CPC Definition - Subclass B64B

Last Updated Version: 2017.01
LIGHTER-THAN AIR AIRCRAFT
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Balloons
  • Blimps
  • Zeppelins
References
Informative references

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

Toy balloons

A63H 27/10

Landing gear for aircraft in general

B64C 25/00

Inflatable tents

E04H 15/20, E04H 15/22

Illuminated balloons

F21V 3/023

Meteorological balloons

G01W 1/08

Special rules of classification

Orthogonal Indexing Code B64B 2201/00 is used for hybrid airships.

Glossary of terms

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

Balloon

Rigid or non-rigid free-flying (no directional control) lighter than air aircraft

Blimp

Non-rigid flight controlled lighter than air aircraft

Zeppelin

Rigid flight controlled lighter than air aircraft

Hybrid airship

Aircraft where lift is produced by both lighter than air compartments and aerodynamic surfaces (wings)

Lighter-than-air aircraft
Definition statement

This place covers:

General lighter-than-air concepts; e.g. hybrid airships.

{Arrangements for landing or taking-off, e.g. alighting gear}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Landing gear for lighter-than-air aircraft.

References
Informative references

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

Landing gear for aircraft in general

B64C 25/00

Non-rigid airships (B64B 1/58 takes precedence; balloons B64B 1/40)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Non-conventional balloons, e.g. of non spherical shape.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Balloons

B64B 1/40

Arrangements or construction of gas bags

B64B 1/58

Informative references

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

Balloons

B64B 1/48

the profile being maintained by ties or cords connecting opposite surfaces
Definition statement

This place covers:

Non-rigid airships in which the contours of the outer covering are maintained by ties or cords connecting opposite inner surfaces of the outer covering

References
Informative references

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

Framework construction for rigid airships

B64B 1/08

Special rules of classification

The ties or cords maintain the shape of the inflated airship (note that B64B 1/02 is related to non-rigid airships), i.e. they are essentially in tension to maintain the shape. If the ties/cords connect unsubstantial frame members and are in tension due to the pressure in the inflated airship body, they can also connect frames related to the outer covering.

Rigid airships; Semi-rigid airships (B64B 1/58 takes precedence)
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Blimps
  • Zeppelins
  • Vacuum airships
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Arrangements or construction of gas-bags

B64B 1/58

Outer covering
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Construction and materials
  • Solar panels attached to the outer covering.
References
Informative references

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

Photovoltaic systems for generating electric power

H02S

Attachment to structure
Definition statement

This place covers:

Means for attaching the outer covering to the inner structure.

provided with wings or stabilising surfaces {(tail unit construction B64B 1/10; movable control surfaces B64B 1/12)}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Disposition or arrangements of wings or surfaces on the airship.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Tail unit construction, e.g. constructional details of fixed tail surfaces

B64B 1/10

Constructional details of movable control surfaces

B64B 1/12

surrounding hull
Definition statement

This place covers:

Arrangement of propellers in relation to the hull

Relationships with other classification places

Propellers in general are covered by B64C 11/00

Balloons (B64B 1/58 takes precedence; toy balloons A63H 27/10)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Conventional balloons of generally spherical shape where the outer cover serves as gas bag, e.g. traditional hot air balloons.

References
Informative references

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

Toy balloons are covered

A63H 27/10

Inflatable tents are covered

E04H 15/20 , E04H 15/22

Illuminated balloons are covered

F21V 3/023

Meteorological balloons are covered

G01W 1/08

Balloons for advertising are covered

G09F 21/00

Arrangements or construction of gas-bags; Filling arrangements
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Materials for balloons
  • Systems for filling the balloons
  • Constructional features of the gas bags
References
Informative references

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

Outercovering materials for rigid airships

B64B 1/14

Gas-bags surrounded by separate containers of inert gas
Definition statement

This place covers:

Gas-bags separated by containers of inert gas, e.g. ballonets for altitude control.

Mooring attachments
Definition statement

This place covers:

Arrangements or devices on the airship for mooring.

References
Informative references

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

Mooring masts for airships or balloons

B64F 1/14