(A) A process or apparatus for progressively winding elongated flexible material more than 360 deg. about an axis of a take-up of restricted length, as in: (l) Unwinding and rewinding an information-bearing carrier associated with a nominal work station such as that found in a magnetic recorder/player, film projector, or camera; (2) Forming an indefinite length of running material in loops to form a bundle of coils solely by wrapping or winding the material about a form (i.e., exclusive of the use of a die or other shaping device); (3) Unidirectional winding and unwinding (i.e., simultaneously winding and unwinding material while turning in a single direction); (4) Reeling (i.e., repetitively winding and unwinding the same material); and (5) Winding by use of machine or implement for: (a) permanently winding material directly onto a core having distinct ends to create a composite article exclusively by winding; (b) winding material, usually strand, in a helical or random manner to form a storage coil for subsequent unwinding; or (c) winding material, usually web, in a convolute manner to form a storage coil for subsequent unwinding;
(B) A storage coil formed exclusively by such a winding process or apparatus;
(C) A process or apparatus limited to unwinding material from a storage coil;
(D) A process or apparatus for tensioning (i.e., applying or regulating longitudinal stress in a running material of indeterminate or indefinite length);
(E) A process or apparatus for guiding (i.e., establishing or confining the path of movement of a running material of indeterminate or indefinite length); or
(F) A subcombination peculiar to winding, unwinding, tensioning, or guiding, such as a spool, spindle, mandrel, or dispenser.
NOTES TO THE CLASS DEFINITION (1) Note. A process is placed with the apparatus for its practice.
(2) Note. Class 242 provides for a "coil holder" whose structural significance is generally concentric to a coil axis to support wound material and includes a spool, spindle, mandrel, dispenser, or container with a specific coil support. There is a natural similarity between a coil holder, reeling device, winding machine, and unwinding machine.
For example, a support rack from which a stock material coil is unwound, even with a rewinding handle to rewind surplus material, should be placed with coil holder because of primary, overall similarity of structure and function.
Similarly, a coil support for dispensing material by simply pulling on a free material end is placed with coil holder unless the coil support includes additional significant unwinding structure expressly provided for as an unwinding machine. Examples of such additional structure provided for as an unwinding machine are means for attachment of a material to a preceding material, a mobile unwinding station, supply replenishment structure, reserve coil storage, a material end separator, a detector, indicator, or control, a drive, an unwinding limit, or a specific unwinding guide/guard.
(3) Note. Class 242 does not provide for a process or apparatus for: (a) Winding onto articles of indefinite length, such as a hose conductor or other elongated member without distinct ends; (b) Winding of a line having a detachable load except when placement or storage of the line in a coiled state clearly establishes a precedent to Class 242 as in the case of: (1) a fishing reel, seatbelt reel, or similar reeling device, and (2) a component of a reeling device such as a drum, material distributing guide, etc.; (c) Unwinding combined with cutting, tearing, perforating, etc.
(4) Note. A tensioner or guide claimed in terms of a composition of material or treatment with no significant tensioner or guide structure will be classified with the appropriate material or material treatment class.
(5) Note. FIgure eight winding on a support is considered winding proper for Class 242 if it forms at least one complete cycle or figure eight on the support.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
STRUCTURE OF CLASS 242
See References to the Current Class, below, for a list of related subclass groups of Class 242.
Subclasses 118 - 159, 163 through 178, and 222 have not been screened for hierarchical priority within Class 242, and should be carefully reviewed to assure a complete search of
the prior art particularly with a search relating to: (a) unidirectional winding and unwinding, (b) tension control or brake, (c) unwinding machine, (d) coil holder, or (e) guide. LINES BETWEEN CLASSES 83, 225, AND 242
Class 83 and related Class 225 take unwinding and cutting, severing or breaking, whereas Class 242 takes a similar operation accompanied by winding.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 182 AND CLASS 254
Reeling devices in Class 182 are generally of the type provided for in a Class 254 hoist because they accept a load.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 206 AND CLASS 242
A coiled material enclosed in a box or covering sheath can be provided for in Class 206 (e.g., subclasses 389+), if the disclosure indicates that either: (a) the coil is separated from the receptacle or package for winding or unwinding, or (b) the sheath about the coil is punctured to permit unwinding. However, Class 242, subclasses 588+ would be more appropriate if either: (a) the material is unwound from the coil while in the receptacle, or (b) if a formed unwinding aperture indicates a capacity for use of the package contents without destroying the package. Note particularly Class 206, subclasses 53 through 55, 225 through 227, 389+, and 574.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 211 AND CLASS 242
See Class 211, Supports: Racks, particularly subclasses: (a) 1.52+ for a power-operated article support adapted to be repositioned relative to a loading station, which article support may be analogous to a coil or core so positioned in Class 242, subclasses 533+ and 558+; (b) 44 for a rack for a bolt or card of wound material that may be removed for unwinding; and (c) 119.15 for a line tightener that may be analogous to Class 242, subclasses 388.2+ for a similarly functioning structure.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 224 AND CLASS 242
See Class 224, Package and Article Carriers, subclass 162 for a support constructed to be borne by a living being which is particularly analogous to Class 242, subclass 404.1.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 226 AND CLASS 242
See Class 226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, which may include a nominal recitation of a supply or take-up coil (e.g., less than a support for such a coil or a cooperative relationship between a tension or exhaust detector and reel driving or reel stopping means, etc.), subclasses 168+ for orbitally traveling material-engaging surface(s), subclass 195 for means to retard material movement or subclass 196.1 for a passive guide combined with a material feeder. Class 242 currently provides for a "strand tensioning device" in subclasses 147+, a "strand guide" in subclasses 157+, a "tension control or brake" in subclasses 410+, and a "material guide or guard" in subclasses 615+ which conflict with Class 226 subclasses 168+ and 195. Plans are underway to resolve this conflict by making Class 242 subclasses 157+, 410+, and 615+ the residual location for their respective features, with Class 226 subclasses 168+ and 195+ being limited to their respective features combined with a material feeder. This has already been resolved for Class 226 subclass 196.1.
LINE BETWEEN CLASS 360 AND CLASS 242
Class 360 provides for claimed information erasure prevention means (other than a nominally recited pin or filler), details of a single recording element (e.g., a multitrack transducing head), means to extract a loop of tape from the cartridge and transfer the loop about a named transducer head, a plurality of elements peculiar to a recorder (e.g., alternately engageable record and erase heads), or structure peculiar to a recorder completely remote from winding, tensioning, or guiding (e.g., signal volume control). Search Class 242 for unwinding/rewinding drives, and subcombinations such as cartridge/cassette structure and related perfecting feature; e.g., position retainers, brakes, brake release devices, door structures, pinch rollers, guide components, cartridge/cassette housing construction and material having a specific composition, hardness, thermal property, electrical property, antistatic property, etc., particularly subclasses 324+ for unwinding and rewinding an information convertible carrier and 335+ for guiding, unwinding, or rewinding a carrier stored in a cartridge/cassette.
RELATED SUBCLASS GROUPS OF CLASS 242
References to the Current Class, below, represents a list of related subclass groups of Class 242. An asterisk denotes a position variation from the actual position in the present, interim schedule.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
159, through 178, WOUND STORAGE PACKAGES
324, through 358.1, UNWINDING AND REWINDING A MACHINE CONVERTIBLE INFORMATION BEARING CARRIER (E.G., MAGNETIC TAPEOR PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM)
360, through 363, LOOP FORMING
364, through 364.3, UNIDIRECTIONAL WINDING AND UNWINDING
47.01, through 47.13, *Unidirectionally moving (cordage) coils 370, REELING DEVICE
223, through 323, Fishing rod reel
371, through 385.4, Spring-powered reel
386, through 407.1, General use reel
410, through 423.2, TENSION CONTROL OR BRAKE
147, through 156.2, *Strand tension device
430, through 448.1, COMPOSITE
470, and 471, HELICAL OR RANDOM WINDING MACHINE
, *16 through 46.8, *Spoolers, bobbin or cop winding
, *47, 48 through 53 *Cordage winding
520, through 548.4 CONVOLUTE WINDING MACHINE (E.G., FABRIC)
550, through 566, UNWINDING MACHINE 570, through 614.1, COIL HOLDER OR SUPPORT
118, through 146, *Strand spools and holders
222, *Card, board, or form
615, through 615.4, GUIDE OR GUARD
157, through 158.5, *Strand guide or distributor
899, MISCELLANEOUS
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
4, Baths, Closets, Sinks, and Spittoons, for a specified plumbing fixture that may be combined with winding or reeling structure, for example, in subclasses: (a) 243.1 for a rolled package of toilet seat covers; (b) 300.1 and 244.1+ for a dispenser of toilet tissue or seat covers combined with a flush closet; and (c) 502 for a pool accessory having a specific rolled pool cover.
8, Bleaching and Dyeing; Fluid Treatment and Chemical Modification of Textiles and Fibers,
151+, for a winding, unwinding, or reeling device for positioning running material with respect to a specified fluid treatment process or apparatus.
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning, for a winding, unwinding, or reeling device combined with a specified brush or other cleaning device designed to clean material as it is wound or unwound (e.g.,
256.5+, and digest 13).
19, Textiles: Fiber Preparation, coreless winding of a group of textile fibers prior to the formation of the fibers into a twisted strand, in contrast with Class 242, which provides for winding such a fiber around a spindle or spool. Particularly note subclasses: (a) 149 for depositing a specific sliver (strand of loose, untwisted fibers) onto an article or facsimile article, and (b) 159 for depositing a specified sliver into an open can.
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., for a specified clasp combined with a coiled tethering line in
3+, (e.g., a tethered pen), and subclasses 115+ for a fixture for holding cord or rope.
26, Textiles: Cloth Finishing,
71+, for cloth finishing that may include a guide structure.
28, Textiles: Manufacturing, for textile operations that may include or be analogous to winding, tensioning, or guiding, particularly subclasses: (a) 141 for a specific textile fabric splicer; (b) 176 for winding or unwinding a warp thread sheet (group of parallel threads); (c) 194 for tensioning combined with warp preparation or handling; and (d) 195 for traversing (distributing) combined with warp preparation.
29, Metal Working, which may combine winding, tensioning, or guiding of elongated flexible material with additional manufacturing such as shaping or assembly, particularly subclasses: (a) 25.41+ for making a condenser that may include winding or unwinding; (b)
452, for prestressing or tensioning a static or running filament or strand in a manufacturing operation; (c) subclasses 596, 598, 605, and 618 for making an electrical device that includes a manufacturing operation in addition to winding; (d) subclasses 732+ for motor/generator winding apparatus combined with additional manufacturing apparatus; (e) subclass 780 for assembly of parts to running length of a workpiece by orbital member, which may include wrapping; (f) subclass 806 for assembly apparatus for a film or tape cartridge; and (g) subclass 894 for a process for making a wheellike element, which may be analogous to formation of a spool or winding drum.
30, Cutlery,
127, for a twine guide combined with a specified cutter. 33, Geometrical Instruments, for instruments that may include
reeling apparatus as a component of a specifically claimed geometrical instrument such as a measuring tape. Class 242 provides for a nominal recitation of elongated geometrical instruments such as a tape, line, or typical display. Note particularly
393, 413+, 713+, 754, and 761+ for a reeling device combined with a specific straight edge cord (chalk line) or flexible distance measuring element (e.g., measuring tape).
34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids,
117, 118, and 153, which may include a reeling device or guide for handling strand or web subjected to a specified Class 34 art process or apparatus.
38, Textiles: Ironing or Smoothing, particularly
102.21, for a winding device using supply and take-up spools between which cloth is stretched (e.g., to smooth fabric quilting).
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting, particularly
116, 117, 347, 348, 385+, 470+, 483, 514+, 518+, and 529 for an unwinding/rewinding or reeling device combined with a specific register, file, or changing exhibitor. Specifying either a detail of the exhibited medium, or a structure to display or project the medium (e.g., light source, mirror, etc.), justifies placement in Class 40; however, a specified intended use will not bar placement in Class 242. Subclasses 341+ for a copyholder where the copy is advanced relative to a static guide by manual force applied directly to the copy, or to guide or advance material relative to a viewing locus; or an indicator (e.g., line guide or pointer) relative to the copy and a support therefor.
43, Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying, for a process and apparatus particularly designed for capturing fish that may involve a winding or guiding device as a component, particularly subclasses: (a) 8, for net handling apparatus; (b) 20, 21, 25, 26.1, 42.28+, and 57.3, for a reeling device combined with specified apparatus useful in capturing fish (e.g., an angling rod, "downrigger", or "trotline" hook holder); and (c) 24, for a line guide mounted on a specified angling rod. Placement in Class 43 generally requires that the winding, tensioning, or guiding device be specifically limited to fishing, trapping, etc. For example, a "downrigger" (trolling depth device) can be properly considered a reeling apparatus with a guide boom to position the line until line-carried equipment, a boat mounting, bait positioning, measuring, or sampling equipment is specified in a claim.
108, for a device for unwinding strand, web, or connected sections specified as a building component material. However, Class 242 can accept either: (a) winding or unwinding material used in preliminary fabrication of a building component where the material is defined as a typical elongated material, or (b) prestressing a pipe or vessel by simply wrapping a tensioned cable around a body to reinforce same.
53, Package Making, particularly
430, and 118+ for winding package contents, and subclasses 409, 587, 588, and 203+ for forming or covering a package that may include winding.
57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining, particularly subclasses: (a) 58.67+, 71, 78, 92, 98, 99, 303, 305, and 313 for a helical winding/unwinding device that additionally provides a twisting or related function, and (b) 3 through 18 for wrapping elongated material onto an indefinite-length core by equipment and/or a process similar to lathe-type winding of a short article found in Class 242. The fundamental distinction between Class 57 and Class 242 in covering or winding articles is that Class 57 provides for winding an article (core) of indefinite length or any length with twisting, whereas Class 242 winding is limited to an article or core of definite (relatively short) length (i.e., with distinct, spaced ends).
65, Glass Manufacturing,
10.1, for winding combined with a specified glass-making operation or subclasses 182.1+ for a fluid support means for an article or preform.
66, Textiles: Knitting, particularly
126, 130, 146, 151, and 158 for a strand control device (e.g., a guide or tensioner), in a specified knitting process or apparatus.
68, Textiles: Fluid Treating Apparatus,
198, for a hollow coil holder associated with fluid treatment means.
72, Metal Deforming, appropriate subclasses, particularly 135+, 146+, 183, 288, and 289 for coiling elongated metallic material that additionally bends the metal beyond its elastic limit. With respect to winding, Class 242 and Class 72 contain patents where a material being worked is disclosed as being held to a mandrel or core and wound thereon due to the interaction of (a) a force rotating the core and (b) a force restraining the material to movement along a course substantially tangential to the surface of the core or the wound product. A patent disclosing such a force applied to metal and claiming use of a deflector closely adjacent to the core will be placed originally in Class 72 unless the
specification clearly teaches that the metal is not deformed beyond its elastic limit. Patents disclosing such forces applied to metal, wherein the restraining force is claimed as means, remote from the core for retarding movement of the work (tensioning) will be placed originally in Class 242 unless the disclosure positively stresses deformation of the metal. With respect to unwinding, a patent wherein metal is unwound from a coil will be placed originally in Class 72 only if a claimed disclosure positively teaches deformation or stress beyond the elastic limit, as by the use of a deflector or tensioning means. 74, Machine Element or Mechanism, particularly subclasses: (a) 22+ for mechanical movements of general application that may be appropriate to or a subcombination of a winding/unwinding machine or reeling device (e.g., for distributing material being wound); (b) 543+ for a general purpose handle; and (c) 575+ for a pawl and ratchet device of general use. Generally, Class 74 provides for a generic gearing arrangement or mechanical movement subcombination that can include a component of a winding or reeling device, such as a means to index a core or guide of a winding or reeling device so long as the actual winding output is not specifically required. However, an exception exists for handles and one-way devices expressly provided for in Class 242.
76, Metal Tools and Implements, Making,
81.4, for a spring-biased strop retractor in a specified tool/implement making machine or process.
82, Turning, particularly
169, for an expandable mandrel for a turning lathe that may grip a workpiece in a manner similar to a winding machine supporting a take-up mandrel.
83, Cutting, particularly
78+, 102+, 302, 426+, 909, 920+, 937, 949, and 950 for cutting material unwound from a coiled supply as well as cutting in general. (See Lines to Other Classes and Within This Class for the lines between Classes 83, 225, and 242.)
84, Music, particularly
122+, 132, 133, and 150 for a winding/unwinding device combined with specific music technology (e.g., particular sheet structure or tracking board).
87, Textiles: Braiding, Netting, and Lace Making,
31, and 59 for a winding device or tensioning means combined with specific Class 87 technology.
100, Presses, particularly
12, 13+, 76, and 79 for a specified press that may include either: (a) applying a binder or covering subject to be wrapped, tensioned, or guided, or (b) utilizing a binder or cover from a supply that can be coiled.
101, Printing, for convolute winding or unwinding combined with structure peculiar to printing (e.g., a printer head or antismut device).
111, Planting,
44, and 45 for a reeling device used with a special line adapted to actuate a planting drill seeder at selected intervals.
112, Sewing, for winding, tensioning, or guiding combined with a specified sewing process or apparatus; particularly
136+, for a work manipulating guide, subclasses 254+ for thread tensioning, subclasses 261 for a guard, subclasses 279 for bobbin winding, or subclasses 302 for a thread guiding or handling means.
