This class provides for (1) highway, pathway or walkway structure,
per se, including the form or arrangement of such structure for
vehicular or foot traffic; (2) processes for making, installing,
repairing or maintaining such structure; and (3) apparatus for installing,
making, repairing or maintaining such structure where such structure,
apparatus or process is not otherwise classifiable as either (a)
specifically provided for in other loci or (b) of such general utility
as to be provided for elsewhere on the basis of such general utility.
(See Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for known
collections of such nature and the particular lines of demarcation.)
(1)
Note. Claims not controlling in Patents prior to 1930. Patents
prior to 1930 have not necessarily been classified by claims so that
the placement of these old patents does not necessarily indicate
lines of classification. Many of such old patents have been classified
in accordance with their total disclosure. Most of the patents,
however, regardless of their age have been assigned in accordance
with their claimed subject matter.
(2)
Note. This class (404) does not provide for materials or
compositions, per se, used in the construction, maintenance or repair
of roads. The identification of a specific road component, otherwise
solely set forth in terms of its constituent materials, without significant
structural description of said component is still not enough to
effect classification in this class. See the search note, below,
under Subclass References to the Current Class, for the specific
loci for such materials and compositions.
SECTION II - SUBCLASS REFERENCES TO THE CURRENT CLASS
Miscellaneous Hardware,
subclasses 4+ for artificial turf fasteners. In general the
securement means for the amusement, exercise and game surfaces provided
for in Class 472, Class 482, Class 473 are considered skin to carpet fasteners
unless specific road structure is claimed, that is, more than mere
ground support or an earth stake.
Excavating, appropriate subclasses, for apparatus and processes relating
to digging, moving or handling earth; especially
subclasses 381+ for scraping or grading a roadbed. (See reference
to Class 172, below, for related subject matter).
Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,
subclasses 541+ for illuminated signs, subclasses 584+ for signs
in general, and especially subclass 612 for highway signs which
impart traffic information (e.g., "STOP", "OHIO
AVE", "NO PARKING", etc.) whether permanently
affixed to the road or pavement or merely mounted near the highway.
Inclusion of significant road structure, other than required to
accommodate the sign or sign support, will effect classification
in Class 404.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), appropriate subclasses, for structure of such general utility as
not to be limited to highway or walkway use; see particularly
subclasses 174+ for the combination of vertical building structure
and road or pavement features.
Compositions: Coating or Plastic, for materials, per se, especially materials which
set or harden to retain a given shape; e.g. concrete, asphalt, etc.
-although specially designed for paving or roadways; Included in
Class 106, with the compositions, are processes of preparing such
compositions where such process is not otherwise restricted to road
building; e.g. (a) merely molding, laying or coating a Class 106
composition to form a roadway combined with preparing the composition
is classifiable in Class 106 while (b) preparing a Class 106 composition
combined with treatment or handling relating either to characteristics
of other road components or to another process step peculiar to
road building is classifiable in Class 404.
Coating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, for apparatus for surface
coating or impregnating the earth, roadway or roadway portions (including
striping or marking machines). The combination of means to coat,
or impregnate, and other means for in situ treatment of the earth,
roadway or roadway portion, is classifiable in Class 404.
Stoves and Furnaces,
subclass 271.2 for specific pavement heater structure (e.g., burners) and
subclass 343.5 for furnaces for melting other than snow.
Earth Working, appropriate subclasses, for apparatus for and process of
working the earth in situ. While Class 404 provides for simple, smooth
surfaced, compacting rollers and compacting rollers with blunt ended
teeth (i.e., sheep"s foot roller), which rollers are used
both to compact the earth and roadways; Class 172 provides for other
rolling, rotating or orbitally moving earth working devices (see
particularly the types set out under
subclasses 518+ ) and for devices classifiable in Class 404, combined with
or convertible to, Class 172 devices. In general, the area of overlap
between these two classes-other than as indicted above-can only be
resolved by a judgement decision based on large measure on (a) whether
utility is general (for Class 172) or limited to road building (for Class
404) or (b) which of the two classes provides specific subclasses
for the subject matter involved or (c) current placement of documents in
both classes. Obviously, a search will in many instances be required
in both classes.
Solid Material Comminution or Disintegration, appropriate subclasses, for process of and apparatus
for breaking up of road material, per se. The combination of roadway
material comminution and distribution to form a new roadway is classifiable
in Class 404. (See reference to Class 299, below).
Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating:
Processes,
subclasses 31+ for processes of forming structural installations
in situ; which include only the steps of molding monolithic uniform
composition structure and/or compacting, treating, stressing
or surface working the material to perfect the molding or curing
of the molded body (forming parts by a molding operation and uniting
in situ by a second molding operation is also classifiable in Class
264, subclasses 31+); subclass 69 for processes of molding
which include the step of vibrating, agitating, or jarring; and
subclass 349 for processes of molding which include the step of
tamping.
Mining or In Situ Disintegration of Hard Material, appropriate subclasses, for breaking up of roadway
structure. The combination of roadway comminution and distribution
to form a new roadway is classifiable in Class 404.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclasses 15+ for foraminous mats used as erosion control; subclasses
36+ for specific drainage structure (e.g., pipe, culvert);
subclasses 132+ for tunnels; subclasses 231+ for
installation of a pier or pier shape; and subclasses 258.1, 270, and
271 for earth treatment other than for a roadbed.
