTROCULTURE, MAGNETOCULTURE OR ELECTROCUTING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods and apparatus for culture of plants by means of electricity, other than electric heating; or utilizing magnetic force, for example, for production of fertilizers in the soil, killing of insects and weeds, stimulation of plant growth and treatment of seeds before planting.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

204,	Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, for electrical and wave energy chemistry in general.
205,	Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, and Methods of Preparing the Compositions, for electrolysis in general.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 1.4]

1.4

ALGAE CULTURE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus for or method of fostering the growth or cultivation of nonunicellular algae.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

435,

Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology, particularly subclasses 257.1 through 257.6for unicellular algae (prokaryotic and eukaryotic), and processes and compositions involved in their propagation (i.e., maintenance, growth, production, purification, preserving, etc.); and subclasses 283.1+ for apparatus used to perform said processes and make said compositions.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 1.41]

1.41

POLLINATION AIDS:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus for or method of assisting the natural generation, propagation or reproduction of plant life by either a discriminate or indiscriminate transfer of pollen to fertilize a plant flower.

(1) Note. To be classified here, there must be more than the locating of one plant near another or enhancing the pollen productivity of a flower.

(2) Note. Subject matter classified here mainly involves increasing the natural scattering of pollen or individual application of pollen to plant flowers.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 1.42]

1.42

HEATING OR STERILIZING SEPARATED EARTH:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus for or method of conditioning soil in which a plant is to be grown comprising separating soil from the ground and subjecting the separated soil to a heat treatment to improve the soil for plant growing purposes.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

111,	Planting, subclass 118 and the subclasses indented thereunder, especially subclasses 120+ for devices that disturb the soil in situ and apply flame or the heat therefrom to the disturbed soil and see the search notes thereunder.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 1.43]

1.43

CROP THINNING, INCLUDING FRUIT, FOLIAGE, OR MOSS REMOVAL:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus for or method of destroying crop plants in situ for the purpose of reducing the number of such plants to enable the remaining plants to achieve a better growth.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

56,	Harvesters, appropriate subclasses for apparatus and methods for harvesting plants.
172,	Earth Working, appropriate subclasses for apparatus and methods for destroying crop plants in situ by working the earth in which they grow, especially subclass 534 for a wheel or roller with peripherally spaced plant saving means.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 1.44]

1.44

FLAME CULTIVATING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus for or method of either destroying undesired vegetation in the vicinity of growing crop plants or inhibiting its growth by at least partially burning the undesired vegetation by directly applying thereto the blaze of a combustion action.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

43,	Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, subclass 144 for similar devices that destroy insects by burning and see the search notes thereunder.
111,	Planting, subclass 118 and the subclasses indented thereunder, especially subclasses 120+ for devices that disturb the soil in situ and apply flame on the products of a combustion action to the disturbed soil and see the search notes thereunder.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 1.5]

1.5

PLANT SURFACE CONTACT MATERIAL APPLICATOR:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus which includes a means specially adapted to brush, wipe or otherwise engage an erect, growing plant and to transfer a liquid material to a surface of said plant.

(1) Note. The material may be fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide or other plant coating, coloring, insulating or the like.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

1.01,

for devices which are adapted to roll or slide along the surface of a lawn, turf or sod and to transfer thereto a fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide or the like.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

15,	Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, appropriate subclasses for brushing and wiping implements of general utility capable of applying any desired material to a surface of a plant or any other object.
43,	Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, subclasses 142+ and 143 for devices which brush or wipe a growing plant to dislodge insect parasites.
118,	Coating Apparatus, subclasses 207+ for machines of general utility and adapted to contact an object to transfer a coating thereto.
427,	Coating Processes, and note especially subclass 4 for processes of coating wherein the base is a plant member or animal specimen.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 1.7]

1.7

MATERIAL DISTRIBUTOR WITH PLANT MANIPULATING, CULTIVATING OR SENSING (E.G., TO POSITION PLANT RELATIVE TO DISTRIBUTOR):

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus which includes a means to distribute a material into contact with an erect, growing plant and having either (1) a means to move parts of the plant, e.g., to expose them to the material or to protect the plants from injury by the device, (2) a means to disturb the soil around a plant to weed, mulch or till said soil, or (3) a means to detect the presence and/or position of the plant and to either move the distributor relative to the plant or to control the material supply or some other characteristic of the distributor.

