IPC Definitions - October 20, 2015
A01 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Plant | Any of a kingdom (Plantae) of multicellular eukaryotic mostly photosynthetic organisms typically lacking locomotive movement or obvious nervous or sensory organs and possessing cellulose cell walls. |
A01B - Definition
Informative references:
A01D - Definition
This place covers:
Methods, apparatus or hand tools for
Separation of useful parts of plants (e.g. seeds, fruits, roots, stalks or leaves) from the remainder of the plants in the place where the plants are grown;
Mowing of plants (e.g. grass or cereals), regardless of whether the intention is to make use of the mown plants or not;
Gathering of whole plants (e.g. root crops or onions) or their useful parts (e.g. fallen fruit) from where the plants grow or from the ground;
Haymaking, i.e. working on mown forage crop lying on the ground with the intention to make hay.
Hand rakes.
Non-abrasive sharpening devices for scythes, sickles or the like.
Containers for whetstones for use during harvesting.
Machines specially adapted for binding of harvested hay, straw or similar crops in the field.
Arrangements for making or setting of stacks, used in connection with harvesting.
Vehicles specially adapted for carrying harvested crops with means for self-loading or unloading.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Combined or convertible apparatus
This subclass covers mowers combined with apparatus performing additional operations (e.g. threshing) while mowing, mowers convertible to apparatus for purposes other than mowing (e.g. for sweeping snow), and mowers capable of performing operations other than mowing (e.g. soil-working). The non-mowing parts of such mowers are only covered by this subclass if they are immediately associated with the mowing parts or the mowing process. Otherwise they are covered by the places for the non-mowing operations.
This subclass covers digging harvesters (e.g. for root crops) combined with apparatus performing additional operations (e.g. topping, separating or planting) while harvesting. The non-harvesting parts of such combinations are only covered by this subclass if they are immediately associated with the harvesting parts or the harvesting process. Otherwise they are covered by the places for the non-harvesting operations.
Hand tools for soil working
This subclass covers hand tools for soil working when specially adapted for harvesting, for example of root crops. This subclass also covers rakes and forks. A01B covers hand tools for soil working in general, e.g. spades, shovels or hoes, with the exception of rakes and forks.
Binding
This subclass covers apparatus specially adapted for binding of harvested hay, straw or similar crops, with the exception of stationary apparatus or hand tools, which are covered by A01F 1/00, and binding apparatus specially adapted for baling presses, which is covered by A01F 15/14. Binding in general is covered by B65B, for example B65B 13/00 and B65B 27/12.
Shredding or pulverising
This subclass covers the shredding or pulverising of stubble or other vegetation in situ, e.g. for the purpose of producing mulch, but does not cover other mechanical destruction of unwanted vegetation, which is covered by group A01M 21/02.
Limiting references:
Soil working tools or machines for weeding or thinning | |
e.g. | |
Transplanting | |
Machines for cutting sods or turf from lawns or meadows | |
Cutting implements specially adapted for horticultural purposes, e.g. flower shears, fruit shears, secateurs or hedge shears | |
Delimbing of standing trees | |
Uprooting or felling of trees | |
Tapping of tree juices | |
Apparatus for destruction of unwanted vegetation |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Machines that pick up mown material from the ground and bale it | |
Machines that pick up mown material from the ground and cut it, e.g. field choppers |
Informative references:
Agricultural soil working in general | |
Gatherers for removing stones, undesirable roots or the like from the soil | |
Parts, details or accessories of agricultural machines in general | |
Threshing | |
Baling of hay, straw or the like | |
Stacks for storing of harvested products | |
Cutting machines specially adapted for hay, straw or the like | |
Floral handling | |
"Harvesting" of oysters, mussels, sponges or the like | |
Treatment of harvested fruit or vegetables, not otherwise provided for, e.g. extracting juice, cleaning of vegetables or topping of onions | |
Preparation of tobacco | |
Making harvesting tools | |
e.g. e.g. | B21D 53/68, B21D 53/72, B21H 7/08, B21H 7/10, B21K 11/08, B21K 11/14, B21K 19/00 |
Sharpening of cutting edges in general | |
e.g. e.g. | |
Handles for hand implements in general | |
Hand-held cutting tools in general | |
Cutting in general | |
Wheels | |
Vehicles specially adapted for load transportation, or for transporting, carrying or comprising special loads or objects, in general | |
Wheel scrapers | |
Conveyers in general | |
Hoisting or lifting in general, e.g. hay hoists | |
e.g. | |
Removing undesired matter from land, not otherwise provided for | |
Dredging or soil-shifting in general | |
e.g. |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Combine (noun) | Harvester or mower combined with a threshing device. |
Fork | Hand tool having two or more tines that are used for lifting, digging or pitching. |
Harvest (verb) | Perform one of the methods defined in the definition statement in order to make use of the separated, mown or gathered plantmaterial. |
Hay | Mown forage crop in a dry or partially dry state. |
Haymaking | Working on mown forage crop lying on the ground with the intention to make hay. |
Mow (verb) | Cut down grass, cereals or other standing plants. |
Thresh (verb) | Separate grains or seeds from harvested plants or plant parts (e.g. cereals, maize/corn, peas, beans or pine cones) by mechanical action (e.g. shaking, stamping, rubbing, beating or applying intermittent pressure). |
A01D 37/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A01D 61/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A01D 75/08 - Definition
Informative references:
A01D 90/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A01F - Definition
This place covers:
The scope of this subclass is composed of five separate parts, relating to the five parts of the subclass title. For ease of reference each section of these definitions is separated under five corresponding simplified headings: "Threshing", "Baling", "Bundling", "Cutting" and "Storing".
Threshing (relating to main groups A01F 5/00-A01F 12/00 and A01F 17/00-A01F 21/00):
Methods and apparatus for separating grains or seeds from harvested plants or plant parts by mechanical action.
Baling (relating to main groups A01F 13/00-A01F 21/00):
Methods and apparatus for forming bales of straw, hay or like harvested products of plant origin.
Bundling (relating to main group A01F 1/00):
Stationary apparatus or hand tools for forming or binding bundles of straw, hay or like harvested products of plant origin.
Cutting (relating to main groups A01F 3/00 and A01F 29/00):
Apparatus specially adapted for cutting or disintegrating straw, hay or like already harvested products of plant origin.
Storing (relating to main group A01F 25/00):
Mechanical aspects (e.g. materialhandlingaspects) of apparatus (e.g. silos) or methods that are specially adapted for storing harvested agricultural or horticultural crops.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Main groups A01F 5/00-A01F 12/00 and A01F 17/00-A01F 21/00 provide for threshing devices and for accessories that are directly connected with threshing. Combines, and details of combines that are not directly connected with the threshing action (e.g. mowing, feeding or vehicular features) are covered by A01D.
Baling
Main groups A01F 13/00-A01F 21/00 are application-oriented places for methods or apparatus for baling that are specially adapted for straw, hay or like harvested products of plant origin. Baling of compressible fibrous material in general is provided for in B65B 27/12. Baling presses in general is provided for in B30B 9/30. Bales of material are provided for in B65D 71/00.
Bundling
Main group A01F 1/00 is an application-oriented place for stationary apparatus or hand tools for bundling, which are specially adapted for straw, hay or like harvested products of plant origin. Binding of harvested products by mobile apparatus in the field is provided for in A01D, for example in A01D 37/00, A01D 39/00 and A01D 59/00. Bundling of compressible fibrous material in general is provided for in B65B 27/12. Bundling of articles in general is provided for in B65B 13/00.
Cutting
Main groups A01F 3/00 and A01F 29/00 are application-oriented places for apparatus or methods that are specially adapted for cutting up or disintegrating straw, hay or like already harvested products of plant origin. Mowing and other cutting down of standing plants is covered by A01D and A01G. Cutting in general is covered by B26. Disintegrating in general, e.g. by rotating knives, is covered by B02C.
Storing
Main group A01F 25/00 is an application-oriented place for mechanical aspects (e.g. materialhandlingaspects) of apparatus or methods that are specially adapted for storing harvested agricultural or horticultural crops. Containers for storage of articles or materials in general is covered by B65D. Storing and associated handling of bulk material or articles in general is covered by B65G. Civil-engineering aspects of silos or similar bulk storage containers are covered by section E, for example E04H 7/00.
Limiting references:
Separation of grains or seeds from plants in the place where they grow | |
e.g. e.g. | |
Field threshers with windrow pick-up apparatus | |
Pick-ups for harvested crop | |
Coring or stoning of fruit | |
Removing seed-containing sections from fruit | |
Hulling, husking or cracking of nuts |
Baling
Arrangements for making or setting stacks | |
Pick-ups for harvested crop |
Bundling
Arrangements for making or setting stacks in connection with harvesting |
Cutting
Cutting or disintegrating in combination with mowing | |
Pick-ups for harvested crop | |
Shredding tea leaves | |
Fodder mashers for preparing animal feeding-stuff | |
Cutting tobacco | |
Spice mills |
Storing
Arrangements for making or setting stacks, used in connection with harvesting | |
Devices for preserving flowers | |
Arrangements in barns for treatment of tobacco | |
Suspending devices for tobacco leaves | |
Cabinets for perishable goods | |
Fruit or potato storage cabinets, racks or tray for domestic use | |
Closed containers for foodstuffs | |
Drying or storing hops | |
Civil engineering aspects of bulk storage containers, e.g. silos |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Baling
Vehicles for carrying harvested crops with bale-forming means additionally used for loading | |
Packing or pressing tobacco |
Bundling
Apparatus for binding bouquets or wreaths of flowers | |
Packing or pressing tobacco |
Informative references:
Separating solids using pneumatic tables or jigs | |
Separating solids from solids by dry methods, in general | |
Hulling, husking, decorticating or removing awns otherwise than in connection with threshing | |
Conveying in general |
Baling
Forming of bundles of straw, hay or like material of plant origin | |
Loaders for bales | |
Baling of compressible fibrous material in general | |
Baling presses in general | |
Conveying in general |
Bundling
Mobile binders for use while harvesting | |
Loaders for sheaves | |
Forming of bales | |
Bundling of compressible fibrous material in general | |
Bundling of articles in general |
Cutting
Mowing | |
Cutting implements specially adapted for horticultural purposes, e.g. flower shears, fruit shears, secateurs or hedge shears | |
Apparatus for destruction of unwanted vegetation | |
Household implements for mashing potatoes or other foodstuff | |
Disintegrating in general | |
Hand-held cutting tools | |
Cutting in general | |
Conveying in general |
Storing
Protecting growing plants | |
Preservation of plants or parts thereof | |
Preserving flour by storage in an inert atmosphere | |
Preservation of fruits or vegetables | |
Preservation of edible seeds | |
Preservation of edible oils or fat | |
Preservation of materials to produce animal feeding stuff | |
Preservation of foods or foodstuffs in general | |
Containers for storage of articles or materials in general | |
Storage and associated handling of bulk material or articles in general | |
Conserving hops | |
Refrigerators, cold rooms, or the like | |
Drying in general |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Bale (noun) | A compressed, solid package of harvested material, which is either held together by thread or webs or formed by the material itself (with or without additives) to maintain its shape. |
Bundle (noun) | A relatively loose package of harvested material, normally consisting of straws or stalks that are oriented in parallel to each other. It can either be held together by thread or webs or be formed by the material itself. |
Combine (noun) | Harvester or mower combined with a threshing device. |
Harvest (verb) | Separate useful parts from growing plants in situ, mow plants, or gather whole plants or their useful parts from the ground or from where the plants grow, with the intention to make use of the separated, mown or gathered plantmaterial. |
Mow (verb) | Cut down grass, cereals or other standing plants. |
Threshing | Separation of grains or seeds from harvested plants or plant parts (e.g. cereals, maize/corn, peas, beans or pine cones) by mechanical action (e.g. shaking, stamping, rubbing, beating or applying intermittent pressure). |
A01H - Definition
This place covers:
New plants (including multicellular algae, multicellular fungi and lichens).
Processes for modifying genotypes or phenotypes.
Plant reproduction by tissue culture techniques.
Methods or apparatus for producing changes in chromosome number.
Limiting references:
Unicellular algae | |
Fungal micro-organisms | |
Specific mutations prepared by genetic engineering on plant cell or plant tissues |
Informative references:
A01K - Definition
This place covers:
Equipment and methods for the care, culture or rearing of all animals or for obtaining their products, not otherwise provided for
Equipment and methods for fishing
Equipment for angling
Methods of breeding animals, not otherwise provided for
New breeds of animals
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Whilst A01K provides for equipment and methods associated with the care, nurturing, handling and rearing of all animals, and the harvesting of their products, devices and accessories for milking are classified in A01J. Furthermore, shoes for animals (e.g. horses, oxen and other solipeds) and associated accessories are classified in A01L. Devices for maintaining the appearance and welfare of animals (e.g. washing and grooming devices, shearing equipment, dehorners, horn trainers) are classified here, whilst veterinary equipment and methods for the medical treatment of animals are classified in A61D. A01K provides for fastening and tethering/restraining equipment for animals (e.g. halters, neck-bars, leads, collars), yet equine or similar harnesses and devices used in connection therewith are classified in B68B. A01K provides for new breeds of animals, irrespective of the manner of their production, including new breeds of multicellular animals, e.g. transgenic animals. It also provides for processes of obtaining such new animals. Processes and methods for genetic engineering and mutation per se are classified in C12N. Where genetic engineering or mutation techniques are used to produce new breeds of animals, multi-aspect classification in A01K 67/00 and C12N 15/00 should be applied. Breeding of animals not otherwise provided for is covered by A01K 67/00, whilst instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation (e.g. artificial insemination) is classified in A61D 19/00.
Limiting references:
Milking; Accessories therefor | |
Shoeing of animals | |
Veterinary instruments, implements, tools, or methods | |
Harnesses; Devices used in connection therewith |
Informative references:
New plants or processes for obtaining them; Plant reproduction by tissue culture techniques | |
Manufacture of dairy products, other than milking | |
Catching, trapping or scaring of animals; Apparatus for the destruction of noxious animals | |
Preservation of bodies of animals or parts thereof; Pest repellants or attractants | |
Feeding-stuffs specially adapted for animals; Methods specially adapted for production thereof | |
Fencing, e.g. fences, enclosures, corrals | |
Construction of valves | |
Electric circuits or apparatus specially designed for use in equipment for killing, stunning, enclosing or guiding living beings |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Angling | A form of fishing using a hook and line. A rod or pole is often additionally used, e.g. for sport fishing. |
Game | Wild mammals or birds hunted for sport or food. |
Honeycomb | A structure of hexagonal wax cells, made by bees to store honey and larvae. |
Poultry | Domesticated fowl, such as chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese. |
Stock | Domesticated animals bred and kept for their produce. |
A01K 1/06 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Halter | An arrangement of straps fixed around an animal's head and used to lead or tie-up livestock. |
Neck-bar | A mechanical device for restraining animals (e.g. cows) by clamping their necks in a releasable frame or cage. |
A01K 5/00 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Stock | Animals kept or raised for use or pleasure |
A01K 7/00 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Stock | Animals kept or raised for use or pleasure |
A01K 9/00 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Stock | Animals kept or raised for use or pleasure |
A01K 13/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Examples of places where the subject matter of this group is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Milking machine accessories for cleaning udders or teats | |
Washing devices specially adapted to veterinary purposes |
Informative references:
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Fetlock ring | A ring (typically rubber) placed around the fetlock joint to prevent a horse kicking its own feet when walking, and to encourage a wider gait. Often used for horses with close hind feet. |
A01K 15/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Appliances for supporting or fettering animals for operative purposes |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Hobble | A device restricting an animal's leg movement to impede its ability to stray or run. |
A01K 17/00 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Horn trainer | A device fitted to an animal's horns to influence how they grow. |
A01K 27/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Devices specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material |
A01K 63/04 - Definition
Informative references:
A01K 63/06 - Definition
Informative references:
A01K 65/00 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Fish stringer | A device for fastening together multiple caught fish to aid their transport. |
A01K 67/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Veterinary methods for reproduction or fertilisation | |
Medicinal preparations containing sperm | |
Apparatus for in vitro animal cell culture | |
in vitro animal cell culture (e.g. oocytes, sperm cells and embryos) | |
Mutation or genetic engineering |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Breeding | Obtaining animals up to and including their birth or hatching. |
A01K 67/02 - Definition
Informative references:
Covering boxes | |
Devices for assisting or preventing mating |
A01K 79/02 - Definition
Informative references:
A01K 97/14 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Gaff | A pole with a sharp hook at the distal end, used to spear and lift large fish out of the water. |
A01M - Definition
This place covers:
Catching or killinginsects
Special adaptations or arrangements or liquid- or powder-spraying apparatus for the purposes covered by this subclass
Flame-throwers specially adapted for the purposes covered by this subclass
Apparatus for the destruction of vermin, noxiousanimals or unwanted vegetation
Traps for animals
Devices or apparatus for killinganimals by dispensing poison, or by projectiles
Scaring or repelling devices
Hunting appliances
Relationship between large subject matter areas
A01M provides for the catching, trapping or scaring of animals, yet when these processes are used for the purposes of fishing and apiculture/bee-keeping they are classified in A01K. Furthermore, electric circuits or apparatus specially adapted for catching, trapping and control of animals or adapted for the destruction of insects and animals are classified in H05C. Mechanical devices/apparatus for the destruction of vermin, noxiousanimals and unwanted plants and vegetation is classified in A01M, yet biocides, pest repellants, attractants and plant growth regulators are classified in A01N.
Limiting references:
Appliances for catching swarms; Drone-catching devices | |
Fishing | |
Biocides, pest repellants or attractants | |
Electric circuits or apparatus specially designed for use in equipment for killing, stunning, enclosing or guiding living beings |
Informative references:
Slaughtering or stunning of animals | |
Spraying or atomising apparatus, in general | |
Equipment for fitting in or to aircraft for dropping or releasing powdered, liquid or gaseous matter, e.g. pesticides, herbicides |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Animal | Bon-human members of the kingdom Animalia, including, but not limited to, mammals, birds and insects. |
Destruction | To destroy or cause the death of a living organism; the non-chemical sterilisation of invertebrates. |
Fumigator | Apparatus used to disinfect or purify an area using the fumes of selected chemicals. |
Insect | A class of arthropod animals characterised by an exoskeleton supporting a three-part body (comprising a head, thorax and abdomen), six legs and two antennae. |
Killing | To destroy or cause the death of a living organism; the non-chemical sterilisation of invertebrates. |
Noxious | Harmful, poisonous or undesirable. |
Snare | An anchored noose typically made from wire or cable which tightens around an animal, preventing release or escape. |
Vermin | Wild animals, e.g. rodents, which may spread disease or be harmful to crops. |
A01M 21/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A01M 25/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A01M 29/10 - Definition
Informative references:
A01M 29/12 - Definition
Informative references:
Poisoning, narcotising, or burning insects | |
Fumigators; Apparatus for distributing gases |
A01M 29/22 - Definition
Informative references:
Beater rattles for hunting |
Special rules of classification
A01M 29/16 takes precedence.
A01M 29/24 - Definition
Informative references:
Apparatus for the destruction of noxious animals, other than insects, by hot water, steam, hot air, or electricity | |
Electric traps | |
Electrified wire fencing |
A01N - Definition
This place covers:
Compositions, physical forms thereof, and the application or method of use of specific materials, compositions, or single compounds for the following purposes:
Preserving or preventing the decay of dead human or animal bodies or parts thereof
Preserving living parts of human or animal bodies
Preserving or maintaining the freshness of plants or plant parts
Reducing the noxious effect of active ingredients on organisms other than unwanted organisms
Killing or preventing the growth or proliferation of unwanted organisms (e.g. insects, weeds, micro-organisms)
Repelling (i.e. resisting, warding off) or luring pests
Affecting plant growth through a chemical modification of the metabolism of plants using plant growth regulators, such as auxins.
Compositions used to protect the wound and scions of newly grafted plants or to cover the wounds on pruned plants (i.e. grafting wax).
Chemical agents used for the sexual sterilization of invertebrates (e.g. insects).
Relationship between large subject matter areas
While substances that chemically modify a plant's metabolism are classified in A01N, compositions that affect the growth of a plant solely by supplying nutrients ordinarily required for growth, e.g. fertiliser, plant food, are classified in C05. Materials used to prevent or cure mineral deficiencies in plants, such as iron chelates used to cure iron chlorosis, are also classified in C05.
The activities (e.g. rodenticidal, herbicidal) of biocidal, pest repellent, pest attractant or plant growth regulatory preparations must also be classified in A01P, when such activities are determined to be invention information.
When biocides, pest repellents, pest attractants or plant growth regulators are compounds or contain compounds which are determined to be invention information, the compounds must also be classified in C01, C07, C08, or C12N. When these compounds are considered to be of interest for search purposes, they may also be classified in C01, C07, C08, or C12N.
Limiting references:
Apparatus therefor | |
Preservation of food or foodstuff, e.g. pasteurizing, sterilizing | |
Preservation or chemical ripening of harvested fruits or vegetables | |
Compositions for medical, dental or toilet purposes which kill or prevent the growth or proliferation of unwanted organisms | |
Sex sterilants for animals other than invertebrates | |
Mixtures of pesticides with fertilisers | |
Fungicidal, bactericidal, insecticidal, disinfecting or antiseptic paper |
Informative references:
Plant grafting | |
Devices for preserving flowers | |
Electric or magnetic treatment of plants for promoting growth | |
Sterilising soil by steam | |
Protecting plants (e.g. protective covers; devices for generating heat, smoke or fog; devices protecting against animals) | |
Means for catching or killing insects | |
Apparatus for destroying vermin in soil or food stuffs | |
Apparatus for the destruction of vegetation | |
Scaring devices e.g. bird-scaring apparatus | |
Hunting decoys | |
Methods or apparatus for disinfection or sterilisation of materials not characterized by the agent employed | |
Paints containing biocides, e.g. fungicides, insecticides, pesticides | |
Anti-fouling paints and underwater paints | |
Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells or tissues and their cultivation and maintenance | |
Biocidal agents (e.g. fungicidal, bactericidal, or insecticidal agents) which are in or on paper |
Special rules of classification
In groups A01N 27/00-A01N 65/00, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, classification is made in the last appropriate place for an active ingredient.
A composition, i.e. a mixture of two or more active ingredients is classified in the last of groups A01N 27/00-A01N 65/00 that provides for at least one of these active ingredients.
Any part of a composition which is not identified by classification according to the last appropriate place of an active ingredient, and which itself is determined to be novel and non-obvious, must also be classified. The part can be either a single ingredient or a composition in itself.
Any part of a composition which is not identified by the classification according the last appropriate place, and which is considered to represent information of interest for search, may also be classified. This can for example be the case when it is considered of interest to enable searching of compositions using a combination of classification symbols. Such non-obligatory classification should be given as "additional information".
Where a compound is described as existing in tautomeric forms, it is classified as if existing in the form which is classified last in the system.
Compounds that are covered by different main groups because of alternatively specified functional groups or other structural features of their formulae are classified in each relevant main group.
Salts formed between two or more organic compounds are classified as the compound providing the essential ion and is also classified as the compound providing the other ion.
Salts or metal chelates of an organic compound are classified as the compound.
In this subclass, a foodstuff is not considered to be an active ingredient.
Different materials applied in sequence, at different times, are considered to be a mixture of all materials employed.
Synergistic or potentiated compositions are classified as if the synergist or potentiator is an active ingredient.
In groups A01N 25/00-A01N 65/00, the symbol X means nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur or a halogen; Y means nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur. A dotted line between atoms indicates an optional bond, e.g. .... indicates one or two single bonds or a double bond.
