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CLASS 473, | GAMES USING TANGIBLE PROJECTILE |
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION
This class includes:
Apparatus or means relating to the type of amusement, recreational, or play activities commonly known as games or sports (a) in which one or more players or participants use a ball, missile, stream of water, or any other such body which occupies physical space and can be touched and thereby felt by the one or more players or participants (i.e., a tangible body) such that, during play of a game or sport, the ball, missile, or other such tangible body is thrown, rolled, shoved, impelled, propelled, projected, or otherwise put into motion by a nonexplosive force so as to achieve an objective set forth by rules defined for the particular game or sport and (b) wherein the result of playing such a game or sport can be indicated according to rules defined for the particular game or sport;
Devices which are ancillary or appurtenant to the types of games or sports included herein, unless they are provided for elsewhere.
| (1) Note. The ball, missile, or other such tangible body is (a) usually initially put into motion by an external force supplied either by a player of the game or sport or by other nonexplosive means (e.g., by a mechanically operated device, etc.) and (b) usually continues in motion under its own inertia (in the absence of intervention or interception by another external force or by a body) after having been put into motion. However, a self-propelled ball, missile, or other such tangible body may be included herein provided it is intended to be used in the play of a game or sport. |
| (2) Note. In regard to devices or implements for striking, impelling, launching, or, otherwise, projecting a game projectile, the following applies: (a) Any projector device or implement which is combined with any other device, apparatus, or component used for a game or sporting purpose is included herein, (b) a striking type of projector implement which is used for a game or sporting purpose (such as a club, bat, racket, paddle, mallet, stick, etc.) and which is carried by (e.g., handheld) and manually manipulated by a user to strike and thereby project a game projectile such that substantially all of the force used to project the projectile is supplied by the user is, per se, included herein, (c) a throwing or flinging type of implement or device which is used for a game or sporting purpose and which is specifically adapted and intended to be used to both project a game projectile and to catch a game projectile after it has been projected (i.e., a combined projector-catcher device) is, per se, included herein, and (d) any projector device or implement (other than one which is operated by explosive means) which is used for a game or sporting purpose and which is specifically adapted and intended to project a game projectile so that it travels upon a playing surface substantially at all times (i.e., the projectile is in contact with and moving over the playing surface either upon or immediately after projection) is, per se, included herein. Centrifugally or mechanically operated device or implement, per se, for projecting a projectile into the air, which device or implement may be used to project a game projectile is located elsewhere. See References to Other Classes, below. |
| (3) Note. Although not generally used during the play of the types of games or sports included herein, devices or implements which are used by a player to practice or train for one of the types of games or sports included herein are provided for in Class 473. Since such practice and training devices or implements are designed to enable a player to improve or perfect his or her physical skills (e.g., motor skills, coordination, etc.) in the playing of any aspect of the game or sport for which it was designed for, they are included in Class 473 on the basis that they are ancillary or appurtenant to the types of games or sports provided for herein. |
| (4) Note. A ball, marble, die, top, etc. which is intended to be used as a chance device alone or intended to be used as part of a chance device or game apparatus (e.g., a die used as a chance device to generate a random number, letter, etc., a marble used as part of a roulette-wheel apparatus, or a die used to generate a number, letter, etc. during play of a board game apparatus, etc.) is not considered to be a projectile proper for Class 473 and is, therefore, excluded. Likewise, a marble or the like used to operate a "Rube Goldberg"" type of device, which device being used to play a game (for example, used in the play of a board game) is not considered to be a projectile proper for Class 473 and is, therefore, excluded. An object (often a representation of a horse, vehicle, person, etc.) which is propelled during play of a propelled racing game is not considered to be a projectile proper for Class 473 and is, therefore, excluded. |
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
This class is specific under Class 463, Amusement Devices: Games, which, in turn, is specific under Class 472, Amusement Devices.
