EP0920357B1 - Decoration method - Google Patents

Decoration method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0920357B1
EP0920357B1 EP98930881A EP98930881A EP0920357B1 EP 0920357 B1 EP0920357 B1 EP 0920357B1 EP 98930881 A EP98930881 A EP 98930881A EP 98930881 A EP98930881 A EP 98930881A EP 0920357 B1 EP0920357 B1 EP 0920357B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coating
mixture
coating material
article
period
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
EP98930881A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0920357A1 (en
Inventor
James Anthony-Promotion Consultancy Lim. Lodge
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.)
Promotion Consultancy Ltd
Original Assignee
Promotion Consultancy 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 Promotion Consultancy Ltd filed Critical Promotion Consultancy Ltd
Publication of EP0920357A1 publication Critical patent/EP0920357A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0920357B1 publication Critical patent/EP0920357B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05D—PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05D5/00—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures
    • B05D5/06—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures to obtain multicolour or other optical effects
    • B05D5/061—Special surface effect
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
    • B44F1/00—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects
    • B44F1/08—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects characterised by colour effects
    • B44F1/10—Changing, amusing, or secret pictures

Definitions

  • This invention concerns a decoration method and particularly a decoration method usable on products such as items of glazed tableware.
  • Thermochromic inks are materials which at a specified temperature change colour, or become transparent or at least translucent.
  • An example of such an ink is described in EP-A-0677564 (The Pilot Ink Co Ltd).
  • US-A-4156365 (Heinmets & Heinmets) describes a method of applying an array of dots, lines or patterns of thermochromic paint to a food serving vessel to indicate temperature. US-A-4156365 is considered to be the closest prior art.
  • the second coating material is preferably transparent.
  • the first coating material is preferably transparent.
  • the first and/or second coating materials preferably comprise lacquers.
  • the first coating material preferably comprises an organic water based lacquer, though the lacquer could be acrylic based.
  • the second coating material preferably comprises a two-part epoxy fortified acrylic resin, including an activator and a thinner.
  • the proportion of ink in the mixture is preferably within the range 5-25%.
  • the mixture and/or second coating material are preferably cured following application onto the article.
  • the curing preferably commences with a period in an infra red shortwave drier followed by a heat cure.
  • the heat cure preferably comprises a lower temperature first period, followed by a higher temperature second period.
  • the first period preferably lasts between one and two minutes at 35°C to 65°C, with the second period lasting eight to twelve minutes at 140 to 220°C.
  • the first period preferably lasts between eight and twelve minutes at 35 to 65°C, with the second period lasting twenty five to thirty minutes at 110 to 165°C.
  • a decoration may be provided on the article beneath the mixture such that when the thermochromic ink is at least translucent, said decoration is visible.
  • the mixture may comprise a plurality of thermochromic inks with different colour change temperatures, and the inks may be of different colours.
  • the mixture and/or second coating material may be applied to the article by spraying, and desirable electrostatic spraying.
  • an electrostatic thinner may be added to the mixture and/or second coating prior to spraying.
  • the mixture and/or the second coating material are preferably sprayed to a thickness of between 12 and 24 microns.
  • thermochromic outer layer is then applied as follows.
  • a dark blue thermochromic ink is mixed with an organic water-based lacquer with 5 to 25% of the ink, dependent on the strength of colour required.
  • An electrostatic thinner is added to the mixture which is then applied by electrostatic spraying using an RD-3000 Turbodisc system. The mixture is sprayed to provide a 20 micron layer.
  • This layer is then cured by an initial pass through an infra red shortwave drier and then a subsequent pass through a gas convection drier or driers with an initial first stage of one to two minutes at 35 to 65°C, and a second stage lasting eight to twelve minutes at 140 to 220°C.
  • a transparent outer coating is then applied to the teapot as follows.
  • a two-part epoxy fortified acrylic resin is mixed together and applied by electrostatic spraying in a similar manner to the first layer outlined above.
  • This second layer is then cured again with a first pass through a shortwave infra red drier and then subsequent passes through a gas convection drier initially for eight to twelve minutes at 35 to 65°C, and then twenty five to thirty minutes at 110 to 165°C.
  • the finished product has a durable glossy finish which is substantially dishwasher proof.
  • the teapot is dark blue.
  • the thermochromic ink changes to a substantially transparent state such that the fruit pattern beneath the thermochromic coating can be clearly seen.
  • the dark blue colouring will return to again obscure the fruit pattern.
  • decorations can be provided using a method according to the present invention, to provide for example decorations which appear or disappear at below or above room temperature. These decorations can selectively obscure decorations, messages etc. therebeneath. It is possible for a plurality of different inks with different colour change temperatures and perhaps also different colours to be mixed, such that a decoration can pass from one colour perhaps to reveal a pattern or decoration therebeneath, and subsequently to move to a further colour as the temperature rises or falls. A wide range of colours can be used as is available.
  • the coatings could be applied by different techniques and perhaps only to cover part of the surface of an article to provide particular effects. Different spraying and/or curing conditions can be used etc, as are appropriate to particular materials used.

