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
the subclass number
preceding each subclass definition or on the
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( 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
There being present some means for attaching the device to a
support.
Subclass:
10
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
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
Including some means for securing the device to a support.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9
Subclass:
13
The attaching means being capable of use where a wall is the
support.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9
Subclass:
14
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
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
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
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
The books or some part of them being sealed.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
283, Printed Matter, subclasses 72+.
Subclass:
19.1
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
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
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
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
The signatures or leaves being spaced apart, usually by the
interposition of filler-strips.
Subclass:
23
The signatures or leaves being secured to strip of
substantially the same length as the signatures and leaves.
Subclass:
24
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
The backs of the signatures and leaves being slotted, the
planes of the cuts being inclined to the plane of the backs.
Subclass:
27
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
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
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
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
Head-bands, rings, and other elements restricted to use in
the binding of books.
Subclass:
29
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
Covers combined with pencils or pencil holders.
Subclass:
31
Covers with pockets attached or covers modified so as to
include pockets or receptacles.
Subclass:
32
Covers combined with means attached to them for pulling them
out from their positions on shelves.
Subclass:
33
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
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
Limp covers for books.
Subclass:
36
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
Inventions restricted to the sides of covers.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
29 through 35.
Subclass:
38
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
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
Leaves modified or mounted so as to render the books in which
they are bound flat-opening.
Subclass:
41
The inventions being embodied in single leaves.
Subclass:
42
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Last Modified: 6 October 2000