Class 273, Amusement Devices: Games, is currently being reclassified through a series of stages. Upon completion of this reclassification, Class 273 will be abolished and replaced either by Class 473 or by Class 463, Amusement Devices: Games. Until this reclassification is completed, the portions of Class 273 which are relevant to Class 473 are to be considered an integral part of Class 473. Specifically, subclasses 108+ and 317+ of the Class 273 schedule are to be considered as following in hierarchy after the last occurring subclass in the Class 473 schedule. The rest of the subclasses of the Class 273 schedule are, for the most part, to be considered as following in hierarchy after the last occurring subclass in the Class 463 schedule. Also, since Class 273 has not been completely screened for all patents properly classifiable in present subclasses of Class 473, appropriate subclass(es) in Class 273 should be considered for search purposes until such time that Class 273 is finally abolished.
LINE WITH CLASS 463
The relationship between Class 473 and Class 463 is that Class 463 is the residual class for games, while Class 473 provides only for those specific types of games in which a ball, missile, or other such tangible projectile (other than a simulation or representation thereof) is used during play thereof. Accordingly, if a game (or a game component thereof) which uses a ball, missile, or other such tangible game projectile (other than a simulation or representation thereof) during play thereof is claimed or solely disclosed, then classification is in Class 473, otherwise, classification is in Class 463 or in the appropriate subclasses of Class 273, Amusement Devices: Games, which follow behind the subclasses of Class 463. However, note that Class 463 provides for (a) a game apparatus or means which uses a simulation or representation of a tangible projectile (e.g., a light-ray simulation of a projectile, a computer generated representation of a projectile, etc.), (b) a propelled racing game in which an object (often a representation of a horse, vehicle, person, etc.) is propelled during play thereof, and (c) a chance device, either per se or in combination with a game which does not use a tangible projectile, whether or not a projectile is included therein, and even if it is not a game or subcombination element of a game (these are, for the most part, still located in Class 273). See also (4) Note above for further elaboration of exceptions to what is provided for in Class 473.
LINE WITH CLASS 345
See Class 463, Amusement Devices: Games, References to Other Classes, in the Search Class note to Class 345 for an elaboration of the line between Class 345 and Class 463, the parent class for Class 473. A selectively controlled visual display system combined with a game component of a game provided for in Class 473 (e.g., a golf club, golf ball, tennis court, tennis court net, etc.) or with a practice or training device therefor (e.g., a golf club swing training device, baseball bat swing training device, etc.) is proper for Class 473.
LINE WITH CLASS 434
Class 473 and subclasses 108+ and 317+ of Class 273, Amusement Devices: Games, contain devices which are to be used for practice by, or for perfecting the physical skill of, a person who already knows how to play the game, sport, or the like. Class 434 contains devices which are to be used for instructing an unknowledgeable person in some aspect of the game, sport, or the like. A device which is used both for instruction and for practice or perfection of game skills is originally placed into Class 434 and cross-referenced into the Class 463 group of game classes (i.e., Classes 463, 473, or 273).
LINE WITH CLASS 446
Class 446, Amusement Devices: Toys, for a device known as a toy whose principle purpose is for the amusement or recreation of a child. If the device is used for the amusement or recreation of a child and is also a game component (i.e., used in a competition or contest), then it is placed into the Class 463 group of game classes (i.e., Classes 463, 473, or 273).
SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 2, | Apparel, subclasses 2+ for protective clothing to be worn by athletes such as a football helmet, a baseball or boxing glove, a knee pad, etc. |
| 42, | Firearms, for a projecting device which uses an explosive means to provide the projecting force. |
| 89, | Ordnance, for a projecting device which uses an explosive means to provide the projecting force. |
| 102, | Ammunition and Explosives, subclasses 501+ for an explosively propelled projectile. |
| 116, | Signals and Indicators, subclasses 222 through 225for a mechanical signal or indicator, per se, which is intended to form part of or to be used with a game device. |
| 124, | Mechanical Guns and Projectors, for a mechanically or centrifugally operated projector device or implement, per se, which is used to project a projectile into or through the air as, for example, an archery bow, a slingshot, a baseball pitching machine, a tennis ball throwing machine, a clay pigeon throwing trap, or a fluid pressure, pinch, or centrifugally operated (e.g., a sling, etc.) type of projector device, etc.; and see the (2) Note above. |
| 150, | Purses, Wallets, and Protective Covers, subclasses 154+ for a protective cover made of flaccid material, especially subclass 163 for a flaccid cover for a racquet. |
| 194, | Check-Actuated Control Mechanisms, for a game or chance device involving a recited detail of a coin-controlled mechanism. |
| 200, | Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, for an electrical switch, per se, especially subclasses 61.1+ for a switch responsive to the action of a game or amusement piece, Digest 2 for a body attached switch, Digest 3 for a coin operated switch, and Digest 23 for a game switch. |
| 206, | Special Receptacle or Package, subclasses 315.1+ for a container for, or a package for containing, a sport implement, exercise device, or game, especially subclasses 315.9+ for such a container or package for a ball (e.g., for a bowling ball, etc.). |
| 221, | Article Dispensing, for an article dispenser, per se, such as might be used for or included as a subcombination of a game or chance device. |
| 235, | Registers, for a register, per se, intended for use in a game, particularly subclass 1 for a miscellaneous game counter, subclass 61 for an odds computer, subclass 78 for a game calculator having concentric totalizing disks mounted upon a single axis, subclass 88 for a game calculator having tabular indicia placed upon disks which rotate about their centers, subclass 90 for a cribbage board, subclass 91 for a device for operating a register involving a billiards or pool game device, and subclasses 439+ for a coded record sensor structure (e.g., a bar code reader, etc.). |
| 273, | Amusement Devices: Games, subclasses 108+ for a surface projectile game, a game component (e.g., a target, etc.) or accessory therefor other than a projectile per se, subclasses 317+ for an aerial projectile game, a game component (e.g., a target, etc.) or accessory therefor other than a projector or projectile per se, subclasses 236+ for a board game, a game piece or board therefor, subclasses 138.1+ for a chance device, whether or not a projectile is included therein, and even if it is not a game or subcombination element of a game, subclasses 292+ for a card or tile game, a card or tile therefor, subclasses 153+ for a puzzle, and subclass 161 for a fortune-telling device. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above, for the line with Class 473.) |
| 340, | Communications: Electrical, subclass 323 for a game-reporting (e.g., scoreboard, indicator, etc.) electric signaling system per se, subclass 825.19 for communication or control for the handicapped, subclasses 5.01- 5.46 for intelligence comparison such as used for authoriza, access, identification, credit, etc., and other appropriate subclasses for audible, visual, or tactile communication. |
| 345, | Computer Graphics Processing and Selective Visual Display Systems, for a selectively controlled visual display system which may either form part of a game or not be limited to a game. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above.) |
| 377, | Electrical Pulse Counters, Pulse Dividers, or Shift Registers: Circuits and Systems, subclass 4 for a counter or register, per se, which is adapted to be controlled to accumulate a total involved in betting on the various possibilities involved in an event or to determine the odds involved in the payoff of the various possibilities and subclass 5 for a counter or register, per se, which is intended to be used with, in, or for a game or sport. |
| 404, | Road Structure, Process, or Apparatus, particularly subclasses 17+ and 71 for pavement and road structure which may be usable for a game surface. |
| 428, | Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, for stock material in the form of a single or plural layer web or sheet which may be used in the fabrication of products provided for in Class 473. |
| 434, | Education and Demonstration, particularly subclasses 11+ for teaching or demonstration of an aspect of an organized armed or unarmed conflict or shooting, subclasses 29+ for a vehicle simulator for instruction or demonstration purposes, subclasses 247+ for a means specifically adapted to teach or instruct a person in some aspect of a game or sport which involves physical activity. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above, for the line between Class 434 and the Amusement Devices classes.) |
| 446, | Amusement Devices: Toys, for a device known as a toy whose principle purpose is for the amusement or recreation of a child. (See Lines With Other Classes, and Within This Class, above, for the line between Class 446 and the Amusement Device classes.) |
| 463, | Amusement Devices: Games, for a game apparatus or means, in general. (See Lines With Other Classes, and Within This Class, above, for the line between Class 463 and Class 473.) |
| 472, | Amusement Devices, subclasses 92+ (a) for the structure or composition of a playing surface, per se (b) for the structure or composition of a peripheral boundary marking or enclosure, per se, of such a playing surface, or (c) for the combination of only a playing surface and a peripheral boundary marking or enclosure therefor, all of the above of which are limited to use for an athletic or exhibition event such as, for example, the playing of a game or sport thereon or therein. Also see the Search Notes appended thereto. |