Abstract

A method of decorating an article such as tableware comprises mixing a thermochromic ink with a transparent lacquer, applying the mixture on to part or all of the surface of an article, once the mixture is set, applying a second layer of dishwasher proof transparent lacquer. The proportion of ink in the mixture may be 5-25%. A decoration can be provided on the article beneath the mixture so that it is visible when the thermochromic ink is at least translucent.

Description

This invention concerns a decoration method and particularly a decoration method usable on products such as items of glazed tableware.
Presently a wide range of decoration methods and techniques are applied to items such as tableware, eg cups, plates, teapots etc. It is desirable to produce new affects in such decoration. It is also generally a requirement that such decorations should be durable and also dishwasher proof.
Thermochromic inks are materials which at a specified temperature change colour, or become transparent or at least translucent. An example of such an ink is described in EP-A-0677564 (The Pilot Ink Co Ltd).
US-A-4156365 (Heinmets & Heinmets) describes a method of applying an array of dots, lines or patterns of thermochromic paint to a food serving vessel to indicate temperature. US-A-4156365 is considered to be the closest prior art.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of decorating an article of glazed tableware comprising the steps of:-
  • (i) mixing a thermochromic ink with a first coating material to form a first coating mixture;
  • (ii) applying the first coating mixture onto a part or all of the glazed surface of the tableware article;
  • (iii) once the first coating mixture is set, applying a second coating material over the first coating mixture; wherein the second coating material is substantially dishwasher proof.
    • The second coating material is preferably transparent.
    The first coating material is preferably transparent.
    The first and/or second coating materials preferably comprise lacquers. The first coating material preferably comprises an organic water based lacquer, though the lacquer could be acrylic based. The second coating material preferably comprises a two-part epoxy fortified acrylic resin, including an activator and a thinner.
    The proportion of ink in the mixture is preferably within the range 5-25%.
    The mixture and/or second coating material are preferably cured following application onto the article. The curing preferably commences with a period in an infra red shortwave drier followed by a heat cure. The heat cure preferably comprises a lower temperature first period, followed by a higher temperature second period. For the mixture, the first period preferably lasts between one and two minutes at 35°C to 65°C, with the second period lasting eight to twelve minutes at 140 to 220°C. For the second coating the first period preferably lasts between eight and twelve minutes at 35 to 65°C, with the second period lasting twenty five to thirty minutes at 110 to 165°C.
    A decoration may be provided on the article beneath the mixture such that when the thermochromic ink is at least translucent, said decoration is visible.
    The mixture may comprise a plurality of thermochromic inks with different colour change temperatures, and the inks may be of different colours.
    The mixture and/or second coating material may be applied to the article by spraying, and desirable electrostatic spraying. In the latter case, an electrostatic thinner may be added to the mixture and/or second coating prior to spraying.
    The mixture and/or the second coating material are preferably sprayed to a thickness of between 12 and 24 microns.
    An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only.
    A ceramic teapot is formed, decorated and glazed in a conventional manner so as to have a pattern such as a series of fruit on it. A thermochromic outer layer is then applied as follows. A dark blue thermochromic ink is mixed with an organic water-based lacquer with 5 to 25% of the ink, dependent on the strength of colour required. An electrostatic thinner is added to the mixture which is then applied by electrostatic spraying using an RD-3000 Turbodisc system. The mixture is sprayed to provide a 20 micron layer.
    This layer is then cured by an initial pass through an infra red shortwave drier and then a subsequent pass through a gas convection drier or driers with an initial first stage of one to two minutes at 35 to 65°C, and a second stage lasting eight to twelve minutes at 140 to 220°C.
    A transparent outer coating is then applied to the teapot as follows. A two-part epoxy fortified acrylic resin is mixed together and applied by electrostatic spraying in a similar manner to the first layer outlined above. This second layer is then cured again with a first pass through a shortwave infra red drier and then subsequent passes through a gas convection drier initially for eight to twelve minutes at 35 to 65°C, and then twenty five to thirty minutes at 110 to 165°C.
    The finished product has a durable glossy finish which is substantially dishwasher proof. At room temperature the teapot is dark blue. When boiling water is added the thermochromic ink changes to a substantially transparent state such that the fruit pattern beneath the thermochromic coating can be clearly seen. As the teapot subsequently cools, the dark blue colouring will return to again obscure the fruit pattern.
    There is thus described a decoration method which permits items such as ceramic tableware to be readily decorated in a relatively straightforward manner with a novel decoration. In view of the good finish provided by the decoration and the fact that it is substantially dishwasher proof, the decoration does not detract from the product and provides considerable enhancement with the decoration.
    It is to be realised that a wide range of decorations can be provided using a method according to the present invention, to provide for example decorations which appear or disappear at below or above room temperature. These decorations can selectively obscure decorations, messages etc. therebeneath. It is possible for a plurality of different inks with different colour change temperatures and perhaps also different colours to be mixed, such that a decoration can pass from one colour perhaps to revel a pattern or decoration therebeneath, and subsequently to move to a further colour as the temperature rises or falls. A wide range of colours can be used as is available.
    Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the coatings could be applied by different techniques and perhaps only to cover part of the surface of an article to provide particular effects. Different spraying and/or curing conditions can be used etc, as are appropriate to particular materials used.

