EP0874574B1 - Aufhängungsvorrichtung für möbel oder dergleichen und verfahren zur montage dieser vorrichtung - Google Patents

Aufhängungsvorrichtung für möbel oder dergleichen und verfahren zur montage dieser vorrichtung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0874574B1
EP0874574B1 EP97919357A EP97919357A EP0874574B1 EP 0874574 B1 EP0874574 B1 EP 0874574B1 EP 97919357 A EP97919357 A EP 97919357A EP 97919357 A EP97919357 A EP 97919357A EP 0874574 B1 EP0874574 B1 EP 0874574B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
straps
elements
frame
pair
structure according
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
EP97919357A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0874574A1 (de
Inventor
Anacleto Fontana
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.)
CINTEL CORONA Srl
Original Assignee
CINTEL CORONA Srl
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 CINTEL CORONA Srl filed Critical CINTEL CORONA Srl
Publication of EP0874574A1 publication Critical patent/EP0874574A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0874574B1 publication Critical patent/EP0874574B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47CCHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/02Seat parts
    • A47C7/35Combinations of different types of springs; Adjustable springs; Attachment of springs to other springs or to the base frame ; Springs for seat parts not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47CCHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C23/00Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases
    • A47C23/30Spring mattresses with rigid frame or forming part of the bedstead, e.g. box springs; Divan bases; Slatted bed bases using combinations of springs covered by more than one of the groups A47C23/04, A47C23/06 and A47C23/12; Frames therefor
    • A47C23/32Combinations of nets with springs in compression; Frames therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a suspension structure for parts destined to support the human body in articles of furniture such as chairs, armchairs, couches, both for private and public use, such as waiting rooms, cinemas etc.
  • the invention can also be applied to seats for motor vehicles and the like.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for the assembly of said suspension structure to the said articles of furniture and the like.
  • the articles of furniture such as the aforementioned ones to which the present invention could be applied, are normally composed by a support and a padding.
  • the support could be made from wood, metal or plastic material and comprise at least one frame to which are fixed the aforesaid structures or the means of suspension destined to support, at least in part, the human body.
  • the suspension structure could be produced by a variety of techniques known in the art, for instance from a plurality of metal springs, from strips of leather or wooden battens connected transversely to the frame.
  • cloth straps are used, provided where necessary with the means for varying the tension of said straps.
  • these structures often present problems owing to the complexity of the assembly operations.
  • the aforementioned techniques often don't give optimum durability characteristics to the product.
  • a second type of suspension provides for the use of pre-tensioned elastic-interwoven straps, which are applied to the frame during manufacture of the article of fumiture.
  • the straps are applied to the frame in predetermined positions, often with a crossing pattern. Solutions of this type, while presenting better reliability and better durability, don't give the finished product the classic padded upholstered effect which can be obtained with metal springs, and which is much appreciated by buyers, both for its aesthetic value and for the impression it offers of better anatomical adaptability to the seated position.
  • Patent Application PCT WO 96/14782 in the name of the applicant describes a system of suspension comprising at least one elastic-interwoven strap, which is fixed, in pre-tensioned condition, above a rigid U-shaped support.
  • This U-shaped support is fixed to the frame of the article and one or more springs in compression are inserted between the base of the U-shaped support and the strap in tension, in adjustable positions.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to resolve the aforementioned problems through a structure for suspension in articles of furniture or the like that offers a high level of comfort to the user; could be fitted in a simple way, even by the buyer or the wholesaler; is economical to produce, and has long durability.
  • the suspension structure according to the present invention offers the advantage firstly of giving a very comfortable seat since it is able to support the legs of the user in a slightly elevated position; secondly, the structure is easy and quick to assemble onto the article, and could be fitted also by the wholesaler or the buyer. Finally the structure has high durability and resistance to wear.
