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CLASS 267,	SPRING DEVICES
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class includes vehicle-springs, elastic extension devices, reciprocating-bed-cushioning devices, and miscellaneous spring structures which are not peculiar to any particular art.

SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

SECTION III - GLOSSARY

The following terms are referenced by some of the definitions of subclasses 2+.

COIL SPRING

an element in the form of a spiral and which exhibits resilient characteristic when distorted from its original shape. May be in the form of a helix, a volute spiral or flat spiral.

HELICAL COIL SPRING

an element in the form of a serial lying on the surface of a cylinder and which exhibits resilient characteristics when distorted from its original shape.

LEAF SPRING

an element comprising a plate or bar or a plurality of superposed plates or bars and which exhibits resilient characteristics when a portion is deflected transversely of length of the element

SUBCLASSES

1.5	PACKING EXPANDER OR CONSTRICTOR
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Structure adapted to bias a packing element in a radial direction.

2	VEHICLE
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Spring devices under the class definition which includes a spring element to cushion relative movement between parts of a vehicle and which do not involve in their application to such use any substantial modification of the vehicle structure. (1) Note. Generally, those patents which have no disclosure for vehicular use have not been cross-referenced to this and indented subclasses. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 113, through 182, appropriate subclass for a spring device of the nonsupport type useful in vehicles, or for supporting supplementary vehicle equipment (e.g., seat, motor, transmission). SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 180,  Motor Vehicles,   appropriate subclasses for motor vehicles in which there is a special relationship between a spring element and parts peculiar to motor-vehicle construction. 244,  Aeronautics and Astronautics,   subclass 104 for spring devices disclosed and claimed in combination with parts peculiar to airplane construction. 280,  Land Vehicles,   subclasses 5.5+ for a general utility land vehicle including an active suspension responsive to a force encountered while the vehicle is in surface traversing motion which usually involves a spring device or element; subclasses 6.15+ for a general utility land vehicle including means, interposed between a vehicle body, chassis, or frame and running gear thereof, for altering height or levelness of the vehicle body, chassis, or frame which may or may not involve a spring device or element; subclass 79 for a general utility wheeled land vehicle provided with springs between the wheel or wheels and the load-support, noting the search notes provided therein; subclasses 124.1+ for a general utility wheeled land vehicle running gear suspension arrangement; or subclasses 275+ or 283+ for a general utility occupant propelled-type land vehicle including yielding framework or running gear which may or may not involve a spring device or element (it is noted that in accordance with the (2) Note of Class 280, subclass 200, motorcycle frames and running gear, without features causing classification in Class 180, Motor Vehicles, are included in these subclasses). Patents classified in this class (Class 267) as originals may include vehicle parts directly related to vehicle suspension (e.g., fluid damper, upper or lower control arm) and vehicle parts which are nominally recited as either a reference or mounting structure for the spring. 297,  Chairs and Seats,   subclasses 195.1+ for springs used in saddle seat construction; subclasses 285+ for springs used in chairs and seats so that a back is resiliently supported; subclass 312 for springs resiliently supporting independently movable sections of a seat bottom.

3	Railway
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Spring devices especially adapted for railway rolling-stock and not classified in other subclasses of this class. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 213,  Railway Draft Appliances,   for spring devices in which the sole specific use is disclosed as a railway draft appliance (e.g., a draft or buffing means) or in which the claim is limited to a railway draft appliance.

4	Coil
	This subclass is indented under subclass 3.  Device wherein the spring element is a coil-spring.

5	Perambulator
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Spring devices especially adapted for children"s carriages.

6	Bolster
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Spring devices especially adapted for vehicle-bolsters.

7	Leaf
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6.  Device wherein the spring element is a leaf-spring.

23	Leaf, coil, and fluid pressure
	This subclass is indented under subclass 259.  Device comprising a leaf- spring, a coil-spring, and a fluid-pressure spring are combined in the same structure.

24	Leaf, fluid pressure and liquid
	This subclass is indented under subclass 259.  Device comprising a leaf- spring and a fluid-pressure and liquid spring combined in the same structure. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 64.25, for plural compressible fluid springs combined with a fluid retarder and adapted for use in a vehicle.

25	Leaf and torsion
	This subclass is indented under subclass 259.  Device comprising a leaf-spring and a torsion-spring combined in the same structure.

