EP0456741A4 - Indicators for garment hangers - Google Patents

Indicators for garment hangers

Info

Publication number
EP0456741A4
EP0456741A4 EP19900903132 EP90903132A EP0456741A4 EP 0456741 A4 EP0456741 A4 EP 0456741A4 EP 19900903132 EP19900903132 EP 19900903132 EP 90903132 A EP90903132 A EP 90903132A EP 0456741 A4 EP0456741 A4 EP 0456741A4
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
indicator
web
hook
hanger
cavity
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP19900903132
Other versions
EP0456741B1 (en
EP0456741A1 (en
Inventor
David John Marshall
Joseph Charles Hollis
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Spotless Plastics Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Spotless Plastics Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Spotless Plastics Pty Ltd filed Critical Spotless Plastics Pty Ltd
Publication of EP0456741A1 publication Critical patent/EP0456741A1/en
Publication of EP0456741A4 publication Critical patent/EP0456741A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0456741B1 publication Critical patent/EP0456741B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/04—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps to be fastened or secured by the material of the label itself, e.g. by thermo-adhesion
    • G09F3/06—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps to be fastened or secured by the material of the label itself, e.g. by thermo-adhesion by clamping action
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G25/00—Household implements used in connection with wearing apparel; Dress, hat or umbrella holders
    • A47G25/14—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers
    • A47G25/1407—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers with identification means
    • A47G25/1414—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers with identification means connected to the hook member
    • A47G25/1421—Clothing hangers, e.g. suit hangers with identification means connected to the hook member at the top

Definitions

  • This invention relates to indicators for garment hangers of the type which may be used ' to indicate the size of a garment supported by the hanger and/or the name of the manufacturer or retailer.
  • the invention therefore provides an indicator suitable for attachment to the hook of a moulded plastics garment hanger, comprising a body adapted to display indicia and having a downwardly opening cavity shaped and dimen'sioned to receive a narrow upwardly projecting web formed on a hook of a moulded plastics garment hanger, said cavity being shaped to provide spaced engagement points on said web in use such that said indicator is in use stably supported on said web.
  • the cavity is formed ith a centrally positioned means dimensioned and positioned to receive an abutment means formed on the upwardly projecting web of the hook of the hanger.
  • At least one side of the body of the indicator defining the cavity is formed *ith an opening adapted to receive said abutment.
  • each side of the body has an opening adapted to receive an abutment formed on either side of the web of the hanger hook.
  • the invention also provides the combination of a hanger having a hook with a narrow upwardly projecting web and an indicator as defined above engaging said web.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an indicator embodying the invention ;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the indicator of Figure 1 fitted to the hook of a hanger;
  • Figure 3 is a sectional end elevation of the indicator taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 2 but with the hook removed from the indicator, and
  • Figure 4 is a front elevation of the indicator and the hanger hook. Description of the Preferred Embodiment
  • the indicator embodying the invention will be seen to comprise a body 1 moulded from suitable plastics material having spaced flat sides 2 and 3 defining therebetween a cavity 4 dimensioned to receive a top web W of the hook H of a garment hanger, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings.
  • the sides 2 and 3 are formed with generally rectangular slots 5 and 6 centrally located adjacent the lower edges of the sides 2 and 3, and which are dimensioned and positioned to receive abutments A formed on either side of the web W of the hook H of the hanger to lock the indicator in position on the hook H.
  • the entrv of the abutments A into the slots 5 and 6 is achieved by the resilience of the plastics moulding forming the body 1.
  • Each side 2 and 3 of the indicator 1 is formed limbah indicia 7, in the present embodiment, a sizing number such as 12.
  • the indicia 7 is formed by moulded depressions in the sides 2 and 3, al though the indicia may equally well be formed by moulded raised portions or by adhesive labels applied to the sides 2 a.nd 3.
  • styling grooves such as 8 may also be formed in or on the surface of the sides 2 and 3.
  • the width of the indicator body 1 Is approximately the same as the width of the hook H of the hanger, and the indicator has a relatively low narrow rectangular profile, both of which features contribute to the indicator being less obtrusive than indicators ®f the type described in our Patent 509042.
  • shapes other than rectangular may be adopted, but it is considered desirable that the width of the indicator should * economically exceed the width of the hook of the ha ger so that the indicator is less obtrusive in use.
  • the indicator body is also formed with smoothly rounded edges, particularly at the upper most edge of the body, as shown in Figure 3. This feature allows the indicators to be sorted with the cavity directed downwardly by running tft,e indicators along a narrow edge in the sorting machine (not shown) whereby engagement between the rounded edges and the narrow edge cause an indicator engaging the edge in this manner to topple over so that its cavity is directed downwardly .
  • the web W formed on the hook of the hanger H i * s shaped to provide engagement points between the ends 9 and 10 of the opening to the cavity 4 and the top 11 of the cayity 4 when the indicator is fitted to the web W to limit movement of the indicator on the hook H.
  • the shape of the web W is not significantly different from a "normal" shape so the hanger can be used with or without the indicator. While the web shape shown in Figure 4 is preferred, for stability, a more standard web shape ill give acceptable results since the ends 9 and 10 of the opening to the cavity 4 of the indicator will still engage spaced edge portions of the web W to limit the amount of movement of the indicator even though the top of the web V does not contact the top 11 of the cavity 4. In either event, the web is significantly less obtrusive than the modified hook shape required in the case of the indicator of Patent No. 509042.
  • the web may be moulded with an upwardly projecting generally rectangular portion (not shown) which substantially fills the cavity 4 to inhibit any significant movement of the indicator on the web W of the hook H.
  • Such an arrangement has the advantage of providing a rectangular surface on the hook for labels when the indicator is not used .
  • the cavity 4 may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the web W, although the net benefit of such an arrangement would not appear to outweigh the extra amount of plastics required for such a moulding.
  • the indicator embodying the invention provides an aesthe ically acceptable alternative to the indicator disclosed in Patent No. 509042 with only a minimal modification being required to the shape of the hook of the hanger to which the indicator is to be applied.
  • the indicator presents a narrow profile which does not excessively modify the shape of the upper most end of the hook of the hanger, while the hook itself may be used without the indicator since it is not significantly different in shape to other hooks.
  • the indicators embodying the invention also le d themselves to automated application techniques which are assisted by the rounded upper edges of the indicator, as described in greater detail above.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Holders For Apparel And Elements Relating To Apparel (AREA)

