US PATENT CLASS 24
Class Notes


Current as of: June, 1999
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24 /   HD   BUCKLES, BUTTONS, CLASPS, ETC.



DEFINITION

Classification: 24/

This class provides for buckles, buttons, clasps, cord and rope holders, pins, separable fasteners, etc., which have become so varied in use and so allied in structure as to belong to no specific art, but are novel only as to their structures. There are, however, several types of fastenings included where the devices are but slightly identified with the art and are closely analogous to the main titles above cited. Such patents are retained under more or less art titles. Devices which embrace fastenings as above, but also include elements which connect them with various specific arts, have been excluded as far as practicable.

The fastenings have been classified structurally as far as possible, and where two or more simple fastenings are contained in one structure, it is found in subclasses indicating the kinds of fastenings so combined. This scheme is followed also through out those art subclasses which have been retained, where possible.

Many of the securing means placed within subclasses 287+ claim with the means an amount of structure-to-be-secured* necessary for either (a) completing the securing operation, (b) connecting components of the securing means together, (c) linking distinct securing means together, or (d) mounting the securing means. The mere naming of or recitation of the above (i.e., a-d) limited amount of structure-to-be-secured* will not exclude classification from Class 24, unless this subject matter is provided for elsewhere. Specific details or specificity of the structure-to-be-secured* going beyond this amount are excluded for this class and are placed in the particular class providing for that type of structure-to-be-secured*, combination, or mounting.

(1) Note. A securing means claimed in combination with a tool for operating it is classified in the appropriate class for the tool when a specific detail of the tool is claimed.

LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES

All U. S. patents within subclasses 287+ are placed according to the following procedure: Original patents having claims defining subject matter within the scope normally associated

with these subclasses should be placed within the first occurring subclass array and furthest, sequentially indented subclass thereunder which the claimed subject matter fits and if there are additional subclasses indented thereunder, on disclosure into the first occurring and furthest, sequentially indented subclass which the disclosed and claimed subject matter fits. It is additionally considered mandatory to cross-reference any independent claims(s), other than the one governing original placement or other claims defining the same subject matter, below into different subclass arrays using the same principles of placement by which the original is placed. Further, if the subject matter of the patent used in placing the original is a species of a generic claim and there are plural species disclosed in the patent, then it is mandatory to cross-reference the patent to the first subclass immediately above and under which the original's subclass is indented which can fully accept the subject matter of all claimed and disclosed species. However, if the patents are more than 17 years old, the cross-referencing of any claimed subject matter to a different subclass array, either above or below that into which the original is placed, is solely discretionary and is not mandatory if it is felt that the claimed subject matter is already well represented in these other subclass arrays.

LINE BETWEEN CLASS 24 AND CLASS 2

The line with Class 2, Apparel, and this class (24) with respect to garment supporters is as follows: Class 24 takes single or combined securing means used to support a garment or to hold parts of a garment supporter together when either (a) no significant structural feature of the garment or held parts is claimed or (b) the specific configuration of the held parts of the supporter is not claimed. Examples of the garment supporters proper for Class 24 are (1) two distinct securing means connected by a single nominally recited strip or strand, (2) cooperating components of a securing means located on the ends of a nominally recited belt, strip, or strand for holding the ends together to form a loop, and (3) securing means for holding together two or more named garments or named parts of a garment supporter.

Class 2 takes all other garment supporters or parts thereof not provided for elsewhere.

Patents claiming either (1) two or more discrete, rigid* or semirigid* (i.e., nonflaccid), joined members and details peculiar to their common joint or (2) a fastener constructed with features peculiarly adapting it for use with such members (e.g., angle clamp, converging clasp for members having divergent cross sections, jointed connector allowing relative movement between members) and disclosing that the members are (a) mere stock material having only general utility until joined together into a particular assemblage (e.g., framework members transmitting force to one another),

(b) components of an assemblage, each of which have the same utility before and after joining, but when joined together interact with each other to accomplish a common task and no longer have any independent operation (e.g., torque transmitting rods, pipeline), (c) subcomponents of an assemblage one of which having utility only when interacting with the other to accomplish a specific task (e.g., windshield wiper and windshield), or (d) articles each having independent utility and when joined together cooperate with each other to change, enhance, or make interdependent their operation (e.g., articulated trailers) have been classified in the appropriate class (e.g., Class 64, Class 74, Class 248, Class 280, Class 285, Class 439, or Class 403) based on details of the members or joint.

LINE BETWEEN CLASS 24 AND CLASS 248

The line between this class (24) and Class 248 is largely based on disclosure. Thus, inventions which involve distinct means for engaging a support and a supported article wherein the sole disclosure is of a support against gravity are classifiable in Class 248 even though it may be possible to find other utility therefore. Subcombinations of such devices are classifiable in Class 248 in the absence of a clear indication of general utility for the subcombination. For example, a clip* in general is classified in this class (24) even when disclosed as having a supporting function; however, when a clip* is particularly adapted for service as a support against gravity (e.g., the gripping jaw is gravity actuated) or as a hold down and there is no other utility disclosed, then it is classified in Class 248.

