This is the generic class for subject matter relating to working
the earth in situ. Earth working involves physical treatment of
the earth and includes beating, compacting, crushing, cultivating,
cutting, digging, furrowing, harrowing, leveling, mixing, plowing,
pulverizing, rolling, scraping, scratching, smoothing, and tilling.
The earth is usually worked by an earth working element carried
on an apparatus traversing the ground but hand held tools such as
hoes are also included.
This class also takes subject matter, not otherwise classified
relating to the cutting and removal of sod or turf from the ground.
Apparatus comprising means other than earth working means
supported on or attached to a vehicle for manipulation in a manner
consistent with the use of the means as an earth working means is
classifiable in this class if the means is identified in a claim
by name only and the claim contains no feature otherwise inconsistent
with classification in Class 172. However, lines with other classes
have in many cases not been cleared so that where the bulk of the
existing art has been classified on a basis other than indicated
above such classification is continued.
(1)
Note. CLAIMS NOT CONTROLLING IN PATENTS PRIOR TO 1930. Patents
prior to 1930 have not necessarily been classified by claims so
that the placement of these old patents does not necessarily indicate
lines of classification. In view of the large numbers of old patents
in this class many of these patents have been classified in accordance
with their total disclosure. This is especially true of the patents
in subclasses 332+. Most of the patents, however, regardless
of their age have been placed in accordance with their claimed subject
matter.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
SUBJECT MATTER RELATING TO SNOW REMOVAL, TO WORKING THE EARTH
FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, TO COMPACTING EARTH FOR ROADS OR PAVEMENT
AND TO WORKING HARD MATERIAL IN SITU
Class 37, Excavating, generally relates to removing snow or
to working the earth for industrial purposes as by making a ditch
or moving earth by a conveyor or scoop. In many cases the devices
found in Class 37 for these purposes are indistinguishable structurally
from devices found in Class 172. Classification turns on emphasis
for a certain use, such as snow removal or ditch digging. Class
37 formerly contained subclasses 143 through 181 entitled "Scrapers" which
included subject matter relating to scraping the earth by means
of a blade or such subject matter in combination with other earth
working means such as harrows or rollers. The devices in these subclasses
were typically road graders or bulldozers for working or moving
the earth for industrial purposes. These subclasses were abolished
and the art found in them was for the most part incorporated into Class
172 and is to be found in subclasses 4.5, 26.5, 26.6, 777-809 and
other appropriate subclasses. Some of the art was specialized to
ditch filling and was placed in Class 37 subclass 142.5. The remaining
patents were not drawn to scraping blades or such blades combined
with simple earth working means and were transferred to appropriate
subclasses in Class 37 or other classes. Class 37, subclasses 104+,
Railway Graders, and subclasses 381+, Road-Grader Type,
were not cleared. Patents in these subclasses should be drawn to
devices more specialized than the general utility scrapers or "road
graders" which were classified in abolished subclasses
143-181.
Class 299, Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material,
as the title indicates, generally provides for the working of hard
earth material such as rock and also the working of ice in situ.
However, a tool which is actually of general utility in earth working,
such as a ripper tooth or scraper and traverses the earth without
relative movement with respect to its support (as by rolling or
cyclical driving) is classifiable in Class 172 even if solely disclosed
for disintegrating rock.
Class 404, Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus, subclasses
117, 121, and 122+, for a roller device which performs
a simple compacting function on the earth. See the note to Class
172, under the class definition of Class 404.
JOINTS
Many of the patents relating to earth working devices claim
joints between parts of the device. A claim to a joint between two
disclosed earth working portions of an earth working apparatus,
e.g., a claim to a joint between a plow share and moldboard, is
classifiable in Class 172, subclasses 681+. Also, a claim
to an overload release joint between implement parts, e.g., between
a tractor and a device solely disclosed as an earth working type
of implement, is classifiable in Class 172, subclasses 261+ and
a claim to a spring biased joint for biasing an earth working tool
is classifiable in Class 172, subclasses 705+. However,
other claims to joints, per se, are classifiable in the various
classes relating to joints. Thus, joints of general application
are classifiable in Class 403, Joints and Connections. An articulated joint
between a tractor and a trailing vehicle, as long as that vehicle
is not solely disclosed as an implement, is classifiable in Class
280, Land Vehicles, subclasses 400+.
