DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES FOR SOLID FUELS (for solid fuels in combination with gaseous fuels, liquid fuels or other kinds of energy supply F24C1/02); IMPLEMENTS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH STOVES OR RANGES

Description

F24B covers heating appliances designed for domestic use that burn solid fuels such as coal, wood, or biomass, including traditional stoves, ranges, and fireplaces. The classification also encompasses functional implements and accessories specifically designed for operation and maintenance of these solid-fuel heating devices, such as ash removal tools, grates, and damper mechanisms. This subclass excludes industrial furnaces and boilers (covered under F27) and electric or gas-fired domestic heating equipment (covered under other F24 subclasses). Inventions in this area typically address fuel combustion efficiency, heat distribution, ash handling, and user safety features in solid-fuel heating systems.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass F24B recorded 5,958 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings declined from 485 in 2013 to 364 in 2023 (-25%), peaking at 691 applications in 2018. The most active applicants in class F24 are GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES (11,167 applications), QINGDAO HAIER AIR CONDITIONER COMPANY (9,225 applications) and HAIER SMART HOME (8,998 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings