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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(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 278
LAND VEHICLES: ANIMAL DRAFT APPLIANCES
Class Definition:
This class includes that portion of land vehicles by means of
which the pull of draft animals is utilized to move the
vehicle over the ground.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
This class is subordinate to Class 280, Land Vehicles, and is
distinguished therefrom, as indicated in the class definition
above.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
MISCELLANEOUS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices
and not classified in any of the other subclasses of this
class.
Subclass:
2
LOAD STARTERS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including devices auxiliary to the conventional means
for drawing a vehicle which can be used to start a load by
giving increased mechanical advantage to the draft animals.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
280, Land Vehicles, subclass 151 for load starters operated
by an auxiliary force
Subclass:
2.1
STREETCAR:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including means for attaching draft animals to
streetcars.
Subclass:
-2
DRAFT EQUALIZERS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter wherein the group of subclasses indented hereunder
comprise means for effecting and utilizing the pull of two or
more draft animals, so that the load will be proportioned to
each animal in accordance with unit strength or varying
conditions of pull; also means, where the line of draft
relative to the load is offset, to overcome and prevent
so-called "side draft".
(1) Note. Conventional doubletrees involving only
structural features and attaching means in the line of draft
will be found in this class, subclasses 90+.
Subclass:
3
Horse longitudinally aligned:
Subject matter under "Draft Equalizers" wherein the draft
animals are arranged in a longitudinal aligned relation,
there being any number of animals abreast.
Subclass:
4
Two abreast:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Subject matter
wherein the draft animals are arranged in files of two
abreast.
Subclass:
5
Horse abreast:
Subject matter under "Draft Equalizers" wherein all the draft
animals are arranged in abreast relation.
Subclass:
6
Five-horse type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
wherein the number of animals is limited to five.
Subclass:
7
With pole or poles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Subject matter
wherein, in the type indicated, a pole or poles is employed.
Subclass:
8
Four-horse type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
wherein the number of animals is limited to four.
Subclass:
9
With pole or poles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 8. Subject matter
wherein, in the type indicated, a pole or poles is employed.
Subclass:
10
Offset pole:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter
wherein the pole is offset relative to the team, i.e., three
on one side and one on the other side of the pole.
Subclass:
11
Three-against-one pull:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter
wherein three of the draft animals are arranged to pull
against one.
Subclass:
12
Two-against-two pull:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter
wherein the draft animals are arranged in pairs, each pair to
pull against the other.
Subclass:
13
Lateral evener connection:
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Subject matter
wherein the draft connection between the draft equalizer and
load is lateral of the pole.
Subclass:
14
Three-horse type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 5. Subject matter
wherein the number of draft animals is limited to three.
Subclass:
15
With pole or poles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Subject matter
wherein, in the type indicated, a pole or poles is employed.
Subclass:
16
With intermediate evener:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Subject matter
wherein an intermediate evener is used to connect at least
two of the draft animals to a main evener or its equivalent.
Subclass:
17
Offset:
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Subject matter
wherein the intermediate evener has an offset position
relative to the pole.
Subclass:
18
Two-horse type:
Subject matter under "Draft Equalizers" wherein the number of
draft animals is limited to two.
Subclass:
19
Leverage adjustment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Subject matter
wherein there is a possible adjustment of position of the
singletrees relative to the evener or of the evener relative
to the load to proportion the load according to the strength
or position of each of the draft animals.
Subclass:
20
Automatic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Subject matter
wherein the adjustment of position is effected
automatically.
Subclass:
21
HORSE DETACHERS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter comprising devices involving no special harness
modification for quickly detaching draft animals from the
vehicle; usually the driver can operate this disconnection
from a position on the vehicle, as in case of the animal or
animals running away.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
54, Harness, subclass 69, for devices of like purpose
involving harness modification or special arrangement of
harness, with special vehicle attachments to cooperate
therewith.
Subclass:
22
Automatic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter
wherein the detachment is effected automatically.
Subclass:
23
Combined brake:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter
wherein upon operation of the detaching device, brakes are
operated to stop the movement of the vehicle.
Subclass:
24
Traces from singletree:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter
including means for simultaneously detaching the traces from
the singletree.
(1) Note. The singletree may be an element of a
doubletree.
Subclass:
25
Traces positively moved:
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter
wherein the trace is positively moved out of its engaging
position with the singletree.
Subclass:
26
Movable trace-eye-engaging element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Subject matter
wherein a trace-eye-engaging element is moved to a position
to release the trace.
