EP0717707B1 - Container comprising an end wall having a tiltable tab and such an end wall - Google Patents

Container comprising an end wall having a tiltable tab and such an end wall Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0717707B1
EP0717707B1 EP95902327A EP95902327A EP0717707B1 EP 0717707 B1 EP0717707 B1 EP 0717707B1 EP 95902327 A EP95902327 A EP 95902327A EP 95902327 A EP95902327 A EP 95902327A EP 0717707 B1 EP0717707 B1 EP 0717707B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
end wall
tab
container
tiltable
opening
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95902327A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0717707A1 (en
Inventor
Gerrit Willem Brilman
Dirk Landman
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.)
Thomassen and Drijver Verblifa NV
Original Assignee
Thomassen and Drijver Verblifa NV
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 Thomassen and Drijver Verblifa NV filed Critical Thomassen and Drijver Verblifa NV
Publication of EP0717707A1 publication Critical patent/EP0717707A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0717707B1 publication Critical patent/EP0717707B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS 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
    • B65D17/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions
    • B65D17/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness
    • B65D17/401—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall
    • B65D17/4012—Rigid or semi-rigid containers specially constructed to be opened by cutting or piercing, or by tearing of frangible members or portions at lines or points of weakness characterised by having the line of weakness provided in an end wall for opening partially by means of a tearing tab

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a container with an end wall which is provided with a tiltable tab, and to such a tiltable tab.
  • a container which is filled with liquid, such as condensed milk, and powder, is supplied with an end wall provided with a tiltable tab so that with the tiltable tab an opening can be formed in the end wall in order to remove the contents from the container.
  • the tiltable tab is herein usually connected non-detachably to the end wall so that, with a view to the environment, loss of the tiltable tab after arranging of the opening is substantially not possible.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a container which is supplied with a tiltable tab wherein the above described drawbacks substantially do not occur.
  • the container for instance for a liquid, with a body and an end wall which is provided with a tiltable tab for tilting in the end wall to form an opening
  • the tiltable tab is provided with a tab passage such that in the tilted position the tiltable tab bounds the opening in the end wall and connects with the tab passage onto the opening, and that a tiltable tab portion forms a pouring element which extends at least as far as an end wall edge.
  • the tiltable tab functions as pouring element and carries the contents of the container via the opening over the pouring surface of the pouring element to at least the end wall edge.
  • the tiltable tab In order to ensure that in the tilted position the tiltable tab substantially retains this position it is further recommended that the tiltable tab portion engages on the end wall edge, wherein engagement preferably takes place by clamping, wherein the tiltable tab portion engages by clamping on the end wall edge.
  • engagement takes place on the formed opening and preferably through clamping on the formed opening.
  • the pouring element is provided with a standing edge.
  • the contents After pouring, the contents must preferably return from the pouring element via the opening into the container. Liquid residue is avoided as far as possible if in further preference the surface of the pouring element is provided with a coating with a higher surface tension than the liquid.
  • Another aspect of the present invention relates to an end wall for a container body which is provided with a tiltable tab according to the invention, which end wall can be arranged or formed in a container body.
  • Figures 1-3 show a container 1 according to the invention which comprises a body 2 and an end wall 3 seamed thereon.
  • the end wall is provided with a tiltable tab 4 with which an opening 5 can be formed by tilting in the end wall, which opening is defined by an end wall portion 7 bounded by the score line 6.
  • FIG. 2 shows a detail of the tiltable tab in the starting position.
  • Tilting tab 4 is riveted to end wall 3 using a rivet 9 and is further provided with a tab passage 8.
  • the tiltable tab 4 can however also be joined to end wall 3 by glueing.
  • a tab end 10 extends to a position above the end wall portion 7 and is provided with incisions 11.
  • the other tab end 12 forms the pouring element 13.
  • Figure 3 shows the pouring tab 4 in the tilted position.
  • the end wall portion 7 is broken out of the end wall by the tab end 10 with forming of the opening 5.
  • the latter is partly covered by tiltable tab 4 and partly falls together with the tab passage 8.
  • An edge 14 of tab passage 8 engages onto and clamps against an end wall edge 15, in this case the seamed edge.
  • the tab 4 is further provided with a bent standing edge 16 which ends in a pouring opening 17.
  • the surface 18 of pouring element 13 is further coated with a material whereby the surface 18 has a higher surface tension than the condensed milk held in container 1.
  • Figure 4 shows a container 19 according to the invention with an end wall 3 which is provided with a pouring tab 20 according to the invention which is provided with a tab passage 21.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Containers Opened By Tearing Frangible Portions (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1), for instance for a liquid, with a body (2) and an end wall (3) which is provided with a tiltable tab (4) for tilting in the end wall to form an opening (5), wherein the tiltable tab (4) is provided with a tab passage (8) such that in the tilted position the tiltable tab (4) bounds the opening (5) in the end wall (3) and connects with the tab passage (8) onto the opening, and that a tiltable tab portion (4) forms a pouring element (13) which extends at least as far as an end wall edge, and to an end wall (3) for a container body with a tiltable tab (4).

Description

The present invention relates to a container with an end wall which is provided with a tiltable tab, and to such a tiltable tab.
A container which is filled with liquid, such as condensed milk, and powder, is supplied with an end wall provided with a tiltable tab so that with the tiltable tab an opening can be formed in the end wall in order to remove the contents from the container. The tiltable tab is herein usually connected non-detachably to the end wall so that, with a view to the environment, loss of the tiltable tab after arranging of the opening is substantially not possible. When the contents are removed from the container they flow over a part of the surface adjoining the end wall and then over an end wall edge. Certainly in the case of very viscous liquids and, where applicable, powders this results in dirtying of the end wall and to a possible undesired contamination when the contents flow over a dirtied end wall.
The invention has for its object to provide a container which is supplied with a tiltable tab wherein the above described drawbacks substantially do not occur. This is achieved according to the invention in that the container, for instance for a liquid, with a body and an end wall which is provided with a tiltable tab for tilting in the end wall to form an opening, wherein the tiltable tab is provided with a tab passage such that in the tilted position the tiltable tab bounds the opening in the end wall and connects with the tab passage onto the opening, and that a tiltable tab portion forms a pouring element which extends at least as far as an end wall edge. Thus is achieved that in the tilted position the tiltable tab functions as pouring element and carries the contents of the container via the opening over the pouring surface of the pouring element to at least the end wall edge. An advantage herein is that the pouring surface of the pouring element is protected by the tiltable tab and the end wall until the opening in the end wall is opened.
In order to ensure that in the tilted position the tiltable tab substantially retains this position it is further recommended that the tiltable tab portion engages on the end wall edge, wherein engagement preferably takes place by clamping, wherein the tiltable tab portion engages by clamping on the end wall edge.
According to another embodiment engagement takes place on the formed opening and preferably through clamping on the formed opening.
In order to facilitate pouring of the contents out of the container it is further recommended that in the tilted position the pouring element extends over the end wall edge.
To avoid contents for pouring from spreading or being spilt in undesired manner it is recommended that the pouring element is provided with a standing edge.
In order that manufacture, filling, storage and transporting of a container with a tiltable tab provided with a pouring element can be carried out as far as possible with existing machines it is further recommended that prior to tilting the tiltable tab lies within a plane passing through the end wall edge.
After pouring, the contents must preferably return from the pouring element via the opening into the container. Liquid residue is avoided as far as possible if in further preference the surface of the pouring element is provided with a coating with a higher surface tension than the liquid.
Another aspect of the present invention relates to an end wall for a container body which is provided with a tiltable tab according to the invention, which end wall can be arranged or formed in a container body.
Mentioned and other features of the container and the end wall according to the invention will be further elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of two embodiments given only by way of example, wherein reference is made to the annexed drawing.
In the drawing:
  • figure 1 is a perspective view of a container with end wall according to the invention;
  • figure 2 shows detail II of figure 1;
  • figure 3 is a view corresponding with figure 2 with the tiltable tab in the tilted pouring position; and
  • figures 4 and 5 show views corresponding with figures 2 and 3 of another embodiment of the container according to the invention.
    • Figures 1-3 show a container 1 according to the invention which comprises a body 2 and an end wall 3 seamed thereon. The end wall is provided with a tiltable tab 4 with which an opening 5 can be formed by tilting in the end wall, which opening is defined by an end wall portion 7 bounded by the score line 6.
    Figure 2 shows a detail of the tiltable tab in the starting position. Tilting tab 4 is riveted to end wall 3 using a rivet 9 and is further provided with a tab passage 8. The tiltable tab 4 can however also be joined to end wall 3 by glueing.
    A tab end 10 extends to a position above the end wall portion 7 and is provided with incisions 11.
    The other tab end 12 forms the pouring element 13.
    Figure 3 shows the pouring tab 4 in the tilted position. The end wall portion 7 is broken out of the end wall by the tab end 10 with forming of the opening 5. The latter is partly covered by tiltable tab 4 and partly falls together with the tab passage 8. An edge 14 of tab passage 8 engages onto and clamps against an end wall edge 15, in this case the seamed edge. The tab 4 is further provided with a bent standing edge 16 which ends in a pouring opening 17. The surface 18 of pouring element 13 is further coated with a material whereby the surface 18 has a higher surface tension than the condensed milk held in container 1.
    Figure 4 shows a container 19 according to the invention with an end wall 3 which is provided with a pouring tab 20 according to the invention which is provided with a tab passage 21.
    In this case (figure 5) the pouring tab 20 engages with a lowered tab passage edge 22 into the formed opening 23 and clamps on the opening edge 24. Contents leaving container 19 via opening 23 flow directly over the surface 25 of the pouring element 26.

