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CLASS 188,	BRAKES
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class includes means for retarding the motion of or stopping machines, including vehicles, both rail and road, and shafts, wheels, pulleys, or other moving mechanisms, by friction, by positive engagement of elements, or by the internal resistance of a fluid or a field of force. Citations from other classes indicating the limits of this class will be found under the various subclass definitions.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

Class 192 is the generic locus for clutches and brakes, and see the Class Definition of Class 192 for further discussion of clutches and brakes.

Vehicle shock-absorbers are included in this class unless of the type which flex or put stress upon a spring or springs. These latter are found in Class 267, Spring Devices.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SUBCLASSES

1.11	WITH CONDITION INDICATOR:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  A device including means automatically responsive to a predetermined condition of the brake for sending a signal indicating the condition to an operator. (1) Note. This subclass includes only patents claiming both significant brake structure and an indicator. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 73,  Measuring and Testing,   appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses 121+ for a nonelectric brake condition indicator wherein no significance is attributed to brake structure. 340,  Communications: Electrical,   subclasses 453+ and 457.3 for an electric automatic brake condition indicator wherein no significance is attributed to brake structure.

1.12	TO RETARD ROLLING OF CASTER:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  A device including a small roller member (e.g., a wheel or ball) mounted for rotation about a central axis and adapted to support a heavy object (e.g., a piece of furniture), and also including means to brake the rotation of the member. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 16,  Miscellaneous Hardware (e.g., Bushing, Carpet Fastener, Caster, Door Closer, Panel Hanger, Attachable or Adjunct Handle, Hinge, Window Sash Balance, etc.),   subclass 35 for a caster having a lock to prevent swiveling.

2	VEHICLE:
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Includes brakes for vehicles not specifically provided for in other subclasses, including vehicle-brakes.

3	Train:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Includes brakes for trains of nonrail vehicles. (1) Note. Where the braking action is initiated by the relative action between the vehicles of the train, the patent will be found in this class, subclass 112. Where the relative motion is between the draft-animals and the vehicle, see this class, subclasses 115 to 118, and 120 to 123. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 280,  Land Vehicles,   subclasses 400+ for trains of road vehicles, especially subclasses 427+ for interrelated brake, landing gear and couplings in semi-trailers. 303,  Fluid-Pressure and Analogous Brake Systems,   subclass 7 for a fluid pressure brake system for a train divided into a plurality of sections, the fluid being distributed to the sections in a different manner.

4	Wheel and ground:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Includes brakes for nonrail vehicles which act on the wheel and ground. (1) Note. Brakes of this description usually are applied between the wheel and the ground. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 36, for chocks applied to rail-vehicles. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 70,  Locks,   subclass 18 for patents for wheel-chocks attached to the wheel.

5	Ground-engaging:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Brakes for nonrail vehicles applied to the ground, either to check the forward motion of the vehicle or to prevent side motion or skidding.

6	Sprag:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  The brake member is pointed and penetrates the surface of the ground. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 280,  Land Vehicles,   subclass 188 for ground-engaging devices that pull on the horse-rein.

7	Anchors:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Brakes for nonrail vehicles which contact or penetrate the surface of the earth for the purpose of preventing motion when the vehicle-body is used as a machine-support. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 254,  Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force,   subclasses 418+ for vehicle attached jacks.

8	Sled:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 5.  Brakes for sleds.

9	Wagon:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Brakes for four-wheeled road-vehicles usually known as "farm" or "lumber" wagons.

10	Four-wheel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  The brake engages all the four wheels of the wagon.

11	Divided beam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  Brakes in which there is no beam and the brake-shoe is supported directly by the brake-applying lever or where the beam is divided into two parts.

12	Running gear support:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  The brake is supported directly by the running-gear and is unaffected by the rise or fall of the body or box.

13	Divided beam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 12.  The brake is supported directly by the running-gear and there is no beam or the beam is divided.