114, Ships,
254, for a line storage reel for a towing cable in ship structure.
116, Signals and Indicators, particularly
305, for a specific alarm or indicator without specified detail of a winding, unwinding, tensioning, or guiding structure.
118, Coating Apparatus, 33, for tensioning, and subclasses 229 and 235 for winding/unwinding combined with a specified coating means.
119, Animal Husbandry,
794, and 796 for a reeling device for a specific animal tethering line, collar, harness, or the like.
137, Fluid Handling, particularly
355.16+, for a hose reel combined with a specified connection between a fluid supply and a hose.
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits, appropriate subclasses for details of pipe structure that may bear upon a winding method or apparatus by which the pipe was made.
139, Textiles: Weaving, for a cloth-weaving process or apparatus, particularly subclasses: (a) 200, 201, and 212+ for a tension-regulating means to control the weft (filling
or transverse yarn of a woven fabric, and (b) 304+ for a fabric take-up that may include winding.
140, Wireworking, for a process or apparatus for operating on wire usually involving by disclosure bending the wire beyond its elastic limit, particularly
71.5, 92.1, 92.2, and 124 for winding material, usually wire, disclosed as being wound on an intermediate form for subsequent removal as a convolution or bundle of convolutions to form an article (e.g., stator, armature, or light filament). However, when winding into a storage coil from which the wire is to be subsequently unwound it is necessary that a claim specify that the wire is bent beyond its elastic limit or subject to some other wireworking action.
144, Woodworking,
14, for apparatus for making a spool from wood or similar material, and subclass 268 for a coiling former for wood bending. 156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, for: (a) winding an article such as a ball or pipe claimed in combination with the use of a bonding agent, and (b) bonding the ends of material together to provide a continuous material that may be used in a winding or unwinding process in general. However, Class 242 provides for: (a) winding similar articles even those disclosed with bonding so long as the bonding is unclaimed, and (b) joining ends of unwinding material together including joining by bonding when such joining is claimed in combination with manipulation of an expiring or fresh supply coil. Note particularly, subclasses: (a) 51+ for a process of covering an electrical conductor; (b)
143+, for a process of helically winding and bonding a wire to reinforce a flexible tube; (c) subclasses 169+ for a process of winding and bonding a stressed web into a laminae; (d) subclasses 180+ for a process of winding and bonding a filamentary material to form an article; (e) subclasses 184+ for a process of winding and bonding a web or sheet; (f) subclasses 405.1+ for apparatus for bonding combined with feeding; (g) subclass 422 for apparatus for winding tire bead; (h) subclasses 425+ for apparatus for progressive helical winding material combined with bonding; (i) subclasses 443+ for winding or wrapping apparatus used to wind and bond material to articles (e.g., balls); and (j) subclasses 504+ for apparatus for end-to-end splicing of web materials.
160, Flexible or Portable Closure, Partition, or Panel, particularly
55, 120+, 170+, and 238+, especially subclasses 252, 263, 266, 307, 309, 313+, 319+, and 383+ for winding and unwinding to position specified retractable closure structure or
related panels.
162, Paper Making and Fiber Liberation,
118+, and 283+ for a process using interfelted fibers in a liquid suspension to form a web wound or wrapped upon itself.
178, Telegraphy,
42, for guide or feeding structure combined with a specified recorder or printer of a telegraph system.
180, Motor Vehicles,
7.5, for a vehicle-mounted towing winch, and subclasses 268+ for a reeling device for a seatbelt or harness combined with a controller that is a component of a motor vehicle (e.g., an ignition switch).
182, Fire Escape, Ladder, or Scaffold, particularly 73+, 231+, and 237 for a reeling device for positioning a specified body harness or supple escape device (e.g., a rope ladder), for use as a fire escape frequently combined with an unwinding control or brake. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class for the line between Class 182 and Class 254.)
185, Motors: Spring, Weight, and Animal Powered,
27+, for a weight motor and subclasses 37+ for a spring motor as a subcombination or of general use.
187, Elevator, Industrial Lift Truck, or Stationary Lift for Vehicle,
254+, for a winding or traction drum in combination with elevator structure.
188, Brakes, for details of a brake, per se, or in generalized combinations, particularly
65.1+, for a brake specifically adapted to completely halt the movement of a strand, and 82.1+ for a one-way brake.
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles,
12+, and 91 for a reeling device combined with a windable conductor and means providing electrical connection through the conductor to a vehicle.
192, Clutches and Power-Stop Control, for a detail of a power-stop, clutch-brake combination, or clutch, per se, or in general use.
198, Conveyors: Power-Driven, 813+, for an endless belt conveyor tensioner.
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, particularly subclasses: (a) 61.13+ for a specific switch designed for operation in response to a condition in either a running length of material or a spool or guide associated with the material, and (b) 61.58 for a switch designed to be associated with a seatbelt.
206, Special Receptacle or Package, particularly
387.1+, and 389+ for a packaged coil of wound material in which the disclosure indicates that winding, or more frequently unwinding, occurs with either: (a) the coil disassociated from a particular receptacle or package (e.g., box, storage tube, bag, or binder), or (b) a cover, wrapper, band, or other packaging material where a pay-out aperture seal is destroyed (irreversibly modified) as a prerequisite to winding or unwinding. A coiled material enclosed in a box or covering sheath can be provided for in Class 206 (e.g., subclasses 389+), if the disclosure indicates that either: (a) the coil is separated from the receptacle or package for winding or unwinding, or (b) the sheath about the coil is punctured to permit unwinding. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class for discussion of the line between Class 206 and Class 242.)
211, Supports: Racks, particularly subclasses: (a) 1.52+ for a power-operated article support adapted to be repositioned relative to a loading station; (b) 44 for a rack for a bolt or card of wound material that may be removed for unwinding; and (c) 119.15 for a line tightener. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class for a discussion of the line between Class 211 and Class 242.
220, Receptacles, for a receptacle detail that may be analogous to a tape or film cartridge provided for in Class 242.
223, Apparel Apparatus,
106+, for a stand, rack, or other holder particularly designed to hold a sewing accessory that may include a thread spool.
224, Package and Article Carriers,
162, for a support constructed to be borne by a living being. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, for the line between Class 224 and Class 242.
225, Severing by Tearing or Breaking, for unwinding with subsequent severing, Class 225 severing being limited to tearing or breaking. Class 242 provides the reverse, namely, severing with subsequent winding. Note particularly 10, 23+, 34+, 51, 53, 56+, 63+, 76, 88, and 106 of Class 225.
226, Advancing Material of Indeterminate Length, may include a nominal recitation of a supply or take-up coil (e.g., less than a support for such a coil or a cooperative relationship between a tension or exhaust detector and reel driving or reel stopping means, etc.),
168+, for orbitally traveling material-engaging surface(s), subclass 195 for means to retard material movement or subclass 196.1 for a passive guide combined with a material feeder. (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class for a discussion of the line between Class 226 and Class 242.)
235, Registers, particularly
5, and 475+ for an unwinding coil (e.g., tape), combined with register structure.
239, Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing, particularly
34, 52, 195+, 736, and 745 for a reeling device combined with a specified fluid coupling to a fluid distribution system.
244, Aeronautics,
122, for a reeling device for a seatbelt combined with specified aeronautic construction, and subclass 155 for a kite with a tether line reel.
248, Supports, particularly
75, 266, 329, 330.1, and 492 for a reeling device combined with certain specified supports (e.g., a support for a hose, shade rod, cord spool, or picture or mirror).
249, Static Molds, 178+, and 184+ for expandable cores in a molding process or apparatus.
250, Radiant Energy, for details of items and components used in radiant energy apparatus such as a photocell or photocell circuit that may be useful in winding, unwinding, or tension controls.
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force, particularly
264+, for a hoist or winch provided with a control, motor, transmission, brake, clutch, or the like to haul or elevate a disconnectable load, and subclasses 389+ for a guide for a load bearing cable.
267, Spring Devices, for details of a spring, per se, and of
general use.
271, Sheet Feeding or Delivering, for details of feeding or aligning material that may be appropriate to winding, unwinding or guiding.
273, Amusement Devices: Games, Dig. 21 for a reeling device used, for example, in combination with a tethered ball.
279, Chucks or Sockets, particularly
2.01+, for an expandable work grasping device that may be rotatable for purposes other than winding material for storage.
280, Land Vehicles, particularly
47.131+, for details of wheelbarrow or hand truck structure of general use that may be appropriate to supporting reeling structure or servicing winding or unwinding equipment, subclass 480.1 for a reeling device to retract a tow line into a specified vehicle structure, and subclasses 290 and 807 for a reeling device to retract seatbelt or harness combined with specified land vehicle structure. 289, Knots and Knot Tying, particularly
13, 15 for a cord holder or guide combined with knot tying apparatus.
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements, particularly
137+, for details of an article carrier of general use adapted to be gripped and carried by hand.
297, Chairs and Seats, particularly
221+, for a cover dispenser peculiar to a chair, and 475+ for a reeling device for a seatbelt or other restraint incorporated with specified seat structure.
303, Fluid-Pressure and Analogous Brake Systems, for details of brakes and speed regulating means of general use.
307, Electrical Transmission or Interconnection Systems, for details of electrical control systems.
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure, particularly
179+, 254+, and 261+ for details of a wound motor or generator component.
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure, particularly
34.6, and 34.8+ for particular cabinet structure designed for rolled material. A cabinet which includes specific housing construction details and is adaptable to general use support or containment as well as winding can be classified as an original in Class 312.
318, Electricity: Motive Power Systems, particularly
6, and 7 for a tension-maintaining system in general use, and subclasses 362+ for an electrically controlled brake of general use.
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing, for details of a measuring system using an electrical property that impacts a detector, stop control of a winding, unwinding, or tensioning process or apparatus, particularly subclasses: (a) 207.11+ for length of material measurement; (b) 209 for stress in material measurement; (c) 546 through 549 for a certain electrical article fault detector; and (d) 600+ for impedance and related measurement.
334, Tuners, particularly
38, for a tuner that includes winding/unwinding means, and subclasses 71 and 75 for a tuner detail that may impact the process or apparatus used to originally make the tuner by winding.
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets, and Electromagnets, particularly
209+, for details of a magnetic article frequently made by winding that may impact the process or apparatus by which the article was wound.
336, Inductor Devices, for details of an inductive article frequently made by winding that may impact the process or apparatus by which the article is made, particularly subclasses: (a) 15, which may include winding or unwinding, and (b) 192, 199+, 213, 225+, and 234 for coil structure.
338, Electrical Resistors, for details of an electrical article frequently made by winding that may impact the process or apparatus by which the article is made, particularly subclasses: (a) 79 for a mechanically variable resistor that includes winding or unwinding, and (b) 296+ for a helical or wound resistor element.
340, Communications: Electrical, for details of a signal, alarm, or other indicator that may be responsive to a condition significant to winding/unwinding or tension, particularly subclasses: (a) 665+ for a stress or force actuated indicator, and (b) 675 and 677 for an indicator actuated in response to web or strand movement.
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas, especially 877, and 903 for a particularly specified antenna wound onto a reeling device.
346, Recorders, particularly
24, and 136 for a winding or reeling device in combination with a particularly specified recorder (e.g., a wound scale moved past a recorder inking pen).
352, Optics: Motion Pictures, for winding and unwinding in combination with particularly specified optical or motion picture structure. Class 242 is established to collect technology centered on refinements of winding, unwinding, tensioning, and guiding to discourage parallel development of winding/unwinding technology in each of several special technologies based on a nominal work station. Accordingly, Class 242 provides for inventions in winding and unwinding for motion picture apparatus where an element such as a lens, gate, shutter or equivalent motion picture structure is named as a part of the winding or reeling path. However, a recitation in a claim of either: (a) details of a single motion picture element (e.g., a multilens focus station), or (b) a plurality of motion picture elements recited that would establish an optical or mechanical cooperation between the plurality of elements (e.g., a feed claw fore and aft of a lens) or structure completely remote from the film winding path (e.g., a humidifier) will bar original placement in Class 242. Search this class, particularly subclasses: (a) 72 through 78 for a film cartridge with specified projector related construction; (b)
124, 128, and 156 for winding/unwinding structure with particular projector structure; (c) subclasses 173 through 175 for film feed structure in a projector; (d) subclass 224 for a film guide of a projector; and (e) subclass 243 for a film support in a projector.
355, Photocopying, for material unwinding, feeding or guiding in combination with specified photocopy apparatus.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing, particularly
238.1+, for a detector or stop combined with optical measuring or inspection.
360, Dynamic Magnetic Information Storage or Retrieval, for winding or guiding of a magnetic medium in combination with claimed magnetic recording or reproducing apparatus (i.e., transducing head details or closely related structure that impact the transducing function unique to this art). (See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class for the line between Class 360 and Class 242.)
362, Illumination, particularly
258, 387, and 407 for a reeling device for an electrical conductor combined with a light source. 364, Electrical Computers and Data Processing Systems, particularly
469.05, 478.01+, and 479.01 for article handling and distribution that may include winding.
378, X-Ray or Gamma Ray Systems or Devices,
182+, for a sheet film cassette combined with a specified X-ray or gamma ray device.
384, Bearings, various subclasses for a specified bearing for structure that may include a positively claimed winding, unwinding, tensioning, or guiding element up to a detail where the element is positively, structurally limited to a winding device distinct from a generalized spindle, roller or the like.
385, Optical Waveguides,
100+, for a particular filament construction of an optical waveguide cable.
396, Photography, for particular camera structure and film treating apparatus that may include a film support, guide, feed, or wind/unwind device. Class 242 provides for such structure in which a camera structure or fluid treatment component is nominally recited (e.g., any one of a film winding/rewinding means, feeder, guide rails, supply/take-up stations, or container), but does not provide for multiple, dissimilar camera structures or components or a single, specific component. Search this class, subclasses: (a) 284+ and 387+ for film winding or feeding in specified camera structure; (b) 511+ for a detachable or removable filmholder for particular camera structure; and (c) 585, 599+, 612+, 642+, 645, and 649 for winding related structure combined with film treating apparatus.
399, Electrophotography,
165, for alignment or tensioning a photoconductive belt and subclasses 361+ for document handling (e.g., feeding, delivering, or guiding originals or copies within an electrophotos:graphic device), particularly subclasses 375 and 384 for continuous roll or fanfold.
400, Typewriting Machines, for the combination of a typewriter and winding/unwinding, tensioning, or guiding component, particularly subclasses: (a) 242, 512, 609+, and 613+ for mounting means for a spool or roll; (b) 248, for a ribbon guide combined with specified typewriter structure; and (c) 578+ for a web feeding mechanism combined with specified typewriter structure. 401, Coating Implements With Material Supply, for winding, tensioning, or guiding combined with specified coating means (e.g.,
13, for a paper dispenser combined with a specific writing
implement).
402, Binder Device Releasably Engaging Aperture or Notch of Sheet,
10, for a reeling device for applying tension to a pliant sheet retainer (e.g., a strap).
414, Material or Article Handling,
24.6, for a hay bale unrolling device, and subclasses 910 through 912 for details of material handling apparatus that may be appropriate to core and coil loading.
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, for forming an article by molding, particularly
802, for cable or tube splicing and Dig. 7 for coil forming.
427, Coating Processes, particularly
116, for a process for coating a coil or winding and subclasses 171+ for coating combined with stretching or tensioning.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, for materials suitable for numerous winding, tensioning, and guiding applications. In a situation where a guide structure is defined basically in terms of the material from which it is composed, the guide should be originally classified in the appropriate material class. Note 694, and 695 for specific recording media and Cross-Reference Art Collection 906 relating to a roll or coil.
433, Dentistry,
78, for a retractable hose in a specified dental storage cabinet.
434, Education and Demonstration,
412, for a reel-mounted sheet having an erasable surface.
441, Buoys, Rafts, and Aquatic Devices,
23+, for a reeling device used to tether a specified buoy.
446, Amusement Devices: Toys, particularly
30+, for a tethered aircraft that may include a reeling device.
451, Abrading,
183, for a reeling apparatus used to draw a workpiece to a specified associated abrading station. 462, Books, Strip, and Leaves for Manifolding, for strip material joining or separating that may be combined with winding, unwinding, tensioning, or guiding.
464, Rotary Shafts, Gudgeons, Housings, and Flexible Couplings for Rotary Shafts,
160+, for a slip coupling in general use, and numerous subclasses directed to a rotary shaft, support, and connection of general use that may be analogous to a winding spindle.
473, Games Using Tangible Projectile,
139+, for a reeling device used in combination with a tethered golf ball, subclasses 423+ for a practice or training device involving a tethered projectile which may include a reeling device, and subclasses 575+ for a tethered projectile which may include a reeling device.
474, Endless Belt Power Transmission Systems or Components,
47+, for a pulley having expansible rim means or pulleys having alternately useable, nestable rims; subclasses 101+ for means for adjusting belt tension or for shifting belt, pulley, or guide roll; subclass 140 for a belt guide having a surface in sliding contact with belt; or subclasses 166+ for a friction drive pulley or guide roll.
492, Roll or Roller, particularly
4, 5, 21, and 22+ for a roll or roller guide of general use.
493, Manufacturing Container or Tube From Paper; or Other Manufacturing From a Sheet or Web, particularly
297+, 299+, and 303+ for winding or wrapping of a specified sheet or web to manufacture a container or tube.