SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION
This class includes structure and attachments peculiar to mooring
buoys, marker buoys, container buoys and other buoys; structure
and attachment peculiar to rafts, and from analogy, to rafting and
guiding of floating logs and similar material; water rescue apparatus;
and other aquatic devices.
Water rescue apparatus include devices maneuvered on or over
the water surface by one person in order to rescue another person,
passenger enclosing devices which are not buoys, rafts or boats
and garment or other type of buoyant members, commonly known as
personal flotation devices which support a user in the water.
Aquatic devices include swimming aids to cause faster or farther
propulsion through the water by the user"s own swimming
strokes, buoyant or nonbuoyant devices which support a user and
which are caused by external means to roll, skim, glide over or
through the water, buoyant underwater viewing devices, and other
miscellaneous buoyant support devices.
SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS
See Class 440, Marine Propulsion, for buoys or other aquatic
devices comprising a motor propulsion means, or animal or human
powered propulsion means other than swimming aids as defined in
Class 441, subclass 55.
Lifeboats including those which enclose the passenger are
classifiable in Class 114, Ships.
A buoyant device made to simulate an animal, fish, fowl, etc.,
or any part thereof, where such simulation is claimed, is proper
for Class 472. However, where such simulation is disclosed but not
claimed, classification of the buoyant device is proper for Class
441. See the (2) Note under subclass 129 of Class 441 for a statement
of this line.
Class 441, subclass 65 takes all the skimming devices (skis,
sleds, toboggans, etc.) which by claim or by disclosure may be used
on water, even though also useable on snow or ice. Class 280, Land
Vehicles, takes those skimming devices which are useable only on
snow or ice.
SUBCLASSES
1 | BUOY: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device comprising a distinctly shaped, anchored device, such as cans,
spars, nun, etc., especially adapted to float in water for the purpose
of indicating a navigable channel, anchorage, some impediment or
hazard to navigation, some object below the surface of the water,
to provide a mooring or a support for some object, or to perform
some other water related function. |
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3 | For mooring a vessel: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Buoy normally anchored to the seabed and having means for securing
a marine vessel thereto.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, | Ships,
subclasses 230.1+ for a mooring device for a ship, per se, in the absence
of a mooring buoy. |
|
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4 | Having liquid cargo transfer means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 3. Mooring buoy including a fluid cargo conduit for transferring liquid
cargo to a marine vessel.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
137, | Fluid Handling,
subclass 236.1 for whole system combinations for offshore fluid
handling; and subclass 615 for fluid handling systems not involving
buoys having two or more sections joined for relative movement to assume
various delivery or nonuse positions. |
141, | Fluent Material Handling,
With Receiver or Receiver Coacting Means,
subclass 279 for specific structure of the connection between the
filling head and the receiver. |
|
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5 | Having swivel coupling for cargo conduit |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 4. Having swivel coupling for cargo conduit: Mooring buoy wherein a cargo conduit has a pipe fitting permitting a swinging
movement of the marine vessel relative to the buoy. |
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6 | Marker buoy: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Buoy adapted to be anchored to a vessel or location on or under
the waters surface to draw attention to the vessel or location.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
116, | Signals and Indicators,
subclass 107 for audible signalling devices which can be placed
on a buoy. |
|
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7 | Having means to release buoy upon submergence: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Buoy secured to a body or vessel by means which upon the sinking
of the body or vessel is released to permit the buoy to surface
and mark its location.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, | Ships,
subclasses 326+ for submersible devices which have buoys that can
be released. |
|
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8 | Water soluble or water weakened member: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Buoy wherein the buoy is attached to a body or vessel by securing
means soluble in, dissolved in, or weakened by water such that upon
contact with water the securing means is disabled thereby releasing
the buoy. |
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9 | Gas assisted: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 7. Buoy wherein the release of the buoy is assisted by a gas and
wherein the release or generation of the gas is initiated by sinking
of the body or vessel. |
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11 | With signalling device: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 6. Buoy wherein means to draw attention to the buoy and its location
is affixed thereon.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
116, | Signals and Indicators, signalling devices, per se. |
|
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12 | Audible: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Buoy wherein the attention drawing means is an audible signal,
e.g., bell, whistle, etc. |
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13 | Illuminating: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Buoy wherein the attention drawing means produces light, e.g.,
lamps, torches, etc. |
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15 | Fluid produced by chemical reaction with water: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Buoy wherein the combustible liquid or gas is generated by the
reaction of a chemical substance with water.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
48, | Gas: Heating and Illuminating,
subclasses 1+ for acetylene generators using chemical reactions
not adapted specifically to a marine environment. |
|
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20 | Reflecting means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 11. Buoy wherein the attention directing device includes a surface
capable of reflecting a light or a radar beam. |
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22 | Fluid reaction surface: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Buoy wherein a surface is provided which reacts with a fluid
to produce a force for controlling the attitude or position of the
buoy. |
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23 | Tether: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Buoy wherein a pliant fastening line is used to place the buoy
at a predetermined location. |
