US PATENT CLASS 403
Class Notes
Current as of: June, 1999
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DEFINITION
Classification: 403/
This is the generic class of connections between two or more rigid or semirigid members at substantially a single locus when (I) the members cooperate to form a utilitarian structure or assemblage; (II) either (a) an intrinsic property of at least one of the members is utilized in effecting the connection, (b) the members are related to each other in a particular manner (e.g., angularly), (c) a portion of one member reorients relative to a portion of the other member about the connection, or (d) all other connections between such members for which no other provisions have been made; and (III) the members constitute either (a) stock elements having such general and varied utility as to be identifiable with no particular art until connected (e.g., framework members which transmit force or torque to each other), (b) components of an assemblage which have the same utility before and after connecting but which, when connected, interact with each other to accomplish a common task and no longer have any independent operation (e.g., rigid, interconnected torque or thrust transmitting rods), (c) subcomponents of an assemblage, at least one of which has utility only when interacting with the other to accomplish a specific task (e.g., windshield wiper and windshield), or (d) components having independent utility, but which, when connected, cooperate to change, enhance, expand or make interdependent their operation (e.g., articulated members).
This is also the generic class of connections between the ends of a single rigid or semirigid member at substantially a single locus when (I) the connected member forms a utilitarian structure or assemblage; (II) either (a) an intrinsic property of the member is utilized in effecting the connection, (b) the ends of the member are related to each other in a particular manner (e.g., lapped), (c) portions of the member reorient relative to each other about the connection, or (d) a tool driven, tool deformed, or destructively releasable fastening means is utilized; and (III) the member constitutes either (a) a stock element having such general utility as to be identifiable with no particular art until connected or (b) a component of a larger assemblage which component has the same utility before and after connection, but which when connected accomplishes its task in a varied manner.
This is also the generic class of connections between a flaccid member (e.g., cable) and a rigid or semirigid member at substantially a single locus when (I) the connected members form a utilitarian structure or assemblage, and (II) in effecting the connection either (a) an intrinsic property of the member is utilized or (b) a tool driven, tool deformed, or destructively releasable (i.e., the only method of releasing it is to destroy it) fastening means is utilized.
In addition, this is the generic class for connecting or fastening means, per se, when the means is (I) disclosed as used solely with a connection proper for this class and (II) limited by either its structure (e.g., an L-shaped nail plate) or configuration (e.g., multiple fasteners in a specific pattern) to a very restricted range of use (i.e., the means lacks general utility).
(1) Note. The term "member" as used in this class refers to the primary members which are connected and each may consist of one part or a plurality of parts. Many connections involve the use of a plurality of elements each of which may be connected to a member or to another element. However, unless each of the connections involved is coordinate with the others in the system, the elements are not referred to as "members" but as "components". For example, a bolt connecting two abutting members bridging the juncture of two packed members is not considered a member, but a bolt independently joined to each of two spaced members is itself a member. Likewise, a plurality of bolts joining the same two members at the same locus are not members but components.
(2) Note. The expression "utilitarian structure or assemblage" denotes an entity which has a function and identity of its own apart from that of its individual members. Connections between members which, when connected, do not form a utilitarian device but which are connected merely for convenience or storage are not classified in this class (403). See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, below, for the appropriate classification.
(3) Note. Patents issued prior to 1931 have not in all instances been classified by their claimed disclosure, so the placement of these older patents does not necessarily indicate lines of classification.
(4) Note. A claim which recites only as much of the structure of a member as is necessary to effect its connection may be included within this class, and, in general, the mere naming of a member will not cause classification outside this class. However, if details of a member which go beyond those which are used in effecting the connection are included, classification will be based on the member unless specific provision is made in this class (403). In the situation of a single member with connected ends, the broad recitation of a "loop" or equivalent terminology will not cause classification outside this class, since such configuration is necessary to align the ends to effect their connection. However, a single member and means connecting its ends which allow the size of the closed member (i.e., loop) to be adjusted, are elsewhere classifiable.
(5) Note. In interpreting this definition, the following examples of intrinsic properties are given: (A) a modification, (e.g., threading) of at least one portion of a member at its connection point for other than mere reception of a fastener; (B) a particular shape or cross-section of at least one portion of a member at its connection point; and (C) a physical or chemical property of a member which has an effect on the connection either before or after the connection is effected, (e.g., fusion, affinity for certain adhesives, resistance to electrolytic action, flexibility, etc).
(6) Note. The expression "utilitarian structure or assemblage" denotes an entity which has a function and identity of its own apart from that of its individual elements and subcomponents of such entity. Connections between elements which, when connected, do not form a utilitarian device but which are connected merely for convenience or storage are not classified in this class (403) but will be formed in the appropriate class which provides for the particular assemblage.
(7) Note. If otherwise proper for this class, a connection between two ends of a single member wherein no structure of the member which is not necessary to effect the connection will be placed in this class unless specific provision is made elsewhere. Inventions which include any structure of the member other than that necessary to effect the connection will be classified with the member or in a more general class. The broad recitation of a "loop" or equivalent terminology will not cause classification outside this class (403) since such configuration is necessary to align the ends (i.e., to effect the connection). See References to Other Classes, below.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
For processes of connecting see References to Other Classes, below.
For joints or connections in other classes, see References to Other Classes, below.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
5, Beds,
282.1, for means for connecting plural parts of a bed and subclasses 288+ for means for connecting a side rail with a
corner part or the head board or footboard of a bed. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes) 14, Bridges,
14, for a connection between elements of a bridge truss and subclass 22 for a connection between a cable and another part of a suspension bridge. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
15, Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,
191.1+, for means to secure a tuft, knot, or bunch of brush or broom material in a socket or a hole, 250.31+ for an optical-member-attachable cleaner having a specific coupling or mounting for a driving means, or between a cleaning elment and means linking it to the driving means, 250.352 for an optical-member-attachable cleaner specific arm structure having a pivot between a hub and extended arm member, or a biasing assembly feature, or 250.46 for an optical-member-attachable cleaner element articulated structure having a specific joint, hinge, or pivot within the articulated structure. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., for details of a joint between a member made of flaccid material and another member when manually releasable fastening means connects them. A member which is sufficiently stiff as to be capable of resisting a distorting force to the extent necessary to enable it to maintain a shape or to be self-supporting over an appreciable length thereof is considered semirigid rather than flaccid and is proper for this class (403) if otherwise proper for Class 403. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., for details of a fastener and the joint between a member made of flaccid material (i.e., incapable of resisting a distorting force of the magnitude normally encountered over any substantial linear dimension without the aid of a reinforcing means) and another member. Examples of flaccid material are ordinary fabric, chain, and cord or rope. A member which is sufficiently stiff as to be capable or resisting such a force to the extent necessary to enable it to maintain a shape or to be self supporting over an appreciable length thereof is considered semirigid rather than flaccid and is proper for this class (403) if otherwise proper for Class 403. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
27, Undertaking,
17, means for joining the lid or cover to the body of a casket. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
29, Metal Working,
237, for an apparatus for connecting or disconnecting a coupling and a conduit.
29, Metal Working, 180, for an interlocking joint between components of metal stock, blanks, or indeterminate articles. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
29, Metal Working,
592+, for processes of connecting in general. (Processes of Connecting)
30, Cutlery, appropriate subclasses for means for joining plural parts of a cutting implement.
33, Geometrical Instruments, appropriate subclasses for means for joining plural parts of a geometrical instrument. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
42, Firearms,
75.01+, for means for joining the stock and the barrel of a firearm.