Abstract

An indicator for attachment to the hook (H) of a moulded plastics garment hanger. The indicator has a body (1), moulded from plastics material, with spaced flat sides (2) and (3) forming a cavity (4) which is dimensioned to receive a top web (W) of the hook (H). The body (1) engages the web (W) at ends (9, 10) of the opening to the cavity (4) to retain the indicator in position on the web (W). The body also has slots (5) and (6) in the sides (2 and 3) adapted for engagement by abutments (A) on the web (W) to retain the indicator in position on the hook (H).

Description

TITLE: INDICATORS FOR GARMENT HANGERS Field o f the Invention
This invention relates to indicators for garment hangers of the type which may be used'to indicate the size of a garment supported by the hanger and/or the name of the manufacturer or retailer. Background of the Invention
The provision of a readily visible size indicator on a garment hanger is now accepted by retailers as a desirable addition to a garment hanger. The most widely accepted indicators have been manuf acturered by the applicant under Australian Patent Nos. 509042 (Aϋ-B 42320/78) and 522614 (AU-B 55988/80). While the indicator disclosed in Patent No. 509042 in particular has been well received by retailers, the desire of some retailers to reduce to a m i n i m_u m the costs of hangers and indicators has meant that other manufacturers have developed less aes hetically pleasing alternatives to the indicator of this patent. In addition, differences in attitude, particularly in overseas markets, have indicated that the "cap" indicator of Patent No. 509042 may be regarded by some as being too bulky and dominant in the overall view of the hanger and the garments supported thereon. Furthermore, since the hook of the hanger must be specially formed to accept this indicator, its use without the indicator may be regarded by some as aesthetically or commercially unacceptable. Summary of the Invention and Ob ject
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a less costly and less obtrusive alternative to the cap indicator described in the above patent.
The invention therefore provides an indicator suitable for attachment to the hook of a moulded plastics garment hanger, comprising a body adapted to display indicia and having a downwardly opening cavity shaped and dimen'sioned to receive a narrow upwardly projecting web formed on a hook of a moulded plastics garment hanger, said cavity being shaped to provide spaced engagement points on said web in use such that said indicator is in use stably supported on said web. In a preferred form, the cavity is formed ith a centrally positioned means dimensioned and positioned to receive an abutment means formed on the upwardly projecting web of the hook of the hanger. In one form, at least one side of the body of the indicator defining the cavity is formed *ith an opening adapted to receive said abutment. In a particularly preferred form, each side of the body has an opening adapted to receive an abutment formed on either side of the web of the hanger hook.
The invention also provides the combination of a hanger having a hook with a narrow upwardly projecting web and an indicator as defined above engaging said web. Brief Description of the Drawings
One presently preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an indicator embodying the invention ;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the indicator of Figure 1 fitted to the hook of a hanger;
Figure 3 is a sectional end elevation of the indicator taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 2 but with the hook removed from the indicator, and
Figure 4 is a front elevation of the indicator and the hanger hook. Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring to the drawings, the indicator embodying the invention will be seen to comprise a body 1 moulded from suitable plastics material having spaced flat sides 2 and 3 defining therebetween a cavity 4 dimensioned to receive a top web W of the hook H of a garment hanger, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings. The sides 2 and 3 are formed with generally rectangular slots 5 and 6 centrally located adjacent the lower edges of the sides 2 and 3, and which are dimensioned and positioned to receive abutments A formed on either side of the web W of the hook H of the hanger to lock the indicator in position on the hook H. The entrv of the abutments A into the slots 5 and 6 is achieved by the resilience of the plastics moulding forming the body 1.
Each side 2 and 3 of the indicator 1 is formed irith indicia 7, in the present embodiment, a sizing number such as 12. In the present case, the indicia 7 is formed by moulded depressions in the sides 2 and 3, al though the indicia may equally well be formed by moulded raised portions or by adhesive labels applied to the sides 2 a.nd 3.
If desired, styling grooves such as 8 may also be formed in or on the surface of the sides 2 and 3.
It will be appreciated from Figures '2 and 4 *of the drawings that the width of the indicator body 1 Is approximately the same as the width of the hook H of the hanger, and the indicator has a relatively low narrow rectangular profile, both of which features contribute to the indicator being less obtrusive than indicators ®f the type described in our Patent 509042. Of course, shapes other than rectangular may be adopted, but it is considered desirable that the width of the indicator should *„not materially exceed the width of the hook of the ha ger so that the indicator is less obtrusive in use.
The indicator body is also formed with smoothly rounded edges, particularly at the upper most edge of the body, as shown in Figure 3. This feature allows the indicators to be sorted with the cavity directed downwardly by running tft,e indicators along a narrow edge in the sorting machine (not shown) whereby engagement between the rounded edges and the narrow edge cause an indicator engaging the edge in this manner to topple over so that its cavity is directed downwardly .
The web W formed on the hook of the hanger H i*s shaped to provide engagement points between the ends 9 and 10 of the opening to the cavity 4 and the top 11 of the cayity 4 when the indicator is fitted to the web W to limit movement of the indicator on the hook H. By the same token, the shape of the web W is not significantly different from a "normal" shape so the hanger can be used with or without the indicator. While the web shape shown in Figure 4 is preferred, for stability, a more standard web shape ill give acceptable results since the ends 9 and 10 of the opening to the cavity 4 of the indicator will still engage spaced edge portions of the web W to limit the amount of movement of the indicator even though the top of the web V does not contact the top 11 of the cavity 4. In either event, the web is significantly less obtrusive than the modified hook shape required in the case of the indicator of Patent No. 509042.
Of course, the web may be moulded with an upwardly projecting generally rectangular portion (not shown) which substantially fills the cavity 4 to inhibit any significant movement of the indicator on the web W of the hook H. Such an arrangement has the advantage of providing a rectangular surface on the hook for labels when the indicator is not used .
Alternatively, the cavity 4 may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the web W, although the net benefit of such an arrangement would not appear to outweigh the extra amount of plastics required for such a moulding.
It will be appreciated from the above description that the indicator embodying the invention provides an aesthe ically acceptable alternative to the indicator disclosed in Patent No. 509042 with only a minimal modification being required to the shape of the hook of the hanger to which the indicator is to be applied. The indicator presents a narrow profile which does not excessively modify the shape of the upper most end of the hook of the hanger, while the hook itself may be used without the indicator since it is not significantly different in shape to other hooks.
The indicators embodying the invention also le d themselves to automated application techniques which are assisted by the rounded upper edges of the indicator, as described in greater detail above.

