Description
This class is an integral part of Class 252, as shown by theposition of the box identifying this class in the Class 252 schedule.As such, this class is subject to the Class Definition and Notesof Class 252, except as noted in the box.
(1) STATEMENT OF CLASS SUBJECT MATTER
This class includes the following subject matter, not providedfor elsewhere, when a utility set forth below is either (a) claimedor (b) solely disclosed.
(A) CLEANING COMPOSITIONS FOR SOLID SURFACES which are specializedand designed for, or peculiar to, use in cleaning or removing foreignmatter from solid surfaces.
(B) AUXILIARY COMPOSITIONS, PER SE, for perfecting the cleaningcompositions 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 SPECIFICPHYSICAL STRUCTURE (E.G., TABLET, COATED PARTICLE, ETC.) - The linesgenerally prevailing between the composition classes and the articleclasses are applicable to Class 510 unless otherwise indicated,with the exception that Class 510 provides for a composition, perse, defined in terms of specific structure, having a utility forClass 510.
(D) PACKAGES of compositions of this class, or other articleswhich releasably enclose or support such compositions, for whichthere is no provision elsewhere.
(E) PROCESSES OF PREPARING subject matter of A - D not providedfor elsewhere.
(2) CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES FOR THIS CLASS
(A) In this class, the classification of a composition is basedon its primary utility as (a) a cleaning agent or (b) an auxiliaryagent for perfecting a cleaning composition or a given stage ofa cleaning process.
(1) Within category (a), above, the classification is basedon (i) the claimed or solely disclosed utility for cleaning a specificsubstrate or removing a specific contaminant; or, for all-purposecleaning compositions, or (ii) the presence of a specified perfectingcomponent; (iii) the physical form of the claimed composition; (iv) theparticular process of preparing the composition; and (v) the chemicalnature of the components of the composition.
(2) Within category (b) of section A, above, the classificationis based on (i) the claimed or solely disclosed utility as a perfectingcomponent for a cleaning composition or as an auxiliary compositionfor 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 chemicalstructure of the components of a composition disclosed as havinga utility set forth in section A (1), above, is used as the primarybasis 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 theparticular component being employed or prepared.
(B) The rule followed in classifying a patent having separateclaims to several species of a given ingredient which fall intodifferent subclasses is that the patent is placed as an originalin the first appearing subclass providing for the claimed subjectmatter and cross-referenced to the appropriate lower subclass(es).Where there are one or more indents under the generic subclass and oneof the claimed species is not provided for specifically by any ofthese indents the patent is placed as original in the generic subclass,since this is the first appearing subclass providing for said individually claimedspecies. In classifying a patent containing Markush type claims(e.g., "group consisting of X and Y") and no speciesclaims, the original patent is placed in the first appearing subclassproviding for the species (members) in the Markush group. If, inaddition to the Markush group, there are species claims, the firstcited rule, governing a patent having separate species claims, isfollowed. The same rules apply to subject matter within the meaningof categories (i)-(iv) of section A, 1, above, by analogy with the "species" concept.
(C) Patents claiming subject matter coming within the Special Subclasses 101through 107 have been classified on the basis of the claimed ordisclosed function and the chemical structure of the active component(i.e., fragrance or aroma enhancer), and include compositions whichotherwise would fall within subclasses 108 through 537 as originals.
(D) In determining the utility of a composition recited in broadterms (e.g., "a cleaning composition comprising," "afabric softener composition comprising," etc.), use is madeof the specific utility recited in any nominal method-of-use claimsto determine placement of the patent within the categories of (a)(i)or (b)(i) of section A, above (e.g., the recitation of "aprocess of defluxing a printed circuit" or "aprocess of softening a fabric in the rinse cycle of an automaticwasher" would place each patent in subclasses 175+ and521+, respectively).
(E) Mere presence of a surfactant component is insufficientfor placement of a patent in subclasses 108 through 512 of thisclass, since surface-active agents are used in minor amounts asemulsifying, suspending, dispersing, etc., agents in many othercompositions, such as bleaches, fabric softeners, etc. The placementof such a patent is determined by the ultimate utility of the claimedcomposition.
(F) A patent claiming a cleaning or auxiliary compositionwithout specifying its physical form has been placed as an originalin the first subclass providing for the claimed composition as ifa structureless powder were recited in the claims, and crossed intoappropriate subclasses providing for any other disclosed or exemplifiedphysical forms (e.g., liquid, tablet, etc.).