The Search Notes below also contain lines with other classes.
Compound Tools, appropriate subclasses for miscellaneous compound tools,
especially
subclass 115 for a cutter combined with a pitch fork and subclass
116 for a cutter combined with a spade or shovel (e.g., a bayonet
and a shovel). Hand tools comprising combinations of various earth
working portions are classifiable in Class 172, Earth Working.
Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, appropriate subclasses for cleaners, including scrapers.
Class 172 takes cleaners for cleaning earth working parts, which
cleaners are intended to be attached to the earth working apparatus.
Miscellaneous Hardware (e.g., Bushing, Carpet Fastener, Caster, Door Closer, Panel Hanger, Attachable or Adjunct Handle, Hinge, Window Sash Balance, etc.),
subclasses 110.1+ for handles for earth working devices, such as plows
or hoes.
Metal Working,
subclass 14 for machines and processes of making plow and cultivator
irons, subclasses 891+ for processes of making agricultural
devices, and see the subclasses there cited.
Cutlery, appropriate subclasses, for cutters of general utility
and cutters for merely making a slit in sod. A cutter for earth
working purposes such as making a slit in the soil (e.g., a colter) is
classifiable in Class 172. Thus a patent to a cutter with a claim
restricted to earth working or a sole disclosure of earth working
is classifiable in Class 172, except that a patent to a hand device
with the cutting edge extending generally in the direction of the
handle is classifiable in Class 30 even though it is restricted
to earth working. Also a tool for merely cutting a plant below the
surface of the earth is classifiable in Class 30.
Excavating,
subclasses 196+ for snow- removing apparatus which may be identical
with earth working apparatus except that it is disclosed as principally
for snow removal, subclasses 307+ for dredging apparatus, subclasses
347+ especially subclasses 366+ for ditchers which
may be very similar to earth working apparatus for Class 172 except
that they are disclosed as making an industrial ditch or trench
rather than a furrow, by more than mere scraping operation, subclasses
104+ for apparatus specialized to forming the bed or slopes
of a railway, subclasses 381+ for apparatus specialized
to working on roads and involving something more than mere scraping or
earth working apparatus of general utility, subclasses 394+ for
cable operated apparatus including cable operated scrapers involving more
than the scraper, per se, and a cable attached to the scraper, subclasses
403+ for a scraper convertible to or combined with a scoop,
shovel or other material pick up means, subclasses 411+ for
scoops which are distinguishable from scrapers classified in Class
172 in that they have a bottom for transporting material, and appropriate
subclasses for digging or moving earth in general.
Plant Husbandry, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 1.01 and 58.1 for subject matter relating to earth working
combined with other functions relating to plant husbandry such as
heating the earth or spraying a plant. However, a moldboard type
plow with heating means for the plow is classifiable in Class 172 subclass
755.
Harvesters, appropriate subclasses for subject matter relating
to severing or chopping of crop material without disturbing the
soil and also subject matter relating to gathering or raking crop
material without substantially disturbing the soil. The line is
essentially one of disclosed use. If a device is described as a
nonearth disturbing harvesting device the patent is placed in Class
56 rather than Class 172 even if the structure claimed is the same
as that which may be found in Class 172. An exception is that if
a harvester is claimed by name only and the claim is otherwise drawn
to merely a mounting or manipulating means which is consistent with the
functioning of the named harvester as an earth working device then
the patent may be classifiable in Class 172.
With respect to the stalk chopper art, if the chopper
is disclosed as one which operates by the action of a cutter member against
the ground, without a ledger plate it is assumed that the soil is
disturbed and classification in Class 172 results. Choppers operating
above the ground level are classifiable in Class 56.
Generally Class 172 takes the combination of or the conversion
between a Class 56 apparatus and a Class 172 apparatus, or an apparatus
disclosed as having either an earth working or a harvesting function
without change. Thus a Class 172 type lawn edger combined with or convertible
to a harvester is found in Class 172, subclass 14, the combination of
other types of Class 172 devices with a harvester is in Class 172,
subclasses 27+ and the combination of a Class 172 device
with a rake is in Class 172, subclasses 29+. An exception
to the above is that a hand rake combined with or convertible to
an earth working means is classifiable in Class 56, subclasses 400.04+.