Claims

- 5 -
CLAIMS:
1. An indicator suitable for attachment to the hook' of a moulded plastics garment hanger, comprising a body adapted to display indicia and having a down ardly opening cavity shaped and dimensioned to receive a narrow upwardly projecting web formed on a hock of a moulded plastics garment hanger,, said cavity being shaped to provide spaced engagement points on said web in use such that said indicator is in use stably supported on said web.
2. The indicator of claim 1, wherein said body is .formed with means adapted to cooperate with corresponding mean,s on the upwardly projecting web of the hook of the hanger to retain said indicator on said upwardly projecting web.
3. The indicator of claim 1 or 2, wherein each upper most edge of said body is smoothly radiused to facilitate sorting of said indicators into a preferred orientation.
4. The indicator of any preceding claim, wherein said body has a low generally rectangular profile having a width less than the width of the hook of the hanger, the height of the indicator being less than about one third of the width of the indicator.
5. In combination, a moulded plastics indicator and a moulded plastics hanger having a hook formed with a narrow upwardly projecting web, said indicator comprising a body adapted to display indicia and having a downwardly opening cavity shaped and dimensioned to receive said narrow web, with spaced portions of the edge of said web engaging the ends of the opening to said cavity whereby said indicator is supported on said web in a stable manner.
6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said indicator body has a thickness which does not substantially exceed the thickness of the hook of the hanger at its upper end.
7. The combination of claim 5 or 6, further comprising inter engaging means formed in said body and on said web to secure said indicator on said web.
8. The combination of claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein said body has a low generally rectangular profile having a width less than the width of the hook of the hanger, the height of the indicator being less than about one third of the width of the indicator.
9. The combination of claim 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein said web has a smoothly curved upper edge dimensioned to engage or be closely adjacent to the top of said cavity.
EP90903132A 1989-02-08 1990-02-08 Indicators for garment hangers Expired - Lifetime EP0456741B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2623/89 1989-02-08
AUPJ262389 1989-02-08
PCT/AU1990/000048 WO1990009651A1 (en) 1989-02-08 1990-02-08 Indicators for garment hangers

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0456741A1 EP0456741A1 (en) 1991-11-21
EP0456741A4 true EP0456741A4 (en) 1992-08-19
EP0456741B1 EP0456741B1 (en) 1997-04-16

Family

ID=3773695

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90903132A Expired - Lifetime EP0456741B1 (en) 1989-02-08 1990-02-08 Indicators for garment hangers

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0456741B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69030495T2 (en)
HK (1) HK1000476A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1990009651A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5884422A (en) * 1988-12-20 1999-03-23 Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd. Indicator and garment hanger
US5628132A (en) * 1988-12-20 1997-05-13 Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd. Indicator and garment hanger
US5272806A (en) * 1988-12-20 1993-12-28 Plasti-Form Enterprises, Inc. Machine for injection molding and stacking indexing caps for clothes hangers
US5794363A (en) * 1988-12-20 1998-08-18 Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd. Hanger hook for a garment hanger with indicator
US5516013A (en) * 1992-04-16 1996-05-14 Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd. Garment hanger
WO1994007399A1 (en) * 1992-09-30 1994-04-14 Rainsfords Pty. Limited Garment hanger indicator system
AU678819B2 (en) * 1993-05-05 1997-06-12 Batts, Inc. Garment hanger sizing system and method of assembly to garment hangers
US5503310A (en) * 1993-10-01 1996-04-02 Different Dimensions, Inc. Combination indicator and garment hanger
FR2712473B1 (en) * 1993-11-16 1997-05-23 Stylmod Snc Siltex Double entry process with standardized size identification for textile products displayed on hangers.
US5775553A (en) * 1995-02-02 1998-07-07 Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd. Indicator attachment mechanism
US5603437A (en) * 1995-08-07 1997-02-18 Different Dimensions Inc. Garment hanger, size indicator and combination thereof
GB2424830B (en) 2002-02-15 2007-02-28 Stanley Frederick Gouldson Improved pinch grip hangers
US6711808B2 (en) 2002-02-15 2004-03-30 Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd. Pinch grip hanger loading mechanism
US7121439B2 (en) 2002-02-15 2006-10-17 Spotless Plastics Pty. Ltd. Pinch grip hanger
US6726067B2 (en) 2002-03-13 2004-04-27 Visconti Polyoak Ltd. Garment hanger and information indicator therefor
US7104428B2 (en) 2003-02-14 2006-09-12 Spotless Plastic Pty. Ltd. Hanger beam construction
USD788476S1 (en) 2015-12-02 2017-06-06 Target Brands, Inc. Hanger