    Claims (10)

    1. Container, for instance for a liquid, with a body and an end wall which is provided with a tiltable tab for tilting in the end wall to form an opening, characterized that the tiltable tab is provided with a tab passage such that in the tilted position the tiltable tab bounds the opening in the end wall and connects with the tab passage onto the opening, and that a tiltable tab portion forms a pouring element which extends at least as far as an end wall edge.
    2. Container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tiltable tab portion engages on the end wall edge.
    3. Container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tiltable tab portion engages by clamping on the end wall edge.
    4. Container as claimed in claims 1-3, wherein the tiltable tab portion engages on the formed opening.
    5. Container as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tiltable tab portion engages by clamping on the formed opening.
    6. Container as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein in the tilted position the pouring element extends over the end wall edge.
    7. Container as claimed in claims 1-6, wherein the pouring element is provided with a standing edge.
    8. Container as claimed in claims 1-7, wherein prior to tilting the tiltable tab lies within a plane passing through the end wall edge.
    9. Container as claimed in claims 1-8, wherein the surface of the pouring element is provided with a coating with a higher surface tension than the liquid.
    10. End wall for a container body with a tiltable tab as claimed in claims 1-9.
    EP95902327A 1993-11-05 1994-11-01 Container comprising an end wall having a tiltable tab and such an end wall Expired - Lifetime EP0717707B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    NL9301917A NL9301917A (en) 1993-11-05 1993-11-05 Holder with an end wall provided with a tilting tab, and such an end wall.
    NL9301917 1993-11-05
    PCT/NL1994/000265 WO1995012526A1 (en) 1993-11-05 1994-11-01 Container comprising an end wall having a tiltable tab and such an end wall

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0717707A1 EP0717707A1 (en) 1996-06-26
    EP0717707B1 true EP0717707B1 (en) 1998-02-04

    Family

    ID=19863101

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP95902327A Expired - Lifetime EP0717707B1 (en) 1993-11-05 1994-11-01 Container comprising an end wall having a tiltable tab and such an end wall

    Country Status (9)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP0717707B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE162989T1 (en)
    AU (1) AU1123095A (en)
    DE (1) DE69408467T2 (en)
    DK (1) DK0717707T3 (en)
    ES (1) ES2112039T3 (en)
    GR (1) GR3026256T3 (en)
    NL (1) NL9301917A (en)
    WO (1) WO1995012526A1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (3)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    FR2735102B1 (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-08-08 Benarrouch Jacques SPOUT NOZZLE, MOTOR ARM OF A ROCKING ROCKING LEVER OF A METAL BOX COVER CONTAINER CONTAINING A LIQUID
    DE19907033A1 (en) * 1998-02-21 1999-08-26 Hoof Drink container with insect-proof security seal
    CH703562A2 (en) * 2010-08-09 2012-02-15 Cosmocan Technology Ag Can lid and can be pressed with a hole.

    Family Cites Families (4)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US3923193A (en) * 1973-06-13 1975-12-02 Robert A Wells Easy-open container with nondetachable lock-in tab
    US3980214A (en) * 1975-04-18 1976-09-14 Dahlquist Kenneth J Container with concealed pouring spout having sealing flanges
    US4561557A (en) * 1984-11-13 1985-12-31 Park Sea C Beverage container with a sanitary drinking spout
    US4733793A (en) * 1987-05-01 1988-03-29 Adolph Coors Company System for forming an opening in a container end member

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    AU1123095A (en) 1995-05-23
    WO1995012526A1 (en) 1995-05-11
    DK0717707T3 (en) 1998-06-02
    NL9301917A (en) 1995-06-01
    ES2112039T3 (en) 1998-03-16
    ATE162989T1 (en) 1998-02-15
    EP0717707A1 (en) 1996-06-26
    GR3026256T3 (en) 1998-05-29
    DE69408467T2 (en) 1998-05-20
    DE69408467D1 (en) 1998-03-12