(1) Note. Where a patent claims the combination of material distributor with soil disturbing (e.g., scratching, plowing or cultivating), a disclosure that the material is applied to a plant has been considered sufficient basis for classification in this subclass while a disclosure of disturbing the same area of ground that the material is applied to, before, after or during the material application, has been considered a basis for classification in Class 111.

(2) Note. The plant manipulating means may consist of a blast of air in addition to that necessary to constitute the distribution.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

111,	Planting, appropriate subclasses for discharging of a material on the earth as an incident to, or in combination with the planting of a seed or other object or material in the soil, and for similar combinations of material distributors and soil disturbing means where the soil is disclosed as disturbed in the same area in order to facilitate penetration of the material into the soil.
118,	Coating Apparatus, subclass 668 for control of a coating sprayer in response to some sensed condition of the object to be sprayed.
239,	Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, appropriate subclasses, for means to distribute material onto the ground and/or growing plants where no particular relation between the plants and the distributing means is involved.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 2]

FROST PREVENTING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Methods and devices for preventing the freezing of trees and plants and their fruit.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

3,	9, 17 and 19.1-32, for devices capable of preventing frost.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

126,	Stoves and Furnaces, subclass 59.5 , for smudge pots.
244,	Aeronautics and Astronautics, subclass 136 for means for discharging and diffusing material from aircraft.
252,	Compositions, subclass 70 for frost preventing compositions, subclass 305 for smokes, fogs, or gaseous primary dispersants, a period.
516,	Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting, subclasses 1+ for colloid systems of gas or vapor continuous phase (smokes, fogs, aerosols, clouds, mists) or agents for such systems or making or stabilizing such systems or agents, when generically claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 3]

CELERY BLANCHING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and processes for whitening growing celery.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

504,	Plant Protecting and Regulating Compositions, subclasses 116.1 through 367for compositions which employ a specific chemical to affect the color of fruit, etc., or for plant growth regulating compositions.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 4]

HEDGE TRAINING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and processes for fashioning a growing hedge.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

256,	Fences, subclass 20 for hedge fences.

5	COTTON BOLL RIPENING:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Includes apparatus and processes for ripening cotton.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 5.5]

5.5

LAYERING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus for or method of producing roots on a plant portion other than a root portion while the plant portion is still attached to the parent plant by covering said portion with a medium in which roots can grow so that the plant portion will be able to maintain independent growth after it is severed from the parent plant.

(1) Note. A mere wrapping is not intended to be included here; however, a wrapping having properties so as to enhance or promote root growth is included.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 6]

GRAFTING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and processes for uniting parts of a tree or plant to another.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

30,	Cutlery, appropriate subclasses for mere implements adapted for use in plant husbandry but of more general utility.

7	Budding:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6. The bud of a tree or plant is set into a part of a tree.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 8]

TREE SURGERY:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and processes for repairing trees.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

30,	Cutlery, appropriate subclasses for mere cutting implements adapted for use in plant husbandry but of more general utility.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 9]

MULCHING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and processes for covering or mulching plants.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

111,	Planting, subclass 102 for a process or apparatus for placing plants in soil through a mulch layer; and subclass 144 for mulch accessories claimed in combination with a planting machine.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 10]

TURPENTINE AND RUBBER:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus or processes for gathering the sap, gum or resin from pine or rubber trees.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

50,	through 54.

Buckets and spouts:

This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Buckets, cups, spouts, and gutters for collecting the sap of the trees.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

50,	through 54.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 12]

Tools:

This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Tools used in obtaining the sap or gum.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

30,	Cutlery, especially subclass 121 for mere cutting implements for cutting or scraping the bark of or grooving a tree.

14	SEED TESTERS:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus and processes for ascertaining the life in the seed.