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Acaricide | Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing or destroying mites and ticks or making them less harmful. |
Alkali metal | One of the following elements: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr. |
Alkaline earth metal | One of the following elements: Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra. |
Arthropodicide | Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing or destroying arthropods, e.g. insects, arachnids, crustaceans or making them less harmful. |
Biocide | Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, or mitigating any living organism (e.g., plant, animal). Examples of a biocide are: acaricide, arthropodicide, fungicide, insecticide, molluscicide, rodenticide (see Synonyms and Keywords). |
Disinfectant | Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, or mitigating microorganisms. |
Fungicide | Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing or destroying moulds and fungi or making them less harmful. |
Halogen | One of the following elements: F, Cl, Br, I, At. |
Heavy metal | A metal other than light metal. |
Herbicide | Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing or destroying plant life or making it less harmful. |
Insecticide | Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing or destroying insects or making them less harmful. |
Light metal | One of the following elements: alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, Be, Al, Mg. |
Metal | An element other than non-metal. |
Molluscicide | Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing or destroying molluscs, e.g. snails, clams or making them less harmful. |
Non-metal | One of the following elements: H, B, C, Si, N, P, O, S, Se, Te, noble gas, halogen. |
Pesticide | Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing or destroying any pest (e.g., insects, rodents) or making it less harmful. |
Plant | A young tree, shrub, vegetable, or flower newly planted, or intended for planting |
Plant growth regulator | Materials which alter the plant or may affect plant growth through a chemical modification of the plant metabolism, such as auxins. |
Rodenticide | Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing or destroying rodents, e.g. rats, mice or making them less harmful. |
A01N 25/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A01N 31/14 - Definition
This place covers:
A01N 33/18 - Definition
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A01N 35/06 - Definition
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A01N 37/22 - Definition
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A01N 37/52 - Definition
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A01N 43/28 - Definition
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A01N 43/36 - Definition
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A01N 43/40 - Definition
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A01N 43/653 - Definition
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A01N 43/713 - Definition
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A01N 43/78 - Definition
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A01N 43/80 - Definition
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A01N 43/82 - Definition
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A01N 43/84 - Definition
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A01N 43/86 - Definition
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A01N 43/88 - Definition
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1. structure (.cdx) - structure (.skc)
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A01N 43/90 - Definition
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A01N 47/04 - Definition
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A01N 47/24 - Definition
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A01N 47/36 - Definition
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A01N 55/04 - Definition
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A01N 57/14 - Definition
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A01N 57/16 - Definition
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A01N 57/20 - Definition
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A01N 57/28 - Definition
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A23B - Definition
This place covers:
Methods for preserving meat, sausages, fish, fish products, eggs, egg products, fruit, vegetables (preservation of raw potatoes) or edible seeds by heating, drying, freezing, irradiating, smoking, using chemicals or micro-organisms, etc. and compositions therefor.
Apparatus for preserving meat, sausages, fish, fish products, eggs, egg products, fruit, vegetables or edible seeds using liquids, solids or gases.
Apparatus, methods, and compositions for coating meat, sausages, fish, fish products, eggs, egg products, fruit, vegetables or edible seeds with a protective layer.
Apparatus for compressing sauerkraut.
Chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables with liquids, solids or gases.
Preserved, ripened or canned products (i.e., meat, sausages, fish, fish products, eggs, egg products, fruit, vegetables or edible seeds), per se.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Preservation of foods or foodstuffs in general is classified in group A23L 3/00 while A23B includes the methods of preserving meat, sausages, fish, , fish products, eggs, egg products, fruit, vegetables or edible seeds as well as the chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables. A classification in A23B is proper if the preservation method is for specific types of foods which are covered in A23B. If a food in general is being preserved by a specific preservation method it is classified in A23L 3/00.
Preserving, protecting, or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging and apparatus therefor are classified in B65B 55/00. Preserving meat, sausages, fish, fish products, eggs, egg products, fruit, vegetables or edible seeds and apparatus therefor not restricted to packaging are classified in A23B.
B65D 81/00 deals with containers, packaging elements or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents. More specifically, B65D 81/28 deals with applications of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants to the container or the packaging material, per se to prevent deterioration or decay. A23B deals with preserving meat, sausages, fish, fish products, eggs, egg products, fruit, vegetables or edible seeds, per se.
Limiting references:
Marmalades; Jams; Jellies; Other similar fruit or vegetable compositions; Simulated fruit products; Their preparation or treatment | |
Preparation of cooked potatoes |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Applying food preservatives in packages |
Informative references:
Preparation of fruits or vegetables | |
Preparation of fruits or vegetables by pickling, e.g. sauerkraut | |
Preserving foodstuffs in general | |
Machines for washing or blanching fruits or vegetables in bulk in combination with subsequent drying | |
Machines for drying or roasting fruits or vegetables in bulk |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Egg product | All or portion of the contents found inside eggs separated from the shell and that may be pasteurized in a food processing plant, with or without added ingredients, intended for human consumption, such as dried frozen or liquid eggs. Egg products do not include food which contains eggs only in a relatively small proportion, such as cake mixes. |
Fish | Any fish, including shellfish and crustaceans, and marine animals (marine being defined as "of, found in, produced by the sea"), and any parts, products or by-products thereof. |
Fish product |
A23D - Definition
This place covers:
Edible oil or fat compositions containing an aqueous phase, e.g. margarines, and their working-up and the preservation of finished products.
Other edible oils or fats, e.g. shortenings, cooking oils, microbial oils and their working-up and the preservation of finished products.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Foods or foodstuffs containing edible oils or fats are classified in the relevant parts A21D, A23G, A23L. Fats derived from milk are classified in A23C (e.g. A23C 13/00 and A23C 15/00).
C07C covers acyclic and carbocyclic compounds, e.g. esters of carboxylic acids (C07C 69/00), but not their use in food stuff which is covered by A23D.
C11B covers the production and purification/refining of oils and fats as well as their recovery from waste material, but not limited to those oils and fats which are suitable for use in foodstuffs. C11B does not cover mixtures of fats or oils with water or other edible oils or fats, which are covered by A23D.
C11C covers fatty acids that are not or no longer esterified with glycerol (although the process or esterification of said fatty acids with glycerol is covered) and their modifications, as well as candles.
A23L 33/00 covers food with modified nutritive qualities, e. g. dietetic food, functional food.
Informative references:
Animal-feeding stuff | |
Use of substance as emulsifying, wetting, dispersing or foam-producing agents | |
Mineral oil (kerosene, paraffin waxes, petroleum, gasoline, diesel), biodiesel | |
Preparation of fats or fatty oils by using microorganism or enzymes | |
Investigating or analyzing edible oils or fats by specific methods |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Oil | An oil is a substance that is in a viscous liquid state ("oily") at ambient temperatures or slightly warmer, and is both hydrophobic (immiscible with water) and lipophilic (miscible with other oils, literally). This general definition includes compound classes with otherwise unrelated chemical structures, properties, and uses, including vegetable oils, petrochemical oils, and volatile essential oils. Oil is a nonpolar substance. The word "oil" is used for any substance that does not mix with water and has a greasy feel, such as petroleum (or crude oil) and heating oil, regardless of its chemical structure. |
Edible oil | Edible or cooking oil is fat of plant, animal or microbial origin, which is liquid at room temperature and is suitable for food use. Some of the many different kinds of edible vegetable oils include: olive oil, palm oil, soybean oil, canola oil, pumpkin seed oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, argan oil and rice bran oil. Many other kinds of vegetable oils are also used for cooking. The generic term "vegetable oil" when used to label a cooking oil product refers to a blend of a variety of oils often based on palm, corn, soybean or sunflower oils. Edible oil of animal origin is e.g. fish oil. Microbial oil are also encompassed. |
Fat | Fats consist of a wide group of compounds that are generally soluble in organic solvents and largely insoluble in water. Chemically, fats are generally triesters of glycerol and fatty acids. Fats may be either solid or liquid at normal room temperature, depending on their structure and composition. Although the words "oils", "fats", and "lipids" are all used to refer to fats, "oils" is usually used to refer to fats that are liquids at normal room temperature, while "fats" is usually used to refer to fats that are solids at normal room temperature. "Lipids" is used to refer to both liquid and solid fats, along with other related substances. Fats form a category of lipid, distinguished from other lipids by their chemical structure and physical properties. This category of molecules is important for many forms of life, serving both structural and metabolic functions. They are an important part of the diet of most heterotrophs (including humans). Fats or lipids are broken down in the body by enzymes called lipases produced in the pancreas. |
Shortening | is a fat used in food preparation, especially baked goods, and is so called because it promotes a "short" or crumbly texture (as in shortbread). The term "shortening" can be used more broadly to apply to any fat that is used for baking and which is solid at room temperature, such as lard, but as used in recipes it refers to a hydrogenated vegetable oil that is solid at room temperature. Shortening generally has a higher smoke point than butter and margarine, and it may have 100% fat content, compared to about 80% for butter and margarine. |
A23D 7/05 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Essential cooling | The cooling is an essential, i.e. indispensable characteristic of the working-up. |
A23F - Definition
This place covers:
Tea.
Tea substitutes, e.g. mate, lemon balm, rose hips.
Extracts or infusions of tea and tea substitutes.
Methods of manufacturing, preparing and modifying tea and tea substitutes, e.g. oxidation, fermentation, removing caffeine, extraction, drying, concentrating, flavouring.
Coffee substitutes, e.g. grain coffee.
Extracts or infusions of coffee and coffee substitutes.
Methods of manufacturing, preparing and modifying coffee and coffee substitutes, e.g. treating green coffee, roasting, grinding, removing caffeine, extraction, drying, concentrating, flavouring.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
This subclass does not cover chemical compounds, e.g. alkaloids such as caffeine, theophylline, theobromine, or their preparation as such, which subject matter is covered by classes C07 (organic chemistry) and C08 (organic macromolecular compounds).
Physical or chemical processes or apparatus in general, e.g. boiling, extraction or filtration, are covered by class B01.
Limiting references:
Picking of tea | |
Picking of coffee | |
Synthetic tea flavours | |
Synthetic coffee flavours | |
Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee | |
Coffee mills | |
Medicinal preparations containing plantmaterial from tea or tea substitutes or from coffee or coffee substitutes | |
e.g. e.g. |
Informative references:
Chocolate, confectionery or ice-cream containing coffee or tea | |
Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. freeze-drying or spray-drying | |
Shaping or working of foodstuffs, not fully covered by a single other subclass, e.g. agglomerating, granulating or tabletting | |
Tea infusers, e.g. egg-shaped infusers | |
Packaging of substances, e.g. tea, which are intended to be infused in the package, i.e. filling tea bags | |
Attaching, or forming and attaching, string handles or tags to tea bags | |
Disposable containers or packages with contents which are infused or dissolved in situ | |
Disposable tea bags |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Alkaloid | The stimulant xanthine drugs caffeine, theobromine and theophylline contained in coffee beans and/or tea leaves. |
Coffee | Stimulant product or beverage made from roasted seeds, commonly called coffee beans, which come from a plant of the genus Coffea, e.g. Coffea arabica or Coffea canephora. |
Coffee substitutes | Coffee substitutes (solid or liquid) are non-coffeeproducts normally without caffeine, used to substitute coffee while preserving its taste. Grain coffee and other substitutes can be made by roasting or decocting various organic substances. Common ingredients include acorn, barley and malt, beech nut, chicory root, corn, fig and rye. |
Decaffeination | Process of removing the alkaloid caffeine from coffee beans or tea leaves. |
Herbal tea | Any Camellia sinensis-free product or beverage prepared by hot water infusion of plantmaterial, usually leaves but also including fruits, flowers and possibly even bark or other parts. Herbal teas are belonging to the group of tea substitutes. |
Tea | Stimulant product or beverage made from the leaves of the traditional teaplant (Camellia sinensis). |
Tea substitutes | Tea substitutes (solid or liquid) are non-teaproducts, i.e. not coming from the traditional teaplant (Camellia sinensis), e.g. mate (Ilex paraguariensis), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), rose hips (Rosa canina), etc.; cf. herbal tea. |
In patent documents the words "Lyophilisation" and "freeze-drying" are often used as synonyms.
A23J - Definition
This place covers:
Obtaining of protein compositions for foodstuffs, e.g. from meat, fish or sea animals, blood, eggs, hair, cereals, leguminous or other vegetable seeds, waste water, yeasts or milk.
Bulk opening of eggs and separation of yolks from whites.
Working-up of proteins for foodstuffs, e.g. by texturising using freezing, extrusion, expansion, coagulation from or in a bath; by hydrolysis using chemical agents or enzymes.
Phosphatide compositions for foodstuffs, e. g. lecithin.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Phosphatides in oils or fats are classified in C11B
Limiting references:
Treatment of flour or dough by adding proteins before or during baking | |
Dairy products, e.g. milk, butter, cheese; milk or cheese substitutes; making thereof | |
Cocoa products | |
Sweetmeats, confectionery or marzipan | |
Chewing gum | |
Frozen sweets containing peptides or proteins | |
Food or foodstuffs containing proteins as gelling or thickening agents | |
Dietetic products containing proteins as additive | |
Proteins as adding ingredients for non-alcoholic beverages |
Informative references:
Animal feeding-stuff | |
Protein compositions or phosphatide compositions for pharmaceuticals or cosmetics | |
Phosphatides per se | |
General processes for the preparation of peptides | |
Peptides e.g. oligopeptides, proteins | |
Immunoglobulins | |
Carrier-bound or immobilised peptides and preparation thereof | |
Hybridpeptides | |
Macromolecular materials from blood | |
Preparation of glue | |
Gelatin not for foodstuffs | |
Analysis of food | |
Enzymes and preparation thereof | |
Preparation of peptides or proteins using fermentation or enzymes | |
Use of substances as emulsifying, wetting, dispersing or foam-producing agents |
A23K - Definition
This place covers:
Feeding-stuffs that are specially adapted, processed or formulated for non-human animals;
Processes that are specially adapted for production of such animal feeding-stuffs;
Processes that are specially adapted for preservation of materials (e.g. grass or roots) in order to produce such animal feeding-stuffs.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Animal feeding-stuffs
This subclass only covers feeding-stuffs that are disclosed as being specially adapted, processed or formulated for non-human animals. Foods or foodstuffs that are of unspecified use or specially adapted for human beings are covered by other subclasses for foodstuffs (see the references below), for example the other subclasses of A23.
Production of animal feeding-stuffs
Processes for production of foods or foodstuffs that are of unspecified use, or specially adapted for human beings, are covered by the relevant subclasses therefor, see the references below.
Apparatus that is specially adapted for production of animal feeding-stuffs is covered by A23N 17/00.
Mechanical aspects that are of general utility are covered by other subclasses, see the references below.
Preservation of materials in order to produce animal feeding-stuffs
This subclass only covers processes for preservation that are specially adapted for production of animal feeding-stuffs. Preservation of foods or food-stuffs that are of unspecified use or specially adapted for human beings, are covered by the relevant subclasses therefor, for example A23Band A23L 3/00 (see the references below).
Mechanical aspects of processes for preservation of materials in order to produce animal feeding-stuffs are classified in other subclasses, for example A01F 25/00 and F26B(see the references below).
Haymaking
Haymakers, i.e. apparatus for working on mown forage crop lying on the ground with the intention to make hay, are classified in A01D 76/00-A01D 84/00. Haymakers may include means for mechanical treatment of mown crops in the field, for example for crop-conditioning.
Limiting references:
Mechanical aspects of methods that are specially adapted for storing agricultural or horticultural crops (e.g. in silos) |
Informative references:
Apparatus specially adapted for cutting or disintegrating straw, hay or like harvested products of plant origin | |
Manufacture of dairy products | |
Animal husbandry; Care of birds, fishes or insects | |
Preparation of bait for angling | |
Preservation of plants in general | |
Biocides, pest repellants or pest attractants | |
Machines or equipment for making or processing doughs | |
Treating of flour or dough | |
Processing meat, poultry or fish | |
Preserving meat, fish, eggs, fruit, vegetables or edible seeds; The preserved products | |
Dairy products; Making dairy products | |
Edible oils or fats | |
Protein compositions for foodstuffs; Working-up proteins for foodstuffs; Phosphatide compositions for foodstuffs | |
Foods or foodstuffs not covered by subclasses A23Bto A23J Their preparation or treatment | |
Preservation of foods or foodstuffs in general | |
Machines or apparatus for treating harvested fruit or vegetables in bulk, not otherwise provided for | |
Apparatus specially adapted for preparing animal feeding-stuffs | |
Shaping or working of foodstuffs | |
Veterinary methods | |
Medicinal preparations | |
Mixing in general | |
Disintegrating in general | |
Granulating materials | |
Cutting in general | |
Presses in general, e.g. for making briquettes | |
Polysaccharides; Derivatives thereof | |
Derivatives of natural macromolecular compounds | |
Producing animal or vegetable oils, fats, fatty substances or waxes | |
Preparation of fats, oils, or fatty acids | |
Micro-organisms or enzymes; Compositions thereof | |
Fermentation or enzyme-using processes to synthesise a desired chemical compound or composition | |
Sugar industry | |
Drying solid materials |
In patent documents the expressions "feed" and "feedstuff" are often used instead of "feeding-stuffs", which is used in the classification scheme of this subclass.
A23L - Definition
This place covers:
Any foods, foodstuffs or non-alcoholic beverages that are not covered by the following subclasses:
A21D (Treatment, e.g. preservation, of flour or dough for baking, e.g. by addition of materials; Baking; Bakery products; Preservation thereof)
A23B (Preserving, e.g. by canning, meat, fish, eggs, fruit, vegetables, edible seeds; Chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables; The preserved, ripened, or canned products)
A23C (Dairy products, e.g. milk, butter, cheese; Milk or cheese substitutes; Making thereof)
A23D (Edible oils or fats, e.g. margarines, shortenings, cooking oils)
A23F (Coffee; Tea; Their substitutes; Manufacture, preparation, or infusion thereof)
A23G (Cocoa; Cocoa products, e.g. chocolate; Substitutes for cocoa or cocoa products; Confectionery; Chewing gum; Ice-cream; Preparation thereof)
A23J (Protein compositions for foodstuffs; Working-up proteins for foodstuffs; Phosphatide compositions for foodstuffs).
Examples of foods, foodstuffs or non-alcoholic beverages covered by this subclass are:
Foods or foodstuffs containing gelling or thickening agents;
Marmalades, jams, jellies or similar products;
Honey, royal jelly or other apiculture products;
Cereal-derived products including pasta;
Malt products, puddings or cream substitutes;
Spices, flavouring agents or condiments, whether natural or synthetic; artificial sweeteners; table salts;
Meat, poultry, egg, fish or seafood products;
Food consisting mainly of nut meat or seeds, e.g. peanut butter;
Soups or sauces; and
Non-alcoholic beverages, e.g. fruit or vegetable juices; dry compositions or concentrates thereof; preparation thereof.
Preparation or treatment of the above foods, foodstuffs or non-alcoholic beverages provided for in this subclass, including:
Cooking e.g. by roasting or frying;
Removing unwanted matter;
Physical treatment e.g. with wave energy, electric or magnetic fields;
Preparation of fruit or vegetables, e.g. to make snacks, chips, sauerkraut or pickles;
Colouring or decolouring; and
Modifying the nutritive qualities, e.g. by adding vitamins, minerals or dietary fibres.
Modification of such foods or beverages to change their nutritional content for dietary reasons, and these modified foods or beverages per se.
Preservation of foods or foodstuffs in general, e.g. by pasteurising, sterilising, heating, freezing, drying, pressurising, irradiation or treatment with chemicals, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
In relation to foods, foodstuffs or non-alcoholic beverages per se, and in relation to their preparation and treatment including physical treatment, this subclass is residual to subclasses A21D, A23B, A23C, A23D, A23F, A23G or A23J. These subclasses relate to flour or dough (A21D), dairy products (A23C), edible oils or fats (A23D), coffee, tea or their substitutes (A23F), cocoa, chocolate, confectionery or ice-cream (A23G) and protein compositions (A23J).
In relation to preservation of foods or foodstuffs in general, this subclass is the primary home for this subject-matter. However, preservation subject matter specifically adapted for certain foods can also be found in any of the above subclasses. For example, preservation of flour or dough or bakery products is subject-matter for subclass A21D, and preservation of meat, fish, eggs, fruit, vegetables and edible seeds e.g. cereals is subject matter for subclass A23B. Preservation of milk or milk preparations is subject matter for subclass A23C.
In relation to preservation, deciding between this subclass and the other subclasses listed above is generally a matter of function or application (see Guide Paragraphs 85-87). Where the particular preservation technology is the main point of interest classification is made in this subclass, and where the application to particular foodstuffs is the main interest classification is made in the subclasses listed above. Some double-classification is evident.
Limiting references:
Treating harvested fruit or vegetables in bulk | |
Machines or apparatus for extracting juice | |
Shaping or working of foodstuffs not fully covered by this or a single other subclass | |
Preserving foods or foodstuffs in association with packaging | |
Packages for foodstuffs with provision for absorbing fluids | |
Preparation of malt for brewing | |
Preparation of non-alcoholic beverages by removal of alcohol |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Edible extracts or preparations for medicinal purposes |
Places in relation to which this subclass is residual:
See above. |
Informative references:
Apiculture | |
Machines for making | |
Enriched flour | |
Processes specially adapted for particular foods or foodstuffs | |
Milk products | |
Milk preparations | |
Milk substitutes, coffee whitener compositions | |
Coffee, tea or their substitutes | |
Natural coffee or tea flavour | |
Working-up proteins for foodstuffs | |
Animal foods | |
Apparatus for baking, roasting, grilling or frying | |
Emulsifiers in general | |
Purifying water, e.g. by ion-exchange | |
Essential oils in general | |
Preservation of alcoholic beverages | |
Devices for drying foodstuffs |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Food | In addition to the commonly accepted foods or foodstuffs, the term in this subclass also extends to cover less traditional items such as thickening agents (e.g. starch), flavouring agents, artificial sweeteners, food colouring agents, etc. |
A23L 7/122 - Definition
This place covers:
Hollow ready-to-eat cereals coated, filled or multilayered, e.g. cheese snack comprising a cereal-based core and a cheese coating.
A23L 7/126 - Definition
This place covers:
Cereals grains or pieces bonded, shaped or compacted to form snacks, e.g. cereal bars with or without fruits, baked snack comprising fibrous cereals, apple.
A23L 7/13 - Definition
This place covers:
Formed cereal dough fried oil to make snacks, e.g. corn-based snack made by frying a corkscrew-shaped food piece, crisp-fried tortilla chips.
Limiting references:
Donuts, churros and soft tortillas. They are not considered as snacks as they contain higher water content compared to snack and they are classified in |
A23L 7/135 - Definition
This place covers:
Flakes, granules in individual form, loose blends of individual pieces not agglomerated, e.g. cereal-based flakes easily dispersed in a cold liquid.
A23L 7/139 - Definition
This place covers:
Individual flakes made from wholegrain or grains pieces, e.g. cereal grains.
A23L 7/161 - Definition
This place covers:
Puffed cereals, e.g. "natural" release of pressure from the cereals under heat.
A23L 7/165 - Definition
This place covers:
Puffed cereals preparation comprising a step comprising meal or dough making before the final step for obtaining the aerated cereals.
A23L 7/17 - Definition
This place covers:
Puffed cereals prepared with a step involving meal or dough making followed by a step of extrusion.
A23L 7/174 - Definition
This place covers:
Puffed cereals prepared from whole grain or grain pieces with no step of meal or dough making.
A23L 7/178 - Definition
This place covers:
A23L 7/183 - Definition
This place covers:
Puffed cereals prepared from whole grain or grain pieces by heating without the use of external pressurizing device, e.g. process for the preparation of expanded millets comprising the step of treating dried polished grains at high temperature in order to obtain the puffed millets.
A23L 7/187 - Definition
This place covers:
Puffed cereals prepared from whole grain or grain pieces by heating without pressure release in an apparatus working intermittently, e.g. domestic apparatus for making pop-corn.
Industrial processes, i.e. continuous processes for making popcorn are not classified in this group.
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Meal | The edible whole or coarsely ground grains of a cereal grass |
Farinaceous | Made from, rich in, or consisting of starch, having a mealy or powdery texture |
Snack | Food products with low water content and a long shelf life |
Semi-finished or partly finished products e.g. oil | Food products that needs an extra step, frying, before being ready-to-eat |
A23L 27/12 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Essential oil | A concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aromatic compounds from plants |
A23L 33/20 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Nutritive value | The nutritive value represents the energetic or calorific content of nutrition |
A41C - Definition
This place covers:
Corsets or girdles being a special type of undergarments for shaping or correction of a figure, with or without stays or steels, auxiliary belts, straps or fasteners; corsets with or without brassieres, e.g. of annular or tubular shape; girdles, e.g. with high waist part, with open bottom, or girdles of panty type, e.g. with elongated thigh part with or without suspenders.
Brassieres being a type of undergarments for supporting or shaping breast having connected or separate cups including strapless, backless brassieres, e.g. self-adhesive bra cups, or brassieres with stiffening or bust-forming inserts, e.g. with pads containing gel or foam filling, with pockets; bra specially adapted for nursing mothers, e.g. fold-down convertible bra or with replaceable absorbing pads or cups; bra cups with massage elements.
Details of corsets, girdles or brassieres relating to materials used in making process thereof, e.g. elastic corsets including corsets made of rubber, or of layered materials; special materials for nursing mother brassieres or brassieres for sport activities.
Machines or appliances for manufacturing corsets or brassieres, such as integrated manufacturing system or production lines including, e.g. cutting or sewing machines, ironing-machines, attachment mechanisms for assembling component parts, circular knitting machines, machine for molding cup-shaped parts.
Methods for manufacturing corsets or brassieres, mostly the combination of individual process steps such as mechanical treatment e. g. pattern cutting or sewing, physical treatment with the use of high temperature or pressure e.g. hot pressing forming die for a brassiere cup, thermoforming for shape retention or hardening of the articles, high temperature adhering and pressing process without sewing, ultrasonic adhering, antibacterial treatment, aromatizing or steeping by perfume, chemical methods for densification of the knitted stitches; methods of manufacturing one piece bra; finishing edges.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Group A41B 17/00 "Selection of special materials for underwear" is used not only with groups A41B 9/00 Undergarments or A41B 13/00 Baby linen but it should be also used together with groups A41C 1/00 and A41C 3/00 if the material of articles is of interest.
Manufacturing of corsets, girdles or bras is classified in group A41C 5/00 "Machines, appliances, or methods for manufacturing corsets or brassieres". However provided that a subject of the invention concerns also an individual step of the combined method or an individual machine of the aggregated plant such information can be separately classified in the appropriate places of the IPC in section B or section D, e.g. in groups:
B32B 37/00 Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding;
B29C 51/00 Shaping by thermoforming, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefore;
D04B 1/24 Weft knitting processes for the production of fabrics or articles not dependent on the use of particular machines; Fabrics or articles defined by such processes specially adapted for wearing apparel;
D04B 21/14 Fabrics characterized by the incorporation by knitting, in one or more thread, fleece, or fabric layers, of reinforcing, binding, or decorative threads; Fabrics incorporating small auxiliary elements, e.g. for decorative purposes;
D06C 29/00 Finishing or dressing, of textile fabrics;
D06M 23/14 Processes for the fixation or treatment of textile materials in three-dimensional forms
D05C 7/00 Special-purpose or automatic embroidering machines
Limiting references:
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Non-implantable mammary prostheses | |
Orthopaedic corsets | |
Nursing devices in the form of corsets or bandages for abdomen, teat, or breast support, with or without pads | |
Bandages specially adapted for breast or abdomen | |
Absorbent pads for external application to the body |
Informative references:
Combined undergarment | |
Waistbands forming part of the undergarments | |
Shoulder-straps forming part of undergarments | |
Maternity clothing | |
Swim-suits, beach suits | |
Corset fasteners | |
Shoulder or like straps in general |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Corset | (n) tight-fitting undergarments often reinforced by stays, worn to support and shape the waistline, hips, and breasts. |
Girdle | (n) a woman's corset extending from waist to thigh |
Stay | (n) a flat strip of steel, plastic, etc., used especially for stiffening corsets, collars, etc. (in.pl.) hist. a corset esp. with whalebone etc. stiffening, and laced |
Steel |
Bra | Brassiere |
In patent documents the following expressions/words "girdle", "stays" and "corset" are often used as synonyms.
In patent documents the expression/word "foundation garment" is often used instead of "bra" which is used in the classification scheme of this subclass.
A42C - Definition
This place covers:
Manufacturing hats;
Appliances for hat-making;
Apparatus for changing the form or size of finished hats;
Fittings or trimmings for hats;
Manufacturing helmets by processes not otherwise provided for.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Subclass A42C covers manufacturing or trimming hats or other head coverings. Hats or head coverings per se are classified in subclass A42B.
In patent documents the following terms "headwear", "hat", "helmet", "headpiece", "headgear", "head covering" and "bonnet" are often used as synonyms.
A42C 1/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A42C 5/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Ventilating arrangements for helmets |
Informative references:
Artificial flowers or feathers |
A44B - Definition
This place covers:
The following fasteners or their essential parts:
Pins;
Buckles or strap fasteners that are actuated or operated directly by hand and intended to releasably connect either (1) the ends of a single web or strap, or (2) the ends of two or more webs or straps together (e.g. safety belt buckles);
"Other types" of fasteners that are actuated or operated directly by hand and frequently utilized or associated with accoutrements, garments, or haberdashery (e.g. snap fasteners, collar-studs). Appropriate 'other types' of fasteners must also be readily reusable and their normal securing or releasing operation not destructive or damaging to either the fastener itself or the structure it secures.
Making slide fasteners, touch-and-close fasteners (e.g. VELCRO®, hook-and-loop, barb-and-pile fabrics), and other fasteners of this subclass.
Accessories or ancillary devices for the fasteners of this subclass when they are used exclusively with one of the varieties of fasteners (e.g. button cards) or have their operations either influencing or being influenced by the operation of the fastener (e.g. slide fastener pulling cords).
The following additional devices associated with either the fasteners of this class or accoutrements, garments, and haberdashery:
key rings;
clamping or holding devices; and
mock-fastening devices that merely look like the fasteners, or one of their essential parts, of this subclass but do not function as fasteners (e.g. ornamental buttons on coats, fake zippers on clothing).
Note
The only "other types" of fasteners appropriate for this subclass are those that are capable of use with or actually used with accoutrements, garments, or haberdashery. Therefore, it must be either a commonly known practice to use a particular type of fastener with accoutrements, garments, or haberdashery (e.g., snap fasteners) or the patent documents for a particular type of fastener must frequently disclose their use with accoutrements, garments, or haberdashery. However, it is not required that all, or even the majority, of the fasteners covered by a particular category of fastener be specially adapted for use, or disclose their intended use, with accoutrements, garments, or haberdashery.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
General relationship of A44B with F16B
Fasteners per se that either (a) require a tool for completing their normal fastening (e.g. screws, nails, stitches) or (b) are destroyed or destructively deformed to fasten or unfasten (e.g. staples, rivets) are excluded from A44B. These fasteners per se
However, when F16B types of fasteners or other tool driven or deformed fasteners are used to mount fasteners or fastener components appropriate for A44B, and are attached to or cooperate with at least one of their components, they are properly classified within A44B as an additional feature of the fasteners with which they are utilized.
General relationship of A44B with subclasses for accoutrements, garments, or haberdashery
Fasteners appropriately classified within A44B are often broadly claimed or disclosed in combination with the structure they secure or fasten. If the detail of the structure they secure or fasten specifies only the portion of the structure (e.g. dress belt tip or holes) necessary for either completing the fastening operation or mounting the fastening means, the combinations are proper for A44B.
If the details of the accoutrements, garments, or haberdashery being secured are more than that needed to complete the fastening operation or mount the fastener, then the combination is appropriate for the accoutrements, garments, or haberdashery subclasses (e.g. A41D, A41F).
Limiting references:
Fastening devices specially adapted for specific types of garments | |
Buttonholes or eyelets for buttonholes | |
Corset fasteners | |
Glove fasteners | |
Garter fasteners | |
Belts, girdles, or waistbands for trousers or skirts | |
Thumbtacks | |
Devices for fastening or securing constructional elements or machine parts together | |
Hand-manipulated hooks or eyes (e.g. swivel hook for dog leash) |
Places covering apparatus or methods for making, or for positioning on the structure being fastened, fasteners or components of fasteners appropriate for this subclass
Appliances or methods for marking-out, perforating, or making buttonholes | |
Appliances or methods for setting fasteners on garments | |
Processing sheet metal, tubes or profiles to make haberdashery | |
Processing sheet metal, tubes or profiles to make buttons | |
Processing sheet metal, tubes or profiles to make metal slide fasteners parts | |
Wire-working to produce devices for fastening (e.g. slide fastener elements, buttons) | |
Pressure or injection die casting of slide fasteners and slide fastener parts | |
Producing slide fastener elements from plastic or other substances in a plastic state | |
Producing buttons or semi-finished button parts from plastic or other substances in a plastic state |
Informative references:
For garments in general | |
For protective aprons having fastening devices | |
For neckties having fastening or holding devices associated with the knot or collar | |
For hats having fastening devices | |
For head covering fastening means other than hatpins | |
For laces in general and for footwear having fastening devices | |
For machines, tools, equipment, or methods for setting fasteners on footwear | |
For brooches or clips having decorative or ornamental aspects | |
For medals or badges having pin fastening devices | |
For hair-holding devices | |
For work bench type holding clamps | |
For paper clips or like paper fasteners for temporarily attaching sheets together | |
For elements specially adapted for fastening, fixing, or finishing upholstery | |
For sewing apparatus or machines with mechanism for lateral movement of the needle or the work or both for making ornamental pattern seams, for sewing buttonholes, for reinforcing openings, or for fastening articles (e.g. buttons) by sewing | |
For sewing needles | |
For hand operated latches or bolts for doors or windows (e.g., door hooks) |
Special rules of classification
Decorative mock-fastening devices that do not function as fasteners (e.g. ornamental buttons on coats, fake zippers on clothing), but that look like the fasteners or one of their essential parts covered by A44B, are classified within the main groups of this subclass that provide for the fasteners they are intended to resemble.
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Button | A hand manipulated fastener that includes a rigid or semirigid portion (i.e. button) which is attached (e.g. sewn) to the structure it is intended to fasten or secure (e.g. clothing) in a manner that allows its reorientation by either movement about its attachment or movement of the structure it secures. A button is intended to be used with a complementary opening having a flaccid portion (e.g. buttonholes, looped cords) that forms the second essential part of the fastener. |
Buckle | A hand manipulated fastener including engaging or holding means and structure for guiding during fastening, which can selectively hold a cooperating strap or belt that is either the structure secured (e.g. end of a dress belt) or a second portion of the fastener (e.g. securing strap of a backpack flap). |
Pin | A hand manipulated fastener that includes both (1) a portion specifically shaped (e.g. pointed) to facilitate impaling of and penetration into the structure fastened or secured and (2) a remaining portion (e.g. head) intended to be manually pushed on that does not penetrate the structure fastened or secured. |
Slide fastener | A hand manipulated fastener that includes (1) two, opposed, elongated, configured surfaces that are each attached by mounting means to a secured structure and are intended to directly contact and interlock with each other when fastened and (2) a sliding device that is much shorter in length than the surfaces and which travels along their length to forcibly shift them into or out of interlocking engagement. |
In patent documents the words slide fastener and zipper are often used as synonyms.
In patent documents the words cufflink and sleeve-link are often used as synonyms.
A44B 1/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A44C - Definition
This place covers:
Brooches or clips in their decorative or ornamental aspect;
Medals; Badges;
Bracelets; Wrist-watch straps; Fastenings for bracelets or wrist-watch straps;
Ear-rings; Devices for piercing the ear-lobes;
Finger-rings;
Watch chains; Ornamental chains;
Jewellery;
Gems or the like;
Devices for preventing pilfering of watches or jewellery;
Coins;
Rosaries;
Fancy ware for personal wear, e.g. crosses, crucifixes, charms;
Making jewellery or other personal adornments.
Informative references:
Jewel boxes | |
Frames or housings for storing medals, badges, or the like |
In patent documents the following terms "bracelet", "arm band", "armlet" and "bangle" are often used as synonyms.
Also, "necklace", "necklet", "locket", and "pendant" can be used as keywords.
A44C 5/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts |
Informative references:
Cases; Suspending devices, supports, or stands for time-pieces in so far as they form part of the case | |
Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt | |
Identification tags | |
Portable transmitters, e.g. to be carried on the body | |
Portable receivers, e.g. to be carried on the body |
A44C 21/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Examples of places where the subject matter of this group is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Coins specially adapted to operate coin-freed mechanisms |
Informative references:
A45B - Definition
This place covers:
Sticks covers walking sticks and sticks for umbrellas, including sticks with supporting, hanging or carrying means, sticks combined with other objects, hunting sticks and details such as details of the handles or heads.
Umbrellas covers sunshades similar in construction to umbrellas; umbrellas characterised by their shape or attachment, umbrellas with detachable covers, tiltable, foldable or telescopic umbrellas, umbrellas convertible into walking sticks and details of umbrellas such as umbrellas’ frames, runners, crowns and others.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
General relationship of A45B with A61H.
A61H covers physical therapy apparatus. A61H 3/00 covers appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about. Specifically, A61H 3/06 covers walking aids for blind persons.
Limiting references:
Cane or umbrella stands or holders |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a large system:
Walking aids for blind persons |
Informative references:
Crutches | |
Umbrella type tents | |
Supports for positioning apparatus nor articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles; for use as a walking-cane |
In patent documents the following terms "walking stick", "cane", "walking aid", "stick", "crutch" and "rod" are often used as synonyms. Also, these terms can be used as keywords.
In patent documents the following terms "umbrella", "brolly", "sunshade", "parasol" and "gamp" are often used as synonyms. Also, these terms can be used as keywords.
A45B 1/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A45B 3/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles |
A45B 7/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Crutches for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about | |
Ski-sticks |
A45B 25/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Walking sticks; sticks for umbrellas | |
Sticks combined with illuminating devices | |
Umbrella with detachable covers | |
Sticks with name-plates or the like |
A45C - Definition
This place covers:
Purses; money-bags; wallets;
Flexible luggage or hand bags;
Rigid or semi-rigid luggage;
Collapsible or extensible luggage, bags or the like;
Luggage or bags convertible into objects for other use;
Receptacles for other purposes;
Details and accessories therefor;
Purses, bags, luggage or other receptacles combined with other articles.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
General relationship of A45C with A45F
A45F covers traveling or camp equipment, attention should be paid specially for sacks or packs carried on the body, A45F 3/00.
General relationship of A45C with B65D
B65D covers containers for storage or transport of articles or materials, e.g. bags, barrels, bottles, boxes, cans, cartons; accessories, closures, or fittings therefor; packaging elements; packages. B65D 27/00 – B65D 37/00 cover general kinds of flexible containers, such as sacks, bags or like containers and details or accessories therefor.
Informative references:
Travelling or camp equipment; sacks or packs carried on the body | |
Containers for storage or transport of articles or materials, e.g. bags, barrels, bottles, boxes, cans, cartons; accessories, closures, or fittings therefor | |
Making articles from leather, canvas, or the like |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Flexible bags | bags deformed by, or taking up the shape of, their contents; and bags adapted to be permanently deformed to expel their contents. |
Rigid or semi-rigid bags | bags not deformed by, or not taking up the shape of, their contents; bags adapted to be temporarily deformed to expel their contents. |
In patent documents the following terms "luggage", "baggage" and "equipment" are often used as synonyms. Also, these terms can be used as keywords.
In patent documents the following terms "bag", "handbag", "pack", "sack", "case", "clutch", "purse" and "pocket" are often used as synonyms. Also, these terms can be used as keywords.
A45C 1/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Bags or wallets for holding keys |
Informative references:
Holders or carriers for hand articles or for use while travelling or camping | |
Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems; adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents | |
Safes or strong-rooms for valuables | |
Handling of coins or of paper currency or similar valuable papers |
A45C 3/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Collapsible or extensible luggage, bags or the like |
Informative references:
Pocket or handbag mirrors | |
Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of one or two strap(s) passing over the shoulder(s) |
A45C 5/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Collapsible or extensible luggage, bags or the like |
Informative references:
Making articles from leather, canvas, or the like |
A45C 9/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Travelling or trunk wardrobes | |
Trunk beds; travelling-case or like beds | |
Sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles |
Informative references:
Garments convertible into other articles | |
Furniture convertible into other kinds of furniture | |
Trunk chairs, i.e. chairs collapsible to trunk shape |
A45C 11/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Examples of places where the subject matter of this group is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Boxes, cases, etuis or the like specially adapted therefor for manicure or pedicure sets | |
Receptacles for hair brushes or tooth brushes as travelling equipment | |
Sewing kits |
Informative references:
Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping | |
Making paper articles; working paper | |
Writing implement receptacles functioning as, or combined with, writing implements | |
Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials; for pencils or pens | |
Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials; for optical or other delicate measuring, calculating, or control apparatus |
A45C 13/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Detachable handles; Handles foldable into the luggage | |
Handles for carrying purposes for use while travelling or camping |
Informative references:
Haberdashery; jewellery | |
Containers for storage or transport of articles or materials, e.g. bags, barrels, bottles, boxes, cans, cartons; accessories, closures, or fittings therefor | |
Handles for rigid or semi-rigid containers | |
Handles for sacks or bags | |
Non-removable lids or covers; hinged for upward or downward movement | |
Locks; accessories therefor | |
Devices holding the wing by magnetic or electromagnetic attraction | |
Hinges or other suspension devices for doors, windows, or wings |
A45C 15/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
A45D - Definition
This place covers:
Processes of waving, straightening or curling hair;
Hair-curling or hair-waving appliances, e.g. curling-tongs;
Devices for heating or accessories for hair curling appliances;
Hair holding devices;
Devices for washing or colouring the hair or scalp;
Hair drying devices or accessories therefor;
Devices for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers;
Hair combs or accessories therefor;
Shaving accessories;
Manicuring or pedicuring implements;
Artificial nails;
Containers, casings or accessories for handling toilet or cosmetic substances;
Sachet pads for liquid substances;
Hand, pocket, or shaving mirrors;
Hairdressers’ equipment, e.g. protecting mantles, stands for performing hairdressing work, specially adapted furniture;
Other toilet or cosmetic equipment.
Limiting references:
Removing hair using electrosurgical instruments | |
Removing hair using electrosurgical instruments | |
Preparations for care of the hair | |
Preparations for removing hair or for aiding hair removal | |
Devices for sharpening razor blades | |
Scissors combined with auxiliary implements, e.g. manicure instruments | |
Hair-trimming devices using a razor blade | |
Devices for dispensing new razor blades |
Informative references:
Receptacles in general, e.g. etuis for traveling | |
Hairdressers’ chairs | |
Handbags or purses with mirrors | |
Cabinets for shaving tackle | |
Mirrors as household equipment | |
Devices for collecting used scalpel blades | |
Chiropodists’ instruments | |
Wigs, toupees or the like | |
Guards or sheaths for hand cutting tools | |
Sample tables or the like |
A45D 7/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A45D 27/42 - Definition
Informative references:
Masks for marking lips or eyelashes | |
Ear, face or lip protectors for other toilet or cosmetic purposes |
A45D 29/02 - Definition
Informative references:
Hand cutting tools with two jaws which come into abutting contact |
A45F - Definition
This place covers:
Travelling or camp articles such as water-bottles, mess-tins, cups, hammocks and accessories for them, hanging seats, picnic sets, sewing kits, map cases, nets affording protection against insects;
Travelling or camp articles which may be converted into articles for other use, e.g. coats or capes convertible into tent coverings
Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of one strap passing over the shoulder or by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders including sacks or packs specially adapted for military purposes;
Sacks and packs specially adapted for children , e.g. for schoolchildren;
Carrying-frames and frames combined with sacks; carrying-straps, e.g. with adjustable fastenings of straps or belts; shoulder-pads;
Sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles e.g. into tents, beds or mattresses, hammocks, litters or sleeping-bags, boats, sledges, coats or capes
Holders or carriers for hand articles and holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping, such as fastening articles to the garment, handles, book-carriers; holders for spades, hatchets or the like
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Travelling or camp equipment is normally classified in the classes for the equipment concerned, e.g. in subclasses A47B (for example, travelling or trunk tables A47B 3/10; tables specially adapted for use in the open air A47B 37/04), A47C (for example, travelling or camp beds A47C 17/64; suspended beds A47C 17/84, foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs A47C 4/00, camp, travelling, or sports stools A47C 9/10), A47G (for example, travelling rugs A47G 9/06; sleeping bags A47G 9/08), A47J (for example, camp cooking devices A47J 33/00, A47J 36/26).
Limiting references:
Lunch or picnic boxes | |
Travelling rugs |
Informative references:
Hand implements for working earth, e.g. shovels, picks | |
Veils | |
Boxes for needles or pins | |
Hand carried bags or luggage | |
Handles for suitcases or bags | |
Straps, bands as travelling accessories | |
Wheeled carriers | |
Camping vehicles | |
Foldable sledges | |
Foldable vessels | |
Rigid or semi-rigid containers | |
Sacks, bags or like containers | |
Transportable devices to obtain potable water | |
Matches for starting fires | |
Tools, implements, or accessories for hand sewing | |
Tents convertible, e.g. from one type tent to another type tent | |
Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon | |
Portable lighting | |
Stoves with special adaptation for travelling, e.g. collapsible: stoves in which the type of fuel or energy supply is not specified stoves in which the type of fuel or energy supply is not specified | |
stoves for gaseous fuels | |
stoves for liquid fuels | |
stoves heated by electric energy | |
Portable water heaters | |
Gun-slings |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Knapsack | A bag with shoulder straps, carried on the back |
"water-bottle ", "canteen" and "flask;
"knapsack", "sack", "pack", "backpack" and "rucksack".
A47B - Definition
Informative references:
Storing articles in warehouses or magazines | |
Built-in cupboards as part of a building | |
Step-stools | |
Furniture joints |
A47J - Definition
This place covers:
Devices for domestic (or restaurant) use for preparing, cooking, or warming food or for making beverages. Storing and handling arrangements for these devices. Devices for storing food.
Preparing, cooking, or warming food refers to the various possible stages when preparing a meal:
food is prepared before cooking / consumption: e.g. peeled, cut, shaped, strained, mashed, sifted, washed, opening of eggs, separating contents of eggs, nut cracking, introducing fat etc. into meat
food is cooked: e.g. boiled, fried, deep fat fried, broiled, braised, grilled, roasted, toasted, baked, steamed (i.e. a raw potato becomes a cooked one)
food is prepared after cooking: e.g. mashed, held or clamped during cutting after being cooked
food is warmed: cold prepared or cooked food is warmed for consumption (i.e. a cold cooked potato becomes a warmcooked potato)
Devices for preparing, cooking, or warming food therefore include:
Domestic implements or machines for preparing food, e.g.
for shaping butter or the like,
for peeling, stringing, or paring foodstuffs,
for mashing or straining foodstuffs,
for coring, for stoning, or for removing stalks from, fruit,
kitchen robots, devices for mixing, beating, stirring, grating, whipping food
for holding, gripping or clamping food, e.g. during peeling or during cutting after being cooked
Cutting boards
Coffee mills, spice mills
Domestic cooking implements, e.g.
Cooking vessels or accessories therefor
Household vessels or apparatuses for boiling, frying, deep fat frying, broiling, stewing, grilling, roasting, toasting, baking, steaming, e.g. pressure cookers, steamers, rice cookers, deep fat fryers
Egg cookers
Camp cooking devices without integral heating means
Devices for warming drinks or food
Warming vessels containing drinks or food
Heat insulated chambers to warm or to keep food warm
Devices for gripping, lifting or supporting above devices (pincers, pads)
Culinary hand implements for handling or supporting food during preparing/cooking/warming
Making beverages refers to:
extracting flavor from solids by a liquid: e.g. extracting flavor from coffee grounds or tea leaves by brewing with hot water
diluting concentrate powders or liquids by diluents: e.g. diluting coffee concentrate with hot water
changing the consistency of a beverage: shaking a beverage, foaming milk
Devices for making beverages therefore include:
Household apparatuses for making beverages, e.g. by brewing or diluting
Beverage shakers, devices for foaming milk
Storing and handling of devices for preparing, cooking, or warming food or for making beverages refer to:
fastening these devices in order to immobilise them for use , irremovably fixing them
arranging these devices when temporally not in use or for warming them
Storing and handling arrangements therefore include:
Devices for fastening kitchen utensils to tables, walls, or the like
Stands, or holders for kitchen articles
Grids, racks, or other supports irremovably mounted in, on, or over sinks
Devices for warming kitchen utensils, e.g. dishes
Storing food refers to:
storing food or ingredients to be prepared/cooked/warmed or ingredients for making beverages, e.g. storage containers for flour, sugar, coffee beans, ground coffee, tea leaves or rice, storage boxes for leftovers
storing prepared/cooked/warmed food or beverages, e.g. thermally insulated vessels or flasks
Devices for storing food therefore include:
Kitchen containers
Thermally insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs or jars
Relationship between large subject matter areas
This subclass is primarily intended for domestic kitchen equipment for preparing/cooking/warming food. Preparing/cooking/warming foodstuff on an industrial scale is not covered by this subclasses and will be classified in the following places:
subclass A01J for machines or implements for shaping butter or the like used in dairies, e.g. for forming slabs of butter
subclass A21B for bakers’ ovens, machines or equipment for industrial baking
subclass A23J for industrial machines for opening eggs
subclass A23N for machines for preparing foodstuffs or fruit in bulk, e.g. peeling vegetables or fruit in bulk
Implements for table use will be classified in A47G.
