Class Definition for Class 383

Patents > Guidance, Tools, and Manuals >> Classification >>> Class Definition

Class Numbers & Titles | Class Numbers Only | USPC Index | International | HELP

You are viewing a Class definition.

CLASS 383,	FLEXIBLE BAGS
Click here for a printable version of this file

SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This is the residual class for receptacles comprised of a peripheral wall made of flaccid or flexible material, with at least one closed end, and having an access opening, which may be an open end of the receptacle or which may be provided in the peripheral wall or closed end of the receptacle. Receptacles of this class type must function, by disclosure, to hold contents which in turn are to be eventually removed from the receptacle.

(1) Note. The peripheral wall is the surrounding external boundary of the bag which, together with a closed end, forms a structure intended to confine or hold contents.

(2) Note. An access opening must be intended to permit insertion of removal of bag content, and may be closed or closable.

(3) Note. A blank intended to be made into a bag of this class type is classified with the bag. A blank is defined as a piece of stock material cut into final shape prior to being folded and secured in usable bag form.

(4) Note. The flaccid or flexible bag material may be strengthened or reinforced to prevent tearing, or to aid in maintaining the bag in a given configuration.

(5) Note. Patents issued before 1900 have been placed hereunder by total disclosure. SCOPE OF THE CLASS This class admits all bags not provided for elsewhere which satisfy the general statement in the Class Definition above.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

RELATION TO RECEPTACLE CLASSES

See References to Other Classes, below, for related receptacle classes.

RELATION TO SUPPORT CLASSES:

In general, as between the receptacle classes and the support classes, the receptacle classes provide for the combination of a receptacle plus support; except, the support classes will accept a claim to a support combined with a receptacle, wherein the claim (1) nominally recites the receptacles, or (2) recites only so much of the receptacle structure as is needed to cooperate with the support, or (3) recites only those receptacle features which have been modified specifically to cooperate with the support. See related support classes in the References to Other Classes, below.

RELATION TO HEAT TRANSFER CLASSES:

(A) Related Classes. See References to Other Classes, for related heat transfer classes

(B) Bag Feature Summary "Common" hot water or ice bag, whose contents are intended to be removed before the bag is reused. Class 383, Flexible Bags. See References to Other Classes, for related heat transfer classes with bag feature.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

5,	Beds, for a water bed bag or a pillow.
16,	Miscellaneous Hardware (e.g., Bushing, Carpet Fastener, Caster, Door Closer, Panel Hanger, Attachable or Adjunct Handle, Hinge, Window Sash Balance, etc.), subclasses 110+ for handles, per se.
24,	Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., for fasteners, per se, particularly subclass 30.5 for a bag fastener, per se, and subclasses 572+ for a rib and groove fastener.
29,	Metal Working, for methods of assembly in general.
40,	Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclasses 299.01+ for a check, label or tag, per se.
52,	Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclasses 2.11+ for an inflatable building.
55,	Gas Separation, subclass 361 for a bag-like filter.
56,	Harvesters, subclasses 361+ for a bag-like device especially adapted for use in gathering fruit or nuts.
62,	Refrigeration, subclass 4 for baglike refrigeration apparatus which produces a refrigeration effect by (1) a chemical reaction or (2) dissolving a solid in a liquid; subclass 259.3 for a baglike refrigeration apparatus having means for attaching it to a living body for the purpose of cooling it, and not limited to therapeutic use; subclasses 529 and 530 for a baglike refrigeration apparatus in which the enclosed coolant or refrigerant is disclosed as being for reuse within the apparatus (e.g., sealed and refreezable). (related heat transfer class)
62,	Refrigeration, subclass 259.3 , is the locus of patents directed to a nontherapeutic ice bag having means to attach it to the body. (related heat transfer class)
62,	Refrigeration, subclasses 529 and 530, for cold appliance which is reusable without removing the coolant. (related heat transfer class with bag feature)
62,	Refrigeration, subclass 259.3 . for cold appliance which is supported on the body but not limited by claimed structure to therapeutic use. (related heat transfer class with bag feature)
62,	Refrigeration, subclass 4 , for cold appliance utilizing an endothermic process (e.g., chemical reaction, solid dissolved by or in a liquid, crystallization, etc.) (related heat transfer class with bag feature)
70,	Locks, subclasses 64+ for a bag combined with a lock of that class type (e.g., key, combination, etc.), wherein the modification of the bag is only of a character to accommodate the lock.
73,	Measuring and Testing, subclass 863.91 for a sample holder.
99,	Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclass 646 for a silo breather bag.
106,	Compositions: Coating or Plastic, for flexible material of that class type nominally claimed as a bag. This Class, 383, provides for specific material combined with significant bag structure.
116,	Signals and Indicators, subclasses 200+ for indicators, per se.
119,	Animal Husbandry, subclasses 65+ for a feed bag particularly configured to be employed in feeding an animal.
126,	Stoves and Furnaces, subclasses 204+ and subclasses 263.01+ for chemical heaters, and see related heat transfer classes
128,	Surgery, appropriate subclasses, for a hot water or ice bag combined with claimed structure limited to therapeutic use. Such structure may for example: (1) Apply substances to the body; (2) Absorb substances from the body; (3) Permit insertion into a body cavity, and see related heat transfer classes.
126,	Stoves and Furnaces, subclasses 204+ for a baglike heating apparatus, which has its own source of heat, and is used for warming the body, hand, or foot; subclasses 263.01+ for a baglike heating apparatus wherein the source of heat includes chemicals or chemical compositions which generate heat without flame when they are (1) brought into contact with one another or (2) mixed with water. (related heat transfer class)
126,	Stoves and Furnaces, Hot appliance utilizing an exothermic process (e.g., combustion or other chemical reaction, solid dissolved by or in a liquid, crystallization, etc.), in particular subclasses 204+ for body warmers and subclass 263 for flameless chemical heaters. (related heat transfer class with bag feature)
128,	Surgery, appropriate subclasses (including the subdivision represented as Class 604) for a hot water or ice bag limited by claimed structure to therapeutic use. The structure may, for example, be used to: (1) Apply substances to the body. (2) Absorb substances from the body. (3) Permit insertion into a body cavity. (related heat transfer class)
141,	Fluent Material Handling, With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means, subclasses 390 and 391 for a bag having a separate filling aid which is disclosed as being removable from the bag when not in use.
150,	Purses, Wallets, and Protective Covers, subclasses 100+ for a purse (i.e., a container which is used to carry personal items, such as money, keys, or identification, on one"s person) and subclasses 154+ for a flaccid protective cover which is configured for and supported by the article it protects. Although purses and wallets provided for in Class 150 are also used to transport personal items while traveling, they customarily remain with or near the person. (related receptacle class)
150,	Purses, Wallets, and Protective Covers, for a purse, wallet, and coin purse or protective article cover, and see related receptacle classes.
156,	Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, for adhesive bonding in general and particularly, subclasses 69+ for securing end closure to containers.
165,	Heat Exchange, for heat exchange appliance (hot or cold) having both an inlet and outlet, or a means to circulate a heat exchange medium, or an appliance utilizing both heating and cooling. (related heat transfer class with bag feature).
165,	Heat Exchange, subclass 46 for a nonrigid bag-like heat exchange device having an inlet and an outlet for circulating heat exchange medium, and see related heat transfer classes.
165,	Heat Exchange, appropriate subclasses, in particular subclass 46 for a baglike heat transfer apparatus having either (1) both an inlet and an outlet disclosed for a circulating heat exchange medium or (2) means for circulating a heat exchange medium. (related heat transfer class).
190,	Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, subclasses 100+ for a hand carried suitcase, briefcase, or other container which is used for transporting personal items while traveling. The suitcases and briefcases provided for in Class 190 normally remain at one"s destination (e.g., hotel or office) after the traveling has been completed. (related receptacle class).
190,	Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, for traveling containers of that type, and see related receptacle classes.
206,	Special Receptacle or Package, for a bag having a specialized use provided for in that class or a bag having content therein; and see related receptacle classes.
