U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division
[Manual of Classification, Class Listing] [Manual of Classification, Class 281] [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 281

BOOKS, STRIPS, AND LEAVES


Class Definition:
Books, strips, and leaves and various combinations thereof, combinations thereof with other things for which no other place is provided, processes of making where the processes are fully disclosed in the articles, and accessories to books, strips, and leaves, such as protectors, book-leaf holders and marks, and holders, therefor, for which no other place is provided.

LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
Leaf arrangements which merely facilitate removal of a leaf from an arrangement or package are found in Class 206, Special Receptacle or Package, subclasses 449+; the inclusion of means to separate a leaf from the residue so that it may be dispensed and will effect classification in Class 221, Article Dispensing. A permanently bound book with leaf perforations for leaf removal is found in this class (281).
A sheet retention means providing nondestructive sheet recovery therefrom in combination with the sheet mounted thereon and where such sheet in addition includes structure (e.g., line of perforations, etc.), permitting destructive recovery of a portion thereof is placed in Class 402, Binder Device Releasably Engaging Aperture or Notch of Sheet.

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., subclass 2 for a device specially adapted for the purpose of keeping an album and other book-like structure closed when not in use.
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclass 642.02 for a label holder, per se, or in combination with a label; subclasses 124.01+ for a card having advertising matter or pictures thereon; subclass 359 for a folder including identification means in the form of a label, label holder or a portion intended to receive indicia and subclass 360 for a sheet including identification means in the form of a label,
label holder or tab to receive indicia.
112, Sewing, subclasses 400+ for a sewn single or plural layer stock material product.
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation, appropriate subclasses for (1) a single-layer, waterlaid, fibrous sheet or web, or (2) a plural-layer sheet or web including a layer of fibers applied to a second layer by a process provided for in that class (162); 181.1 and particularly subclass 141, which include any nonstructural fiber (or fiber-containing) sheet or web (e.g., a particular blend of fibers), regardless of whether waterlaid or not).
206, Special Receptacle or Package subclasses 449+ for a sheet package and see Lines With Other Classes, above.
221, Article Dispensing, appropriate subclasses for devices not otherwise provided for, for dispensing or feeding discrete articles from a source of supply, and especially subclasses 33+ for such devices in which flexible sheet-like articles are distorted as they are separated from the source of supply.
225, Severing by Tearing or Breaking, appropriate subclasses, especially subclasses 27+ for pads or stacks of individual sheets, and subclass 32 for zigzag folded supply package.
226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length.
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding, subclasses 550+ and 570+ for an unwinding device or coil holder of general use.
283, Printed Matter, for (1) a strip, book or leaf bearing indicia which primarily effect an intellectual impression other than the aesthetic or (2) the combination of such strip, book or leaf with other things not classifiable elsewhere.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses for a stock material product in the form of a single or plural layer web, or sheet, especially subclasses 121+ for such a product which is folded, subclasses 131+ for such a product which includes a component having apertures, and subclasses 156+ for such a product including a component which varies in thickness, subclass 181 for such a product including a component which is nonplanar, but of uniform, thickness, and comprises parallel adjacent folds (e.g., pleats).

GLOSSARY:
BOOK
Consists of two or more sheets secured together (a) only at their margins or (b) only at a restricted field within the margins or (c) only at their margins and at a restricted
field within the margins. A folded sheet has not been classified as a book. When a margin of one sheet is attached to a margin of another sheet to obtain in effect a single sheet of greater area, the resulting article is still regarded as a sheet rather than a book.
LEAF
A sheet other than a strip.
SHEET
A body having two parallel surfaces both dimensions of which are large in comparison with the third dimension of the body.
STRIP
A sheet folded back and forth along at least two fold lines and unattached to anything or attached to a backing either at the ends only or in such a way that the folded portions can be successively released without mutilation, or it is a sheet rolled up. Also patents claiming fold lines or other features for so folding or rolling up sheets are classified as "strips".


SUBCLASSES


Subclass: 2 [Patents]

Comprising in each case a strip or strips and a leaf or leaves, but no other sheet material.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
283, Printed Matter, subclass 61.
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclasses 8+.

Subclass: 3.1 [Patents]

BOOK AND LEAF:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a book* combined with an additional leaf*. (Terms marked with * are defined in the class definition of this class.)

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclasses 17+.

Subclass: 4 [Patents]

The cover of one of the books is removable.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17 19.1+ and 34, for other removable book covers.

Subclass: 4.1 [Patents]

Blotter leaf:
This subclass is indented under subclass 3.1. Subject matter wherein the additional leaf is made of an absorbent material and is intended to be used for drying a surface that has just been written on in ink by soaking up and excess ink.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, subclass 89.1 and 95+ for blotting means there classified.

