CPC Definition - Subclass A47K

Last Updated Version: 2026.01
SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES
Definition statement

This place covers:

Sanitary equipment for bathrooms and their accessories, e.g.: 

  • Wash-stands; Baths; Showers, sinks, wash-basins, closets or urinals;
  • Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste or the like;
  • Body washing or cleaning implements;
  • Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor;
  • Chamber pots; Chairs with toilet conveniences or specially adapted for use with toilets; or
  • Seats or covers for all kinds of closets.
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Hairdressing, shaving or cosmetic equipment

A45D

Sinks or domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water

E03C

Water-closets or urinals with flushing devices; Flushing valves therefor

E03D

Wash-stands; Appurtenances therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Wash-stands for personal hygiene or their appurtenances, e.g. holding devices or accessories.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Portable wash stands for washing the hair or scalp

A45D 19/04

Bowls or open containers for washing the hair

A45D 19/06

Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes

A61H 33/00

Baths for specific parts of the body, e.g. breast douches

A61H 35/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Connection of bathroom accessories to the wall

A47K 2201/00

Combinations of water tabs, soap dispensers and hand dryers

A47K 2210/00

Basins used in manual washing or cleaning of crockery, table-ware, cooking-ware or the like

A47L 17/02

Portable toilet tables; Wash cabinets or stands
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Washing facilities in vehicles

B60R 15/02

Sanitation in rail vehicles

B61D 35/00

Closet or like flushing arrangements for ships; Washing or bathing facilities peculiar to ships

B63B 29/14

Toilet fittings for aircraft

B64D 11/02

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Holding devices for basins or jugs

A47K 1/05

Holders or supports for basins

E03C 1/32

Wash-basins attachable to sinks; Collapsible washing stands attachable to sinks
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Supports attachable to kitchen sinks

A47J 47/20

Baths; Showers; Appurtenances therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Bathtubs standing alone or built in;
  • Showers, shower cabins or screens;
  • Accessories for bathtubs or showers.
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes

A61H 33/00

Baths for specific parts of the body, e.g. breast douches

A61H 35/00

Baths for subaquatic intestinal cleaning

A61M 9/00

{Accessories for baths, not provided for in other subgroups of group A47K 3/00; Insertions, e.g. for babies; Tubs suspended or inserted in baths; Security or alarm devices; Protecting linings or coverings; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting baths; Bath insulation}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons mounted on or in combination with a bathtub

A61G 7/1003

Baths (combined with showers A47K 3/20)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Baths combined with showers

A47K 3/20

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Water heaters for bathtubs or pools

F24H 1/54

Automatically filling bathtubs or pools; Reheating the water in bathtubs or pools

F24H 15/196

specially adapted for particular use, e.g. for washing the feet, for bathing in sitting position (collapsible baths specially adapted for particular use A47K 3/062)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Collapsible baths specially adapted for particular use

A47K 3/062

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Doors to get in and out of baths more easily

A47K 3/006

Built-in baths
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices for fastening baths to floors or walls; Adjustable bath feet

A47K 3/16

Cabinet baths
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Shower cabinets

A47K 3/30

Wave-producers or the like
Definition statement

This place covers:

Wave-producers or the like, e.g. with devices for admitting gas in the bath water.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Bathing devices for use with gas-containing liquid, or liquid in which gas is led or generated, e.g. carbon dioxide baths

A61H 33/02

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices for producing waves in swimming pools

E04H 4/0006

Separate seats or body supports
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Seats for chairs

A47C 7/02

Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons mounted on or in combination with a bathtub

A61G 7/1003

Replaceable separating walls for baths
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Separate partition walls, lids, protecting borders or the like for sinks

E03C 1/186

Bidets without upward spraying means
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices or hand implements for cleaning the buttocks

A47K 7/08

Devices in the toilet bowl producing upwardly-directed sprays; Modifications of the toilet bowl for use with such devices

E03D 9/08

Showers {or bathing douches} (combined with baths A47K 3/20)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Baths combined with showers

A47K 3/20

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets

B05B 1/00

Devices for suspending or supporting the supply pipe or supply hose of a shower-bath

E03C 1/06

Arrangements for curtains
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Curtains or curtain suspension devices

A47H

Combinations of baths, showers, sinks, wash-basins, closets, or urinals, not covered by a single other group of this subclass
Definition statement