Subclass:
27
Pivoted:
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Subject matter
wherein the trace-eye-engaging element is pivoted.
Subclass:
28
Sliding pin or rod:
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Subject matter
wherein the trace-eye-engaging element is a sliding pin or
rod.
Subclass:
29
Thills or pole from vehicle:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter
wherein the thills or pole are released from their attached
relation to the vehicle.
Subclass:
30
Retracting axle-clip bolt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 29. Subject matter
wherein the usual axle-clip bolt is retracted to release the
thills or pole.
Subclass:
31
Doubletree from pole:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter
wherein the doubletree is released from the pole.
Subclass:
32
Singletree from thill or evener:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Subject matter
wherein the singletree is released from the thills or
evener.
Subclass:
33
POLE AND THILLS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including patents for improvements relating to the
pole or thills of a vehicle.
Subclass:
34
Plural:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
wherein the poles or thills are duplicated in the same
vehicle.
Subclass:
35
Special purpose attachment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
including devices adapted for attachment to poles or thills
for various special purposes.
Subclass:
36
Poles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
relating to poles only.
Subclass:
37
Agricultural implement type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
including the type used with agricultural implements.
(1) Note. Where the function of the devices is to equalize
draft, they will be found in appropriate subclasses under
"Draft Equalizers" in this class.
Subclass:
38
The pole body:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
including patents relating to the body or pole proper.
Subclass:
39
Selective positioned:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
wherein the pole body is capable of attachment to the rest of
the pole in a plurality of positions.
Subclass:
40
Slip tongue:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
wherein the pole is socketed to a part of the vehicle and can
be slipped into or out of such position.
Subclass:
41
Axle attached:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
wherein the pole is attached to the axle of the vehicle.
Subclass:
42
Width adjustment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter
wherein the pole has an adjustable rear-end portion to vary
its width to accommodate it to varyingly spaced axle clips or
equivalent axle fastenings.
Subclass:
43
Axle hounds attached:
This subclass is indented under subclass 36. Subject matter
wherein the pole is attached to the vehicle through axle
hounds.
Subclass:
44
Thills:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
relating to thills only.
Subclass:
45
Two-wheeled vehicles:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter
adapted for use with two-wheeled vehicles.
Subclass:
46
Offset draft:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter
wherein thills are so constructed or positioned relative to a
vehicle that the draft animal travels to one side of the
center line of draft.
Subclass:
47
Selective direct:
This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Subject matter
wherein the thills may be selectively positioned to the
vehicle, so that the draft animal travels either in the line
of draft or to one side thereof.
Subclass:
48
Sectional:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter
wherein the thills are composed of easily disconnected
sections.
Subclass:
49
Joints and braces:
This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Subject matter
relating to the joints or braces of thills.
Subclass:
50
Tips:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Subject matter
including devices for tipping the ends of poles or thills.
Subclass:
51
Safety neck-yoke retainers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Subject matter
wherein pole tips are provided with means for preventing
accidental removal of conventional neck-yoke centers from the
ends of poles.
(1) Note. Devices for a similar purpose where the neck-yoke
center is modified will be found in this class, subclasses 51
and 53.
Subclass:
52
THILL COUPLINGS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including devices for attaching thills to a vehicle;
usually such connection is made to the axle; one of the
elements of the coupling is formed on the thills.
Subclass:
53
Resilient:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein the coupling resiliently connects the thills to the
vehicle.
Subclass:
54
Safety attachment:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
including devices adapted to prevent separation of the thills
and vehicle in case of disconnection of the coupling.
Subclass:
55
Plural:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein the thills as a whole can be disconnected from the
vehicle by any one of two or more couplings.
Subclass:
56
Special position release:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein the coupling can be disconnected by movement of the
thills to a special position other than the one in which the
thills are normally placed.
Subclass:
57
L-head type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
wherein one of the elements of the coupling is L-shaped.
Subclass:
58
T-head type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
wherein one of the elements of the coupling is T-shaped.
Subclass:
59
D-head type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Subject matter
wherein one of the elements of the coupling is D-shaped.
Subclass:
60
Removable transverse pin or bolt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein a transverse pin or bolt passes through eye elements
on the thills and vehicle.
Subclass:
61
Antirattling:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
including devices for attachment to conventional couplings of
the type indicated to prevent rattling of the couplings.
Subclass:
62
With special pin retainers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter
wherein the antirattling device is formed as a part of means
for securing the pin or bolt in place.