| 602, | Surgery: Splint, Brace, or Bandage, for an orthopedic bandage used to treat an injured body portion such as to provide protection, support, or splinting of a strained, sprained, dislocated, deformed, or fractured body portion, particularly subclasses 5+ for a brace intended to urge a body portion into a natural or normal orientation, subclasses 20+ for a brace applied to a person"s arm, wrist, or hand to treat a bone disorder or the muscles associated therewith, subclasses 23+ for a brace applied to a person"s leg, ankle, or foot to treat a bone disorder or the muscles associated therewith, and subclasses 41+ for a bandaging device for treating an injured body portion, even though specially adapted for use in supporting the injured body or body member of a person so as to function in a proper manner during play of a game. |
| 700, | Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications, subclasses 91 through 93for data processing or computation, per se, for the purpose of analyzing monitoring, or scoring a contest or game, which is not classifiable elsewhere. |
SUBCLASSES
1 | BILLIARDS OR POOL: | ||||||
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter relating to a game which generally involves
a horizontally disposed, planar playing surface bounded and defined
by raised carom rails (i.e., bumper rails) for confining on the
playing surface a plurality of balls which are being projected over
the playing surface either into one another or rebounded off of the
carom rails; the playing surface either (a) is continuous and has
a continuous carom rail rim so that it is devoid of any pockets
or other ball receiving receptacles (i.e., a billiard playing surface)
or (b) has one or more pockets or receptacles adapted to receive
therein or pass therethrough one or more of the balls (i.e., a pool
or pocketed playing surface); in playing the game, at least one
ball, commonly known as the cue ball, acts as a secondary projecting device
and is used to strike and move over the playing surface one or more
of the other balls, commonly known as object balls, which act as targets
for the cue ball, the cue ball is first forcibly struck by a player
aiming and manipulating a first projecting device, commonly known as
a cue or cue stick, so as to project the cue ball either directly
into engagement with the one or more of the object balls or by first
banking or rebounding it off of one or more of the carom rails and
then into engagement with the one or more of the object balls so
as to move and either position the object balls in a specified arrangement
on the playing surface or to pocket them, whereby the player may
achieve a score according to the rules specified for the game.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
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2 | Practice device or device to aid in aiming cue or cue ball during shots (e.g., to assist in bank shots, etc.): | ||||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter comprising either (a) a means to enable a
player to improve or perfect his or her skills in the playing of
any aspect of the game, or (b) a means to assist a player in determining the
proper alignment or position that the cue device must be in so that
the cue ball projected thereby moves in the desired direction, or
(c) a means to assist a player in calculating or otherwise determining
the direction or angle that the cue ball must be projected in order
for it to, in turn, project the desired object ball or balls in the
desired direction.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
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3 | Adapted to be played on floor, ground, or court: | ||
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein, during play of the game, the playing
surface is or is adapted to be located substantially on a surface
that the player normally stands (e.g., on the floor, a rug, or the
ground, etc.) or the playing surface comprises a court structure,
either permanent or otherwise, which is located on such surface, whereby
the player must use a mallet or club as the cue to strike the cue
ball due to the playing surface being located at substantially his
or her feet.
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4 | Table or gameboard: | ||||
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter wherein the playing surface along with its
peripheral carom rails are the upper surface portion of a furniture
structure known as a table which is particularly adapted for playing
the game of billiards or pool, whereby the playing surface is located
generally at a height of somewhat the same level as the trunk region
of the player"s body when the player is in standing position
during play of the game; or wherein the playing surface along with
its peripheral carom rails is a somewhat portable structure having
no or very short legs or support structure, whereby the playing
surface is adapted to be located on a support at approximately normal
table height during play of the game.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
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5 | With mechanical ball projector: | ||||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein the table or gameboard is combined
with a mechanically operated cue means for projecting or impelling
the cue ball over the playing surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
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6 | Convertible between billiard and pool (i.e., between pocketed and nonpocketed): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter either (a) wherein the table or gameboard is convertible from a billiard playing surface to a pool playing surface, or vice versa, whereby either the game of billiards or pool can be played on the same table or gameboard; or (b) comprises a device for converting a table or gameboard from a billiard playing surface to a pool playing surface, or vice versa, whereby either the game of billiards or pool can be played on the same table or gameboard. | |
7 | Using pocket blocking device positionable only in vicinity of pocket (e.g., pocket plug, rail piece, etc.): | ||
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter either (a) wherein a table or gameboard having
a pocketed playing surface includes a means removably located within
a ball receiving pocket or removably located only at or only in
front of the ball entry portion of a ball receiving pocket, whereby
a ball moving over the playing surface during play of the game is
prevented from entering the ball receiving pocket; or (b) wherein
such a means for preventing a ball from entering a pocket is provided
for use with such a pocketed table or gameboard.