This place covers:

Combinations of different sanitary appliances.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Domestic plumbing installations for combinations of baths, showers, sinks, wash-basins, closets, urinals or the like

A47K 2201/00

Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste or the like
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Holders or dispensers for solid, powdered or liquid soap;
  • Holders or dispensers for toothpaste; or
  • Foam or lather making devices for soap.
Soap boxes or receptacles
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Other soap-cake holders having fixing devices for cakes of soap, e.g. clamps, pins, magnets

A47K 5/05

having fixing devices for cakes of soap, e.g. clamps, pins, magnets
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Soap or soap-making

C11D

for solid soap
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks

A45D 40/00

for powdered soap
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling powdery toiletry or cosmetic substances

A45D 33/00

for liquid or pasty soap
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes

A45D 34/00

Sachet pads specially adapted for liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances

A45D 37/00

Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks

A45D 40/00

Foam or lather making devices
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Lather making devices for shaving

A45D 27/02

with mechanical drive
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Food mixers

A47J 43/04

for both soap and toothpaste or the like; in combination with holders for drinking glasses, toothbrushes, or the like {; Toothpaste dispensers; Dental care centers}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Soap dispensers per se

A47K 5/06

Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material, with auxiliary devices for expelling contents

B65D 35/28

Body washing or cleaning implements
Definition statement

This place covers:

Devices for cleaning the human body, with or without containing soap, e.g:

  • Mechanically driven devices; or
  • Devices used by hand or fixed to the wall or bathtub.
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes

A61H 33/00

Baths for specific parts of the body, e.g. breast douches

A61H 35/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Bathtubs or showers per se

A47K 3/00

Bathing sponges, brushes, gloves or similar cleaning or rubbing implements
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Brushes in general

A46B

Sponges for domestic cleaning

A47L 13/16

Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing

A61H 7/00

Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
Definition statement

This place covers:

Body-drying implements like towels, from fabric or paper and their dispensers, hand or mechanically driven; Toilet paper and its holders and dispensers, hand or mechanically driven; Drying the body by hot air.

Relationships with other classification places

Reusable packages or containers are classified in A47K, not reusable packages or containers are classified in B65D.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Hair drying

A45D 20/00

Curative hot-air baths

A61H 33/06

Sheet or web dispensers in general

B65H

Electric heating elements

H05B

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Details of dispensers

A47K 10/32

Towels (paper towels A47K 10/16)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Paper towels

A47K 10/16

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Woven fabrics

D03D

Non-woven fabrics

D04H

Paper towels; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dispensers for paper towels or toilet paper

A47K 10/32

for rolled-up webs
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Drawing-off paper from a roll in general

B65H

Towel dispensers; Toilet paper dispensers
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled up or folded textile towels.
  • Toilet paper dispensers.
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Containers for dispensing thin flat articles in succession

B65D 83/08

Sheet or web dispensers in general

B65H

Dispensing devices for pamphlets or similar advertising matter from vehicles

G09F 21/22

Advertising on paper articles, e.g. booklets or newspapers

G09F 23/10

Mechanically-driven towel dispensers (A47K 10/28 takes precedence; for paper towels or toilet-paper from a web A47K 10/34; for paper towels or toilet paper from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked, A47K 10/44)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Mechanically-driven towel dispensers, e.g. with storing devices for soiled towels.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Dispensers for paper towels or toilet paper dispensing a clean part and taking-up a soiled part, e.g. using rolls

A47K 10/28

Dispensers for paper towels or toilet paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means

A47K 10/34

Mechanical dispensers for paper towels or toilet paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked

A47K 10/44

the web being rolled-up
Definition statement

This place covers:

Dispensers for paper towels or toilet paper dispensing from a web, the web being rolled up with or without a tearing edge.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dispensers for paper towels or toilet paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means, with cutting devices

A47K 10/36

Dispensers for paper towels or toilet paper with means for storing soiled towels

A47K 10/46

Drying by means of hot air
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Hair-drying devices

A45D 20/00

Curative hot-air baths

A61H 33/06

Electric heating elements

H05B

Closets without flushing; Urinals without flushing; Chamber pots; Chairs with toilet conveniences or specially adapted for use with toilets
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Closets or urinals not connected to the water supply line or the sewerage;
  • Chamber pots or chairs with toilet arrangements; or
  • Cleaning tools for the toilet bowl.
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Toilet facilities for vehicles

B60R 15/04

Sanitation in rail vehicles

B61D 35/00

Closet or like flushing arrangements; Washing or bathing facilities peculiar to ships

B63B 29/14

Toilet fittings for aircraft

B64D 11/02

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Genital receptacles worn by the patient for collecting urine or other discharge from male member

A61F 5/453

Genital receptacles worn by the patient for collecting urine or other discharge from female member

A61F 5/455

Water-closets or urinals with flushing devices; Flushing valves therefor

E03D

Closets with recirculation of bowl-cleaning fluid

E03D 5/016

{Incinerator closets}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Toilets provided with any devices for directly consuming, e.g. by burning excreta, i.e. urine and faeces and/or deodorize relative emissions, irrespective of the type of heating means used.

Accessories, e.g. pre-treatment devices, specially adapted or arranged to these toilets.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Incinerators specially adapted for consuming animal litter

F23G 7/00

Sewage, sludge or waste products from water treatment installations

F23G 7/001

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Incinerators having supplementary heating, e.g. electric

F23G 5/08

Control systems for incinerators

F23G 5/50

Chamber-pots {; Throw-away urinals for non-bedridden persons; Chamber-pots for children, also with signalling means, e.g. with a music box, or the like}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Bed-pans, urinals or other sanitary devices for bed-ridden persons

A61G 9/00

Night cabinets or tables with closets or bidet equipment
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Bedside cabinets per se

A47B 79/00

{Disposable covers to keep the bowl clean}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dispensers or holders for protecting covers for toilet bowls, seats or covers

A47K 17/003

Urinals without flushing
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Bed-pans, urinals or other sanitary devices for bed-ridden persons

A61G 9/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Genital receptacles for collecting urine or other discharge from male member

A61F 5/453

Portable urination aids for females, e.g. to allow females to urinate from a standing position

A61F 5/4556

Urinals with flushing arrangements

E03D 13/00

Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
Definition statement

This place covers:

Toilet seats or covers or accessories therefor, e.g. mounting, cleaning, heating or ventilating devices or user protections.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Toilets for pets adapted to fit on conventional toilets

A01K 1/0121

Special rules of classification

Devices for cleaning, heating or ventilating are classified here only if incorporated in the seat but not in the bowl.

Devices for raising and lowering {; Collapsible or rotating seats or covers}
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Devices for raising and lowering seats or covers for all kinds of closets, e.g. tilting or lifting mechanisms.
  • Collapsible or rotating seats or covers.
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Flushing devices operated by the seat or cover

E03D 5/04

Parts or details not covered in, or of interest apart from, groups A47K 13/02 - A47K 13/22
Definition statement

This place covers:

E.g. devices imparting a swinging or vibrating motion to the seats.

Mounting devices for seats or covers
References
References out of a residual place

Examples of places in relation to which this place is residual:

Hinges for seats or covers for all kinds of closets

A47K 13/12

Adjustably-mounted seats or covers
References
References out of a residual place

Examples of places in relation to which this place is residual:

Auxiliary or portable seats for children

A47K 13/06

{Seats with cleaning devices}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Automatic cleaning devices for lavatories

E03D 9/002

Other sanitary equipment not covered by the other groups of this subclass {; Holders for toilet brushes}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Other equipment concerning the sanitary devices not otherwise provided in A47K, e.g.:

  • Body supports which are not seats;
  • Separate apparatus for deodorising, disinfecting or cleaning without flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers;
  • Holders for toilet brushes.
References
References out of a residual place

Examples of places in relation to which this place is residual:

Hand tools for cleaning the toilet bowl

A47K 11/10

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Toilets for pets adapted to fit on conventional toilets

A01K 1/0121

Portable urination aids for females

A61F 5/4556

Devices for receiving spittle

A61J 19/00

Methods or apparatus for sterilising materials or objects in general; Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air

A61L

Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl

E03D 9/00

Water-closet bowls combined with wash-basins, urinals, flushing devices for chamber-pots, bed-pans or the like

E03D 11/025

Body supports, other than seats, for closets, e.g. handles, back-rests, foot-rests; Accessories for closets, e.g. reading tables
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons mounted on or in combination with a bathtub

A61G 7/1003