Power Plants,
subclasses 325+ , especially subclass 427 for hydraulic-type power
plants operated by liquid supplied from a pump. Many such power
plants are used in earth working apparatus. A claim to a power plant
for an earth working apparatus reciting only a tractor mounting
for the plant and a rockshaft actuated by the power plant is classifiable
in Class 60. If the claim goes beyond this and claims some detail
of the apparatus which may be only a lift arm on the rockshaft or
a draft sensing means it is classifiable in Class 172.
Metal Tools and Implements, Making,
subclass 85 for attachments other than abrading attachments
for sharpening earth working tools. An earth working apparatus combined with
a sharpening device is in Class 172, subclass 437. However, when
the earth working apparatus as claimed is only a support for the attachment
the claim is classifiable in Class 76.
Motors: Expansible Chamber Type, appropriate subclasses for servomotors, per se.
Many such servomotors are used in earth working apparatus. A claim
to a servomotor for an earth working apparatus reciting only a tractor mounting
and rockshaft operated by the motor is classifiable in Class 91.
However, further detail such as a lift arm on the rockshaft or a draft
sensing means causes classification in Class 172.
Railways,
subclass 169 for apparatus for reciprocating an earth working
device, claimed by name only, over the ground and subclass 244.1 for
a vehicle or earth working device claimed by name only guided along
a field by a furrow feeler. Class 172, subclasses 23+ has
significantly claimed earth working apparatus driven from or guided
by a stationary object or previously formed furrow.
Planting, appropriate subclasses for earth working means combined
with planting means, especially
subclasses 118+ for earth working means combined with means for
inserting liquid or gas into the soil, subclasses 25+ for planting
means with earth marking means, subclass 33 for earth marking means
comprising means to make an intermittent mark in the earth to indicate
the points where material should be planted, subclasses 52+ for
frame arrangements, subclass 82 for hand propelled planters, and
subclass 99 for dibbles. A Class 172 device generally may comprise
the earth working subcombination of a planting device. A planter
may be recited by name only as a support for an earth marker or
an earth working tool in a claim classifiable in Class 172. A support
for an earth working portion identified as a planting boot in a
claim is not considered too much for Class 172.
Resilient Tires and Wheels, appropriate subclasses for tires and wheels which
may be structurally similar to earth working apparatus but are not
intended to have an earth working function.
Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects, appropriate subclasses for subject matter relating
to unearthing and separating an object from the earth (e.g., a potato
digger). A Class 172 device may cut plant roots as it traverses
the ground or may turn a furrow which has objects in it such as
potatoes but devices in Class 172 do not separate an object from
the adjacent earth. A Class 172 device may be a subcombination of
a Class 171 device; for example, a plow for Class 172 may lift earth
with potatoes in it, the potatoes then being separated from the
earth, the complete device being classifiable in Class 171.
Tool Driving or Impacting, appropriate subclass for subject matter directed to driving
or impacting a tool, when such subject matter includes combined
features peculiar to tool driving, but which does not include features limiting
the subject matter to a specific tool art, such as specific shape
of the work contacting portion of a tool, related tools, or an opposed work
support, and see particularly
subclasses 184+ driving or impacting means mounted on a wheeled
vehicle. Class 172 has not been cleared as to subject matter in
conflict with this line.
Boring or Penetrating the Earth, appropriate subclasses for subject matter relating to forming
elongated holes in the earth. Apparatus for forming a plurality
of small holes in the earth for aerating the soil or for like purposes
is classifiable in Class 172,
subclasses 21+ .
Motor Vehicles,
subclasses 14.1+ for vehicle trains comprising a tractor and a trailing
vehicle which may be an implement claimed by name only, subclasses
53.1+ for devices in which the motor of the motor vehicle
is used as a source of external power for a device which may be
an implement claimed by name only, and subclass 401 for power steering
devices which may be controlled by a feeler element running in a
furrow. An implement described in a claim as comprising a frame
and an earth working means carried thereby is considered to be claimed
by more than name only so that the claim would be classifiable in
Class 172. The line between Class 172 and subclasses 53.1+ of Class
180 is set out in the Search Class Note of subclass 35 in class
172.
Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, appropriate subclasses for subject matter relating
to comminuting or disintegrating material other than the earth in
situ.
Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or
Pulling Force, appropriate subclasses for lifting means of general
utility for lifting a load, which means may be structurally similar to
a means for manipulating an implement.
Land Vehicles, appropriate subclasses for the running gear or other feature
of a general utility land vehicle, not restricted by disclosure
to an earth working or harvesting implement. Attention is directed
to
subclass 1.5 for a vehicle with a means for engaging the body
of a walking attendant; subclasses 6.15+ for a vehicle including
means, interposed between the vehicle body, chassis, or frame and
running gear thereof, for altering height or levelness of the vehicle
body, chassis, or frame; subclasses 32.5+ for a vehicle
with a worker"s support or shade; subclass 32.7 for a vehicle
including a riding attachment; subclasses 43+ for a vehicle including
a wheel vertically movable relative to the running gear for the
purpose of altering a dimension of the vehicle or a part thereof;
subclass 47.11 for a vehicle including steering of other than a
mere swinging axle by an attendant positioned about, rather than
upon, the vehicle; subclasses 47.131+ for a tiltable vehicle
stabilized by an article or an attendant; subclasses 47.34+ for
handle-propelled vehicles; subclasses 82+ for tongue trucks;
subclasses 98+ for vehicles having running gear specifically
constructed to enable execution of arcuate travel within a reduced
radius of curvature (i.e., short turn); subclass 108 for general
utility vehicles including tongue antivibrators; subclasses 124.1+ for
general utility vehicle running gear including suspension means; subclasses
137.5+ for general utility vehicle running gear including
a turnable axle lacking suspension means; subclasses 160+ for
means for fending obstacles from contact with the wheels of a vehicle;
subclasses 400+ for an articulated vehicle or plural interconnected vehicles
(i.e., vehicle train); subclasses 763.1+ for a vehicle
with a retractable ground support; subclasses 771+ for
vehicles including occupant controlled steering; subclasses 847+ for vehicle
dust or mud guards; or subclasses 855+ for wheel scrapers
and cleaners. Further, regarding an articulated vehicle or vehicle
train as provided in subclasses 400+ of this class (Class
280), particular attention is directed to subclasses 405.1+ for
a load distribution connection between sections of the articulated vehicle
or the plural vehicles, subclasses 411.1+ for multiple
trailing vehicles, subclass 414.5 for a trailing vehicle having
a vertically adjustable wheel, subclasses 415.1+ for a
convertible interconnection between the articulated vehicles, subclass
419 for a steering connection between articulated vehicles, subclasses
420+ for articulated vehicles with service connections
therebetween, subclasses 442+ for a wheel on a trailing
vehicle steered by articulative movement between the vehicles, subclasses
446.1+ for condition responsive draft connections, subclasses
449+ for overload releasing draft connections, subclasses
456.1+ for plural laterally adjustable draft connections,
subclass 476.1 for a wheel draft connection, subclasses 477+ for
connection facilitating means in a draft connection, and subclass
490.1 for a vertically adjustable draft member, the adjustment being
merely for the purpose of placing the draft member at a proper height
for facilitating the connection between the articulated vehicles.
Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
subclasses 49+ for hand forks and shovels. Hand forks and shovels
are distinguished from Class 172 apparatus such as a hand hoe in
that the row of tines or blade extends in the general direction
of the handle from an end thereof and is designed to engage and
lift a load.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, appropriate subclass for subject matter relating
to recovering valuable material from the earth or breaking up hard,
solid material in situ. In working the earth surface, the line between
Class 172 and Class 299 turns on described hardness of material
worked, Class 299 taking a cutter or device for working hard solid
material in situ. Clay type earth or loose gravel is considered
soft material whereas solid rock, coal or road pavement is considered
hard material. However, a device for merely drawing a cutter back
and forth like a plow even in a hard surface is classified in Class
172 if specific cutter structure is not recited.
Land Vehicles: Wheels and Axles, appropriate subclasses, especially
subclasses 41.1+ for wheels which may be structurally indistinguishable
from earth working tools but which are not intended to work the
earth.
