EP0516538A1 - Writing implement with fluid comprising a microporous buffer reservoir - Google Patents
Writing implement with fluid comprising a microporous buffer reservoir Download PDFInfo
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- EP0516538A1 EP0516538A1 EP92401454A EP92401454A EP0516538A1 EP 0516538 A1 EP0516538 A1 EP 0516538A1 EP 92401454 A EP92401454 A EP 92401454A EP 92401454 A EP92401454 A EP 92401454A EP 0516538 A1 EP0516538 A1 EP 0516538A1
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- Prior art keywords
- buffer tank
- tip
- tank
- reservoir
- article according
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
- B43K—IMPLEMENTS FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
- B43K8/00—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls
- B43K8/02—Pens with writing-points other than nibs or balls with writing-points comprising fibres, felt, or similar porous or capillary material
- B43K8/04—Arrangements for feeding ink to writing-points
- B43K8/06—Wick feed from within reservoir to writing-points
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a writing article with liquid ink, that is to say in which the ink is in the free state, not being trapped: in a fibrous reservoir.
- This writing article comprises a reservoir for the ink and a point ensuring by capillary action the transfer of the ink from the reservoir to the writing head proper, the writing head possibly consisting of the end of said tip. It relates more particularly to a writing article of the aforementioned type equipped with a buffer tank, intended to absorb and restore the excess ink in the event of variation in the conditions of use.
- liquid ink and transfer point writing items There are two categories of liquid ink and transfer point writing items.
- the reservoir which contains the ink is isolated from the ambient air and does not contain air; a flexible piston moves in the reservoir as ink is consumed and seals
- the reservoir which contains the ink is not isolated from the ambient air.
- a variation in the conditions of use in particular the increase in the pressure of the air contained in the tank due to heating of the air results in an abnormal inflow of ink in the transfer point and can cause stains or drips when the item is uncapped.
- the function of such a buffer or temporary reservoir is to absorb the excess ink coming from the reservoir before it reaches the writing head, that is to say from the front end of the point serving to write, and then, once normal conditions have been restored, to restore the ink it contains to the point.
- the buffer tank of document EP D380696 is a molded part, comprising comb-shaped radial slots and longitudinal slots connecting the radial slots and the central hollowed out part in contact with the transfer point.
- the radial slots have a very small and very regular thickness, that they are in large number and that in addition the buffer tank has grooves intended for the passage of air.
- the capacity in which the spongy mass is placed is in the front part of the article; there is therefore an intermediate chamber between this capacity and the tank, which is in communication with the ambient air through a lateral orifice.
- This excess may appear in the area of the tip close to the reservoir.
- excess ink can flow into the intermediate chamber and through the side port.
- the wick is fitted into a wick guide, provided over a part of its length with a so-called capillary tip.
- the spongy mass is arranged, in the capacity, around the drill guide.
- the article is equipped with a covering cap, that is to say a cap which is long enough to close the lateral orifice, in order to avoid drying of the wick at the level of the intermediate chamber, in the event of non-use.
- the aim which the applicant has set himself is to propose an article for writing in liquid ink, of the second category, but which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the two aforementioned known articles.
- a writing article with liquid ink which is composed of a body whose rear part constitutes the reservoir for the ink, of a transfer point whose rear end opens into the reservoir and of which the front end, forming a writing tip, opens out of the body through a central orifice and a buffer tank which is able to absorb and restore the excess ink coming from the tip by capillarity in the event of variation of the pressure prevailing in the reservoir and which is in a hydrophobic material with open pores.
- the buffer tank is in the form of at least one compact block adjusted loosely around the tip, and there are free spaces for air circulation between the tip and the wall of the central orifice and on the other hand between the internal wall of the body and the buffer tank.
- the excess ink which flows into the tip is captured by capillarity in the pores of the hydrophobic material and therefore penetrates into the buffer reservoir.
- the air circulation for the restoration of the pressure is done thanks to the free spaces between the tank and the body of the article and between the point and the wall of its central outlet.
- the ink that is consumed by the tip preferably comes from the pores of the hydrophobic material, which gradually empty.
- the desired technical effect is achieved thanks to the material itself and its porosity, the open pores fulfilling the role of radial and longitudinal slots in the buffer tank of document EP 0380696.
- the production of this tank, by molding or by machining from 'a block of said material is very simple.
- hydrophobic material is adjusted loosely around the tip. Over-tightening would crush and seal the pores and / or capillaries of the tip and prevent ink from rising by capillary action from the tip to the buffer tank.
- the compact block shape, fitted around the tip, allows intimate contact of the hydrophobic material with open pores, over the entire periphery of the tip.
- the porous hydrophobic material constituting the reservoir is based on microspheres and is obtained by thermofusion of a mixture of microspheres of at least two thermoplastic materials of different grades.
- the body and the buffer tank both have a circular transverse section, the outside diameter of the buffer tank being less than at least one millimeter than the inside diameter of the body. Air circulation can thus take place in the annular zone surrounding the buffer tank.
- the buffer tank has, in cross section, the shape of a regular polygon whose vertices are in close proximity to the internal wall of the body and whose sides delimit free spaces with said internal wall.
- This particular arrangement allows the circulation of air in the free spaces thus delimited between the internal wall of the body and the different faces of the buffer tank; on the other hand it allows centering and holding the buffer tank inside the body, the longitudinal edges of the regular polygon resting on the inside wall of the body.
- the buffer tank consists of modular blocks stacked, joined or having a determined spacing between them. This makes it possible to standardize the manufacture of modular blocks and to use the same components regardless of the size of the article.
- the buffer tank consists of a stack of washers, at least some of which have an annular shoulder so as to create recesses around the tip and between the washers. These recesses contribute to better air circulation around the tip.
- the annular shoulders are for example located towards the peripheral part of the washer.
- the capillarity of the buffer tank is differentiated in the longitudinal direction taken in the direction of the tip, being more capillary near the tank than near the central outlet orifice of the tip.
- This differentiated capillarity can be achieved either using a stack of modular blocks, or using a monobloc reservoir.
- each block will have a given capillarity, different from that of one of the other blocks, and the stacking is carried out by placing the blocks in decreasing order of capillarity starting from the reservoir.
- the differentiated capillarity is obtained for example, in the case of microspheres linked by thermofusion, by a differentiated heat treatment, according to the desired capillarity, or also by a choice of microspheres of different sizes being smaller in the area with greater capillarity.
- Figure 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the article.
- FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view in cross section along the line AA in FIG. 1.
- Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a buffer tank consisting of a stack of washers.
- Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an article with a buffer tank of circular section.
- Figure 5 is a partial schematic sectional view of a buffer tank fitted on the outer wall of the ink tank.
- the writing article 1 consists firstly of a substantially cylindrical hollow body 2, the bottom 3 of which is closed, the front part 4 of which is terminated by a cone 5 comprising a central orifice 6, and the rear part 7 acts as a reservoir 8 for liquid ink 9.
- Said reservoir 8 is closed by an internal partition 10 which has a central orifice 11.
- Article 1 consists secondly of a cylindrical transfer point 12, made of a material capable of ensuring the transfer of the ink by capillary action, in particular made of felt made of compacted acrylic or polyester fibers.
- This tip 12 is positioned along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the body 2. Its rear end 12 a is force-fitted slightly into the central orifice 11 of the partition 10 so that the tightness of the reservoir 8 is ensured, but without crushing of this end 12 a so that there can be circulation of ink and air by the tip 12.
- Its front end 12 b bevelled in a warhead or other configuration and forming a head d 'writing, is centered in the central hole 6 of the conical part 5 of the body 2.
- Article 1 is made up, thirdly, of the buffer tank 13 which surrounds the transfer point 12 in the internal part of the body 2 between the tank 8 and the cone 5.
- the buffer tank 13 is a hydrophobic material, with open pores, of very high porosity. In the example illustrated in Figure 2, it has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped of square cross section. It has a cylindrical central recess 14, shaped to accommodate the transfer point 12, in an adjusted manner but without clamping, that is to say without crushing the capillaries of the felt constituting the point 12 or the pores on the surface of the recess central 14 of the buffer tank 13.
- the longitudinal edges 14 of the buffer tank 13 are substantially supported on the inner cylindrical wall 15 of the body 2. They delimit four free spaces 16 between said wall 15 and the flat faces 17 of the buffer tank 13.
- the hydrophobic, open-pore material constituting the buffer reservoir 13 is obtained by thermofusion of a mixture of microspheres or microbeads of two types of polypropylene of different grades, that is to say of polypropylene having different melting temperatures. After a homogeneous mixing of the microspheres in a suitable mold, they are brought to a given temperature which is higher than the melting temperature of polypropylene of the first type and lower than the melting temperature of polypropylene of the second type. In this way the polypropylene constituting the microspheres of the first bottom type, which on the one hand creates the microcavities corresponding to the open pores and on the other hand ensures the cohesion of all the polypropylene microspheres of the second type.
- these were microspheres having a diameter of 140 micrometers. After thermofusion the open pore material obtained had a void percentage of the order of 40%.
- the operation of the writing article is as follows.
- the ink 9 which is contained in the tank 8 and which is in contact with the rear end 12a of the tip 12 is absorbed and migrates by capillary action in the tip 12 to its front end 12 b .
- the ink consumed by the writing head is replaced progressively with ink coming from the reservoir 8.
- a pressure balance is established between the air contained in the reservoir 8 and the air prevailing in the rest of the body 2.
- this excess ink does not reach the writing head 12b ; by capillary action, the excess ink diffuses into the open pores of the microporous material in contact with the capillaries of the tip 12, until the pressure balance is restored.
- the microporous material acts well as a complementary reservoir for the ink.
- the ink that is consumed by the writing head 12 b preferentially from the buffer tank 13.
- the buffer tank 13 gradually empty the ink contained in the outermost pores from the tip 12 diffusing by capillary action to said tip 12.
- the article 1 is closed using the cap 26 (FIG. 1), the configuration of which is designed to secure it on the cone 5 and to cover the end 12 b of the point 12 without contact.
- the principle of operation of the buffer tank 13 is based on the thermodynamic balance of the constituents of article 1. For this balance to be reached quickly, it is necessary to have good air circulation between the outside and inside the article.
- the central orifice 6 of the cone 5 terminal of the body 2 may delimit free spaces around the front end 12 b of the point, allowing this air circulation. This can be obtained by lugs 18 distributed over the periphery of the internal wall of the neck 19 extending the cone 5, and serving to maintain the tip 12.
- the reservoir 13 is made up of stacked modules 20, each module being in accordance with the invention in a hydrophobic material with open pores, of high porosity.
- each module 20 has the shape of a washer, pierced with a central orifice 21 for the insertion of the point and provided on one of the faces 23 with an annular shoulder 22, extending the external part of the washer 20.
- the stacking is carried out by superimposing the washers, so that the face 23, comprising a shoulder 22, of a given washer applies to the flat face 24 of the adjacent washer.
- This arrangement forms in the buffer tank 13 a set of internal recesses 25 around the tip 12, which promotes the circulation of air.
- the buffer tank has a differentiated capillarity in the longitudinal direction, this direction being taken in the direction of the tip. More precisely, the capillarity of the buffer tank 13 in its upper part 13 a , that is to say that which is close to the ink tank 8, is greater than that of the lower part 13 b of the tank 13 c ' that is to say that which is close to the central outlet orifice 6.
- This differentiated capillarity makes it possible to capture the excess ink produced in the event of a pressure variation as soon as this excess is created, namely close to the reservoir d 'ink.
- the buffer tank 13 begins to fill in its upper part 13 a and then gradually towards the lower part 13 b . It is therefore possible to obtain a progressive and complete filling of the buffer tank 13.
- This differentiated capillarity can be obtained in several ways.
- the microspheres present in the lower part 13 b of the block will have a larger diameter than the microspheres present in the upper part 13 a .
- thermofusion conditions it was possible to vary the temperature slightly while obtaining the bonding of the microspheres and the partial melting sought.
- the capillarity was all the greater as the thermofusion was carried out at a low temperature.
- This effect of differentiated capillarity over the height of the buffer tank can be obtained by using several stacked modular blocks, each having a determined capillarity. For this, it suffices, during stacking, to arrange the modular blocks, around the tip 12, in decreasing order of capillarity, from the modular block closest to the rear end 12 a of the tip.
- a better positioning of the buffer tank inside the body 2 can be obtained by fitting the upper part 13 a of the tank onto a tubular shoulder 26 of the internal partition 10, surrounding the central orifice 11 through which the tip passes. 12.
- This tubular shoulder 26 has a determined height H and the buffer tank 13 is hollowed out in its upper part 13 a at a height h less than H , so that when the buffer tank 13 is adjusted around the tip 12 said tank can be fitted onto the tubular shoulder 26 at the height h .
- the presence of the tubular shoulder 26 makes it possible to obtain a blocking in position of the buffer tank 13, at a predetermined distance e which is equal to the difference in the heights H and h , so that the buffer tank is not in contact with the inner wall 10 closing off the reservoir 10.
- the microporous hydrophobic material can be based on a material other than polypropylene, for example polyethylene marketed under one of the trademarks HOSTALEN or GUR from the company HOECHST, or polytetrafluoroethylene. It can be a material having the same structure or an equivalent structure, obtained by other means than the thermofusion of microspheres of two materials of different grades.
- It can also be a material obtained by thermofusion of microspheres of more than two materials of different grades.
- the shape of the buffer tank is not limited to the two cases described above, in which it was square and cylindrical. It is possible to choose any shape which is on the one hand adapted to the geometrical configuration of the interior volume of the body of the article and on the other hand which allows the circulation of air as has been explained.
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Abstract
Description
La présente invention concerne un article d'écriture à encre liquide, c'est-à-dire dans lequel l'encre est à l'état libre, n'étant pas emprisonnée:dans un réservoir fibreux. Cet article d'écriture comporte un réservoir pour l'encre et une pointe assurant par capillarité le transfert de l'encre depuis le réservoir jusqu'à la tête d'écriture proprement dite, la tête d'écriture pouvant consister dans l'extrémité de ladite pointe. Elle concerne plus particulièrement un article d'écriture du type précité équipé d'un réservoir tampon , destiné à absorber et restituer l'excès d'encre en cas de variation des conditions d'utilisation.The present invention relates to a writing article with liquid ink, that is to say in which the ink is in the free state, not being trapped: in a fibrous reservoir. This writing article comprises a reservoir for the ink and a point ensuring by capillary action the transfer of the ink from the reservoir to the writing head proper, the writing head possibly consisting of the end of said tip. It relates more particularly to a writing article of the aforementioned type equipped with a buffer tank, intended to absorb and restore the excess ink in the event of variation in the conditions of use.