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus, appropriate subclasses for apparatus involved in
fabricating elements off site (precast elements formed then transported
to the site).
Coating Processes,
subclasses 136+ for methods of applying protective coatings on
a pavement, and appropriate subclasses for applying a protective
coating to components (e.g., rebar).
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, subclasses 132+ for a composition having
utility in situ as a soil conditioner or stabilizer; subclass 150
for a friction element composition which imparts nonskidding or
nonslipping properties to surfaces used in pedestrian or vehicular movement;
and subclass 172 for a composition designed to be applied for marking
pavements or roads, or for signs defining traffic lanes, pedestrian
crosswalks, traffic instruction, or as an applied reflex-reflector.
SECTION IV - GLOSSARY
AGITATION
Brisk shaking, regular or motion, or to-and-fro movement
of material or device to effect any one or several of many different
purposes during road building, (e.g., vibration imparted to road
aggregate for compaction, agitation of uncured road slab to provide
a smooth upper surface or agitation of material to mix constituents).
Individual subclass definitions must be checked for possible special
limitations imposed upon the use of this term - e.g., subclasses
113 and 133.
DOWEL
Rod or bar reinforcement-often relatively movable with respect
to road, pavement or joint components-which reinforcement bridges,
links or joins adjacent components so that load, stress or movement
of one component is both inhibited by, and transmitted to, another
component.
FINISHING
Treatment or working of material to either (1) modify the
internal orientation of constituents of a mass of material (usually
a mixture of road aggregate) or (2) provide a desired surface characteristic
for such massed material. The terms "finishing" has
been loosely used in patent literature to cover many different processes
and devices so long as the desired result is achieved. For this
reason the term has not been used in subclass titles.
JOINT
(1) Structure linking or uniting adjacent components,
or (2) a gap between adjacent components or (3) a parting member
or spacer between adjacent components.
LAYER
Stratum, course, lamina, coating or sheet which is sufficiently
recognizable as such regardless of the constituent material involved.
Interface blending of otherwise distinct layers still leaves plural
layers.
MODULE
Monolithic component such as brick, block, slab, panel, tile,
sheet, precast or preformed member, etc. which may be utilized (1)
in repetitious juxtaposition with similar components, (2) with nonmodular
components or (3) alone to constitute road structure.
PAVEMENT
Hardened, treated or "finished" surface
of a roadway-or an upper "layer" thereof-exposed
to the wear of traffic. This roadway portion may constitute either
(1) the entire roadway with respect to untreated or unworked earth
or (2) no more than an upper course of a multilayer structure.
In many instances, the "pavement" itself is made up
of more than one distinct stratum.
TOOL
Material modifying or treating instrumentality actually contacting
material (e.g., a roller or screed component of a road making machine)
or the most proximate instrumentality guiding or directing modifying
or treating energy against material (e.g., a nozzle of a soil stabilization
device or a heating means of a road repair machine.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter relating to the arrangement of (a) one road
to another (e.g., multilevel cross-road interchange), (b) one type
of traffic way to another (e.g., vehicle roadway with separate sidewalk
portion) or (c) a road to the earth (e.g., an elevated highway).
(1)
Note. A land-fill roadbed which raises a highway above the
level of the terrain is not considered to be "elevated" for
this subclass and is therefore classifiable in subclasses below
on other features.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 174+ for the combination of a road structure with building
a structure-e.g., multilevel building with a ramp.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter relating to a depression, swale or channel
extending along a road, often at the juncture of a roadway and a
curb, at the road surface, within the road or beneath the road for
the purpose of guiding or limiting water flow.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass is drainage structure for
road joints and road beds.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 11+ for a cover with an eave or valley gutter, subclasses
118+ for an enclosure with fluid guiding port to a usable
space, subclasses 131+ for a burial vault with fluid guiding
feature, subclass 210 for a flue with a fluid directing feature
and subclass 219 for a flue connected to a building structure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 2. Drain or gutter structure with provision for holding or
protecting pipe, cable, electrical wiring and the like.
(1)
Note. Much of the structure provided for in this subclass
relates to combined curb-gutter components.
Liquid Purification or Separation,
subclasses 153+ , especially subclasses 163+ for structural
installations including grated drainage inlets, and subclasses 532.1+ for
heavier constituent catch basins comprising street curb inlets.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter relating to a controlling obstruction or
barricade means for a road which physically determines the direction
of, or stops, vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(1)
Note. A barrier for this subclass includes "significant" road
structure. Mere provision for mounting or supporting on or along
a roadway without particular relationship to road configuration, road
contour or pavement-base structural details is not considered "significant".
See reference to Class 256, below.
This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Guide or barrier structure comprising an obstruction projecting
above and along a road generally at the edges of, and coextensive
with, said roadway and presenting a continuous extent except for
crossing roads and driveways.
Fences,
subclasses 1 , 13.1, and 64 for an attenuated barrier (or a series
of individual units which, as a group, form an attenuated-like barrier)
which by its position, on or near a roadway, obstructs the passage
of a vehicle or person.
This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Curb structure relating to embedded or fastened means for
strengthening or shielding the nosing or lip-like portion of a curb.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter regulating the flow of vehicles or pedestrians
by either modifying the pavement structure or by markers which extend above
the pavement to guide vehicles, but do not provide specific information
such as yield, stop, merge, etc.
(1)
Note. A sign, signal or reflector as such is not considered
subject matter for Class 404, unless, road structure is modified beyond
the mere mounting, holding or support for such component. For example,
a "STOP" sign permanently fastened to a pavement
or mid-island curb is not classifiable in Class 404, (see search note
to Class 40, below); while the same sign counterbalanced within
a recess in the roadway-ordinarily up and visible but capable of
retraction into the recess when contracted by a vehicle wheel-classifiable
in Class 404.
Card, Picture, or Sign Exhibiting,
subclasses 541+ for illuminated signs, subclasses 584+ for
signs in general, and especially subclass 612 for highway signs
which impart information (e.g., "STOP", "OHIO
AVE", "NO PARKING", etc.) whether permanently
affixed to a road or merely mounted nearby.
Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and
Elements,
subclasses 515+ for signal reflectors and subclasses 543+ for
signal reflectors mounting means. Class 359 provides for an optical
feature, beyond the mere recitation of a lens or reflector, in combination
with support structure; while Class 404 provides for an optical
feature in combination with traffic barrier or traffic director
means, e.g., a prismatic reflector set flush into a roadway is classifiable
in Class 359, while a prismatic reflector on a small raised button-like
member along a lane marker is classifiable in Class 404.
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Yielding traffic director structure including means, other
than the director itself, urging said director into operative position
which means is housed within the road.
(1)
Note. Included here are spring, gravity counterbalanced and
elastomer means for biasing.
(2)
Note. Included in this subclass are vibration inducing members
with the capability to yield.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Traffic director structure extending along or across a road
to channel the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or to divide
the flow into distinct separate paths.
(1)
Note. Generally the traffic directors in this subclass are
elongated, or indefinite length, members.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Lane marker structure wherein the director is made up of
a plurality of relatively short separate components inter nesting
or interlocked one to the other.
(1)
Note. Included in these subclasses are concatenated director
elements capable of establishing curved or angular traffic paths.
This subclass is indented under subclass 12. Lane marking structure in combination with a mirror-like
component infused into or onto the surface of the director so as
to cast back light from traffic and thus provide a visible as well as
physical director.
This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Traffic director structure for means set in or on a road
to jar or shake a vehicle passing over said means.
(1)
Note. Included in this subclass are single or plural members
to configured or arranged as to set up repeated or rhythmic shaking.
(2)
Note. Included in this subclass is a single member which
will allow a vehicle to pass over it without damage and primarily
intended to serve as a visual director.
(3)
Note. Traffic directors whose upper surface is in the same
plane as the pavement are classified in this class, subclass 9.
This subclass is indented under subclass 15. Vibration inducing structure in combination with a mirror-like
component so as to cast back light from traffic and this provide
a visible as well as a physical director.
Signals and Indicators,
subclass 63 for moving-type street traffic indicators not combined
with significant road structure, e.g., merely mounted in or along
roadway.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter relating to a hardened surface to minimize
the effects of wear of traffic.
(1)
Note. Substantially all roads and walkways include a pavement
portion and the indented subclasses are distinguished from each
other on the basis of either differences in pavement structure or
in other component parts of the road or roadway.
(2)
Note. Attention is directed to the fact that while module
construction of pavement is set out in subclasses 29 and 34+, below,
many subclasses higher in the schedule include module structure
distinguished by features characterized in the particular subclass
title and definition.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles, appropriate subclasses, for a stock material product
in the form of a single or plural layer product, and see the reference
to Class 404 in the definition of Class 428, section VI.
Amusement Devices,
subclasses 85+ for a surface or turf structure used in amusement
racetracks, subclasses 88+ for a surface structure used
for the movement thereon of wheeled or gliding amusement vehicles
(e.g., a slide surface in the form of artificial ski slope), and
subclasses 92+ for a surface or turf structure of an arena, track,
court, playing field, etc. which is intended to be used for athletic
or exhibition events classifiable herein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Pavement structure comprising (a) blocks, slabs or precast
monoliths - not fabricated in situ on the road - united with, or
by, (b) an in situ-formed surface layer.
for pavement structure made up of preformed modules.