206,	Special Receptacle or Package, for a bag having a specialized use or feature provided for in that class, or a bag having content therein, and in particular, subclass 69 for a container for a rubber bag (e.g., hot water bottle, fountain syringe, etc.); subclasses 219+ for a bag which has been modified to permit mixing of two or more separated materials therein; subclass 245 for a laminate wall bag having tobacco therein; subclass 260 for a pouch having tobacco therein; subclasses 286+ for a bag having an interior member for supporting an article of clothing and a second member for attachment to an external support; subclasses 315.1+ for golf bags or arrow quivers; subclasses 363+ for a bag for a tool employed for medical or dental purposes; subclass 390 for plural bags connected together and wound into a roll; subclasses 438+ for a bag for an object or substance adapted for use in the treatment of wounds or diseased portions of the body; subclasses 457+ for a bag having ornamentation or a bag which simulates the appearance of a disparate object; subclass 459.1 for a bag having an indicator; subclass 459.5 for a bag having indicia; subclass 466 for a bag attached to a panel and used as an enclosing cover for a content item; subclasses 484+ for a bag having content therein and formed by two sheets sealed together completely around the content; subclass 497 for a bag which is shrunk around its content; subclasses 521+ for a bag which includes means for protecting its content against shock; subclass 524.8 for a bag that has been evacuated; subclasses 525+ for a miscellaneous bag having content therein; subclass 554 for a container for two or more bags; subclass 568 for a bag adapted to contain two or more separate, particular materials disclosed for commingling externally of the bag; subclass 620 for a bag for an electrical component which is made of static electricity shielding material; subclass 802 for a cross-reference art collection of shirred casings. (related receptacle class).
206,	Special Receptacle and Package, subclasses 219+ for other types of compartmented containers disclosed as permitting commingling of two or more initially separated materials. (related heat transfer class).
206,	Special Receptacle and Package, subclasses 219+ for other types of compartmented containers disclosed as permitting commingling of two or more initially separated materials. (related heat transfer class).
210,	Liquid Purification or Separation, subclasses 348+ for a filter bag of that class type.
211,	Supports: Racks, subclasses 126+ for a bag embodied as regular parts of a rack, and see related support classes.
211,	Supports: Racks, for a built-up open framework for supporting a plurality of bags. (related support class).
215,	Bottles and Jars, subclass 400 for plastic bottles, and subclass 11.1 for a bag used as a nursing bottle liner, and see related receptacle classes.
215,	Bottles and Jars, subclass 400 for a plastic bottle and subclasses 11.1+ for a bag used as a nursing bottle liner. (related receptacle class).
220,	Receptacles, subclasses 495.06+ for a bag which is a separable liner combined with a rigid receptacle, and subclass 62.21 for a receptacle having multi-layer walls including a permanent bag lining and see related receptacle classes.
220,	Receptacles, subclasses 9.1+ and 9.4+ for a bag united with a three-dimensional self-sustaining framework, subclasses 495.06+ for a bag which is a separable liner combined with a rigid receptacle, and subclass 62.21 for a receptacle having multi-layer walls including a permanent bag lining. (related receptacle class).
222,	Dispensing, subclasses 92+ for a collapsible wall type, subclasses 206+ for a dispensing supply container having a resilient wall, subclasses 460+ for a dispensing container having a funnel-type outlet, subclasses 544+ for a dispensing supply container having a flow controller for the discharge outlet, and subclasses 566+ for a dispensing supply container having a nozzle, spout, or other pouring device.
224,	Package and Article Carriers, for a bag having a strap or other means which is intended for supporting the bag on the bearer"s body while allowing the bearer"s hands to remain free. Any bag of this type is proper for Class 224 even if it also includes an element which optionally may be gripped by the bearer"s hand. This Class (383) includes bags having handles which are intended to be grasped by the hand. The test to be used is: As long as the bearer"s hand must remain occupied in order to carry the bag it is proper for this Class 383 even if it is also intended to be simultaneously slung over the bearer"s shoulder.
229,	Envelopes, Wrappers, and Paperboard Boxes, subclasses 400+ for paper cups and subclasses 68.1+ for envelopes. (related receptacle class)
229,	Envelopes, Wrappers, and Paperboard Boxes, subclasses 400+ for paper cups and see related receptacle classes.
232,	Deposit and Collection Receptacles, subclasses 30+ for a bag which cooperates with a mail collection box, and subclasses 43.1+ for a bag intended to be filled with content items one at a time through one opening and intended to be emptied of its contents all at once through a different opening.
244,	Aeronautics and Astronautics, subclass 31 for aeronautical balloons.
248,	Supports, for a device which carries the weight of a bag or otherwise holds it or steadies it against the pull of gravity, and in particular, subclasses 95+ for bag holders. (related support class)
248,	Supports, subclasses 95+ for a bag support, per se, or a bag support combined with a nominally claimed bag, and see related support classes.
251,	Valves and Valve Actuation, for a valve, per se.
252,	Compositions, for compositions of that class type nominally claimed as a bag.
264,	Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, appropriate subclasses, for a process of making a bag by molding, casting, or shaping.
280,	Land Vehicles, appropriate subclasses, for a bag combined with a wheel.
294,	Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclasses 137+ for hand carried article carriers which are not bags, and subclasses 152+ for a sling-type article carrier.
425,	Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for an apparatus of that class type which is used to make a bag.
426,	Food or Edible Material: Processes, Compositions, and Products, subclasses 106+ for a bag having food content therein, and subclass 138 for a bag or casing, per se, disclosed as being edible.
428,	Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses, and in particular, subclasses 34.1+ for stock material nominally claimed as a bag and subclasses 34.1+ for an edible food casing having a closed end.
441,	Buoys, Rafts, and Aquatic Devices, subclasses 88 through 125for an inflatable bag used as a personal flotation device.
446,	Amusement Devices: Toys, subclasses 220+ for an inflatable toy.
454,	Ventilation, for ventilation features, per se.
473,	Games Using Tangible Projectile, subclasses 569+ for an inflatable projectile (e.g., a basketball, football, soccerball, etc.) used in a game or sport.
493,	Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, appropriate subclasses, for a method or apparatus of that class type for making a bag, and in particular, subclasses 186+ for pliable container making and subclasses 309+ for container or tube erecting.
604,	Surgery, for other medical or surgical bags, especially subclass 262 for a medical bag which includes an injection element which is for insertion into the body, subclass 408 for a bag which is intended solely for storing blood or body treating fluids, and subclasses 317+ for a bag which is intended solely for receiving body fluids or waste products from the body. (related heat transfer class).
607,	Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application, subclass 96 is a collecting point for all hot water bags which have means for attachment to the body and 108 is a collecting point for those which are specifically configured for a body part. (related heat transfer class)
607,	Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application, subclass 96 for cold appliance (e.g., icebag) limited by claimed structure to therapeutic use. (related heat transfer class with bag feature)
607,	Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application, subclass 96 , for hot appliance (e.g., hot water bag) limited by claimed structure to therapeutic use. (related heat transfer class with bag feature).
607,	Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application, subclasses 108+ , for hot appliance supported on the body or configured to support part of the body, even if not for a therapeutic use. (related heat transfer class with bag feature)

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 1]

BIODEGRADABLE FEATURE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein at least a portion of the bag is made of a material disclosed as being readily decomposable or disintegratable when exposed to the elements.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

220,	Receptacles, Digest 30, for a biodegradable container not provided for elsewhere.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 2]

SELECTIVELY ADJUSTABLE VOLUME:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the bag includes means which permit the size of the bag to be optionally changed from one distinct content holding configuration to another, and back.

(1) Note. To be proper for this subclass the bag must be capable of being converted back and forth from one volume configuration to another (i.e., smaller to larger), and include means for positively maintaining the bag in its smaller configuration.

(2) Note. Bags provided with means for allowing a one-time increase in volume to accommodate increased contents are classified on other features.

(3) Note. Bags which are designed to go from a collapsed, nonuse configuration to a one-size content holding configuration are classified on other features.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

190,	Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, subclasses 103+ for an article of hand carried luggage having means for changing the volume.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 3]

INFLATABLE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the bag or a portion thereof is disclosed as being fillable with, and retaining, gas at or above atmospheric pressure.

(1) Note. The gas can be either the contents of the bag or gas which is used to inflate a portion of the bag, such as a wall area.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

52,	Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclasses 2.11+ for a structure, or a component thereof, of that class which is shaped, supported or strengthened by an enclosed fluid, and see (1) Note. of subclass 2.11 for other locations of inflatable devices, elements, members, structures, etc.
99,	Foods and Beverages: Apparatus, subclass 646 for a silo breather bag.
244,	Aeronautics and Astronautics, subclasses 31+ for lighter-than-air balloons.
441,	Buoys, Rafts, and Aquatic Devices, subclass 125 for an inflatable baglike device which functions as a personal flotation device.
446,	Amusement Devices: Toys, subclasses 87+ for inflatable amusement devices and toys.
473,	Games Using Tangible Projectile, subclasses 569+ for an inflatable projectile (e.g., a basketball, football, soccerball, etc.) used in a game or sport.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 4]

CONVERTIBLE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the bag is disclosed as being transformable into a nonbag device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

190,	Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, subclasses 1+ for an article of luggage which is convertible to or from nonluggage device.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 5]

TAMPER INDICATING:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the bag includes means which reveals that an unauthorized person has attempted to gain or has gained access to the bag.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

116,	Signals and Indicators, for indicators, per se, which may be used to indicate tampering.
206,	Special Receptacle or Package, subclass 807 for a cross-reference art collections of tamper resistant containers.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 6]

LIFTING OR SUSPENDING ELEMENT (E.G., HANDLE):

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the bag includes structure designed to cooperate directly with an unclaimed, extraneous support for the purpose of pendantly supporting the bag on said support.

(1) Note. "Pendantly supporting" is defined as either hanging or lifting the bag against the pull of gravity.

(2) Note. An "extraneous support" may be a peg, a hook, a clothesline, a human hand, etc.

(3) Note. The part of the bag which is deemed to be the "lifting or suspending element" is always the claimed structure which engages directly with the unclaimed, extraneous support.

(4) Note. The claimed combination of a bag with (for example) a detachable handle or hook, etc., is properly classified in this or indented subclasses if the handle or hook is used for engagement with an unclaimed extraneous support.

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.), subclasses 110.1 through 430for a handle, per se.
190,	Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, subclass 39 for a trunk combined with a handle, and subclasses 115+, for an article of hand carried luggage combined with a handle.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 7]

Unitary with bag (e.g., element formed by hand hole):

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the lifting or suspending element is one piece with the bag.

(1) Note. Structure combined with, and reinforcing, a unitary lifting or suspending element is included here.

8	Loop extending between opposite walls:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the unitary lifting or suspending element is a strip of bag material which is connected at its ends to two opposed portions of the peripheral wall, e.g., front and rear walls.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 9]

Bag material includes aperture for rodlike support:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the bag includes an opening in the material thereof, which opening is by disclosure to receive a slender, elongated, cylindrically-shaped support or like element.

(1) Note. A bag which includes a plurality of openings, each of which is sized to receive a rodlike support, is classified here.

(2) Note. The "lifting or suspending element" is considered to be that part of the bag, above the hand opening, which is engaged by the hand.

(3) Note. A bag having a slit which defines the perimeter of a flap which can be folded out of the plane of the bag wall to form an aperture is proper for this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

7,	for a bag having a unitary folded portion which can receive a rodlike support under the fold.
10,	for a bag which includes an opening sized to receive more than one finger.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 10]

Bag material includes hand-receiving aperture:

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Subject matter wherein the bag includes an opening in the bag material which is intended, by disclosure, to receive a hand.

(1) Note. A bag having an opening which is sized to receive more than one finger but not a whole hand is classified here.

(2) Note. The "lifting or suspending element" is considered to be that part of the bag, above the hand opening, which is engaged by the hand.

(3) Note. A bag having a slit which defines the perimeter of a flap which can be folded out of the plane of the bag wall to form an aperture is proper for this subclass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

9,	for similar subject matter wherein an aperture is sized to receive only one finger.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 11]

Magnetic or adhesive-type element (includes hook and loop type fastener):

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the lifting or suspending element is attached to the extraneous support by an adhesive, hook and loop type fastener or magnetic-type coupling.

(1) Note. The bag is normally easily removed from the support.

12	Attached to bag frame:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the lifting or suspending element is connected to a rigid element or plurality of elements which form a closed geometrical configuration and maintain part of the bag in a given configuration, e.g., mouth frame.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 13]

Detachable:

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter including means permitting the element to be removed from the bag.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

190,	Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, subclass 116 for an article of hand carried luggage combined with a detachable handle.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 14]

With provision for positioning element in nonuse location:

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the bag or the lifting or suspending element is provided with specified means which maintains the lifting or suspending element in a given position or configuration from which (or out of which) it must be at least partially moved or removed before it can function as a handle.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

D3,	Travel Goods and Personal Belongings, subclass 72 for a design patent for a container having a recessed handle which extends to an operative position.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 15]

Plural interengaging elements:

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein at least two lifting or suspending elements include means which hold them together during the lifting or suspending function.