14	Hayrack type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  A wagon brake in which the operating mechanism is extended upward to clear the load.

15	Retreating shoe:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 9.  Wagon brakes in which the portions of the divided beam are withdrawn a considerable distance from the wheel upon release of the brake.

16	Independent wheel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Brakes that may be separately applied to the independently-rotating rear wheels of a nonrail vehicle. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 303,  Fluid-Pressure and Analogous Brake Systems,   subclass 9.61 for separately and simultaneously controlled multiple motor systems.

17	Hub or disk:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Brakes applied to the wheel-attached hub or disk on the axle of a nonrail vehicle. (1) Note. The parallel subclasses for rail-vehicles are subclasses 58 and 59 below. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 71.1+, for disclosure of an axially movable brake element for retarding rotation of a wheel (e.g., disc brake). 218, for the disks or surface to which these brakes are applied.

18	Motor vehicle:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 17.  Hub or disk brakes adapted to a motor-vehicle. (1) Note. The device in this subclass usually include the structure of the axle (e.g., steerable axle), frame structure in addition to hub, or disc brake structure with mounting means for the brake structure in relation to the other vehicle components. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 58, for disc brakes for railway vehicles which brakes are applied to the nontread surface of the traction wheel or to a disk on the axle.

19	Cart:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Brakes adapted to carts with two wheels.

20	Children"s carriages:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Brakes for children"s carriages or perambulators. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 280,  Land Vehicles,   subclass 87.01 for brakes for children"s coaster-wagons.

21	Truck:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Brakes for the platform type of trucks.

22	Two-wheel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 21.  Brakes for two-wheeled platform-trucks.

23	Ground-engaging:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 22.  The brake contacts with the ground.

24.11	Velocipede (e.g., bicycle, etc.):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Apparatus which is adapted to be mounted upon a wheeled vehicle of the type which is propelled by a person operating the vehicle (e.g., a bicycle, tricycle, etc.) and which retards motion of the vehicle by applying braking force to one or more of its wheels.

24.12	Including mechanism for opposed gripping of wheel rim or tire:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.11.  Apparatus including a pair of brake components (e.g., brake pads) carried by an actuating means (e.g., a caliper mechanism), wherein the actuating means is adapted to move the pair of brake components into opposed frictional engagement with sides of either a rim of the wheel or a tire mounted thereon.

24.13	Wheel rim configured to cooperate with components:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.12.  Apparatus having a wheel rim particularly designed or constructed to enhance its coaction with the components.

24.14	Having means to increase braking force (e.g., self-energizing brake, etc.):
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.12.  Apparatus including automatically operating means to increase the effective force exerted upon the vehicle when the brake is actuated. (1) Note. Common to this subclass, and those indented hereunder, is a vehicle having at least one caliper-type brake and means for automatically increasing the effective braking force upon the vehicle without proportionately increasing the force exerted upon the actuator by the vehicle"s operator. A so-called self-energized brake is one type of this subject matter.

24.15	Variable leverage actuator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.14.  Apparatus wherein the actuating means includes a plurality of caliper arms, each carrying a component, which gives a varying mechanical advantage to the brake as the components move from their inoperative positions to their fully operative positions.

24.16	Plural brakes having common actuator:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.14.  Apparatus on a vehicle which has a plurality of brakes, and means interconnecting the brakes so that actuation of one effects similar actuation of the other.

24.17	Actuation controlled by back-pedalling:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.12.  Apparatus for use on a vehicle wherein the operator propels the vehicle by turning a sprocket in one direction by means of a pedal arrangement, wherein the brake is actuated by turning the sprocket in the other direction.

24.18	With means to lock brake in actuated position:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.12.  Apparatus having means whereby the brake is constrained to remain in engagement with the wheel rim or tire after initial actuation without continued manual actuation. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 83, for a wheel brake which is continuously operated. 265, for a device for holding a brake in a set position (e.g., set position of brake actuation). 353, for a fluid operated brake with means to trap fluid in the brake system to hold the brake applied.

