Definition

This class is an integral part of Class 252, as shown by the position of the box identifying this class in the Class 252 schedule. As such, this class is subject to the Class Definition and Notes of Class 252, except as noted in the box.

(1) STATEMENT OF CLASS SUBJECT MATTER

This class includes the following subject matter, not provided for elsewhere, when a utility set forth below is either (a) claimed or (b) solely disclosed.

(A) CLEANING COMPOSITIONS FOR SOLID SURFACES which are specialized and designed for, or peculiar to, use in cleaning or removing foreign matter from solid surfaces.

(B) AUXILIARY COMPOSITIONS, PER SE, for perfecting the cleaning compositions of this class or for perfecting a cleaning process (e.g. rinse- or dryer-added fabric softener compositions, etc.) for which there is no provision elsewhere.

(C) COMPOSITIONS OF THIS CLASS DEFINED IN TERMS OF SPECIFIC PHYSICAL STRUCTURE (E.G., TABLET, COATED PARTICLE, ETC.) - The lines generally prevailing between the composition classes and the article classes are applicable to Class 510 unless otherwise indicated, with the exception that Class 510 provides for a composition, per se, defined in terms of specific structure, having a utility for Class 510.

(D) PACKAGES of compositions of this class, or other articles which releasably enclose or support such compositions, for which there is no provision elsewhere.

(E) PROCESSES OF PREPARING subject matter of A - D not provided for elsewhere.

(2) CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES FOR THIS CLASS

(A) In this class, the classification of a composition is based on its primary utility as (a) a cleaning agent or (b) an auxiliary agent for perfecting a cleaning composition or a given stage of a cleaning process.

(1) Within category (a), above, the classification is based on (i) the claimed or solely disclosed utility for cleaning a specific substrate or removing a specific contaminant; or, for all-purpose cleaning compositions, or (ii) the presence of a specified perfecting component; (iii) the physical form of the claimed composition; (iv) the particular process of preparing the composition; and (v) the chemical nature of the components of the composition.

(2) Within category (b) of section A, above, the classification is based on (i) the claimed or solely disclosed utility as a perfecting component for a cleaning composition or as an auxiliary composition for cleaning, with further placement according to criteria (ii), (iii), and (v) of section A, (1), above.

(3) Within category (v) of section A (1), above, the chemical structure of the components of a composition disclosed as having a utility set forth in section A (1), above, is used as the primary basis of classification. Processes of using compositions or compounds, per se, and processes of making the compositions, not provided for elsewhere, are classified in the first appearing subclass providing for the particular component being employed or prepared.

(B) The rule followed in classifying a patent having separate claims to several species of a given ingredient which fall into different subclasses is that the patent is placed as an original in the first appearing subclass providing for the claimed subject matter and cross-referenced to the appropriate lower subclass(es). Where there are one or more indents under the generic subclass and one of the claimed species is not provided for specifically by any of these indents the patent is placed as original in the generic subclass, since this is the first appearing subclass providing for said individually claimed species. In classifying a patent containing Markush type claims (e.g., "group consisting of X and Y") and no species claims, the original patent is placed in the first appearing subclass providing for the species (members) in the Markush group. If, in addition to the Markush group, there are species claims, the first cited rule, governing a patent having separate species claims, is followed. The same rules apply to subject matter within the meaning of categories (i)-(iv) of section A, 1, above, by analogy with the "species" concept.

(C) Patents claiming subject matter coming within the Special Subclasses 101 through 107 have been classified on the basis of the claimed or disclosed function and the chemical structure of the active component (i.e., fragrance or aroma enhancer), and include compositions which otherwise would fall within subclasses 108 through 537 as originals.

(D) In determining the utility of a composition recited in broad terms (e.g., "a cleaning composition comprising," "a fabric softener composition comprising," etc.), use is made of the specific utility recited in any nominal method-of-use claims to determine placement of the patent within the categories of (a)(i) or (b)(i) of section A, above (e.g., the recitation of "a process of defluxing a printed circuit" or "a process of softening a fabric in the rinse cycle of an automatic washer" would place each patent in subclasses 175+ and 521+, respectively).

(E) Mere presence of a surfactant component is insufficient for placement of a patent in subclasses 108 through 512 of this class, since surface-active agents are used in minor amounts as emulsifying, suspending, dispersing, etc., agents in many other compositions, such as bleaches, fabric softeners, etc. The placement of such a patent is determined by the ultimate utility of the claimed composition.

(F) A patent claiming a cleaning or auxiliary composition without specifying its physical form has been placed as an original in the first subclass providing for the claimed composition as if a structureless powder were recited in the claims, and crossed into appropriate subclasses providing for any other disclosed or exemplified physical forms (e.g., liquid, tablet, etc.).

Lines with other classes and within this class

(A) GENERAL CLASS LINES

(1) COMPOUND CLASSES

a. Where a patent claims a Class 510 utility in nominal terminology only (e.g., "A process of producing a biodegradable detergent compound") and there are no claims to a Class 510 method of use or a true mixture, the original has been placed with the compound claimed.

(b) Where a patent claims a composition wherein, in addition to a compound, (i) another ingredient is recited, however broadly, or (ii) proportions are recited, the original has been placed in Class 510. Some examples of claims using broad terminology and included herewith are: "A cleaning composition comprising a surfactant of the formula," "with a detergent builder," "A cleaning composition comprising 1 to 5% of compound X," etc.

(2) COMPOSITION CLASSES

The rules for determining Class placement of the Original Reference (OR) for claimed chemical compositions are set forth in the Class Definition of Class 252 in the section LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS, subsection COMPOSITION CLASS SUPERIORITY, which includes a hierarchical ORDER OF SUPERIORITY FOR COMPOSITION CLASSES.

(3) PROCESS OF USE CLASSES

The following general lines exist between Class 510 and other classes providing for cleaning processes or containing patents wherein the claims recite a process of cleaning a solid substrate as provided for in that class.

(a) Where a patent claims a cleaning composition and a nominal process of using the composition, the original has been placed with the claimed composition. Some examples of nominal terminology are: "applying the composition and removing it [by rinsing, wiping, etc.]," "immersing the article to be cleaned in a cleaning bath containing the composition," etc.

(b) Where a cleaning composition, per se, is not claimed or where the claimed cleaning process involves significant process steps in using a claimed composition, the original has been placed with the claimed cleaning process. Examples of significant process steps include the use of a cleaning bath or medium at a specified non-ambient temperature, specified non-standard pretreatment and/or after-treatment step in addition to contact with the cleaning composition, etc.

(B) LINES WITH RELATED CLASSES

CLASS 8

(1) Class 8, Bleaching And Dyeing; Fluid Treatment And Chemical Modification Of Textiles And Fibers, provides for processes of bleaching, dyeing, cleaning, and laundering of textile materials. Class 8 also provides for optical brightener or blueing agent compositions.

(2) Class 510 provides for compositions for cleaning or laundering textile materials, and for any accompanying method of use claims reciting the mere application of claimed composition.

(3) Class 510 provides for cleaning compositions comprising a bleach, optical brightener, or blueing agent as a perfecting component.

CLASS 15

(1) Class 15, Brushing, Scrubbing, And General Cleaning, provides for cleaning implements coated or impregnated with a cleaning composition.

(2) Class 510 provides for cleaning compositions enclosed in or supported on an inactive material which merely serves to dispense a required amount of the cleaning composition.

CLASS 51

(1) Class 51, Abrasive Tool Making Process, Material, Or Composition, provides for abrasive compositions, per se.

(2) Class 510 provides for cleaning compositions which include an abrasive material as a perfecting component.

CLASS 106

(1) Class 106, Compositions: Coating Or Plastic, provides for coating compositions which form a film of polish on the base or prevent the formation of fog, frost, or ice thereon.

(2) Class 510 provides for cleaning compositions which include a component which deposits a film on the cleaned surface to provide a polished appearance or to prevent the formation of fog, frost, or ice on the surface.

CLASS 134

(1) Class 134, Cleaning And Liquid Contact With Solids, provides for processes of cleaning solid surfaces.

(2) Class 510 provides for compositions for cleaning solid surfaces, as well as any accompanying method of use claims reciting the mere application of the claimed composition.

CLASS 206

(1) Class 206, Special Receptacle Or Package, provides for packages or containers wherein the material for the container or content is specified.

(2) Class 510 provides for cleaning compositions or auxiliary compositions therefor which are enclosed in a defined package or container.

CLASS 252

(1) Class 252, Compositions, provides for compositions which form a permanent finish on textile materials and for compositions which enhance the appearance of consumer textile goods.

Class 510 takes textile cleaning and auxiliary compositions therefor having a fabric softening or antistatic component or a soil release or antisoiling component which is removed by subsequent laundering.

(2) Class 252 provides for dust suppressing compositions for bulk materials and for compositions for coating or impregnating a substrate used for collecting fine solid particles by adherence.

Class 510 takes compositions which bind or suppress dust in the course of a floor sweeping operation.

(3) Class 252 provides for water-softening or water-purifying or scale-inhibiting agents and for optical brightening compositions.

Class 510 takes cleaning compositions for solid surfaces which include a water-softening, scale-inhibiting or optical-brightening component, as well as for auxiliary compositions specifically designed for use with cleaning compositions which include a water-softening or scale-inhibiting component (e.g., detergent builder compositions, etc.) or an optical brightener (e.g., textile softening or antistatic compositions containing an optical brightener, etc.).

(4) Class 252 provides for oxidative or reductive bleachant, oxidant, reductant, and deoxidant compositions.

Class 510 takes cleaning compositions for solid surfaces and auxiliary compositions therefor which include a chemical bleach, oxidant, reductant, or deoxidant component.

(5) Class 252 provides for foam suppressant compositions and for wetting, emulsifying, or colloid dispersing or stabilizing surfactant compositions.

Class 510 takes cleaning compositions comprising a foam suppressing component or a surfactant component, as well as auxiliary surfactant compositions designed for use as a component in a cleaning composition.

(6) Class 252 provides for solvent compositions and mere soap compositions having a general utility.

Class 510 takes solvent containing compositions adapted for cleaning a solid surface as well as a cleaning composition which comprises soap as a component or consists of soap in a physical form suitable for direct use in cleaning (e.g., liquid, flake, bar, etc.).

CLASS 424

(1) Class 424, Drug, Bio-affecting And Body Treating Compositions, provides for biocidal compositions, including disinfectants or antiseptic compositions, per se.

Class 510 takes cleaning compositions and auxiliary compositions therefor protected against biological attack by a Class 424 composition, or containing a biocidal or antiseptic component as a perfecting ingredient.

(2) Class 424 provides for dentifrice compositions for oral use.

Class 510 takes compositions for cleaning removable dentures.

(3) Class 424 provides for shaving preparations, for medicated (e.g., antidandruff, etc.) hair shampoo compositions, and for hair conditioning, antifly, or softening compositions, per se (e.g., creme rinse, etc.).

Class 510 takes nonmedicated hair shampoo compositions, as well as shampoos comprising a conditioner, antistatic agent, or softener as a perfecting component which restores any natural moisture or suppleness lost in the cleaning process.

(4) Class 424 provides for medicated or emollient skin treating compositions, per se (e.g., moisturizing cream, lotion, etc.).

Class 510 takes nonmedicated compositions for cleansing human skin, as well as such cleansing compositions comprising an emollient as a perfecting component which restores any natural moisture and oils lost in the cleansing process.

CLASS 435

(1) Class 435, Chemistry: Molecular Biology And Microbiology, provides for enzymes, per se, which are not more specifically provided for elsewhere, and stabilized, immobilized, granular, or free-flowing enzyme compositions, unless a Class 510 utility is recited in the claim or is the sole utility disclosed. Class 435 also takes processes of cleaning using an enzyme and processes of preparing the above compositions.

(2) Class 510 takes enzyme compositions which are claimed or solely disclosed for use as a perfecting component in a cleaning composition, as well as cleaning compositions containing enzymes.

CLASS 514

Class 514, Drug, Bio-affecting And Body Treating Compositions, is an integral part of Class 424 (after subclass 780) and follows the schedule hierarchy, retaining all pertinent definitions and class lines of Class 424.

CLASS 516

Class 516, Colloid Systems and Wetting Agents; Subcombinations Thereof; Processes of Making, Stabilizing, Breaking, or Inhibiting, appropriate subclasses for subject matter relating to: colloid systems (such as sols*, emulsions, dispersions, foams, aerosols, smokes, gels, or pastes) or wetting agents (such as leveling, penetrating, or spreading); subcombination compositions of colloid systems containing at least an agent specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in making or stabilizing colloid systems; compositions and subcombination compositions specialized and designed for or peculiar to use in breaking (resolving) or inhibiting colloid systems (such as foam suppressants); processes of making the compositions or systems of the class; processes of breaking (resolving) or inhibiting colloid systems; in each instance, when generically claimed or when there is no hierarchically superior provision in the USPC for the specifically claimed art.

Class 510 takes cleaning compositions comprising a foam suppressing component or a surfactant component, as well as auxiliary surfactant compositions designed for use as a component in a cleaning composition.