Il existe deux catégories d'article d'écriture à encre liquide et à pointe de transfert. Dans les articles de la première catégorie , le réservoir qui contient l'encre est isolé de l'air ambiant et ne contient pas d'air; un piston souple se déplace dans le réservoir au fur et à mesure de la consommation d'encre et fait étanchéitéThere are two categories of liquid ink and transfer point writing items. In articles of the first category, the reservoir which contains the ink is isolated from the ambient air and does not contain air; a flexible piston moves in the reservoir as ink is consumed and seals
Dans les articles de la seconde catégorie , le réservoir qui contient l'encre n'est pas isolé de l'air ambiant. Dans ce cas, une variation des conditions d'utilisation, notamment l'augmentation de la pression de l'air contenue dans le réservoir due à un échauffement de l'air se traduit par un afflux anormal d'encre dans la pointe transfert et peut provoquer des taches ou coulures quand l'article est décapuchonné. Pour éviter ce phénomène , on a prévu d'équiper ce type d'article d'un réservoir tampon tel que celui faisant l'objet du document EP D380696. Un tel réservoir tampon ou temporaire a pour fonction d'absorber l'excès d'encre provenant du réservoir avant qu'il n'atteigne la tête d'écriture, c'est-à-dire de l'extrémité avant de la pointe servant à écrire, et ensuite , une fois les conditions normales rétablies , de restituer à la pointe l'encre qu'il contient.In articles of the second category, the reservoir which contains the ink is not isolated from the ambient air. In this case, a variation in the conditions of use, in particular the increase in the pressure of the air contained in the tank due to heating of the air results in an abnormal inflow of ink in the transfer point and can cause stains or drips when the item is uncapped. To avoid this phenomenon, provision has been made to equip this type of article with a buffer tank such as that which is the subject of document EP D380696. The function of such a buffer or temporary reservoir is to absorb the excess ink coming from the reservoir before it reaches the writing head, that is to say from the front end of the point serving to write, and then, once normal conditions have been restored, to restore the ink it contains to the point.
Le réservoir tampon du document EP D380696 est une pièce moulée, comportant des fentes radiales en forme de peigne et des fentes longitudinales mettant en communication les fentes radiales et la partie centrale évidée en contact avec la pointe transfert.The buffer tank of document EP D380696 is a molded part, comprising comb-shaped radial slots and longitudinal slots connecting the radial slots and the central hollowed out part in contact with the transfer point.
Pour obtenir de bons résultats, il est nécessaire que les fentes radiales aient une épaisseur très faible et très régulière, qu'elles soient en grand nombre et que de plus le réservoir tampon comporte des rainures destinées au passage de l'air.To obtain good results, it is necessary that the radial slots have a very small and very regular thickness, that they are in large number and that in addition the buffer tank has grooves intended for the passage of air.
La réalisation d'un tel réservoir n'est pas simple et est d'un coût élevé, d'autant plus que le moule correspondant ne peut convenir qu'à un seul article standard.The realization of such a tank is not simple and is of a high cost, especially since the corresponding mold can only be suitable for one standard article.
On avait déjà proposé dans le document CH.A. 422 575 un article d'écriture, à encre liquide, muni d'un dispositif régulateur de débit qui était constitué par une capacité dans laquelle était disposée une masse spongieuse à cellules ouvertes de préférence dans un matériau n'absorbant pas l'encre, cette capacité communiquant avec les canaux qui amènent l'encre à l'organe scripteur, par exemple avec une mèche servant de pointe d'écriture.We had already proposed in document CH.A. 422 575 a writing article, in liquid ink, provided with a flow-regulating device which was constituted by a capacity in which was placed a spongy mass with open cells preferably in a material which does not absorb ink, this ability to communicate with the channels which bring ink to the scripting organ, for example with a wick serving as a writing tip.
L'article présenté dans ce document CH.A. 422.575 qui date de 1966 n'a pas été industrialisé, à ce jour. Selon le demandeur le mode de réalisation préféré qui y est décrit présente plusieurs inconvénients.The article presented in this document CH.A. 422.575 which dates from 1966 has not been industrialized to date. According to the applicant, the preferred embodiment described therein has several drawbacks.
D'abord la capacité dans laquelle est disposée la masse spongieuse est dans la partie avant de l'article; il existe donc une chambre intermédiaire entre cette capacité et le réservoir, qui est en communication avec l'air ambiant grâce à un orifice latéral. Le demandeur a remarqué qu'en cas de variation de pression entraînant un excès d'encre dans la pointe, cet excès peut apparaître dans la zone de la pointe proche du réservoir. Dans le cas de l'article conforme au document CH.A. 422 575, l'encre en excès peut couler dans la chambre intermédiaire et par l'orifice latéral.First, the capacity in which the spongy mass is placed is in the front part of the article; there is therefore an intermediate chamber between this capacity and the tank, which is in communication with the ambient air through a lateral orifice. The applicant has noted that in the event of a pressure variation resulting in an excess of ink in the tip, this excess may appear in the area of the tip close to the reservoir. In the case of an article conforming to document CH.A. 422 575, excess ink can flow into the intermediate chamber and through the side port.
Ensuite, la mèche est emmanchée dans un guide-mèche, muni sur une partie de sa longueur d'une pointe dite capillaire. La masse spongieuse est disposée, dans la capacité, autour du guide-mèche. Ainsi il n'y a pas à proprement parler de contact entre la mèche et la masse spongieuse. Il faut donc un excès très important d'encre dans la mèche pour que celle-ci sorte par la fente capillaire et soit absorbée par la masse spongieuse. Cette disposition peut provoquer des dysfonctionnements et des coulures par la mèche elle-même, avant que le régulateur de débit ne joue son rôle.Then, the wick is fitted into a wick guide, provided over a part of its length with a so-called capillary tip. The spongy mass is arranged, in the capacity, around the drill guide. Thus there is strictly speaking no contact between the wick and the spongy mass. It therefore requires a very large excess of ink in the wick so that it leaves through the capillary slit and is absorbed by the spongy mass. This This arrangement can cause malfunctions and drips by the wick itself, before the flow regulator plays its role.
Enfin, il est indispensable que l'article soit équipé d'un capuchon couvrant c'est-à-dire d'un capuchon qui soit suffisamment long pour venir obturer l'orifice latéral, afin d'éviter le séchage de la mèche au niveau de la chambre intermédiaire, en cas de non-utilisation.Finally, it is essential that the article is equipped with a covering cap, that is to say a cap which is long enough to close the lateral orifice, in order to avoid drying of the wick at the level of the intermediate chamber, in the event of non-use.
