U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
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Class 412
BOOKBINDING: PROCESS AND APPARATUS
Class Definition:
This is the residual class for processes and apparatuses for
the manufacture of a book(*) its associated elements,
including the assembly of any or all its elements to each
other or to the book(*). The term book(*) as well as its
associated elements are defined in the Glossary of Terms.
GLOSSARY:
The following words, terms, or phrases have been defined in
an effort to maintain consistency as to their meaning and
also to minimize space in the titles and definitions. Each
word, term, or phrase will be followed by an asterisk (*) to
indicate that reference should be made to this glossary for
its specific meaning.
(1) Note. The terms making and manufacturing appearing in
the glossary terms, titles, or definitions of this class are
considered synonymous and may be used interchangeably.
BOOK(*)
A book consists of two or more sheets(*) secured together
either: (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. When a
margin of one sheet is attached to a margin of another
sheet(*) to obtain in effect a single sheet(*) or greater
area, the resulting article is still regarded as a sheet(*)
rather than a book. A folded sheet is not considered to be a
book. Book and bound book are synonomous terms and in both,
a covering member has not yet been applied. See this
Glossary for the definition of the term completed book(*).
BACK(*)
The back is that portion of a book formed where and when the
sections of it are united by sewing, stitching(*), or
stapling. The term back is sometimes erroneously used to
describe the portion of the outer covering member which
encloses the back, but the term spine(*) is preferred for
this portion of the covering member.
BACKING(*)
The book making operation referring to the step for making
the back(*) of the book(*), wherein the back(*) has been
previously sewn and glued, whereby the back edge of the
sheets(*), signatures(*), quires(*), etc., which make up the
book(*) are splayed outwards from the center of the book(*)
and gives the back(*) a convex shape. This adds to the
permanence of the back and provides an abutment for the
boards in the book(*) covering member. Rounding and
backing(*) are considered synonymous for purposes of the
terms of this Glossary.
COMPLETED BOOK(*)
A book(*) which has had its covering member attached.
CRASH(*)
A loose weave binding cloth which is generally applied with
adhesive to the back(*) of a bound book(*) as a reinforcing
material prior to the application of the book(*) covering
member.
END SHEETS(*)
The sheet(*) of paper at the front(*) and end of a book(*)
overlaying the inner sides of the boards of the covering
member serving with the linings(*) to secure the book(*) to
its associated covering member.
FRONT(*)
The first page or first sheet(*) of a book(*).
FREE EDGE(*)
The edge or edges of the bound book(*) which are not involved
with the fastening together of the sheets(*), etc., into the
book(*). The free edge is opposite the back(*) e.g., where
the binding, stitching(*), sewing, etc. is located; the other
edges are known as the head, i.e., the top edge and foot or
bottom edge also known as the tail.
JACKET
A protective structure, e.g., dust cover, assembled to but
not fastened to a completed book(*).
LINING(*)
The material used for or process of reinforcing the back(*)
of a bound book(*) by gluing a strip of the material to the
back(*) of the book.
PAGE(*)
A side of a sheet(*).
QUIRE(*)
A term of art meaning 24 sheets(*) of paper.
SHEET(*)
A body, usually paper, having two parallel surfaces both
dimensions of which are large in comparison with the third
dimension of the body. Sheets can be printed on or blank.
SIGNATURE(*)
A book(*) section, composed of a plurality of sheets having a
common fold; thus, the term signature is usually used
synonymously in this class with sheets(*) and quires(*) to
indicate printed or unprinted matter which is being fastened
together at the edges to form a bound book(*).
SPINE(*)
The hollow or portion of the covering member which connects
the boards.
STITCHING(*)
The process of fastening together sheets(*), signatures(*),
or quires(*) at one edge thereof to form a bound book(*).
Usually this is done by sewing with needle and thread, but
this may be done by a similar fastening operation.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
PROCESS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Process.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
53, Package Making, subclass 395 for methods of making
matchbooks.
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, subclasses 3+ for books and
leaves, per se; and subclasses 15+ for books, per se.
Subclass:
2
Of making multiple books(*) from a single book(*):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Process for
making a plurality of smaller books(*) by dividing a single
larger book into smaller sections.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, subclasses 16+ for multiple
books, per se.
Subclass:
3
Of making a case(*):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Process for
making a paper, board, cloth, or leather covering member,
formed by machine, intended to be fastened to a book(*).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
17 for apparatuses for making a case(*).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, subclasses 29+ for covers,
per se, in a book.
Subclass:
4
Of applying a cover to a book(*):
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Process for
assembling a book(*) or a plurality of unbound sheets(*),
signatures(*), or quires(*), etc., to a paper, board, cloth,
or leather covering member.