Subclass A47J further covers the domestic making of (hot) beverages, in particular the preparing of tea or coffee by extraction with hot water. Other apparatuses and methods for preparing beverages mostly on industrial scale are classified in the following subclasses:
subclass A23F for the industrial making of coffee or tea
subclass C12C for brewing of beer
subclass C12G for preparation of wine or other alcoholic beverages
subclass B67D for dispensing beverages, e.g. on draught
subclass A23L for preparation of non-alcoholic beverages, e.g. by adding ingredients to fruit or vegetable juices
In relation to the subclasses that cover domestic stoves or ranges for solid or liquid fuel in general, this subclass is an application place. Features of stoves or ranges which are of general interest should be classified in the relevant general place, such as F24B, F24C.
Storing arrangements in A47J does not cover cabinets or racks in general even with provision for attachment of kitchen implements. This subject matter is classified with the subclass for cabinets or general details of furniture A47B. Devices for fastening household utensils are classified in A47G. Storage containers (both thermally insulated as without thermal insulation) in general are classified in B65D.
Limiting references:
Apparatus for treating milk in dairies, e.g. appliances for preventing or destroying milk foam, aerating or de-aerating milk | |
Hand devices for forming slabs of butter in dairies | |
Machines for forming slaps of butter in diaries | |
Machines or apparatus for treating harvested fruit or vegetables in bulk | |
Machines or apparatus for extracting juice | |
Machines for coring or stoning fruits in bulk | |
Machines for stoning fruits or removing seed containing sections | |
Peeling vegetables or fruit in bulk | |
Machines for removing stalks from fruit | |
Making ice cream | |
Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or table-ware | |
Apparatus or implements used in manual washing or cleaning of crockery, table-ware, cooking-ware or the like | |
Drying devices for crockery or table-ware, e.g. tea-cloths | |
Polishing of table-ware, e.g. knives, forks, spoons | |
Table devices or equipment, e.g. table ware | |
Brewing of beer | |
Preparation of wine or other alcoholic beverages | |
Traveling cookers heated by gaseous fuels | |
Domestic stoves or ranges | |
Microwave ovens | |
Induction heating hobs |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Lunch boxes, picnic boxes or the like | |
Table service | |
Vessels or pots for table use | |
Coffee or tea pots | |
Tea infusers, e.g. tea eggs | |
Table ware | |
Devices for fastening household utensils, or the like, to tables, walls, or the like | |
Weighing spoons |
Informative references:
Machines or equipment for making or processing dough; handling baked articles made from dough | |
Provers, i.e. apparatus permitting dough to rise | |
Preparation of non-alcoholic beverages, e.g. by adding ingredients to fruit or vegetable juices | |
Machines for roasting coffee in bulk | |
Racks or shelf units | |
Kitchen cabinets | |
Disintegrating, e.g. mincing | |
Spouts in general | |
Hand-held cutting tools not otherwise provided for | |
Cutting characterised by the cutting member or nature of the cut performed; Details of apparatus for severing | |
Containers with thermal insulation in general | |
Dispensing beverages on draught | |
Removing cooking fumes from domestic stoves or ranges |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
cooking | boiling, braising, steaming, pressure cooking, frying, baking, roasting, grilling or barbecuing food note: in A47J/27 cooking includes only boiling, braising, steaming and pressure cooking |
boiling | cooking food by submerging it in boiling water, or other water-based liquid (stock, milk); keeping liquid foodstuff (or water) at a boiling temperature |
braising | |
steaming | cooking food in an atmosphere with hot steam |
pressure cooking | cooking food at a pressure different than that of the atmosphere |
super-atmospheric cooking | pressure cooking at a pressure higher than that of the atmosphere note: often called "pressure cooking" |
sub-atmospheric cooking | pressure cooking at a pressure lower than that of the atmosphere, e.g. by using a pump to remove the air from the cooking environment note: sometimes called "vacuum cooking", although "vacuum cooking" refers more often to vacuum flask cooking |
vacuum flask cooking | cooking food inside a removable pot sealed inside a vacuum flask for prolonged heating with minimum heat loss |
frying | Cooking food in hot oil or fat, e.g. pan frying, deep frying |
Frying inside a frying pan or wok | cooking food on a hot surface such as a frying pan, wok, griddle or grill pan, usually in a thin layer of hot oil or fat note: frying pan: called skillet in American English griddle: a sheet of metal of appropriate thickness with a flat frying surface grill pan: frying pan which has raised metal ridges for the food to sit on (often used for "frying" without the use of oil or fat, to get a pattern similar than that achieved by direct barbecuing, called "grilling" in American English) |
deep (fat) frying | cooking food by submerging it in hot oil or fat |
baking | cooking food by dry heat acting by conduction note: normally in an oven, but also in hot ashes, or on hot stones; baked food products are dough-based products like pastries, cakes or bread, or baked potatoes, baked apples, baked beans,... |
roasting | cooking food with dry high heat, in an oven or near hot coals note: usually resulting in a caramelised surface; the food surface is often basted during roasting |
grilling | applying direct dry high heat to food, most commonly from above, with heat transfer primarily via thermal radiation, e.g. by using the upper heating element of an electric oven, or inside a drawer below the flame of a gas oven note: grilled food products are for instance the grilled cheese on top of lasagna or the caramelised surface of crème brûlée; grilling is called "broiling" in American English |
barbecuing | cooking food with a "barbecue" by the heat and hot gases of a fire, smoking wood or hot coals of charcoal, or of an electrical heating element note: depending on the heat source, the barbecues are called gas barbecues, electrical barbecues or charcoal barbecues |
barbecuing, direct method | barbecuing food directly over high heat, e.g. food is cooked on a grate directly over hot charcoal, or food is cooked in a frying vessel on a grate directly over hot charcoal note: this method is sometimes called "grilling" in American English; meat is often marinated before direct barbecuing |
barbecuing | barbecuing food using indirect heat and/or hot smoke, i.e. a slow barbecue-cooking process, e.g. food is cooked on a grate with the coals dispersed to the sides of the food, or at a significant distance of the food note: this method is sometimes called "barbecuing" in American English |
smoking | flavoring, cooking or preserving food by exposing it to the smoke from burning or smoldering plant materials, most often wood note: smokers are not classified in A47J, only smoking inserts as accessories for a barbecue |
cooking by smoking on a barbecue | very slow cooking of food on a barbecue with hot smoke which is drawn past the food by convection |
toasting | browning sliced bread by exposure to dry radiant heat, i.e. grilling of sliced bread on both sides |
warming | raising temperature of food, not cooking it |
grating | disintegrating e.g. cheese with tool with several sharp protrusions; different from slicing, no specific shape of cut particles of food |
A47J 27/56 - Definition
Informative references:
A47J 33/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Other travelling cookers heated by petroleum, gasoline, spirit, or the like |
A47J 36/38 - Definition
Informative references:
Removing cooking fumes from domestic stoves or ranges |
A47J 42/00 - Definition
Informative references:
As part of universal or multi-purpose machines | |
Grinding or pulverising in general |
A47J 42/48 - Definition
Informative references:
Attachment of household machines in general to tables, walls, or the like |
A47L - Definition
Limiting references:
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Pneumatically taking-up undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces |
A61B - Definition
This place covers:
Apparatus, instruments, implements, or processes that are either specially adapted or intended to be solely utilized for evaluating, examining, measuring, monitoring, studying, or testing particular characteristics and aspects of either living or dead human and animal bodies for medical purposes (i.e., diagnosis). Diagnosis consists of scrutinizing the following characteristics or aspects of bodies:
internal or external portions of the bodies (e.g., lungs),
abnormal bodily conditions (e.g., sickness, broken bones, detecting foreign bodies, pregnancy),
mental conditions (e.g., psychotechnics), and
bodily functions (e.g., heart beat, vision).
Apparatus, instruments, implements, or processes that are either specially adapted or intended to be solely utilized for medical procedures employing physical actions (e.g., laser cutting, pressure of fluid) on portions of human or animal bodies to correct, enhance, or inspect (e.g., autopsies) them for medical purposes (i.e., surgery). Surgery consists of the following medical procedures:
repositioning (e.g. aligning broken bones, opening wounds) parts of bodies,
stabilizing (e.g., inserting bone pins) to prevent harmful movement of parts of bodies,
repairing (e.g., fastening skin together, removing cancerous tissue) bodies,
facilitating the occurrence of naturally occurring bodily functions (e.g., child birth, passing kidney stones) that are out of the ordinary,
introducing, collecting, or removing cells and organs (e.g., inseminations, tissue sampling, hair transplants, skin grafting, biopsies, organ harvesting) to or from bodies, and
introducing or taking out foreign objects (e.g., replacement heart valves, bullets) to or from bodies.
Apparatus, instruments, implements, or processes that are either specially adapted or intended to be solely utilized in procedures for identifying individual human beings (e.g., finger printing, by recognition of shape or dimension of body part) using unique characteristics of their bodies or behaviour (i.e. identification).
Adjunct or supplementary means specially adapted for use in, or intended for exclusive use in, diagnosis, surgery, or identification. These adjunct or supplementary means contribute to the effectiveness (e.g., surgical drapes) or safety (e.g., operating gloves) of a medical procedure, but may or may not (e.g., protective covers for scalpels) themselves involve any direct contact with a body.
Components of diagnosis, surgery, or identification means with structural features limiting their usefulness to medical procedures.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Several subclasses provide for subject matter that is used for 'diagnosis'. The relationship between these subclasses with regard to the type of 'diagnosis' covered by each is as follows:
Subclass A61B provides for diagnosis in general.
A61B also provides for any surgical or identification apparatus or methods when
the apparatus or methods are combined with diagnosis means or
the apparatus can be used for diagnosis and either surgery or identification.
A61B additionally provides for any diagnostic apparatus or methods combined with therapy apparatus or method normally covered by subclass A61H or A61N when
the same apparatus or methods are used for both purposes or
combined together but only useable separately.
Subclass A61H provides for diagnostic means or steps that are combined with massage and physical therapy apparatus or methods used for the treatment of disease or disability (i.e., an abnormal condition of the body) by utilization of direct mechanical energy; when the diagnostic means or step is used solely for operational feedback purposes to enhance therapy.
Subclass A61N provides for diagnostic means or steps that are combined with medical treatment therapy apparatus or methods used for the treatment of disease or disability by utilization of forms of energy other than direct mechanical energy; when the means or step is used solely for operational feedback purposes to enhance therapy.
Limiting references:
Tools or instruments for operating on the mouth portion of a human being (e.g., tooth saws) | |
Saliva removers combined with instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth (e.g., mouth props, tongue guards, tongue depressors, cheek spreaders) | |
Medical instruments, implements, tools, or methods specially adapted so as to limit their usefulness to only animals | |
Methods or devices for treatment of eyes, putting in contact lenses, eye surgery, or correcting squinting | |
Ear surgery | |
Physical therapy apparatus that includes diagnostic feedback means for influencing operation | |
Syringes and suction, pumping or atomizing devices for medical use (e.g. cups, breast relievers, irrigators, sprays, powder insufflators, atomizers, inhalers), apparatus for general or local anesthetics, devices or methods for causing a change in the state of consciousness, catheters, dilators, and apparatus for introducing medicines into the body other than orally | |
Non-surgical treatment of medical conditions or physical injuries by utilization of forms of energy not directly generated by mechanical apparatus, devices, or means that includes diagnostic feedback means for influencing its operation | |
Clinical thermometers for measuring the temperature of body parts |
Informative references:
Operating tables and auxiliary devices for these tables | |
Operating chairs | |
Apparatus for artificial respiration or heart stimulation | |
Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes | |
Devices for administering medicines orally | |
Materials for surgical sutures or for ligaturing blood vessels | |
Surgical adhesives or cements and adhesives for colostomy devices | |
Materials for colostomy devices | |
Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes or micro organisms | |
Analyzing samples of biological material | |
Obtaining records using waves other than optical waves and viewing such records by using optical means |
A61B 3/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A61B 5/04 - Definition
Informative references:
Electrically conductive preparations for use in therapy or testing in vivo |
A61B 5/055 - Definition
Informative references:
Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving electronic or nuclear magnetic resonance, in general |
A61B 5/117 - Definition
Limiting references:
Methods or arrangements for reading or recognizing patterns, e.g. fingerprints | |
Recognizing, identifying, or verifying the identity of human beings by analyzing their voice or speech |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this group is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system: (style "S" for this standard text only)
Identification means for patients specially adapted for use in surgery or diagnosis |
Informative references:
Dental impression cups | |
Articulators |
A61B 6/00 - Definition
Informative references:
X-ray contrast preparations | |
Preparations containing radioactive substances | |
X-ray photographic processes | |
X-ray apparatus or circuits therefor | |
Irradiation devices | |
Radiation therapy per se |
A61B 6/03 - Definition
Informative references:
Data processing equipment for medical or biological purposes |
A61B 8/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Ultrasound therapy | |
Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. acoustic imaging |
A61B 8/06 - Definition
Informative references:
A61B 10/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Vaccination prophylaxis, vaccination therapy | |
Menstruation tables |
A61B 17/10 - Definition
Informative references:
Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or with special means for dispensing contents |
A61B 17/12 - Definition
Limiting references:
Examples of places where the subject matter of this group is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Specially adapted for vas deferens or fallopian tubes |
Informative references:
Materials for ligaturing blood vessels |
A61B 17/135 - Definition
Limiting references:
Examples of places where the subject matter of this group is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
For measuring blood pressure |
Informative references:
Inflatable pressure pads |
A61B 17/22 - Definition
Limiting references:
Examples of places where the subject matter of this group is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
For biopsy | |
Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods |
Places in relation to which this subclass is residual:
Dilators |
Informative references:
Ultrasound therapy |
A61B 17/50 - Definition
Informative references:
A61B 17/56 - Definition
Informative references:
A61B 18/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Electrically conductive preparations for use in therapy or testing in vivo, e.g conductive adhesives or gels to be used with electrodes |
A61B 18/04 - Definition
Informative references:
Hyperthermia using electric or magnetic fields, radiation or ultrasound |
A61B 50/20 - Definition
Informative references:
Supports for surgical microscopes | |
Supports for devices illuminating a surgical field | |
Supports for surgical instruments |
A61C - Definition
This place covers:
Apparatus (i.e. instruments, implements, machines, structures, tools) or processes that are specially adapted for, or limited to use in, creating artificial teeth, mounting artificial teeth, supporting artificial teeth, or repairing artificial teeth or their supports (e.g. denture articulators), and wherein the dental prostheses made or fixed by the apparatus or process are used exclusively for humans or both humans and animals.
Apparatus or methods utilized to prevent, discourage, or cure oral diseases (i.e. diseases occurring exclusively within the oral cavity such as enamel caries or periodontitis) in humans or both humans and animals.
Apparatus, devices, or methods used for one or more of the following:
correcting abnormalities or injuries that prevent the proper or desired bringing together of the cooperating surfaces of natural teeth, or their artificial replacements that are permanently affixed within the mouth, located on opposite jaws;
preserving or rectify the appropriate or desired relative positioning, separation gaps, or alignment of natural teeth; or
preventing or repairing damage to natural teeth or their appropriate or desired relative positioning, separation gaps, or alignment (e.g. devices that surround or cover teeth to prevent grinding).
Apparatus (i.e. instruments, implements, machines, structures, tools) or processes that are specially adapted for, or limited to use in, the treatment, reconstruction, removal, insertion, replacement, repair, transfixing or testing of either natural teeth, artificial teeth that are permanently affixed within the oral cavity, gums, or other portions of the oral cavity having an effect on their operation (e.g. portions of jawbone supporting teeth), and wherein the apparatus or processes are used exclusively for humans or both humans and animals.
Apparatus, devices, or methods used for
sanitizing the oral cavity or dental prostheses (e.g. gargling devices, washing means);
removing foreign matter (e.g. food) or undesirable naturally occurring matter (e.g. plaque, calculus) from the surfaces of teeth, gums, or dental prostheses; or
stimulating gums.
Dental prostheses devices or artificial dental implant devices per se or their components (e.g. artificial teeth, mounting or attaching means for artificial teeth, devices for supplementing jawbones, crowns) used within the oral cavity.
Dental implants formed from biological material or consisting of oral cavity parts originating either from a donor source or from the patient that are intended to be introduced, or reintroduced, into the patient’s oral cavity to correct a dental or oral hygiene problem (e.g. modified natural teeth or jawbone material from a donor).
Adjunct, auxiliary, or supplementary means or structures that contribute to the effectiveness or safety of dental procedures or their products and are specially adapted to be used either:
during dentistry procedures (e.g. saliva removers, medication suppliers, drainage treatment);
with the products of dental procedures (e.g. artificial teeth supports); or
during the making of dental prostheses (e.g. stands for impression trays).
Specially adapted components of apparatus having structural features limiting them to use with at least one of the dental apparatus types specified above (e.g. dust collectors, illumination devices).
Accessories specially adapted for use with at least one of the above types of apparatus, means, or structures (e.g. devices for measuring the length of the root canal of a tooth).
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Subclass A61C(this subclass) provides for devices used by others to clean an individual’s teeth. It also provides for devices used by individuals upon their own teeth to remove foreign matter from the surface of their teeth or enhance the appearance of their teeth when the device is not specifically provided for elsewhere.
Subclass A46Bcovers manually moved or powered brushes, and in particular toothbrushes, used for cleaning that are not specifically provided for elsewhere. It also covers arrangements of brush bristles per se and the handle structure for brushes.
Subclass A61Dcovers devices used by individuals to remove foreign matter from the surface of the teeth of animals or enhance the appearance of the teeth of animals when the device is not specifically provided for elsewhere and is limited to use solely on animals.
Subclass A61Kcovers preparations that are used for medical, dental, or cosmetic purposes in the oral cavity.
Limiting references:
Manual toothbrushes | |
Positioning or arrangements of toothbrush bristles per se for manual or powered toothbrushes | |
Instruments for depressing the tongue | |
Tongue scrapers | |
Dental apparatus and methods peculiar to animals | |
Preparations used in dentistry for purposes other than cleaning | |
Preparations used for cosmetic cleaning of teeth or mouth | |
Dental or operating chairs | |
Dental work stands | |
Dental hypodermic syringes |
Informative references:
Non-dental implants or prostheses | |
Apparatus for passive exercising | |
Gum massage | |
Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Oral cavity | The part of human or animal mouth that includes the inside lining of the lips and cheeks (buccal mucosa), the teeth or their artificial permanently affixed replacements, the gums, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth below the tongue, the bony roof of the mouth (hard palate), and the area immediately behind the wisdom teeth (retromolar trigone). |
A61C 1/18 - Definition
Informative references:
A61D - Definition
This place covers:
Apparatus (i.e. instruments, implements, machines, structures, tools) or processes for enhancing or controlling the breeding of companion, domesticated, exotic, or wild animals (e.g. artificial vaginas, uterus disinfecting means), wherein the apparatus or processes are specially adapted to be only usable with animals.
Apparatus (i.e. instruments, implements, machines, structures, tools) or processes limited to use in the treatment, reconstruction, removal or replacement of the teeth, gums, or other parts within the mouth of companion, domesticated, exotic, or wild animals for medical purposes (i.e. dentistry), wherein the apparatus or processes are specially adapted to be only usable with animals and for dental procedures.
Apparatus (i.e. instruments, implements, machines, structures, tools) or processes for introducing medication (e.g. vaccines) or other material having an effect on bodily functions (e.g. seminal fluids, euthanasia poisons, stimulants) into or onto the bodies of companion, domesticated, exotic, or wild animals, wherein the apparatus or processes are specially adapted to be only usable with animals and for medical purposes.
Apparatus (i.e. instruments, implements, machines, structures, tools) or processes for medical procedures that employ physical actions on portions of companion, domesticated, exotic, or wild animal bodies to correct, enhance, inspect, or treat them (i.e. surgery), wherein the apparatus or processes are specially adapted to be only usable with animals and for medical procedures. Animal surgery consists of the following medical procedures:
repositioning (e.g. aligning broken bones, opening wounds) or removing (e.g. cropping tails) parts of animal bodies;
stabilizing (e.g. inserting bone pins) to prevent harmful movement of parts of animal bodies;
repairing (e.g. cauterizing beaks) animal bodies;
facilitating the occurrence of naturally occurring bodily functions (e.g. degassing stomachs, death) that are out of the ordinary;
introducing, collecting, or removing cells or organs to or from animal bodies; and
introducing or taking out foreign objects (e.g. bullets) to or from animal bodies.
Apparatus (i.e. instruments, implements, machines, structures, tools) or processes for evaluating, examining, measuring, monitoring, studying, or testing particular characteristics and aspects of the bodies of companion, domesticated, exotic, or wild animals (i.e. diagnosis), wherein the apparatus or processes are specially adapted to be only usable with animals and for medical purposes. Animal diagnosis consists of scrutinizing the following characteristics or aspects of animal bodies:
internal (e.g. lungs) or external (e.g. hooves) portions of the bodies,
abnormal bodily conditions (e.g. detecting foreign bodies),
inappropriate mental conditions (e.g. neurobiological-based compulsions or unacceptable psychological behavior), and
bodily functions (e.g. vision).
Implements, devices, or materials that are:
designed to be placed on or cover sores (e.g. blisters, boils) or wounds (e.g. cuts, abrasions) for extended periods of time (i.e. at least several minutes, but frequently for days) during their healing process to absorb fluids from, protect, or medicate them (e.g. poultices) and
specially adapted to be only usable with companion, domesticated, exotic, or wild animals.
Adjunct, auxiliary, or supplementary structures or means (e.g. operating tables, clean rooms) that are specially adapted to be only usable with companion, domesticated, exotic, or wild animals during their diagnosis, dentistry, surgery, or for other medical purposes. These adjunct, auxiliary, or supplementary structures or means contribute to the effectiveness (e.g. washing devices) or safety (e.g. handling gloves, mouth openers) of medical procedures, but may or may not themselves involve direct contact with the animal's body (e.g. thermometer holder).
Specially adapted components of apparatus having structural features limiting them to use with diagnostic, dental, or surgical apparatus for animals.
Accessories specially adapted for use with the above types of apparatus, means, or structures.
All other types of apparatus (i.e. instruments, implements, machines, structures, tools) or processes that are not specifically provided for in another subclass which are
utilized for medical treatment of companion, domesticated, exotic, or wild animals,
typically used only in an animal hospital-like facility or by animal medical personnel, and
only useable with animals.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Embodiments of apparatus, instruments, implements, structures, tools, or processes that are used on both humans and animals (i.e. have a more general utility) for maintaining their health or for other medical purposes are classified in another subclass based on their human usage and not in subclass A61D.
Limiting references:
Apparatus or methods normally used by non-medical personnel in the care of animals to maintain their health e.g. animal husbandry | |
Animal feed bags | |
Animal dehorners | |
Apparatus to help wean animals | |
Devices for assisting or preventing mating | |
Animal feeding-stuffs with antibiotics | |
Mouth openers for use on humans and animals |
A61D 3/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A61D 11/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Accessories for milking machines for treating of udders or teats |
A61D 15/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Fetlock-joint protecting rings or devices to prevent crib-biting |
A61F - Definition
This place covers:
Apparatus, devices or methods for physically correcting or altering the body of patients or disabled persons that are directly and for prolonged periods of time (i.e. not just during acute exceptional circumstances) used on or in the body of the patient or the disabled person:
Stents and similar devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body;
Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body that are either implantable into the body (e.g. blood vessels, eye parts, heart valves, bones, joints) or not implantable in the body (e.g. mammary prostheses, artificial arms, hands, legs or feet or parts thereof);
Specially adapted electrical, bioelectrical or fluid operating or control means for prostheses or sphincters;
Specially adapted means for connecting prostheses with or to the body (e.g. bandages, harnesses, sockets, stockings for the limb stump);
Specially adapted means for protecting prostheses;
Filters implantable into blood vessels;
Lengthening pieces for natural legs;
Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints, e.g. splints, casts, corsets, devices for stretching including equipment for beds or treatment tables, medical insertions for shoes, pressure pads, suspensory bandages;
Methods or devices for physically treating or correcting of the eyes (e.g. eye surgery using laser);
Apparatus specially adapted for guiding the blind by supplementing or replacing their visual perception;
Methods or devices for treatment of the ears, e.g. surgical.
Methods or devices (e.g. head or eye-gaze-direction actuated control devices, oral communication actuated control devices) for enabling patients or disabled persons to operate independent apparatus or machines (i.e. apparatus such as room lights or doors that is not a part of, or used in conjunction with the functioning of, artificial or natural parts of their body) without the application of direct force from the part of the human body that would normally be used by individuals for controlling operation of the independent apparatus or machine such as a hand, foot or their artificial equivalents.
Contraceptive devices for males (e.g. condoms, vas deferens occluders) or females (e.g. pessaries, intra-uterine type, fallopian occluders).
Devices for medical or hygienic care of living individuals that are worn by the individual or directly contact the body of the individual during their care:
Devices worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces; colostomy devices;
Bandages or dressings, e.g. plasters, elastic stockings;
Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, absorbent garments, e.g. diapers, tampons, e.g. catamenial tampons, surgical swabs; supporting and fastening means for pads.
Heating or cooling devices for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body and for body cavities, e.g. compresses, warming pads, pans or mats, hot water bottles, ice bags.
Protective devices for the eyes, e.g. goggles, eye-masks worn to prevent particulates or chemicals from striking the eyes.
Devices for inserting contact lenses.
Protective devices for the ears, e.g. ear plugs or earmuffs.
Auxiliary appliances for wound dressings; dispensing containers for dressings or bandages; packages or wrapping arrangements for used pads, e.g. for disposal.
Containers having various emergency medical supplies such as bandages, simple medical tools, and medicines (i.e. first-aid kits) that are intended to be used for administering initial treatment to injured or sick individuals.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
If an apparatus, method, device, or material is usable for both humans and animals for the same purpose and in the same manner, and it is otherwise proper for this subclass, classification is made only in subclass A61F. Similar devices or processes to those covered by subclass A61F that are usable exclusively for animals or are used in animals in a different manner or for different purposes than for humans, are classified in subclass A61D.
Surgical apparatus or processes in general are covered by subclass A61B.
Subclass A61H provides for massage, chiropractic, or physical therapy apparatus or processes used for the treatment of disease, injuries or disability (i.e. an abnormal condition of the body) by utilization of direct mechanical energy.
Chemical and materialaspects of prostheses, structures inserted into tubular structures of human bodies, bandages, dressings, absorbent pads or surgical articles are covered by subclass A61L.
With regard to human organs and their parts, the exact distinction between the artificial devices implantable into human bodies that are proper for subclass A61F and those proper for subclass A61M is somewhat imprecise. Therefore, for analogous situations that are not specifically covered by existing groups of these subclasses, the following listings are intended to provide guidance.
Subclass A61F provides for the following replacements or substitutes for internal body organs or their parts: hollow or tubular parts of organs (e.g. bladders, tracheae, bronchi, heart valves and blood vessels, bile ducts), structural supporting or maintaining devices for such parts (e.g. stents), artificial eyes and artificial ears.
Subclass A61M provides for the following replacements or substitutes for internal body organs or their parts: artificial hearts (based on catchword index), artificial livers, artificial lungs, artificial pancreas, artificial kidneys and catheters in general.
Devices for introducing media into or onto the body, devices for taking media from the body are also covered by subclass A61M.
Spectacles, sunglasses, contact lenses or goggles insofar as they have the features of vision correction or protection against high levels of visible and ultraviolet light are covered by subclass G02C.
Limiting references:
Brassieres | |
Cosmetic articles, e.g. wigs, hair pieces | |
Caps with means for protecting the eyes or the ears | |
Ordinary arch supports for shoes | |
Artificial nails | |
Heating or cooling means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses | |
Surgical instruments | |
Devices for closing wounds, or holding wounds closed | |
Dental prostheses | |
Chiropractic methods or devices | |
Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk | |
Massage of the genitals | |
Chemical aspects of contraception | |
Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads | |
Adhesives for costolomy devices | |
Surgical adhesives or cements | |
Materials for prostheses | |
Materials for costolomy devices | |
Artificial hearts, kidneys | |
Irrigators | |
Drainage appliances for wounds | |
Valves specially adapted for medical use | |
Arm rests for use as writing aids | |
Arrangements of tyre-inflating valves to tyres or rims | |
Safety devices for welding in general | |
Removable contact lenses | |
Sunglasses or goggles having the same features as spectacles | |
Electric heating elements |
Informative references:
Undergarments | |
Baby linen | |
Corsets or girdles | |
Surgical drapes | |
Transdermal drug delivery patches | |
Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body | |
Goggles for swimming | |
Diving masks | |
Materials for prostheses | |
Balloon catheters | |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Absorbent articles | Articles adapted to absorb liquid excreted by the body. |
Dilator | A (surgical) device or instrument used to dilate, distend, enlarge, expand, stretch an opening, organ, passage, tube, canal or cavity of a human or animal body (e.g. urethrotomy, tracheotomy, nasal, anal or cervix (Hegar's dilator) or vaginal dilation, bougienage, percutaneous dilation of tissues (Byrd dilator), whereas stents are not dilators but prostheses for providing patency, or preventing collapsing of tubular structures of the body. |
Disabled person | A human being that is unable to do certain basic physical tasks (e.g. walking) due to a physical or mental impairment/condition. |
Patient | A human being awaiting or undergoing any form of (a) medical care (e.g. testing) or treatment by medical staff (e.g. doctors, dentists, midwives, chiropractors), or (b) physical tending (e.g. feeding) by care giver (e.g. hospice or nursing home staff) due to impairment. |
Stent | Balloon- or self-expandable tubular device for use in the treatment of duct-like organs typified for example by a blood vessel, biliary tract, urinary tract, digestive tract, and the like providing patency. |
Stent graft | Stent with a tubular member made of a synthetic resin affixed to the inside or outside of the stent. |
In patent documents the expression "device for fluid management" is often used with the meaning of incontinence article.
A61F 2/07 - Definition
This place covers:
Stent-grafts for blood vessels. Stent-grafts are tubular grafts with stents embedded therein or attached to the graft material. The stent-graft for blood vessels is usually deployed within an aneurysm. The stent anchors the graft to the blood vessel wall. The graft is usually made from fabric material.
Informative references:
A61F 2/82 - Definition
This place covers:
Stents with tubular structures deployed within a stenosis in order to widen and support the vessel. The stent is usually made from a rigid material, e.g. metal or polymer.
Limiting references:
A61F 2/856 - Definition
This place covers:
A61F 2/89 - Definition
This place covers:
A61F 2/90 - Definition
In patent documents the words "net", "net-like", "mesh" and "mesh-like" are often used as synonyms.
A61F 2/91 - Definition
This place covers:
A61F 2/915 - Definition
This place covers:
A61F 2/92 - Definition
In patent documents the words "rolled-up" and "coiled" are often used as synonyms.
A61F 2/95 - Definition
Informative references:
Instruments for closing wounds, or holding wounds closed | |
Catheters; hollow probes |
A61F 9/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk |
A61G - Definition
This place covers:
Specially adapted vehicles (e.g., ambulances), handling apparatus (e.g., wheelchair lifts), or methods or devices (e.g., stretchers) for moving patients or disabled persons who are passive participants in their relocation (e.g., the persons are handled in a manner similar to loads).
Specially adapted structures (e.g., hospital or treatment rooms for medical purposes, baby incubators) or devices (e.g., bedpans, hospital beds, trapeze or pull-up bars) used
by patients or disabled persons for their personal physical needs and convenience or
for controlling the local environment of patients or disabled persons during treatment or recovery.
Specially adapted supporting surfaces for sustaining patients in a recumbent or seated position during recovery, surgery, dental work, or similar types of medical treatment.
Auxiliary appliances (e.g., trolleys for medicine) or accessories (e.g., prescription list) specially adapted for use with the other invention information covered by this subclass.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
General relationship of A61G with subclasses for care or alteration of the human body
A61G does not cover apparatus or methods that are directly used on an individual's body to perform medical care and therapy or to alter it after death. The types of medical care, therapy, and body alterations not covered by A61G consist of:
treating a part of the body (e.g., filling teeth - A61C),
monitoring the body (e.g., eye testing - A61B),
determining a medical condition or illness of the body (e.g., radiation diagnosis A61B),
investigating the body (e.g., autopsy equipment A61B),
physically correcting or altering the body of living individuals (e.g., cataract surgery A61F), and
physically preparing or altering the body of deceased individuals (e.g., embalming equipment - A01N, cremation furnaces F23G).
Subclasses A01N, A61B, A61C, A61F, A61H, A61K, A61M, A61N, and F23G provide appropriately for apparatus or methods for medical care, therapy, or body alterations of these types. The specific classifications that are of interest for search purposes are specified in the references of A61G or its groups.
However, A61G does provide for specific structural modifications that merely facilitate the use of apparatus or methods of these types for medical care or therapy when in combination with subject matter that is otherwise appropriate for this subclass (e.g., special supports for patients with burns).
A61G also provides for life supporting or sustaining devices that control the local environment during treatment or recovery of patients (e.g., baby incubators).
General relationship of A61G with vehicles adapted for use by disabled
A61G covers personal conveyances and "vehicle-like" conveyances (e.g., wheelchairs, stretchers) that are explicitly designed for use by only a single patient or disabled person and intended to normally travel relatively short distances along the ground or similar support surface (e.g., hallway).
The subclass for a specific type of standard roadway vehicle (i.e., vehicles designed and intended for general thoroughfare usage over long distances, such as B62K for cycles) covers their vehicles that have been specially adapted for use by a disabled operator.
The subclass for a specific type of "special-utility" vehicle (i.e., vehicles that have another primary purpose other than transport, such as riding lawn mowers or forklifts) covers their vehicles that have been specially adapted for use by a disabled operator.
Limiting references:
Devices per se for enabling disabled persons to operate an apparatus or device not forming part of the body | |
Restraining devices for the body or for body parts and restraining shirts that are used for non-surgical treatment of patients' bones or joints | |
Equipment for beds, treatment tables, floor frames or the like for extending or stretching | |
Appliances for aiding invalids to walk about | |
Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes | |
For bicycles specially adapted for disabled riders | |
Inclined lifts associated with stairways for transporting disabled persons or wheelchairs | |
Illumination of operating tables |
Informative references:
For preserving of the dead bodies of humans, animals, or the parts thereof | |
For sanitary equipment not otherwise provided for | |
For body washing or cleaning implements | |
For sanitary closets or urinals without flushing and chamber pots | |
For appliances for supporting or fettering animals during operations | |
For vehicles adapted to transport meat | |
For vehicles adapted to transport refrigerated goods |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Disabled person | a human being that is unable to do a basic physical task (e.g., walking) due to a physical or mental impairment/condition. |
Funeral device | apparatus associated with (e.g., coffin) or for performing (e.g., casket lowering device) activities connected with the burial, cremation, entombment, or other methods of honoring or disposing of (e.g., freeze drying) the remains of the body of a deceased individual. |
Patient | a human being awaiting or undergoing any form of (a) medical care (e.g., testing) or treatment by medical staff (e.g., doctors, dentists, midwifes, chiropractors) or (b) physical tending (e.g., feeding) by caretakers (e.g., hospice or nursing home staff) due to impairment. |
Personal conveyance | a vehicle-like device (e.g., wheelchairs) that is: not specifically adapted for traveling significant distances (e.g., between cities) along thoroughfares (e.g., railways, roads, sidewalks) with normal traffic (e.g., trucks), explicitly designed (i.e., not merely adaptations of a standard production vehicle) for carrying, and intended to be limited to use by, a single patient or disabled person at any given time, and potentially capable of having either its movement controlled or powered by the patient or disabled person carried by it. |
A61G 1/003 - Definition
Informative references:
Devices in general for lifting patients or disabled persons |
A61G 5/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Chairs with toilet conveniences | |
Running gear or propulsion features |
A61G 10/02 - Definition
Informative references:
Dust-free laboratory rooms | |
Decompression arrangements | |
Arrangements or adaptations in aircraft | |
Air-conditioning in general |
A61H - Definition
This place covers:
Apparatus or processes which are not used for surgical purposes utilizing mechanical energy transmitted by direct physical contact with the external surface of the thorax portion of human bodies to induce or supplement normal breathing (e.g. iron lungs).
Apparatus or processes, which are not used for surgical purposes that are specially adapted to improve or promote the optical functioning of individuals (e.g. rectify defective vision, improve the natural operation of their eyes) by:
contacting eyes or their muscles directly to move the eyes,
subjecting the eyes of individuals to controlled muscle strain,
utilizing stimulators, such as flash illumination, to cause movement of eyes of individuals in a controlled manner, or
facilitating or training individuals though practice to move their own eyes in a beneficial manner.
Apparatus or devices that are explicitly designed for use by a single patient or disabled person for the purpose of helping them overcome a physical condition that impairs their ability to walk unassisted across the ground or similar support surface (e.g. crutches).
Apparatus or processes utilizing mechanical energy directly applied upon human bodies for therapy (e.g. massage). These therapy apparatus and processes are intended to facilitate the healing of diseases, promote or assist normal operation of a malfunctioning body part, reduce the impact of injuries, or beneficially influence the condition of disabled body parts either by the physical movement of body parts (e.g. devices for exercising a passive body member) or other types of physical stimulation (e.g. touching) transmitted though contact with:
external body surfaces or
surfaces of naturally occurring body cavities.
Apparatus or processes which are not used for surgical purposes utilizing mechanical energy directly applied to human bodies by physical contact therewith (e.g. chiropractic) to treat, alleviate the effects of, or prevent disease or bodily malfunctions (e.g. misalignments of bone, aberrant joint) solely by manipulation, adjustment, or realignment of at least a portion of the skeletal system of the body (e.g. bone joints, tendons, spinal columns) by either:
impacting external surfaces of bodies to manipulate or adjust portions of their skeletons containing unbroken bones or
pulling or pushing on the external surfaces of bodies to extend or compress portions of their skeletons containing unbroken bones.
Apparatus or processes which are not used for surgical purposes utilizing mechanical energy directly applied upon human bodies by physical contact (e.g. massage) to rub, stroke, knead, tap, vibrate, or otherwise move a portion of the external surface of human bodies, or the surfaces of their naturally occurring body cavities, to either:
physically relax individuals,
physically arouse or stimulate individuals, or
counteract or relieve bodily pains.
Apparatus or processes which are not used for surgical purposes (e.g. baths) that are specially adapted for covering, soaking, or immersing human bodies, or portions of bodies, within fluids (e.g. steam, water) or fluent materials (e.g. sand, mud) in a manner that is distinct from the common bathing process for cleaning human bodies and is intended to either:
counteract or relieve bodily pains,
physically relax individuals,
promote or assist healing of injured bodies or their parts, or
restore to health, or alleviate the effects of sicknesses or other types of abnormal conditions on, bodies or their parts.
Apparatus or processes (e.g. breast baths) specially adapted for covering, soaking, or immersing only one particular part of the human body within fluids (e.g. steam, water) or fluent materials (e.g. sand, seaweed) .
Articles of clothing (e.g. sweating suits for therapy) that at least partially enclose human bodies for the primary purpose of increasing the local temperature (e.g. insulated, include heating elements) or humidity (e.g. constructed of partially air tight material) of the portion of the human bodies covered to a point where the localized temperature or humidity is beyond the range that human beings normally consider physically comfortable (i.e. creates localized sauna-like environment) for therapy.
Specially adapted components for the above types of apparatus.
Auxiliary appliances or accessories specially adapted for use with any of the above types of apparatus or process (e.g. reflex point locators).
Other types of apparatus or processes which are not used for surgical (e.g. acupuncture devices) purposes that utilize mechanical energy directly applied to human bodies by physical contact for improving their functioning that are not specifically provided for elsewhere in another subclass.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
When used with animals
If an apparatus or process is usable for both humans and animals for the same purpose and in the same manner, and it is otherwise proper for this subclass, classification is made only in subclass A61H. Similar devices or processes to those covered by subclass A61H that are usable exclusively for animals, or are used in animals in a different manner or for different purposes than for humans, are classified in subclass A61D.
When used for physical relaxation
Subclass A61H covers apparatus or processes that are specially adapted to physically relax or stimulate individuals due either to
mechanical energy being directly applied upon human body parts to cause their physical movement, or stimulation, by direct physical contact with external surfaces of the body or surfaces of naturally occurring cavities in the body (i.e. massage) or
the calming or invigorating effects of bathing.
Subclass A61M covers devices or processes which are specially adapted to cause or precipitate a change in the state of consciousness of humans (e.g. induce sleep, awaken), or to increase or decrease the mental activity of humans while awake, which may also involve relaxing or stimulating individuals.
Medical Treatment
Several subclasses provide for apparatus or processes that are used for treating humans for medical conditions. The relationship between these subclasses is as follows:
Subclass A61B provides for surgical apparatus or processes in general.
Subclass A61B also provides for surgical apparatus or processes when
surgical apparatus or processes are combined with means used for other types of treatment (e.g. therapy, massage) for medical conditions or
the apparatus can be used both for surgery and for other types of treatment for medical conditions.
Subclass A61H provides for massage, chiropractic, or physical therapy apparatus or processes used for the treatment of disease, injuries, or disability (i.e. an abnormal condition of the body) by utilization of direct mechanical energy.
Subclass A61N provides for apparatus or processes used for the treatment of disease, injuries, or disability by utilization of forms of energy other than direct mechanical energy.
Limiting references:
Training or exercising equipment for animals | |
Garments with controlled internal environment | |
Ventilating, cooling or heating means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses | |
Apparatus for helping babies to walk | |
Baths; Showers; Appurtenances therefor for merely cleaning human bodies | |
Body washing or cleaning implements for merely cleaning human bodies | |
Dental implements for therapeutic treatment | |
Orthopedic devices or methods | |
Devices for treatment of the eyes | |
Means for washing bed-ridden persons | |
Beds for promoting or observing sleep | |
Blood pumps or devices for mechanical circulatory assistance | |
Subaquatic intestinal cleaning | |
Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration | |
Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means (other than alarm clocks or the like) | |
Electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, radiation therapy, ultrasound therapy | |
Electromedical massage devices applying continuous direct current by contact electrodes | |
Electrotherapy devices applying alternating or intermittent currents by contact electrodes | |
Applying ionized fluids to the human body for therapy | |
Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements | |
Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body | |
Exercising devices for feet or toes |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Accessory implements for clippers or shavers carrying out massage or other functions than cutting hair |
Informative references:
Methods or devices enabling patients or disabled persons to operate an apparatus or a device not forming part of the body |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Therapy | Any medical treatment of an abnormal condition of a human or animal body (e.g. disease, impaired organ, injured limb) by means, instruments, devices, or methods that utilize forms of energy (e.g. mechanical energy) and which is not used for surgical purposes. In general, the treatment time for therapy is long-term relative to that for surgery which usually has a much more immediate effect on the body. |
Disabled person | A human being that is unable to do a basic physical task (e.g. walking) without assistance due to a physical or mental impairment/condition. |
Patient | A human being awaiting or undergoing any form of (a) medical care (e.g. testing) or treatment by medical staff (e.g. doctors, dentists, midwives, chiropractors) or (b) physical tending (e.g. feeding) by care providers (e.g. hospice or nursing home staff) due to impairment. |
A61H 7/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A61H 33/08 - Definition
Informative references:
Hair-driers | |
Body-drying devices | |
Electric heating elements |
A61H 33/14 - Definition
Informative references:
A61H 39/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
A61H 39/06 - Definition
Informative references:
A61J - Definition
This place covers:
Apparatus, devices, or methods specially adapted for changing or fashioning bulk medicines, or their essential constituents, into pharmaceutical products having specific physical forms designed to either:
facilitate their accurate dispensing to, or proper usage by, humans (e.g., tablets of specified dosage),
enhance their desirability so as to improve their likelihood of being consumed or used (e.g., candy coated tablets, impregnated food, lubricated suppositories),
improve their ability to, or make them physically able to, be consumed or used (e.g., encapsulated fish oil, ointments), or
increase their effectiveness.
Apparatus, devices, or methods specially adapted for administering medications or pharmaceutical products to humans though their oral cavity.
Receptacles that are not designed to be ingestible and are specially adapted for holding or containing medicines or pharmaceutical products prior to their usage or consumption by humans.
Receptacles specially adapted to hold, contain, or transport pharmaceutical, surgical, or therapy related materials other than medicines or pharmaceutical products (e.g., containers for storing blood).
Hollow flexible conduits specially adapted, or solely intended, for the purpose of providing nutriments in fluid or fluent forms to humans by insertion of the conduits into an orifice of their bodies (e.g., enteral feeding using functioning gastrointestinal tract).
Containers specially adapted for holding water or nutriments in fluid or fluent forms (e.g., feeding bottles) that is withdrawn by the sucking of infants, young children, or other humans (e.g., patients, disabled persons) on orally engaged portions or subcomponents of the containers.
The orally engaged subcomponents per se of the containers of the preceding paragraph (e.g., compressible rubber teats for feeding bottles) which are specially adapted for infants, young children, or other humans to suck upon to withdraw water or nutriments in fluid or fluent forms from the containers.
Other types of apparatus or devices specially adapted for orally administering only nutriments in fluid or fluent forms to infants, patients or disabled persons.
Devices that are not designed to be ingestible and are specially adapted, or solely intended, for either:
soothing, calming, or relaxing infants or young children by relieving a physical craving (e.g., oral pacifier) or
allowing infants or young children to relieve minor irritations or inflammations themselves though usage of the devices (e.g., teething devices for gum irritation).
Devices or receptacle specially adapted, or solely intended, for receiving spittle, phlegm, or other forms of naturally occurring oral discharge from humans.
Devices specially adapted to prevent irritation of the teat portion of the mammary gland of humans from abrasive or rubbing contact.
Specially adapted subcomponents or steps for the above types of apparatus, containers, devices or methods of the preceding paragraphs that are not provided for in another subclass.
Auxiliary appliances or accessories specially adapted for use with the apparatus, containers, or devices of the preceding paragraphs to facilitate either:
the proper dispensation or usage of medications or pharmaceutical products (e.g., medication reminders, pill counters) or
the taking of food orally by humans.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
When used with animals
If an apparatus, device, or method is usable for both humans and animals for the same purpose and in the same manner, and it is otherwise proper for this subclass, classification is made only in subclass A61J
Similar apparatus, devices, or methods to those covered by subclass A61Jthat are usable exclusively for animals, or are used in animals in a different manner or for different purposes than for humans, are classified in subclass A61D
Baby comforters, food, and toys
Devices that may be interesting to a baby (e.g., they have a specific shape such as an animal that the baby may manipulate) and are intended to serve to relieve a physical craving, irritation, or inflammation of the baby are covered by subclass A61J
Devices that are primarily intended to be played with by a baby to entertain it, but might also incidentally emotionally calm it (e.g., stuffed bear at bedtime), are covered by subclass A63H
Limiting references:
Infusion devices | |
Syringe ampoules or cartridges | |
Time release microcapsules for introduction of media into body and other devices for introducing or retaining media in cavities of the body | |
Time release medication patches for application to human bodies | |
Tubes, tube connectors, valves or tube couplings specially adapted for medical use |
Informative references:
Foods, foodstuffs, or their preparation or treatment | |
Spoon type tableware | |
Drinking vessels used for table service | |
Protective casings or covers for appliances or instruments | |
Medical preparations characterized by special physical form | |
Suppositories | |
Capsules | |
Devices for introducing media into or on the body | |
Droppers or containers for laboratory use | |
Containers for storage or transport of articles or materials in general or their accessories, closures, or fittings | |
Containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible member or portion | |
Details of bottles or jars not otherwise provided for | |
Dropper type dispensers for closing containers | |
Closures for containers with means for discouraging their opening or removal without authorization or required level of physical aptitude | |
Blister packages | |
Applying closure members to bottles, jars, or similar containers |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Medicine, Medication | Chemical or biological substance intended to be used for the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, alleviation, or prevention of diseases, disorders, injuries, or any other abnormal physical or mental state in humans. |
Pharmaceutical product | Man made or natural medicines specially adapted by manufactures or pharmacies into forms that facilitate their internal or external usage by humans. |
Patient | Human being awaiting or undergoing any form of (a) medical care (e.g., testing) or treatment by medical staff (e.g., doctors, dentists, midwives, chiropractors) or (b) physical tending (e.g., feeding) by care providers (e.g., hospice or nursing home staff) due to impairment. |
Disabled person | A human being that is unable to do a certain basic physical task (e.g., walking) without assistance due to a physical or mental impairment/condition. |
In patent documents the following expressions/words "teat" and "nipple" are often used as synonyms for the orally engaged portion of feeding bottles.
In patent documents the following expressions/words "feeding bottle", "nursing bottle", and "baby bottle" are often used as synonyms.
In patent documents the following expressions/words "spittoon", and "cuspidor" are often used as synonyms.
A61J 1/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Antithrombogenic treatment of articles for conditioning blood | |
Devices for introducing media into or onto the body |
A61J 7/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Calibrated capacity measures for fluids or fluent solid material |
A61K - Definition
This place covers:
Compositions which are:
Used as preparations for dentistry, e.g. for artificial teeth, for filling or for capping teeth, or for taking dental impressions.
Used for cosmetic purposes for treating the skin, hair, nails, teeth or oral cavity with a view to cleaning them, changing their appearance, correcting body odours, protecting them or keeping them in good condition.
Used for medicinal purposes, e.g. drugs, biological compositions, when they are capable of:
preventing, alleviating, treating or curing abnormal or pathological conditions of the living body by such means as destroying a parasitic organism, or limiting the effect of the disease or abnormality by chemically altering the physiology of the host or parasite;
maintaining, increasing, decreasing, limiting, or destroying a physiological body function, e.g. vitamin compositions, sex sterilants, fertility inhibitors, growth promotors, or the like;
diagnosing a physiological condition or state by an in vivo test, e.g. X-ray contrast or skin patch test compositions.
Processes
of preparing these compositions, and
of using these compositions or single compounds for medical, dental, or toilet purposes.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
A01N covers the preservation of bodies of humans or animals or plants or parts thereof; biocides, e.g. as disinfectants, as pesticides, as herbicides .
Compounds per se are classified in C01, C07 or C08.
C08K covers the use of substances as compounding ingredients.
Compositions per se containing polymers are classified in C08L.
Micro-organisms per se are classified in C12N.
Multiple classification
The therapeutic activity of medicinal preparations is further classified in A61P.
The use of cosmetics or similar toilet preparations is further classified in A61Q.
Limiting references:
Sex sterilants for invertebrates per se | |
Artificial nails per se | |
Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms | |
Disinfections, sterilisation or deodorization of air; Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings, absorbent pads or surgical articles | |
Essential oils, perfumes | |
Detergent compositions |
Informative references:
Biocides, pest repellants or attractants per se | |
Wigs | |
Hair pieces, inserts, rolls, pads or the like | |
Processes of waving, straightening or curling hair | |
Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling toilet or cosmetic substances | |
Diagnosis; Surgery; Identification | |
Dentistry | |
Electrotherapy; Magnetotherapy; Radiation therapy; Ultrasound therapy | |
Mixing, dissolving, emulsifying, dispersing | |
Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes or micro-organisms; Compositions or test papers therefor; Processes of preparing such compositions; Condition-responsive control in microbiological or enzymological processes | |
Investigating or analysing materials by determining their chemical or physical properties |
Special rules of classification
Attention is drawn to the definitions of groups of chemical elements following the title of section C.
In this subclass, with the exception of group 8/00, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, classification is made in the last appropriate place.
Attention is drawn to the Notes in class C07, for example the Notes following the title of the subclass C07D, setting forth the rules for classifying organic compounds in that class, which rules are also applicable, if not otherwise indicated, to the classification of organic compounds of A61K.
A composition, i.e. a mixture of two or more ingredients is classified in the last of groups A61K 31/00-A61K 47/00 that provides for at least one of these ingredients.
Any part of a composition which is not identified by classification according to the last appropriate place of an active ingredient, and which itself is determined to be novel and non-obvious, must also be classified. The part can be either a single ingredient or a composition in itself.
Any part of a composition which is not identified by the classification according the last appropriate place, and which is considered to represent information of interest for search, may also be classified. This can for example be the case when it is considered of interest to enable searching of compositions using a combination of classification symbols. Such non-obligatory classification should be given as "additional information".
A61K 8/00 - Definition
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Casings or accessories for storing or handling of solid or pasty toilet or cosmetic substances are classified in A45D 40/00
A61K 9/00 - Definition
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Nuclear magnetic resonance contrast preparations or magnetic resonance imaging contrast preparations are classified in group A61K 49/18
Praparations containing radioactive substances are classified in group A61K 51/12
A61K 9/68 - Definition
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A61K 31/01 - Definition
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Informative references:
Electrodes specially adapted for electrocardiography | |
Electrodes specially adapted for foetal cardiography | |
Electrodes specially adapted for electroencephalography | |
Electrodes specially adapted for electromyography | |
Electrodes for electrotherapy |
A61L - Definition
This place covers:
Apparatus or methods specifically adapted for use in treating air either:
by destroying noxious micro-organisms within the air,
by removing micro-organisms from the air,
by otherwise rendering air aseptic,
by removing unwanted odor constituents from air, or
by covering up unwanted odor constituents, or potential constituents, by adding scent to air.
Apparatus or methods of general applicability for use in destroying noxious micro-organisms on or otherwise rendering completely aseptic articles or materials (e.g., destroying bacteria or fungus).
Apparatus or methods that are not covered as a whole in another subclass and are specially adapted for use in destroying noxious micro-organisms on or otherwise rendering completely aseptic specific articles (e.g., contact lenses) or specific materials (e.g., refuse).
Materials that are specially adapted for devices that are to be affixed to, placed on, placed within, or cover either:
portions of the surfaces of human bodies having sores (e.g., blisters, boils) or wounds (e.g., cuts, abrasions) for extended periods of time (i.e. at least several minutes, but frequently for days) during their healing process to absorb fluids from, protect, or medicate them (e.g., poultices),
naturally occurring cavities of or passageways within human bodies to absorb bodily discharges or other fluids from bodies (e.g., urine), protect, or medicate them (e.g. sanitary towels, tampons), or
incisions or openings in human bodies formed during surgery.
Chemical compounds or compositions that are used in conjunction with, or compose a portion of, the above type of specially adaptive devices or their materials and increase their effectiveness by:
enhancing their ability to heal or treat sores, wounds, surgical incisions, or surgical openings,
changing in some manner the absorbability of the devices or materials, or
otherwise influencing their operation (e.g., prolongs useful life) of the devices or materials.
Materials specially adapted to be used in devices that:
joining together the edges of wounds, surgical incisions, or surgical openings (e.g., sutures) or
forming a tissue mass by compressively encircling the mass and holding it (e.g., ligatures).
Adhesives specially adapted for surgical uses.
Materials specially adapted for forming devices used as substitutes for a part of the body that is missing or non-functional or materials specially adapted for coating these devices (e.g., skin grafts).
Materials specially adapted to be used in:
surgical construction of artificial excretory openings from colons or
devices that travel up colons to inspect, clean, or treat them.
Materials specially adapted for use within the structure of hollow flexible tubes that are intended to be:
inserted into human bodies to put in or take out fluids (e.g. cannulae, catheters),
used to open up or close blood vessels, passageways, or body cavities, or
passed inside of blood vessels, passageways, or body cavities for diagnostic or treatment purposes (e.g. endoscopes).
Materials specially adapted to be used for other surgical uses or devices (e.g. stents, materials for adhesion prevention).
Materials specially adapted for use as antithrombogenic treatments for at least one of the above type of devices or materials or the chemical compounds or compositions that form, or compose a portion of, these antithrombogenic treatments.
Specially adapted components or steps for at least one of the above types of apparatus, methods, or devices.
Auxiliary appliances or accessories specially adapted for use with at least one of the above types of apparatus or devices (e.g., devices for testing effectiveness of sterilization).
Limiting references:
Preservation of bodies or disinfecting characterised by the agent employed | |
Shape or structure of prostheses | |
Shape or structure of bandages, dressings, or absorbent pads | |
Preparations for medical, dental or toilet purposes | |
Shape or structure of catheters | |
Sterilisation of packages or package contents in association with packaging |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Sterilising food or foodstuffs | |
Preservation of milk, milk preparations, or dairy products by sterilization | |
Devices specifically adapted for cleaning or disinfection shavers or razors | |
Apparatus or methods for destroying solid waste or transforming solid waste using sterilization into something useful or harmless | |
Devices for adding disinfecting agents to lavatories | |
Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, or ageing of alcoholic beverages | |
Air conditioning systems including air purification or sterilisation means | |
Sanitary or hygienic devices for transducer mouthpieces or earpieces |
Informative references:
Surgical instruments | |
Operating gloves | |
Surgical drapes | |
Dental prosthetics | |
Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents | |
Bandages, dressings, or absorbent pads | |
Tracheal tubes | |
Catheters | |
Tubes, valves | |
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substance | |
Preparation of ozone |
Special rules of classification
Sets of groups wherein Last-place rule is applied
Within each one of the following sets of groups, at each hierarchical level, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, classification is made in the last appropriate place:
Secondary classification based on use of materials characterised by particular function or physical properties when of interest
When the inventive thing is classified based upon its chemical composition within one of the sets of groups A61L 15/08-A61L 15/12, A61L 15/18-A61L 15/40, A61L 27/02-A61L 27/40, A61L 29/02-A61L 29/12, or A61L 31/02-A61L 31/12; classification of this subject matter is also made to cover its function or physical properties for each set of groups into their corresponding group, (i.e., respectively group A61L 15/14, A61L 15/42, A61L 27/50, A61L 29/14, or A61L 31/14) when this aspect is of interest.
Secondary classification based on use of materials with antithrombogenic properties
When the inventive thing is fully provided for and classified within groups A61L 17/00, A61L 24/00, A61L 26/00, A61L 27/00, A61L 28/00, A61L 29/00, and A61L 31/00 classification should also be made within group A61L 33/00 if a material used is antithrombogenic in nature.
Use of indexing codes
When classifying in group A61L 2/00-A61L 12/00, it is desirable to add the indexing codes of group A61L 101/00, relating to the chemical composition of materials used in disinfecting, sterilising or deodorising.
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Antithrombogenic | A substance, composition, or material that prevents or reduces coagulation, clotting, depositing, or precipitation of blood, plasma protein, or a component of blood (e.g., anticoagulant). |
A61L 9/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Body deodorants | |
Separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours |
A61L 17/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Surgical adhesives | |
Surgical instruments, devices or methods for suturing or ligaturing | |
Supports or packages for suture materials |
A61M - Definition
This place covers:
Devices or processes specially adapted to be used to insert or place media into human bodies (e.g., pumps, syringes, atomisers, insufflators, inhalers) and that do so either
by an artificial method (i.e., a human created or contrived method that cannot occur naturally such as hypodermic-syringe injections) or
by enhancing a naturally occurring method (e.g., inhalers used in conjunction with normal breathing) other than oral.
Devices or processes specially adapted to be used to place media upon human bodies (e.g., percutaneous devices, radioactive dressings) and that do so either
by an artificial method or
by enhancing a naturally occurring method (e.g., standard absorption, rubbing substances onto skin).
Devices or processes which are specially adapted to be used to direct, lead, convey, or carry media up to, away from, or within human bodies (e.g., tubes for carrying oxygen, medical pumps, artificial hearts, mechanical blood circulatory assistors, blood oxygenation devices, devices for artificial respiration by treatment with gas or air) and that do so either
by an artificial method (e.g., dialysis systems) or
by enhancing a naturally occurring method (e.g., standard circulation of blood, standard discharging of bodily waste).
Devices or processes specially adapted to be used to remove, eject, or expel media from human bodies (e.g., suction type breast relievers, discharge draining devices for wounds) and that do so
by an artificial method (e.g., subaquatic intestinal cleaning systems) or
by enhancing a naturally occurring method (e.g., babies sucking on breast, boils natural discharging).
Devices or processes specially adapted to cause or provoke a change in the state of consciousness of humans (e.g., induce sleep, fully awaken) and that do so in a manner other than one which commonly occurs (e.g., falling asleep on a good mattress, physical exhaustion).
Devices or processes specially adapted to increase or decrease the mental activity of humans while awake (e.g., relax, stimulate) and that do so in a manner other than that which commonly occurs (e.g., creating boredom, reading long definitions).
Accessories specially adapted for use with at least one of the above devices and that contribute to the effectiveness or safety of the device or its use.
Specially adapted components having structural features limiting them to use with a device of one of the types specified above.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
When used with animals
If a device or process is usable for both humans and animals for the same purpose and in the same manner, and it is otherwise proper for this subclass, classification is made only in subclass A61M Similar devices or processes to those covered by subclass A61Mthat are usable exclusively for animals, or are used in animals in a different manner or for different purposes than for humans, are classified in subclass A61D
When used with living or dead human bodies
Patent documents for general-purpose medical devices or processes that are otherwise proper for subclass A61Mare classified in subclass A61Mwhen they either disclose only being used on living human bodies or broadly disclose being used on humans. Patent documents for general -purpose medical devices or processes that are otherwise proper for subclass A61Mand fully identified as being used on both living and dead human bodies are classified in subclass A61Mand subclass A01Nor A61B Patent documents for similar devices or processes to those covered by subclass A61Mthat are specially adapted for use exclusively on dead humans are classified only in subclass A01Nor A61B
Implantable prostheses or artificial organ replacements
With regard to human organs and their parts, the exact distinction between the artificial devices implantable into human bodies that are proper for subclass A61Fand those proper for subclass A61Mis somewhat imprecise. Therefore, for analogous situations that are not specifically covered by existing groups of these subclasses, the following listings are intended to provide guidance.
Subclass A61Fprovides for the following replacements or substitutes for internal body organs or their parts: artificial hollow or tubular parts of organs (e.g., bladders, tracheae, bronchi, hearts valves and blood vessels, bile ducts), structural supporting or maintaining devices for such parts or their natural equivalents (e.g., stents), artificial eyes, and artificial ears.
Subclass A61Mprovides for the following replacements or substitutes for internal body organs or their parts: artificial hearts, artificial livers, artificial ventilators, artificial pancreas, and artificial kidneys.
Limiting references:
Applications or methods that use specific materials, compositions, or single compounds for the preservation of human bodies or for the preservation of living parts of human bodies | |
Devices or methods for handling cosmetic or toilet substances | |
Surgical introduction or removal of body parts or their substitutes | |
Devices specially adapted for taking blood samples | |
Devices specially adapted for vivisection or autopsy | |
Devices or methods for introducing solid, liquid, or gaseous remedies or other materials into or onto the bodies of animals | |
Prostheses implantable into a human body | |
Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form | |
Chemical aspects of bandages, dressings, absorbent pads, or other surgical articles placed upon into human body | |
Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Prostheses implantable into human blood vessels | |
Means for inserting tampons | |
Means for withdrawing tampons | |
Absorbent pads having means integral therewith for supplying media to the absorbent material | |
Devices for orally administering food or medication | |
Containers for collecting, storing or administering blood, plasma or medical fluids |
Informative references:
Devices worn by patients for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial, or other bodily discharges | |
Application swabs | |
Devices for receiving spittle |
Special rules of classification
When a device or method covered by subclass A61Mincludes a separating process for body-liquids that utilizes chromatography, and features of general interest related to chromatography are usefully disclosed but not claimed, the features should also be non-obligatorily classified within group B01D 15/08.
Main group A61M 36/00 takes precedence over all other main groups of subclass A61M
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Media | Solid, liquid, or gaseous substances or devices (e.g., medicine, food, in vivo testing material, catheters) which are either used by or within human bodies for medical or physical purposes, components of or substances naturally within human bodies (e.g., artificial heart, blood, insulin), or bodily discharge or waste created by human bodies or medical processes taking place within human bodies (e.g., urine). |
A61M 1/14 - Definition
Informative references:
Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes |
A61M 5/36 - Definition
Informative references:
A61M 11/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes in general |
A61M 13/00 - Definition
Informative references:
For the destruction of noxious animals or noxious plants |
A61M 16/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Respiratory apparatus in general | |
Respirators for working under water |
A61M 16/22 - Definition
Informative references:
Cartridges with absorbing substances for respiratory apparatus |
A61M 19/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A61M 29/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Instruments for performing visual medical inspections of cavities or tubes of the body |
A61N - Definition
This place covers:
Specially adapted apparatus, instruments, devices, or processes for the following types of therapy:
electrotherapy, e.g. iontophoresis;
magnetotherapy;
radiation therapy;
ultrasound therapy.
Components having specialized structural features that limit their use to the apparatus, instruments, or devices for the types of therapy appropriate for this subclass.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Several subclasses provide for subject matter that is used for therapy. The relationship between these subclasses in regard to the type of therapy covered by each is as follows:
Subclass A61N provides for medical treatment-type therapy by apparatus or methods utilizing forms of energy other than direct mechanical energy when they are not used for surgical purposes and they are intended to either
destroy, control, or advance the recovery of sick or abnormal cells within body tissue while minimizing undesirable destruction of adjoining healthy cells, or
treat other types of abnormal conditions of the body (e.g., disease, impaired organ, injured limb).
In particular, subclass A61N covers implanted devices, when the implanted device is not a replacement or supplementation of an actual portion of the organ or part, utilizing forms of energy other than direct mechanical energy to stimulate organs or body parts in a manner that facilitates, regulates, or improves their normal functioning.
Subclass A61H provides for massage and physical-type therapy apparatus or methods for the treatment of disease or disability (i.e., an abnormal condition of the body) by utilization of direct mechanical energy. The apparatus or methods appropriate for this subclass do not surgically alter any portion of the bodies during treatment. Usually, the massage and therapy apparatus and methods of this subclass are intended to facilitate the healing of diseases, reduce the impact of injuries, or beneficially influence the condition of disabled body parts by physically moving a part of a body (e.g., devices for exercising a passive body member) solely by direct physical contact with, or stimulation of, external surfaces of the body or naturally occurring cavities in the body. However, stimulation of internal organs or body parts, such as artificial respiration and stimulation of the heart, when it is done by direct mechanical energy is also considered proper for this subclass.
Subclass A61K and Subclass A61P provide for drug-type therapy using chemical compounds or medicinal preparations specially adapted for use in healing, benefiting, or destroying abnormal conditions of the body (e.g., diseases, birth defects) and the specific therapeutic activities that the chemical compounds and medicinal preparations are used for.
Subclass A61B provides for surgery and surgical-type therapy that alters or repairs organs and body parts. It also provides for any surgical or diagnostic apparatus or methods that would otherwise be proper for subclass A61H or A61N when the apparatus or methods are used for both purposes or combined together. In particular, subclass A61B provides for surgical instruments, devices, or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body (e.g., electromagnetic radiation surgery) to alter or repair it.
Limiting references:
Apparatus for diagnosis or surgery combined with, or applicable also as, therapy apparatus | |
Apparatus for radiation diagnosis | |
Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body (e.g., radiation surgery, electro-surgery) | |
Instruments, implements, tools, or methods specially adapted so as to limit their use to only animals | |
Apparatus or methods utilizing direct mechanical energy in therapy intended to treat disease or disability | |
Percussion or vibration massage apparatus (e.g. using supersonic vibration) | |
Apparatus or methods for stimulating specific reflex points by heating or cooling within the cell-life limits | |
Devices for applying radioactive material to the body |
Informative references:
Measuring bioelectrical signals of the body or body parts | |
Surgical accessories | |
Artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body | |
Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment | |
Saunas | |
Radiopharmaceuticals | |
Anaesthetic apparatus in general | |
Artificial hearts and circulatory assistance means intended for implantation | |
Pressure infusion pumps | |
Devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness by mechanical, optical or acoustical means, e.g. audiovisual stimuli | |
Therapeutic chemical compounds or medicinal preparation used to treat sicknesses or abnormal conditions of the body | |
Measurement of nuclear X-radiation | |
Techniques for handling of particles or electromagnetic radiation | |
Incandescent lamps having general utility | |
Infrared radiators for heating |
A61N 1/08 - Definition
Informative references:
A61P - Definition
This place covers:
Therapeutic activity of chemical compounds or medicinal preparations.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
For medicinal, dental or cosmetic preparations to be appropriate for this subclass, it must also be appropriate for one of the following: subclasses A61K or C12N, or classes C01, C07, and C08.
Informative references:
Preparations brought into direct contact with the skin for affording protection against external influences |
Special rules of classification
In this subclass, all of the different therapeutic activities stated in the claims or significantly disclosed as examples in the disclosure are classified in all appropriate places.
The classification symbols of this subclass are not listed first when assigned to patent documents.
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Drug(s) | includes chemical compounds or compositions with therapeutic activity, i.e. having the ability to cause a physiological, pharmacological or biological effect. |
A61Q - Definition
This place covers:
Relationship between large subject matter areas
For a cosmetic or similar toilet preparation to be appropriate for this subclass, it must also be appropriate for one of the following: main group A61K 8/00 , subclasses C07C, C07D, C07F, C07G, C07H, C07J, C07K, C11D and C12N or classes C01 and C08.
Limiting references:
Deodorisation of air | |
Drugs for dermatological disorders | |
Essential oils or perfumes per se |
Special rules of classification
In this subclass, all uses of cosmetics or similar toilet preparations stated in the claims or significantly disclosed as examples in the disclosure are classified in all appropriate places.
The classification symbols of this subclass are not listed first when assigned to patent documents.
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Cosmetics or similar toilet preparations | include compositions or preparations for the skin, hair, nails, teeth or oral cavity which are used to clean them, change their appearance, correct body odours, and protect or keep them in good condition. |
A61Q 13/00 - Definition
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Essential oil | A concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aromatic compounds from plants |
A62D - Definition
This place covers:
Compositions:
for fire-extinguishing;
of materials for coverings or clothing affording protection against harmful chemical agents;
of materials for transparent parts of gas-masks, respirators, breathing bags or helmets;
of chemical substances for use in breathing apparatus.
Use of chemical substances in extinguishing fires.
Chemical, bio-chemical or physico-chemical processes for chemically altering harmful chemical substances into safe or less dangerous substances.
Limiting references:
Fire prevention, fire containment or fire fighting, e.g. portable extinguishers or fire-fighting vehicles |
Informative references:
Fireproof paints | |
Fireproofing materials |
A62D 3/00 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for chemically altering harmful chemical substances into safe or less-dangerous substances.
These processes can be chemical, bio-chemical or physico-chemical processes, e.g. use of special chemical reagents for chemical fixing, which result in the decomposition or transformation of the harmful chemical substances into harmless or less harmful substances because of a change in their chemical structure.
These processes can comprise the step of dissolving or dispersing the harmful chemical substances in water for the purpose of treating them, or the step of producing, for treatment, a gaseous product from a non-gaseous harmful chemical substance.
The harmful chemical substance can be one component of a mixture, e.g. a component in contaminated sludge.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
The disposal of solid waste or the reclamation of contaminated soil is classified elsewhere, i.e. in class B09. However, the treatment of a specific harmful chemical substance in solid waste resulting in the change of its chemical constitution to make it harmless or less harmful is covered by A62D.
In the same way, treatment of sludge is not classified here with the exception of the treatment of a specific harmful chemical substance in the sludge, e.g. in residues from industrial processes (excluding contaminants from municipal sewage treatment) resulting in the change of its chemical constitution to make it harmless or less harmful.
Preventive chemical treatments, e.g. to prevent the formation of harmful chemical substances are classified elsewhere, depending on the kind of treatment and/or the context of application.
Limiting references:
Detoxification of foods or foodstuffs | |
Apparatus for chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general | |
Treatment of gases, e.g.: Chemical or biological purification of smoke or fumes, e.g. flue gas Chemical or biological purification of smoke or fumes, e.g. flue gas | |
Purification or modifying the chemical compositions of combustible gases containing carbon monoxide | |
Exhaust or silencing apparatus having means for purifying, rendering innocuous, or otherwise treating exhaust | |
Consuming noxious gases by combustion | |
Chemical processes resulting in the production of a useful product, e.g.: using untreated contaminated fly ash as raw material in the manufacture of cement using untreated contaminated fly ash as raw material in the manufacture of cement | |
metals obtained from residues or scrap | |
Treatment of radioactively-contaminated waste |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this group is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Making explosives harmless by detonation |
Informative references:
Disinfection or sterilizing methods specially adapted for refuse | |
Waste or refuse as compounding ingredient for glass, cement, mortar, concrete, artificial stone or ceramics | |
Materials for absorbing liquids to remove pollution, e.g. oil, gasoline, fat | |
Destructive distillation of carbonaceous materials | |
Destructive hydrogenation of carbonaceous materials | |
Micro-organisms, enzymes or compositions thereof | |
Consuming waste by combustion | |
Removal or treatment of combustion products or combustion residues |
Special rules of classification
In this main group, at each hierarchical level, in the absence of an indication to the contrary classification is made in the first appropriate place.
When classifying in groups A62D 3/00 to A62D 3/40, a harmful chemical substance which is considered to represent information of interest for search, may be indexed in one or more of groups A62D 101/00 to A62D 101/49.
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Catalyst | Substance which either increases or decreases the speed of a chemical reaction, without itself undergoing a permanent chemical change. |
Catalyst | |
Chalcogen | Also known as chalcogenides, specifically O, S, Se, Te. |
Harmful | Directly toxic to living organisms, with the exception of toxic to plants only. |
Harmful chemical substances | Chemical waste substances which are too hazardous or toxic to be discarded in an ordinary municipal landfill. |
Halogens | The elements F, Cl, Br ,I , At. |
Physico-chemical | Having at least one chemical step and one physical step. |
Sludge | Residue (normally viscous) from an industrial, residential, or agricultural process. |
A62D 3/11 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including at least one eletrochemical step, e.g. electrodialysis, electrophoresis or electro-osmosis.
A62D 3/13 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including at least one step utilizing wave energy in the form of pressure waves moving through a gaseous medium.
A62D 3/15 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including at least one step utilizing particle type radiation, i.e. the radiation of energy by means of small fast-moving particles that have energy and mass such as molecules, atoms, protons, and electrons.
A62D 3/19 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including at least one step utilizing the chemical action of the substance with either:
highly ionized matter in equilibrium of positive or negative ions which is at an extremely high temperature, i.e. hot plasma, or
highly ionized matter in equilibrium of positive or negative ions within a vacuum, i.e. cold plasma.
A62D 3/20 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including at least one step utilizing the thermal property of water and heat, e.g. vapor and hot air mixture, hot water, super critical water, super heated water, or steam, directly on the harmful chemical substance to cause chemical change.
A62D 3/30 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including at least one step where at least one distinct chemical material is added to the environment of the harmful chemical substance to react with it.
The actual harmful chemical substances being treated by the process may be combined within a mixture of waste including in addition non-hazardous or nontoxic substances. However, to be proper for this group, the harmful chemical substances must react with the added chemical agents to render it harmless or less harmful, or be an intermediate step in rendering the substance harmless or less harmful.
A62D 3/32 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, wherein the harmful chemical substances react with a distinct chemical reagent which is normally a solid at room temperature but is added to the environment where the reaction takes place in its molten state or is caused to become molten for reaction with the harmful chemical substance.
A62D 3/33 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including a process step wherein a distinct chemical material is added which either
reacts with the harmful chemical substances to chemically change its composition and fix it in its changed state or
reacts with chemically altered residue of the harmful chemical substances from a previous process step to fix the residue in its present state.
A62D 3/34 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, wherein the harmful chemical substances include halogen and wherein the process includes a process step in which a distinct chemical material (e.g. alkali metal alcoholates, etc.) is added which reacts with the harmful chemical substance in a manner that removes the halogen from the harmful chemical substance.
The removal of halogen from the harmful chemical substance may render it harmless or less harmful, or be an intermediate step in rendering the substance harmless or less harmful.
Limiting references:
Electrolytic degradation of harmful substances | |
Dehalogenation in molten chemical reagents |
A62D 3/35 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including a process step wherein a distinct chemical material is added which contains water in its ionic form that chemically reacts with the harmful chemical substances to decompose it.
Limiting references:
Electrolytic degradation of harmful substances |
A62D 3/36 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including a process step wherein a distinct chemical material is added, which is an acidic or basic reagent that chemically reacts with the harmful chemical substance to render it harmless or less harmful by changing its composition.
The acidic or alkaline reagent may either react with the harmful chemical substance to render it harmless or less harmful, or be an intermediate step in rendering the substance harmless or less harmful.
A62D 3/37 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including a process step wherein a distinct chemical material is used in a reductive-type reaction with the harmful chemical substance, i.e. to decrease the positive valence (oxidation state) of the harmful chemical substance.
The reduction reaction splits up the harmful chemical substance into two or more of its components) which is caused by the transfer of one or more electrons from the distinct chemical material to the substance, i.e. the distinct chemical material is oxidized (loses electrons) and the harmful chemical substance is reduced (gains electrons).
A62D 3/38 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including a process step wherein a distinct chemical material is used in an oxidative-type reaction with the harmful chemical substance, i.e. to increase the positive valence (oxidation state) of the harmful chemical substance.
The reduction reaction splits up the harmful chemical substance into two or more of its components which is caused by the transfer of one or more electrons from the harmful chemical substance to the distinct chemical material, i.e. the harmful chemical substance is oxidized (loses electrons) and the distinct chemical material is reduced (gains electrons).
A62D 3/40 - Definition
This place covers:
Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances, including at least one step that uses heat and the thermal properties of the harmful chemical substance to effect the chemical degradation of the harmful chemical substance.
A62D 7/02 - Definition
Informative references:
A62D 9/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Production of oxygen-generating compounds in general | |
Processes for the production of oxygen from chemicals in general |
A62D 101/00 - Definition
This place covers:
Specific harmful chemical substances made harmless, or less harmful , by effecting chemical change by processes which as such are already classified in main group A62D 3/00
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Group A62D 101/00 is used to index the harmful chemical substances, if of interest, in order to allow the search of combination of process with substances. This indexing scheme can be used only in combination with group A62D 3/00
Special rules of classification
When indexing a substance in groups A62D 101/02-A62D 101/08, indexing according to its chemical structure is also made in one or more of the groups A62D 101/20-A62D 101/40 of interest.
A62D 101/02 - Definition
This place covers:
These substances include nerve, blister, vesicant, blood, and pulmonary affecting substances.
A62D 101/04 - Definition
This place covers:
Harmful chemical substances intended to prevent, repel, destroy, or mitigate pests.
A pest is a plant or animal which is detrimental to humans or human concerns, e.g. agriculture or livestock production.
A62D 101/06 - Definition
This place covers:
Harmful chemical substances consisting of chemical compounds or mixtures that are explosive, e.g. bombs or TNT, a chemical reaction propellant, e.g. for rockets or bullets, or a pyrotechnic, e.g. fireworks, flares or napalm.
A62D 101/08 - Definition
This place covers:
Harmful chemical substances consisting of chemical compounds that are by-products of combustion or can be components of mixtures that are by-products of combustion.
A62D 101/22 - Definition
This place covers:
Harmful organic chemical substances containing halogens, i.e. fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, or astatine.
A62D 101/24 - Definition
This place covers:
Harmful organic substances containing one or more metals other than: Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), Francium (Fr), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), Radium (Ra), Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), and Aluminum (Al).
The harmful chemical substances may contain lithium (Li), sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), Francium (Fr), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), Radium (Ra), Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), or Aluminum (Al) if they also have a metal appropriate for this group.
A62D 101/41 - Definition
This place covers:
Harmful inorganic substances containing one or more components that are fibrous.
The fibers may be naturally occurring or man-made from inorganic substances, e.g. made primarily from rock, clay, slag or glass.
A62D 101/43 - Definition
This place covers:
Harmful inorganic substances containing one or more metals other than: lithium (Li), sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), Francium (Fr), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), Radium (Ra), Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), and Aluminum (Al).
The harmful chemical substances may contain lithium (Li), sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), Francium (Fr), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), Radium (Ra), Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), or Aluminum (Al) if they also have a metal appropriate for this group.
A62D 101/49 - Definition
This place covers:
Harmful inorganic substances containing a halogen, i.e. fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, or astatine.
A63B - Definition
This place covers:
Gymnastic or exercising apparatus or equipment, of which examples are:
Horizontal or parallel bars, balance beams, tightropes or similar apparatus;
Apparatus for jumping e.g. pole-vaulting poles, spring-boards, trampolines, high-jump apparatus, skipping-ropes;
Mats for absorbing the shock of landing, e.g. in pole-vaulting;
Freely-suspended apparatus e.g. swinging rings, trapezes, climbing-ropes;
Climbing poles, frames or stages, clubs, hoop exercising apparatus;
Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening muscles or joints against a counterforce, e.g. in weight training;
Apparatus for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, e.g. exercise bikes, treadmills;
Apparatus for conditioning particular parts of the body, e.g. particular muscle groups;
Electric or electronic controls for such apparatus.
Climbing or mountaineering apparatus, including apparatus for climbing trees or poles.
Swimming aids or equipment, e.g. flippers, goggles.
Balls for ball games including:
Solid balls, e.g. golf balls, cricket balls, marbles;
Hollow non-inflatable balls, e.g. for squash rackets or tennis;
Hollow inflatable balls e.g. for football, rugby, American football;
Balls with special arrangements e.g. handles or eccentric centres of gravity (e.g. in bowling balls); and
Apparatus or methods for manufacturing balls or for handling or treating them, e.g. cleaning.
Rackets, bats or other striking implements for ball games, e.g. tennis rackets and similar, golf clubs, baseball bats, cricket bats, hockey sticks.
Accessories for golf; accessories for other ball games.
Targets or goals for ball games; tennis and similar nets and accessories therefor.
Implements for throwing, e.g. darts, javelins, spears, throwing-hammers, boomerangs, discus discs, quoits, juggling clubs.
Miscellaneous sporting games, e.g. miniature golf, juggling, curling, badminton, shuttlecock or like games, games using a hockey puck; projectiles for these games which do not fall into the above category of balls for ball games.
Training appliances for particular sports, e.g. for fencing, riding, skiing, rowing, punching-balls for boxing, golf swing trainers, artificial mountain slopes.
Other games or sports accessories, e.g. indicating or scoring devices, body protectors.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Some sporting subject matter is to be found in other subclasses of class A63. Skates, skis and their bindings, roller skates, skate-boards and the design or layout of playing-courts, rinks, bowling-greens or water-skiing areas or the like are classified in A63C. Bowling-alleys, bowling-games and equipment for bowls (but not the balls which are in A63B) and billiards or snooker are classified in A63D. Merry-go-rounds, swings, rocking-horses, toy animals for riding, chutes, switchbacks, water roundabouts, helter-skelters or the like are classified in A63G. Toys are in A63H. Racing, riding sports and equipment and accessories therefore, including race-courses and race-tracks, are in A63K.
In relation to apparatus or methods for manufacturing balls, it should be borne in mind that working of plastics or substances in a plastic state is classified in class B29 and the chemical or compositional aspects of balls is in Section C, e.g. compositions for making golf balls are usually in subclass C08L.
Limiting references:
Protective equipment in the form of clothing or garments for sporting purposes | |
in the form of caps or hats | |
Helmets | |
Apparatus for passive exercising or massage | |
Unicycles | |
Vessels or like floating structures for pleasure or sport | |
Life-saving in water | |
Breathing aids for swimming, e.g. snorkels | |
Divers' sleds or like craft | |
Training of parachutists | |
Archers' finger tabs | |
Traps for clay-pigeon targets | |
Devices for exercising or strengthening of fingers or arms in teaching music |
In relation to climbing or mountaineering equipment:
Non-skid devices or attachments for footwear, e.g. crampons | |
Breathing masks or helmets for use at high altitudes | |
Safety belts for climbers | |
Picks | |
Ladders attached to fixed structures |
Informative references:
A63B 51/02 - Definition
Informative references:
A63B 55/60 - Definition
Informative references:
A63B 60/04 - Definition
Informative references:
Clubs for gymnastics or the like having a weight movable along the longitudinal axis of the clubs due to centrifugal forces |
A63B 60/42 - Definition
Informative references:
Clubs for gymnastics or the like having a weight movable along the longitudinal axis of the clubs due to centrifugal forces |
A63C - Definition
This place covers:
Sport and recreation equipment with runners, rollers or any surface traversing device, where steering is achieved by body movement alone. The body movement can be supported by means on the surface traversing device, e.g. by means for leaning or handlebars without direct steering function. In particular:
Roller skates; inline skates, skateboards or roller skis, Accessories therefor
Skis and snowboards; Bindings therefor
Devices preventing skis or snowboards from slipping back, e.g. stoppers or brakes
Accessories for skiing or snowboarding
Snow shoes
Sport courts, in particular:
Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, or areas for water-skiing
Covers therefor
Limiting references:
Footwear for skating, skiing or snowboarding | |
Training devices for skiing, snowboarding or skating | |
Fittings on vehicles for carrying skis | |
Non-motorised scooters; Kickboards | |
Sledges with runners | |
Ice boats or sailing sledges | |
Waterskis; Watersledges |
Informative references:
Bowling-alleys; Boccia courts | |
Chutes; Helter skelters | |
Race courses; Race tracks | |
Handcarts | |
Surfboards | |
Water shoes; Bog shoes | |
Surface construction for playgrounds or sports |
A63C 10/00 - Definition
Limiting references:
Bindings for monoskis | |
Water skis or wakeboards |
Special rules of classification
When classifying in this group, classification is made in all appropriate subgroups.
In patent documents the expression/word "step-in" is often used with the meaning "mechanism that ensures that, when pressing the shoe on the binding, the shoe will be automatically locked to the holder".
A63C 10/04 - Definition
This place covers:
Snowboard bindings particular suited for soft boots for encompassing the shoe from the upper side and tighten it against the boot. Most of the shoe holders are made from a strap or soft cover. This group further comprises:
details how the strap or cover is attached to the binding base;
adjustment systems to position the strap or cover on the binding base;
releasable connections between strap and base to allow easy entry of the boot;
shoe holders passing over the shoe which are not a strap or soft cover (see figure).
1.
A63C 10/06 - Definition
This place covers:
Details of straps which encompass the shoe from upper side, e.g. structure of the strap, tensioning means for the strap, cushioning of the strap, relative arrangement between front and rear strap.
1.
Informative references:
Clamp-buckle fastenings; Fastenings with toggle levers |
A63C 10/08 - Definition
This place covers:
Snowboard bindings dedicated to hard boots, i.e. to boots whose structure is rigid enough to hold the foot tight and transmit front to rear holding forces. Consequently only a small part of the boot is held by a stirrup (ref. 5 on the example drawing) or a clamp (ref. 6,7 on the example drawing).
1.
A63C 10/10 - Definition
This place covers:
Step-in snowboard bindings where a part, or several parts, of the shoe are specially adapted to interact with specific parts of the binding. In general this part is made out of rigid material (ref. 20 in the example drawing) which is fastened to the outsole of the boot. This kind of bindings usually allow easy fastening and manual release of the boot and are particular suited for a semi-rigid boots.
1.
Informative references:
Safety ski bindings using parts which are fixed on the shoe of the user and are releasable from the ski bindings |
A63C 10/24 - Definition
This place covers:
Calf or heel supports which are mostly used for non-rigid type boots, where the back part of the shaft is soft and pliable. These types of supports are mostly found in combination with the bindings of groups A63C 10/04 and A63C 10/10. Calf and heel support allow the transmission of forces pointing to the heel when riding on the back edge of the snowboard. A calf support is usually called high back (ref. 30 in the first example drawing, ref. 2 in the second example drawing). Heel supports are usually in the form of a heel loop (ref. 56 in the first example drawing, ref. 17 in the second example drawing).
1.
2.
A63C 19/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A63C 19/10 - Definition
Informative references:
Chutes | |
Ski-lifts | |
Making or maintaining surfaces of snow or ice suitable for traffic or sporting purposes | |
Removing snow or ice | |
Production of ice or snow |
A63D - Definition
This place covers:
Bowling alleys and boccia courts, including features such as portability, form or material of the surface, stands for players and tracks for returning or circulating the balls;
Table alleys, miniature bowling-alleys and accessories therefor;
Pins; games of pins, e.g. ninepins, with tethered balls;
Bagatelle and similar games e.g. children’s bagatelle;
Billiards, similar games such as snooker and pool, and pocket billiards, including tables and accessories therefor, e.g. cushions, cues, means for roughening cue-tips and scoring or registering devices.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
All aspects of these games are covered by this subclass except for the balls, which are covered by A63B, and devices for propelling, projecting or rolling-off balls which are covered by A63F 7/24.
Limiting references:
Billiard tables convertible into beds | |
Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls |
Informative references:
Balls | |
Devices for propelling, projecting or rolling-off balls | |
Counting mechanisms in general | |
Coin-freed mechanisms e.g. for releasing balls for use |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Bagatelle | A modification of billiards in which the players’ object is to strike the balls so that they, and perhaps other balls, shall fall into numbered holes that determine the score. Usually the bagatelle table has a rounded far end and a channel on the right hand side along which the balls are propelled. |
Boule-type games | Games, for example bowls, pétanque and boccia, with the general object of throwing or rolling balls or similar rolling objects in order for them to knock, or come to rest as close as possible to, a target. The target may be a smaller ball, commonly known as a ‘jack’. These games can be played by individuals or teams, indoors or outdoors on a range of surfaces, including gravel, grass or specially built courts. The balls can be made from a variety of materials and are generally spherical or ovoid in shape. |
A63F 13/00 - Definition
This place covers:
Structural or hardware-related aspects of video games: accessories, optional for the execution of the game; constructional details of game devices; input devices specially adapted for playing video games; output devices specially adapted for playing video games.
Details specific to network games: characteristics of the network topology when used in network games; details of servers specially adapted for providing network games.
Software aspects of video games, played locally or in a network: the mapping of input signals into game commands; the animation of the virtual camera in a video game; indicators added to the game scene; time aspects of video games; simulation of game objects or characters; the generation or alteration of the game content; game management; the provision of additional services to game players.
The following diagram provides some guidance on the structure of the higher-level subgroups:
1.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
This group is an "application place" with respect to more functional places such as G06F, G06T or H04L.
This group covers systems using computer and telecommunication technologies, which have been specially adapted for providing video games, as seen above.
The scope of this group differs from that of G07F 17/32 which covers games providing financial rewards, played by electronic means, e.g. online poker, waging or betting.
The scope of this group also differs from that of main groups A63F 1/00-A63F 11/00 which cover traditional games such as puzzles and card, board and dice games, and from that of A63F 9/24 which covers traditional games played by electronic means.
The scope of this group differs from that of A63H, which covers toys.
This group covers features of input devices specially adapted to video games. The corresponding function place for generic computer input devices is G06F 3/01-3/03.
This group is in particular an application place for computer graphics. Animation and 3D graphics in general are covered by G06T 13/00-G06T 19/00.
This group is an application place for telecommunication, in particular with respect to network games. Data network services are covered by H04L 29/06.
Informative references:
Roulette games | |
Indoor games using falling playing bodies or playing bodies running on an inclined surface | |
Coin-freed apparatus and like for games |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Arcade machine | coin-operated entertainment device placed in a public venue. |
Combo | a sequence of commands which has by design a greater effect when executed within a fixed time period than the mere succession of these commands. |
Fiducial (marker) | real object used in the field of view of an imaging system which appears in the image produced, for use as a point of reference or a measure; the object can exist naturally in the scene (features of a face) or be added for the purpose of tracking (light-emitting diode, retro-reflective patch). |
Force feedback | outputting forces, vibrations, and/or motions to the player to provide haptic feedback. |
Game character | a game entity simulating a sentient being; the simulated being can be real, e.g. a person or an animal, or fictitious, e.g. a dragon or a speaking mirror. |
Game client | game device connected to a game server through a network |
Game command | game-specific representation of a control signal, e.g. "pause" or "shoot" command |
Game console | consumer electronics system specially adapted to execute video games, offering reduced functions with respect to generic personal computers; it differs from arcade machines, which are also specially adapted for video games, but for commercial purposes |
Game content | data required for the execution of the game program, e.g. bitmap images, three-dimensional models; the content is usually created by the game makers before the game release, but can also be created afterwards by the player, e.g. using level editors |
Game device | a data-processing apparatus enabling performing of the video game; the apparatus is connected to a display and input means, e.g. a controller or a mouse; it is either handheld or stationary; the device can be dedicated to the execution of game programs, e.g. a game console, an arcade game machine, a portable game machine, or a generic computer, e.g. a personal computer |
Game mode | distinct method of operation within the game program, usually relating to distinct game mechanics or goals, e.g. single player mode, multiplayer mode, capture the flag mode |
Game model | abstract description of the game's inner workings and the possible interactions with the player, conditioning her tactical possibilities. The game model includes game parameters, such as the score, and the procedures and constraints governing their evolution. The game specification usually includes a model of some physical systems, be they fictitious or real. However, this model is not part of the game model if its sole purpose is to provide a realistic simulation. |
Game object | a game entity simulating a thing (excluding sentient beings); the simulated thing can be real, e.g. a tennis ball, or fictitious, e.g. a laser gun |
Game parameter | a variable of the game model. Some variables of the game specification are not game parameters. For instance, the position of the virtual camera in a hand-to-hand fighting game is a game parameter if the position is chosen to be closer to the fighter with the lowest life meter. On the contrary, calculating a natural position of a fighter's elbow using the positions and orientations of his hands and shoulders, does not belong to the game model. |
Game program | a computer readable program comprising instructions and data adapted to perform a video game when executed on a data-processing apparatus. To produce the video game program, the game designer communicates the game model in the game specifications to the developer team, who creates or adapts a game engine to implement the game model and optimize its implementation. |
Game progress | any change in one of the game parameters (see game model) |
Game scene | data describing the main virtual space used in the game's representation, e.g. describing a maze, a race circuit or the room where the player character is located, and its content. By extension, the image resulting from processing this data. The structure used for this data is usually a scene graph. |
Game server | a data-processing apparatus or system connected to a network, not adapted for accepting directly player-generated signals, facilitating at least part of the execution of a video game (e.g. receiving inputs from the game clients, executing the game for the game clients and providing processed game information to the game clients for presentation to the player) |
Player generated signal | an action made by the player to convey a decision, e.g. move circularly the arm, push a button with a finger |
Virtual camera | virtual viewpoint in world space with position and view direction to render an image of the game |
3D | three-dimensional |
AI | Artificial Intelligence |
AR | Augmented Reality |
D-pad | Directional pad |
FOV | Field Of View |
FPS | First Person Shooter (game) |
HUD | Head-Up Display |
LOD | Level Of Detail |
MMORPG | Massively multiplayer online role-playing game |
MOG | Multiplayer online game |
MUD | Multi-User Dungeon |
PC/NPC | Player Character/Non-Player Character |
POV | Point Of View |
PvP | Player versus Player (mode) |
RPG | Role Playing Game |
RTS | Real Time Strategy (game) |
VR | Virtual Reality |
Directional pad | In the technical literature, the following terms (or expressions) are often used:set of neighbouring switches mounted on a game controller, usually thumb-operated, for indicating one direction, e.g. four-way digital cross |
First person / third person mode | in a first person mode, the game is viewed from the point of view of the player character/object; in a third person mode, the game is viewed from above, below or aside of the player character/object |
Game engine | core portion of the game program which masks the hardware platform and can be re-used when developing other game programs. The game engine components typically include a rendering engine, a physics engine, and frameworks for e.g. sound, scripting, animation, artificial intelligence, networking, streaming, memory management, threading, localization support, and scene graph management. |
Game mechanics | the procedures and constraints expressed in the game model |
Gamepad | handheld game controller, where the fingers (especially thumbs) are used to provide input; gamepads generally feature a set of action buttons handled with the right thumb and a direction controller handled with the left; the direction controller has traditionally been a four-way digital cross (see D-pad), but most modern controllers additionally (or as a substitute) feature an analog stick |
Gameplay | the interaction process taking place between the player and the game |
Joypad | a game controller or a directional pad |
Nonlinear game | a game providing challenges that can be completed in a number of different sequences. |
Physics engine | component of the game engine which provides an approximate simulation of physical systems in real-time |
Pseudo-3D | simulation of a 3D environment using 2D techniques, such as the axonometric projection, parallax scrolling or skyboxing. |
Rendering engine | component of the game engine which generates an image from a scene model |
Open World, Sandbox | a game mode providing no explicit goal |
A63F 13/20 - Definition
This place covers:
Only input devices, which have been specially adapted for playing games.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Generic input devices such as a mouse which could also be used in a game are covered in the function place G06F 3/00.
Informative references:
input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer | |
pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user |
A63F 13/21 - Definition
This place covers:
The use of commonplace sensors for unforeseen purposes, e.g. a pedal controlling the stand up/crouch position of a player-character, and devices using unforeseen sensors, e.g. electronic noses.
The subgroups under this group cover the physical parameters to be sensed and the means of detection.
A63F 13/211 - Definition
This place covers:
Input devices sensing acceleration, angular acceleration, velocity, angular velocity, position or orientation. A typical setup includes 3 mono-dimensional accelerometers, arranged perpendicularly, where the measured acceleration values are integrated to compute velocity and further, the device's position. The inertial sensor can be included in the game controller. The sensor can simply detect the motion in a given direction, without providing a measure of its intensity, e.g. to detect a push.
Informative references:
acceleration sensors per se | |
processing of the acceleration values to recognize a pattern, a gesture or a trajectory |
A63F 13/212 - Definition
This place covers:
Wearable sensors which register a biosignal, such as electroencephalogram, or the motion of the player.
Communication between the input device and the game device is usually wireless, but can be wired.
Informative references:
hand-held video game devices |
A63F 13/213 - Definition
This place covers:
Cameras and image sensors used in video games.
Photo-detecting means, e.g. photodiodes or infrared detectors, included in the game controller.
Typically, a camera is placed close to the main screen and registers the player's motions (see for example ref. 20 of the drawing). To ease tracking, fiducials such as objects with specific colours, shapes or reflectivity can be used. The output information is typically bi-dimensional. Alternatively, photodetecting means are included in the game controller and register the position of infrared light sources. Some imaging systems also provide depth information, using a range sensor, or using several cameras.
1.
Informative references:
photodetecting means used to detect where the game controller points to on the screen | |
image processing to generate game commands |
A63F 13/214 - Definition
This place covers:
Sensors for detecting a variation of a physical quantity measured at a location on a surface.
Devices using a plurality of discrete switches, e.g. dance mats.
Detecting the location of player's fingers by non-contact methods, e.g. reflected light.
1.
Informative references:
contact sensors | |
game devices locating a contact using a camera | |
processing of position series to recognize a pattern or a trajectory |
A63F 13/2145 - Definition
This place covers:
Direct interactions with the game display. Typically, the screen and the sensor are provided in one form-factor. However, the display can be composed of a projector and a projecting surface, also used to detect contact.
Informative references:
input device providing a touch screen as a secondary display |
A63F 13/215 - Definition
This place covers:
Sensors allowing the player to enter a voice command, to sing or to blow. Microphone arrays used for source localization are also classified here.
Informative references:
processing to convert the acoustic signal into game commands | |
beam-formers |
A63F 13/216 - Definition
This place covers:
Use of geographical information obtained directly, e.g. by GPS, or indirectly, e.g. by triangulation of cellular telephone base stations.
Use of geographical information as a game input, or for a "treasure hunt", or as a game parameter, e.g. for matching the day/night cycle of the game to local time.
A63F 13/219 - Definition
This place covers:
A63F 13/23 - Definition
This place covers:
Connectors specially adapted for video game input devices.
Peripherals-to-port assignments.
Methods to provide additional data on standard connection.
Devices to allow more controllers than the number of ports on the game device.
Arrangements to daisy-chain game controllers.
Informative references:
other constructional details or arrangements of video game devices | |
control or interface arrangements for pointing devices |
A63F 13/235 - Definition
This place covers:
Wireless controllers
Specific interface protocols, aspects regarding battery management, use of RFID and other wireless transponders for game data input.
Informative references:
small scale wireless networks; flat hierarchical wireless networks | |
transmission through free space |
A63F 13/24 - Definition
This place covers:
Construction of input devices having several mechanical degrees of freedom, for example allowing rotation or twisting.
Details of mechanical contact between elements of game controller, e.g. sliding or rotating contact.
Informative references:
apparatus modifying mechanically an input device |
A63F 13/245 - Definition
This place covers:
Input devices mimicking real world objects, which are used in the game simulation such as steering wheels, pedals, throttles, guns, rifles, fishing rods, guitars, keyboards, drums.
Informative references:
accessories attached to an input device |
Special rules of classification
The type of game should be additionally classified under A63F 13/90.
A63F 13/25 - Definition
Informative references:
A63F 13/26 - Definition
This place covers:
Game controllers with a small-size display device, allowing to display additional views of the game or player-specific information.
Arcade game devices with additional display devices showing additional views, such as rear- or side-mirror view in a driving game or mounted outside a booth allowing spectators to watch the game.
Multi-screen game systems
A63F 13/28 - Definition
Limiting references:
controlling visual or acoustic output signals based on the game progress |
A63F 13/285 - Definition
This place covers:
Generating forces to give tactile feedback.
Generating vibrations.
A63F 13/30 - Definition
Informative references:
interconnection arrangements in generic data networks |
A63F 13/323 - Definition
This place covers:
Communication between handheld game devices and a home game devices.
Communication between portable game devices and arcade machines.
Typically, the game devicesare designed by the same company, which simplifies the data exchange. However, this group also covers communications between game devices with different hardware characteristics executing different Operating Systems.
1.
A63F 13/327 - Definition
This place covers:
Arrangements for locally connecting game devices using an air interface.
Connections based on standardized protocols are used such as IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) or Bluetooth.
Connections based on game device specific protocols using for example the Infrared interface of hand-held devices.
1.
Informative references:
small scale wireless networks; flat hierarchical wireless networks | |
transmission through free space |
A63F 13/352 - Definition
This place covers:
Arrangements of hierarchies of game servers and players.
In the exemplary drawing below, references 10, 12, 14, 20, 22, 24 show the different layers in the server hierarchy with increasing geographical coverage.
1.
A63F 13/40 - Definition
This place covers:
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Details of the generation of these signals, e.g. transduction from tactile or acoustic input, are classified in the corresponding function places.
Limiting references:
input arrangements for game devices |
A63F 13/42 - Definition
This place covers:
The linear mapping of input signals into game commands.
The contextual, dynamic or non-linear mapping of signals received from an input switch or lever to game commands. For example, a fully inclined joystick might trigger a barrel roll instead of a simple turn:
1.
A63F 13/422 - Definition
This place covers:
The insertion of additional commands in the command sequence, i.e. to produce combos, and correcting the player's input to improve her accuracy.
A63F 13/424 - Definition
Limiting references:
input arrangements for game devices comprising means for detecting acoustic signals | |
evaluation based on rhythm only |
Informative references:
A63F 13/426 - Definition
This place covers:
Non-trivial mappings to game scene (e.g. use of 2D position for pointing to a game object in 3D environment), sequences of operations (e.g. drawing the trajectory of a sword on screen) and their recognition (e.g. symbol drawn to cast spell).
A63F 13/428 - Definition
This place covers:
The processing of signals representing motion of the controller, e.g. swinging, as detected by accelerometers, to produce game commands.
The mapping of signals, e.g. from accelerometers, onto game object parameters.
Detection and recognition of sequences of operation, e.g. rotating a controller such as a lever for 720 degrees.
Noise resistant procedures.
1.
Limiting references:
input arrangements for game devices using inertial sensors |
A63F 13/44 - Definition
This place covers:
Evaluation of timing actions, e.g. in rhythm games, time-dependent sequences of commands, e.g. combos, and the displays associated to timing.
In the exemplary drawing below, each time slot T1, T2, T3, T4 has subdivisions defining the optimal timing of an action.
1.
A63F 13/46 - Definition
This place covers:
Details of scoring methods, such as fuzzy evaluations of score, management of experience points or rewards scheme.
1.
Informative references:
comparisons of scores and rankings |
A63F 13/47 - Definition
This place covers:
The control of the game's narrative. A narrative structure can be implemented trivially as a sequence, but also as a tree or as a set of goals or tasks randomly assigned to NPC, to provide nonlinear gameplay.
The exemplary drawing below shows different branching points in the narrative (410,420,430) with the possible alternative segments.
1.
A63F 13/49 - Definition
This place covers:
The storage of game data in internal or external memory. Both "save" and "pause" commands can be triggered by the player or automatically, e.g. pausing when receiving a phone call on the same device or auto-save feature. Typically, a multiplayer game played over a network requires a protocol to pause or end the game. For instance, a player closes her own handheld apparatus. Prior to setting of a sleep mode, the game apparatus notifies all other game apparatuses of the interruption of the communication game, and then the game apparatus saves parameters necessary to execute a game main processing program to interrupt the execution of the game main processing program.
A63F 13/493 - Definition
This place covers:
Methods for retrieving game status and value of the game parameters as they were when the game was suspended
Methods for compensating discontinuities in memory or input when resuming. For instance, if a game using a controller with a tilt sensor is paused, then the change of position during pause will cause a discontinuity in the input coordinates.
A63F 13/497 - Definition
This place covers:
Backward replay allowing the player to roll back to a previous state, e.g. before her character's death.
Forward replay allowing to display past game events.
Summary or recap techniques for shortening the replay.
A63F 13/50 - Definition
This place covers:
A63F 13/52 - Definition
Informative references:
two dimensional image generation | |
animation in general | |
three dimensional image rendering |
A63F 13/525 - Definition
This place covers:
The control of virtual cameras to facilitate the interactions between the player and the game.
The use of game variables for this control. For instance, in a fighting game, the camera can be placed closer to the fighter with the lowest life meter.
Informative references:
Navigation in three-dimensional environments |
A63F 13/5252 - Definition
This place covers:
Techniques that enable rendering of scenes from multiple perspectives.
In the exemplary drawing below, virtual cameras 401, 402 are placed on both sides of the wall, allowing rendering the scene from 2 perspectives (figure (b), (c))
1.
A63F 13/5255 - Definition
This place covers:
Direct control of the camera by the player to e.g. resolve projection ambiguities or occlusions. This control can be explicit, e.g. using a dedicated lever, or implicit. For instance, the orientation of the virtual camera can be set to the real orientation of a camera, to produce an augmented reality game. Alternatively, the head of the player can be tracked and the virtual viewpoint's position be updated accordingly, to produce an autostereoscopic display.
In the exemplary drawing below, the player can select view 160A or 160B using the input device 120.
1.
A63F 13/5258 - Definition
This place covers:
Methods for setting dynamical parameters of the virtual camera according to the dynamical parameters of a game object or character, allowing to implement cinematographic camera effects in video games.
Typically, speeds will be similar but the virtual camera may accelerate or decelerate according to a predefined game event. The relative height or angle of the virtual camera provides also the desired view of the game scene.
For example, if the player's car approaches an obstacle such as a tree or building, the viewpoint is positioned to quickly approach the player's car by increasing the moving speed.
In the further exemplary drawing below, virtual camera C tracks the virtual skier and changes its height and direction between C1 and C2 according to the game course.
1.
A63F 13/53 - Definition
This place covers:
The display of game state variables which are not expressed in the game scene or of information to improve the game-player interaction. For instance, a magnified view of the target is displayed in a shooting game or a gauge for controlling the timing of the pitch in a baseball game.
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2.
A63F 13/533 - Definition
This place covers:
Methods for prompting the player by presenting a display of control buttons, a keyboard, a menu, or the like.
Informative references:
interactions techniques for graphical user interfaces |
A63F 13/537 - Definition
This place covers:
Indicators related to the experience or health of characters, for example, power gauges and life indicators.
1.
A63F 13/5372 - Definition
This place covers:
Indicators used to show the current selection or the target for the next game command. The selection can be controlled by the player, or automatic, e.g. highlighting the closest team member in a soccer game.
1.
A63F 13/5375 - Definition
This place covers:
Techniques to help the player choosing her next command. Typically, a textual advice or a drawing of the game controller is overlaid. It is also used to provide information on a part of the game scene which is not visible on the screen, e.g. the position of the soccer team members on the field.
Hints as part of an in-game tutorial.
Indicators linked to an object in the scene.
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2.
Informative references:
indicator expressing the timing of operation |
A63F 13/5378 - Definition
This place covers:
Overlaid windows with a two-dimensional map of the game scene.
1.
Limiting references:
Using two or more virtual cameras concurrently |
A63F 13/54 - Definition
This place covers:
Sound effects in video games.
In the first example below, sound characteristics are generated depending on the status of the car (idling, moving). In the second example, the reverberation from obstacles 901, 902 is be simulated.
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2.
Informative references:
A63F 13/56 - Definition
This place covers:
Methods for moving automatically non-player characters in the game scene according to the game progress. For example, virtual soldiers follow their leaders in a strategy games or virtual soccer characters are positioned to receive or intercept the ball.
In the first example below, characters 51 and 52 are moving automatically to a location according to player input on a touch screen. In the other example, non-player characters 11 and 12 are approaching automatically the player character.
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2.
A63F 13/57 - Definition
This place covers:
Techniques for simulating the law of physics applied to game objects
In the example below, tyre load (front, rear, left or right) is computed according to the longitudinal or transversal acceleration of the virtual racing car and indicated by the shading.
1.
A63F 13/573 - Definition
This place covers:
The impact of calculated trajectories on the game process.
In the examples below, the trajectories of the tennis or soccer ball are used to determine the landing point on the game field.
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2.
A63F 13/577 - Definition
This place covers:
The determination if an object or character has entered the collision zone of other objects or characters.
The triggering of a corresponding game action if collision has occurred.
In the examples below, the results of collision determination are used to find out if the player character has broken a glass surface with a ball, has been hit by an arrow or could catch a flying object.
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2.
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Informative references:
collision detection in image processing |
A63F 13/58 - Definition
This place covers:
The computation of parameters associated with game characters, which need to be continuously updated in the game course.
The use of those parameters to influence the game course as they typically have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
The dashboard of the exemplary drawing below shows the different skill parameters of a game character in a soccer video game.
1.
A63F 13/61 - Definition
This place covers:
Techniques for embedding advertising information in video games.
Techniques for associating advertising information to video games.
In the example below, a virtual billboard displays an advertisement in a video racing game.
1.
Informative references:
advertising per se | |
marketing, e.g. advertising |
A63F 13/63 - Definition
This place covers:
Means allowing the player to create new game items, or to add music or a personalised sound track to the game.
A63F 13/65 - Definition
This place covers:
Collecting images and data from real world games, races, etc., and the processing and use of this information to create a virtual event, for example a race between a player's virtual car and real cars.
A63F 13/655 - Definition
This place covers:
Techniques for embedding photos in video games.
Techniques for associating photos to video games.
In the example below, photos of other players are used to tag enemy characters 22 and 24.
1.
Limiting references:
input arrangements for game device comprising photodetecting means |
A63F 13/67 - Definition
This place covers:
Simulation of cognitive functions for NPC
Artificial intelligence game engines
Automatic adaptation of the game difficulty to the player's skill and style of play
A63F 13/73 - Definition
This place covers:
Techniques restricting player access to game devices
Techniques restricting access to the content of a game recording medium
Techniques restricting access to game information files, being stored locally or distributed via a network.
In the example below, security devices 710 are entitled by a gaming authority 760 and provide conditional access to game device 702.
1.
Informative references:
computer security |
A63F 13/75 - Definition
This place covers:
The detection and classification of player's activity into foul play and the imposition of game penalties.
A63F 13/77 - Definition
This place covers:
Techniques for executing or distributing game software based on hardware of software characteristics of game servers or game devices
A63F 13/792 - Definition
Informative references:
payment protocols | |
apparatus actuated by coins or the like for games |
A63F 13/795 - Definition
This place covers:
Inviting players to multi-player games running on a network.
Associating players with a group of players based on preferences.
Using information from social network services in a game.
A63F 13/798 - Definition
This place covers:
Evaluating players and producing ranking lists in multi-player games running on a network.
Limiting references:
computing the game score |
A63F 13/803 - Definition
Informative references:
A63F 13/814 - Definition
Informative references:
A63F 13/843 - Definition
This place covers:
Techniques for providing multiplayer games on the same game device by offering each player her own input device. Typically, a different view is displayed for each character on a different output area of the display device if they are too far one from the other, and a single view is used when the characters are close enough.
In the examples below, the screen is subdivided horizontally or vertically into two regions, allowing to render the game from the perspective of each of the two players.
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A63F 13/87 - Definition
This place covers:
The use of peer-to-peer or one-to-many communications in multi-player games running on a network.
A63F 13/90 - Definition
This place covers:
Structural or electrical aspects of the game device hardware.
In the example below, an arcade machine has changeable input means, which can be fixed to the housing but later replaced if the type of game changes.
1.
Limiting references:
input arrangements of video game devices | |
output arrangements of video game devices |
Informative references:
constructional details of input arrangements |
A63F 13/92 - Definition
This place covers:
Dedicated game devices, where the form factor, size, weight, button arrangements or compact design make them suitable to be held at least in a hand. Such devices depart from generic hand-held devices, such as PDA or mobile phones, which can run games but are not specially designed for playing.
A63F 13/95 - Definition
This place covers:
Recording medium specially adapted to game devices
Use of storage medium before, during or after game execution, e.g. game loading from a disk
In the example below, a dedicated game cartridge storing a game program can be inserted into a game machine.
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A63F 13/98 - Definition
This place covers:
Accessories, which are optional for playing the game (i.e. as opposed to input means, which are essential). They may add for example comfort or convenience to the game experience.
In the examples below, accessories are used to support a hand-held game device or a game controller.
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Informative references:
input arrangements for game devices | |
output arrangements for game devices |
A63H - Definition
This place covers:
Toys of the following types:
Tops, e.g. with winding devices, musical tops or yo-yo's.
Dolls, e.g. stuffed, inflatable or flat, and including toy animals.
Musical or noise-producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical.
Toy figures, including toy figures led or propelled by the user, self-movable toy figures (including figures powered by rotating eccentric weights, jumping toys, walking toys), toy figures with self-moving parts with or without movement of the figure as a whole (including egg-laying toy animals, toy roundabouts, jack-in-the-box toys) or gravity-operated toy figures (including self-righting toys).
Toy vehicles, e.g. cars, trucks, railways, boats, aircraft, helicopters, ornithopters, or other flying vehicles.
Accessory and ancillary devices for use with toy vehicles or their highways, railways or trackways, e.g. passenger stations, filling stations, toy garages, signalling systems, lighting or steering devices.
Floating toys or other aquatic devices.
Flying toys, e.g. kites or balloons.
Highways, railways or trackways, including their bridges, interchanges, ramps and branch lines, for guiding toy vehicles or other toys (e.g. toy balls) along a path.
Drive mechanisms, remote-control arrangements or gearing specially adapted for toys.
Joke or gag devices, surprise toys, confetti, streamers or other types of party or dance favours.
Other toys, including toy steam, gas or compressed air engines, toy building blocks, hoops, folded paper toys, throwing toys, soap-bubble toys, toy windmills, toy parachutes, imitation telephones, moulds for playing with sand, picture books with additional toy effects, e.g. pop-up or slide displays.
Special methods or compositions for the manufacture of dolls, toy animals, toy figures or parts thereof.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Toys are often imitations or miniatures of "genuine", "full-size" working devices, machines or apparatus with a practical use. However toys normally have structural details that make them unsuitable for operation similar to that of a full-size equivalent. For the full-size working device, the relevant subclass should be consulted, for example "proper" vehicles, aircraft, etc. should be classified in classes B60-B64 and gearing in general (instead of gearing for toys) is in subclass F16H. In borderline cases where it is difficult to distinguish between a toy and a full-size working device, it may be necessary to classify in several places.
Limiting references:
Blowing smoke-rings | |
Dolls' footwear | |
Changeable or secret pictures | |
Firecrackers | |
Hand-thrown impact-exploded noise makers | |
Kaleidoscopes |
Examples of places where the subject matter of this subclass is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:
Throwing toys as part of a game | |
Traffic games with figures moved by players | |
Spring toy guns |
Examples (not mentioned above) of devices, articles or apparatus which are applicable to humans instead of toys, or of "full-size" working devices or machines with a practical use:
Eyelashes, eyebrows for humans | |
Artificial eyes for humans | |
Picture books | |
Parachutes for aeronautics | |
Ultra-small engines, e.g. for driving models | |
Models or scenery for general purposes | |
Music, sound or noise production in general | |
Transformers | |
Electric motors per se | |
Converters |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Toy | A plaything to be actively played with by children or others; something contrived for amusement rather than for practical or serious use. |
Toy figure | A toy that is a caricature or a stylised or symbolic form of a human being, animal, cartoon, fictional character or mythological being. |
A63H 27/24 - Definition
Informative references:
Ultra-small engines per se, e.g. for driving models | |
Electric motors per se |
A63H 33/30 - Definition
Informative references:
A63J - Definition
This place covers:
Devices for theatres, circuses or the like places for public entertainment or amusement, e.g. cinemas;
Conjuring appliances or the like appliances for performing magic or illusionary effects;
Stage arrangements;
Equipment for, or arrangement of, circuses or arenas;
Auxiliaries for producing special effects on stages, or in circuses or arenas;
Auxiliary apparatus for artistes;
Centrifugal tracks, loop-the-loops, or the like;
Labyrinths;
Panoramas, dioramas, stereoramas, or the like;
Peep-shows; Kaleidoscopic or the other opalescence exhibitions;
Apparatus for performing colour-music;
Puppet, marionette, or shadow shows or theatres;
Conjuring appliances; Auxiliary apparatus for conjurers;
Equipment specially adapted for cinemas.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
General relationship of A63J with E04B and E04H.
E04B covers general building constructions; walls, e.g. partitions; roofs; floors; ceilings; insulation or other protection of buildings. For example, E04B 7/00 covers typical arena roof construction.
E04H covers buildings or like structures for particular purposes; swimming or splash baths or pools; masts; fencing; tents or canopies, in general. For example, E04H 3/00 covers buildings or groups of buildings for public or similar purposes and their constructional features; E04H 15/00 covers tent types.
General relationship of A63J with A63G and A63H
A63G covers devices for public for public amusement, especially rotating or rocking devices for fun-fairs. A63H covers toys for similar amusements, toy scenery, or hand puppets used by artists for their performance.
Informative references:
Chutes; Helters-skelters | |
Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise theatres or stages | |
General building constructions; walls; roofs; floors; ceilings; insulation or other protection of buildings | |
Buildings or like structures for particular purposes; swimming or splash baths or pools; masts; fencing; tents or canopies, in general | |
Buildings or groups of buildings for meetings, entertainments, or sports | |
Theatres; Concert halls; Studios for cinematography, constructional features of stages or auditoriums in theatres or the like | |
Tents in general, e.g. circus tents |
In this place, the following terms (or expressions) are used with the meaning indicated:
Conjuring | The art or skill of performing tricks or illusions for entertainment. |
In patent documents the following terms "conjuring", "prestidigitation" and "sleights of hand" are often used as synonyms. Also, these terms can be used as keywords.
In patent documents the following terms "track", "path", "raceway", "racetrack", are often used as synonyms. Also, these terms can be used as keywords.
A63J 1/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Devices for drawing domestic curtains | |
Fire-proof curtains | |
Capstans; winches; tackles | |
Fabrics for theatre decorations, for costumes, for curtains | |
Structural arrangements of stage or theatre | |
Models of scenic effects, e.g. trees, rocks, water surfaces other than for stage purposes |
A63J 3/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A63J 5/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Lifts in, or associated with, buildings | |
Platform lifts | |
Shiftable or portable platforms of stages | |
Lighting arrangements for stages, or in circuses or arenas, e.g. for producing special lighting effects | |
Electrophonic musical instruments; instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means or electronic generators, or in which the tones are synthesised from a data store | |
Electric lighting not otherwise provided for; Circuit arrangements for electric light sources in general; Controlling |
A63J 7/00 - Definition
Informative references:
A63J 9/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Looping-the loop swings for public amusments | |
Chutes for public amusement |
A63J 13/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Model railway units in combination with scenics for toy purposes | |
Toy models or toy scenery not otherwise provided for | |
Models for full-sized devices for demonstration purposes, for surveying or for geography, e.g. relief models |
A63J 17/00 - Definition
Informative references:
Controlling arrangements in circuits for electric light sources, in general | |
Electrophonic musical instruments; instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means or electronic generators, or in which the tones are synthesised from a data store |
A63J 19/00 - Definition
Informative references: