​

CPC Definition - Subclass A41B

Printable version [PDF]
Last Updated Version: 2019.05
A41B
SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
Definition statement

This place covers:

Underwear covers shirts, hosiery, baby linen and hankerchiefs.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Outerwear (dressing-gowns, bathing costumes and pyjamas)

A41D

Special rules of classification

Machines, appliances or methods for making a particular article of apparel should be classified in the relevant group for the machine, appliance or method concerned in A41H and also as additional information with the symbol A41B - A41F.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Dressing-gown

A loose gown worn while making one's toilet or when in dishabille.

Shirts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media0.png

with front inserts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media1.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Details of shirt fronts & front inserts

A41B 1/18

Special rules of classification

For details of shirt-fronts, i.e. fastening of front inserts, classify in A41B 1/18

For shirts with front inserts, i.e. where the shirt is relevant, classify in A41B 1/02

convertible into cami-knickers
Definition statement

This place covers:

Shirts which are adapted at the lower end to pass between the legs.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media2.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Trouser supports attached to the shirt, waistcoat

A41F 5/00

exchangeably attached to underbodices, drawers, or the like
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media3.png

Details
Definition statement

This place covers:

Constructional details of shirts such as sleeves, pockets and seams but may also be used for accessories which can be attached to shirts.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media4.png

Closures (buttons A44B 1/00; sleeve links A44B 5/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media5.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Closures on collars of shirts

A41B 3/02

Special rules of classification

For collar or neckband closures, classify in A41B 3/02

For other closures in shirts, not on collars or neckbands classify in A41B 1/10

Neckbands
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media6.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Collars for shirts

A41B 3/00

Protectors for collars of outerwear

A41D 27/16

Cloth collars for outerwear

A41D 27/18

Special rules of classification

Classify in neckbands A41B 11/12 when it deals with the vertical part touching the neck.

Classify in collars A41B 3/00 when it deals with the folded part over the neckband.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Neckband

The part of the garment that encircles the neck.

Collar

The part of the garment which is folded over the neckband.

Stiffeners for neckbands
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media7.png

Adjustable neckbands
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media8.png

Shirt-fronts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media9.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Shirts with front inserts, i.e. where the shirt is relevant

A41B 1/02

Special rules of classification

For details of shirt-fronts, i.e. fastening of front inserts, classify in A41B 1/18

For shirts with front inserts, i.e. where the shirt is relevant, classify in A41B 1/02

Stiffeners for shirt-fronts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media10.png

False shirt-fronts, e.g. dickeys, with or without attached collars; Means for attaching or stretching
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media11.jpg

Collars (A41B 1/00 takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media12.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Neckbands for shirts

A41B 1/12

Cloth collars for outerwear

A41D 27/18

Special rules of classification

Classify in neckbands A41B 11/12 when it deals with the vertical part touching the neck.

Classify in collars A41B 3/00 when it deals with the folded part over the neckband.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Neckband

The part of the garment that encircles the neck.

Collar

The part of the garment which is folded over the neckband.

Closures, e.g. tabs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media13.png

fastening to shirts (collar-studs A44B 3/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media14.png

Stiffeners for collars
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media15.png

Combined stiffening and fastening devices
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media16.png

with supports for neckties or cravats
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media17.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Neckties provided with holding devices

A41D 25/003

Neckties with ready-made knot with holding devices

A41D 25/027

Neckties with knot tied by the user attachable to collar

A41D 25/12

Reversible collars
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media18.png

Protectors for collars
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media19.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Protectors for collars of outerwear

A41D 27/16

Special rules of classification

Comprises protectors for collars of shirts. For protectors for collars of outerwear classify in A41D 27/16.

Fold-line formings for collars or cuffs (folding collar or cuff edges while manufacturing A41H 33/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media20.png

Cuffs (A41B 1/00, A41B 3/00 take precedence; cuff links A44B 5/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media21.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Fixation of watches on clothing

G04B 37/1406

Closures for cuffs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media22.png

Fastening cuffs to shirts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media23.png

Fastening cuffs to the sleeves of jackets
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media24.png

Stiffeners for cuffs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media25.png

Reversible cuffs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media26.png

Protectors for cuffs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media27.png

Undergarments (corsets, brassiéres A41C)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

media28.jpg

media29.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Protective undergarments comprising integral sweat/odor protection means

A41B 9/12

Selection of special materials for underwear

A41B 17/00

Under-arm shields for outerwear and underwear, usually for absorbing sweat

A41D 27/13

{Underpants or briefs (specially adapted for men A41B 9/02; specially adapted for ladies A41B 9/04)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media30.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Knitting panties

D04B 1/243

{with thong, tonga or string shape}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media31.jpg

{with crotch line opening}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media82.png

{with releasable connection between crotch and front part}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media83.jpg

{with releasable waist connecting means}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media84.jpg

Drawers or underpants for men, with or without inserted crotch or seat parts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media32.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Incontinence pants

A61F 5/44

Absorbent pants

A61F 13/496

{with separate spaces for genitals}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media33.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Promoting male erection

A61F 5/41

Incontinence devices

A61F 5/44

Knickers for ladies, with or without inserted crotch or seat parts {(menstrual panties A61F 13/496)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media34.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Garments adhered to body to support absorbent pads

A61F 13/82

Undershirts; Chemises
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media35.png

Combined undergarments (panti-hose, body-stockings A41B 11/14)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media36.png

Petticoats
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media37.png

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Petticoat

A light loose undergarment (originally of calico, flannel, silk, etc.; now frequently of synthetic material) hanging from the shoulders or waist, and worn by a woman or girl under a dress or skirt.