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8 | Using interchangeable, shiftable, reversible, or removable cushion rails: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein a table or gameboard having a pocketed playing surface includes or there is provided for use with the table or gameboard (a) carom rails which, when placed in position on the playing surface, prevent a ball moving over the playing surface from entering the pockets of the playing surface and other carom rails which, when placed in position on the playing surface, allow a ball moving over the playing surface to enter the pockets; (b) carom rails which are movably mounted or invertibly mounted on the playing surface whereby, when they are in one position, prevent a ball moving over the playing surface from entering the pockets and, when they are in the other position, allow a ball moving over the playing surface to enter the pockets; or (c) additional carom rails which, when removably placed in position inside the regular carom rails of the playing surface, prevent a ball moving over the playing surface from entering the pockets. | |
9 | Invertible playing surface: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter wherein the table or gameboard includes a planar body having a playing surface located on the opposite sides thereof, one playing surface having pockets for playing the game of pool and the other playing surface being devoid of pockets for playing the game of billiards, and wherein the planar body may be reversed at will so as to present uppermost the playing surface desired for the game to be played. | |
10 | Convertible to another type of furniture or to different type of game playing surface: | ||
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter either (a) wherein the table or gameboard
is convertible from a billiard or pool game apparatus to either
another article of furniture such as a dining table, desk, sofa,
etc., or to another playing surface for playing a game other than
billiards or pool such as bowling, golf, chess, etc.; or (b) comprises
a device for converting a table or gameboard from a billiard or
pool game apparatus to such another article of furniture or to such
another playing surface for playing a game other than billiards or
pool.
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11 | Rail vertically raised or lowered relative to bed: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the conversion process involves vertically moving at least one carom rail bounding and defining the playing surface of a billiard or pool table or gameboard between an upper, upstanding position relative to the playing surface to a lowered, no longer upstanding position relative to the playing surface. | |
12 | Vertically movable playing surface: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the conversion process involves raising or lowering the playing surface. | |
13 | Detachable or hinged rail: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the conversion process involves either attaching or removing at least one carom rail or rotating at least one carom rail about an axis to a first position which provides one converted form or to a second position which provides the second converted form. | |
14 | Convertible to different type of game playing surface: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein at least the playing surface of the table or gameboard is convertible from a billiard or pool game apparatus to another playing surface for playing a game other than billiards or pool such as, for example, bowling, golf, chess, etc. | |
15 | Readily foldable or collapsible: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein the table or gameboard includes means to enable it, or a portion thereof, to be readily rolled up, folded, or otherwise collapsed into a volume which is less than what is taken up when the game is being played. | |
16 | Rotatable playing surface: | ||||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein the playing surface is mounted on
a supporting structure and either (a) is mounted on the supporting
structure in such a manner that it is adapted to be readily pivoted
(i.e., turned) about an axis located in or passing through the supporting
structure, or (b) the supporting structure itself contains means to
enable the playing surface to be readily pivoted or turned about
an axis.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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17 | Having pocket or other target with ball actuated indicator: | ||
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein the playing surface includes at least
one receptacle or other target means adapted to receive or be engaged
by a ball projected and thereby moving on the playing surface; and
wherein the receptacle or target means includes means associated
therewith which is actuated or operated by the ball to indicate
to the player that the projected ball has entered the receptacle
or engaged the target means.
