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Class 439 - Electrical connectors

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989 Subclasses


Subclasses list

Definition

This is the generic class for a pair of mated conductors comprising at least two electrically conducting elements which are interconnected to permit relative motion of such conducting elements during use without a break in electrical conductivity therebetween (see Subclass References to the Current Class, below).

Also, this is the generic class for a device constituting an electricity conducting contact between conductors of electricity; wherein the joint is of a type which may be readily made and broken, repeatedly by attachment and detachment of contact supporting structure on each conductor.

(1) Note. A soldered joint or joint formed by twisting together a pair of conductors and any of various other splices that is more or less permanent in nature is not generally provided for in this class. See the reference to Class 174 below for location of a device relating to such a splice joint. Also, see below for the scope of this class with regard to general utility and the lines with respect to other classes providing for a joint, per se. (2) Note. Included under this class definition is a device known in the art as a contact plug, an outlet receptacle, a lamp socket, a vacuum tube socket, a connection block, a cable terminal, a cable joint, a binding post, a cube tap, a grounding strap, etc. (3) Note. This class also includes a device specialized for use with an electrical connector and not elsewhere classifiable. Such a device may be, for example, any of certain types of mounting or supporting means, a locking device, a shield or cover, a strain relieving device, etc.

Lines with other classes and within this class

COMBINATION OF AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH ANOTHER DEVICE

With respect to a combination of an electrical connector with an art device, no absolutely uniform rule of classification can be set forth. Disposition of such combination depends on factors such as the nature of the combined art device, the manner in and extent to which such art device, per se, and in other combinations have been classified, the relationship of other classes to this class as regards superiority, and the manner in which the combination is claimed. Generally, the combination of an electrical connector with an art device is classifiable in the appropriate art class. Also, an electrical connector limited to arrangement or use with an art device is generally classified in the appropriate art class. Two or more different electrical devices combined with an electrical connector will be found in the class providing for the combined electrical devices, even though they are broadly recited.

CONNECTOR, PER SE, ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED

Since any mechanical joint, coupling or connector, when made of metal or other material capable of conducting an electrical current may be said to "electrically" connect, only such structure as are specially designed for and/or disclosed for electrical use have been placed in this class (Class 439).

A patent disclosing a connector having utility both as an electrical connector and as a mechanical coupling wherein the claims do not limit the connector function as an electrical connector is classified in the appropriate class providing for the mechanical joint.

A patent claiming a limitation of structure, composition, or arrangement utility in an electrical installation and not generally applicable to a class providing for the mechanical joint is classified in this class (Class 439). Reference to electrical insulation features is considered to establish electrical utility in an electrical installation.

As stated in the Class Definition, (2) Note, above, the connector of this class (Class 439) is generally of the type wherein an electrical joint can be readily made or broken and reused. Generally an electrical joint of a more permanent nature (e.g., molded, soldered, twisted or crimped connection) is not provided for in this class.

See the notes at the beginning of this section for the general rule of classification. However, certain specific types of electrical connectors are excepted from the general rule, as follows:

Electrode Joints - See Class 313 class definition, Lines With Other Classes, "Electrodes and Shields with Joints Therebetween" for the line between Class 403 and this class (439) with respect to electrode joints.

Rail Bonds - See Class 238, subclass 14.05, (6) Note for the line between the various classes with respect to rail bonds.

METHOD OR APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING OR APPLYING AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

A patent including a claim to an electrical connector structure of this class (439) and another claim to a process or an apparatus for manufacture of such an electrical connector is originally classified in this class (439) with a mandatory cross-reference in the appropriate manufacturing class. See References to Other Classes, below.
 
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