Protective undergarments (combined with swabs or absorbent pads or specially adapted for supporting them A61F 13/15)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

media38.png

media39.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Absorbent pads for breast / torso

A61F 13/14

Absorbent pads attaching to the body

A61F 13/82

Additives (for odour) of absorbent pads

A61F 2013/8408

Body deodorants

A61Q 15/00

Textiles containing perfume or deodorants

D06M 13/005

Special rules of classification

This group comprises only when protection is done by textile; it does not comprise absorbent devices.

Comprises underwear having integral odor/sweat protection means. For separate under-arm shields for underwear or outerwear, usually for absorbing sweat, classify in A41D 27/13.

For underwear having shock protecting means classify in A41B 9/12 and give also relevant lower subgroup of A41D 13/05; i.e. A41D 13/0506 if protection is for the hip.

Waistbands forming part of the undergarments; Closures therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media40.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Waistbands for trousers or skirts

A41F 9/00

Shoulder-straps forming part of the undergarments (shoulder-straps in general A41F 15/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media41.png

Hosiery; Panti-hose (elastic stockings for curative purposes A61F 13/08)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media42.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Sporting garments with embedded elastic bands (but no compression therapeutic effect)

A41D 31/18

Insoles, inside shoes (also called socks)

A43B 17/00

Orthopedic for feet

A61F 5/0111

Bandages for feet

A61F 13/064

Compression elastic stockings for curative purposes

A61F 13/08

Massage by own weight

A61H 7/003

Devices for stimulating reflex points accupuncture, shiatsu

A61H 39/04

Knitting stocking

D04B 1/26

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Sock

Sense given in A41B : A short stocking covering the foot and usually reaching to the calf of the leg; half-hose. Sense given in A43B (shoes): A covering for the foot, of the nature of a light shoe, slipper, pump, sandal, patten, or clog.

{Decoration; Marking}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media43.jpg

{Pairing socks (devices for keeping articles together during laundering D06F 95/008)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media44.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Marking laundry

D06F 93/005

{Hosiery with intermediate sections of different elasticity}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media89.jpg

media86.jpg

{Hosiery with separated toe sections}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media87.jpg

media88.jpg

{Hosiery made essentially of a multi-ply construction}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media45.jpg

{Hosiery with pockets}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media46.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Hosiery with shinguards

A63B 71/1225

{Hosiery with an added sole, e.g. sole made of rubber or leather}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media47.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Hosiery with anti slip coating

A41B 11/008

Bathing shoes, socks for walking around swimmingpools, spas

A43B 5/08

Shoes with toes spreader

A43B 7/26

Profiled soles

A43B 13/223

Insoles, inside shoes (also called socks)

A43B 17/00

Swim aids for feet

A63B 31/11

Surfer feet devices

B63B 35/7936

Water shoes

B63B 35/83

Special rules of classification

Difference between A41B 11/007 & A41B 11/008:

For hosiery with anti-slip coating, i.e. very thin usually laminated layer or discrete coating portions, classify in A41B 11/008

For hosiery with added sole, i.e. added sole separately made of rubber or leather, classify in A41B 11/007.

It is obvious that an added sole will have anti-slip properties but it cannot be considered a coating and should not be classed in A41B 11/008, but in A41B 11/007 alone.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Sock

Sense given in A41B : A short stocking covering the foot and usually reaching to the calf of the leg; half-hose. Sense given in A43B: A covering for the foot, of the nature of a light shoe, slipper, pump, sandal, patten, or clog.

{Hosiery with an anti-slip coating}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media48.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Hosiery with an added sole

A41B 11/007

Coating with silicone

B05C 1/00

Fabric treatment silicone

D06M 15/643

Special rules of classification

Difference between A41B 11/007 & A41B 11/008:

For hosiery with anti-slip coating, i.e. very thin usually laminated layer or discrete coating portions, classify in A41B 11/008

For hosiery with added sole, i.e. added sole separately made of rubber or leather, classify in A41B 11/007.

It is obvious that an added sole will have anti-slip properties but it cannot be considered a coating and should not be classed in A41B 11/008, but in A41B 11/007 alone.

Seams
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media49.png

Reinforcements
Definition statement

This place covers:

Socks with protection for the feet should be classified here and in A41D 13/06.

Comprises cushioning.

Illustrative example:

media50.jpg

of the stocking top
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media51.jpg

with interchangeable foot parts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media52.jpg

Stockings without foot parts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

media53.jpgmedia54.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Gaiters, spats

A41D 17/00

Overshoes

A43B 3/16, A43B 5/18

Hosiery with shinguards

A63B 71/1225

Special rules of classification

When worn under garments or shoes, classify in stockings without foot parts A41B 11/08.

When worn over garments and/or shoes, classify in Gaiters/Spats A41D 17/00 and lower groups.

When worn only over shoes, forward to Overshoes: A43B 3/16, A43B 5/18.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Gaiter

A covering of cloth, leather, etc. for the ankle, or ankle and lower leg.

Spat

A short gaiter worn over the instep and reaching only a little way above the ankle, usually fastened under the foot by means of a strap.

Stocking protectors (to be put in footwear A43B 23/28)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media55.jpg

Special rules of classification

Comprises footies/shoe liners.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Footie/ shoe liner

Socks covering only foot parts.

Means at the upper end to keep the stockings up (A41B 11/04 takes precedence; suspenders A41F 11/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media56.jpg

media57.jpg

Special rules of classification

When suspension done by a different device from the stocking, classify in A41F 11/00 and lower groups.

When suspension is integral with stocking classify in A41B 11/12 and lower groups.

When stocking is adapted to allow separate garter to fasten, classify in A41F 11/00 and lower groups and as additional information in A41B 11/12.

Comprises cord inside sleeve at upper end.

{Elastic or flexible yarns knitted into the upper end}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media58.jpg

{Elastic or flexible bands attached at the upper end}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media59.jpg

Special rules of classification

For cord inside sleeve at upper end classify in A41B 11/12.

{Integrated adjustable garter}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

media60.jpg

media61.jpg

{having friction increasing means}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media62.jpg

{in discontinuous form}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media63.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Coating silicone

B05C 1/00

Fabric treatment silicone

D06M 15/643

Panti-hose; Body-stockings
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

media64.jpgmedia65.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Sportive tights

A41D 1/08

Professional or sportive protective overalls

A41D 13/02

Elastic trousers with curative purposes, compression stockings

A61F 13/08

Special rules of classification

For underwear panti-hose classify in A41B 11/14 and lower groups.

For sportive tights classify in A41D 1/08 and lower groups.

For underwear body stockings classify in A41B 11/14.

For professional or sportive protective overalls classify in A41D 13/02.

For sportive garments with embedded elastic bands but no compression classify in A41D 31/18.

For compression stockings forward to A61F 13/08.

{Panti-hose made of two separated stockings}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

media66.jpg

media67.jpg

{connected at the waistband}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

media68.jpg

media69.jpg

Baby linen (babies' napkins or holders therefor A61F 13/15 {; patients' garments specially adapted for babies A41D 13/1272})
Definition statement

This place covers:

Clothing or other cloth articles for an infant such as infant underwear or bibs, etc.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media70.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Nursery furniture, devices for guiding / supporting children

A47D 13/08

Devices for preventing children from falling out of bed, restraining devices

A47D 15/005

{Overalls}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media71.jpg

Babies' pants (combined with swabs or absorbent pads or specially adapted for supporting them A61F 13/15)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media72.jpg

Slip-in bags; Swaddling clothes
Definition statement

This place covers:

Sleeping-bags with the shape of a garment used as pyjamas for babies.

Illustrative example:

media73.jpg

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Blankets

A47G 9/0223

Travelling baby blanket

A47G 9/068

Sleeping bag

A47G 9/08

Special rules of classification

For sleeping-bags with the shape of a garment used as pyjamas for adults classify in A41D 10/00.

Always forward also sleeping-bags to A47G 9/08.

Bodices
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media74.jpg

Bibs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media75.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Toilet/cosmetic protecting mantles, shoulder-shields, bibs (hairdresser)

A45D 44/08

Napkins attachable to clothing

A47G 11/002

Napkin with separate holding devices

A47G 21/165

Lap trays

A47G 23/0608

Surgical drapes

A61B 46/00

Special rules of classification

When protection is for children/babies, classify in bibs: A41B 13/10. When protection is for adults, classify in aprons A41D 13/04.

For protectors of neckties classify in A41D 25/00.

{with a pocket}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media76.png

{with fastening means for attachment to tray or table}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media77.jpg

Handkerchiefs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media78.png

media79.png

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Paper tissues

A47K 10/16

Cleaning or scouring pads, wipes containing detergent

C11D 17/049

Special rules of classification

For exterior protection on arm of clothing to use as handkerchief, classify in A41D 27/12 and A41B 15/00.

If it has the shape of an armband, class additionally in A41D 20/00.

Simulations of breast pocket handkerchiefs; Their attachment
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

media81.png

Selection of special materials for underwear
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Textiles containing perfume or deodorants

D06M 13/005

Deodorising or perfuming
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Containers for holding perfume

A45D 34/00

Holders for air deodorants

A61L 9/12

Body deodorants

A61Q 15/00

Perfumes encapsulated in a carrier

C11D 3/505

Perfumes released by thermal or chemical activation

C11D 3/507

Textiles containing perfume or deodorants

D06M 13/005