Subclass:
63
Resilient:
This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter
wherein the antirattling device is resilient.
Subclass:
64
Adjustable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Subject matter
wherein the antirattling device is provided with means to
adjust the resilient element.
Subclass:
65
Special pin retainers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 60. Subject matter
including special means for holding the pin or bolt in place
other than by conventional nuts, cotter pins, etc.
Subclass:
66
Opposed lug engaging or carrying jaws:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein one of the elements of the coupling is a member
having opposed lug-engaging or -carrying jaws.
Subclass:
67
L-head type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein one of the elements of the coupling is L-shaped.
Subclass:
68
T-head type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein one of the elements of the coupling is T-shaped.
Subclass:
69
Cooperating hooks:
This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Subject matter
wherein the branches of the "T" are engaged by hooks.
Subclass:
70
Retainers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter
wherein retaining means is provided to maintain the "T"
element in the hooks.
Subclass:
71
Spring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter
wherein such retaining means is in the form of a spring.
Subclass:
72
D-head type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein one of the elements of the coupling is D-shaped.
Subclass:
73
Cooperating hook:
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter
wherein the transverse member of the "D" is engaged by a
hook.
Subclass:
74
Retainers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Subject matter
wherein retaining means is provided to maintain the "D"
element in the hook.
Subclass:
75
Pivoted:
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Subject matter
wherein the retaining means is a pivoted element.
Subclass:
76
Spring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Subject matter
wherein the retaining member is a spring.
Subclass:
77
Plural part eye:
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Subject matter
wherein one of the elements of the coupling is a separable
eye adapted to clamp the transverse member of the "D".
Subclass:
78
Pivoted jaws:
This subclass is indented under subclass 77. Subject matter
wherein the eye is formed by jaws pivoted together.
Subclass:
79
Grapple type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 78. Subject matter
wherein the pivoted jaws resemble a grapple.
Subclass:
80
Ball and socket:
This subclass is indented under subclass 52. Subject matter
wherein one of the coupling elements is a ball and the other
is a socket to receive the ball.
Subclass:
81
THILL SUPPORTS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including devices for supporting the thills of the
vehicle in any position so that the ends are held above the
ground.
Subclass:
82
Plural position:
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter
including means capable of supporting the thills in a
plurality of positions.
Subclass:
83
Spring latches:
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter
wherein the support is a latch moved to engaging position by
a spring.
Subclass:
84
Spring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter
wherein the support is a spring which resiliently supports
the thills.
Subclass:
85
Separate props:
This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter
including devices separate from the vehicle or thills adapted
to engage the thills and some other part of the vehicle to
prop the thills in raised position.
Subclass:
86
POLE SUPPORTS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including devices for supporting the pole of the
vehicle in any position so that the end of the pole does not
contact with the ground or the animals are relieved of its
weight.
Subclass:
87
Ground-engaging props:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
including means for engaging the pole and the ground to prop
the pole.
Subclass:
88
Spring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 86. Subject matter
wherein the support is a spring which resiliently supports
the pole.
Subclass:
89
Coil:
This subclass is indented under subclass 88. Subject matter
wherein the support is a coil spring.
Subclass:
90
WHIFFLETREES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including patents relating to whiffletrees and to
their connections to the pole, thills, or forward part of a
vehicle, unless the invention is such as falls under the
definition of draft equalizers.
Subclass:
91
Resilient:
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Subject matter
wherein the whiffletree is resilient.
Subclass:
92
Metallic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Subject matter
wherein the whiffletree is made of metal.
Subclass:
93
Trussed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter
wherein the whiffletree is of metal and is provided with a
truss brace.
Subclass:
94
Trussed:
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Subject matter
wherein the whiffle tree is provided with a truss brace.
Subclass:
95
Connections:
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Subject matter
including the connecting means between the elements of a
whiffletree or between the whiffletree and pole, thill, or
forward part of a vehicle.
Subclass:
96
Link or clevis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Subject matter
wherein the connecting means is in the form of a link or
clevis.
Subclass:
96.1
Resilient:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter
wherein the link or clevis is supported resiliently or
consists of resiliently connected parts.
Subclass:
96.2
Adjustable draft line:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96. Subject matter
wherein the link or clevis is so mounted or constructed as to
permit change in the line of draft relative to the drawn
vehicle.
Subclass:
96.3
Horizontally:
This subclass is indented under subclass 96.2. Subject matter
wherein the adjustment is permitted in a horizontal plane.