  • Figure 1 shows an element 10 of the suspension structure 1 applied to two opposite sides 2 and 2' of the frame of an article of furniture.
  • the element 10 comprises a first elastic-interwoven strap 6, and a second strap 7, analogous to the first strap 6.
  • the first strap 6 is situated above to the second strap 7 and both the straps 6 and 7 are fixed to the sides 2 and 2' by staples or metal stitches 4 and 4,' or with any other known means.
  • the two straps 6 and 7 are, moreover, linked together at the points 8 and 8,' by stitching or other known technique.
  • This arrangement of the straps creates a space 11 inside of which is situated a plurality of spiral springs 5.
  • the springs 5 could be fitted with a protective covering, for instance cloth or other similar material.
  • the suspension structure 1 according to the invention is produced by applying some elements 10, composed in the way previously described, to opposite sides 2 and 2' of a frame of an article of furniture, arranged substantially parallel, as shown in figure 2.
  • some elastic-interwoven straps 9 in a position below the elements 10 and substantially perpendicular to them, for the purpose of producing better support for the elements 10.
  • the particular arrangement of the straps and springs of the present invention provides better support for the body of the user. Due to the aforesaid system of suspension, the legs of the user are supported in a slightly raised position.
  • the application of one or more springs 5, inserted into the space 11 of each of the structures 10, produces an upholstered effect, desirable in the eyes of the user.
  • the comfort and aesthetic appearance of the seat of the article of furniture can be varied in an suitable way during the assembly phase of the suspension structure.
  • the elements 10 composing the suspension structure 1 are, moreover, easily applied to the frame of the article of furniture.
  • the elements 10 could be supplied to the buyer or to the wholesaler in the form of a roll.
  • Such rolls are composed of a plurality of pairs of straps 6 and 7, connected end to end to form a ribbon, which is subsequently rolled up, while the springs 5 are supplied separately.
  • the assembly of the elements 10 to form the suspension structure 1 could be done by the buyer or the wholesaler, using the following method.
  • the elements 10 comprising the suspension 1 are unrolled and separated. Then, the elements 10, without springs 5, are fixed to the frame of the said article of furniture, for instance using metal staples or other analogous technique. Finally, some springs 5 are applied to each element 10, in suitable positions inside the space 11 formed by the said pair of superimposed straps 6 and 7.
  • An alternative assembly method consists of unrolling a portion of the said rolled-up ribbon to free an extremity of an element 10, and fixing said extremity of the element 10 by means of metal staples or other suitable technique, to the first side 2 of the frame.
  • the rolled-up ribbon is partially unrolled to free the element 10 completely, the opposite extremity of which is fixed, by means of the aforementioned means of connection, to the side 2' of the frame.
  • the element 10 is then separated from the rolled-up ribbon by means of a cutting operation.
  • To each of the elements 10 thus fixed in position are added at least one spring 5, contained inside a cloth sheath, which are fixed, by means of metal staples or other suitable means of connection to the straps 6 and 7, which compose the said element 10.
  • the straps 6 and 7 be joined together by means of the stitches 8 and 8.'
  • the elastic straps 9 which are positioned below the elements 10 and are substantially perpendicular to them.
  • the elastic straps 9 could be linked to said elements 10, for instance by means of metal staples.
  • the suspension structure according to the invention allows wide flexibility in construction and application.
  • three springs 5 can be fixed in suitable positions for each element of suspension 10.
  • a second example of application of the present invention is given by the production of a seat for motor vehicles, in which it is important that the thigh of the user be in a raised position.
  • the straps 6 and 7 are produced with different degrees of rigidity.
  • the less rigid strap is positioned above the more rigid strap, respectively in positions 6 and 7 of figure 1. It is possible, however, in the case where a flatter seat is desired, to arrange the straps inversely as regards to the way described above, with the more rigid strap above the less rigid strap.
  • a preferential technique for producing straps of different rigidity consists of arranging different configurations of weft threads with respect to the warp threads according to the degree of rigidity that is required.