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), appropriate subclasses for a joint or connection peculiar to a building structure. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
52, Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
741.1+, for processes of connecting structural elements of that class. (Processes of Connecting)
54, Harness,
21, for means for fastening the ends of a horse collar together, subclasses 26+ for means for fastening hames together when in operative position, subclasses 30+ for means for fastening hames and tugs or traces, subclass 53 for means for attaching a trace to a whiffletree, subclass 59 for connecting means between a strap and a neck yoke, subclass 68 for means for fastening a pad to a harness part and subclass 85 for a metallic connecting piece employed on a strap halter. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes) 56, Harvesters,
433+, for means for knotting the ends of a band which passes around a bundle. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
57, Textiles: Spinning, Twisting, and Twining,
202, for a splice in strand structure wherein the splice is formed solely by a twisting or twining operation. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
59, Chain, Staple, and Horseshoe Making,
84+, for a chain link and subclass 95 for a swivel for use with a chain or similar article. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
63, Jewelry,
4, for a bracelet comprised of a series of connected links or units and means for uniting the ends of said bracelet, subclasses 15.1+ for means for securing plural annular finger rings together and subclass 15.7 for a finger ring comprising a plurality of arcuate segments secured together to form an annular member.
73, Measuring and Testing,
201, for means for connecting a volume or rate of flow meter into a pipe line or a meter box. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
74, Machine Element or Mechanism, 470, for a resilient connection in a control lever or linkage system. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
83, Cutting,
698.11+, for a joint or connection between (1) a cutting tool and its support, (2) a plurality of cutting elements or (3) two portions of a cutting tool support. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
87, Textiles: Braiding, Netting, and Lace Making,
3+, for a process of intertwining strands. (Processes of Connecting)
100, Presses,
29+, for apparatus for tensioning a binder and securing spaced portions thereof together while so tensioned and subclass 33 for apparatus for securing spaced portions of a binder together. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
104, Railways,
15, for apparatus for welding two sections of a railway track. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
105, Railway Rolling Stock,
8.1+, for a yieldable or frictional connection between adjacent cars or elements of a train, subclass 40 for a flexible joint between boiler sections of a steam locomotive, subclass 47 for an articulate or flexible pipe connection
between relatively movable parts of a steam locomotive, subclass 199.1 for a connection between a railway car body and a truck, subclasses 200+ for a connection between a truck bolster and a truck or between a truck bolster and a body bolster and subclass 424 for a freight car having special joint fixtures to prevent the leakage of granular material. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes) 109, Safes, Bank Protection, or a Related Device,
79, for a joint or connection in the wall or panel of a safe or related device. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
114, Ships,
86, for a process of filling or closing the seams between planking, etc., of a ship.
114, Ships,
86, for means for filling or closing the seams between the planking of a ship, subclass 88 for means for uniting components of a ship and subclasses 97+ for connections between a ship spar and a mast or yard. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
122, Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers,
365, for means for connecting a drum and a header or water tube and subclass 511 for couplings for tubes and flues and connections between tubes or flues and a boiler. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
126, Stoves and Furnaces,
98, for a joint between components of a stove and subclass 119 for a joint in a furnace or casing. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
128, Surgery,
121.1+, for means for joining a pad to the pad carrier of a truss. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes) 131, Tobacco,
225, for a joint or connection between components of a tobacco user's appliance. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
135, Tent, Canopy, Umbrella, or Cane,
29+, for means for connecting the ribs and stretchers to the notches and runners, respectively, of an umbrella. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
138, Pipes and Tubular Conduits,
100+, for a tubular conduit comprising a plurality of tubular members connected in break joint relation, subclass 120 for a flexible tubular conduit comprising a plurality of jointed, relatively movable sections and subclass 155 for a tubular conduit comprising a plurality of rigidly joined sections. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
140, Wireworking,
111+, for processes of joining wire. (Processes of Connecting)
140, Wireworking,
101, for a wire knotting device and subclasses 111+ for apparatus for joining or uniting wires. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
144, Woodworking, 344+, for a process of joining wooden members wherein a woodworking step is involved. (Processes of Connecting)
152, Resilient Tires and Wheels,
412, and 413 for a tire securing rim part connected to a wheel by a bayonet or threaded joint. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, appropriate subclasses for processes of adhesive bonding. (Processes of Connecting)
160, Flexible or Portable Closure, Partition, or Panel,
229+, for edge-to-edge connected strips, slats, or panels. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, appropriate subclass for means for joining a plurality of conductors and/or insulators wherein an electrical characteristic of either a member or the connection is involved. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles,
60+, 60.2, 60.3, 60.4, and 60.5 for a joint between a trolley pole and head. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
213, Railway Draft Appliances,
75+, for a draft coupling between a plurality of elements of a railway train. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
217, Wooden Receptacles,
65, for a joint between components of a wooden box and subclass 96 for a joint between components of a wooden barrel. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
220, Receptacles,
75+, for means for joining receptacle sections. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
229, Envelopes, Wrappers and Paperboard Boxes,
5.6, for a crimped seam between the end structure and side wall of a paper receptacle, subclass 5.7 for a side wall and end structure of a paper receptacle secured by separate fastening means and subclass 48 for seam between parts of a paper receptacle. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
231, Whips and Whip Apparatus,
6, for a joint between components of a whip.