Devices intended for transmitting an active pushing, pulling, lifting, or driving force through their structure from a force input element to a separate (a) transportable load, (b) piece of work or (b) tool are classified elsewhere based upon the type of function of the input element (e.g., if it is a cable, if it is a handle, if it is for a load grab of a vertically swinging load support, if it is a pushing or pulling implement, if it is for a tool holding chuck, if it is a press--See the search class notes below for this subject matter)

REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS

2, Apparel, appropriate subclasses for a fastener claimed in combination with either specific apparel structure or specific additional apparel supporting structure, and see (1) Note of this class definition for the line between Class 2 and Class 24.

16, Miscellaneous Hardware, for a handle.

29, Metal Working, appropriate subclasses, for a process or means to make a Class 24 fastener.

40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, appropriate subclasses for a fastener either claimed in combination with information exhibiting structure (e.g., badge, tag) or claiming a special accommodating feature (e.g., holder) for information exhibiting structure.

63, Jewelry, appropriate subclasses for a fastener either (a) in combination with jewelry structure, (b) having an ornamental shape, (c) having a special accommodating feature (e.g., setting) for jewelry structure, or (d) constructed from valuable decorative material (e.g., gold).

70, Locks, appropriate subclasses for a fastener which either (a) is combined with distinct locking means or (b) requires the aid of a key or specialized tool to release it.

100, Presses, for a press.

119, Animal Husbandry,

863+, for an animal collar or harness having a particular buckle, length-fixing, or end-joining means.

132, Toilet,

9+, for a device which fastens hair.

156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, appropriate subclasses for a method or an apparatus to fasten two members together with an adhesive.

163, Needle and Pin Making, appropriate subclasses for an apparatus for or a method to make a pin.

224, Package and Article Carriers, appropriate subclasses for a fastener which holds an article, while it is being transported between two locations, upon a person or vehicle. 248, Supports, appropriate subclasses for a fastener which supports an article against gravity, and see (5) Note of this class definition for the line between Class 24 and Class 248.

254, Implements or Appartus for Pushing or Pulling Force, if it is a pushing or pulling implement,

269, Work Holders, appropriate subclasses for means for holding an article at a location while it is being operated on or treated.

279, Chucks or Sockets, appropriate subclasses for means which grips a pipe, rod, or tool and transmits a rotating or reciprocating force thereto from an unclaimed power source.

285, Pipe Joints or Couplings, appropriate subclasses for a coupling means, per se, which has a structural feature

particular to connecting pipes.

292, Closure Fasteners, appropriate subclasses for a fastener which is intended to hold a distinct closure in a position blocking an opening.

294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, appropriate subclasses for a fastener which transmits a force from a handle or hoist-line to an object or material moved thereby.

402, Binder Device Releasably Engaging Aperture or Notch of Sheet, appropriate subclasses for retaining means which passes through or forms an opening in a sheet of paper to releasably secure it.

403, Joints and Connections, appropriate subclasses for a joint between (a) two rigid* or semi-rigid* members, (b) two portions of a rigid* or semi-rigid* member, or (c) a flaccid* and a rigid* or semi-rigid* member which involves either an intrinsic property of one of the members or portions thereof or a particular relationship between the members or portions; and fastening means, per se, limited to such joints by their structure.

410, Freight Accommodations On Freight Carrier, appropriate subclasses for means to secure an article to a freight carrier.

411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or Locked-Threaded Fastener, appropriate subclasses for a general utility fastener which is (a) tool driven, (b) tool manipulated, or (c) deformed during the fastening operation and devices used in conjunction with such fasteners. 414, Material or Article Handling, for a load grab of a vertically swinging load support.

439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for a detachable connector (e.g., fastener), per se, which either (a) is specially designed for, (b) includes structure having particular utility for, or (c) has the sole disclosed utility of conducting electricity; and see the class definition of Class 439, section IV for the line between Class 24 and Class 439.

GLOSSARY:

Terms or phrases used in titles or definitions, either repeatedly or in a special and limited sense, are set forth below with the meaning each is to have for subclasses 287+. For economy of space, an asterisk (*) following a word indicates that reference should be made to this Glossary for the specific meaning thereof while an (*) following a hyphenated phrase, e.g., structure-to-be-secured(*), indicates that that entire hyphenated term as such has been defined in this Glossary.

BUCKLE(*)

A securing means wherein either member is adapted to allow structure-to-be-se-cured (*) to pass therethrough, or wherein the members are adapted to allow structure-to-be-secured(*) to pass completely therebetween in a path generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the members. Buckles are designed to adjustably secure belts, bands, or similar longitudinal articles and generally operate by having one end of the belt band, etc., fixed securely to one end of the buckle with another frictionally or resiliently securing the belt, band, etc., or by passing through a provided for aperture in the belt, band, etc., and generally also has two connected, relatively movable members.

CLASP(*)

A securing mechanism or element including two coacting members or member segments having gripping surfaces which engage portions of structure-to-be-secured* on opposite sides in a jawlike manner to thereby (a) prevent or hinder the movement of struc-ture-to-be secured* relative to the surfaces in at least one direction, (b) prevent or hinder the separation of distinct portions of the structure-to-be-secured* from each other, or (c) perform a securement of structure-to-be-secured* by overedge engagement thereof. The gripping surfaces of the coacting members or member segments are intended to be always easily moved into and out of engagement with the structure-to-be-secured* by either direct manual or tool force thereon or actuation of an attached operator*. In addition, both of the coacting members or member segment, when engaging with or disengaging from the structure-to-be-secured*, do not exceed the elastic limit of or destroy any portion of the securing mechanism or element. If the mechanism or element is formed from either a single piece or plural fixedly attached pieces of rigid* material, then the structural shape of the gripping surfaces and the outward force of the compressed structure-to-be-secured* provide the gripping force required above.

CLIP(*)

A securing mechanism or element including a member which (1) is intended to be connected or attached to a rigid or semirigid supporting member (e.g., wall, floor, roof) or article (e.g., pen, vehicle) having an additional and usually principle function other than normally associated with this class, and (2) has a gripping surface intended to coact with the surface of the supporting member or article to engage the opposite sides of a distinct structure-to-be-secured* positioned therebetween to prevent or hinder either (a) the movement of the structure-to-be-secured* relative to the surfaces in one direction, or (b) the separation of a structure-to-be-secured* from the supporting member or article.

The gripping surface of the member is intended to be always easily moved into and out of engagement with the structure-to-be-secured* by either direct manual or tool force thereon or actuation of an attached operator*. In addition, the gripping surface, when engaging with or disengaging from the structure-to-be-secured does not exceed the elastic limit of or destroy any portion of the securing mechanism or element. If the mechanism or element is formed from either a single piece or plural fixedly attached pieces of rigid* material, then the structural shape of the gripping surfaces and the outward force of the compressed structure-to-be-secured provide the gripping force required above.

DRAWSTRING*

A securing mechanism including both a string (i.e., a thin elongated flaccid member) and guiding means therefor (e.g., eyelet, hollow hem) located on a portion of the structure-to-be-secured* which surrounds an opening; wherein the string (a) encircles the opening, (b) draws the perimeter of the structure-to-be-secured* toward the center of the opening to close or tighten it when a portion of the string is pulled through its guiding means to shorten the effective length of the remaining portion of the string encircling the opening, and (c) secures the perimeter of the structure-to-be-secured* in its new position when the extracted portion of the string which was pulled through the guide means is prevented from moving (e.g., tied).

FLACCID*

Structure which, when subjected to a distortion force less than or equal to earth's gravitational force, is incapable (in at least one of its orientations) of maintaining its previous formational shape or being self-supporting over any appreciable dimension.

HAND-ACTUATED(*); HAND-OPERATED(*)

The term hand-actuated or hand-operated is used in the sense of like contact with a living being and solely applies to the use of the hand in operating a fastener (i.e., moving portions of the fastener relative to each other) of the Class 24 type.

LACED-FASTENER*

A securing mechanism including both a string (i.e., a thin elongated flaccid* member) and guiding means (e.g., path defining eyelets) therefor located on two spaced edges of the structure-to-be-secured*; wherein the string (a) links together the guiding means on opposite sides of and traverses the gap between the edges, (b) draws the edges toward each other when a portion of the string is pulled past its guiding means to shorten the effective length of the remaining portion of the string traversing the gap, and (c) secures the edges in fixed relationship to each other when the extracted

portion of the string is prevented from moving (e.g., tied).

LOCKING MEANS*

A component having the sole function of restricting the movement between and holding in a particular position or orientation (e.g., not moving or reorienting) either (1) one portion of the fastener relative to another portion of the fastener, or (2) one fastener relative to another fastener. OPERATOR*

A manipulable mechanical means which contacts and moves with respect to a shiftable portion of a fastener mechanism to reposition or transmit an input force to the shiftable portion. A mere spring which effects the movement of the parts of the fastener mechanism, for example, by utilizing stored energy to return its parts to a starting position, is not included in the meaning of this term.

PIN*

A securing mechanism having both (a) a portion specifically shaped (e.g., pointed) to facilitate impaling of and penetration into either the structure-to-be-secured* or a supporting member therefor during its operation and (b) a remaining portion (e.g., head) not intended to penetrate either the structure-to-be-secured* or a supporting member therefor in the final securing position of the mechanism. In addition, the penetrating portion of the securing mechanism is intended to be always easily impaled into and extracted from the penetrated area of the structure-to-be-secured* or its supporting member by unaided directed manual force. Finally, the normal securing or releasing operation of the mechanism requires no portion of the mechanism to be destroyed or undergo forces in excess of those causing plastic deformation of the material from which it is constructed.

RESILIENT*

Structure which is both capable (a) of distortion when subjected to a force of the magnitude normally encountered within the disclosed environment and (b) of complete resumption of its original shape due to the energy stored within it by the distortion force after its removal.

RIGID*

Structure which when subjected to a distortion force normally encountered within the environment (as defined by the disclosure and associated with the securing operation of a Class 24 fastener) is capable of resisting this force if applied to the structure in any orientation and maintaining its previous formational shape thereafter.

SEMIRIGID*

Structure which is both (a) capable of resisting distortion (i.e., maintaining its previous formational shape or being self supporting over all appreciable dimensions) caused by a force applied to it in any of its orientations which is of a magnitude equal to or less than the earth's gravitational force and (b) incapable of resisting distortion caused by a force applied to it which is normally encountered in its working environment (e.g., ductile or resilient* structure).

SEPARABLE-FASTENER* A securing mechanism including two, separate, dissociable, mating members having faces which directly or through a separate linking member (1) contact and interlock (i.e., the movement between the faces is restricted in the direction force is transmitted thereto by the structure-to-be-secured*) with each other when fastening either (a) spaced portions of the structure-to-be-secured* together, or (b) the structure-to-be-secured* to a supporting member having a principle function not associated with this class (e.g., door, wall) and (2) are intended to be always easily associated or dissociated from each other either by direct manual force or by actuation of an operator* attached to one of the members. Both of the mating members of this mechanism are intended to be attached to or formed from a section of either the structure-to-be-secured* or a supporting member therefor and neither of these members is ever structurally linked to the other by any structure other than the structure-to-be-secured* when their faces are not in their interlock position. In addition, both of the members when associated or dissociated do not exceed the elastic limit, or destroy any portion, or the material forming the faces.

STRUCTURE-TO-BE-SECURED*

Structure having a principle function other than that normally associated with this class (i.e., not a component of a Class 24 fastener) which is attached, fastened, gripped, or secured by a Class 24 fastener, either to itself or to another structure.

SUPPORT-CLAMP(*)

A securing mechanism or element which (1) is attached to the structure-to-be-secured* for subsequently mounting it on a rigid* or semirigid* member (e.g., wall, floor, roof) or article (e.g., pen, vehicle) having an additional and usually principal function other than normally associated with this class, and (2) having either (a) a gripping surface which is mounted to and intended to coact with an opposed gripping surface formed by the structure-to-be-secured* to engage the opposite sides of the rigid or semirigid member or article positioned therebetween, or (b) two coacting members or member segments having gripping surfaces which engage opposite sides of the rigid* or semirigid* member or article in a jawlike manner, and (3) having structure which hinders

the movement of the gripping surfaces relative to the member or article and prevents the separation of the structure-to-be-secured* from the member or article. The gripping surfaces of the securing mechanism or element are intended to be always easily moved into and out of engagement with the rigid* or semirigid* member or article by either direct manual or tool force thereon or actuation of an operator* attached to the securing mechanism or element. In addition, the gripping surfaces of the securing mechanism or element, when engaging with or disengaging from the rigid* or semirigid* member or article, do not exceed the elastic limit of or destroy any portion of the securing mechanism or element. If the mechanism or element is formed from either a single piece or plural fixedly attached pieces of rigid* material, then the structural shape of the gripping surfaces and the outward force of the compressed structure-to-be-secured* provides the gripping force required above.

TOOLS(*)

An instrument for affecting the operation of a Class 24 fastener usually operated by hand and totally separable from the fastener after affecting operation.

ZIPPER(*)

A mechanism for either closing an opening in structure-to-be-secured*, or connecting together separate members of structure to be secured* including (a) two, opposed, elongated, cooperating, configured surfaces which are attached to the structure-to-be-secured* by mounting means and intended to directly contact and interlock with each other (i.e., the movement between the configured surfaces is restricted in the direction force is transmitted thereto by the structure-to-be-secured*) when closing or connecting, and (b) a sliding device which is much shorter in length than the surfaces and which travels along the length of the surfaces sequentially contacting and simultaneously camming against each segments of both surfaces to forcibly shift them into or out of interlocking engagement, the direction of travel of the device generally being perpendicular to the shifting motion of the interlocking configured surfaces.