Processes of manufacture and blanks or bars designed to be used in staple making.
(1) Note. The line between this class (59) and Class 206, Special Receptacle or Package, and Class 411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or Lock-Threaded Fastener, is as follows: In this class (59), this subclass (77), the blank may have the appearance of a mass of partially-shaped, nonsevered, staple-like elements; however, significant additional shaping, plus severing, is required to convert the blank into a plurality of staples. In Class 206, subclasses 340+, the package may be one of severably-connected staples. In Class 411, subclasses 442+, a plurality of fasteners of the class are secured one to another (e.g., a strip of staples).
(2) Note. A claim, even though stated to be a "blank", which is readable upon a completed article for Class 411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, Locked-Threaded Fastener, subclasses 442 and 457 is classified therein, for such a claim is generic to both the blank and the article, and therefore is considered to be best classified with the article.
(3) Note. Patents having claims to both the article and process or method are found in Class 411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or Locked-Threaded Fastener, subclasses 457+.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
206, Special Receptacle or Package,
206, for a fastener package including an ancillary content contacting medium and subclasses 338+ for a fastener package. See (1) Note, above.
411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or Locked-Threaded Fastener, 442+, and 457+, and see Notes (1) to (3) above.
428, Stock Material or Miscellaneous Articles,
571+, for metallic stock having a weakened portion for severing, and subclass 587 for a metallic workpiece mimicking the cross section of finished stock.