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    US5303839A (en) Plastic container with lid
    US5108029A (en) Reclosable attachment for containers
    US5992734A (en) Push-tab hinge for a container closure apparatus
    AU588600B2 (en) An opening arrangement for packing containers
    JPH02233361A (en) Easily opened package for charging material which can be injected
    ID24948A (en) CONTAINERS FOR FOOD INGREDIENTS
    EP0245484B1 (en) Reusable closure device for cartons for gable tops
    EP0717707A1 (en) Container comprising an end wall having a tiltable tab and such an end wall
    US4796802A (en) Fluid pack with a tapered upper portion
    US5564622A (en) Reusable device having pour spout for cartons having gable tops
    CA2519839C (en) Flat, low pourer-closure with laminate or foil break-off element for composite packs or container openings, which are closed with a thick foil
    JP2629023B2 (en) Dispenser for paper containers
    CA2502866C (en) Container seal, container lid and container
    US20100219197A1 (en) Container seal, container lid and container
    US6073806A (en) Attachment for emptying a bag which is filled with viscous liquid into a working container
    US20020175206A1 (en) Dry goods container
    EP1312555A1 (en) Container provided with a pouring spout having a system for guaranteeing the integrity of its contents
    GB2256633A (en) Carton for packaging liquids
    JPH0551747U (en) Member for forming spout and flexible packaging bag
    JPH0826343A (en) Disposable Liquid Food Container
    JPH0671473U (en) Simple open container
    JPH10175632A (en) Spout and packaging container with spout
    GB2335917A (en) Pouring device
    NL9301872A (en) Box with sealing lip
    WO1991009780A1 (en) Container holder

    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: 19960418

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

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

    17Q First examination report despatched

    Effective date: 19960627

    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

    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

    ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
    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 LU MC NL PT SE

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

    Ref country code: GR

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

    Effective date: 19980204

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 162989

    Country of ref document: AT

    Date of ref document: 19980215

    Kind code of ref document: T

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: NV

    Representative=s name: ARNOLD & SIEDSMA AG

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: EP

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 69408467

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 19980312

    ET Fr: translation filed
    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FG2A

    Ref document number: 2112039

    Country of ref document: ES

    Kind code of ref document: T3

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: DK

    Ref legal event code: T3

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: PT

    Ref legal event code: SC4A

    Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

    Effective date: 19980325

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: IE

    Ref legal event code: FG4D

    Free format text: 78805

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

    Ref country code: LU

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

    Effective date: 19981101

    Ref country code: AT

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

    Effective date: 19981101

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

    Ref country code: PT

    Payment date: 19981119

    Year of fee payment: 5

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

    Ref country code: IE

    Payment date: 19981124

    Year of fee payment: 5

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

    Ref country code: SE

    Payment date: 19981127

    Year of fee payment: 5

    Ref country code: ES

    Payment date: 19981127

    Year of fee payment: 5

    Ref country code: DK

    Payment date: 19981127

    Year of fee payment: 5

    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

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

    Ref country code: BE

    Payment date: 19981215

    Year of fee payment: 5

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

    Ref country code: CH

    Payment date: 19990111

    Year of fee payment: 5

    26N No opposition filed
    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: MC

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

    Effective date: 19990531

    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: 19991101

    Ref country code: DK

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

    Effective date: 19991101

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

    Ref country code: SE

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

    Effective date: 19991102

    Ref country code: ES

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

    Effective date: 19991102

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

    Ref country code: LI

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

    Effective date: 19991130

    Ref country code: CH

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

    Effective date: 19991130

    Ref country code: BE

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

    Effective date: 19991130

    BERE Be: lapsed

    Owner name: THOMASSEN & DRIJVER-VERBLIFA N.V.

    Effective date: 19991130

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

    Ref country code: PT

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

    Effective date: 20000531

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: PL

    EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

    Ref document number: 95902327.6

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: DK

    Ref legal event code: EBP

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: IE

    Ref legal event code: MM4A

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: PT

    Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

    Effective date: 20000531

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

    Ref country code: GB

    Payment date: 20001030

    Year of fee payment: 7

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

    Ref country code: NL

    Payment date: 20001130

    Year of fee payment: 7

    Ref country code: FR

    Payment date: 20001130

    Year of fee payment: 7

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

    Ref country code: DE

    Payment date: 20001229

    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: 20011101

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: GB

    Ref legal event code: IF02

    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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20020601

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

    Effective date: 20011101

    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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20020702

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

    Ref country code: FR

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

    Effective date: 20020730

    NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

    Effective date: 20020601

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FD2A

    Effective date: 20001214

    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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;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: 20051101