US PATENT CLASS 439
Class Notes
Current as of: June, 1999
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DEFINITION
Classification: 439/
This is the generic class for a pair of mated conductors comprising at least two electrically conducting elements which are interconnected to permit relative motion of such conducting elements during use without a break in electrical conductivity therebetween (see Subclass References to the Current Class, below).
Also, this is the generic class for a device constituting an electricity conducting contact between conductors of electricity; wherein the joint is of a type which may be readily made and broken, repeatedly by attachment and detachment of contact supporting structure on each conductor.
(1) Note. A soldered joint or joint formed by twisting together a pair of conductors and any of various other splices that is more or less permanent in nature is not generally provided for in this class. See the reference to Class 174 below for location of a device relating to such a splice joint. Also, see below for the scope of this class with regard to general utility and the lines with respect to other classes providing for a joint, per se.
(2) Note. Included under this class definition is a device known in the art as a contact plug, an outlet receptacle, a lamp socket, a vacuum tube socket, a connection block, a cable terminal, a cable joint, a binding post, a cube tap, a grounding strap, etc.
(3) Note. This class also includes a device specialized for use with an electrical connector and not elsewhere classifiable. Such a device may be, for example, any of certain types of mounting or supporting means, a locking device, a shield or cover, a strain relieving device, etc.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
COMBINATION OF AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH ANOTHER DEVICE
With respect to a combination of an electrical connector with an art device, no absolutely uniform rule of classification can be set forth. Disposition of such combination depends on factors such as the nature of the combined art device, the manner in and extent to which such art device, per se, and in
other combinations have been classified, the relationship of other classes to this class as regards superiority, and the manner in which the combination is claimed. Generally, the combination of an electrical connector with an art device is classifiable in the appropriate art class. Also, an electrical connector limited to arrangement or use with an art device is generally classified in the appropriate art class. Two or more different electrical devices combined with an electrical connector will be found in the class providing for the combined electrical devices, even though they are broadly recited. CONNECTOR, PER SE, ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED
Since any mechanical joint, coupling or connector, when made of metal or other material capable of conducting an electrical current may be said to "electrically" connect, only such structure as are specially designed for and/or disclosed for electrical use have been placed in this class (Class 439).
A patent disclosing a connector having utility both as an electrical connector and as a mechanical coupling wherein the claims do not limit the connector function as an electrical connector is classified in the appropriate class providing for the mechanical joint.
A patent claiming a limitation of structure, composition, or arrangement utility in an electrical installation and not generally applicable to a class providing for the mechanical joint is classified in this class (Class 439). Reference to electrical insulation features is considered to establish electrical utility in an electrical installation.
As stated in the Class Definition, (2) Note, above, the connector of this class (Class 439) is generally of the type wherein an electrical joint can be readily made or broken and reused. Generally an electrical joint of a more permanent nature (e.g.., molded, soldered, twisted or crimped connection) is not provided for in this class.
See the notes at the beginning of this section for the general rule of classification. However, certain specific types of electrical connectors are excepted from the general rule, as follows:
Electrode Joints - See Class 313 class definition, Lines With Other Classes, "Electrodes and Shields with Joints Therebetween" for the line between Class 403 and this class (439) with respect to electrode joints.
Rail Bonds - See Class 238, subclass 14.05, (6) Note for the line between the various classes with respect to rail bonds.
METHOD OR APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING OR APPLYING AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
A patent including a claim to an electrical connector structure of this class (439) and another claim to a process or an apparatus for manufacture of such an electrical connector is originally classified in this class (439) with a mandatory cross-reference in the appropriate manufacturing class. See References to Other Classes, below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS: 1+, for interrelated connectors relatively movable during use.
43+, for an electrical connector with a selectable circuit wherein no details of the circuit structure are set forth.
152+, for an electrical connector with a coupling separator.
180, for an electrical connector detachable from a mating connector by snap or quick-break action.
188, for, an electrical connector that includes integrally therewith a "switching" component actuated by coupling engagement with a mating connector.
259+, for a connector with a contact moved laterally into engagement with a mating contact in a "zero insertion force device".
296+, for an electrical connector with coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in addition to the contact.
310+, for a retaining means with distinct movement-actuating means to move a coupling part axially.
374+, for an electrical connector with guiding means for mating of a coupling part.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., for a fastener, generally, especially 115+, for a cord or rope holder, subclass 122.3 for a device for gripping and holding a sheathed strand and subclass 122.6 for a device for gripping or holding a stranded cord or rope. (See "Connector, Per Se, Elsewhere Classified, above)
29, Metal Working,
400.1+, for the residual home for a process of manufacturing; subclasses 592.1+ for a process of making an electrical device, generally; and subclasses 729+ for apparatus for assembling, disassembling or securing parts thereof in the manufacture of an electrical device; especially subclasses
747+ for apparatus for assembling an electrical connector. For example, many patents in subclasses 747+ comprise apparatus for pulling or inserting a contact prong into an aperture of a resilient plug. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector," above.)
40, Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,
541+, for a sign in which a character or legend is made more apparent by means of a special illuminating device. Class 40 provides for the combination of an electrical connector with the significantly recited body of a sign. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
65, Glass Manufacturing,
36+, for a process of bonding glass to a formed part by a glassworking operation, and subclasses 152+ for fusion bonding by glassworking means; see the "Search Notes" under each of these subclasses. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector," above.)
81, Tools,
53.1+, for a wrench for applying an overhead line tap-type electrical connector. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector," above.)
99, Foods and Beverages: Apparatus,
378, for cooking apparatus in which there is included some electrical structure over and above an electrical heat element as, for example, an arrangement of conductors or connectors supplying electric current to various heating elements. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above) 156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, for a method or apparatus employed in laminating, per se. See particularly
49, for splicing; and subclasses 51+ for covering, respectively in making an electrical connector with a conductor of indefinite length. See also subclass 94 for reclaiming or repairing an article. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector," above.)
164, Metal Founding,
91+, for a process of manufacturing a battery post clamp in which metal is cast about an element of the clamp or conductor. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector," above.)
174, Electricity: Conductors and Insulators, for a permanent electrical connection between two conductors. Also search
Class 174 for an electrical conductor or insulator, and for an insulator or apparatus specialized to mounting, supporting, encasing in a conduit, or housing the same. Class 174 also provides for a device in which conductors are joined or spliced for transmission of electrical current therebetween if by a permanent joint (as distinguished from the detachable joint of this class (439). For example, search
84+, for conductors joined by having been fused, twisted, soldered or crimped together. An electrical connector of this class which may incidentally also be soldered to the mating connector, e.g.., to a printed circuit board, is included in this class (439). Search subclasses 50+ for a box or housing limited by claimed structure to electrical use and for combination of a housing and a connector. A hermetically sealed envelope such as is used for an electric lamp having connector structure is provided for in subclasses 50.5+ of Class 174 where significant structure of the envelope is recited in addition to that necessary to support or mount the connector. (See "Connector, Per Se, Elsewhere Classified, above)
178, Telegraphy,
78, for a telegraph instrument combined with a connection for tapping into a telegraph line to receive or transmit a message. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, for the combination of an electrical connector with vehicle structure; particularly
12+, for vehicle structure combined with an electrical connector including means for storing a line cord; subclass 23 for a continuous outlet for a nonremovable sliding coupling associated therewith for transmission of electricity to tranversing device; subclass 44 for a trolley conductor having a gear adapted to join a trolley conductor gear; and subclass 44.1 for a splice or coupling for a line and electric trolley wire. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
191, Electricity: Transmission to Vehicles, 44.1, for a splicer for the aligned ends of electric trolley wires. (See "Connector, Per Se, Elsewhere Classified, above)
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, for a device including a housing first brought into coupled relationship with a mating housing combined with subsequentially actuated sliding contacts if the contacts are intended to function in making and breaking electrical circuitry without separation of housings. Note however, that such a device may be found in this class (Class 439) if the coupling of the housings is ancillary to making electrical connection. An electrical
connector of class (Class 439) can be distinguished from a circuit maker or breaker of Class 200 in that an electrical connector is physically separated from a distinct mating connector each time the circuit is broken; whereas, a circuit maker or breaker comprises a "permanent" assemblage of parts including both a movable contact and its mating contact wherein there is a positive physical connection between the contacts such that a contact is restricted to move with respect to the mating contact along a prescribed path each time the circuit maker or breaker operates.
(1) Note. An electrical connector, per se, may include movable contacts and be in this class (438), the class of electrical connectors. For example, search Class 439, for an electrical connector with a selectable circuit wherein no details of the circuit structure are set forth; for an electrical connector with a coupling separator; for an electrical connector detachable from a mating connector by snap or quick-break action; for a connector with a contact moved laterally into engagement with a mating contact in a "zero insertion force device"; for an electrical connector with coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in addition to the contact, especially for a retaining means with distinct movement-actuating means to move a coupling part axially; and for an electrical connector with guiding means for mating of a coupling part. Class 200 has not been screened to verify placement according to this line. (See Subclass References to the Current Class, above. Also see the Class 200 search note in this section to "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device")
200, Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, for the combination of an electrical circuit maker or breaker for example, an electrical connector with a distinct switch actuated by coupling engagement is to be found in Class 200, especially in
61.58+,. However, an electrical connector that includes integrally therewith a "switching" component actuated by coupling engagement with a mating connector is to be found in this class. See Subclass References to the Current Class, above. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
(1) Note. See the class definition of Class 200, for further distinction between a circuit breaker of Class 200 and an electrical connector of this class (Class 439). See especially Class 200, subclasses 51+ for an electrical connector combined with a switch in a unitary structure or capable of functioning as a switch; and see (4) Note of subclass 51 for a line note directed to the combination of a connector-coupling device with a specified type of circuit maker and breaker excluded from these subclasses. Also see the Class 200 search note relating to the "Connectors' Per Se Elsewhere Classified"
204, Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy,
193+, for an electrical connector combined with apparatus for carrying out a process involving electrolysis, a process in which a chemical change is brought about by application of electric current or wave energy to material being treated, a process involving electrophoresis or electro-osmosis, or a process involving coating or forming an object by cathode sputtering. See subclasses 280+ for an electrode for carrying out a process of that class (Class 204). (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
213, Railway Draft Appliances,
1.3+, for the combination of a railway draft coupler with an electricity conducting means and see (2) Note of that class (Class 213) definition for the line between various classes with respect to a car coupler combined with another device. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above) 219, Electric Heating, for an electrical connector combined with an electrical heating device such as a space heater, an electrically heated metal working apparatus, or an electrically heated tool. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
228, Metal Fusion Bonding, for uniting work parts by forming a metallurgical bond. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector, " above.)
238, Railways: Surface Track,
14.05+, for a joint, coupling, rail bond, other electrical connector device, or other means for electrically connecting a railway rail or other surface track element to another rail or some other stationary device or object. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
242, Winding, Tensioning, or Guiding,
430+, for a process or apparatus for winding a composite electrical article that may include terminal winding. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector," above.)
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes, for a method of molding an insulative body about a contact in the manufacture of an electrical connector. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector, " above.)
294, Handling: Hand and Hoist-Line Implements,
19.1+, for a device for placing or removing a coupling part connector from a distance. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
310, Electrical Generator or Motor Structure,
71, for a dynamo electric machine having combined therewith an electrical connector, terminal, or lead-in, and subclasses 219+ for a current collector including a slip ring, brush holder, brush, etc. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above) 313, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, for an electric lamp and electric space discharge device structure and see especially section XI of the class definition of Class 313 for the line between Class 313 and this class (Class 439) with respect to the combination of an electric lamp and space discharge device and electrical connector structure. In section XI of the class definition of Class 313 may also be found the line between this class (Class 439) and various other classes with respect to the classification of the various features of electric lamp and space discharge devices. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
324, Electricity: Measuring and Testing,
149, for a connector combined with meter structure or a connector associated with a support for a meter. Where the support merely holds the connector elements in an operative position, classification is in this class (Class 439). However, if the support in any way contacts or supports the meter, classification is in Class 324. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
337, Electricity: Electrothermally or Thermally Actuated Switches, for an electrothermal or thermally operated switch, combined with an electrical connector. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
338, Electrical Resistors,
220, for an electrical resistor in a detachable plug-type resistor unit, and subclasses 322+ for a resistor with a terminal. See the Class 338 definition for lines between Class 338 and this class (Class 439). (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
343, Communications: Radio Wave Antennas,
870, for a loop-type antenna with a connector (or terminal) and subclass 906 for an antenna combined with an electrical connector. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
361, Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
600+, especially subclass 823 for a switchboard or analogous structure (e.g.., plural components with spacing means, distribution boards, etc.) having a connector. (See
"Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
362, Illumination, for an electrical connector combined with means adapting it to illumination; such as means to protect, support or distribute a light source, or an artificial light distributor or modifier (e.g.., a reflector, a refractor, or a shade). 437+, provide for a socket cover combined with means for securing a bowl or shade thereto and subclass 457 provides for a miscellaneous attachment or fitting adapted to be secured to or about a socket to form an ornamental lighting unit, in combination with a lamp socket. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
373, Industrial Electric Heating Furnaces,
117+, for a holder for an electrode in an electric arc furnace provided with mechanism for feeding the electrode as it is consumed to regulate the length of the arc. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
379, Telephonic Communications,
185, for a portable telephone or station set adapted to be connected to a circuit at fixed points or at any point. The instrument is connected by means of a line tap, or by means of a socket, plug or equivalent. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
403, Joints and Connections, for a joint uniting the ends of two rodlike bodies, or a rodlike body and a base, head, or other nonrodlike body; particularly
206+, wherein an axially curved or bent portion of a rod (or wire) is a joint component. See the notes at the beginning of this section (section IV) for the general rule of classification. However, certain specific types of electrical connectors are excepted from the general rule, as stated in "Connector, Per Se, Elsewhere Classified," above
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus, for molding an insulating body. See especially
110+, for apparatus molding a housing about preformed electrical contacts. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector," above.)