Landscapes

  • Springs (AREA)
  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
  • Display Devices Of Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Assembled Shelves (AREA)
  • Automobile Manufacture Line, Endless Track Vehicle, Trailer (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Aufhängungskonstruktion (1) für Teile, die zur Abstützung des menschlichen Körpers in Möbeln oder dergleichen bestimmt sind, umfassend einen Rahmen und mindestens ein Paar gleich abschließender Längselemente, deren jeweilige Enden miteinander verbunden und an zwei einander gegenüberliegenden Seitengliedem (2, 2') des Rahmens so angebracht sind, dass sie sich dazwischen erstrecken, wobei mindestens eines der Längselemente (6, 7) ein gewebtes elastisches Band ist, das zwischen den einander gegenüberliegenden Seitengliedern (2, 2') unter Spannung gehalten wird, um so einen Raum (11) zwischen den jeweiligen miteinander verbundenen Enden zu begrenzen, in dem mindestens eine Schraubenfeder (5) aufgenommen wird, wobei jedes ihrer Enden elastisch auf ein jeweiliges der beiden einander gegenüberliegenden Längselemente einwirkt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass beide Elemente des mindestens einen Paars von Elementen (6, 7) elastische, gewebte Bänder sind, die übereinandergelagert und nahe jedes ihrer Enden aneinander befestigt sind.
  2. Konstruktion nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwei oder mehr Paare von Bändern (6, 7) im wesentlichen parallel zwischen zwei einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten (2, 2') des Rahmens positioniert sind.
  3. Konstruktion nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie mindestens ein einzelnes elastisches, senkrechtes Band (9) umfasst, das unter und im wesentlichen senkrecht zu dem mindestens einen Paar Bänder (6, 7) angeordnet ist, wobei das mindestens eine einzelne, elastische, senkrechte Band (9) an zwei einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten (2, 2') des Rahmens befestigt ist.
  4. Konstruktion nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mindestens eine Paar Bänder (6, 7) mittels Metallklammern, Klemmen oder Haken (4, 4') an den Seiten (2, 2') des Rahmens befestigt ist.
  5. Konstruktion nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste (6) und das zweite (7) Band des mindestens einen Paars von Bändern durch Vemähen (4, 4') miteinander verbunden sind.
  6. Konstruktion nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste (6) und das zweite (7) Band durch Befestigung des mindestens einen Paars (6, 7) an dem Rahmen (2, 2') miteinander verbunden sind.
  7. Konstruktion nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste (6) und das zweite (7) Band unterschiedliche Steifigkeiten besitzen.
  8. Konstruktion nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Fedem (5) durch Klammem entweder direkt oder durch Befestigung einer die Fedem enthaltenden Hülse an den Bändem (6, 7) befestigt sind.
  9. Konstruktion nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Paare von Bändem (6, 7) durch Klammern an den einzelnen elastischen, senkrechten Bändem (9) befestigt sind.
  10. Element (10) zur Verwendung in einer Aufhängungskonstruktion (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es ein erstes, gewebtes, elastisches Band (6) umfasst, das einem zweiten, gewebten, elastischen Band (7) überlagert und nahe jedem Ende an diesem befestigt ist, wodurch ein Paar Bänder entsteht und ein Raum (11) begrenzt wird, in dem mindestens eine Schraubenfeder (5) aufgenommen wird, wobei jedes ihrer Enden elastisch auf ein jeweiliges der beiden einander gegenüberliegenden Bänder (6, 7) einwirkt und wobei das Paar Bänder (6, 7) an zwei einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten (2, 2') eines Möbelstücks oder dergleichen angebracht werden kann.
  11. Element (10) nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es zur Verwendung bei der Montage der Aufhängungskonstruktion (1) lösbar, am Ende des mindestens einen anderen solchen Elements (10) befestigt werden kann, wobei die Spiralfedern abgenommen sind und die lösbar befestigten Elemente (10) zur Bildung einer Rolle gefaltet werden können.
  12. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Aufhängungskonstruktion nach mindestens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9 durch Montage eines oder mehrerer Elemente an einen Rahmen zur Verwendung in einem Möbelstück oder dergleichen, bei dem man eine Rolle von Elementen (10) nach Anspruch 11 abwickelt, die befestigten Elemente (10) von der Rolle löst, jedes Ende der Elemente (10) an dem Rahmen (2, 2') befestigt und eine Feder (5) in den durch das Paar übereinandergelagerter Bänder (6, 7) gebildeten Raum (11) einführt.
  13. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Aufhängungskonstruktion nach mindestens einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 1 bis 9 durch Montage eines oder mehrerer Elemente an einen Rahmen zur Verwendung in einem Möbelstück oder dergleichen, bei dem man einen ersten Teil einer Rolle von Elementen (10) nach Anspruch 11 abwickelt; ein Ende eines der Elemente (10) an dem Rahmen (2) befestigt; einen zweiten Teil der Rolle abwickelt, um das Element (10) freizulegen; das gegenüberliegende Ende des Elements (10) an der gegenüberliegenden Seite des Rahmens (2') befestigt; das befestigte Element (10) von der Rolle löst; und eine Feder (5) in den durch das Paar übereinandergelagerter Bänder (6, 7) gebildeten Raum (11) einführt.
EP97919357A 1996-09-19 1997-04-14 Aufhängungsvorrichtung für möbel oder dergleichen und verfahren zur montage dieser vorrichtung Expired - Lifetime EP0874574B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI961929 1996-09-19
IT96MI001929A IT1288125B1 (it) 1996-09-19 1996-09-19 Struttura per il molleggio in articoli di arredamento o simili
PCT/EP1997/001864 WO1998011805A1 (en) 1996-09-19 1997-04-14 Structure for suspension in articles of furniture or the like and method for the assembly of said structure

