US PATENT SUBCLASS 172 / 245
CONVERTIBLE; OR CHANGEABLE BY DISASSEMBLY OR ASSEMBLY

Current as of: June, 1999
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172 /   HD   EARTH WORKING

245CONVERTIBLE; OR CHANGEABLE BY DISASSEMBLY OR ASSEMBLY {5}
246  DF  .~> To land vehicle with body
247  DF  .~> To device classifiable in another class
248  DF  .~> To different type of hitch
249  DF  .~> Plural simultaneously usable tools to single tool
250  DF  .~> Changeable by disassembly or assembly {3}

DEFINITION

Classification: 172/245

(under the class definition) Apparatus, (A) adapted to be rearranged to perform different functions, or (B) adapted to be altered so as to operate in a different way or change its function in some way by (1) the steps of disassembling the apparatus in some major portion and then reassembling the apparatus with the same or different portion, (2) the step of disassembling some major portion from the apparatus, or (3) the step of assembling some major portion to the apparatus.

(1) Note. Conversion features are common in this art. A mere preamble in a claim to the effect that a device is convertible or is a conversion attachment is generally not enough for classification under this definition. The conversion feature should be spelled out as by (a) specifically claiming one embodiment of an apparatus having a first function and claiming with that embodiment a feature useable only for a second conversion function, or (b) repeated functional statements in the claim, or (c) a preamble which is so long and detailed that it may be considered part of the body of the claim. Where no other suitable classification exists a broad mention of conversion may be enough for classification under this definition.

(2) Note. The change in the apparatus must be more than merely placing a part in one of a series of adjacent holes or in general making a change which amounts to only an adjustment or minor alteration in the overall functioning of the device.

(3) Note. The change must be more than to change a part between an operative and an inoperative position.

(4) Note. When the conversion consists of the assembly of a part the claim must recite some element of the combination

which has little or no utility when the part is in the combination but is useful when the part is absent from the combination.

(5) Note. Various specific types of apparatus which fit this definition have been considered to be better classified in subclasses below this subclass and not indented under it as indicated in the Search Notes. The general rule is that if a subclass below furnishes a specific home for subject matter apparently covered by this definition the patent is properly classified in the subclass below. SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

14, for a lawn edger convertible to a nonearth working implement.

34, for a complete apparatus adapted for use upside down.

136, for diverse tools, not of the hand-held type, carried at the same time in an apparatus but useable alternately only, by merely changing the position of the tools with respect to the earth.

243, for an earth working element which is changeable to or replaced by a ground support for transporting the apparatus.

310, for plural wheeled implements.

341, for hand guided wheeled straddle row type cultivators with an added intermediate tool.

355, for attendant guided or propelled wheeled implements with alternately useable tools rocked about a wheel axis.

375, for alternately useable hand-held earth working elements, carried at the same time in the apparatus and alternately useable by a mere change of position while remaining in the apparatus.

439+, for a device converting an automatic power control means to a nonautomatic position controlled mast-type hitch.

443, for an implement with a mast-type hitch adapted to be bolted to a tractor as a unit thereby inherently acting to convert a tractor adapted to use with a simple hitch to one having a mast-type hitch.

452+, for an automatic power control device converted to a nonautomatic lift device, especially subclass 465 for a device converting an automatic power control means to a servomotor with a follow-up control (e.g., a position controlled device). 535, for detachable rims for disks, which rims may be rollers.

536, for a wheel or roller and an axially adjacent earth working element on the same axis.

539, for a wheel or roller with a ridge or rim attached to convert it to an earth working device.

540+, for a wheel or roller with blades mounted on the circumference to convert it to an earth working device.

541, for a roller with tines, blades, or the like which may be projected from or withdrawn beneath the surface of the roller.

568, for a disk gang with a removable section.

577, for a reversible group of rolling earth working elements.

581, for groups of disk gangs changeable to different arrangements.

603, for a disk changeable to positions having a different angular relationship to adjacent structure when viewed in plan.

625, for plural tool groups which are relatively movable as a result of operation and connected to a forward draft bar and have alternate draft means.

702+, for an earth working element with a reversible part. 719, for an earth working element with an added-on cutting or wearing edge, point, or surface.

735, for an earth working element adjustable to present different working portions.

777+, for a scraper supporting a readily detachable narrow depending tool.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,

51+, for implements having parts or adjustments permitting conversion of said implement to a fork, shovel, other implement, or different type of the same implement.