(1) Note. The assembly is permanent, e.g., it should
involve some form of permanent fastening, such as
stitching(*), gluing, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
19 for apparatuses for applying a cover.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes, appropriate subclasses for methods of molding
plastic material.
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, subclasses 29+ for covers,
per se.
Subclass:
5
Casing in:
This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Processes for
assembling a book(*) to a paper, board, cloth, or leather
covering member previously formed by machine.
(1) Note. The assembly is permanent, e.g., it should
involve some form of permanent fastening, such as
stitching(*), gluing, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 21+ for apparatus for casing in.
Subclass:
6
Of edge fastening:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Processes for
fastening together a plurality of sheets(*), signatures(*),
or quires(*) along one edge.
(1) Note. The fastening is usually by stitching(*), gluing,
or similar methods and usually is permanent.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 33+ for apparatuses for performing an edge
binding operation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, subclasses 21+ for
bindings, per se, of a book.
Subclass:
7
Marginally perforated sheet(*):
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Process wherein
the sheets(*), signatures(*), or quires(*) are provided with
an aperture adjacent an edge thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
38 for apparatuses for edge binding a marginally perforated
sheet.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
140, Wireworking, subclass 92.3 for processes including the
interlacing of a rotated helix with marginal perforations of
a plurality of sheets.
Subclass:
8
Of adhesive binding:
This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Process for
fastening elements of a book(*) by the use of a sticky
substance such as glue, cement, or paste.
(1) Note. The elements can constitute such structures as
sheets(*), signatures(*), quires(*), etc.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
36 for apparatus for edge binding utilizing adhesive tape,
lace, or ribbon.
37 for an apparatus for an edge binding operation just using
adhesive material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
appropriate subclasses for laminating operations per se not
specialized to book making; especially subclass 202 and 216
for pasting fabric coverings to boards with the edges turned
over the boards.
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, subclasses 21+ for bindings
in books, per se.
Subclass:
9
APPARATUS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
53, Package Making, subclass 394 for apparatus for making
matchbooks.
81, Tools, appropriate subclasses for vises intended to be
used in making books.
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, subclasses 3+ for books and
leaves, per se; and subclasses 15+ for books, per se.
Subclass:
10
Padding press:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus for
assembling and holding a plurality of sheets(*) under
pressure so that one edge of a stack of the sheets can be
coated with adhesive.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 22+ for presses utilized in a finishing
operation for making a book.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
100, Presses, appropriate subclasses for presses intended to
be used in making books.
Subclass:
11
With control means responsive to sensed condition:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus
provided with means capable of altering an operation of the
apparatus in direct response to sensing means which can
perceive a characteristic or change in a characteristic of
either the apparatus or of work being operated upon by the
apparatus.
Subclass:
12
And randomly actuated stopping or disabling means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Apparatus
further provided with means which automatically stops or
interrupts an operation of the apparatus or a portion thereof
upon the sensing of an abnormal or unpredicted occurrence of
an event, condition, or state which can occur during any
portion of the operation of the apparatus.
(1) Note. A typical abnormal condition could be a
misfeeding of a workpiece, i.e., the workpiece does not
properly register, or the workpiece is not of proper
dimensions required, etc.
Subclass:
13
With programmed, cyclic, or time responsive control means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus wherein
control means is provided with either (a) means for storing
coded instructions or other data necessary to regulate an
operation of the apparatus, (b) means repetitively regulating
a sequence of operational steps performed in or by the
apparatus, or (c) means for determining the time at which an
operation occurs or length of time taken to perform such an
operation in or by the apparatus.
(1) Note. The type of cyclic control under (b) above to be
found herein, includes limit switch arrangements of the
interlock type which control the sequence of operation based
on the movement of apparatus elements to specific locations,
e.g., the closing or opening of a door, etc.
Subclass:
14
With measuring, testing, or inspection means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus wherein
means are provided with either (a) determines a dimension,
quantity, or capacity of a characteristic or property of the
apparatus, a part thereof or material therein, (b) determine
the presence or existence of a characteristic or property of
the apparatus, a part thereof or material therein, or (c)
examines or verifies a characteristic or property of the
apparatus, a part thereof or material therein.
(1) Note. The measuring, testing, or inspecting means of
this subclass may also provide a visual, audible, or other
type of signal or indicator or a permanent record of the
determined dimension, quantity, capacity, characteristic
property, or examination or verification.
Subclass:
15
Repair means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus
specifically designed for reclaiming or rebuilding damaged
books(*) or elements of books.
(1) Note. The reclamation or rebuilding of books(*)
includes the rebinding of books.
Subclass:
16
With cutter:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus
provided with means for severing some portion of a book(*) or
elements thereof.