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0874574A1 EP0874574A1 (de) 1998-11-04
EP0874574B1 true EP0874574B1 (de) 2002-07-24

Family

ID=11374905

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97919357A Expired - Lifetime EP0874574B1 (de) 1996-09-19 1997-04-14 Aufhängungsvorrichtung für möbel oder dergleichen und verfahren zur montage dieser vorrichtung

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0874574B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE220870T1 (de)
AU (1) AU4511497A (de)
DE (1) DE69714214D1 (de)
IT (1) IT1288125B1 (de)
WO (1) WO1998011805A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1317722B1 (it) * 2000-01-13 2003-07-15 Snam Progetti Procedimento per la produzione di gas di sintesi.
CN113905636A (zh) * 2019-05-21 2022-01-07 睡眠智能解决方案有限公司 用于一件家具的家具设备

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE647208C (de) * 1937-06-30 David Emanuel Svensson Federnder Boden fuer Sitz- und Liegemoebel
DE354092C (de) * 1922-06-02 Paul Birke Polstersitz
CH250039A (de) * 1946-06-12 1947-08-15 Stengel Bruegger Karl Polstermöbel.
DE806571C (de) * 1946-08-24 1951-06-14 Heinrich Heeb I Matratze

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1998011805A1 (en) 1998-03-26
IT1288125B1 (it) 1998-09-10
ITMI961929A1 (it) 1998-03-19
DE69714214D1 (de) 2002-08-29
ATE220870T1 (de) 2002-08-15
EP0874574A1 (de) 1998-11-04
AU4511497A (en) 1998-04-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2202158C (en) Recliner chair seat assembly and method of upholstering
US7025424B2 (en) Chair back for a chair
US4711495A (en) Upholstered furniture
CA2310306C (en) Chair construction and method of making same
US6779849B1 (en) Multi-channel sling seat frame
AU2005244822B2 (en) Mesh chair component
US4230365A (en) Article of furniture and method of manufacture
US4431229A (en) Webbing tensioning assembly
US6409264B1 (en) Interchangeable furniture cover system
US3223450A (en) Upholstered furniture
US3988034A (en) Chair and sofa construction
CN113558429A (zh) 具有集成靠背部肋板支撑件的座套家具
US20040160109A1 (en) Chair seat with firm but resilient front edge
US6494540B1 (en) Furniture structure and method
JPH05277265A (ja) 椅子の張り皮固定装置
US5655812A (en) Upholstery system for chairs
US3560049A (en) Sofa with integral cushion
US1974948A (en) Chair
US5615869A (en) Torsion spring assembly
US6039404A (en) Structure for suspension in articles of furniture or the like and method for the assembly of said structure
EP0874574B1 (de) Aufhängungsvorrichtung für möbel oder dergleichen und verfahren zur montage dieser vorrichtung
CN104287500A (zh) 用于椅子的靠背的内部支撑
US3752533A (en) Upholstered seat
US4343509A (en) Piece of seating furniture
US6830293B2 (en) Seat pad for outdoor furniture

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

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19980914

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20010807

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

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: CINTEL CORONA S.R.L.

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT 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: 20020724

Ref country code: IT

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

Effective date: 20020724

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: 20020724

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20020724

Ref country code: FI

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: 20020724

Ref country code: BE

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: 20020724

Ref country code: AT

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: 20020724

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 220870

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 20020815

Kind code of ref document: T

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69714214

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20020829

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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20021024

Ref country code: PT

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: 20021024

Ref country code: DK

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: 20021024

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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20021025

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: ES

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: 20030130

EN Fr: translation not filed
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: 20030414

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20030414

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

Effective date: 20030425

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

Effective date: 20030414

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A