26	Torsion coil
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25.  Device wherein the torsion-spring element is of the coil type.

27	Leaf-end-connecting
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26.  Device wherein the torsion-coil-spring element forms an end connection for the leaf-spring.

28	Leaf and coil
	This subclass is indented under subclass 259.  Device wherein a leaf-spring and a coil-spring are combined in the same structure.

29	Leaf-end-connecting
	This subclass is indented under subclass 28.  Device wherein the coil-spring element forms an end connection for the leaf-spring.

30	Leaf and rubber type
	This subclass is indented under subclass 259.  Device wherein a leaf-spring and a rubber type spring are combined in the same structure.

31	Leaf and fluid pressure
	This subclass is indented under subclass 259.  Device wherein a leaf-spring and a fluid-pressure spring are combined in the same structure.

32	Leaf-end-connecting
	This subclass is indented under subclass 31.  Device wherein the fluid- pressure-spring element is interposed between the end of the leaf-spring and a supporting or supported member.

33	Coil and rubber type
	This subclass is indented under subclass 259.  Device wherein a coil-spring and a rubber type spring are combined in the same structure.

34	Coil and fluid pressure
	This subclass is indented under subclass 259.  Device wherein a coil-spring and a fluid-pressure spring are combined in the same structure.

35	Rubber type and fluid pressure
	This subclass is indented under subclass 259.  Device wherein a rubber type spring and a fluid-pressure spring are combined in the same structure.

36.1	Leaf:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Spring device wherein the spring element comprises a leaf-spring*. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 158+, for a leaf spring of nonvehicular or generic application. 192+, for a leaf spring stabilizer. 195+, for a leaf spring and retarder (shock absorber). 229+, for a leaf-spring and torque-applying lever. 283, for a multilayer leaf-torsion spring. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 280,  Land Vehicles,   subclasses 5.5+ for a general utility land vehicle including an active suspension responsive to a force encountered while the vehicle is in surface traversing motion which may or may not involve a leaf spring device or element; subclasses 6.15+ for a general utility land vehicle including means, interposed between a vehicle body, chassis, or frame and running gear thereof, for altering height or levelness of the vehicle body, chassis, or frame which may or may not involve a leaf spring device or element; subclass 79 for a general utility wheeled land vehicle provided with springs between the wheel or wheels and the load-support, noting the search notes provided therein; subclass 86.5 for a general utility wheeled land vehicle including an auxiliary axle assembly which may or may not have a leaf spring; subclasses 124.1+ for particular running gear construction of a general utility wheeled land vehicle, especially subclasses 124.11+, 124.131, 124.14, 124.163, 124.165, or 124.171+ for particular running gear constructions which employ a leaf spring; or subclasses 680 or 686 for a general utility wheeled land vehicle tandem axle running gear having a leaf spring.

37.1	And covering:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Spring device including a casing enclosing the spring element.

37.2	Spiral or elastic covering:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1.  Spring device including a casing which encloses the spring element and which is formed either from a strip of material coiled about and along the spring element, or from rubber or a material which exhibits similar characteristics.

37.3	Three serially arranged metallic segments:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1.  Spring device wherein the casing comprises three distinct sections oriented in an end-to-end fashion along the longitudinal axis or the leaf spring. (1) Note. Typically, the individual sections are relatively moveable to permit flexure of the casing with the spring.

37.4	Having lubricant reservoir or pad:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 37.1.  Spring device including a compartment or material adapted to contain a fluid to be applied to relatively moving portions of the device to reduce friction therebetween. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 184,  Lubrication,   appropriate subclasses for devices of general utility applied externally to leaf-springs for the purpose of supplying them with lubrication and involving no cooperating modification of the spring.

38	Twin, axle interposed
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Device wherein the axle is disposed between a pair of substantially parallel and opposite leaf-springs.

39	Side bar
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Device wherein the leaf-spring which support the vehicle-body are secured to side-bars, which extend longitudinally of the body from axle to axle.

40	Longitudinal
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Device wherein the vehicle-body is supported on leaf-springs which extend longitudinally thereof from axle to axle.

41	Cantilever
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Device wherein the spring element is connected at one end to the axle and at its other end, and sometimes at an intermediate point also, to the vehicle-body or to a body-supporting spring.

42	Elliptic
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Device wherein endless or continuous leaf-springs consisting of members having their adjacent ends only connected, integrally or otherwise, and having their intermediate portions free for relative approach or recession, except where the novelty resides in structure. (See definition of subclass 47). (1) Note. Those patents which claim only end connecting structure for an elliptic spring have been classified in subclass 261 below.

43	Elliptic and leaf
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Device wherein leaf-springs comprising two leaf-spring elements secured together and bending in the same or substantially the same plane, one of said elements being of elliptic type.

44	Semielliptic
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Device comprising leaf-springs of generally straight or semi-elliptic type, except where the novelty resides in structure. (See definition of subclass 47).

45	Semielliptic and leaf
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26.  Device in which leaf-springs comprising two leaf-spring elements secured together and bending in substantially the same plane, one of said elements being of semi-elliptic type.

46	End-to-end connected
	This subclass is indented under subclass 45.  Device wherein the semi-elliptic and leaf-spring elements are connected end to end.

47	Structure
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Device limited to the structure of the leaf-spring element, either of the individual leaf or the cooperating structure of the several leaves and parts without relation to their configuration in the bending-plane.

48	Auxiliary tensioning elements
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Device wherein the leaf-spring element comprises one or more main leaves and one or more auxiliary leaves having a normal curvature different from that of the main leaves, so that when all of the leaves are secured together to form the spring element the auxiliary leaves in tending to assume their normal curvature exert tension on the main leaves.

49	Antifriction
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Device wherein the spring element comprises means for reducing friction between the leaves.

50	Lubrication
	This subclass is indented under subclass 47.  Device wherein the spring element is structurally modified to provide for lubrication. Includes lubricant--carriers in the form of strips adapted to be interposed between the leaves of the spring element.

51	Broken-spring supports
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Device which includes emergency devices adapted to be applied to broken leaf-springs to effect a temporary repair, devices permanently associated with leaf-springs and normally idle, but adapted to support the load in case of breakage of the spring, and devices normally performing the function of auxiliary springs, but which may be employed to repair the main spring in case of breakage.

52	Intermediate supports
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Device having means for connecting leaf-springs other than cantilever-springs intermediate their ends to parts of the vehicle, together with cooperating leaf modifications. (1) Note. An intermediate connection of the leaf spring for the purpose of enabling the axle to rock in its vertical axial plane are not proper for this class (267) but rather will be found in Class 280, Land Vehicles. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 280,  Land Vehicles,   subclasses 124.1+ for particular running gear construction of a general utility wheeled land vehicle, especially subclasses 124.11+ wherein an axle or axle assembly is pivotally mounted upon the vehicle body, chassis, or frame which may involve a leaf spring, or subclasses 124.175+ for a residual leaf spring suspension including a connection feature; or subclasses 680 or 686 for a general utility wheeled land vehicle tandem axle running gear having a leaf spring.

53	Clips
	This subclass is indented under subclass 36.1.  Devices for tying or clamping the individual leaves of leaf-spring elements together, with cooperating leaf modifications. (1) Note. Devices of this character which are modified for cooperation with means for connecting the spring intermediate its ends to a part of the vehicle are found in this class, subclass 52.

64.11	Comprising compressible fluid:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  A spring device including a receptacle having a compartment whose volume can be changed, the compartment including a flowable material which can be compressed as the volume is decreased by the application of an external force and which will expand when the force is removed. (1) Note. In a fluid-spring device when the compressible fluid is subjected to compressive force, none of the fluid escapes from the compartment (e.g., to without the device, or from one side to the other of a piston head), so that when the force is removed the compartment returns to its normal volume, due entirely to the expansion of the compressed fluid; whereas in a fluid dashpot the fluid does escape, and hence another force must be applied to the device in order to restore the compartment to its normal volume. (2) Note. This subclass and its indents include the combination of a fluid spring and a retarder device (e.g., fluid dashpot). SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 113+, for the structure of a fluid spring, per se. 217+, for the combination of a mechanical spring device and a retarder device. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 188,  Brakes,   subclasses 297+ for a fluid dashpot, per se.

64.12	Having lockable strut:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.11.  A device wherein a rodlike member is attached to a movable part of the fluid spring and extends to the exterior of the device so that the rodlike member is itself longitudinally movable and including means for fixedly securing the rodlike member in a desired position. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 188,  Brakes,   subclass 300 for a fluid retarder having a lockable strut.