(1) Note. The cutter or severing means provided for in this
subclass is typically used to trim pages or covering members,
or perform similar operations on other elements of a
book(*).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
83, Cutting, appropriate subclasses for means for perforating
sheets, preparatory to binding them, and saw means used in
notching edges of sheets preparatory to binding.
144, Woodworking, for a clamp to be used in making a book or
for means for notching the edges of sheets preparatory to
binding them.
408, Cutting by the Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,
subclasses 72+ for the combination of drilling means with a
work support used in making books.
Subclass:
17
Case maker:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus
especially adapted for making a paper, board, cloth, or
leather covering member intended to fastened to a book(*).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, subclasses 29+ for covers,
per se.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus, subclasses 383+ for apparatus for reshaping a
plastic sheet or web.
Subclass:
18
Finishing apparatus:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus for
performing an operation upon a previously assembled book(*)
and its paper, board, cloth, or leather covering member or
fastening together a book and a paper, board, cloth, or
leather covering member.
(1) Note. The typical operation, provided for herein, would
be attaching a protective jacket(*), or decorating the
pages(*).
Subclass:
19
Cover applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Apparatus for
fastening together a bound book(*) and a paper, board, cloth,
or leather covering member intended to be fastened to a
book.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, subclasses 29+ for covers,
per se, of a book.
Subclass:
20
And means simultaneously binding edge:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Apparatus
wherein the book(*) is composed of a plurality of loose
sheets(*), and further wherein means are provided to fasten
the sheets, etc., at one edge and to apply a paper, board,
cloth, or leather covering member in a single step.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
subclasses 33+ for apparatuses for performing an edge
binding operation.
Subclass:
21
Means for casing-in:
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Apparatus for
fastening a paper, board, cloth, or leather covering member
made by machine to a book(*).
Subclass:
22
Presser or creaser:
This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Apparatus for
performing the step of placing a book(*) with its fastened
paper, board, cloth, or leather covering means cover(*) in a
press or putting a crease along the hinge line of a paper,
board, cloth, or leather covering means.
(1) Note. The presses of this subclass are designed to set
the applied glue to remove air pockets, etc.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
100, Presses, appropriate subclasses for presses intended to
be used in making books.
Subclass:
23
Press board:
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Apparatus
provided with a rigid planar body having a first plane side
and a second plane side, the first plane side being capable
of physically engaging a flat area of a book(*), to transmit
pressure applied to the second plane side through the planar
body to the flat area of the book.
(1) Note. The pressure being applied to the second plane
side and being transmitted through the body is produced by a
press apparatus and is intended to aid in properly forming
the finished book(*) or to aid in the drying of a book after
a casing-in operation.
Subclass:
24
Jacketing means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 18. Apparatus
specifically designed for applying a jacket(*).
Subclass:
25
Book working apparatus:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus
specifically adapted for operating upon a book(*) which has
been secured together at one edge.
(1) Note. This and intended subclasses are proper for
apparatus for performing various operations on a book(*)
prior to the application or assembly with a covering member.
Subclass:
26
Reinforcement applying means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Apparatus
specifically adapted for assembling a member to the book(*)
designed to give additional strength to the back(*) of the
book.
Subclass:
27
Lining(*) or crash(*) applying means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Apparatus
specifically adapted to apply lining(*) or crash(*) to the
back(*) of the book(*).
Subclass:
28
End sheets(*) attaching means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Apparatus for
fastening an end sheet(*) to a book(*).
Subclass:
29
Smashing or nipping means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Apparatus for
expelling the air from between individual sheets of an edge
bound book and for returning the book to a uniform size and
thickness after an edge binding operation.
(1) Note. The term nipping is used synonymomously with
smashing in the book making art.
Subclass:
30
Backing(*) means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Apparatus for
performing a backing(*) operation.
Subclass:
31
Headbanding means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Apparatus for
applying decorative strips to the head and foot of a back(*)
of an edge bound book(*).
(1) Note. The head and foot of a back(*), respectively, are
the top edge and the bottom edge of the back. See in the
glossary of terms, the definition of free edge(*), for a
further description of head and foot relating to book
making.
Subclass:
32
Free edge(*) finishing means, e.g., marbling, gliding, etc:
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Apparatus for
working on the free edges(*) of a book(*).
Subclass:
33
Edge binding apparatus:
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Apparatus for
fastening together along a common edge, a plurality of
sheets(*), signatures(*), or quires(*).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
144, Woodworking, for a clamp to be used in making a book or
for means for notching the edges of sheets preparatory to
binding them.
227, Elongated-Member-Driving Apparatus, appropriate
subclasses and particularly subclasses 19+ for apparatus
for assembling book leaves or signatures combined with means
to apply a staple, etc.; and subclasses 99+ for feeding
preassembled book leaves or signatures combined with means to
apply a staple, etc.