24.19	Having means to adjust spacing between brake component and wheel rim or tire:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.12.  Apparatus including means for selectively changing the distance between at least one of the components and the wheel rim or tire when the brake is in its inoperative position.

24.21	Having center-pull, cable-type actuator for mechanism:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.12.  Apparatus wherein the brake-actuating means includes a cable adapted to move along its longitudinal axis when it is actuated to operate the brake, and the longitudinal axis of the cable passes through the symmetrical center of the brake components. (1) Note. The elongated means may comprise, for example, a rod, a chain, or a cable. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 344, for a velocipede brake having a hydraulic actuator.

24.22	Specific actuator element structure:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.12.  Apparatus wherein significance is attributed to a particular design or construction feature of at least one part within the brake-actuating means. (1) Note. Disclosures found in this subclass include a caliper arm, per se, hinge means for pivotally connecting caliper arms, etc.

25	Roller:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.11.  The brake-shoe is a cylinder or other rotating body.

26	Hub or disk:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.11.  Brakes are applied to a wheel-attached hub or to a disk on the axle. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 71.1+, for disclosures of an axially movable brake element for retarding rotation of a wheel (e.g., disc brake).

27	Pivoted wheel:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 24.11.  The brake is applied to the wheel that turns with the fork of the velocipede. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 194, for brakes applied to pivoted wheels turning with reference to the relatively stationary brake-support.

28	Clasp:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  The brakes are applied to the diametrically-opposite sides of a nonrail-vehicle wheel. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 56, for the parallel subclass in rail-vehicles.

29	Top shoes:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  The brakes are applied on the upper side of the wheel.

30	One-way:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Brakes applied to the wheels of a nonrail vehicle to prevent retrograde movement.

31	Positive lock:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Brakes for nonrail vehicles that positively stop rotation. (1) Note. Parallel subclasses will be found in subclasses 60 and 69 below.

32	On ground:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  The brakes are located on the ground and not attached to the vehicle. (1) Note. Chocks are found in this subclass. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 62+, for brakes for track guided vehicles mounted on a track and not to the vehicle. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 293,  Vehicle Fenders,   subclass 7 for a chock block for a vehicle fender device with car control. 410,  Freight Accommodation on Freight Carrier,   subclasses 4+ for chocks or cradles for the wheel of a vehicle accommodated on a freight carrier during shipment; note subclasses 7+ for structure retaining the vehicle on the carrier which may further include the chock or cradle for abutment purposes; in particular, note the indented subclasses 19+ for hub or axle retainer structure and wherein a wheel chock, as well, may be provided. See too, subclass 30 for a vehicle wheel cradle or chock, absent retainer means; and subclasses 49+ for a cradle or chock for a cylindrical article in transit on a freight carrier and which is not mounted on a stowed vehicle. D12,  Transportation,   subclass 217 for a wheel chock.

33	Railway:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Brakes peculiarly adapted to vehicles running on rails.

34	Train:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  Brakes for the vehicles of a train operated from one point in the train.

35	Wheel and rail:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  The brakes are applied to both the car-wheel and the rail, either simultaneously or successively.

36	Chock:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 35.  The brake is applied between the wheel and the rail. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 104,  Railways,   subclass 258 for rail-chocks clamped to the rail. 293,  Vehicle Fenders,   subclass 7 for chock-brakes actuated by a fender.

37	Roller shoe:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.  The shoe-chock is in the form of a roller.

38	Track:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  The brake is applied to the track, not on the rail upon which the wheels run.