Le but que s'est fixé le demandeur est de proposer un article d'écriture à encre liquide , de la seconde catégorie, mais qui pallie les inconvénients précités des deux articles connus précités.The aim which the applicant has set himself is to propose an article for writing in liquid ink, of the second category, but which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the two aforementioned known articles.
Ce but est parfaitement atteint par l'article de l'invention. Il s'agit d'un article d'écriture à encre liquide qui est composé d'un corps dont la partie arrière constitue le réservoir pour l'encre, d'une pointe de transfert dont l'extrémité arrière débouche dans le réservoir et dont l'extrémité avant , formant pointe d'écriture, débouche hors du corps par un orifice central et d'un réservoir tampon qui est apte à absorber et restituer l'excès d'encre provenant de la pointe par capillarité en cas de variation de la pression régnant dans le réservoir et qui est dans un matériau hydrophobe à pores ouverts.This object is perfectly achieved by the article of the invention. It is a writing article with liquid ink which is composed of a body whose rear part constitutes the reservoir for the ink, of a transfer point whose rear end opens into the reservoir and of which the front end, forming a writing tip, opens out of the body through a central orifice and a buffer tank which is able to absorb and restore the excess ink coming from the tip by capillarity in the event of variation of the pressure prevailing in the reservoir and which is in a hydrophobic material with open pores.
De manière caractéristique le réservoir tampon est sous forme d'au moins un bloc compact ajusté sans serrage autour de la pointe, et il existe des espaces libres pour la circulation de l'air entre d'une part la pointe et la paroi de l'orifice central et d'autre part entre la paroi interne du corps et le réservoir tampon.Typically the buffer tank is in the form of at least one compact block adjusted loosely around the tip, and there are free spaces for air circulation between the tip and the wall of the central orifice and on the other hand between the internal wall of the body and the buffer tank.
En cas de variation de pression dans le réservoir , l'excès d'encre qui afflue dans la pointe est capté par capillarité dans les pores du matériau hydrophobe et pénètre donc dans le réservoir tampon. La circulation d'air pour le rétablissement de la pression, se fait grâce aux espaces libres entre le réservoir et le corps de l'article et entre la pointe et la paroi de son orifice central de sortie. Une fois les conditions normales de pression rétablies, l'encre qui est consommée par la pointe provient préférentiellement des pores du matériau hydrophobe, qui se vident progressivement. L'effet technique recherché est atteint grâce au matériau proprement dit et à sa porosité, les pores ouverts remplissant le rôle de fentes radiales et longitudinales du réservoir tampon du document EP 0380696. La réalisation de ce réservoir, par moulage ou par usinage à partir d'un bloc dudit matériau est des plus simples.In the event of a pressure variation in the reservoir, the excess ink which flows into the tip is captured by capillarity in the pores of the hydrophobic material and therefore penetrates into the buffer reservoir. The air circulation for the restoration of the pressure, is done thanks to the free spaces between the tank and the body of the article and between the point and the wall of its central outlet. When normal pressure conditions are restored, the ink that is consumed by the tip preferably comes from the pores of the hydrophobic material, which gradually empty. The desired technical effect is achieved thanks to the material itself and its porosity, the open pores fulfilling the role of radial and longitudinal slots in the buffer tank of document EP 0380696. The production of this tank, by molding or by machining from 'a block of said material is very simple.
Il importe que le matériau hydrophobe soit ajusté sans serrage autour de la pointe. Un serrage excessif écraserait et obturerait les pores et/ou les capillaires de la pointe et empêcherait la montée de l'encre par capillarité depuis la pointe vers le réservoir tampon.It is important that the hydrophobic material is adjusted loosely around the tip. Over-tightening would crush and seal the pores and / or capillaries of the tip and prevent ink from rising by capillary action from the tip to the buffer tank.
La forme en bloc compact, ajusté autour de la pointe,permet un contact intime du matériau hydrophobe à pores ouverts, sur toute la périphérie de la pointe.The compact block shape, fitted around the tip, allows intimate contact of the hydrophobic material with open pores, over the entire periphery of the tip.
De préférence, le matériau hydrophobe poreux, constitutif du réservoir , est à base de microsphères , et est obtenu par thermofusion d'un mélange de microsphères d'au moins deux matières thermoplastiques de grades différents.Preferably, the porous hydrophobic material constituting the reservoir is based on microspheres and is obtained by thermofusion of a mixture of microspheres of at least two thermoplastic materials of different grades.
Il s'agit par exemple d'un matériau à base de polypropylène, réalisé avec des microsphères ayant un diamètre de l'ordre de 140 micromètres, et comportant de l'ordre de 40% de vide, aprés thermomoulage des microsphères entre elles.It is for example a material based on polypropylene, produced with microspheres having a diameter of the order of 140 micrometers, and comprising of the order of 40% vacuum, after thermomolding the microspheres together.
Selon un premier mode avantageux de réalisation, le corps et le réservoir tampon ont tous deux une secion transversale circulaire, le diamètre extérieur du réservoir tampon étant inférieur d'au moins un millimètre au diamètre intérieur du corps. La circulation de l'air peut ainsi se faire dansla zone annulaire entourant le réservoir tampon.According to a first advantageous embodiment, the body and the buffer tank both have a circular transverse section, the outside diameter of the buffer tank being less than at least one millimeter than the inside diameter of the body. Air circulation can thus take place in the annular zone surrounding the buffer tank.
Selon un second mode avantageux de réalisation, le réservoir tampon a, en section transversale, la forme d'un polygone régulier dont les sommets sont à proximité immédiate de la paroi interne du corps et dont les côtés délimitent des espaces libres avec ladite paroi interne. Cette disposition particulière permet la circulation de l'air dans les espaces libres ainsi délimités entre la paroi interne du corps et les différentes faces du réservoir tampon ; d'autre part elle permet le centrage et le maintien du réservoir tampon à l'intérieur du corps , les arêtes longitudinales du polygone régulier prenant appui sur la paroi intérieure du corps.According to a second advantageous embodiment, the buffer tank has, in cross section, the shape of a regular polygon whose vertices are in close proximity to the internal wall of the body and whose sides delimit free spaces with said internal wall. This particular arrangement allows the circulation of air in the free spaces thus delimited between the internal wall of the body and the different faces of the buffer tank; on the other hand it allows centering and holding the buffer tank inside the body, the longitudinal edges of the regular polygon resting on the inside wall of the body.
Selon une version particulière, le réservoir tampon est constitué de blocs modulaires empilés, jointifs ou ayant entre eux un espacement déterminé. Ceci permet de standardiser la fabrication des blocs modulaires et d'utiliser les mêmes composants quelle que soit la taille de l'article.According to a particular version, the buffer tank consists of modular blocks stacked, joined or having a determined spacing between them. This makes it possible to standardize the manufacture of modular blocks and to use the same components regardless of the size of the article.
Par exemple, le réservoir tampon est constitué d'un empilement de rondelles dont au moins certaines présentent un épaulement annulaire en sorte de créer des évidements autour de la pointe et entre les rondelles. Ces évidements contribuent à une meilleur ciculation de l'air autour de la pointe.For example, the buffer tank consists of a stack of washers, at least some of which have an annular shoulder so as to create recesses around the tip and between the washers. These recesses contribute to better air circulation around the tip.
Les épaulements annulaires sont par exemple situés vers la partie périphérique de la rondelle.The annular shoulders are for example located towards the peripheral part of the washer.
De préférence, la capillarité du réservoir tampon est différenciée dans le sens longitudinal pris dansla direction de la pointe, étant plus capillaire près du réservoir que près de l'orifice central de sortie de la pointe.Preferably, the capillarity of the buffer tank is differentiated in the longitudinal direction taken in the direction of the tip, being more capillary near the tank than near the central outlet orifice of the tip.
Ceci permet d'obtenir une absorption immédiate de l'excès d'encre, au plus près de son apparition dans la mèche et d'optimiser la capacité de rétention d'encre du réservoir.This makes it possible to obtain an immediate absorption of the excess ink, as close as possible to its appearance in the wick and to optimize the ink retention capacity of the reservoir.
Cette capillarité différenciée peut être réalisée soit à l'aide d'un empilement de blocs modulaires, soit à l'aide d'un réservoir monobloc.This differentiated capillarity can be achieved either using a stack of modular blocks, or using a monobloc reservoir.
Dans le cas de l'empilement, chaque bloc aura une capillarité donnée, différente de celle de l'un des autres blocs, et l'empilement est réalisé en plaçant les blocs par ordre décroissant de capillarité en partant du réservoir.In the case of stacking, each block will have a given capillarity, different from that of one of the other blocks, and the stacking is carried out by placing the blocks in decreasing order of capillarity starting from the reservoir.
Dans le cas du réservoir monobloc, la capillarité différenciée est obtenue par exemple, s'agissant de microsphères liées par thermofusion, par un traitement thermique différencié, selon la capillarité souhaitée, ou encore par un choix de microsphères de tailles différentes étant plus petites dans la zone à plus grande capillarité.In the case of the monobloc reservoir, the differentiated capillarity is obtained for example, in the case of microspheres linked by thermofusion, by a differentiated heat treatment, according to the desired capillarity, or also by a choice of microspheres of different sizes being smaller in the area with greater capillarity.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui va être faite d'un exemple de réalisation d'un article d'écriture à encre liquide et à réservoir tampon, illustré par le dessin annexé dans lequel :Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which will be given of an exemplary embodiment of a writing article in liquid ink and with a buffer tank, illustrated by the appended drawing in which:
La figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale de l'article.Figure 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the article.
La figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale selon la ligne AA de la figure 1.FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view in cross section along the line AA in FIG. 1.
La figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un réservoir tampon constitué d'un empilement de rondelles.Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a buffer tank consisting of a stack of washers.
La figure 4 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale d'un article à réservoir tampon de section circulaire.Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an article with a buffer tank of circular section.
La figure 5 est une vue schématique partielle en coupe d'un réservoir tampon emmanché sur la paroi extérieure du réservoir d'encre.Figure 5 is a partial schematic sectional view of a buffer tank fitted on the outer wall of the ink tank.
L'article d'écriture 1 est constitué en premier lieu d'un corps 2 creux sensiblement cylindrique dont le fond 3 est obturé , dont la partie antérieure 4 est terminée par un cône 5 comportant un orifice central 6, et dont la partie postérieure 7 fait office de réservoir 8 pour l'encre liquide 9. Ledit réservoir 8 est fermé par une cloison intérieure 10 qui comporte un orifice central 11.The
L'article 1 est constitué en deuxième lieu d'une pointe de transfert 12 cylindrique, réalisée dans un matériau apte à assurer le transfert de l'encre par capillarité notamment en feutre fait de fibres acryliques ou de polyester compactées. Cette pointe 12 est positionnée selon l'axe longitudinal de symétrie du corps 2. Son extrémité arrière 12a est emmanchée légèrement à force dans l'orifice central 11 de la cloison 10 de sorte que l'étanchéité du réservoir 8 soit assurée, mais sans écrasement de cette extrémité 12 a de sorte qu'il puisse y avoir circulation de l'encre et de l'air par la pointe 12. Son extrémité avant 12b , taillée en biseau en ogive ou d'une autre configuration et formant tête d'écriture, est centrée dans l'orifice central 6 de la partie conique 5 du corps 2.
L'article 1 est constitué en troisième lieu du réservoir tampon 13 qui entoure la pointe transfert 12 dans la partie intérieure du corps 2 comprise entre le réservoir 8 et le cône 5.
Le réservoir tampon 13 est un matériau hydrophobe, à pores ouverts, de très grande porosité. Dans l'exemple illustré à la figure 2,il a la forme d'un parallélépipède rectangle de section transversale carrée. Il comporte un évidement central 14 cylindrique, conformé pour accueillir la pointe transfert 12, de manière ajustée mais sans serrage, c'est-à-dire sans écrasement des capillaires du feutre constitutif de la pointe 12 ni des pores en surface de l'évidement central 14 du réservoir tampon 13.The
Les arêtes longitudinales 14 du réservoir tampon 13 prennent sensiblement appui sur la paroi cylindrique intérieure 15 du corps 2. Elles délimitent quatre espaces libres 16 entre ladite paroi 15 et les faces planes 17 du réservoir tampon 13.The longitudinal edges 14 of the
Dans l'exemple illustré à la figure 4, il a une forme extérieure cylindrique, avec le même évidement central. Son diamètre extérieur d est inférieur au diamètre intérieur D du corps d'au moins un millimètre, laissant un espace annulaire suffisant pour la circulation de l'air.In the example illustrated in Figure 4, it has a cylindrical outer shape, with the same central recess. Its outside diameter d is less than the inside diameter D of the body by at least one millimeter, leaving sufficient annular space for air circulation.
Le matériau hydrophobe, à pores ouverts, constitutif du réservoir tampon 13 est obtenu par thermofusion d'un mélange de microsphères ou microbilles de deux types de polypropylène de grades différents, c'est-à-dire de polypropylène ayant des températures de fusion différentes. Après un mélange homogène des microsphères dans un moule adapté, celles-ci sont portées à une température donnée qui est supérieure à la température de fusion du polypropylène du premier type et inférieure à la température de fusion du polypropylène du second type. De la sorte le polypropylène constitutif des microsphères du premier type fond, ce qui d'une part crée les microcavités correspondant aux pores ouverts et d'autre part assure la cohésion de l'ensemble des microsphères de polypropylène du second type.The hydrophobic, open-pore material constituting the
Dans un exemple précis de réalisation, il s'agissait de microsphères ayant un diamètre de 140 micromètres. Après thermofusion le matériau à pores ouverts obtenu avait un pourcentage de vide de l'ordre de 40%.In a specific embodiment, these were microspheres having a diameter of 140 micrometers. After thermofusion the open pore material obtained had a void percentage of the order of 40%.