270, Sheet-Material Associating, for means for uniting leaves
together into books by pasting, stapling, or stitching,
provided there is included some means for folding the leaves
or associating the leaves for signatures. This class (270)
also provides for means for associating leaves or signatures
and folding leaves in the making of books.
281, Books, Strips, and Leaves, subclasses 21+ for binding,
per se, in books.
Subclass:
34
Deformable strip applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Apparatus
wherein the sheets(*), signatures(*), or quires(*) are
fastened together by a bendable striplike-clamping member.
Subclass:
35
Sewing means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Apparatus
wherein the sheets(*), etc., are fastened together using a
needle and thread.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
112, Sewing, subclasses 21+ for apparatus for sewing
books.
Subclass:
36
Lace, ribbon, or adhesive tape applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Apparatus
wherein the sheets(*), signatures(*), or quires(*) are
fastened together either by (a) a lace or ribbon passed
through notches or grooves cut across the thickness of the
back(*) of the sheets, etc., or (b) by using a strip of
adhesive tape applied to the back of the sheets.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
118, Coating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for means to
apply a coating, usually an adhesive, in the making of
books.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
appropriate subclasses for laminating operations, per se, not
specialized to bookmaking; and especially subclasses 461+
for apparatus for pasting fabric coverings to boards with the
edges turned over the boards.
Subclass:
37
Adhesive applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Apparatus
wherein the sheets(*), signatures(*), or quires(*) are
fastened together by an application of an adhesive material.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
118, Coating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for means for
applying a coating, usually an adhesive, for the making of
books.
Subclass:
38
Perforated sheet(*) binder:
This subclass is indented under subclass 33. Apparatus
specially adapted for applying a fastener to sheets(*),
signatures(*), or quires(*) having a fastener receiving hole
punched through their thickness dimension in an area other
than the bound edge of the sheets, signatures or quires.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
83, Cutting, appropriate subclasses for perforating sheets,
preparatory to binding them, and saw means used in notching
edges of sheets prepatory to binding.
408, Cutting by Use of Rotating Axially Moving Tool,
subclasses 72+ for the combination of drilling means with a
work support, used in the making of books.
Subclass:
39
Wire comb applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus
specially adapted for applying a fastener in the form of a
thin integral toothed strip made of metallic material
designed to be temporarily deformed for insertion through the
fastener receiving hole of the sheets(*), signatures(*), or
quires(*).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
140, Wireworking, subclass 92.3 for apparatus for
interlacing a rotated helix with marginal perforations of a
plurality of sheets.
Subclass:
40
Plastic comb applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus
specially adapted for applying a fastener in the form of a
thin integral toothed strip made of plastic material designed
to be temporarily deformed for insertion through the fastener
receiving hole of the sheets(*), signatures(*), or
quires(*).
Subclass:
41
And heat sealer:
This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Apparatus
wherein the fastener is composed of thermoplastic material
and further wherein the apparatus is provided with means
capable of melting a portion of said thermoplastic material.
Subclass:
42
Singular ring or ringlike element applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus
specially adapted for applying a fastener in the form of a
single annular element limited for insertion into a single
fastener receiving hole of the sheets(*), signatures(*), or
quires(*).
(1) Note. The fasteners of this subclass are restricted
such that only one fastener can bind only one hole per
fastener so that a multiple hole set of sheets(*),
signatures(*), or quires(*) will require multiple fasteners
to complete the binding operation.
Subclass:
43
Singular post or postlike element applier:
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Apparatus
specially adapted for applying a fastener in the form of a
single elongated rodlike element limited for insertion into a
single fastener receiving hole of the sheets(*),
signatures(*), or quires(*).
(1) Note. The fasteners of this subclass are restricted
such that only one fastener can bind only one hole per
fastener so that a multiple hole set of sheets(*),
signatures(*), or quires(*) will require multiple fasteners
to complete the binding operation.
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
The following subclasses are collections of disclosures
pertaining to various aspects of the book binding art which
do not form appropriate bases for subclasses in the previous
classification, i.e., subclasses higher in the schedule.
Documents are placed in these subclasses based on their
disclosure other than or independent from their claims or
claimed disclosure and in no instance do they represent the
entire extent of the prior art or disclosure for the
specified aspect.
Subclass:
900
ACTIVATING PREVIOUSLY APPLIED ADHESIVE:
Apparatus for performing a bookbinding operation which
utilizes means which activate (through heat, wetting, or
etc.) an adhesive which has been previously applied to one of
the elements being joined together.
Subclass:
901
PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVE:
Apparatus for performing a bookbinding operation involving
the use of elements which have had a pressure sensitive
adhesive applied to them prior to the operation.
Subclass:
902
HEATING AND PRESSING:
Apparatus for performing a bookbinding operation which
involves the application of heat and pressure to an element
or completed book(*).
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