Joints and Connections, appropriate subclasses for a joint between two members
which does not involve any structure of the members other than that
which cooperates to effect the joint.
Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus,
subclass 117 , for an earth compacting roller with vibrating
or impact means, subclass 121, for a sheep"s foot roller,
subclasses 122+, for a rotating drum, roller or tire to
compact earth and subclasses 133.05+, for earth tamping
means.
Abrading,
subclasses 415+ for an abrasive attachment for sharpening earth
working tools. An earth working apparatus combined with a sharpening
device is in Class 172, subclass 437. However, where the earth working
apparatus, as claimed, is only a support for the attachment, then
classification is in Class 451.
Machines Not Elsewhere Specified,
subclasses 10+ for agricultural or construction machinery.
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
ACTUATOR
A device comprising both a means for imparting movement
to an element and a means for holding the moved element against
returning to a position from which it has been moved. Thus, an actuator
may comprise a servomotor, a mechanical power take-off from a motor
or rolling wheel, a hand operated lever and ratchet or merely a
handle and a bracket for holding the element moved by the handle
in position. In the case of a mere handle actuator, however, the
handle must be intended to be used merely to move an element to
an adjusted position where it is held in place by a holding means.
If the handle is intended to be used by an attendant so as to hold
an element in intermediate positions by continued application of
force by the attendant then the handle is not considered an actuator.
See subclasses 329+ for devices with such handles. If the
handle is disclosed as usable as an actuator to merely move and
hold and, alternatively, also as a guiding means to move and hold by
force exerted by the attendant then the handle is considered to
be both an actuator and an attendant hold means and is classified
accordingly in the first appropriate subclass and cross referenced
down if necessary.
A device comprising merely a means for moving by direct application
of draft force is not considered an actuator. For example, an implement
hitched to a tractor and provided with a latch and a movable hitch
whereby the draft force of the tractor on the movable hitch moves an
earth working element with respect to the implement frame and the
latch holds the element in different positions is not considered
to be provided with an actuator, as the term is used in this class.
See subclass 605 for such devices.
Also, a device comprising merely a screw bolt or the like
is not considered an actuator, being merely a clamping or an adjusting
means.
ADJUSTABLE
An adjective describing the capability of two parts of being
selectively held in different positions with respect to one another
by some means other than an attendant. A mere clamp which cooperates
with a member such that by loosening the clamp the member could
be set in any desired position and reclamped (e.g., clamp and spike tooth)
is not considered to be an adjusting means. However, any specific
structure such as selectively usable apertures, teeth, slots, etc.,
for the purpose of permitting the selective change of the relative
positions of two parts is included under this definition.
Despite the above limitation on the meaning of "adjustable" if
a claim emphasizes the feature of adjustability it is classifiable
in an "adjustable" subclass even if structurally
the feature comprises a mere clamp.
EARTH WORKING ELEMENT
Synonymous with "tool".
IMPLEMENT
A combination of parts comprising an earth working device.
It may mean merely an earth working portion or a complex combination
of parts including a tractor. Usually it indicates a complete device
which as an entity may be readily attached to a tractor in the field.
LATERAL
A direction which is transverse of the line of draft
of a tool over the earth unless some other meaning is clearly indicated
by the context.
LONGITUDINAL
A direction which is parallel to the line of draft of
a tool over the earth unless some other meaning is clearly indicated.
TOOL
That portion of the apparatus which actually works the earth.
Plant Husbandry,
subclass 58.1 for methods of earth working combined with an additional
nonearth working step such as adding fertilizer or treating the
soil.
Unearthing Plants or Buried Objects,
subclass 1 for methods of earth working combined with an additional
step of removing or separating a plant or buried object from the
earth.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising an earth working element and a means
for sensing a condition or change of condition, which condition
or change of condition may or may not occur, a separate control
means and a separate power means for changing a condition of operation
of the apparatus, said three means being so related that the sensing
means controls operation of the controlling means and the control
means controls operation of the power means, all without the intervention
of a human operator.
(1)
Note. The "power means" of the definition
comprises a motor or a mechanical power take-off. For purposes of
this definition a spring is not considered a power actuating means.