238, Railways: Surface Track,
151+, for a means for joining two sections of railway track and subclasses 310+ for fastening means for railway track structure. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
244, Aeronautics,
131, for a joint or connection peculiar to aircraft, or incorporated into aircraft structure. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes) 245, Wire Fabrics and Structure,
10, for edge, selvage or seam structures of wire fabrics. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
248, Supports, appropriate subclasses for means for joining plural components of a support. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
249, Static Molds,
98+, for molds for forming a product having means for interconnection with a portion of a like product. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling Force, appropriate subclasses for means for joining plural components of a pushing or pulling implement or means for joining a pushing or pulling implement with a device with which it is used. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
256, Fences,
47+, for a connection between a strand of a wire fence and a
post or upright and subclasses 65+ for a connection between a fence rail and an upright. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
267, Spring Devices,
54+, for a connection between the end of a leaf spring and another member and subclass 179 for means for joining a coil spring element and an end thrust member. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
278, Land Vehicles: Animal Draft Appliances, 49, for a thill joint, subclasses 52+ for means for joining a thill to an axle, subclasses 95+ for means for joining plural elements of a whiffletree or for joining a whiffletree to a pole, thill, or forward part of the vehicle and subclasses 121+ for means for joining a neck yoke to a pole. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
279, Chucks and Sockets, appropriate subclasses for means for joining a holder and an object such as a tool, workpiece, or rodlike body wherein the gripping means is on or within the holder. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
280, Land Vehicles,
400+, for an articulate connection between two land vehicles. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
285, Pipe Joints or Couplings, appropriate subclasses for a joint between two pipe sections or between a pipe and a plate. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
289, Knots and Knot Tying,
2+, and 17 for a device for forming a knot in an elongated cord, strand, or strip. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
289, Knots and Knot Tying,
1.2, for an interlacement of portions of one or more elongated flexible elements. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
292, Closure Fasteners, appropriate subclasses for means for securing a closure element in locked or adjusted position. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
293, Vehicle Fenders,
99+, for means for connecting the parts of a bumper assembly together or to a vehicle. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes) 294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
86.4+, for means for securing a load to a hoist line. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
295, Railway Wheels and Axles,
15+, for means for securing a tire to the body of a railway wheel, subclasses 39+ for means for coupling plural sections of a railway axle for movement independent of each other and subclass 43 for means for joining a railway wheel to an axle. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
296, Land Vehicles: Bodies and Tops,
29+, for a joint in the frame of a land vehicle body and subclasses 121+ for means for securing the elements of a vehicle top to its body. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
301, Land Vehicles: Wheels and Axles,
11.1+, for means for securing a detachable tire carrying rim to a wheel body, subclasses 58 and 67+ for a connection between the spoke and felly of a wheel, subclasses 59+, 74+ and 80+ for a connection between the hub and spoke of a wheel, subclasses 87+ for means for securing a nonresilient tire to a wheel, subclasses 99+ for means for joining the adjacent ends of felly sections and subclasses 111+ for means for securing a wheel to an axle. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
312, Supports: Cabinet Structure,
111, for a joining or connecting means for securing sectional units of a cabinet together, subclass 140 for a joint or connection between glass walls of a show case. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, 144+, for joint structure between components of a spark plug. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
333, Wave Transmission Lines and Networks,
98, for means involving electrical structure for connecting a plurality of wave guide components. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
335, Electricity: Magnetically Operated Switches, Magnets, and Electromagnets,
276, for a pivoted armature mounting means and see the notes thereunder. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
336, Inductor Devices,
210, for an inductor core comprising plural parts and means for connecting the parts and see the notes thereunder.