64.13	Including compressible liquid:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.11.  A device wherein the compressible material remains in a liquid state under normal operating conditions. (1) Note. Normally, liquids are not compressible; however, this subclass contains liquids possessing specific chemical natures which render them compressible.

64.14	Including chamber at sub-atmospheric pressure:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.11.  A device also including a second compartment, operatively associated with the first compartment, which is partially or completely evacuated. (1) Note. The evacuation may take place either prior to, or during, operation of the device.

64.15	With retarder:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.11.  A device combined with a device which will not independently return to its original condition after application of an external force (e.g., a fluid dashpot), thus retarding the spring"s distortion or recovery. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 188,  Brakes,   subclasses 266+ for a retarder, per se.

64.16	Leveling device:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.15.  A device including means operable to maintain the spring"s effective "working range" constant regardless of various loading conditions, so the "mean riding height" of the vehicle can be maintained substantially constant. (1) Note. "Mean riding height" refers to the distance between sprung and unsprung parts of the vehicle when it is at rest, i.e., at the midpoint of the spring"s oscillation, or "working range".

64.17	Self-pumping:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.16.  A device wherein the means to maintain the spring"s working range includes a mechanism to generate increased fluid pressure within the device, the mechanism operating in response to oscillation of the device.

64.18	Having metering pin for varying spring rate:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.16.  A device including an orifice through which fluid flows, and a rodlike element projecting into the orifice to define a flow passage therebetween, wherein the rodlike element is adapted to reciprocate relative to the orifice, thus varying the size of the passage and variably regulating the flow therethrough to change either the rate of deflection or the rate of return of the device. (1) Note. Devices in this subclass require that either the reciprocating rodlike element or the orifice be of varying diameter to regulate the flow.

64.19	Having flexible wall:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.16.  A device wherein the compartment is bounded by an enclosure comprising a pliantly deformable material.

64.21	Including rolling lobe between telescoping members:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.19.  A device including a pair of elements, one sliding into an open end of the other, the elements adapted to reciprocate with respect to one another, wherein the pliant material is fixedly attached at its opposite ends to each of the two elements, and excess material is provided which folds upon itself to form an overlapping, saclike portion intermediate the ends.

64.22	Having metering pin for varying spring rate:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.15.  A device including an orifice through which fluid flows, and a rodlike element which projects into the orifice to define a flow passage therebetween, wherein the rodlike element is adapted to reciprocate relative to the orifice, thus varying the size of the passage and variably regulating the flow therethrough to change either the rate of reflection or the rate of return of the device. (1) Note. Devices in this subclass require that either the reciprocating rodlike element or the orifice be of varying diameter to regulate the flow.

64.23	Having flexible wall:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.15.  A device wherein the compartment is bounded by an enclosure comprising a pliantly deformable material.

64.24	Including rolling lobe between telescoping members:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.23.  A device including a pair of elements, one sliding into an open end of the other, the elements adapted to reciprocate with respect to one another, wherein the pliant material is fixedly attached at its opposite ends to each of the two elements, and excess material is provided which folds upon itself to form an overlapping, saclike portion intermediate the ends.

64.25	Having plural compressible fluid springs:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.15.  A device including two or more compartments of variable volume, each including a flowable material which can be compressed.

64.26	Having telescoping cylinders:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.15.  A device including two hollow cylinders, each having a closed end; the external diameter of one cylinder being smaller than the internal diameter of the other so that the smaller cylinder can slide into the larger cylinder, wherein the cylinders are adapted to reciprocate relative to each other against the opposition of fluid pressure.

64.27	Having flexible wall:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.11.  A device wherein the compartment is bounded by an enclosure comprising a pliantly deformable material.

64.28	Including means for charging or discharging spring:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 64.11.  A device wherein means is provided permitting access to its interior by which fluid may be either introduced into, or removed from, the device.

66	Braces
	This subclass is indented under subclass 2.  Devices for positively limiting the recovery of the load-springs, whether applied directly to the spring or to the relatively-movable parts of the vehicle, devices for preventing the vehicle-body from swaying backward and forward or from side to side or for yieldingly resisting such swaying action, and devices for guiding the relatively-moving parts of the spring element.