(2)
Note. Apparatus in which a movement of the sensing means develops
power which directly moves the power means is not included (e.g.,
a sensing means connected to a piston in a hydraulic transmission
to directly cause movement of a piston in the power lift cylinder). See
subclass 239 for such apparatus.
Motor Vehicles,
subclass 14.5 for a connection between a motor vehicle and a
trailer (including a broadly claimed implement) effective to automatically
control the vehicle on occurrence of an overload on the connection,
and subclasses 282+ for a motor vehicle provided with a
safety-promoting means which is responsive to the sensing of acceleration,
deceleration, or tilt of the vehicle.
Material or Article Handling,
subclasses 699+ , for material moving devices with a vertically
swinging load support of the tilting shovel or fork type with automatic
control for effecting an operation of the device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus in which the power means controlled is for propelling
the apparatus over the ground.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes brake or clutch control for the
propelling means.
(2)
Note. The mere recitation of an implement by name only in
combination with a power driven propelling means therefor having
a mechanism for controlling the propulsion means in response to
a condition of the implement, as for example, a mechanism for disengaging
the clutch of a tractor when a pulled implement strikes an obstruction,
is not enough for classification under this definition. See Class
180, Motor Vehicles, subclass 14.5 for such devices.
(3)
Note. The mere recitation of an implement in combination with
a power driven propelling means therefor including a means for adjusting
the implement and a mechanism for con trolling both the
propelling means and the adjusting means for the implement is included
in this definition.
Motor Vehicles,
subclass 14.5 for vehicle trains with automatically responsive
means for controlling the propelling means. A broadly named implement
is considered a vehicle for Class 180.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus in which the sensing means contacts or senses
the surface of the ground and acts to maintain the earthworking
element at a preselected depth therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus in which the earth working element is a ground
leveling tool, (e.g., a scraper, etc.) which is so controlled that
the contour of the finished portion of the earth which is being worked
will be substantially straight in a longitudinal direction regardless
of the irregularities of the original surface of said portion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus wherein the condition sensed is the location of
an obstruction or plant.
(1)
Note. A stake or other object which has been previously placed
in position for the purpose of controlling an earth working implement
which is intended to approach such object is not considered to be
an obstruction within this definition since its sensing is not considered
to be a condition which may or may not occur. See search notes below
for such apparatus.
for a stake or other object which has been previously
placed in position for the purpose of controlling an earth working
implement which is intended to approach an object
for apparatus having an obstruction feeler for moving
an implement to avoid the obstruction, the obstruction feeler providing
the power necessary to move the implement or merely unlatching the
implement so that it may move.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Apparatus in which the condition change which is sensed
is a change in the force required to move the earth working element along
the ground.
(1)
Note. For classification under this definition a patent must
claim the automatic control feature in some detail. A mere broad
reference in a claim to an automatic control as, for example, a
mere broad reference in a claim to a top link in a three point hitch
broadly described as a link for automatically controlling a power
lift is not enough. See Search Notes below.
for apparatus including means to automatically control
the power means of a vehicle for propelling a tool which may be
responsive to the draft force on the earth working tool.
Land Vehicles,
subclasses 446.1+ for articulated vehicles with a hitch responsive
to changes in the draft load, there being no disclosure of an earth
working element being the cause of the change in draft load, and
subclasses 405.1+ for articulated vehicles with an adjustment
to distribute the load between the vehicles or from one vehicle
to another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Apparatus in which the rate of movement of the power means
varies with the magnitude of the sensed force in such a manner that
the rate of movement increases or decreases when the magnitude of
the sensed force increases or decreases respectively.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes, for example, those devices in
which a plurality of pumps, a variable capacity pump, or a plurality
of successively operated valves are used to operate a fluid servomotor.
(2)
Note. A system which has a mere single valve for directing
fluid to a servomotor which would provide less restriction to fluid
flow upon greater opening of the valve in response to the increased
magnitude of the sensed force is not included in this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Apparatus including means having a manually actuated element
which may be set in a plurality of positions, wherein changing the
position of the element results in a change in the type of condition
(e.g., position of tool, amount of draft force, depth of tool) which
causes a change in operation of the apparatus.