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18 | Playing surface having unconventional peripheral configuration defined by the carom rails: | ||
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein the playing surface which is bounded
and defined by the upstanding carom rail rim has, when viewed in
plan, a planar shape other than rectangular, the planar shape of
the playing surface of a conventional billiard or pool table or
gameboard being considered to be a rectangle having two parallel sides
longer than the other two parallel sides.
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19 | Attachment or accessory providing plural pockets or other targets located at only one end of playing surface: | ||
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter comprising a device or other means adapted
to be used with and attached to or placed upon one end of the playing
surface of a billiard or pool table or gameboard having a conventionally
shaped playing surface, which device or means providing a plurality
of ball receiving receptacles or ball engaging points of aim located
at one end of the playing surface, whereby the game to be played
utilizes only those receptacles or points of aim located at the said
one of the playing surface.
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20 | Playing surface having unconventional number, entrance opening, or arrangement of pockets or having additional or shiftable carom or bumper means thereon: | ||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter (a) wherein the table or gameboard has a
playing surface having ball receiving pockets and wherein (1) the
number of pockets disposed on the playing surface, (2) the specific
locations of the pockets on the playing surface, or (3) the shape
of the ball receiving openings of the pockets on the playing surface differ
from the number, arrangement, or opening shape of the pockets of
the playing surface of a conventional or standard pocketed pool table
or gameboard; a conventional or standard pocketed pool table or
gameboard having a rectangularly shaped playing surface with six pockets
thereon, one pocket being located at each of the corners of the
playing surface and one pocket being located in the middle of each of
the longitudinal sides of the playing surface, and the ball receiving
openings of the pockets being generally circular in shape; or (b) wherein
the playing surface has located thereon, in addition to the peripheral
carom rails defining the playing surface, at least one additional
means for rebounding a ball therefrom; or wherein at least one of
the peripheral carom rails, a portion thereof, or an additional ball
rebounding means located on the playing surface is so mounted on
the playing surface that it may be moved over the surface by a ball striking
and rebounding from it.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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21 | Table attached ball rack: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter including a means for storing the balls that are used in playing the game and wherein either the means is attached to the table or gameboard as a part thereof or is a separate means that is intended to be attached to the table or gameboard. | |
22 | With conveying chutes interconnecting pockets with ball rack: | ||||
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter wherein the playing surface has ball receiving
receptacles located thereon or therein and wherein the table or
gameboard includes conveying troughs, channels, guideways, or other
plural chute means for carrying balls from the receptacles to at
least one ball storage rack which is common to at least two of the
receptacles.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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23 | With means to distinguish or identify each ball pocketed: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter wherein the table or gameboard includes means associated therewith to detect that a ball has been pocketed during play of the game; the game further utilizing a set of balls in which each ball has a detectable characteristic which is different from the characteristic of every other ball of the set; and wherein the detection means further includes means to determine the particular characteristic and therefor the identity of each ball from every other ball that is pocketed. | |
24 | Coin controlled: | ||||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter wherein the table or gameboard includes means
associated therewith (a) to prevent unauthorized use of the table
or gameboard for playing a game, (b) to limit the amount of time
that the table or gameboard may be used to play a game, or (c) to
limit the number of games that may be played; and wherein the prevention
or limiting means is controlled by a mechanism which accepts a predetermined
number of units or amount of monetary currency to release the prevention
or limiting means so that a game or games may be played.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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25 | With means to segregate or separately store balls pocketed by each player or team: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter wherein the ball rack includes means or the table or gameboard includes additional means to at least temporarily store the balls pocketed by each particular player or team of players separately from the balls pocketed by any other player or team. | |
26 | Ball rack also constitutes or includes spotting rack: | ||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Subject matter wherein the ball rack, in addition to storing
the balls used in the game, either also functions as a means or
includes means associated therewith to facilitate grouping the balls
in formation on the playing surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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27 | With means to prevent unauthorized use of table or to limit playing time or number of games played: | ||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein the table or gameboard includes means
associated therewith (a) to prevent unauthorized use of the table
or gameboard for playing a game, (b) to limit the amount of time
that the table or gameboard may be used to play a game, or (c) to
limit the number of games that may be played.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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28 | Pocket structure: | ||
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter relating to the structural details of at
least one ball receiving receptacle located on or in the playing
surface of a pool table or gameboard.
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29 | Playing surface structure (i.e., bed structure): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter relating to the structural details of the playing surface, commonly known as the bed, of a billiard or pool table or gameboard. | |
30 | Device for securing playing surface covering (e.g., for securing billiard table cloth, etc.): |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Subject matter relating to a device or other means for securing a covering material, usually consisting of a fabric material, in place on the bed. | |
31 | Rail structure: | ||||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter relating to the structural details of the
peripheral carom rails or bumper rails which bound and define the
playing surface of a pool or billiard table or gameboard.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
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32 | Cushioned portion thereof: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Subject matter relating to the cushioning or padded portion of the carom rail or bumper rail upon which a ball moving over the playing surface may impinge and be rebounded or caromed therefrom. | |
33 | Frame or leg structure: | ||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter either (a) relating to the structure of the
table or gameboard, commonly known as the frame, upon which the
bed or playing surface and the carom rails or bumper rails are supported
or (b) relating to the structural details of at least one leg of
a table or gameboard which is mounted upon at least one supporting
leg, or relating to the attachment of the one or more legs to the
rest of the table or gameboard.
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34 | Dust cover therefor: | ||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter comprising a protective covering means specifically
adapted to cover at least the playing surface of a billiard or pool
table or gameboard when it is not in use to play a game.
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35 | Cue chalker: | ||
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter comprising a means specifically adapted to
facilitate the application of chalk or an analogous material to
the ball-striking surface of a cue (i.e., to the cue tip) so as
to increase the friction between the cue tip and a ball whenever
the ball is struck by the cue.
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36 | Chalk holder: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Subject matter comprising a means for holding, containing, or otherwise carrying the chalk or analogous material. | |
37 | With means for automatically applying chalk: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter wherein the chalk holder includes means for automatically applying the chalk to the cue tip whenever the tip engages the chalk or the holder therefor. | |
38 | Flexibly tethered: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter wherein the chalk holder is fastened to a support by means of a cord or an equivalent elongated, flaccid member. | |
39 | Secured to generally fixed support: | ||
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter wherein the chalk holder is attached to a
generally immovable support.
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40 | Ball spotting rack: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter comprising a device for facilitating the grouping of a plurality of balls in formation on the playing surface of a table or gameboard. | |
41 | With ball carrying or storage means: | ||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Subject matter wherein the spotting rack either is combined
with or also functions as a means (a) to transport a plurality of
balls as a group from one place to another or (b) to store a plurality
of balls when they are not being used during play of the game.
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42 | Cue rest: | ||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter comprising a device, commonly known as a
cue rest or bridge, for supporting the cue during the time the player
is in the act of projecting a ball located on the playing surface
(i.e., during the time the player is making a shot).
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43 | Hand attached or engaged by hand in vicinity of cue supporting portion: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 42. Subject matter wherein either (a) the cue rest or bridge is secured to at least a portion of the player"s hand during a shot or; (b) the cue rest or bridge includes means located in the vicinity of the cue supporting portion thereof adapted and intended to receive at least a portion of a player"s hand during a shot. | |
44 | Cue: | ||||||||
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Subject matter comprising a projecting device, commonly
known as a cue or cue stick, for projecting or impelling a ball
located on the playing surface of a billiard or pool table or gameboard.
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45 | Mechanically operated: | ||||||
| This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein the cue includes a mechanical means
for projecting or impelling a ball over the playing surface.
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46 | Disparate attachment therefor or convertible to or combined with disparate device: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter (a) wherein the cue includes structure enabling it to be converted to or from a device which no longer functions as a cue (e.g., a combined billiard cue and walking cane, etc.), or (b) comprises a structure which is combined with or adapted to be removably attached to a cue whereby the structure is not commonly associated with a cue (e.g., a scorekeeping, glove, or cue tip scuffing means). | |
47 | With user adjustable or changeable weight: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein the cue includes a player shiftable or player replaceable weight member whereby the player may alter the balance or the total weight of the cue as desired. | |
48 |