(1) Note. A bag having two lifting or suspending elements which are merely grasped simultaneously with one hand are classified on other features.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

25,	for a single lifting or suspending loop which passes through a smaller loop to close the bag mouth.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

190,	Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, subclass 117 for an article of hand carried luggage combined with a handle having plural interengaging elements.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 16]

Plural elements located at diverse bag regions (i.e., bag bottom, bag middle, and/or bag top):

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein at least two lifting or suspending elements are provided, each of which has a gripping portion which is located at a different bag area from the other.

(1) Note. For purposes of this definition a bag is considered to have three distinct areas or regions: The bag top being located at or adjacent the access opening, the bag bottom being opposite the bag top, and the bag middle being in between the top and bottom.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 17]

Including reinforcement or stress distribution means attached to or adjacent element:

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the bag or element includes structure which enhances the transfer of the bag load to the lifting or suspending element.

(1) Note. Included in this and indented subclasses are arrangements that: (1) Strengthen the attachment of the element to the bag, (frequently by increasing the area of contact or reinforcing that area) and/or (2) effectively extend the handle down the sides of the bag or completely under the bag bottom (either as an extension of the handle material itself or as a reinforced strip).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

7+,	for similar features combined with a unitary element.
903,	for stress relief features not involving the lifting or suspending element.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 18]

Extending across bag bottom:

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein the element either traverses, or is attached to a reinforcing means which traverses, the bottom of the bag.

(1) Note. The reinforcement or stress distribution means may be located either inside or outside the bag.

19	Extending axially through bag interior to bag bottom:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein an elongated member extends centrally through the inside of the bag and is attached to the bag at a plurality of vertically spaced places at least one of which is at or adjacent the bottom.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 20]

Additional layer of material at element attachment location:

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein the reinforcement or stress distribution means is an additional layer of material at the place of attachment of the lifting or suspending element.

(1) Note. The reinforcement or stress distribution means may be a folded section of bag material.

21	Attached to distinct end wall:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the lifting or suspending element is attached to an end of the bag which has clearly discernible boundaries, e.g., fold lines.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 22]

Hanging element:

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the element, by disclosure, is used for suspending the bag from an inanimate, usually stationary support.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

7+,	for a bag having a hanging element which is unitary therewith.

23	Hook-type:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter wherein the suspending element is bent or curved to form an open-sided geometrical configuration with the open side facing generally downwardly.

24	Closed loop:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter wherein the suspending element includes a double-over portion, the ends of which are secured to one another and the bag.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 25]

Single element:

This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the bag includes only one lifting or suspending element.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

7+,	for a bag having a single element which is unitary therewith.

26	Bag includes opening through bag material to receive element:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein the bag includes a gap or hole in the material thereof which is adapted to receive the lifting or suspending element.

27	Opening extending through fold or folded bag portion:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Subject matter wherein part of the bag is folded along a fold line, and a gap or hole adapted to receive the lifting or suspending element is located within the fold.

28	Secured to bag interior:
	This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein the element is attached to the inside portion of the bag.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 29]

Straddles bag mouth:

This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein the lifting or suspending element extends across the access opening and has portions which overlap the exterior of opposed peripheral wall portions.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

8,	for a lifting or suspending element which straddles the bag mouth and is unitary with the bag.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 30]

Secured to folded bag closure:

This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Subject matter wherein the element is attached to a portion of the bag which is foldable or has been folded to close the bag mouth.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

88+,	for bags that are closed by the folding wall portions on a common fold line.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 31]

Closure flap:

This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein the folded bag portion includes a piece of bag material which extends from one bag wall across the access opening, and overlies a portion of the opposed bag wall when the bag mouth is closed.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

84+,	for a closure flap, per se.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

190,	Trunks and Hand-Carried Luggage, subclass 902 for a brief case having a closure flap.

[List of Patents for class 383 subclass 32]

WITH STACKING FEATURE:

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the bag includes means to aid in maintaining the relative position of it and at least one other bag, one on top of the other.

(1) Note. Included herein is a bag whose exterior surface is made to be tacky to provide slip resistance between it and a vertically positioned bag.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

206,	Special Receptacle or Package, subclasses 503+ for special receptacles or packages of that class type having structural features or vertical stacking of similar receptacles.

33	WITH MEANS TO MAINTAIN THE BAG MOUTH IN A OPEN CONFIGURATION: