(under subclass 86) Device including means, which by arrangement, addition, removal or reassembly of one or more of its elements, causes or permits the device to serve or function, alternately, as one or the other of at least two of the different types of holding devices separately provided for under subclass 86.
(1) Note. The fact that a device may be used in several varying ways to hold work will not effect classification in this subclass unless such variation in mode of operation requires a rearrangement, addition, removal or reassembly of component elements.
(2) Note. The use of selective jaw attachments or inserts is not considered to constitute a variation as to type of holding device as required by the above definition.
(3) Note. A holder is considered to be a particular "type" when the claimed means provide for (a) distinctive adjustment* or actuating* mechanism as indicated by the subclasses 165+ and 216+ (b) specific number, relative coaction and/or alignment of jaws as indicated by subclasses 104 through 156.
(4) Note. Devices convertible from a work holder to a treating or force applying mechanism are excluded from this class (269) and are classified on the basis of the appropriate treating or force applying mechanism.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
4, for patents to a holding device convertible from operative to bench supported. 271, for patents to a holder with jaw attachments and/or inserts.
