U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division |
U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000
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Class 157
WHEELWRIGHT MACHINES
Class Definition:
This class includes means for assembling wheels not
specifically provided for elsewhere.
(1) Note. Included here (as a residual or generic locus) are
devices and processes for machining the tread portion of a
rubber tire. (see Subclass References to This Class, below
for the specific subclass.)
(2) Note. Included in this class is a related body of art
pertaining to the mechanical treatment of the outer periphery
of rubber tire casings. The presence of this body of art in
this class is not intended to change the scope of either the
class or any subclasses hereunder unless so specifically
noted. (see Subclass References to This Class, below for
specific subclass.)
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
13 as a residual or generic locus for devices and processes
for machining the tread portion of a rubber tire, and for a
related body of art pertaining to the mechanical treatment of
the outer periphery of rubber tire casing.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclasses 700+ for miscellaneous
assembling apparatus and see the Notes thereto for other
assembling.
72, Metal Deforming, appropriate subclasses for apparatus
which performs a mere plastic metal shaping operation, and
does not include assembly.
SUBCLASSES
Subclass:
1
Devices not elsewhere classifiable for assembling wheels.
(1) Note. Clamps for holding wooden rims in shape while the
spokes are being set up are included, except when accompanied
by devices for screwing up the spoke-nipples. Such devices
are found in Class 81, Tools, subclass 53 and indented
subclasses.
Subclass:
1.1
This subclass is indented under the class definition. Devices
and methods for setting or removing or for facilitating the
setting or removing of a rubber tire from a rim.
(1) Note. A "rim" is defined as the immediate support for a
rubber tire and includes such elements whether integral with
or detachable from the wheel.
(2) Note. This subclass is the collecting place for devices
which cause radial motion only of a rubber tire portion, or
devices for squeezzing the rubber tire circumferentially of
its cross-section in connection with the operation of setting
or removing the same.
(3) Note. This subclass is the collecting place for holding
devices designed merely to engage a portion of the tire
and/or rim, and to maintain a prescribed position of the tire
portions relative to each other or of the tire portion
relative to the rim as an aid to tire setting or removing by
other means. The position in which the tire is held is
generally one in which (1) the casing is deformed from its
normal cross section, or (2) the tire and rim occupy
positions other than fully assembled or fully separated.
(4) Note. Devices which set or remove a tire supporting rim
upon or from the felley of a wheel are excluded and will be
found primarily in another subclass. See the Search This
Class notes below.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1 for devices which set or remove a tire supporting rim upon
or from the felley of a wheel.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 221.5 for devices for applying
or removing air valve stems to or from rims, subclass 235 for
devices for placing and removing resilient articles in
general.
81, Tools, subclass 15.3 for casing-supported devices for
retaining a tire casing in spread condition.
144, Woodworking, subclasses 306+ for a device for holding
a wheel or wheel portion.
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
subclasses 110+ and 394+ as the generic place for
tirebuilding processes and apparatus.
Subclass:
1.11
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Devices
combined with or convertible to a vehicle carried bracket or
support for a tire rim.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
224, Package and Article Carriers, subclass 42.12 for
vehicle carried tire holders without tire setting or removing
features.
Subclass:
1.13
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Devices for
operating on rubber tires that are circumferentially
discontinuous.
Subclass:
1.14
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.13. Devices which
include means to manipulate or facilitate the manipulation of
the end portions of circumferentially extending binding
elements associated with the tire.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
140, Wireworking, subclass 93 for devices in general for
applying wire and subclasses 111+ for devices for joining
wire.
Subclass:
1.17
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Devices having
means for engaging the tire and/or rim and moving the tire or
a portion thereof in a direction normal to the plane of the
tire or rim.
(1) Note. Devices which engage a movable flange to thereby
move the tire are included.
(2) Note. Devices which produce radial motion in addition to
axial motion are included.
Subclass:
1.2
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.17. Devices
wherein the tire engaging means is circumferentially
continuous or consists of elements which are distributed with
substantially uniform circumferential spacing and
simultaneously operated.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.26 for devices having circumferentially distributed
engaging elements which are individually operated.
Subclass:
1.21
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.2. Devices which
include means for applying pressure on the periphery of the
tire, the pressure being directed toward the axis of rotation
to cause the bead or beads to move axially.
(1) Note. Usually, the tire is of the "tubeless" type and is
associated with the rim of a wheel when the pressure is
exerted to thereby cause the beads to engage the rim to
facilitate inflating the tire with pressure fluid.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc., subclasses 19+ for
devices which exert a circumferential force around bale
packages or hose.
81, Tools, subclass 64 for wrenches having flexible gripping
means which surround the part being turned.
Subclass:
1.22
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.17. Devices in
which a tire engaging element and the rim have relative
movement in concentric paths, which movement effects the
axial motion of the tire portion.