15	Roll:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14. The seeds are inclosed in a moistened strip rolled up.

16	With heater:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 14. The chamber or incubator for the seeds is provided with a heater.

GREENHOUSE, APPARATUS OR METHOD:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Houses provided with transparent walls or with some other apparatus to accelerate the growth of vegetable life.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

19.1,

for frames and their closures.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

52,	Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), appropriate subclasses for a building structure or component which may be translucent or transparent but which does not define a feature specialized to plant husbandry.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 18]

BENCH OR ELEVATED BED, HOTBED:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. The structure of the plant supports in the greenhouse.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

239,	Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, subclass 209 for fluid distributing apparatus having a supply conduit fixed to the ceiling of a building which may be a greenhouse.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 19.1]

19.1

BOTTOMLESS HOTBED OR COLD FRAME (INCLUDING COVER), APPARATUS OR METHOD:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter includes a structure, enclosed at least at the sides and top, for a growing medium used to raise seedlings.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

29.3,

for planar, transparent cover.

19.2	With heating or ventilating means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 19.1. Subject matter includes a structure or a device for (a) raising the temperature of the growing medium or air or (b) to provide an opening to permit the escape of heat.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 20.1]

20.1

COVER, SHADE, OR SCREEN:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter includes a structure for blocking sunlight, rain, wind, or other adverse condition detrimental to growth.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

2,	for frost prevention.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

135,	Tent, Canopy, Umbrella, or Cane, subclass 87 for portable shelter.

21.1	With irrigating means:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes a device to provide moisture.

22.1	Mechanized (e.g., cable-post system):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes the use of simple machines, such as reeled wire and tarpaulin, pivoted louvers, etc.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 23.1]

23.1

Tree foliage:

This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes protecting structure for at least the leaves of a woody perennial.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

43,	Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, subclass 126 for tree fumigator.

23.2	Single tree:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 23.1. Subject matter includes the structure for only one woody perennial.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 23.3]

23.3

With heater:

This subclass is indented under subclass 23.2. Subject matter includes a device to raise the air temperature.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

126,	Stoves and Furnaces, subclass 59.5 for orchard heating stove, e.g., smudge pots.

24.1	For fruit:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes a structure designed for edible material growing on a tree.

25.1	Lath or slat type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes narrow strips, of e.g., wood, arranged in a pattern.

29.1	Transparent or translucent:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes at least a portion of the structure designed to allow transmission of visible light.

29.2	Rigid type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 29.1. Subject matter includes the transparent or translucent structure being stiff, inflexible, unyielding to rain, snow, or wind forces.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 29.3]

29.3

Planar, e.g., glass pane(s):

This subclass is indented under subclass 29.2. Subject matter includes the stiff, inflexible, unyielding portion being flat.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

19.1,

for bottomless hotbed or cold frame with a transparent cover.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

52,	Static Structures, (e.g., Buildings), subclass 204.5 for window.

29.4	Composition:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 29.1. Subject matter includes the physical or chemical make-up of the structure.

29.5	Adjustable on supporting structure or having means allowing adjusting, e.g., for weather, ventilation, expansion:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes a device permitting movement of at least a portion of the structure relative to the remainder of the structure to facilitate changes in temperature, etc.

29.6	Collapsible or nestable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes a configuration allowing the structure to be (a) disassembled to simple components or (b) stacked.

29.7	Created from folded or bent blank:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes a configuration created from a single sheet of material formed or deformed into a desired shape.

30	Open top:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. The inclosure has an open top.

31	Netting, open weave, mesh, or foraminous type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. The inclosure has a reticulated screen or is formed as a screen.

31.1	Perforated or apertured:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes a structure with holes.

32	Root:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Covers for the soil around the plant which may also serve as a support for the berries on the plant.

32.1	Inflatable:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 28.1. Subject matter wherein a portion of the means for enclosing a plant, i.e., the cover, is defined by a fluid sealed compartment capable of containing a fluid in a gaseous state and further wherein the compartment is capable of maintaining the fluid at a pressure greater than ambient pressure.

32.2	Machine for placing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter includes a mechanical device that helps in deploying the structure.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 32.3]

32.3

Method:

This subclass is indented under subclass 20.1. Subject matter is for processes of using a structure for blocking sunlight, rain, wind, or other adverse condition detrimental to growth.

(1) Note. The process of making is classified in the appropriate manufacturing class.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 32.4]

32.4

TREE TRUNK GUARD OR PROTECTOR:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter includes a device or structure that minimizes damage to the main stem of a woody perennial.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

52,	Static Structures, (e.g., Buildings), subclass 101 for animal blocking lateral projection, trap, or scarer.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 32.5]

32.5

Tree supported, e.g., belt or band type including compositions:

This subclass is indented under subclass 32.4. Subject matter includes the device or structure being designed for placement and fastening around the main stem above the ground and can be a flexible strap with a fastening arrangement to hold the strap.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

43,	Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, subclass 108 for tree trunk insect trap.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 32.6]

32.6

Method:

This subclass is indented under subclass 32.4. Subject matter is for processes of using a device or structure that minimizes damage to the main stem of a woody perennial.

(1) Note. The process of making is classified in the appropriate manufacturing class.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 32.7]

32.7

ROOT TRAINER, OR BARRIER

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter includes a structure that directs or blocks the plant underground portion.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

52,	Static Structures, (e.g., Buildings), subclass 101 for animal blocking lateral projection, trap or scarer.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 32.8]

32.8

Method:

This subclass is indented under subclass 32.71. Subject matter is for processes of using a structure that directs or blocks the plant underground portion.

(1) Note. The process of making is classified in the appropriate manufacturing class.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 33]

ORNAMENTAL BEDS:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Beds and borders or other ornamental configurations in a flower or garden bed.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

52,	Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclass 102 for an earth supported coping or edging of more general application.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 39]

STAND FOR HOLDING A PLANT OR GROWING MEDIUM RECEPTACLE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus or supports for holding plant or flower pots or receptacles having sprinkler, water pipes or special plant-treating means.

(1) Note. Search this class, subclass 41.01.

(2) Note. See Class 248, Supports, for supports generally.

(3) Note. See Class 211, Supports: Racks, for plant stands not restricted by inclusion of special watering or plant-treating means.

(4) Note. For flower pot stands not limited by structure to such use, see Class 248, Supports, subclasses 128+ and 146+.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 40]

Window:

This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Means for supporting flowerpots in or near a window of a house and modified therefor.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

68,	for a window box.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

211,	Supports: Racks, for pertinent subclass(es) as determined by schedule review.

[List of Patents for class 47 subclass 40.5]

40.5

TREE TRUNK SUPPORTING BASE WITH LIQUID RESERVOIR:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices in the form of a base or stand for supporting the trunk of a cut tree in a generally upright position and with its severed end in contact with liquid contained by a reservoir which is in, on, or under the base. The reservoir usually is in the form of a receptacle (e.g., container, cup, pan, etc.) and may or may not be an integral component of the base.

(1) Note. This subclass comprises patents for Christmas tree holders with a liquid supply, which patents previously were classified in the staff support area of Class 248, Supports. The presence of a liquid supply for the purpose of keeping a cut tree fresh and moist, in addition to a means to support the tree, is considered to make this subject matter more appropriate for this class than for Class 248.

(2) Note. The claiming of a supporting base with a liquid resevoir is not sufficient for placement herein in the absence of an indication that the liquid is for a purpose beneficial to the tree (e.g., for keeping it fresh or green or moist, etc.). If, on the other hand, the liquid serves only as ballast, for example, classification is in Class 248. In the rare instance when the disclosure is silent as to the purpose of the liquid, then it is presumed to be for the benefit of the tree.

(3) Note. The claiming of (1) means to support a liquid reservoir in an operative relationship to the severed end of the tree, or (2) a spatial relationship of the severed end (as supported) to the underlying surface on which the base rests for the purpose of accommodating a liquid reservoir, are acceptable