38.5	Plural abutments selectively engageable by vehicle-carried means, e.g., car spotter:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 38.  Devices wherein a series of detent or stop elements are adjacent the rails arranged in a line parallel to the direction the rails extend and a rail-traversing car or carriage carries thereon an element which is so located that when the car moves along the rails the element will engage one of the stop elements and arrest the car. (1) Note. The stop elements of this subclass are other than those elements necessary to complete the railway such as crossties, rail connecting plates, rail plates, and the like; the stop elements may be and usually are adjustable in the direction the rails extend. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 38, for car-carried devices which are used to engage parts of the railway and see (1) Note. 62+, for car retarders or catchers installed on the trackway and requiring no modification for special construction on the car. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 83,  Cutting,   subclass 396 for interrelated tool actuating means and means to actuate a stop for a work-mover, and subclass 416 for means to stop a work-conveyer. 104,  Railways,   subclasses 249+ for trackway-mounted devices arranged to engage and stop or prevent the motion of a car on the rails; in the devices in this class (104) the car is not structurally modified to provide means designed solely to coact with the stop element.

39	Rotary shoe:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 38.  The brake-shoe is a wheel or cylinder. (1) Note. The rotary shoe is in some cases driven in a direction opposite to the rotation of the car wheels.

40	Slot:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 38.  The brake is applied to the portions of the track bounding a channel, usually between the traction-rails.

41	Rail:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  The brakes are applied to the traction-rail. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 165, for rail-brakes electrically applied. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 104,  Railways,   subclasses 202+ for grippers for railways. 187,  Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for Vehicle,   subclasses 359+ for a brake carried by an elevator car and engaging shaft structure to stop the car.

42	Carrier type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 41.  Brakes applied to a rail of the suspended or mono-rail type. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 104,  Railways,   subclasses 112+ , and 105, Railway Rolling Stock, subclasses 148+ for the specified type of railway structure and car.

43	Grippers:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 41.  Brakes in which the rail is gripped by the jaws of a clamp. The rail may be the traction-rail or another.

44	Automatic:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 43.  The gripper is automatically acting. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 127,

45	Wheel clamps:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 43.  The wheel or axis is clamped to the rail to form an anchor. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 254,  Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force,   subclasses 33+ for examples of rail-clamps.

46	Equalizing series:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  A series of brakes applied to two or more wheels or sets of parallel wheels in tandem and in which the pull is equalized on all the brakes in the series. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 56, for clasp-brakes used in this structure.

47	Connected trucks:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  Brakes especially applicable to the two-, four-, or six-wheel trucks of a railway-car.

48	Maximum traction type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  Brakes adapted to the railway-car trucks in which preponderance of the load is on two of the wheels. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 105,  Railway Rolling Stock,   subclass 184 , for the maximum-traction car-truck.

49	Four wheel opposing:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  The brakes are hung outside for four wheels of the truck and are pulled toward each other.

50	Open center:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49.  The brake mechanism is so disposed as to leave the center of the truck open for the motor and for other purposes.

51	Divided beam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 49.  The brake-beam is divided or the brake-shoe is attached directly to the brake-lever.

52	Four wheel spreading:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  The brakes are between the wheels of the four-wheel truck and are pushed or pulled outwardly.

53	Divided beam:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 52.  The beam is divided or the brake-shoe is attached directly to the brake-lever.

54	Locomotive type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 53.  Locomotive-brake known as the "jam-brake".

55	Mine car type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 53.  Specially applicable to mine-cars. (1) Note. Other brakes applicable to these cars are found in this class, subclass 57.

56	Clasp:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  The brakes are on the diametrically-opposite sides of the wheels. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 28, for similar brakes on road-vehicles. 46, for other examples of clasp-brakes. 233, for brake-beams especially applicable to these brakes.

57	Top shoes:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  Brakes applied to the tops of the wheels. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 29, for similar brakes for road-vehicles.

58	Disk on axle:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 33.  The brakes are applied to the nontread surface of the traction-wheel or to a disk on the axle. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 71.1+, for disclosure of an axially movable brake element for retarding rotation of a wheel (e.g., disc brake). 218, for the disks or wheel surfaces to which these brakes are applied.

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