COMBINATION OR MULTI-PURPOSE TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DETAILS OR COMPONENTS OF PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS NOT PARTICULARLY RELATED TO THE OPERATIONS PERFORMED AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

Description

This subclass covers combination tools integrating multiple functions within a single portable device (such as hammer-pry bar combinations or multi-bit screwdrivers) where the tool does not fit standard classifications for individual tool types. It also encompasses generic structural components, mechanisms, and features of portable power-driven tools—including handles, guards, speed controllers, chucks, and safety devices—that are not tied to specific tool operations and lack dedicated classifications elsewhere in B25. Inventions in this class typically address tool ergonomics, interchangeability, portability, or versatility rather than the performance of a particular task. Detailed designs for tool-specific mechanisms (e.g., feed mechanisms unique to drills or grinding wheels) are classified in their respective operation classes, not here.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass B25F recorded 24,053 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 1,764 in 2013 to 1,923 in 2023 (+9%), peaking at 2,678 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class B25 are FANUC (3,700 applications), ROBERT BOSCH (3,293 applications) and LG ELECTRONICS (2,871 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings