EP0560628A2 - Clip de retenue pour couvercle et récipient équipé de ce clip - Google Patents

Clip de retenue pour couvercle et récipient équipé de ce clip Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0560628A2
EP0560628A2 EP93301905A EP93301905A EP0560628A2 EP 0560628 A2 EP0560628 A2 EP 0560628A2 EP 93301905 A EP93301905 A EP 93301905A EP 93301905 A EP93301905 A EP 93301905A EP 0560628 A2 EP0560628 A2 EP 0560628A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lid
clip
container
ring
lever ring
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
EP93301905A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0560628B1 (fr
EP0560628A3 (fr
Inventor
Alan Roy Clarke
Peter Malcolm Hunnam
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.)
Trivium Packaging UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Pechiney Packaging Food and General Line 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 Pechiney Packaging Food and General Line Ltd filed Critical Pechiney Packaging Food and General Line Ltd
Publication of EP0560628A2 publication Critical patent/EP0560628A2/fr
Publication of EP0560628A3 publication Critical patent/EP0560628A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0560628B1 publication Critical patent/EP0560628B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0214Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
    • B65D43/022Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity only on the inside, or a part turned to the inside, of the mouth of the container
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/20External fittings
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D45/00Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members
    • B65D45/02Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members for applying axial pressure to engage closure with sealing surface
    • B65D45/30Annular members, e.g. with snap-over action or screw-threaded
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D45/00Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members
    • B65D45/32Clamping or other pressure-applying devices for securing or retaining closure members for applying radial or radial and axial pressure, e.g. contractible bands encircling closure member
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00064Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/00074Shape of the outer periphery curved
    • B65D2543/00092Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00435Lids secured to an intermediate ring or like annular member fixed to the container mouth
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/0049Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
    • B65D2543/00509Cup
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00537Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
    • B65D2543/00546NO contact
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00824Means for facilitating removing of the closure
    • B65D2543/00888Means for facilitating removing of the closure by applying lever forces
    • B65D2543/00898Means for facilitating removing of the closure by applying lever forces by means of a coin or other tool in recesses or similar on container or lid
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00953Sealing means
    • B65D2543/00962Sealing means inserted
    • B65D2543/00972Collars or rings

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the securement of lids to containers, particularly containers such as paint cans.
  • GB-A-2096107 describes a clip for securing a lever lid to a lever ring of a container, where the clip comprises a moulded or extruded element or elements of plastics material which are applied to the container in a generally downwardly vertical direction such that the inherent resilience permits arm members of the clip to engage substantially simultaneously with associated surfaces of the lever ring and/or the lever lid.
  • the clip although firmly securing the lid to the ring, can easily be detached therefrom without the need for special tools.
  • EP-A-0334514 describes a lid-retaining collar which comprises a generally annular ring which has a radial slit therein so that the collar can more easily be parted from the can.
  • the collar has a peripheral skirt portion with a snap-fit bead which engages below the double seam between the lever ring and the can body.
  • lid-retaining devices In these and other lid-retaining devices the major problem is maintaining a complete seal against leakage of the contents if the can is dropped or otherwise subjected to impact or pressure. Particularly for cans which are used to contain flammable liquids there are specific standards which must be met. With overclo- sures of the types referred to above, leakage of the contents can still occur if for example the can is dropped in a particular attitude.
  • a container having a cylindrical side wall, a lever ring secured to the upper margin of the side wall, a lid fitted into the lever ring, a circumferential recess between the lever ring and the lid, a circumferential groove in the lid adjacent to the radially outer edge thereof, and an overclosure clip fitted to the lever ring and lid and extending around substantially the whole circumference of the container, wherein the clip has three depending portions engageable with the lever ring and/or lid, characterised in that the radially outermost portion of the clip engages below a lip on the lever ring and the two inner portions are each a tight resilient fit in said circumferential recess and said circumferential groove respectively.
  • the clip preferably includes a circumferential cushioning ring outwardly of the lever ring.
  • the clip is provided with a plurality of slots equispaced circumferentially around the clip from the radially inner margin of the clip outwards to create a plurality of radially inwardly projecting tongues.
  • the outer wall of the container lid is recessed and carries sealing means engageable between the lid wall and a facing surface of the lever ring.
  • an overclosure clip for a container comprising a strip having three depending portions engageable with a lever ring and/or lid of the container, characterised in that the clip includes a cushioning ring which in use lies radially outwardly of the outermost of the three depending portions.
  • a container having a cylindrical side wall, a lever ring secured to the upper margin of the side wall, a lid fitted into the lever ring, a circumferential recess between the lever ring and the lid, a circumferential groove in the lid adjacent to the radially outer edge thereof, and an overclosure clip fitted to the lever ring and lid and extending around substantially the whole circumference of the container, wherein the clip has three depending portions engageable with the lever ring and/or lid, characterised in that the outer wait of the container lid is recessed and carries sealing means engageable between the lid wall and a facing surface of the lever ring.
  • a cylindrical can wall 10 having a lever ring 12 secured thereto by a seaming operation which defines the periphery of the can.
  • the lever ring 12 has a lip 14 outwardly of the cylindrical can wall.
  • the lever ring 12 has an inturned portion radially inwardly of the cylindrical wall 10 and which defines a circumferential recess 16.
  • a can lid, indicated generally at 18, is a socket fit within the lever ring 12 and has a circumferential lip 19 which overlies the inner portion of the lever ring 12 and thus faces the recess 16.
  • the lid 18 includes a circumferential pocket 20.
  • an overclosure or clip is designed and shaped to fit over and into the can rim as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the clip 22 comprises a vertically extending skirt 24 which has an inwardly and upwardly directed tongue 26 which is adapted to engage below the lip 14 on the lever ring 12.
  • the clip 22 has an arm portion extending inwardly from the skirt 24 and adapted to make contact both with the recess 16 and with the pocket 20.
  • a protuberance 28 extending downwardly from the clip is designed to seat resiliently within the circumferential recess 16.
  • the radially most inward portion 30 of the clip is designed to seat resiliently within the circumferential pocket 20.
  • the portion 30 has two ribs 31 and 32 which engage the circumferentially innerface 33 of the pocket 20 and a surface 34 which engages the circumferentially outer face 35 of the pocket 20.
  • the portion 30 of the clip 22 is a tight, resilient fit within the circumferential pocket 20.
  • the clip 22 as shown in Fig. 2 includes an outer circumferential cushioning ring 36 to aid in absorbing impacts if the can is dropped on its rim.
  • the cushioning ring 36 is preferably tubular and may be made of the same material or a different material from that of the rest of the clip 22.
  • the cushioning ring 36 is made of a flexible PVC material, whereas the remainder of the clip is made of a high impact PVC material.
  • the clip 22 is desirably extruded and the cushioning ring 36 and the remainder of the clip can be co-extruded, with the cushioning ring keyed to t he basic part of t he clip in the extrusion process.
  • the clip 22 is shaped so that the clip is of substantially constant thickness throughout, i.e. the thickness of the skirt 24 and of the radially inwardly projecting arm and of the cushioning ring 36 are all of substantially the same dimension. This assists the extrusion of the clip so that one does not get areas or zones which are of different temperature to others.
  • the radially inwardly projecting arm portion of the clip is provided with a plurality of slots spaced circumferentially around the arcuate clip at equal intervals. These may be saw cuts through the thickness of the arm in order to create a plurality of radially inwardly projecting tongues.
  • These slots in the clip preferably extend from the ribs 31 and 32 to approximately the position indicated by the arrowAin Fig. 2. This gives the individual tongues a degree of resilience which enables them more easily to locate within the recesses 16 and 20. It also assists in the fitting of the clip by enabling it to be pushed on to the can, instead of having to be hammered on.
  • the can lid 18, as shown in Fig. 3, is provided with auxiliary sealing means.
  • the outer wall 38 of the can lid 18 is provided with a circumferential groove 40 which serves as a locator for an O-ring seal 42.
  • the O-ring seal 42 has a diameter of approximately 1.58 mm (1/16th inch) and the distance x by which the O-ring seal projects beyond the surface of the lid wall 38 is between 0.125 mm (0.005 inch) and 0.25 mm (0.010 inch).
  • these dimensions are given by way of example only.
  • the use of this O-ring seal 42 in combination with the clip 22 provides a double mechanism by means of which the can is securely sealed against leakage.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)
EP93301905A 1992-03-13 1993-03-12 Clip de retenue pour couvercle et récipient équipé de ce clip Expired - Lifetime EP0560628B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9205539 1992-03-13
GB929205539A GB9205539D0 (en) 1992-03-13 1992-03-13 Securing lids to containers

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0560628A2 true EP0560628A2 (fr) 1993-09-15
EP0560628A3 EP0560628A3 (fr) 1993-10-20
EP0560628B1 EP0560628B1 (fr) 1996-09-25

Family

ID=10712098

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93301905A Expired - Lifetime EP0560628B1 (fr) 1992-03-13 1993-03-12 Clip de retenue pour couvercle et récipient équipé de ce clip

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0560628B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE143331T1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69304959D1 (fr)
GB (1) GB9205539D0 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1688359A1 (fr) * 2005-02-04 2006-08-09 Chokers Food Limited Company Fermeture étanche à l'air

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE152940C (fr) *
GB376519A (en) * 1931-07-30 1932-07-14 Gilbert Alan Robinson Improvements in or relating to lever lid tins, iron kegs and like metal containers
US3520440A (en) * 1968-09-12 1970-07-14 Continental Can Co Container and closure therefor
CH624356A5 (en) * 1977-11-16 1981-07-31 Vogel Bmw Ag Container with lid
GB2096107A (en) * 1981-02-10 1982-10-13 Nacanco Ltd Securing lever lids to containers
EP0246783A2 (fr) * 1986-05-22 1987-11-25 METAL BOX p.l.c. Dispositif de retenue amovible pour le couvercle d'un récipient

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE152940C (fr) *
GB376519A (en) * 1931-07-30 1932-07-14 Gilbert Alan Robinson Improvements in or relating to lever lid tins, iron kegs and like metal containers
US3520440A (en) * 1968-09-12 1970-07-14 Continental Can Co Container and closure therefor
CH624356A5 (en) * 1977-11-16 1981-07-31 Vogel Bmw Ag Container with lid
GB2096107A (en) * 1981-02-10 1982-10-13 Nacanco Ltd Securing lever lids to containers
EP0246783A2 (fr) * 1986-05-22 1987-11-25 METAL BOX p.l.c. Dispositif de retenue amovible pour le couvercle d'un récipient

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1688359A1 (fr) * 2005-02-04 2006-08-09 Chokers Food Limited Company Fermeture étanche à l'air

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0560628B1 (fr) 1996-09-25
ATE143331T1 (de) 1996-10-15
DE69304959D1 (de) 1996-10-31
EP0560628A3 (fr) 1993-10-20
GB9205539D0 (en) 1992-04-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5368182A (en) Lid seal for wide-mounted barrels of synthetic resin
US6279774B1 (en) Cover locking mechanism
EP0056906B1 (fr) Disposition de fermeture de récipient
US5297688A (en) Closure for sealing a container rim
US4059198A (en) Vapor-seal safety cap and container
US3608771A (en) Disposable pressure container
US4279358A (en) Container lid
CA1240956A (fr) Contenant a large goulot
US6044994A (en) Sealing arrangement for closure caps having liners
US3223278A (en) Snap ring closure seal for plastic containers
PL184502B1 (pl) Zamknięcie pojemnika
US5873484A (en) Cover locking mechanism
US4057159A (en) Vapor-seal safety cap and container
JP2002520230A (ja) 二重機能覆いキャップ
US4227625A (en) Sealing lid and sealing lid-container combination
US5950851A (en) Safety closure and container having biasing means
US4498597A (en) Container and closure
US3469748A (en) Closure seal and cap
EP0560628B1 (fr) Clip de retenue pour couvercle et récipient équipé de ce clip
ES531553A0 (es) Procedimiento de engaste de una tapa metalica sobre un recipiente cuyo borde circular tiene un anillo rigido engrosado
EP0272431B1 (fr) Fermeture pour récipient en matière plastique apte à être stérilisé
US3335891A (en) Bottle and closure therefor
AU666400B2 (en) One-piece plastics closures
US20020144971A1 (en) Sealing disc with flexible annular ring
US4133448A (en) Overcap for aerosol container

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

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19940419

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950530

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): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE

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

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19960925

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19960925

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 PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;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.

Effective date: 19960925

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19960925

Ref country code: FR

Effective date: 19960925

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19960925

Ref country code: DK

Effective date: 19960925

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19960925

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19960925

Ref country code: AT

Effective date: 19960925

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 143331

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19961015

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69304959

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19961031

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: 69999

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

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19961225

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

Ref country code: PT

Effective date: 19961226

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

Ref country code: DE

Effective date: 19961228

EN Fr: translation not filed
NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19970312

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19990311

Year of fee payment: 7

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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000312

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20000312