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SUBCLASS

17.	Each class comprises one or more subclasses.

Example:

(a)	Subclass Symbol - Each subclass symbol consists of the class symbol followed by a capital letter.

A 01 B.

Example:

(b)	Subclass Title - The subclass title indicates as precisely as possible the content of the subclass.

A 01 B

SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL.

(c)	Subclass Index - Some subclasses have an index which is merely an informative summary giving a broad survey of the content of the subclass.

GROUP

18.	Each subclass is broken down into subdivisions referred to as "groups", which are either main groups or subgroups.

(a)	Group Symbol - Each group symbol consists of the subclass symbol followed by two numbers separated by an oblique stroke.

Example:

(b)	Main Group Symbol - Each main group symbol consists of the subclass symbol followed by a one- to three-digit number, the oblique stroke and the number 00.

A 01 B

00.

Example:

(c)	Main Group Title - The main group title defines a field of subject matter considered to be useful for search purposes. Main group symbols and titles are printed in bold in the Classification.

A 01 B

Hand tools.

Example:

(d)	Subgroup Symbol - Subgroups form subdivisions under the main groups. Each subgroup symbol consists of the subclass symbol followed by the one- to three-digit number of its main group, the oblique stroke and a number of at least two digits other than 00.

A 01 B

Any third or subsequent digit after the oblique stroke is to be understood as a decimal subdivision of the digit preceding it, e.g., 3/426 is to be found after 3/42 and before 3/43, and 5/1185 is to be found after 5/118 and before 5/119.

Examples:

(e)

Subgroup Title - The subgroup title defines a field of subject matter within the scope of its main group considered to be useful for search purposes. The title is preceded by one or more dots indicating the hierarchical position of that subgroup, i.e., indicating that each subgroup forms a subdivision of the nearest group above it having one dot less (see paragraphs 22 to 24, below). The subgroup title is often a complete expression, in which case it begins with a capital letter. A subgroup title begins with a lower case letter if it reads as a continuation of the title of the next higher, less indented group, i.e., having one dot less. In all cases, the subgroup title must be read as being dependent upon, and restricted by, the title of the group under which it is indented.

A 01 B

for treating meadows or lawns.

The title of 1/24 is to be read as: Hand tools for treating meadows or lawns.

A 01 B

Tools for uprooting weeds.

The title of 1/16 is a complete expression, but owing to its hierarchical position, the tools for uprooting weeds are restricted to hand tools.

COMPLETE CLASSIFICATION SYMBOL

Example:

19.	A complete classification symbol comprises the combined symbols representing the section, class, subclass and main group or subgroup.

A

01

B

1/00

Main group

Section

Class

or

Subclass

1/24

Subgroup

Group

GUIDE HEADINGS

20.

The main groups in each subclass are arranged, as far as possible, in a sequence intended to assist the user. It has not, however, been found practicable to standardize the sequence. Where a plurality of successive main groups relate to common subject matter, it is usual to provide before the first of such main groups a "guide heading" which is underlined, indicating this subject matter (see, for example, the guide heading "Ploughs" before group A 01 B 3/00). The series of groups covered by such a heading extends to the next guide heading or to a line in heavy type extending across the column, which is used when the following group or groups relate to different subject matter for which no guide heading is provided (see, for example, the line after group A 01 B 75/00). This line replaces the broken line used in the first two editions of the Classification. In exceptional cases, a guide heading may be provided for a single main group. For the effect of a guide heading on the scope of a place, see paragraphs 44(c) and 45, below.

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