Subclass: 5 [Patents]

Involving in each case a strip or strips, but no other sheet material.
(1) Note. See Glossary in the class definition.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclasses 338+ and 530+ for a hinged display device in the form of a folded sheet including means to secure display items (e.g., cards, pictures, etc.), thereon; and subclass 359 for a folder (i.e., sheet folded only once) including identification means in the form of a discrete label, label holder or a portion intended to receive a number, letter or mark.
283, Printed Matter, subclass 61 and 62.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, subclasses 121+ for a stock material product in the form of a single or plural layer web or sheet which includes a component having a fold at the edge, and subclass 181 for such a product including a component which is nonplanar but of
uniform thickness and comprises parallel adjacent folds (e.g., pleats).
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclasses 2+, 6, 7, 8+, and 25+.

Subclass: 6 [Patents]

Comprising hard smooth surfaces, over which the strips pass.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclass 14, 41, and 47.

Subclass: 7 [Patents]

Means being present for retaining one or more strips after use.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclasses 9+ and 27+.

Subclass: 8 [Patents]

Some unusual facility for feeding a strip being involved.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclasses 10+, 29, 32+, 37+, 40+, and 46+.

Subclass: 9 [Patents]

There being present some means for attaching the device to a
support.

Subclass: 10 [Patents]

Including means for retaining leaves, formed by cutting up one or more of the strips.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclass 12 and 36+.

Subclass: 11 [Patents]

Some unusual facility for feeding a strip being involved.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
2 and 8.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclass 37 and 38.

Subclass: 12 [Patents]

Including some means for securing the device to a support.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9

Subclass: 13 [Patents]

The attaching means being capable of use where a wall is the support.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9

Subclass: 14 [Patents]

Means being present for retaining one or more of the strips after use.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
7 and indented subclasses.

Subclass: 15.1 [Patents]

BOOK, ELEMENT, THEREOF, OR ACCESSORY THEREFOR:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a book*, a part or subcombination of a book, or an accessory, not classifiable elsewhere, which is specifically adapted for use with a book. (Terms marked with * are defined in the class definition of this class.)
(1) Note. Accessories for a book may be such things as protectors, book hangers, or book-leaf holders and marks.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
3.1 for a book combined with an additional leaf.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
283, Printed Matter, subclass 63.1 for a book carrying indicia.
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclasses 7+, 17+, 53, 54, and 55+.

Subclass: 16 [Patents]

More than one book being involved in the invention in each patent.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclass 20, 21, and 57+.

Subclass: 17 [Patents]

The cover of one of the books being removable.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclass 20, 21, and 57+.

Subclass: 18 [Patents]

The books or some part of them being sealed.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
283, Printed Matter, subclasses 72+.

Subclass: 19.1 [Patents]

Removable cover:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.1. A book including a cover which can be releasably secured to and placed around the book, the body of the book having some modification necessitated by the particular cover associated with the book.
(1) Note. In each patent in this and the indented subclass there is involved some modification of the body of the book, made necessary by the particular cover associated with it. A removable cover which does not necessitate any modification of the body of a book is classified in this class, subclass 34.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4.17 and 34, for other removable book covers.

Subclass: 19.2 [Patents]

Loop engaging:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19.1. A book including at least one structure which is or which resembles a closed or substantially closed ring, coil, or any other closed or substantially closed loop by which the body of the book may be releasably secured to the cover.

Subclass: 20 [Patents]

Means applied in book backs, sides, and leaves for protecting the books against hard usage.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 29+ compare with this subclass (20) for book-covers.

Subclass: 21.1 [Patents]

Binding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.1. Subject matter related to the means which permanently secure the leaves* together to form the book or which permanently secure the cover to the body of the book. (Terms marked with * are defined in the class definition of this class.)

Subclass: 22 [Patents]

The signatures or leaves being spaced apart, usually by the interposition of filler-strips.

Subclass: 23 [Patents]

The signatures or leaves being secured to strip of substantially the same length as the signatures and leaves.

Subclass: 24 [Patents]

The signatures or leaves being secured to intermediate elements of substantially the same thickness as the signatures or leaves attached to them and the intermediate elements being secured together to form the book.

Subclass: 26 [Patents]

The backs of the signatures and leaves being slotted, the planes of the cuts being inclined to the plane of the backs.