(1)
Note. This subclass includes those devices having means to
operate the power means to raise or lower the earth working means
upon the occurrence of an excess draft force (e.g., excess draft release
or overload lift type).
for an actuator adapted to lift a tool for transport
on a wheeled frame or broadly claimed implement and comprising a
servomotor with a follow-up control, or for a device wherein an automatic
draft responsive control is converted to a position control so that the
automatic draft control is effective only if the device is disassembled.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Apparatus having means to selectively adjust the relationship
between the power means and the sensing means to change the magnitude
of sensed force required to produce a given movement of the power
means.
(1)
Note. The sensed force in this definition is the force applied
directly to the sensing means, for example, in the three-point mast
type hitch it is the force applied to the end of the top link and
not the force acting directly on the earth working element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Apparatus in which the earthworking element is normally
raised by the power means in response to an increase in the sensed
force and having means which is operative when the magnitude of
the force exceeds a predetermined amount to release the earth-working
element from control by the power means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Apparatus in which the condition sensed is an abnormal increase
in the magnitude of the draft force, the sensing means initiating
operation of the power means to cause raising of the earth working
element to an inoperative position.
(1)
Note. The earth working element may be returned to its previous
working condition as part of the cycle of operation.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising means other than a scraper specially
intended for working the earth adjacent a fixed structure on the
surface of the earth (e.g., a paved walk to edge a lawn) or working
the earth adjacent a turf surface (e.g., grooving a plant bed adjacent
a lawn).
(1)
Note. This definition is intended to provide an art collection
of lawn edgers or trimmers. Usually such devices comprise a means
for guiding the device along the edge of the pavement. However no
special structure need be claimed for classification in this subclass.
Patents whose sole specific disclosure or whose claims relate to
the described use are considered to come under this definition.
Cutlery, appropriate subclasses for hand manipulable implements
for merely cutting or slitting grass or sod. Devices which cut so
as to form a groove in the soil, however, are classified in Class
172.
Harvesters,
subclasses 10.1+ , for a motor-driven harvester, particularly subclass
13.7, wherein two or more cutters are provided, e.g., for mowing and
for trimming, and subclass 16.9 wherein the motor may drive a mower or
a trimmer; subclasses 229+, for a lawn and hedge cutter,
and subclass 251, for a lawn edge trimmer combined with a lawn mower.
The lawn edge trimmer or cutter of Class 56 merely cuts grass. If
a groove is cut in the soil, or the ground is otherwise disturbed,
classification is in an appropriate subclass in Class 172.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Apparatus in combination with or convertible to an element
for performing some work operation other than earth working.
(1)
Note. Devices classified here include lawn edgers combined
with mowers, brushes or snow removers.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Apparatus comprising an earth working element which cuts
into the ground and has a rolling motion as it is pulled over the
ground or is positively moved with respect to its support with a
continuous or cyclic motion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Apparatus comprising in addition an earth working element
for cutting into or furrowing the earth which does not move relative
to its support while working the earth.
This subclass is indented under subclass 13. Apparatus comprising (1) an earth working element adapted
to be driven generally vertically downwardly in the earth or (2)
jaw members for grasping and lifting a portion of earth.
Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
subclasses 49+ for hand forks and shovels for digging or grappling
earth and not limited to use as lawn edgers.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising means for cutting the earth (1) horizontally
and vertically or (2) annularly for the purpose of enabling a portion of
sod to be removed in an undisturbed condition.
(1)
Note. This definition is intended to provide an art collection
of sod or plug cutters. Other devices such as subsoilers, or the
like, which cut soil and have structure similar to that of a sod
cutter but are not used for the purpose of removing a strip of earth
in an undisturbed condition are not included. Patents are considered to
come under this definition if claims refer to sod cutting or the
sole specific disclosure relates to this use.
(2)
Note. Patents relating to the handling and/or cutting
of sod after it has been cut from the ground are classified under
this definition if not otherwise classifiable.
for earth perforating devices which have means for
removing the earth from a hole made in the earth, there being no
intention to remove a piece of sod in an undisturbed condition so that
it can be replanted. The earth perforating devices characteristically either
disturb the earth or take out a very small diameter core of earth
and sod, not intended for replanting.
