Cooperative Patent Classification


CPC Definition - Subclass A41B

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Last Updated Version: 2017.08
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)
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.

A41B 1/00
Shirts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 1/02
with front inserts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Details of shirt fronts & front inserts
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

A41B 1/04
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.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Trouser supports attached to the shirt, waistcoat
A41B 1/06
exchangeably attached to underbodices, drawers, or the like
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 1/08
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.

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A41B 1/10
Closures (buttons A44B 1/00; sleeve links A44B 5/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Closures on collars of shirts

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

A41B 1/12
Neckbands
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Collars for shirts

Protectors for collars of outerwear

Cloth collars for outerwear
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.

A41B 1/14
Stiffeners for neckbands
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 1/16
Adjustable neckbands
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 1/18
Shirt-fronts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

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

A41B 1/20
Stiffeners for shirt-fronts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 1/22
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.

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A41B 3/00
Collars (A41B 1/00 takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Neckbands for shirts

Cloth collars for outerwear
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.

A41B 3/02
Closures, e.g. tabs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 3/04
fastening to shirts (collar-studs A44B 3/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 3/06
Stiffeners for collars
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 3/08
Combined stiffening and fastening devices
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 3/12
with supports for neckties or cravats
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Neckties provided with holding devices

Neckties with ready-made knot with holding devices

Neckties with knot tied by the user attachable to collar
A41B 3/14
Reversible collars
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 3/18
Protectors for collars
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Protectors for collars of outerwear
Special rules of classification

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

A41B 5/00
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.

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A41B 7/00
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.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Fixation of watches on clothing
A41B 7/02
Closures for cuffs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 7/04
Fastening cuffs to shirts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 7/06
Fastening cuffs to the sleeves of jackets
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 7/08
Stiffeners for cuffs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 7/10
Reversible cuffs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 7/12
Protectors for cuffs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 9/00
Undergarments (corsets, brassiéres A41C)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Protective undergarments comprising integral sweat/odor protection means

Selection of special materials for underwear

Under-arm shields for outerwear and underwear, usually for absorbing sweat
A41B 9/001
{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.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Knitting panties
A41B 9/002
{with thong, tonga or string shape}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 9/02
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.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Incontinence pants

Absorbent pants
A41B 9/023
{with separate spaces for genitals}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Promoting male erection

Incontinence devices
A41B 9/04
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.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Garments adhered to body to support absorbent pads
A41B 9/06
Undershirts; Chemises
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 9/08
Combined undergarments (panti-hose, body-stockings A41B 11/14)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 9/10
Petticoats
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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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.

A41B 9/12
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.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Absorbent pads for breast / torso

Additives (for odour) of absorbent pads

A61F13/15H8

Absorbent pads attaching to the body

Body deodorants

Textiles containing perfume or deodorants
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.

A41B 9/14
Waistbands forming part of the undergarments; Closures therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Waistbands for trousers or skirts
A41B 9/16
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.

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A41B 11/00
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.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

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

Insoles, inside shoes (also called socks)

Orthopedic for feet

Bandages for feet

Compression elastic stockings for curative purposes

Massage by own weight

Devices for stimulating reflex points accupuncture, shiatsu

Knitting stocking
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.

A41B 11/001
{Decoration; Marking}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 11/002
{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.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Marking laundry
A41B 11/005
{Hosiery made essentially of a multi-ply construction}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 11/006
{Hosiery with pockets}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Hosiery with shinguards

A63B71/21L

A41B 11/007
{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.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Hosiery with anti slip coating

Bathing shoes, socks for walking around swimmingpools, spas

Shoes with toes spreader

Profiled soles

Insoles, inside shoes (also called socks)

Swim aids for feet

Surfer feet devices

Water shoes
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.

A41B 11/008
{Hosiery with an anti-slip coating}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Hosiery with an added sole

Coating with silicone

Fabric treatment silicone
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.

A41B 11/01
Seams
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 11/02
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:

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A41B 11/04
of the stocking top
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 11/06
with interchangeable foot parts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 11/08
Stockings without foot parts
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Gaiters, spats

Overshoes

Hosiery with shinguards
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.

A41B 11/10
Stocking protectors (to be put in footwear A43B 23/28)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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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.

A41B 11/12
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.

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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.

A41B 11/121
{Elastic or flexible yarns knitted into the upper end}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 11/123
{Elastic or flexible bands attached at the upper end}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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Special rules of classification

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

A41B 11/125
{Integrated adjustable garter}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 11/126
{having friction increasing means}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 11/128
{in discontinuous form}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Coating silicone

Fabric treatment silicone
A41B 11/14
Panti-hose; Body-stockings
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Sportive tights

Professional or sportive protective overalls

Elastic trousers with curative purposes, compression stockings
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 13/0015.

For compression stockings forward to A61F 13/08.

A41B 11/143
{Panti-hose made of two separated stockings}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 11/146
{connected at the waistband}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 13/00
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.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Nursery furniture, devices for guiding / supporting children

Devices for preventing children from falling out of bed, restraining devices
A41B 13/005
{Overalls}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 13/04
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.

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A41B 13/06
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:

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Blankets

Travelling baby blanket

Sleeping bag
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.

A41B 13/08
Bodices
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 13/10
Bibs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

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

Napkins attachable to clothing

Napkin with separate holding devices

Lap trays

Surgical drapes
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.

A41B 13/103
{with a pocket}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 13/106
{with fastening means for attachment to tray or table}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 15/00
Handkerchiefs
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Paper tissues

Cleaning or scouring pads, wipes containing detergent
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.

A41B 15/02
Simulations of breast pocket handkerchiefs; Their attachment
Definition statement

This place covers:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

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A41B 17/00
Selection of special materials for underwear
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Textiles containing perfume or deodorants
A41B 2400/36
Deodorising or perfuming
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Containers for holding perfume

Holders for air deodorants

Body deodorants

Perfumes encapsulated in a carrier

Perfumes released by thermal or chemical activation

Textiles containing perfume or deodorants
United States Patent and Trademark Office