Subclass: 27 [Patents]

The bindings including cords passed through the leaves or signatures and usually tied or looped together at intervals or sewed or tied to a backing or to bands.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
23

Subclass: 27.1 [Patents]

Ring or arch:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21.1. Subject matter wherein the leaves of the book have a registering aperture formed in their corresponding margins or have correspondingly spaces apertures formed along their corresponding margins; and wherein the leaves are permanently secured together (a) by one or more rings or loops passed through the registering apertures of the leaves, (b) by a continuous length of wirelike material that is helically or spirally wound into a coil and passed through the registering apertures of the leaves, (c) by a continuous length of wirelike material that is bent or formed into an alternating series of oppositely disposed fingerlike loops which are then arched or curved toward one another to form a series of substantially closed rings or loops passed through the registering apertures of the leaves, or (d) by a comblike structure in which the fingers are arched or curved toward the back of the comb forming closed or substantially closed loops or rings passed through the registering apertures of the leaves.
(1) Note. A closed or substantially closed ring, coil, or loop may have a configuration other than circular as, for example, a D-shaped configuration.
(2) Note. It is to be understood that in the definitions of this and the indented subclass, the term "leaves" may also include the covers of books which are bound simultaneously together with the leaves by the same binding means. Accordingly, these covers would usually have an aperture or apertures corresponding to the apertures in the leaves.

Subclass: 27.2 [Patents]

Metallic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 27.1. Subject matter wherein the ring or arch type securing means includes some element made from metallic material.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
27.3 for a securing means other than the ring or arch type which includes some metallic element, and see the Search Class Notes appended thereto.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
140, Wireworking, subclass 92.3 for a process or apparatus for intercoiling a rotated helix with the aligned edge perforations of sheets or leaves to make a "spiral" bound
book.

Subclass: 27.3 [Patents]

Metallic:
This subclass is indented under subclass 21.1. Subject matter in which the means which permanently secures the parts of the book together includes some element made from metallic material.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
27.2 for a ring or arch type securing means which includes some metallic element, and see the Search Class Note appended thereto.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for apparatus for applying a member, e.g., a staple, to work.
270, Sheet-Material Associating, subclasses 37+, 52.18 and 58.08+ for similar securing means, e.g., stapling.
402, Binder Device Releasably Engaging Aperture or Notch of Sheet, subclasses 8+ for a sheet binder device of that class including a pliant, deformable sheet retainer and especially subclasses 14+ for such a device in which the sheet retainer (e.g., a metal strap, etc.) may be folded to secure the sheet.

Subclass: 28 [Patents]

Head-bands, rings, and other elements restricted to use in the binding of books.

Subclass: 29 [Patents]

Protecting means placed outside the bodies of books and overlying them.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4 17 and 19.1+, for removable book covers.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
402, Binder Device Releasably Engaging Aperture or Notch of Sheet, subclasses 73+ for a cover, per se, for a device of
that class (402).

Subclass: 30 [Patents]

Covers combined with pencils or pencil holders.

Subclass: 31 [Patents]

Covers with pockets attached or covers modified so as to include pockets or receptacles.

Subclass: 32 [Patents]

Covers combined with means attached to them for pulling them out from their positions on shelves.

Subclass: 33 [Patents]

There being some means connected with the covers which adapt the books to be set up as easels.
(1) Note. Compare with the loci in the Search Class notes below.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclasses 341+ for a copy holding easel which includes an adjustable line guide or adjustable copy; Class
248, Supports, subclass 441.1 the residual locus for copy holders and other easels as well.
400, Typewriting Machines, subclass 718 for such a copy holder combined with a typewriter.

Subclass: 34 [Patents]

Book covers which can be placed removable around books without modification of the bodies of the books.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4 17 and 19.1+, for other removable book covers.

Subclass: 35 [Patents]

Limp covers for books.

Subclass: 36 [Patents]

Inventions relating to the backs of covers.
(1) Note. The connection between a back and the sides is placed here, as is also the combination of a back with the connection between the back and the sides.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
29 through 35.

Subclass: 37 [Patents]

Inventions restricted to the sides of covers.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
29 through 35.

Subclass: 38 [Patents]

Inventions pertaining to the sheet elements of the bodies of books.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
18 for leaves which are sealed.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
283, Printed Matter, compare with this class (281) for leaves bearing printed matter.

Subclass: 39 [Patents]

Leaves in combination with elements bearing erasable features, also leaves having parts modified so as to be erasable surfaces.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
434, Education and Demonstration subclasses 408+, for elements having or bearing erasable surfaces.

Subclass: 40 [Patents]

Leaves modified or mounted so as to render the books in which they are bound flat-opening.

Subclass: 41 [Patents]

The inventions being embodied in single leaves.