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25 | Having means to control playout: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Buoy wherein the playout means includes means for regulating
the amount of line played out, the rate of playout, or the tension
on the line after it has played out. |
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27 | Having seat for buoy: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 24. Buoy wherein means is provided on a marine body or a vessel which
conforms to a portion of the buoy and upon or within which the buoy
rests. |
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28 | Having ballast means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 21. Buoy wherein the means to control the vertical, horizontal, or
rotational movement includes a heavy material intended to alter
the draft or stability of the buoy. |
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30 | Inflatable: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 1. Buoy wherein the body of the buoy is expanded from a collapsed
position by a gaseous medium. |
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34 | Storm oil distributor: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 32. Buoy wherein oil for distribution on the surface of a body of
water to calm wave activity is contained in the storage space and
a means for distributing the oil is provided. |
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35 | RAFT: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Buoyant device which is free floating, of shallow draft and little free
board, and has a platform or floor for supporting a user.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
5, | Beds,
subclasses 706+ for those devices commonly known as air mattresses,
per se. |
|
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38 | With shelter: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Device including a structure mounted on the floor or platform of
a raft to protect an occupant from the elements. |
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39 | Having boarding aid: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Device including means for assisting a person floating in the water
in climbing aboard the raft, i.e., ladders. |
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40 | Inflatable: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Device including a structural member used in forming the raft which
is capable of being expanded by the introduction into the member
of a fluent medium, e.g., gas.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
30, | for inflatable buoys. |
66, | for inflatable water skimming or walking devices. |
90+, | for nonoral expanding means for personal flotation
devices worn by the user. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, | Ships,
subclass 345 for inflatable boats. |
|
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41 | Having inflation valve means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 40. Device including means to control the flow of the fluent medium
into the structural member.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
99, | and 100, for valves used in nonoral expanding means
for personal flotation device worn by user. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
137, | Fluid Handling, for fluid handling devices not specifically adapted
for marine use. |
251, | Valves and Valve Actuation, for valve structure, per se. |
|
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43 | Having centrally located suspended basket |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Having centrally located suspended basket: Device wherein the platform or floor of the raft is in the form
of an open cage hanging in the center of the raft below the level
of a surrounding buoyancy means. |
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44 | Columnar flotation member: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Device wherein the raft has an elongated buoyancy providing member
having a cross-section with a periphery of a shape similar to a
circle, or multiple sided geometric figure. |
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45 | Hollow: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Device wherein the buoyancy providing member contains a void. |
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46 | Barrel or drum: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 45. Device wherein the buoyancy providing means is a cylinder of flat
or slightly bulging sides having flat parallel ends and a ratio
between the height and the diameter somewhat greater than one. |
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47 | Formed from log or other product: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 35. Device in which logs or other similar raw material are formed into
a raft in order to transport the same material.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
134, | for a float used to give a log additional buoyancy. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
405, | Hydraulic and Earth
Engineering,
subclass 60.5 for devices which guide floating logs around bends
in a river or into holding areas along a river. |
|
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48 | Booming: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Device wherein logs are joined end to end so as to form a closed
loop within which logs or similar material are placed to form a
raft. |
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49 | Cribbing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 47. Device wherein a rigid framework of logs is provided into which
other logs are placed to form a raft. |
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51 | Dog: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Device wherein the joining means is a spike or wedgelike device
driven into a log to couple one to another. |
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52 | Clamp: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Device wherein the joining means has opposite facing saws which
may be adjusted to contain one or more logs between them. |
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53 | Transverse rigid member: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Device wherein the joining means is a bar, rod, or similar rigid
member which is oriented transversely to and affixed to a log for
the purpose of joining them together. |
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54 | Encircling flexible member: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 50. Device wherein the joining means is a pliant member such as a rope
or chain and which is passed around a log to join it with other
logs. |
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55 | SWIMMING AID TO INCREASE STROKE EFFICIENCY: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device secured to or held by a swimmer which increases the effective
surface used to propel the swimmer through the water, thereby providing
for faster or farther propulsion through the liquid by the user"s
swimming strokes. |
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62 | Repositioned by biasing means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Device having means to urge the water-contacting surface to a selected position.
| (1)
Note. These biasing means keep the surface in an operating
position or at selected operating angles. | |
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63 | With lock or latch: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Device having means to hold or secure the water-contacting surface
in a predetermined position. |
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64 | Flipper: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Device including a flexible water-contacting surface resembling
webbed feet in appearance and operation. |
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65 | WATER SKIMMING OR WALKING DEVICES: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device constructed so as to permit walking, gliding, or planing
on the surface of a body of water while sustaining a user substantially
out of contact with the water.
| (1)
Note. Movement usually occurs by action of the user or of
an external agent. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, | Ships,
subclasses 242+ for devices used in towing vessels for use in water. |
|
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66 | Inflatable: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Device which are expandable when filled with pressurized gas.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
30, | for an inflatable buoy. |
40, | for an inflatable raft. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, | Ships,
subclass 345 for inflatable boats. |
|
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67 | Circular: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Device which has a periphery in the shape of a circle. |
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68 | Water ski: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Device comprising an elongated boardlike member having a width
somewhat greater than a user"s foot and a normally upturned
leading edge adapted to support the user while planing across the
water surface while under tow. |
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69 | Ski tow handle: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Device which is a handle secured to a towing device.
| (1)
Note. The ski tow handle is usually attached to an elongated
flexible member and is adapted to be grasped by the skier. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, | Ships,
subclasses 253+ for towing with a cable. |
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71 | With rooster tail producing means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Device including an attachment at the rear of a ski to project
a stream of water in an arc above the water surface and behind the
ski for visual effects.
| (1)
Note. An example of such a device is a funnel like pipe whose
outlet is oriented upwardly. | |
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72 | With seat: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 68. Devices including means upon which a skier may sit while being towed. |
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74 | Surfboard: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 65. Device comprising an elongated member of a width comparable to
the shoulder width of a user adapted to be propelled by a wave and
capable of supporting the user. |
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75 | With lashing: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 74. Device including a ropelike or cordlike member attached to the
surfboard which can also be attached to the user. |
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77 | Having pivoted traction flap: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 76. Device wherein an element is provided having a fulcrum point which allows
the element to move in and out of a working position in order to
increase the traction of the buoyant member. |
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80 | WATER RESCUE OR LIFE PROTECTING APPARATUS: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device adapted to remove a person from the water from a position remote
from said person, to protect a person from the elements or hostile
marine life, or to sustain a person above the water for an extended
time period. |
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83 | Air-sea rescue device: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Device wherein means to assist a person in the water is carried
by and is capable of being dropped from an aircraft to the person. |
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84 | Lifeline: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Device comprising a buoyant elongated pliant member used to rescue
a person floating in a body of water. |
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87 | Passenger enclosing buoyancy device: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Device comprising an apparatus for protecting a user who has been stranded
or shipwrecked in the water from the elements until he is rescued,
by enclosing him and having sufficient buoyancy to support the user
on the water surface.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
38, | for rafts having a shelter. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
114, | Ships,
subclass 349 for life boats enclosing passengers. |
|
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88 | Personal flotation device: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Device worn by a user and including buoyancy means to sustain the
user floating in a body of water.
| (1)
Note. Buoyancy compensation vests for divers are classifiable
elsewhere. See Search note below. |
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
405, | Hydraulic and Earth
Engineering,
subclass 186 for buoyancy compensation vests. |
|
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89 | With signal means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 88. Device including means secured to the personal flotation device
for attracting attention. |
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90 | With mechanical inflation means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 88. Device having a chamber adapted to be expanded or enlarged for
use from a collapsed state, together with means for causing the
expansion.
| (1)
Note. The means for causing expansion does not include oral
expanding means. | |
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91 | By pump: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 90. Device wherein the means for causing the expansion is a pump. |
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93 | With puncturing means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Device including means for piercing a seal on the pressurized gas
source in order to allow the gas to flow into the chamber. |
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96 | With control valve: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Device including a means located in a flow line communicating the
gas source with the chamber to regulate the flow of the pressurized
gas from the source. |
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99 | With manually operated valve: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Device wherein a hand operated valve means is used to adjust or
control the flow of at least one of the reactants or of the evolved
gas. |
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101 | With cutting, punching, or striking means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 100. Device provided with a means to bore or cut a hole in a wall of
the deformable means, or to impinge against the wall with a view
to plastically deforming the wall, to permit mixing of the reactants. |
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102 | Body suit: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 88. Device wherein the buoyancy means is secured to a garment which encloses
more than the torso of the user and includes arm, leg, and neck
openings.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
2, | Apparel, appropriate subclasses for normal articles of wear which
do not increase the buoyancy of the user; especially,
subclasses 2.15+ for suits worn by divers, per se.. |
|
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104 | With hood: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Device provided with means to substantially cover the user"s
head. |
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105 | With mask: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 104. Device having in addition means to cover the user"s face.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
128, | Surgery,
subclasses 200.24+ for respiratory methods and devices not associated
with a personal flotation device. |
|
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106 | For torso: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 88. Device worn by the user and which covers a portion of the trunk
of the human body. |
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115 | And front: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 114. Device including buoyancy means for placement on the thorax or abdomen
of the torso. |
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116 | And shoulder: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 115. Device further including buoyancy means for placement over a shoulder of
the torso. |
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118 | And shoulder: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 117. Device including buoyancy means for placement over the shoulder
of the torso. |
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121 | Suspender: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 88. Device wherein the buoyancy means are incorporated on over the
shoulder pants supports. |
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124 | Head gear: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 88. Device wherein the buoyancy means are adapted to be worn on the head. |
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125 | Convertible use article: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 80. Device wherein the device is designed to perform an entirely different
function in normal usage but readily converts to a means for personal
flotation.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
190, | Trunks and Hand-Carried
Luggage,
subclass 1 , for an article of luggage convertible to or from
a flotation device. |
383, | Flexible Bags,
subclass 3 , for an inflatable flexible bag. |
|
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126 | Seating means: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Device wherein the primary use of the device is for the purpose
of sitting.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
297, | Chairs and Seats,
subclass 4 , 118+, 423.1+, 468+ for
seats not particularly adapted to a marine environment. |
|
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128 | Berth: |
| This subclass is indented under subclass 125. Device wherein the primary use of the device is as a bed or mattress.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
5, | Beds,
subclass 9.1 for berths, per se. |
|
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129 | BODY SUPPORTING BUOYANT DEVICE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device including buoyancy means and size sufficient for normally
supporting only one user on the water surface and subject to either
little movement or slow movement across the water surface.
| (1)
Note. These devices are normally recreational devices. |
| (2)
Note. Devices which comprise buoyant structures and are made
to simulate animals, fish, fowl, etc., or any part thereof, are
excluded from Class 441 if claimed to recite such simulating features,
and will be found in Class 472, Amusement Devices, particularly
subclasses 128+. If the buoyant structure only is claimed, classification
in Class 441 is proper. | |
| |
133 | BUOYANCY PROVIDING ATTACHMENT FOR PIPE, LOG, OR LINE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Element attached to a conduit, cable, line, or log and providing
the same with added buoyancy when in a body of water. |
| |
135 | BUOYANT UNDERWATER VIEWING DEVICE: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Device facilitating below the surface observations usually including
a buoyant platform and a window located on the platform and below
the water surface. |
| |
136 | MISCELLANEOUS: |
| This subclass is indented under the class definition. Buoys, rafts, and aquatic devices not specifically provided for elsewhere in the schedule. |
| |