(1) Note. In order to be classified in this subclass the
indicated manner of use must be disclosed, and (1) the tire
or rim engaging portion must be particularly designed to
operate in this fashion, or (2) a supporting arrangement
particularly designed to cause or permit movement of the
device peripherally of the rim must be provided.
Subclass:
1.24
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.22. Devices which
have a base or stand for supporting the tire and rim when
detached from the vehicle.
Subclass:
1.26
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.17. Devices
wherein the engaging members are adapted to engage opposite
sides of a tire, or of a tire and rim, and are arranged for
movement relative to each other.
(1) Note. The essence of this subclass is the substantial
opposition of the pushing members. Devices, therefore, in
which one of the members engages portions of a wheel other
than the felley or tire-holding rim are excluded and will be
found in subclass 1.17 supra.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.2 for devices wherein the opposed engaging members are
circumferentially distributed.
1.22 for devices wherein one of the opposed engaging members
is circumferentially traveling.
Subclass:
1.28
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.26. Devices
wherein both opposing members or parts thereof engage the
tire.
(1) Note. In cases where one of the opposing members engages
the rim in addition to the tire and where the enclosure
formed by the members embraces the rim rather than the tire,
and where the primary function of the rim engagement is
provision of an anchor point, the simultaneous tire
engagement of said element is regarded as incidental and
patent is placed in subclass 1.26.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling
Force, subclass 50.1 for similar devices used as resilient
tire casing spreaders and compressors.
Subclass:
1.3
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.17. Devices
consisting of a single lever.
(1) Note. This subclass is made up primarily of patents
wherein the device is a single rigid element. Plural element
devices are also included, however, when the relative
movement of the parts occurs merely (1) for the purpose of
moving the lever elements to change the overall dimensions
subsequent to the initial operation of the device in the
manner of a lever or pry, or (2) for purposes other than tire
setting or removal (e.g., stowage).
Subclass:
1.33
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Devices which
engage and remove or apply, or facilitate the removal or
application of, an annular tire retaining element which is
mounted on the rim as a barrier for the prevention of
relative axial movement between the tire and rim.
(1) Note. Retaining elements for the purpose of this
subclass may include, for example, discontinuous
groove-engaging lock rings as well as the retaining portions
of rims which are separable in an axial direction.
(2) Note. Loose flanges having a mere sliding fit on the rim
and which are themselves retained in the manner of a tire do
not normally furnish subject matter for this subclass unless
the device is disclosed as primarily intended for their
forcible application or removal.
(3) Note. Devices which merely shift a flange or tire
portion to expose the retainer prior to removal thereof are
excluded and will be found in subclasses 1.17+.
Subclass:
1.35
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1. Devices having
means to engage and distort a circumferentially discontinuous
rim in order to (1) contract and/or expand the same, or (2)
to offset and/or align the rim end, or both (1) and (2).
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
301, Land Vehicles: Wheels and Axles, subclass 33 for split
rims in which the offsetting contracting and/or expanding
device is a part thereof intended to be retained in position
thereon during normal use of the rim.
Subclass:
1.36
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.35. Devices having
three or more rim-engaging elements.
(1) Note. In determining the number of elements, those which
are rigidly connected together and those which engage on
opposite edges or faces of the rim in substantially the same
radial plane, as well as those combinations of members which
constitute a unitary rim clamping structure are regarded as
single elements.
Subclass:
1.37
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.36. Devices in
which two of the contacting elements are connected by a
system including a movable link and/or lever for drawing the
elements together or separating them, said link or lever
having an abutment or hook mounted thereon for applying a
force to a portion of the rim incident to movement of said
elements and substantially perpendicular to the direction of
said movement.
(1) Note. Devices of the type having arms of substantial
length which are designed to project in a radiating fashion
are excluded from this subclass and will be found in
subclasses 1.38 and 1.41.
Subclass:
1.38
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.36. Devices
provided with at least two arrangements for forcibly moving
certain of the rim engaging elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.44 for plural force-mechanism devices having less than
three rim engaging elements.
Subclass:
1.39
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.38. Devices in
which at least two manually operated controllers for the
driving arrangements are present.
Subclass:
1.4
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.39. Devices in
which the force-mechanisms are readily divisible into two
categories; i.e., main and subsidiary.
(1) Note. The subsidiary mechanism is usually of a character
different from and/or simpler than the main mechanism and can
be operated for its purpose without substantially affecting
the operation of the main mechanism. The disclosed purpose
for the subsidiary mechanism is frequently the offsetting of
the rim ends, while the main mechanism is usually disclosed
as operating to expand or contract the rim.