351, Optics: Eye Examining, Vision Testing and Correcting,
140+, for means for joining plural parts of spectacles or eyeglasses. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
401, Coating Implements With Material Supply,
251, for means for joining plural parts of a coating implement such as a fountain pen having a reservoir and feeder. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes) 411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or Locked-Threaded Fastener, appropriate subclasses for members joined by a fastener such as a bolt, screw, rivet, nail, etc., wherein the members are modified only to provide an accommodation for the fastener, e.g., a preformed aperture, etc. See
81+, for a threaded fastener (i.e., a bolt or nut) and means for restricting the rotation thereof relative to a coacting substructure; included therein are connections between two or more members (e.g., joints between sections of a railroad rail) wherein the only specificity as to the members relates to the manner in which they are adapted to serve as the coacting substructure for the bolts or nuts involved in the connection. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
415, Rotary Kinetic Fluid Motors or Pumps,
134+, for a thermal expansion joint in a rotary kinetic fluid motor or pump, subclass 140+ for a movably mounted blade portion, runner or shaft of a rotary kinetic fluid motor or pump and subclasses 148+ for a selectively adjustable vane or working fluid control means of a rotary fluid motor or pump. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
416, Fluid Reaction Surfaces (i.e., Impellers),
2, for a frangible or fusible connection between an impeller and its support, subclasses 131+ for an articulate or flexible connection between an impeller and its support and subclasses 204+ for means for attaching a working member of an impeller to its hub or shaft. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
418, Rotary Expansible Chamber Devices,
253+, for means for connecting a plurality of vanes in a rotary expansible chamber device. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus,
108, for apparatus comprising means to shape fluent material against the juxtaposed terminal portions of tubular or rodlike preforms to unite the preforms. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
433, Dentistry, 180+, for denture to abutment tooth connections; subclasses 191+ for tooth to denture connections; and subclasses 208+ for tooth facing to backing connections. (see the Class Definition, (7) Note above)
439, Electrical Connectors, appropriate subclasses for an electrically conductive connector between conductors of electricity.
446, Amusement Devices: Toys,
85+, for joints and connections between elements of constructions toys, connecting portions of forms or dolls. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
464, Rotary Shafts, Gudgeons, Housings, and Flexible Couplings for Rotary Shafts, appropriate subclasses for a coupling between rotary torque transmitting members which facilitates relative movement between the members, or facilitates the coupling of rotary torque transmitting members having misaligned rotational axes. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
473, Amusement Devices: Games,
305+, for a joint between the head and shaft of a golf club. (Joints or Connections in Other Classes)
GLOSSARY:
COMPONENT
An element or a characteristic of a member used in effecting a connection.
CONNECTOR
A retainer which serves to hold the members against separation. FASTENER
A retainer which serves to hold the members or one or more components against separation.
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.
JOINT
A connection between two or more members which utilizes an intrinsic property of at least one of the members or wherein the members are related to each other in a particular manner.
MEMBER
One of a plurality of structures which are connected. See (1) Note.
RETAINER
A component comprising a discrete element which serves either to hold the members against separation or to hold another component in its proper position.
RIGID Structure which when subjected to a distortion force normally encountered within the environment (as defined by the disclosure), 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 orientation 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).