Boring or Penetrating the Earth,
subclasses 249+ for a core-forming type earth boring bit provided
with means to sever the core and subclasses 403+ for a
core-forming type earth boring bit.
Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
subclasses 49+ for forks or shovels for lifting plugs of earth
or sod and subclass 50.6 for shovels of the grappling type, the
grapple having no means to cut the earth in a horizontal plane.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, appropriate subclass for cutting hard, solid earth material in
situ, particularly
subclasses 36.1+ for a floor working machine.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Apparatus comprising means for making a transverse vertically
extending cut in the earth while the apparatus is being propelled
over the surface of the earth.
(1)
Note. The apparatus may momentarily halt its forward motion
while the transverse cut is being made.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus for treating earth covered with grass by making
a slit or small hole therein so as to either aerate the earth, remove
a plug of grass and soil, or merely pierce sod, with a minimum of
disturbance of the adjacent earth.
(1)
Note. The apparatus found in this subclass is not limited
to any specific type of structure but is usually disclosed as being
intended to perform the aforementioned aerating and/or
plug-removing function.
(2)
Note. Apparatus which could incidently be used to perform
this function is not included herein, unless the aerating and/or
plug-removal of lawns is disclosed as an intended use of the apparatus.
for cyclically driven carriers which have, movably
mounted thereon, hole forming earth-working teeth, blades, or like
projections, but which teeth, blades, or projections tear at and
snag the soil in working it.
Harvesters,
subclass 226 for standing grain gatherers with bat members having
a vertical movement similar to aerator projections; and subclass
249 for mowers with rollers having aerating devices.
Planting,
subclasses 89+ for devices for making a cavity in the earth and depositing
material in the cavity; and subclass 99 for hand implements for forming
a cavity other than a furrow in the ground to receive material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Apparatus in which there are means for making a hole in
the earth by removing earth from below the surface of the ground
to a location above the surface.
DRIVEN FROM OR GUIDED BY STATIONARY OBJECT, OR ANCHORED:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Apparatus comprising an earth working means adapted (1)
to coact with some fixed manmade structure so as to be driven relative to
or guided by said structure, (2) to be anchored to some fixed structure
such as a tree or stake to be guided thereby, (3) to be operated while
anchored to or supported on the earth so as to prevent the apparatus
as a whole from having any translatory movement during the earth
working operation, or (4) to be guided by a guide means contacting
a channel or shoulder previously made in the ground.
(1)
Note. The fixed man-made structure may be portable. For example,
a tractor carrying a winch intended to pull an earth working element
relative to the tractor to work the earth is considered a "fixed installation",
provided the earth working element is not carried by the tractor.
(2)
Note. A means for feeling an obstruction and merely guiding
or directing an implement to avoid such obstruction is not included
in this definition. Such means are found in subclass 233. Also, an
apparatus comprising merely a tool which shifts on meeting an obstruction
is not included.
(3)
Note. In connection with section (3) of the above definition
the device must have some anchor, ground supporting feet or earth
penetrating pilot in addition to the earth working means. However, the
pilot may itself have some earth working function.
(4)
Note. In connection with section (4) of the definition, in
order to come within the definition an apparatus must have an element
which does not support any substantial weight and which does not
have an earth working function and is disclosed as intended to contact
a channel or shoulder made on a previous pass of the apparatus or
some other apparatus. A landslide of a plow or the like is not classified
under this definition unless it is disclosed as specially intended
to be used to guide the apparatus along a previously made shoulder
since a landslide which inherently could be used to guide an apparatus
along a shoulder is very common in this art.
Railways,
subclass 169 for railroad rolling stock or track type apparatus claiming
an earth working implement by name only and concerned with means
for reciprocating the implement across a field, and subclass 244.1
for means coacting with a furrow for guiding a vehicle or implement
claimed by name only.
Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or
Pulling Force,
subclasses 264+ for apparatus for hauling or hoisting a load including
a driven device which contacts and pulls on a cable when the load
is moved.
This subclass is indented under subclass 23. Apparatus in which the earth working means is guided in
a rotary path by a fixed vertical member not forming a part of the
apparatus (e.g., tree or stake).
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