Subclass:
97
Resilient:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Subject matter
wherein the connecting means is resilient.
Subclass:
98
To pole or thills:
This subclass is indented under subclass 97. Subject matter
wherein the connection of the whiffletree to the pole or
thills is resilient.
Subclass:
99
To pole or thills:
This subclass is indented under subclass 95. Subject matter
including connections of the whiffletree to the pole or
thills.
Subclass:
100
Pivot bolt:
This subclass is indented under subclass 99. Subject matter
wherein the connection is a pivot bolt.
Subclass:
101
Offset pivot:
This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Subject matter
wherein the pivot-bolt is offset relative to an element of
the whiffletree.
Subclass:
102
Trace and whiffletree connections:
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Subject matter
including devices for connecting whiffletrees to harness
traces.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 24+ for trace detachers.
Subclass:
103
Resilient:
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter
wherein the connection is resilient.
Subclass:
104
Clamp:
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter
including means provided to clamp the end of the trace.
Subclass:
105
Trace-eye-engaging head or end:
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter
wherein the whiffletree is provided with a head or end
engaging in an eye formed at the end of the trace.
Subclass:
106
Loop retainers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter
wherein the whiffletree is also provided with retaining means
in the form of a loop.
Subclass:
107
Hook retainers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter
wherein the whiffletree is provided with retaining means in
the form of a hook.
Subclass:
108
Spring detent retainers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter
wherein the whiffletree is provided with a spring-detent
retaining means.
Subclass:
109
Pivoted button or lug retainers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter
wherein the whiffletree is provided with a pivoted button or
lug as retaining means.
Subclass:
110
Rotatable button retainers:
This subclass is indented under subclass 105. Subject matter
wherein the whiffle tree is provided with a rotatable button
as retaining means.
Subclass:
111
Hooks:
This subclass is indented under subclass 102. Subject matter
wherein the connecting means is in the form of a hook.
Subclass:
112
Trace retaining:
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Subject matter
wherein the hook is provided with trace-retaining means.
Subclass:
113
Movable keeper:
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter
wherein the retaining means is a movable keeper.
Subclass:
114
Snap hook type:
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Subject matter
wherein the hook is of the snap hook type.
Subclass:
115
Special position release:
This subclass is indented under subclass 112. Subject matter
wherein the hook is movable to a special position to permit
release of the trace.
Subclass:
116
Opposed lapping hooks:
This subclass is indented under subclass 115. Subject matter
consisting of two overlapping opposed hooks.
Subclass:
117
Whiffletree fastenings:
This subclass is indented under subclass 111. Subject matter
means for fastening the trace-connecting means to the
whiffletrees.
Subclass:
118
TRACE AND THILL OR POLE CONNECTION:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including means for connecting the trace directly to
the pole or thills.
Subclass:
119
NECK POLES:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including patents relating to neck yokes.
Subclass:
120
End construction:
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Subject matter
including patents relating to the end construction of neck
yokes.
Subclass:
121
Pole couplings:
This subclass is indented under subclass 119. Subject matter
including that part of the neck yoke which is connected to
the pole.
Subclass:
122
Modified pole and yoke (center):
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter
including patents showing cooperative modification of both
the pole and neck yoke.
Subclass:
123
Permanently attached:
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Subject matter
wherein the neck yoke is permanently attached to the pole.
Subclass:
124
With safety devices:
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter
wherein the neck yoke is provided with means to prevent
accidental detachment of the neck yoke from the pole.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
51 for patents for a similar purpose where the neck yoke is
conventional and the structure is a part of the pole.
Subclass:
125
Leather eye or ring:
This subclass is indented under subclass 121. Subject matter
wherein the pole coupling is leather eye or ring secured to
the neck yoke.
Subclass:
126
HOLDBACKS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject
matter including means formed as a part of the thills or as
an attachment to thills for harness connections to prevent
the vehicle overrunning the draft animal.
(1) Note. Neck yokes are equivalent in function where poles
are used.
Subclass:
127
Harness attached:
This subclass is indented under subclass 126. Subject matter
wherein a part of the harness is secured to the attachment.
Subclass:
128
Breech strap:
This subclass is indented under subclass 127. Subject matter
wherein the breech strap is the part of the harness.
Subclass:
129
Adjustable:
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter
wherein the position of the attachment is adjustable on the
thills.
Subclass:
130
Automatic release:
This subclass is indented under subclass 128. Subject matter
including devices permitting, under proper conditions, an
automatic release of the harness from the attachment.
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