Subclass:
1.41
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.38. Devices having
(1) a plurality of toggle force-mechanisms lying in planes
perpendicular to that of a rim being operated on, or (2) a
radial or face cam whose axis is perpendicular to the plane
of the rim.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.35 for devices having less than three rim engaging
elements and operated by a linkage which is movable in a
plane perpendicular to the plane of the rim.
Subclass:
1.42
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.35. Devices in
which at least one of the rim-engaging elements consists of
two or more circumferentially spaced rim contacting portions
which are by appearance distinct, but which are in fact the
terminal portions of integrally connected arms, thereby
forming a single engaging element as defined for subclass
1.36 in (1) Note thereunder.
(1) Note. The integral connection between the arms is
sufficient for this subclass if the arms are so mounted that
relative movement circumferentially of the rim in either
direction is precluded when the device is in extended
condition ready for use.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.36 for devices having similar structure, but in which
relative movement between the arms is permitted.
Subclass:
1.43
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.35. Devices
composed of a linkage designed to operate on the rim in
response to actuation of two levers having handle portions
for engagement by the hands of the operator.
Subclass:
1.44
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.35. Devices
provided with at least two driving arrangements for forcibly
moving the rim engaging elements.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.38 for plural force-mechanism devices having three or more
rim engaging elements.
Subclass:
1.45
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.35. Devices
wherein the mechanism for moving the rim engaging means
includes a screw and nut.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.36 for devices of this character having three or more
rim-engaging elements.
1.41 for devices of this character where the screw and nut
mechanism actuates an axial toggle.
Subclass:
1.46
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.35. Devices
wherein the mechanism for moving the rim engaging means
includes (1) members having sliding engagement with each
other and/or (2) a rack and actuating means therefor (e.g., a
pinion, pawls, or the like).
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.45 for devices including sliding members which are screw
and nut actuated.
Subclass:
1.47
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.35. Devices made
up of one or more members such as pivoted links and/or levers
which are constrained to move in one or more planes
substantially normal to the axis of a rim on which the device
is operating.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.35 for devices having similar linkages not confined to
planes normal to the rim axis.
1.37 1.38, 1.4, for devices of this character having three or
more rim engaging elements.
1.43 for devices of this character consisting of two levers
each having a handle portion for manual actuation thereof.
Subclass:
1.48
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.47. Devices
composed of two link members pivotally interconnected.
(1) Note. Devices in which no more than one of the links are
extended for use as a manually actuated lever are included.
(2) Note. In determining the number of elements in the
linkage, parts whose primary purpose is to effect clamping
engagement with the rim are disregarded.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
1.43 for similar devices comprising two hand levers.
Subclass:
1.49
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.47. Devices
comprising a single rigid lever member movable relative to
the rim and designed to produce relative movement between the
rim ends.
(1) Note. Devices which include elements designed to be
clamped to the rim to operate as a part thereof and to which
the lever member is pivotally related are included.
Subclass:
1.5
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus for assembling metallic spoked wheels (e.g., "wire"
wheels), and/or for holding the felley and hub while trueing
the wheel.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 894.33, for similar methods.
144, Woodworking, subclass 288, see note (1).
Subclass:
1.55
This subclass is indented under subclass 1.5. Apparatus for
securing a spoke to a hub or felly by deforming the spoke,
hub, and/or felly.
Subclass:
2
Devices for compressing wheel-rims to force fellies in place,
etc.
Subclass:
3
Devices for guiding and forcing spokes into hubs.
Subclass:
4
Supports for holding the hub and guiding the spoke while it
is being driven.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
144, Woodworking, subclass 206 for making a wheel spoke.
Subclass:
5
Devices for forcing tires on wheel-rims.
Subclass:
7
Trestles on which the wheel is mounted in combination with
tanks into which the wheel or wheel-rim can be dipped to cool
the tire.
Subclass:
8
Removable devices for tightening tires without affecting the
construction of the wheel.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
301, Land Vehicles: Wheels and Axles, for devices for the
same purpose which form permanent parts of wheels.
Subclass:
9
Removable jacks for tightening tires by expanding the fellies
against the tire.
Subclass:
10
Fellies are expanded by a jack which is clamped to a spoke.
Subclass:
11
Presses for forcing tires off of wheel-rims.
Subclass:
12
Devices for pulling spokes or spoke-tenons out of hubs.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
254, Implements or Apparatus for Applying Pushing or Pulling
Force, especially subclass 18, and indented subclasses.
Subclass:
13
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus and processes, for treating the outer periphery of
a rubber tire casing by cutting, punching and/or rasping to
produce a desired tread or traction effect in or on said
periphery, or to prepare the periphery for treading or
retreading.
(1) Note. This subclass is the locus of art relating to tire
treading by a slitting or machining operation (except
abrading, for which see Class 451, Abrading) which art (in
the absence of this subclass) would ordinarily be classified
in accord with the particular machining. Both apparatus and
process are classified here on the basis of the article
worked and the functional utility of said working operation.
(2) Note. Patents classified here as originals should always
be cross-referenced in accord with the particular machining
disclosed to other appropriate classes.
(3) Note. See section III of the class definition of Class
29, Metal Working, for the definition of machining and
slitting.
(4) Note. This subclass does not include cutters, slitters
or rasps, per se, even when such tools are set forth as
applied to the treatment of rubber tires.
(5) Note. Included in this subclass, because of the general
similarity to tire treading and resurfacing, are processes
and devices provided for (A) the removal of mold flash from
either tire periphery or bead, and (B) the reclamation of
material from tires which does not necessitate the
destruction of the tire. The disclosure under (B) may be
limited to removal solely for the purpose of salvaging or
reworking said material but unless the claims are so limited
or restricted as to, of necessity, effect the destruction of
the tire (so that it may not be regrooved or recapped)
classification is proper in this subclass.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
29, Metal Working, subclass 76.1 for rasps or files, and
subclasses 402.01+ for the generic locus of processes of
repair.
69, Leather Manufactures, subclasses 9+ for skiving or
splitting devices.
82, Turning, appropriate subclasses.
83, Cutting, appropriate subclasses.
144, Woodworking, subclasses 306+ for a wheel support,
generally.
451, Abrading, for the treatment of rubber tires by an
abrading operation, and see (1) Note above.
Subclass:
14
WHEEL HOLDING MEANS:
This subclass is indented under the class definition.
Apparatus comprising means for holding at least one component
of the wheel (e.g., rim, tire, etc.) in a particular position
or orientation either relative to (a) another component of
the wheel when the wheel is assembled or disassembled, or (b)
a repairing or surfacing tool working on the tire component
of the wheel.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
subclasses 414+ for tire-building drums, per se, used with
tire-building apparatus.
248, Supports, appropriate subclasses for stands or supports
of general application.
269, Work Holders, appropriate subclasses for work holders of
general utility.
Subclass:
15
Including inflatable wheel gripping element:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Holding means
including an enclosed element having at least one flexible
wall, a side of the element being forced into gripping
contact with the wheel when a fluid is introduced into the
element.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
156, Adhesive Bonding and Miscellaneous Chemical Manufacture,
subclass 416 for building drums having an inflatable core.
269, Work Holders, subclass 22 for work holders including a
fluid-operated, work-engaging, movable diaphragm.
Subclass:
16
Including relatively movable wheel gripping jaws:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Holding means
including two or more jaws movable with respect to each other
into gripping contact with the tire.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
269, Work Holders, subclasses 86+ for work holders having
relatively movable work-engaging jaws.
Subclass:
17
With screw-nut actuating device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Holding means
wherein one of the jaws is moved by a device which includes a
threaded cylindrical rod which is either (a) rotated to move
a mating threaded rider attached to the jaw along its axis,
or (b) is attached to the jaw and is axially shifted by, and
relative to, a mating threaded element which is being
rotated.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
269, Work Holders, subclasses 240+ for work holders having
relatively movable, work-engaging jaws which are shifted
toward or away from each other by a screw-nut actuating
device.
Subclass:
18
With cam or wedge type actuating device:
This subclass is indented under subclass 16. Holding means
wherein one of the jaws is moved by a device which includes
either a rotatable camming or shiftable wedging element, a
surface of which slides against and moves a cooperating
surface on (a) the jaw, or (b) a follower element attached to
the jaw when a rotating or shifting force is applied to the
element, one of the engaged surfaces having an uneven contour
that causes the movement transmitted to the cooperating
surface by the element to be in a direction other than that
of the element.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
269, Work Holders, subclasses 229+ for work holders having
relatively movable, work-engaging jaws which are shifted
toward or away from each other by a cam, eccentric, or
wedge-type actuating device.
Subclass:
19
Means mounted to swing between locations:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Apparatus
wherein the means is supported by structure which allows it
to swing from one definite location to another.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
269, Work Holders, subclass 50 and 55+ for work holders
mounted for movement from one position to another with
respect to a base or support.
Subclass:
20
Means rotates about relatively fixed axis:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Apparatus
wherein the means is supported by structure which allows it
to rotate about a relatively fixed point.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
269, Work Holders, subclass 50 and 55+ for work holders
mounted for movement with respect to a base or support.
Subclass:
21
Adjustable or adaptable for different sizes or shapes:
This subclass is indented under subclass 14. Holding means
wherein the wheel-contacting elements of the means are either
(a) selectively usable, or (b) adjustably movable to
accommodate different sizes or shapes of the tire or rim
components of the wheel.
Information Products Division -- Contacts
Questions regarding this report should be directed to:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231
tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email: oeip@uspto.gov
Last Modified: 6 October 2000