427, Coating Processes,
58+, for a process of coating, per se, wherein the product has utility as an electrical product. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector," above.) 429, Chemistry: Electrical Current Producing Apparatus, Product, and Process, for an electrical cell combined with an electrical connector, and see especially
209+, for the connection of an electrode within an electrical cell or a terminal claimed in combination with significant battery structure or when of such nature and construction as to be inseparable from an electrical cell. (See "Combination Of An Electrical Connector With Another Device" above)
445, Electric Lamp or Space Discharge Component or Device Manufacturing, for a process of or apparatus for manufacture of an electrical device of that class, including assembly therewith of an electrical connector. (See "Method Or Apparatus For Manufacturing Or Applying An Electrical Connector, " above.)
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application,
115+, for apparatus for applying electrical energy directly to the human body, including particular electrode structure; especially subclasses 149+ for an electrode having a flexible metallic contact surface designed to adapt itself to the contours of the human body, and subclass 153 for an electrode having means for wetting the contact surface between the electrode and the body. (See "Connector, Per Se, Elsewhere Classified, above)
GLOSSARY:
Terms or phrases used in definitions either repeatedly or in a special or limited sense are set forth below with the meaning each is to have in this class. For economy of space, an asterisk (*) following a word or phrase indicates that reference should be made to this glossary for the specific meaning thereof.
CABLE
An elongated, flexible assembly of two or more elongated conductors intended to transmit electricity from one end to the other, the conductors being electrically insulated from one another but physically held together in association with one another.
(1) Note. The two or more physically associated but mutually insulated conductors are usually further enclosed within an outer protective or insulating covering or sheath.
(2) Note. A stranded, wire-type conductor is considered to be a single conductor.
CONDUCTOR A member intended to transmit electricity from one portion or end thereof to another portion or end thereof, and to which electricity-transmitting member the electricity-conducting
part of an electrical connector is intended to be electrically joined or attached.
(1) Note. A conductor may include such diverse members as an electrical cable, a wire (either stranded or solid), a grounding plate, an inductive shield, a bus bar, or an electricity-transmitting path formed of a conductive film deposited on an insulating plate or panel, etc.
CONNECTOR
A device for forming an electricity-conducting joint between conductors of electricity, wherein the device either (1) consists solely of an electricity-conducting element having a contact surface for forming the joint or (2) comprises an assembly which includes an electricity-conducting element having a contact surface for forming the joint and further includes any structure necessary to support, carry, or encase the conductive element; and wherein the joint is of a type which may be readily made and broken, repeatedly, either (a) by engaging or disengaging the conductive element or (b) by engaging or disengaging the conductive element with a conductor.
CONTACT
An electricity-conducting component of an electrical connector, including a contact surface intended to form a readily made and broken electricity-conducting joint by directly engaging either a conductor or a corresponding surface of a cooperating joint-forming conductive component, so as to permit the passage of electricity through the joint from one component to the other.
COUPLING PART
An electrical connector comprising a contact and additional supporting structure specially adapted to mate with a specific complementary electrical connector.
(1) Note. A "specific complementary electrical connector" is also a "coupling part" in this class, but may be referred to as a "mating part" in order to distinguish it from the first mentioned coupling part. Also, such a "counterpart" and the complementary contact thereof may be referred to as the "counter-contact".
(2) Note. A relatively short, generally stationary rodlike connector is not considered to be a "coupling part" even though it otherwise meets the limitations of this definition, because such structure has not been so considered in the past. Similarly, a connector for interfitting with such a short rodlike connector is not considered to be a "coupling part". Such a connector may commonly be used on an automobile electrical energy battery. Note further that this restriction does not apply to a generally fixed socket and a cooperating short rodlike connector. (3) Note. A bare wire (or cable) making electrical contact is not a coupling part; nor is a connector for making direct engagement with such a wire. Also, neither a threaded stud nor a ring for fitting over such a stud is considered to be a coupling part.
MATING PART
A coupling part for electrically connecting with a specific coupling part. Actually a coupling part and a mating part are structurally the same, the distinct terminology is used in this class as an aid to expression.
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
A relatively thin, flat insulating sheet, panel, or plate having two or more circuit elements or conductors deposited, adhered, or otherwise formed on a planar surface thereof, the circuit elements or conductors being electrically insulated from one another or being, during use, at electrical potentials different from one another.