Subclass: 42 [Patents]

Devices for holding book-leaves open, book-leaf clasps not otherwise classifiable, devices having some parts permanently secured to the books for marking places therein, devices to be applied to specific kinds of books for marking places therein, and devices intended to mark positions in books, but which have other functions besides.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., subclasses 67+ and 326+ for leaf clasps and fasteners.
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclasses 352+, for place-indicators for books and leaves other than those included in the above definition (subclass 42).
116, Signals and Indicators, subclasses 234+ for place-indicators for books and leaves other than those included in the above definition (subclass 42).

Subclass: 43 [Patents]

Book hanger:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.1. Subject matter comprising means to suspend a book against gravity from an elevated support.

Subclass: 44 [Patents]

Pad holder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 15.1. Subject matter comprising meas to releasably secure and support therein or thereto a memo, scratch, or other pad or tablet intended to be written on consisting of a collection of leaves* which are
stacked one on top of another and hound together at one edge, such that removal of an individual leaf from the securing means is intended to be accomplished with mutilation (e.g., tearing, ripping, etc.) of a portion of the leaf or its binding. (Terms marked with * are defined in the class definition of this class.)
(1) Note. The stacked leaves may be bound together at one edge by glue or other individual leaves which are held together in a stack by the holder.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 45+ for a book or leaf holder in which removal of a leaf or book from the holding means is intended to be accomplished without mutilation (e.g., tearing, deforming, etc.) of any portion of the leaf, book, or holding means, and see the Search Class Notes appended thereto.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclasses 336+ for a means for phone-carried indicia.

Subclass: 45 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device including means to releasably secure a leaf* or a book* therein or thereto in such manner that removal thereof, in the manner intended, from the means may be accomplished without mutilation (e.g., tearing, deforming, etc.), of any portion of the means, the leaf or the book. (Terms marked with * are defined in the class definition of this class.)

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
44 for a pad holder in which removal of an individual leaf from the holding means is intended to be accomplished with mutilation of a portion of the leaf or its binding.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, subclass 359 for a folded sheet (i.e., "folder") including means for identifying the sheet or contents which may be disposed within the fold and subclass 360 for a sheet including means for identifying the sheet or articles which may be disposed contiguous therewith which means under subclasses 359 and 360 is in the form of a discrete label, label holder or portion of a sheet intended to receive a label (e.g., number, letter, mark, etc.).
225, Severing by Tearing or Breaking, subclass 27 for a severing device of that class (225) in combination with means to hold a pad of sheets or a stack of individual sheets, which sheets are to be severed (e.g., ripped, torn, broken, etc.), by manually forcing a portion of the sheet against a fixed edge of the severing device.
283, Printed Matter, for (1) a strip book or leaf bearing indicia which primarily effect an intellectual impression other than the aesthetic or (2) the combination of such strip, book or leaf with other things not classifiable elsewhere.
402, Binder Device Releasably Engaging Aperture or Notch of Sheet, for a similar device including means to engage a notch or aperture of a sheet to secure the sheet thereto.

Subclass: 46 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Device wherein the device includes one or more components which secures: (1) a sheet folded upon itself which component or components cooperates with the fold juncture and either (a) passes through the thickness dimension thereof at the juncture of the fold, (b) extends along the juncture of the fold, or (c) both (a) and (b) above; (2) a book to the device by cooperation with a folded sheet element thereof in a manner set forth in 1, above; or (3) a book to the device which component(s) is disposed between adjacent pages of the book at their bound margins.

Subclass: 47 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Device wherein the securing means is continuous with either the fold juncture of the leaf under part 1 or 2 of the definition of subclass 46 or the bound margin (e.g., sewn edge portion, etc.), of the pages of the book under part 3 of the definition of subclass 46.

Subclass: 48 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Device wherein the component is of a flexible, flaccid or readily deformable
material which is either a slender endless element (e.g., rubber band, etc.), or elongated element (e.g., string, etc.).

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
402, Binder Device Releasably Engaging Aperture or Notch of Sheet, subclasses 8+ for a device including a flexible, flaccid or deformable sheet retainer intended to pass through a sheet.

Subclass: 49 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Device wherein an end portion of the securing means is pivotally secured to the device to permit leaf or book removal.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
402, Binder Device Releasably Engaging Aperture or Notch of Sheet, subclass 23 for a device wherein the pivotally attached end of the sheet retainer in rotatably mounted on a separate and distinct pintle.

Subclass: 50 [Patents]

This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Device wherein the securing means passes through an opening disposed at the fold of the sheet as set forth under part 1 or 2 of the definition of subclass 46.

Subclass: 51 [Patents]

MISCELLANEOUS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter not otherwise classified above.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
462, Books, Strips, and Leaves for Manifolding, subclass 84 for miscellaneous subject matter classified therein and subclass 7 for a strip, book, and leaf combined.


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


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Last Modified: 6 October 2000