67	Yielding
	This subclass is indented under subclass 66.  Devices wherein the brace is either of resilient material or has a spring associated with it for rendering its action yielding.

68	Sliding
	This subclass is indented under subclass 66.  Devices in which there is a sliding connection between the brace and some part of the vehicle.

69	ELASTIC EXTENSION DEVICES
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Miscellaneous devices of more or less general application which contain one or more elastic elements, so that when said devices are subjected to tension they will be extended and when the tension is removed they will resume their normal length. (1) Note. Devices whose construction especially adapts them to withstand both extension and contraction are not included here, but elastic draft-links are included and devices including a novel combination of fastening element and elastic element. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 2,  Apparel,   subclasses 324 and 339, for garment supporters including spring devices. 59,  Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe Making,   subclasses 79.1+ for elastic links intended to be connected end-to-end to like elements to form an elastic chain. 114,  Ships,   subclass 205 for tension relievers combined with a traveler for sail, and subclasses 213+ for tension relievers specific to use on ships. 124,  Mechanical Guns and Projectors,   subclasses 7+ for spring devices actuating projectile throwing arms, and subclasses 16+ for spring devices actuating a plunger or similar device to impel a projectile. 242,  Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,   subclasses 226 and 251+ for a spring powered fishing reel, and 371+ for a spring powered reel of general use. 343,  Communications: Radio Wave Antennas,   subclass 895 for spiral or helical type antennas.

70	Compression spring
	This subclass is indented under subclass 69.  Structure wherein when the device is extended, the elastic medium is compressed in a line at right angles to its cross-section. If the elastic medium contains coils or bends, the compression is substantially at right angles to the plane of any of the coils or bends.

71	Single
	This subclass is indented under subclass 70.  Structure wherein the extension device comprises one spring element only.

72	Drawbars inclosed
	This subclass is indented under subclass 71.  Structure wherein the single spring element incloses a plurality of draw-bars.

73	Tension spring
	This subclass is indented under subclass 69.  Structure wherein when the device is extended, the elastic medium is put under tension in the same direction, as explained in the definition of subclass 70 above.

74	Single
	This subclass is indented under subclass 73.  Structure wherein the extension device comprises one spring element only.

75	RECIPROCATING-BED-CUSHIONING DEVICES
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Cushioning devices arranged to check the momentum of the reciprocating bed of a machine, such as a printing-press, lathe, planing-machine, etc., near the end of its stroke. In some cases the energy stored up in overcoming the momentum of the bed is utilized for starting it in the opposite direction. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 119, 130, for a press cushion fluid spring device and solid material spring device, respectively.

80	SPRING PANEL
	This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Device which includes an outline of rigid elongated mounting elements spaced from each other, and either (1) a resilient load supporting surface located on or between and connected to said elements, or (2) a rigid load supporting surface located on or between and connected to said elements by resilient means. (1) Note. Although the load supporting surface may be capable of receiving the ultimate load directly, a more common arrangement would include padding and a covering material between the load and the supporting surface. (2) Note. The devices classified in this and the indented subclasses are mainly the spring subcombinations of chair and seat cushions. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: 5,  Beds,   subclasses 246+ for a bed bottom of springs and subclasses 716+ for a mattress comprising an innerspring core. 160,  Flexible or Portable Closure, Partition, or Panel,   appropriate subclasses, for flexible or portable panels in general. 297,  Chairs and Seats,   subclasses 452.16+ for a chair or seat having a cushioned bottom or back.

81	Composite springs of diverse material, e.g., metal and non-metal
	This subclass is indented under subclass 80.  Device which includes two or more springs differing in the kind of substance which they utilize to effect a spring action (as metal, rubber, air) and acting in concert to support the load.

82	Vented fluid chamber modifies action of metallic spring
	This subclass is indented under subclass 81.  Device in which one of the diverse springs is a metallic member and another of the springs comprises a fluid containing compartment having a restricted or valved orifice to regulate the flow of fluid into or out of the compartment, and the flow of fluid through the orifice dampens the movement of the metallic spring. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 217+, for a vehicular-type combined spring and dashpot device in which the dashpot modifies the movement of the spring.

83	Superposed layers; metal and non-metal
	This subclass is indented under subclass 81.  Device wherein two or more laminae are disposed one above the other, and adjacent laminae are metallic and nonmetallic, respectively. SEE OR SEARCH CLASS: