EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING; FIREWORKS; AMMUNITION

Introduced: September 1968

Last revised: January 1990

Classification Context

Section:: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Class:: AMMUNITION; BLASTING
Subclass:: EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING; FIREWORKS; AMMUNITION

Description

F42B covers explosive charges and their applications across multiple domains: industrial blasting operations, fireworks and pyrotechnic devices, and ammunition for weapons systems. This subclass includes the design, composition, and construction of explosive devices, detonation mechanisms, and related safety features. The classification encompasses both conventional explosives and specialized charges for specific industrial or military purposes, excluding the weapons platforms themselves and general ammunition propellants covered in adjacent classes.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass F42B recorded 33,051 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 2,539 in 2013 to 3,020 in 2023 (+19%), peaking at 3,580 applications in 2018. The most active applicants in class F42 are RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION (442 applications), DETNET SOUTH AFRICA (440 applications) and BAE SYSTEMS (422 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

Related Keywords

AMMUNITIONpackaging of AMMUNITIONBOMBSBULLETSammunition CARTRIDGEScartridge CASE(S)explosive or blasting CHARGESFLARE(S) projectilesGRENADES for use as weaponsexplosive MINE(S)MISSILE(S)PACKAGING of ammunitionPROJECTILESROCKETS as missilesammunition SHELL(S)SHOT(S) [= ammunition]TORPEDOESWADS for ammunitionammunition for WEAPON(S)

24 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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F42B 1/00 Explosive charges characterised by form or shape but not dependent on shape of container
F42B 10/00 Means for influencing, e.g. improving, the aerodynamic properties of projectiles or missiles; Arrangements on projectiles or missiles for stabilising, steering, range-reducing, range-increasing or fall-retarding
F42B 12/00 Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
F42B 14/00 Projectiles or missiles characterised by arrangements for guiding or sealing them inside barrels, or for lubricating or cleaning barrels
F42B 15/00 Self-propelled projectiles or missiles, e.g. rockets; Guided missiles
F42B 17/00 Rocket torpedoes, i.e. missiles provided with separate propulsion means for movement through air and through water
F42B 19/00 Marine torpedoes, e.g. launched by surface vessels or submarines; Sea mines having self-propulsion means
F42B 21/00 Depth charges
F42B 22/00 Marine mines, e.g. launched by surface vessels or submarines
F42B 23/00 Land mines
F42B 25/00 Fall bombs
F42B 27/00 Hand grenades
F42B 29/00 Noiseless, smokeless, or flashless missiles launched by their own explosive propellant
F42B 3/00 Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive
F42B 30/00 Projectiles or missiles, not otherwise provided for, characterised by the ammunition class or type, e.g. by the launching apparatus or weapon used
F42B 33/00 Manufacture of ammunition; Dismantling of ammunition; Apparatus therefor
F42B 35/00 Testing or checking of ammunition
F42B 39/00 Packaging or storage of ammunition or explosive charges; Safety features thereof; Cartridge belts; Cartridge bags
F42B 4/00 Fireworks, i.e. pyrotechnic devices for amusement, display, illumination, or signal purposes
F42B 5/00 Cartridge ammunition, e.g. separately-loaded propellant charges

Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class F42, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION DE 442
DETNET SOUTH AFRICA ZA 440
BAE SYSTEMS GB 422
AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT KR 403
HANWHA CORPORATION KR 388
BEIJING INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 375
RAYTHEON COMPANY US 341
NANJING UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 284
TRUE VELOCITY IP HOLDINGS US 264
ANHUI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 243