Many such preformed modular pavements include in situ material
cast between modules. However, this may be distinguished from subclass
18 of Class 404 by the absence of any in situ cast surfaces equal
to, or larger than, the extent of the modules being joined or united.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Pavement structure relating to characteristics which tend
to reduce skidding or render the traffic surface nonslippery.
for rubber or rubber-like pavement which may or
may not be anti-skid. Subclass 19 provides for structure clearly
set out as providing an anti-skid function.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 177+ for a stairs or other building component of general
application having a wear resisting or friction increasing traffic
carrying surface.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate subclasses, particularly Class 523,
subclass 150 for a composition containing a synthetic resin having
utility as a friction element to impart nonskidding or nonslipping properties
to surfaces used in pedestrian or vehicular movement or to processes
of preparing said composition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 19. Anti-slip surface structure characterized by gritlike grains
or particles (natural or synthetic) embedded into the surface.
for a pavement including terrazzo-like components
with exposed metal members at the surface disclosed as anti-slip
in character. Where the metal members are substantially coextensive
with pavement thickness and also with either pavement width or length,
such member is considered to be a reinforcement for subclasses 70, and
134+, for reinforcement structure, per se.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Pavement structure having a transparent or translucent element
which allows light through the pavement.
(1)
Note. Included here are many devices wherein the light admitting
means is mounted in a vault cover. Because of the number and age
of patents involved, no cross-reference is being made to subclasses
25+.
Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
subclass 67 for a stock material product which comprises an
element embedded within a substrate and visible therein.
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Light admitting structure wherein the light admitting element
is replaceable without destruction of the supporting structure.
This subclass is indented under subclass 22. Light admitting structure wherein the housing or support
for the light admitting means is Portland cement concrete.
(1)
Note. The term "frame" is here intended to
signify more than a mere lens, glass setting or seal made of cement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Pavement structure relating to movable means adapted to
form part of the pavement surface while spanning an opening in said
surface, which adaptation enhances the traffic bearing function
of this pavement portion; e.g., inhibits tilting, rotation, "jumping",
noise, etc.
(1)
Note. Nominal Reference to location in road or pavement,
to strength, or details as to fit, will not require classification
in Class 404.
(2)
Note. A complete search for vault cover-closure must include
subclasses 22+ above. See (1) Note under subclass 22.
Movable or Removable Closures, appropriate subclasses for similar closures-even if called "manhole
covers" or "vault closures" -which do
not directly provide for traffic bearing characteristics
subclasses 21 , 34, 41, and 465 for manhole covers and frames
and subclasses 504 and 505 for frames.
Ventilation, appropriate subclasses for a movable closure combined
with means to supply, distribute, regulate, treat or direct air
in a tortous path or to change the direction of flow of the air.
This subclass is indented under subclass 25. Vault cover-closure structure including means to vary the
relative height or angularity of the cover structure with respect
to the pavement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Pavement structure having specifics or tails of the substructure
supporting said pavement.
(1)
Note. Mere nominal inclusion of a supporting substructure-e.g.,
"roadbed", "base", or "foundation"
will not result in classification in this subclass. See subclass
71 for bed structure, per se.
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Bed structure wherein at least one stratum consists of either
one or more selected or fabricated film, lamina, webs or modules.
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Preformed, or selected, element layer structure wherein
the stratum is made up primarily of a plurality of uniform cuboid-like
members; e.g., bricks, cobble stones, slabs, wooded billets, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 28. Preformed, or selected, element layer structure wherein
the stratum is made up primarily of a plurality of nonuniform cuboid-like
members, e.g., natural field stones.
(1)
Note. Generally, the nonuniform members for this subclass
where arranged in close rank and file still leave significant voids
while the blocks of subclass 29 can be arranged, though not necessarily,
to virtually eliminate such voids.
This subclass is indented under subclass 27. Bed structure comprising two or more strata.
(1)
Note. The tendency of one stratum to merge into another will
not exclude classification in this subclass where such separate
strata are in fact set out or recognized.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Pavement structure incorporating rubber, natural or synthetic,
or a similar elastic-like material into the wearing surface of the
roadway.
(1)
Note. While asphalt and similar bituminous pavement are somewhat
elastic they are not considered "rubber" or "rubber-like" for
this subclass and are classifiable on other characteristics in this class.
This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Rubber or rubber-like structure including a projecting portion
which provides an interlock means with an undersurface or bed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Pavement structure made up of a plurality of precast, preshaped
or precut monoliths generally not fabricated in situ on the roadway.
(1)
Note. Included here, and in indented subclasses, are individual
preformed module components of a pavement.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 603+ for preformed stone-like modules of general utility
and see notes thereunder for other related loci in Class 52.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Preformed module structure wherein the individual module,
while covering a relatively large area as compared to a single brick
or flagstone, is designed for both rapid and repeated installations
as well as ease of tranport.
(1)
Note. This subclass relates, in large part, to preformed
modules for temporary aircraft landing strips or for military and temporary
access roads.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 633+ for openwork, trellis, grille or screen construction
of general utility and see search notes thereunder for other loci
of similar structure.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclass 603 for stone-like modules of general utility with
integral spacer means. This subclass must be searched for this feature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 38. Integral spacer structure provided by an oblique or chamfered
peripheral surface portion of the module so that the top planar
surfaces of juxtapositioned modules are spaced from each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Preformed module structure wherein individual modules are
united or held against relative movement by means of a discrete
key.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Preformed module structure wherein individual modules include
integral peripheral configurations adapted to mate with adjacent
modules.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Preformed module structure wherein the individual modules
are so configured, or so placed, as to form a decorative design.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Preformed module structure wherein the module rests on a
member embedded in the road base, on a rail-like bar or both.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Preformed module structure comprising two or more distinct
and dissimilar materials united to form a module.
(1)
Note. The dissimilar materials are not "mixed".
Rather, they form distinct molded or otherwise shaped portions
of the module.
(2)
Note. Plural wood laminate or similar strips together with
variations in the grain orientation is not considered composite
structure for this subclass, see subclass 46.
(3)
Note. A reinforcement external of, or encasing, a module-and
of dissimilar material is considered to constitute composite structure
for this subclass. On the other hand, dissimilar material of grid, mesh,
bar or rod form substantially embedded within the structure of a
module is considered to be reinforcement for subclass 45.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclass 612 for modules of general utility with layered stone-like
components. This subclass must be searched for this feature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 34. Preformed module structure characterized by the inclusion
of a generally coextensive grid or network of attenuated elements
to strengthen the module structure against failure induced by load
stresses.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 600+ for a stone-like module with elongated reinforcing
means. These subclasses must be searched for this feature.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Pavement structure incorporating a component between or
linking adjacent or contiguous pavement portions which component
bridges the gap between or connects said portions.
(1)
Note. Included in this and indented subclasses are road portions
including joint means though the road portion is not clearly identified
as a "pavement".
(2)
Note. Included in this and indented subclasses is pavement
structure with reinforcement structure extending from one pavement
portion to another.
(3)
Note. Included here is road joint structure, per se, not
elsewhere classifiable, either in some other class or higher in this
class schedule.
Movable or Removable Closures,
subclasses 475.1+ for a closure seal (e.g., striker, gasket or weather
strip) and see the search notes there under for the loci of other
seals.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 393+ for relatively yielding preformed separator and
subclasses 698+ for assembled in situ-type anchor or tie
structure of general utility and see search notes thereunder for
other pertinent loci.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Joint structure incorporating a removable component (e.g.,
mold element) utilized for in situ making of a joint, or part of
a joint, which component is absent from the final completed pavement
joint.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Joint structure provided with some open space within the
joint itself, or within the ends of the ends of adjacent pavement
portions, so that joint material may flow into such space when the
joint is subjected to compressive forces.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Joint structure wherein the abutting peripheral configuration
of adjacent pavement portions is modified to provide for mating
or interengagement such portions generally to limit relative movement
or transmit stresses.
This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Offset or keyed slab end structure combined with other load
transfer structure; e.g., plates, pins, rods, etc., that extend
from one slab end to the contiguous slab end.
(1)
Note. See the subclass immediately below for the many variant
forms of load transfer means used in conjunction with road pavement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Joint structure wherein a load transmitting member extending
from one pavement portion or slab to another is segmented to allow
limited pivotal movement of one portion with respect to another.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Joint structure wherein a load transmitting member extending
from one pavement portion to another includes means spanning the
space between said portions and underneath the ends of said portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Underlying bridge structure provided with other means also
spanning the space between pavement portions and resting on an upper
surface of said portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 53. Underlying bridge structure made up of at least two L-shaped
elements back to back in opposite orientation.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Joint structure wherein a load transmitting member, extending
from one pavement portion to another, includes means spanning the
space between said portion which means extend into said portions
intermediate the top and bottom of said portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Mid-slab bridge structure wherein spacing means includes
at least two elements in flat surface contact within the joint space
and free to slip with respect to each other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 57. Sliding plate structure wherein the flat surfaces in slipping
contact are in a plane normal to the thickness of the pavement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Mid-slab bridge structure wherein a load transmitting support
structure includes (a) means for yieldably bearing against the end
of a load transmitting bar or rod or (b) means for reducing friction
incident to movement of said bar or rod by providing a grease-like
coating.
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Mid-slab bridge structure wherein a load transmitting component
is either (1) provided with housing or bushing structure to facilitate
slipping of said component under stress or (2) made up of at least
two parts interfitted or socketed one to the other, both housing
or interfitting located at or in the juncture of adjacent pavement
portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Mid-slab bridge structure including either (1) a means that
holds and positions the load transmitting member (a plate, rod,
bar, etc.) at one side of a joint, usually within one slab, with
or without midpoint spacer or parting strip means or (2) a spacer
or parting strip located between slab ends constituting the sole means to hold and position the load
transmitting member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 56. Mid-bridge structure provided with means for positioning
or holding the outer extremity, of the load transmitting member.
This subclass is indented under subclass 62. Dowel end support structure which includes a bushing or
sleeve ("whistle") to facilitate relative slipping
of the dowel under stress.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Joint structure limited solely to a precast, preshaped or
precut component or components other than metal (e.g., rubber, wood,
plastic, bituminous mixes, etc.).
This subclass is indented under subclass 63. Preformed nonmetallic joint structure wherein a component
insertable, or prepositioned, between slab ends has a particular
outer configuration.
(1)
Note. "Bar", "board", "strip",
etc. is not considered a configuration for this subclass and classification
would be elsewhere on some other characteristic.
This subclass is indented under subclass 64. Preformed nonmetallic joint structure comprising two or
more distant and dissimilar material either (a) one surrounding
the other or (b) in a contiguous layers or lamina.
(1)
Note. Included here are components referred to as "parting
strips".
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Joint structure comprising at least two parallel attenuated
distinct and dissimilar materials united to form the component between
pavement portions.
(1)
Note. Included here are components referred to as "parting
strips" when such component includes a metal element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Joint structure wherein a filler board, division component
or demarcation barrier is provided with a sustainer, positioning
member or substrata engaging fastener.
This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Joint structure wherein the joint structure itself, or a
supplementary means, extends the full width of the contiguous pavement
portions and serves either to shield the joint against foreign material
or to sustain elastomeric material in the upper part of the space
between contiguous pavement portions.
This subclass is indented under subclass 17. Pavement structure characterized by the inclusion of a general
coextensive grid or network of attenuated elements-bars, rods, mesh, expanded
metal, etc. to strengthen the pavement structure against failure
induced by bending, compressive or tensional stresses.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings), appropriate subclasses-particularly
subclasses 633+ for open-work and 720+ for elongated structure-suitable for
embedding in settable material to form a composite structure which strengthens
the whole; and see search notes thereunder for the loci of related structure.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter relating to a method, or mode or procedure,
for making a road or road components not elsewhere classified.
(1)
Note. See reference to Class 264 under the class definition
of Class 404.
Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture, appropriate subclasses for a process of, and apparatus
for, bonding or laminating of general utility.
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Process including a step of making or modifying a seam or
gap in a roadway to accommodate relative movement of the roadway structure.
(1)
Note. Such relative movement is generally either temperature
or road induced.
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Process including a step of modifying or working the ground,
pavement or roadbed in place.
(1)
Note. In situ treatment does not encompass on location removal
of earth or roadway material for processing-even though such processing
is contiguous to the original locale. Such removal is classified
on other bases. See search notes to Classes 37 and 172 under the
class definition of Class 404.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclass 258.1 , specifically subclass 302.4 for earth treatment
or control for reinforcement or stabilization against unwanted movement
or deterioration of the earth.
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. In situ treatment including a step of conglomerating or
combining minute surface particles or earth components into larger
aggregate units or into a relatively firm mass.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclasses 263+ for general subject matter relating to the stabilization
of an earthen formation by addition of a foreign substance (e.g.,
binder) to the formation.
Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, appropriate subclasses, particularly Class 523,
subclasses 132+ for a composition containing a synthetic resin and
having utility in situ as a soil conditioner or stabilizer or to
processes of preparing said composition.
This subclass is indented under subclass 75. In situ treatment including the application of external
means to raise the temperature of the ground or pavement.
(1)
Note. Processes whereby heat is generated by internal chemical
reaction are classified elsewhere on the bases of other process
steps.
This subclass is indented under subclass 79. Heating process with a step or steps for the distinct manipulation
or treatment for each of two or more dimensionally varied road constituents.
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Process relating to a step or steps for the distinct manipulation
or treatment for each of two or more dimensionally varied road constituents.
This subclass is indented under subclass 72. Process including the successive formation of two or more
distinct and different lamina.
(1)
Note. See references under the class definition to Classes
264 and 427 for processes of general utility relating to coating
and molding of plural layers.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter relating to devices, machines or tools for
constructing, repairing or maintaining roads.
(1)
Note. Apparatus for Class 404 is generally special purpose
equipment. That is, general purpose devices equally useful for buildings
or other static structures are usually not classified in Class 404.
See the search notes under the class definition of Class 404 for
the locus of such devices.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device including a condition responsive control comprising
a means to sense a condition or change of condition of the device,
road, or road material which sensing means activates another means
to regulate or to control the device according to the condition
sensed.
(1)
Note. The term "automatic control", alone,
in a disclosure is not enough to effect classification in this subclass, unless,
the disclosure relates to sensing and control means as indicated
in the definition above.
(2)
Note. See search notes under Class 72, subclass 6; Class
83, subclass 399; Class 171, subclass 9; Class 172, subclass 2; and
Class 173, subclass 2 for the loci of other automatic control" devices.
Land Vehicles,
subclasses 5.5+ for a general utility land vehicle including an
active suspension responsive to a force encountered while the vehicle
is in surface traversing motion; subclasses 6.15+ for a
general utility land vehicle including means, interposed between
the vehicle body, chassis, or frame and running gear thereof, for altering
height or levelness of the vehicle body, chassis, or frame; or subclasses
638+ for a general utility wheeled land vehicle including
means for altering a dimension of the vehicle or a part thereof,
especially subclasses 43+ for a wheel vertically adjustable relative
to the running gear.
This subclass is indented under subclass 84.1. Automatic adjustment of leveling means in which the adjustment
is made to track a physical guide, e.g., wire, rope, string.
This subclass is indented under subclass 84.1. Automatic adjustment of leveling means wherein the adjustment
is made to track an acoustical or optical signal, e.g., laser.
This subclass is indented under subclass 84.1. Automatic adjustment of leveling means wherein the adjustment
is made to create an inclined finished surface or a finished surface defined
by a radius.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device wherein a ground wheel (or wheel substitute such
as a skid or runner) is so arranged that when said wheel is positioned
to serve as a vehicular element, the road working tool does not
contact the ground; and conversely, when said tool is operative
with respect to the ground the wheel is inoperative as a vehicular
element.
This subclass is indented under subclass 85. Device wherein the road working instrumentality is fastened
or mounted on an otherwise operative, but diverse, device such as
a dump truck, scraper, tractor, etc., which other device serves
only for traction purposes when said instrumentality is in road
working position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device for constructing or cutting a seam or gap in a roadway
to accommodate relative movement of the roadway and to assemble filler
or parting strip structure in such gap.
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Device including means to support load transfer structure
extending from one pavement to another across the joint.
This subclass is indented under subclass 87. Device for providing a slot or channel in road material
prior to the setting or hardening or such material.
(1)
Note. Included here are devices which also insert material
or joint structure into such slot after, or as, the slot is formed.
Brushing, Scrubbing, and General Cleaning,
subclass 235.3 for a motor-joint finisher, groover or simulator
of general utility. Class 15 provides for a hand implement, Class
404 provides for more complex machine-like devices.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device for cutting, scarifying or disintegrating the pavement
plus structure; e.g., drag, tamper, roller, liquid dispenser to
level, smooth or bind the pieces of the underlying surface.
Earth Working, appropriate subclasses, for apparatus for and process of
working the earth in situ. See note to Class 172 in References
to Other Classes, in the Class 404 class definition.
Boring or Penetrating the Earth, appropriate subclasses for process or apparatus
forming holes or enlarging holes in the earth by disintegrating, cutting,
chipping, etc. Generally, this dislocating relates to forming or enlarging
a hole.
This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Comminuting device with means to collect the products of
comminution and, after some treatment or further preparation, return
the material to the road surface.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclass 179 for a pipe or cable laying apparatus having means
to excavate a trench and redeposit the excavated material after
the pipe or cable has been laid.
Coating Apparatus, appropriate subclasses, for apparatus for surface
coating. The combination of a means to coat with other means for
in situ treatment of the earth or roadway is classifiable in Class
404.
This subclass is indented under subclass 93. Surface marking device wherein the indicia is made on or
affixed to a firm or usable roadway as distinct from a plastic or
unstable intermediate structure.
Coating Implements With Material Supply, appropriate subclasses for a hand propelled device
which applies a film or coating, to a surface and where the applicator
or tool either (a) contacts the surface or (b) is no further removed
from said surface than the film or coating thickness. With respect
to (b) it must be noted that a dumping device which then spreads
or levels road material into a window-like formation or significant
stratum of roadway is not considered a "coating" device
for Class 401.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device including means for applying heat, directly or indirectly,
to the road base, roadway or material thereon.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device providing the road, or road portion, with a surface
configuration, which configuration is other than the straight line
made by a strike board or screed.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device for assembling or juxtaposing the bars, wires or
mesh intended to strengthen the road against stress failure.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
subclasses 128+ for heating means combined with distributing apparatus
and subclasses 146+ for merely spreading or distributing
tar or asphalt or other liquid or a road or pavement.
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Material distribution device wherein the spreading means
is provided with means producing an additional active motion component serving
to more firmly densify or pack down the substance being spread.
(1)
Note. The dynamic means of this subclass includes vibration
means (for which see subclass 102 and notes thereunder) as well
as rotary and recipricatory means, except that reciprocal or back and
forth movement of screed (in a direction transverse to the extent
of a roadway along which said screed is advanced) is not considered
either "agitation" or "dynamic" for
this subclass.
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Material distribution device particularly adapted for working
the supporting flank of a roadway or extension portion at the side
of a roadway.
(1)
Note. The means in this subclass provides some device modification
relevant to working a road shoulder. In this instance, mere naming
of the road area for intended use, without such modification, should
be ignored for classification purposes.
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Material distribution device including storage means for
paving material for delivery to transitory mold components along
the road flanks which components are shiftable as the material distribution
device advances.
(1)
Note. The device is advanced at a rate allowing for sufficient
curing or set-up, of the distributed matter, as to retain the shape
imparted by the transitory mold forms.
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Material distribution device including storage means for
paving material for delivery to mold components along the road flanks,
which mold components also serve as a supporting and guiding traceway
for the entire device.
This subclass is indented under subclass 101. Material distribution device adapted for a distribution
to a limited road portion, usually a seam, break or the space between
contiguous road portions.
Dispensing, appropriate subclasses, for apparatus and process of dispensing
of general utility and particularly
subclasses 146.1+ for dispensing combined with heating or material being
dispensed; also see section 14 under class definition for loci of
art relating to dispensing and shaping by extrusion.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Material supply device utilizing a hopper with a controlled
bottom discharge, which is readily movable over the road area, to
distribute material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 108. Material supply devices wherein the material is in fluid
but nongaseous, form.
(1)
Note. Powdered or aggregate material which is capable of
handling as a fluent material is not considered as a "liquid" for
this subclass; and is classifiable on other characteristics.
Fluid Sprinkling, Spraying, and Diffusing,
subclasses 146+ , for merely spreading or distributing tar, asphalt or
other liquid; and subclasses 128+, for heating means combined
with the distributing apparatus. Class 404 takes liquid distribution
devices which includes other road treatment or the distribution
of other than liquid material; e.g., combined distribution or road
aggregate and tar.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device wherein an earth or road working member moves in,
and substantially on, the plane of the earth or roadway in a circular
path.
(1)
Note. The working may include compacting or surface finishing.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device which shakes, or briskly moves, road material.
(1)
Note. The reciprocal or back and forth, movement of a screed
(in a direction transverse to the extent of a roadway along which
said screed is advanced) is not considered agitation for this subclass.
See subclasses 119+, for such screed devices.
(2)
Notes. Repeated impacts or tamping blows substantially normal
to and on the surface of road material is also not considered to
be agitation for this subclass. See subclass 133.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Agitating device with shaking or vibratory means fastened
directly to the leveling or striker member that is drawn across
the material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Agitating device wherein the element for agitating the mass
of material is substantially within or below the surface of said
material.
(1)
Note. The vibrating mechanism itself may be anywhere, but
the material contacting element is well within the mass of material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 115. Immersed agitating device wherein the immersed agitating
element maintains a generally normal or perpendicular-like attitude respecting
the earth or road surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 113. Agitating device wherein the upper material surface is acted
on by a rotary drum or cylinder which drum or cylinder includes
means to jar or shake said drum while compacting the material surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Screed device wherein the entire device is positioned and
guided above a roadway by the side forms which also serve as a trackway.
This subclass is indented under subclass 118. Screed device provided with means to move said screed back
and forth along its extent while traversing the material.
(1)
Note. A significant number of the devices in subclass 119
relate to reciprocating screed devices and a complete search for
this characteristic must include subclass 119. Other than a few representative
copies no patents have been cross-referenced from subclasses 119
to 120.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device for working the earth or road material by rotating
radially extending lugs or projections (generally blunt or flat
shaped) on and into the material surface so that such lugs or projections
move into and out of the material.
(1)
Note. This device is generally used to compact the material.
(2)
Note. Included here are devices specific to the details of
the "sheep foot", per se.
(3)
Note. See search note to Class 172 under the class definition
of Class 404.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device for working the earth or road material with one or
more cylindrical members, which members roll across the material.
(1)
Note. This device is generally used to compact or "finish" the
material.
(2)
Note. See search note to Class 172 under class definition
of Class 404.
(3)
Note. Included here are plural roller element which can shift
bodily (that is, a translation of their axes) normal or substantially
normal to the material surface.
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Roller device wherein a trio of rollers, with generally
parallel axes, are arranged one behind the other.
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Roller device including specific features of the outer drum-like
surface, e.g., perforated, corrugated, toothed, etc.
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Roller device including two or more rolls mounted to rotate
in substantial axial alignment but capable of adjustment so as to
vary from in-line (generally horizontal) relationship of the individual
axes of rotation to an angular relationship with respect to each
other and the horizontal.
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Roller device including two or more rolls mounted to rotate
in substantial axial alignment but capable of adjustment so as to
vary from in-line relationship of individual axes to either spaced
parallel, or angular, relationship in the same general horizontal
plane.
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Roller device constituting either (a) an auxiliary or subsidiary
means appended to a disparate type of apparatus or (b) part of a
composite means made up of a roller device and a disparate device.
(1)
Note. The disparate apparatus or device may be of the type
elsewhere provided for either in class 404 or some other class.
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Roller device including means to care for or protect the
roller periphery by providing a transient fluid coating or by removal
of foreign material.
This subclass is indented under subclass 122. Roller device provided with either (a) means to vary the
effective weight of the roller on the surface or (b) allow the effective
weight of the roller to shift according to roller position.
This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Device for imparting distinct blows or impacts to the road
surface or road material.
(1)
Note. Rapid back and forth agitation (a) not substantially
normal to the surface of road material or (b) by means immersed or
submerged in the road material, is considered to be agitation (for
which, see subclasses 113+) or finishing (for which, see
subclass 118) when such agitation is combined with means peculiar
or restricted to road building. See search note to Class 366 under
subclass 113.
Hydraulic and Earth Engineering,
subclass 271 for residual methods or apparatus for compacting
an earth formation (e.g., compaction of the earth within a bore
or channel).
Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating:
Apparatus,
subclasses 425+ for a female mold including tamping means and subclass 456
for a shaper including powered virbrating means.
This subclass is indented under subclass 133. Tamper which is attached or attachable to an apparatus whose
function is other than tamping (e.g., a backhoe or crane).
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising a grid or network of attenuated
elements, bars, rods, mesh, expanded metal, etc., intended to strengthen road
structure against failure induced by load and environment stresses.
(1)
Note. Reinforcement structure which bridges the gap or space
between adjacent pavement portions is considered as joint structure
for subclass 47.
Static Structures (e.g., Buildings),
subclasses 633 through 697for openwork and subclasses 850-857 for elongated
structure suitable for reinforcement use.
This subclass is indented under subclass 134. Reinforcement structure including means to hold and position
the reinforcement structure relative to the material it is intended
to strengthen.
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter relating to means to hold and position a
road component relative to another road component.
(1)
Note. See subclass 135 and search notes thereunder.
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