U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
Patents classified in a subclass may be accessed by either clicking on
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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 258
RAILWAY MAIL DELIVERY
Class Definition:
This class is intended to include means particularly adapted
to transfer mail bags, train-orders, and the like to or from
moving vehicles, especially fixed-way vehicles in rapid
motion.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, particularly subclass 124, for systems of
transferring mail between a central station and outlying
rural districts.
186, Merchandising, for miscellaneous systems for
transferring parcels, cash and the like within the limits of
a building.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, for devices for transferring
material in general, including mail and the like, to endless
carriers.
406, Conveyors: Fluid Current, appropriate subclasses for
conveying of solids (including article carriers) by means of
a fluid current.
414, Material or Article Handling, subclass 265 for a
guided, wheeled device for transporting mail and external
means cooperating therewith for loading or unloading the
device; and subclass 593 for an elevator or hoist and loading
or unloading means therefor and wherein the elevator or hoist
is specially adapted to the handling of mail.
417, Pumps, subclass 232, for devices particularly adapted to
transfer water to a moving vehicle.
GLOSSARY:
RECEIVER
As herein used, this term designates the device or element to
which the load is delivered.
SUPPORT
As herein used, this term designates the device or element
from which the load is delivered.
(1) Note. Either "receiver" or "support" may be mounted on
the ground or on the vehicle.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Means
and parts and accessories peculiar thereto not classifiable
elsewhere, including, for example, article or message
carriers in the form of missiles, adapted to be thrown to or
from a moving vehicle.
Subclass:
1.2
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Means
for transferring a load to or from an aircraft in flight.
(1) Note. Search this class, appropriate subclasses, for
means under the main class definition for transferring a load
to or from a moving aircraft not in flight.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, subclass 2 and indented
subclasses, for mechanisms for releasing or tripping portions
of machines to cause other portions to automatically operate
due to the expenditure of the potential energy possessed by
such parts.
89, Ordnance, subclass 1.51 for bomb, flare, and signal
dropping.
182, Fire Escape, Ladder, or Scaffold, subclasses 137+ for
a net comprising a body catcher.
212, Traversing Hoists, subclass 116 for trips, stops and
knockers used in load-suspension cable hoists.
244, Aeronautics, particularly subclasses 2+ for means
whereby an aircraft in flight may pick up or release another
aircraft, including gliders, singly or in trains: subclasses
135 for supplying fuel to or discharging from an aircraft in
flight: subclass 136 for discharging and diffusing material
in air from aircraft in flight: subclass 137 for loading or
unloading aircraft in general, including the mere dumping of
a load from the aircraft whether in flight or not: subclasses
138+ for parachutes or other devices either, per se, or in
combination with aircraft structure, for safely lowering
persons, cargo, or aircraft structure to the ground.
292, Closure Fasteners, subclass 332 and indented
subclasses, for trippers used in closure fasteners.
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclass 86.4
and indented subclasses, for grapples and their operating
means.
Subclass:
1.4
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.2. Means by which
(a) the load transfer takes place between an aircraft and a
second moving vehicle, including other aircraft, ships,
railway-vehicles, etc., or (b) arrangements which require an
aircraft in flight to maintain a substantially circular
course in order to take on a discharge the load.
(1) Note. Mere turntables for aligning a ground receiver or
support with the direction of flight of the aircraft are not
"moving vehicles" within the meaning of this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
414, Material or Article Handling, subclass 137.1, for means
for transferring a load to a ship in the sea.
Subclass:
1.6
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.2. Means having
catapult or other means for throwing or projecting the load
from a support to a receiver.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 5+ for means for projecting a load to or from a
moving vehicle other than an aircraft in flight, and see the
notes thereto for related devices.
Subclass:
1.8
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.2. Means by which
one load is discharged from while another is picked up by the
aircraft, usually either simultaneously or as a result of a
substantially continuous operation.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
11 and indented subclasses, for other load-exchange devices
for moving vehicles other than aircraft in flight.
Subclass:
2
Apparatus of the railway-mail delivery type comprising as a
part thereof some element designed for purposes of imparting
information or signaling.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
246, Railway Switches and Signals, subclass 19.
Subclass:
3
Devices particularly adapted to be held by a person for
transferring mail bags, missives, etc., to a moving vehicle.
(1) Note. Compare Class 294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line
Implements, subclass 19.1, and indented subclasses, for
similar manually-held devices for transferring pictures or
packages to elevated supports or shelves.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 for mere missiles, i.e., article or message carriers
adapted to be thrown to or from a moving vehicle.
Subclass:
4
Devices for receiving mail bags, missives, and the like from
or transferring them to a moving vehicle which have
magnetically operated parts.
(1) Note. Compare Classes in Search Notes below for
electromagnetic lifting devices, for conveyors, and for
magnets and electromagnets.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, subclass 350, 381, 619, 679,
690.1, and 805.
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, subclass 86.4
for electromagnetic lifting devices.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, subclasses 12+
for linear electrical motors for projectiles.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets,
and Electromagnets, subclasses 209+ for magnets and
electromagnets.
Subclass:
5
Means for throwing or projecting a mail bag, missive, or the
like to or from moving vehicles.
(1) Note. Chutes, hoppers, or releasing devices comprising
no means other than the weight of the load itself for
imparting to the load a lateral or longitudinal movement with
respect to the vehicle are excluded.
(2) Note. Compare classes in the Search Notes below for
nonexplosive devices for projecting missiles; for conveyors:
and for devices of general application for throwing
material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
124, Mechanical Guns and Projectors, for nonexplosive devices
for projecting missiles;
198, Conveyors: Power Driven, subclasses 414+, and 638+.
414, Material or Article Handling, appropriate subclasses,
for devices of general application for throwing material.
Subclass:
6
Projectors actuated automatically by movement of the vehicle
along the track.
Subclass:
7
Automatically actuated projectors comprising a spring for
imparting movement to the load.
Subclass:
8
Means comprising a receiver or a support adapted to be thrown
into operative position by movement of the vehicle along the
track or roadway.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4 for similar devices actuated by mechanism one element of
which is an electromagnet.
subclasses 6+ for receivers and supports that are thrown
into operative position by the movement of the vehicle during
the process of ejecting a load.
Subclass:
9
Means comprising a receiver or support that is movable
laterally of the track by a sliding motion.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
5 and indented subclasses, for devices that slide laterally
to eject a load.
8 for laterally sliding receivers or supports that are
thrown into operative position by movement of a vehicle along
a track or roadway.
Subclass:
10
Means comprising an auxiliary receiving or supporting track
that extends in a general direction longitudinally of the
main track.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
104, Railways, subclass 20, for devices designed to transfer
passengers to moving trains.
414, Material or Article Handling, subclass 337 and 338 for
external means for cooperating a wheeled vehicle for loading
or unloading the same, and comprising static structure for
supporting the load being moved to or from vehicle.
Subclass:
11
Means comprising inventions in the combination of a receiver
and a support or in both receiver and support.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4 5+, 8, 9, and 10, for other combined receivers and
supports.
Subclass:
12
Combined receivers and supports comprising two types of
receivers one only of which is a bar, hook, V-shaped, or
similar comparatively sharp or pointed instrument.
(1) Note. A fork receiver combined with supplemental
receiving elements designed to cooperate with the fork in the
act of receiving or to constitute a depository for the load
received by the fork is deemed to be a "fork receiver only".
Subclass:
13
Devices of the type set forth by the title, comprising
modifications of a fork receiver, specially designed to
prevent the load from rebounding from the receiver.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 15+ and 22, for retainers.
Subclass:
14
Combined receivers and supports comprising a single type of
receiver consisting of a bar, hook, V-shaped, or other
comparatively sharp or pointed instrument.
(1) Note. Skeleton scoops and the like are excluded.
(2) Note. Search this class, subclasses in the title of
which the word "fork" occurs, for fork receivers.
Subclass:
15
Devices of the type indicated by the title, comprising
modifications of a fork receiver, specially designed to
prevent the load from rebounding from the receiver. Search
this class, all subclasses in the title of which the words
"retaining feature" occur, for retainers.
Subclass:
16
Devices of the type set forth by the title, comprising
modifications of a fork receiver, specially designed to
prevent the load from rebounding from the receiver, and also
latch or similar means operated by contact with some element
as the vehicle moves along the track for releasing another
load from its support.
(1) Note. Similar devices wherein the bag or load is
released by a receiver or the like that contacts directly
therewith are excluded.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
6 and indented subclass for impact-operated load projecting
devices.
9 12 and indented subclass, and also all subclasses in the
title of which the words "impact operated load release"
occur, for other load releasing features.
Subclass:
17
Devices of the type indicated by the title, comprising
modifications of a fork receiver, specially designed to
prevent the load from rebounding from the receiver, and also
some special means connected with the load for engaging with
the receiver and sustaining the shock incident to contact
therewith.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 10, 12+, 18, and 26, for special devices for sustaining the
shock incident to contact of bag or other load with
receiver.
Subclass:
18
Combined receivers and supports comprising a single type of
receiver consisting of a bar, hook, V-shaped, or other
comparatively sharp or pointed instrument, and also means to
which the load is attached, for engaging with a receiver,
usually for the purpose of receiving the shock of impact.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 12+, 17, and 26, for special devices for sustaining the
shock incident to contact of bag or other load with
receiver.
Subclass:
19
Combined receivers and supports not elsewhere classifiable,
comprising a support in the form of a latch, or similar
member, mounted either on the vehicle or along the track, and
means, either along the track or on the vehicle,
respectively, for contacting with and releasing the
load-holding means.
(1) Note. Similar devices wherein the bag or load is
released by a receiver or the like that contacts directly
therewith are excluded.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
6 and indented subclass, for impact- operated load
projecting devices.
9 12+, and also all subclasses in the title of which the
words "impact operated load release" occur, for other load
releasing features.
Subclass:
20
Devices of the railway-mail delivery type not elsewhere
classifiable, mounted either on the vehicle or along the
track, for receiving the load, respectively, from a support
along the track or on the vehicle.
(1) Note. Compare class in Search Notes below for letter
boxes.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 5+, 8, 9, 10, and 11+.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
232, Deposit and Collection Receptacles, appropriate
subclasses for letter boxes.
Subclass:
21
Receivers comprising a bar, hook, V-shaped, or similar
comparatively sharp or pointed instrument.
(1) Note. Skeleton scoops and the like are excluded. Search
this class, all subclasses in the title of which the word
"fork" occurs.
Subclass:
22
Fork receivers comprising some special means for preventing
the load from rebounding from the receiver. Search this
class, all subclasses in the title of which the words,
"retaining feature" occurs.
Subclass:
23
Devices of the railway-mail delivery type, mounted either on
the vehicle or along the track, for supporting the load
preparatory to delivering it to a receiver mounted,
respectively, along the track or on the vehicle.
(1) Note. Compare class in Search Notes below for supports
of general application. Search this class, all subclasses
except subclass 20, and subclasses thereunder.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
248, Supports, for supports of general application.
Subclass:
24
Supports comprising two or more arms, not integral or rigidly
connected, the movement of one of which is dependent upon a
prior or simultaneous movement of the other.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
15
Subclass:
25
Supports comprising a load-holding means in the form of a
latch or similar device, mounted either on a vehicle or along
a track, and means, either along the track or on the vehicle,
respectively, for contacting with and releasing the
load-holding means.
(1) Note. Similar devices wherein the bag or load is
released by a receiver or the like that contacts directly
therewith are excluded.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 6+ for impact-operated load projecting devices.
9 12+, and also all subclasses in the title of which the
words "impact operated load release" occur, for other
releasing features.
Subclass:
26
Supports comprising a special means to which the load is
attached for engaging with a receiver, usually for the
purpose of receiving the shock of impact, thus preventing
injury to bags and other loads.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3 10, 11+, and all subclasses in the title of which the words
"receiver engaging feature" occur.
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
Last Modified: 6 October 2000