Le fonctionnement de l'article d'écriture est le suivant. En usage normal, l'encre 9 qui est contenue dans le réservoir 8 et qui est en contact avec l'extrémité arrière 12a de la pointe 12 est absorbée et migre par capillarité dans la pointe 12 jusqu'à son extrémité avant 12b. L'encre consommée par la tête d'écriture est remplacée au fur et à mesure par de l'encre provenant du réservoir 8. Il s'établit un équilibre de pression entre l'air contenu dans le réservoir 8 et l'air régnant dans le reste du corps 2.The operation of the writing article is as follows. In normal use, the
En cas de perturbation due notamment à une augmentation de pression dans le réservoir 8, par exemple due à un échauffement de l'article 1, il y a un excès d'encre 9 qui afflue depuis le réservoir 8 dans la pointe 12.In the event of a disturbance due in particular to an increase in pressure in the
En l'absence de réservoir tampon 13, cet excès d'encre migrerait jusqu'à la tête d'écriture 12b et provoquerait une alimentation anormale de l'article 1 , susceptible de former des taches ou des coulures sur le support d'écriture.In the absence of a
Grâce à la présence du réservoir tampon 13, cet excès d'encre ne parvient pas à la tête d'écriture 12b; par capillarité, l'encre excédentaire diffuse dans les pores ouverts du matériau micro poreux en contact avec les capillaires de la pointe 12, jusqu'à ce que l'équilibre de pression se rétablisse. Ainsi le matériau microporeux fait bien office de réservoir complémentaire pour l'encre.Thanks to the presence of the
Lors de l'utilisation de l'article 1 , l'encre qui est consommée par la tête d'écriture 12b provient préférentiellement du réservoir tampon 13. Le réservoir tampon 13 se vide progressivement , l'encre contenue dans les pores les plus éloignés de la pointe 12 diffusant par capillarité jusqu'à ladite pointe 12.When use of the
Après utilisation, l'article 1 est refermé à l'aide du capuchon 26 (figure 1) dont la configuration est conçue pour assurer son blocage sur le cône 5 et pour recouvrir sans contact l'extrémité 12b de la pointe 12.After use, the
On comprend que le principe du fonctionnement du réservoir tampon 13 repose sur l'équilibre thermodynamique des constituants de l'article 1. Pour que cet équilibre soit atteint rapidement, il est nécessaire d'avoir une bonne circulation de l'air entre l'extérieur et l'intérieur de l'article. A cet effet l'orifice central 6 du cône 5 terminal du corps 2 pourra délimiter des espaces libres autour de l'extrémité avant 12b de la pointe, permettant cette circulation d'air. Ceci peut être obtenu par des ergots 18 répartis sur la périphérie de la paroi interne du col 19 prolongeant le cône 5, et servant au maintien de la pointe 12.We understand that the principle of operation of the
Dans un second exemple illustré par la figure 3, le réservoir 13 est constitué de modules 20 empilés, chaque module étant conformément à l'invention dans un matériau hydrophobe à pores ouverts, de grande porosité.In a second example illustrated by FIG. 3, the
La réalisation en modules empilés permet d'utiliser des modules identiques pour des articles de tailles différentes, en faisant varier le nombre de modules de l'empilement.The realization in stacked modules makes it possible to use identical modules for articles of different sizes, by varying the number of modules of the stack.
Dans le cas présent, chaque module 20 a la forme d'une rondelle, percée d'un orifice central 21 pour l'insertion de la pointe et pourvue sur une des faces 23 d'un épaulement annulaire 22, prolongeant la partie extérieure de la rondelle 20.In the present case, each
Comme cela apparaît clairement sur la figure 3, l'empilement est réalisé en superposant les rondelles, de telle sorte que la face 23, comportant un épaulement 22, d'une rondelle donnée s'applique sur la face 24 plate de la rondelle adjacente. Cette disposition forme dans le réservoir tampon 13 un ensemble d'évidements 25 intérieurs, autour de la pointe 12, qui favorise la circulation d'air.As is clearly shown in FIG. 3, the stacking is carried out by superimposing the washers, so that the
Selon un mode préféré de réalisation, illustré à la figure 5, le réservoir tampon présente une capillarité différenciée dans le sens longitudinal, ce sens étant pris selon la direction de la pointe. Plus précisément, la capillarité du réservoir tampon 13 dans sa partie haute 13a, c'est-à-dire celle qui est proche du réservoir d'encre 8, est plus importante que celle de la partie basse 13b du réservoir 13 c'est-à-dire celle qui est proche de l'orifice central de sortie 6. Cette capillarité différenciée permet de capter l'excès d'encre produit en cas de variation de pression dès la création de cet excès, à savoir près du réservoir d'encre. Ainsi le réservoir tampon 13 commence à se remplir dans sa partie haute 13a puis progressivement vers la partie basse 13b. On peut donc obtenir un remplissage progressif et complet du réservoir tampon 13.According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, the buffer tank has a differentiated capillarity in the longitudinal direction, this direction being taken in the direction of the tip. More precisely, the capillarity of the
Cette capillarité différenciée peut être obtenue de plusieurs manières. On peut, lors de la constitution du bloc compact constituant le réservoir tampon 13, à l'aide de microsphères de grades différents, disposer dans le moule des microsphères de tailles différentes sur la hauteur du moule. Les microsphères présentes dans la partie basse 13b du bloc seront d'un diamètre plus important que les microsphères présentes dans la partie haute 13a. Le demandeur a en effet remarqué que la capillarité était d'autant plus grande que les microsphères étaient petites.This differentiated capillarity can be obtained in several ways. One can, during the constitution of the compact block constituting the
On peut aussi obtenir une capillarité différenciée en faisant varier les conditions de thermofusion. Le demandeur a en effet remarqué que lors de la réalisation du bloc compact à l'aide des microsphères, il était possible de faire varier légèrement la température tout en obtenant le collage des microsphères et la fusion partielle recherchée. Dans un exemple précis de réalisation, pour un bloc ayant des microsphères d'un diamètre déterminé, il a été remarqué que la capillarité était d'autant plus grande que la thermofusion a été réalisée à une température basse. Ainsi pour obtenir la capillarité différenciée, il a suffi d'appliquer sur le moule une température qui était, dans la zone correspondant à la partie haute 13a du réservoir tampon 13, inférieure à celle appliquée dans la zone correspondant à la partie basse 13b du réservoir tampon 13.It is also possible to obtain a differentiated capillarity by varying the thermofusion conditions. The applicant has in fact noticed that during the production of the compact block using the microspheres, it was possible to vary the temperature slightly while obtaining the bonding of the microspheres and the partial melting sought. In a specific embodiment, for a block having microspheres of a determined diameter, it was noted that the capillarity was all the greater as the thermofusion was carried out at a low temperature. Thus to obtain the differentiated capillarity, it was sufficient to apply to the mold a temperature which was, in the zone corresponding to the upper part 13 a of the
Cet effet de capillarité différenciée sur la hauteur du réservoir tampon peut être obtenu en mettant en oeuvre plusieurs blocs modulaires empilés, ayant chacun une capillarité déterminée. Pour cela, il suffit, lors de l'empilement, de disposer les blocs modulaires, autour de la pointe 12, par ordre décroissant de capillarité, à partir du bloc modulaire le plus proche de l'extrémité arrière 12a de la pointe.This effect of differentiated capillarity over the height of the buffer tank can be obtained by using several stacked modular blocks, each having a determined capillarity. For this, it suffices, during stacking, to arrange the modular blocks, around the
Un meilleur positionnement du réservoir tampon à l'intérieur du corps 2 peut être obtenu grâce à un emboîtement de la partie haute 13a du réservoir sur un épaulement tubulaire 26 de la cloison intérieure 10, entourant l'orifice central 11 par lequel passe la pointe 12. Cet épaulement tubulaire 26 a une hauteur déterminée H et le réservoir tampon 13 est creusé dans sa partie haute 13a sur une hauteur h inférieure à H, en sorte que lors de l'ajustement du réservoir tampon 13 autour de la pointe 12 ledit réservoir puisse être emmanché sur l'épaulement tubulaire 26 sur la hauteur h. La présence de l'épaulement tubulaire 26 permet d'obtenir un blocage en position du réservoir tampon 13, à une distance prédéterminée e qui est égale à ladifférence des hauteurs H et h, de telle sorte que le réservoir tampon ne soit pas en contact avec la paroi intérieure 10 obturant le réservoir 10.A better positioning of the buffer tank inside the
L'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation qui ont été décrits à titre d'exemples non exhaustifs.The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been described by way of non-exhaustive examples.
En particulier le matériau hydrophobe microporeux, à grande porosité, peut être à base d'un autre matériau que le polypropylène, par exemple du polyéthylène commercialisé sous l'une des marques commerciales HOSTALEN ou GUR de la firme HOECHST, ou encore du polytétrafluoréthylène . Il peut s'agir d'un matériau ayant la même structure ou une structure équivalente, obtenue par d'autres voies que la thermofusion de microsphères de deux matériaux de grades différents.In particular, the microporous hydrophobic material, with high porosity, can be based on a material other than polypropylene, for example polyethylene marketed under one of the trademarks HOSTALEN or GUR from the company HOECHST, or polytetrafluoroethylene. It can be a material having the same structure or an equivalent structure, obtained by other means than the thermofusion of microspheres of two materials of different grades.
Il peut aussi s'agir d'un matériau obtenu par thermofusion de microsphères de plus de deux matériaus de grades différents.It can also be a material obtained by thermofusion of microspheres of more than two materials of different grades.
La forme du réservoir tampon n'est pas limitée aux deux cas décrits ci-desus, dans lesquels elle était carrée et cylindrique. Il est possible de choisir toute forme qui soit d'une part adaptée à la configuration géométrique du volume intérieur du corps de l'article et d'autre part qui permette la circulation d'air comme cela a été expliqué.The shape of the buffer tank is not limited to the two cases described above, in which it was square and cylindrical. It is possible to choose any shape which is on the one hand adapted to the geometrical configuration of the interior volume of the body of the article and on the other hand which allows the circulation of air as has been explained.
Claims (12)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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FR9106483A FR2676969B1 (en) | 1991-05-27 | 1991-05-27 | LIQUID INK WRITING ARTICLE HAVING A BUFFER-MICROPOROUS TANK. |
FR9106483 | 1991-05-27 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP0516538A1 true EP0516538A1 (en) | 1992-12-02 |
EP0516538B1 EP0516538B1 (en) | 1995-07-26 |
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EP92401454A Expired - Lifetime EP0516538B1 (en) | 1991-05-27 | 1992-05-27 | Writing implement with fluid comprising a microporous buffer reservoir |
Country Status (7)
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EP (1) | EP0516538B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE125496T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69203654T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK0516538T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2077994T3 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2676969B1 (en) |
GR (1) | GR3017329T3 (en) |
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DE4343880A1 (en) * | 1993-12-22 | 1995-06-29 | Schwan Stabilo Schwanhaeusser | Writing instrument for ink |
EP0681924A1 (en) * | 1994-05-11 | 1995-11-15 | Conte S.A. | Writing implement with fluid, especially solvent based |
FR2730188A1 (en) * | 1995-02-07 | 1996-08-09 | Conte | WRITING OR COLORING ARTICLE WITH INK MADE FROM A COMPACT BLOCK OF POROUS MATERIAL |
GB2304311A (en) * | 1995-08-14 | 1997-03-19 | Dataprint R Kaufmann Kg | A writing implement having temporary capillary ink store |
FR2747611A1 (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1997-10-24 | Conte Sa | BUFFER TANK FOR LIQUID INK WRITING ARTICLE AND WRITING ARTICLE COMPRISING SUCH A TANK |
EP0822098A1 (en) * | 1996-08-02 | 1998-02-04 | Conte S.A. | Writing implement with fluid, whose reservoir is provided with anti-run dry system |
WO1998021052A2 (en) * | 1996-11-12 | 1998-05-22 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Fluid dispensing utensil |
US6089776A (en) * | 1991-05-14 | 2000-07-18 | Kaufmann; Rainer | Fluid dispensing utensil |
EP1050417A1 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 2000-11-08 | Universal S.p.A. | Felt-tip pen or similar writing instrument and manufacturing method thereof |
EP1065073A1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2001-01-03 | Sanford GmbH | Writing implement |
WO2001000424A1 (en) * | 1999-06-28 | 2001-01-04 | Sanford L.P. | Free ink system |
EP1066982A1 (en) * | 1999-07-05 | 2001-01-10 | Schwan-STABILO Schwanhäusser GmbH & Co. | Device for applying ink to a surface |
FR2805773A1 (en) | 2000-03-02 | 2001-09-07 | Conte | Writing device, consists of ink containing reservoir, writing nib transferring ink from reservoir to writing medium and removable protecting cap |
WO2001064453A1 (en) | 2000-03-02 | 2001-09-07 | Conte | Writing implement whereof the writing nib comprises a retarder and method for making same |
US6322268B1 (en) | 1993-11-12 | 2001-11-27 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Efficient fluid dispensing utensil |
US6416242B1 (en) | 1993-11-12 | 2002-07-09 | Dataprint R. Kaufmann Gmbh | Efficient fluid dispensing utensil |
WO2002058943A1 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2002-08-01 | Conte | Liquid ink writing article with shape-memory valve |
US6457892B1 (en) | 2001-04-20 | 2002-10-01 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Writing instrument having a capillary hole through the container |
WO2003018327A1 (en) * | 2001-08-23 | 2003-03-06 | Hics Corporation | Writing implement |
US6637965B1 (en) | 2001-06-22 | 2003-10-28 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Writing instrument having a reservoir between a tip and a capillary storage |
US6659671B1 (en) | 2001-06-04 | 2003-12-09 | Tsukasa Felt Shoji Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink introducing tube and writing instrument incorporated with the same |
WO2003101759A1 (en) * | 2002-05-31 | 2003-12-11 | Hics Corporation | Writing implement |
US6695517B2 (en) | 2001-03-26 | 2004-02-24 | Sanford, L.P. | Free ink system |
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DE1511344A1 (en) * | 1966-09-28 | 1969-07-31 | Faber Castell A W | Fountain pen, drawing or writing pen with a wick as a writing element |
DE2437503A1 (en) * | 1974-08-03 | 1976-02-19 | Astronaut Pen Exploit Co Jerse | Writing implement with captive ball tip - ink channels to tip have pieces forming high capillarity intermediate chamber |
US4588319A (en) * | 1984-10-25 | 1986-05-13 | Nicolet Instrument Corporation | Marking instrument |
DE3642037A1 (en) * | 1986-12-09 | 1988-06-23 | Staedtler Fa J S | Capillary reservoir for ink writing instruments |
EP0351182A2 (en) * | 1988-07-11 | 1990-01-17 | Kanebo Ltd. | Ink occlusion material for writing utensils |
EP0380696A1 (en) | 1988-07-30 | 1990-08-08 | Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha | Temporary ink reservoir and writing instrument using same |
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US6089776A (en) * | 1991-05-14 | 2000-07-18 | Kaufmann; Rainer | Fluid dispensing utensil |
US6416242B1 (en) | 1993-11-12 | 2002-07-09 | Dataprint R. Kaufmann Gmbh | Efficient fluid dispensing utensil |
US6322268B1 (en) | 1993-11-12 | 2001-11-27 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Efficient fluid dispensing utensil |
DE4343880C2 (en) * | 1993-12-22 | 1998-01-29 | Schwan Stabilo Schwanhaeusser | Writing instrument |
DE4343880A1 (en) * | 1993-12-22 | 1995-06-29 | Schwan Stabilo Schwanhaeusser | Writing instrument for ink |
EP0681924A1 (en) * | 1994-05-11 | 1995-11-15 | Conte S.A. | Writing implement with fluid, especially solvent based |
FR2719806A1 (en) * | 1994-05-11 | 1995-11-17 | Conte | Writing article in liquid ink, especially based on solvent. |
FR2730188A1 (en) * | 1995-02-07 | 1996-08-09 | Conte | WRITING OR COLORING ARTICLE WITH INK MADE FROM A COMPACT BLOCK OF POROUS MATERIAL |
GB2304311B (en) * | 1995-08-14 | 1999-05-26 | Dataprint R Kaufmann Kg | Liquid applicator implement |
GB2304311A (en) * | 1995-08-14 | 1997-03-19 | Dataprint R Kaufmann Kg | A writing implement having temporary capillary ink store |
US6413001B1 (en) | 1995-08-14 | 2002-07-02 | Dataprint R. Kaufmann Gmbh | Liquid applicator implement |
US6497527B2 (en) | 1995-08-14 | 2002-12-24 | Dataprint R. Kaufmann Gmbh | Liquid applicator implement |
US5927885A (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1999-07-27 | Debiotech S.A. | Buffer reservoir for a liquid-ink writing instrument, and a writing instrument including such a reservoir |
FR2747611A1 (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1997-10-24 | Conte Sa | BUFFER TANK FOR LIQUID INK WRITING ARTICLE AND WRITING ARTICLE COMPRISING SUCH A TANK |
EP0803381A1 (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1997-10-29 | Conte S.A. | Buffer reservoir for writing implement with fluid and writing implement comprising such reservoir |
FR2751919A1 (en) * | 1996-08-02 | 1998-02-06 | Conte | LIQUID INK WRITING ARTICLE HAVING A RESERVOIR EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-PREDUCTION SYSTEM |
US5865553A (en) * | 1996-08-02 | 1999-02-02 | Conte S.A. | Liquid-ink writing instrument having a reservoir fitted with a system to prevent loss of priming |
EP0822098A1 (en) * | 1996-08-02 | 1998-02-04 | Conte S.A. | Writing implement with fluid, whose reservoir is provided with anti-run dry system |
WO1998021052A3 (en) * | 1996-11-12 | 1998-07-23 | Avery Dennison Corp | Fluid dispensing utensil |
WO1998021052A2 (en) * | 1996-11-12 | 1998-05-22 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Fluid dispensing utensil |
EP1050417A1 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 2000-11-08 | Universal S.p.A. | Felt-tip pen or similar writing instrument and manufacturing method thereof |
DE19930540B4 (en) * | 1999-06-28 | 2004-04-22 | Sanford Gmbh | Hand applicator |
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US6632041B1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2003-10-14 | Sanford L.P. | Free ink system |
US6322269B1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2001-11-27 | Sanford I L.P. | Free ink system |
WO2001000424A1 (en) * | 1999-06-28 | 2001-01-04 | Sanford L.P. | Free ink system |
EP1065073A1 (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2001-01-03 | Sanford GmbH | Writing implement |
EP1066982A1 (en) * | 1999-07-05 | 2001-01-10 | Schwan-STABILO Schwanhäusser GmbH & Co. | Device for applying ink to a surface |
WO2001064453A1 (en) | 2000-03-02 | 2001-09-07 | Conte | Writing implement whereof the writing nib comprises a retarder and method for making same |
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JP4741773B2 (en) * | 2000-03-02 | 2011-08-10 | コント | Writing instrument provided with a drying retarder at the writing point and method for producing the writing point |
FR2805773A1 (en) | 2000-03-02 | 2001-09-07 | Conte | Writing device, consists of ink containing reservoir, writing nib transferring ink from reservoir to writing medium and removable protecting cap |
US6644880B2 (en) | 2000-03-02 | 2003-11-11 | Conte | Writing article whose writing tip includes a drying retardant and process for the manufacture of such a tip |
JP2003525152A (en) * | 2000-03-02 | 2003-08-26 | コント | Writing implement provided with a drying retarder at the writing point and method for manufacturing the writing point |
FR2805774A1 (en) | 2000-03-02 | 2001-09-07 | Conte | Writing device, consists of ink containing reservoir, writing nib transferring ink from reservoir to writing medium and removable protecting cap |
WO2002058943A1 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2002-08-01 | Conte | Liquid ink writing article with shape-memory valve |
FR2820080A1 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2002-08-02 | Conte | WRITING MEMORY WITH LIQUID INK AND SHAPE MEMORY VALVE |
US7048459B2 (en) | 2001-01-26 | 2006-05-23 | Conte | Liquid ink writing instrument with a shape memory valve |
US6695517B2 (en) | 2001-03-26 | 2004-02-24 | Sanford, L.P. | Free ink system |
US7101104B2 (en) | 2001-03-26 | 2006-09-05 | Sanford, L.P. | Free ink system |
US6457892B1 (en) | 2001-04-20 | 2002-10-01 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Writing instrument having a capillary hole through the container |
US6659671B1 (en) | 2001-06-04 | 2003-12-09 | Tsukasa Felt Shoji Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink introducing tube and writing instrument incorporated with the same |
US6637965B1 (en) | 2001-06-22 | 2003-10-28 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Writing instrument having a reservoir between a tip and a capillary storage |
WO2003018327A1 (en) * | 2001-08-23 | 2003-03-06 | Hics Corporation | Writing implement |
WO2003101759A1 (en) * | 2002-05-31 | 2003-12-11 | Hics Corporation | Writing implement |
JP6155408B1 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2017-06-28 | 株式会社3S | Applicator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69203654D1 (en) | 1995-08-31 |
ATE125496T1 (en) | 1995-08-15 |
ES2077994T3 (en) | 1995-12-01 |
DE69203654T2 (en) | 1995-12-21 |
GR3017329T3 (en) | 1995-12-31 |
DK0516538T3 (en) | 1995-09-11 |
EP0516538B1 (en) | 1995-07-26 |
FR2676969A1 (en) | 1992-12-04 |
FR2676969B1 (en) | 1996-08-23 |
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