Definition

This class is the residual locus for:

(1) A device including a sheet retainer* in the form of means which passes through the thickness dimension of a sheet* or a group of sheets to secure the same in either geometrically congruent relation (see (1) Note below) or in haphazard arrangement and cooperates with structure (e.g., hole, peripheral incised opening, etc.) of the sheet(s) to releasably retain such sheet(s) therein or thereto in such a manner that removal thereof, in the manner intended, from the means may be accomplished without mutilation (e.g., tearing, deforming, etc.) of any portion of either the means or the sheet(s).

(2) such sheet retainer, per se.

(3) a depository* or other perfecting feature intended for attachment to and serving to perfect a sheet retainer* and its proximate function as set forth under (1) above, or

(4) a sheet, per se, notched or apertured to accommodate a sheet retainer of this class.

(1) Note. Such a device having structure limiting its use to, or combined with sheets disposed in a particular arrangement for exhibition (e.g., overlapped, side-by-side arrangement, etc.) is classified elsewhere (see search notes below referencing this note or see the appropriate container class). SCOPE OF THE CLASS Class 402 is intended as the locus for devices and subcombination thereof the proximate function of which is the retention of sheets* by sheet retainer* means which passes through the thickness dimension* of the sheets to releasably retain the sheets. The subject matter for the most part represents what is generally known as the loose-leaf binder "art". STRUCTURE OF THE CLASS The first-line subclasses of the class are based on the mode of operation of the sheet retainer*, where possible, with the remainder of the subclasses based on the structure (generally static) of the device. Provided in this class are cross-reference art collections based on disclosed use or particular characteristics as indicated in the titles and definitions thereof. These collections of disclosures are not exhaustive but are intended as aids to a search based on ultimate function or use, as a supplement to a search of other subclasses in this class, or as an indication of further related fields of search inside or outside this class. GENERAL NOTES This class (402) is restricted to the subject matter defined above in this Class Definition. The definition set forth above should, however, be read in the light of further limitations imposed thereon by the other sections and by any SEARCH CLASS notes in the subclass definitions. Figure 1 appearing in connection with certain defined terms in the Glossary is intended as an aid in comprehension of the limitations of the concepts incorporated in such term in the subclass titles and definitions. The details illustrated in such figure are not to be considered as constituting a structural limitation on the subject matter defined. An asterisk (*) has been applied to certain terms throughout this Class Definition to indicate that such terms have specific limitations in this class as set forth in the definitions of such terms in the Glossary, for which see. Where such asterisk is employed in a subclass definition, it will not be repeated in any subclass indented thereunder.

Lines with other classes and within this class

A. SPECIFIC RELATION TO CERTAIN COMBINATION CLASSES:

A combination of a specific sheet retainer* of the type provided for in this class (402) with a nominal depository* (e.g., "wall(s)" and "bottom", etc.) will be placed in this class (402), however, the combination of such sheet retainer with a particular depository (e.g., terraced receptacle; rack; compartmented receptacle; cabinet; pocketbook or other receptacle including a compartment which may accommodate a sheet retainer; etc.) will be placed in the appropriate class providing for such depository, for which see References to Other Classes, below, that reference this section.

B. SPECIFIC RELATION TO CERTAIN SUBCOMBINATION CLASSES:

This class provides for a device including means providing the retention of and the nondestructive removal therefrom of a sheet. However, a device generally known as a clamp or fastener for holding a sheet or an assembly of sheets in assembled relation will be placed in that class providing for such subject matter for which see the classes in References to Other Classes, below, referencing this section.