U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division
[Manual of Classification, Class Listing] [Manual of Classification, Class 232] [Classification Definitions, Class Listing] [USPTO Home Page]

U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000

[Explanation of Data]

Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on the subclass number
preceding each subclass definition or on the " [Patents] " icon, below.
( please note that patents for some subclasses may not be available )

For classification search strategies, please refer to the Classification Index Explanation of Data web page.

(definitions have been obtained from the Patents ASSIST CD-ROM which is produced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Electronic Products Branch)


Class 232

DEPOSIT AND COLLECTION RECEPTACLES


Class Definition:
The general characteristics of the types of receivers here included are that they are emptied through openings different from those through which they are filled, that they receive at intervals and are emptied or discharged in bulk, and that they are intended to be filled and emptied by different persons. These need not all be present in each case.

LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
Deposit and collection safes will be found in Class 109, Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device, in the appropriate subclasses.

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
49, Movable or Removable Closures, appropriate subclasses, for closures of the type provided for and see the search notes thereto in section IV for the loci of closures in other classes.
220, Receptacles, subclass 200 and indented subclasses and the notes thereto for receptacle closures in general.
221, Article Dispensing, appropriate subclasses and see the search classes listed for the distribution of article dispensing art in general.
222, Dispensing, appropriate subclasses and see the search classes listed for distribution of fluent material dispensing art in general.


SUBCLASSES


Subclass: 1 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Deposit and collection receptacles not otherwise classifiable.

Subclass: 2 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Receptacles for tickets or tokens to represent the votes cast.

Subclass: 3 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 2. The tokens used are in the form of balls.

Subclass: 4 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Miscellaneous money boxes or banks in which the money is inserted through a slot or other small opening. They are portable, but as distinguished from portable fare boxes, are not provided with such handles as facilitate their presentation to others by the holder for coin insertion.
(1) Note. When the box is essentially a toy, as by reason of an amusement feature, it is classified elsewhere. See Search Class note below.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
446, Amusement Devices: Toys, subclasses 8+.

Subclass: 5 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Wherein the construction or material permits examination of the contents without opening the box.

Subclass: 6 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Subject matter wherein the inventions modify the box structure to provide retaining means for the several parts.

Subclass: 7 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Receivers for tickets, coins, or tokens which represent the fare and which are inserted through a slot or other small opening. This subclass contains such fare-boxes as are not
otherwise herein classified.
(1) Note. Where the term "coin" is used hereinafter, it is intended to refer also, when suitable, to tickets or other tokens.

Subclass: 8 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Wherein the tickets are mutilated as they are introduced into the device.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
83, Cutting, subclass 167 for a severing apparatus provided with a container or platform to receive the product pieces.

Subclass: 9 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Receptacles wherein a series of slots permits insertion of coins at any one of a number of points into a common runaway.

Subclass: 10 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Wherein the boxes are subdivided to hold tickets and money.

Subclass: 11 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Wherein the ticket holders are attached to the car or seat frame and are particularly adapted for car use.

Subclass: 12 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Inventions
relating to the boxes, bags, etc., in which the coins are held pending collection.

Subclass: 13 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Wherein a portion of the box is artificially lighted.

Subclass: 14 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Devices in the form of gates permit the passenger to secure change or tickets from the driver.

Subclass: 15 [Patents]

The receptacle can not be removed from the box without closing one or both of these parts, the contents of which are then not accessible to the carrier.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
31

Subclass: 16 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 15. The collection device does not here receive or hold the coins in the first place, but is independent of and separable from the storage compartment of the fare-box and is used for the removal of the contents of this compartment at intervals.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
32

Subclass: 17 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. The
boxes receive and hold mail matter either awaiting collection by the carrier or which has been delivered by him.
(1) Note. Letter boxes and compartments such as are used in post offices are classified elsewhere. See Search Class Note below.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
211, Supports: Racks, subclass 10, for letter boxes and compartments such as are used in post offices.

Subclass: 18 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter wherein these are checks upon the time, order, or fact of collection and are obtained by registry or record.

Subclass: 19 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Boxes which are specially adapted to house use by reason of some other feature than that of an attached signal or alarm. This other feature may be a pivoted body or other means permitting access from either side or a chute for mail delivery into the house, etc.

Subclass: 20 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Boxes specially arranged to deliver outgoing mail as well as to receive incoming mail.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14 and 27.

Subclass: 21 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 20. The receiver for the outgoing mail is separate from the receiver or chute for
the incoming mail.

Subclass: 22 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. The jambs cooperate with the boxes or fastenings therefor, so that access to the boxes can be had when the house doors or windows are open, and then only.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
42

Subclass: 23 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter wherein the release of the doors upon the outer side of the boxes is controlled by means within the house.

Subclass: 24 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Separate compartments wherein are provided for different classes of mail or for that intended for different persons.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
21

Subclass: 25 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Wherein the same closure or cooperating closures govern the opening or openings to the several compartments.

Subclass: 26 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Wherein a single entrance or discharge opening is used for all the compartments by relative movement of the compartments and opening or by guides connecting at will with any compartment.

Subclass: 27 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Boxes having provision for outgoing mail in addition to or in connection with the receptacle for the incoming mail.
(1) Note. Where a separate compartment is provided, the invention is classified in this class, subclass 21, or subclass 24, and indented subclasses.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
20

Subclass: 28 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. The receivers in which the mail is held, form also the doors of the boxes. They are open upon the inner side, and so are accessible for removal of mail when the doors are opened.
(1) Note. When the entire box moves, the construction is classified elsewhere. See Search Notes below.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
39 for construction when the entire box moves.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
248, Supports, subclasses 128+, for construction when the entire box moves.

Subclass: 29 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Boxes intended for use in connection with other letter boxes and modified for this purpose. The usual modification consists in shaping them to conform to such other boxes in shape.

Subclass: 30 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Bags or boxes in which the mail is transported from the letter boxes to the post offices and which cooperate with the letter boxes. In some cases these receptacles form the receivers of the letter boxes.

Subclass: 31 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 30. Subject matter wherein the construction is such that either the receptacle or the box bottom, or both, must be closed and locked before the receptacle can be removed from the box. Usually neither of the parts can be unlocked by the carrier except when they are together.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
15

Subclass: 32 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 31. Wherein the letter boxes themselves contain receivers in which the mail is stored pending collection and from which this mail is emptied into the auxiliary receptacles at intervals. The auxiliary receptacles usually fit a number of boxes each and are carried from one to another, each receiving the contents of a number of boxes.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
16

Subclass: 33 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Clips and open pockets for holding packages attached either to the inside or to the outside of the box proper or independent thereof if
they do not then themselves form complete boxes.

Subclass: 34 [Patents]

Visual signals indicating the presence of mail in the box.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 569 for electrical automatic indicating systems responsive to the placement or removal or articles from a mailbox.

Subclass: 35 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 34. The signals are moved or released by the action of the door of the box.

Subclass: 36 [Patents]

Alarms operated by movement of the box doors.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
14

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
340, Communications: Electrical, subclass 545.1 for electrical automatic door movement responsive indicating systems.

Subclass: 37 [Patents]

Indicators moved intermittently by the action of the doors. They are usually for the purpose of showing the times of the next collections.

Subclass: 38 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Subject matter having inventions showing the details of frame construction and the materials used, but not special shapes are placed here.

Subclass: 39 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Letter boxes combined with their supports or supports for letter boxes limited by structure to use with a letter box.
(1) Note. For mere supports for letter boxes, not limited by structure to use with letter boxes, see search note below.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
248, Supports, appropriate subclasses, particularly subclasses 128+ and 146+ for mere supports for letter boxes, not limited by structure to use with letter boxes,

Subclass: 41 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter having safeguards, generally fixed in location, which protect milk from theft after delivery or which protect milk receptacle from the weather.
(1) Note. Inventions in the receptacle itself apart from the protecting means are not here included.

Subclass: 42 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Wherein the jambs cooperate with the receptacles or fastenings therefor, so that access to the receptacles can be had when the house doors or windows are open, and then only.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
22

Subclass: 43 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Wherein the milk is poured in through a chute, tube, or funnel.

Subclass: 43.1 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Receptacles having separate restricted openings for deposit and collection, respectively.
(1) Note. "Restricted openings" include openings structurally modified in such a manner as to render removal of deposited material difficult or impossible without removal of a closure or some act other than mere gravity flow (through an open outlet) or dumping. Receptacles having unrestricted open tops for receiving material are specifically excluded and are to be found in the appropriate receptacle class.
(2) Note. In the patents classified in subclasses this and the indented subclasses, removal (collection) is always from an opening other than the receiving (deposit) opening.
(3) Note. Plural receptacles under the class definition for general purposes and such receptacles combined with accessory devices, except those specifically provided for in the subclasses indented under this subclass, are in subclass 1 of this class. Where one of the plural receptacles is an article dispenser of the type provided for in Class 221, classification is in Class 221, in subclasses 92+, particular attention being directed to subclass 102 which provides for article dispensing devices combined with structure defining a separate receptacle for receiving used articles.
(4) Note. Structures within the scope of the definition of this subclass are classified in subclasses 2 to 43 of this class when the function disclosed is in accordance with the definitions of such subclasses. Accordingly, any search made in subclasses 43.1+ should be completed by search in appropriate preceding subclasses.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
220, Receptacles, subclasses 200+, for container closures.
222, Dispensing, subclasses 481+, for dispensing containers having plural openings and closures therefor. Also subclass 544 for dispensing containers having flow controllers or closures.

Subclass: 43.2 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 43.1. Receptacles having a removable collection chamber for the deposited matter.
(1) Note. A terminal chamber for collecting deposited material and removable for dumping, is a restricted outlet opening within the definition of subclass 43.1.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
131, Tobacco, subclasses 231+, for such receptacles combined with tobacco users' appliances.
220, Receptacles, subclasses 501+, for compartmented receptacles providing for the dumping of material from one compartment to another, as exemplified by the ash receiving receptacle of a smoker's stand.

Subclass: 43.3 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 43.1. Receptacles having structure associated with the receptacle or the closures thereof for moving the deposited matter within the receptacle. Such motion may be a mere rotation on a rotating inner support or a movement towards or through one of the openings.
(1) Note. This subclass includes trap type closure structures only when the trap supports the deposited matter while it remains in the receptacle.

Subclass: 43.4 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 43.1. Receptacles having horizontally aligned inlet and outlet openings. Various internal structures as interlocking closures, signals and supporting shelves are included. This subclass includes door service cabinets and wall panel type deposit and collection receptacles but is not limited thereto.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), subclasses 27+ for a residual specific building structure combined with a disparate article or a support thereof, particularly subclass 36.4 for such structure and a shelf.

Subclass: 43.5 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 43.1. Receptacles having means to support the receptacle.
(1) Note. Patents disclosing and claiming supporting means and falling within the definitions of subclasses preceding and coordinate with this subclass have been cross-referenced here when the disclosure includes a significant relationship between such supporting means and other receptacle structure.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
222, Dispensing, subclasses 173+, for dispensing containers having support structures.
248, Supports, in appropriate subclasses, for support structure, per se.

Subclass: 44 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein constructions of the passages, traps, or chutes through which letters, packages, coins or tokens pass between the point of insertion and the receiving box. There are included also covers, flaps, and doors for the inlet and outlet openings, operating means for these or for the traps, and body construction in so far as it forms the chute or permits inspection of the same.
(1) Note. To complete this search, see the Search Class note below.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
109, Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device, subclass 66 to complete the search for the above subject matter.

Subclass: 45 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Inventions particularly adapted to letter box use.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
36

Subclass: 46 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 45. The nameplate is so formed as to combine therewith a mail chute. The plate usually forms the cover of the chute.

Subclass: 47 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 45. A pivoted plate, pocket, or other holder receives the mail and by its movement causes or permits the passage of such mail into the body of the box. The flap or door usually cooperates with the trap to prevent unauthorized access to the contents.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
57

Subclass: 48 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 47. The closing means consists of two cooperating traps, each covering a part (usually half) of the opening.

Subclass: 49 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 47. The trap encloses or partly encloses the mail matter.

Subclass: 50 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 49. Subject matter wherein these pockets are themselves in the nature of chutes. The cylindrical casing within which they turn acts as a bottom or end during a portion of the movement. One end is sometimes closed; but in that case the mail is not supported
by this end.

Subclass: 51 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 49. The door is rigid with the pocket.

Subclass: 52 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 47. The trap is in the form of a turnstile.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
61

Subclass: 53 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Subject matter having constructions of the door or bottom intended to facilitate the withdrawal of mail matter from the box.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
15 16 and 30+.

Subclass: 54 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Points or sharp edged strips project into the chute, guiding the mail matter and preventing its abstraction through the chute mouth.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
63

Subclass: 55 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Traps are movable rests, stops, or holders which temporarily retain coins, etc., within the chute and which by their movement discharge the coins upon another trap or into the receiver.

Subclass: 56 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 55. The carrier is in the form of an endless belt.

Subclass: 57 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 55. The trap turns upon a upon a pivot.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
47

Subclass: 57.5 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 57. A pivoted member is so arranged that the coin may be directed either to the cash box or to a refunding opening. These devices are used frequently in telephone toll boxes.

Subclass: 58 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 57. The operation of the trap causes or is coincident with the closing of the chute.

Subclass: 59 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 58. Two or more traps form the cooperating means of closing the chute. They
may act together or in any predetermined order.

Subclass: 60 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 57. The traps move intermittently in the same direction to bring successive portions under the chute.

Subclass: 61 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 60. The rotatable part is in the form of a turnstile.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
52

Subclass: 62 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter wherein removal of the contents by reversal of a receptacle is prevented by a gravity-actuated closure or by the action of a gravity-actuated lock, catch, or release.

Subclass: 63 [Patents]

These extend into the chute to check withdrawal of the contents of the box. Shelves having fraud-preventive slits or other openings in the body of the shelf are included here, as well as those notched at the edges.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
54

Subclass: 64 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices specially designed to receive coins (as customer's change)
and having one or more movable parts which, when moved, will cause delivery of the coins (usually into the customer's hand).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
33 for such devices claimed in combination with a letter box.
subclasses 55+ for coin traps which deliver to a second coin trap, or receiving box.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
206, Special Receptacle or Package, subclass .8, for those for coins, including mats, trays, and other receptacles specially designed to facilitate the picking up of coins lying thereon or contained therein.

Subclass: 65 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Devices in which the element that causes or controls delivery is mounted to tilt or swing.
(1) Note. For example, in this subclass are trays mounted to be tilted by the customer so that the coins will slide into his hand.

Subclass: 66 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Devices in which a swingable or tiltable element is moved to either form or expose and opening through which the coin is discharged.
(1) Note. For example, swingable control gates or closures, trays set within the periphery of a counter to be tilted to a position to discharge below the counter, etc., are here.


Information Products Division -- Contacts

Questions regarding this report should be directed to:

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231

tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov


[Top] [Manual of Classification, Class Listing] [Manual of Classification, Class 232] [Classification Definitions, Class Listing] [USPTO Home Page]

Last Modified: 6 October 2000