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3401816A1 (en) * 1984-01-19 1985-07-25 MAWA - Metallwarenfabrik Wagner GmbH, 8068 Pfaffenhofen Coat hanger, trouser and skirt press and the like with identification or promotional finish in the region of the suspension hook

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR518708A (en) * 1917-11-24 1921-05-30 United Shoe Machinery Ab Further development of die-cutting machines
US3024953A (en) * 1959-02-24 1962-03-13 Joe P O'keefe Clothes hanger entangling guard
US3949914A (en) * 1975-02-07 1976-04-13 J. C. Penney Company, Inc. Size marker assembly
AU4231878A (en) * 1977-12-09 1979-06-14 F L Plastics Pty Ltd Indicator clips
AU509043B2 (en) * 1977-12-23 1980-04-17 B.G. Plastics Pty. Ltd. Indicators lor garment hangers
AU5701180A (en) * 1979-04-04 1980-10-09 B.G. Plastics Pty. Ltd. Garment hanger
AU522614B2 (en) * 1980-02-28 1982-06-17 B.G. Plastics Pty. Ltd. Garment hanger indicator
US4450639A (en) * 1982-04-02 1984-05-29 John Thomas Batts, Inc. Hanger with size indicator panel
AU1331383A (en) * 1982-05-14 1983-12-02 Johansson, G.A. Clothing data system
AU556252B2 (en) * 1983-04-08 1986-10-30 Rainsfords Pty Limited Coding means for garment hangers
AU3200884A (en) * 1983-08-16 1985-02-21 Garbor's Terra Pty. Ltd. Indicators for article hangers

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3401816A1 (en) * 1984-01-19 1985-07-25 MAWA - Metallwarenfabrik Wagner GmbH, 8068 Pfaffenhofen Coat hanger, trouser and skirt press and the like with identification or promotional finish in the region of the suspension hook

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO9009651A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0456741B1 (en) 1997-04-16
DE69030495D1 (en) 1997-05-22
EP0456741A1 (en) 1991-11-21
HK1000476A1 (en) 1998-03-27
WO1990009651A1 (en) 1990-08-23
DE69030495T2 (en) 1997-09-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5388354A (en) Indicators for garment hangers
US5794363A (en) Hanger hook for a garment hanger with indicator
US5884422A (en) Indicator and garment hanger
EP0456741A4 (en) Indicators for garment hangers
US4322902A (en) Indicators for garment hangers
CA1195301A (en) Hanger with size indicator panel
US5628132A (en) Indicator and garment hanger
US4394909A (en) Guard for a hanger assembly
US5485943A (en) Hanger with irremovable information tab
US4623079A (en) Garment hanger with grip
CA1269352A (en) Ganging hook for garment hangers
US6588634B2 (en) Garment hanger
US9155414B2 (en) Crown-type sizer for a hanger
KR20060100238A (en) Lower neck indicator for wire hook hangers
US20020190090A1 (en) Removable size indicator for a garment hanger
USD281575S (en) Hanger bracket and hook therefor
CA1269353A (en) Garment hanger with improved wire support
GB2461972A (en) Clothes hanger with snap in lower neck indicator
GB2064472A (en) Garment hanger
US5531417A (en) Loop hook with label holder
CA1098309A (en) Tally
AU638436B2 (en) Indicators for garment hangers
US6105834A (en) Garment hanger with dependent loop
USD301941S (en) Clothes hanger body and trouser bar therefor
USD436025S1 (en) Clothes bar

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19910813

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT NL

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 19920703

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT NL

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19940427

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT NL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19970416

Ref country code: NL

Effective date: 19970416

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69030495

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19970522

ET Fr: translation filed
NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20090227

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20090331

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20090217

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20100207

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20100207

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20100208