CPC Definition - Subclass B60D

Last Updated Version: 2022.08
VEHICLE CONNECTIONS (components of brake systems B60T 17/04)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Types of hitches/devices which are not covered by this subclass include:

  • Carriers for bikes or other load which are connected to hitches.
  • Hitches which are used not between vehicles e.g. Between bikes.
  • No 5th-wheel couplings.
  • Electrical / hydraulic / pneumatic connections as long as the hitch / part of the hitch is concerned, as e.g. Fixation to the hitch, sensor on the hitch, etc.
References
Informative references

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

Agricultural machines like tractors, plows, etc.

A01B

Lighting, signalling;

B60Q

Vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for;

B60R

Supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring of vehicles

B60S

Brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof;

B60T

Carts (with hitches)

B62B

K - motor-cycles, accessories therefor;

B62J

Testing of vehicles.

G01M

Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices (devices specially adapted for connection between tractors and agricultural machines or implements A01B 59/00; fifth-wheel couplings B62D)
Definition statement

This place covers:

All kinds of couplings between vehicles, but not between bikes, motorbikes. If a connection is solely claimed for connecting multiple bikes or motorbikes or connecting trailers solely to bikes or motorbikes then the connection should indeed not be classified in B60D but in the respective classes for bikes or motorbikes like e.g. B62K 27/00. For classifying such a document it should then be referred to that field only.

However, in practise most of the connections are NOT explicitly claimed for bikes or motorbikes which then makes the documents relevant to be classified in B60D.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Devices specially adapted for connection between tractors and agricultural machines

A01B 59/00

External carriers for bikes

B60R 9/10

Carts

B62B

Bikes or motorbikes

B62K 27/00

Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
Definition statement

This place covers:

Traction couplings or hitches according to their type, e.g. ball-and-socket hitches, bolt-type couplings etc.

References
Informative references

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

5th wheel couplings

B62D 53/08

Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type
Definition statement

This place covers:

Gears according to their type, e.g. V shaped draw gears or draw gears which consist of a single longitudinal bar.

characterised by arrangements for particular functions
Definition statement

This place covers:

Rather than for the features of the devices they are classified according to their function into the main or different sub-groups like remote control of release function, preventing unwanted disengagements etc.

characterised by the mounting
Definition statement

This place covers:

Mountings or supports for hitches on the towing vehicle body. Opposite to this, class B60D 1/143 concerns also features related to mounting but specifically only draw gears fixed to the towed vehicle. B60D 1/48 is intended to further specify the kind of fixation of the vehicle hitch/draw gear to the towing vehicle body.

Auxiliary devices
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Load, weight, angle, force, torque measuring or sensing devices
  • Length of drawbar or position measuring devices.
  • Coupling monitoring systems such as alarm systems (theft prevention)
  • Brake system for hitches.
  • Safety devices.
  • Auxilliary accessories on hitches (such as steps).
References
Informative references

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

Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for

B60R 16/00

Vehicle brake control systems or parts thereof

B60T

Ground-engaging vehicle fittings for supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring the vehicle, wholly or in part, e.g. built-in jacks

B66S9/00

Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor

G01R 21/00

Radio direction-finding; radio navigation; determining distance or velocity by use of radio waves; locating or presence-detecting by use of the reflection or reradiation of radio waves; analogous arrangements using other waves

G01S

Line connectors; current collectors

H01R

Fittings to facilitate pushing (B60D 1/00 takes precedence; vehicle bumpers B60R 19/02; steering arrangements for backing a normally-drawn trailer B62D 13/06)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Couplings for facilitating pushing

Gangways for coupled vehicles, e.g. of concertina type
Definition statement

This place covers:

Bellow or concertina type gangway between coupled vehicles, such as between two wagons, as e.g. rotatable platforms.

References
Informative references

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

Communication passages between coaches, e.g. platforms; Adaptation of coach ends therefor

B61D 17/20

Flexible Communication passages between coaches, e.g. bellows; Adaptation of coach ends therefor

B61D 17/22

Articulated buses with interconnecting passageway, e.g. bellows

B62D 47/025

Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Definition statement

This place covers:

Connections not otherwise provided for like temporary vehicle connections which can be connected or unconnected while driving.