    Claims (21)

    1. A method of decorating an article of glazed tableware comprising the steps of:-
      (i) mixing a thermochromic ink with a first coating material to form a first coating mixture;
      (ii) applying the first coating mixture onto a part or all of the glazed surface of the tableware article;
      (iii) once the first coating mixture is set, applying a second coating material over the first coating mixture;
      wherein the second coating material is substantially dishwasher proof.
    2. A method according to Claim 1 wherein the second coating material is substantially transparent.
    3. A method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the first coating material is transparent.
    4. A method according to any of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the first and/or second coating materials comprise lacquers.
    5. A method according to Claim 4 wherein the first coating material comprises an organic water based lacquer.
    6. A method according to Claim 4 wherein the first coating material comprises an acrylic based lacquer.
    7. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the second coating material comprises a two-part epoxy fortified acrylic resin, including an activator and a thinner.
    8. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the proportion of ink in the first coating mixture is within the range 5-25%.
    9. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first coating mixture and/or second coating material are cured following application onto the article.
    10. A method according to Claim 9 wherein the curing commences with a period in an infra red short-wave drier followed by a heat cure.
    11. A method according to Claims 9 or 10 wherein the curing includes a heat cure comprising a lower temperature first period, followed by a higher temperature second period.
    12. A method according to Claim 11 wherein for the first coating mixture, the first period lasts between one and two minutes at 35°C to 65°C, with the second period lasting between eight and twelve minutes at 140 to 220°C.
    13. A method according to Claims 11 or 12 wherein for the second coating the first period lasts between eight and twelve minutes at 35 to 65°C with the second period lasting twenty five to thirty minutes at 110 to 165°C.
    14. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein a decoration is provided on the article beneath the mixture such that when the thermochromic ink is at least translucent, said decoration is visible.
    15. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first coating mixture comprises a plurality of thermochromic inks with different colour change temperatures.
    16. A method according to Claim 15 wherein the inks are of different colours.
    17. A method according to any of the preceding claims wherein the mixture and/or second coating material are applied to the article by spraying.
    18. A method according to Claim 17 wherein the mixture and/or second coating material are applied to the article by electrostatic spraying.
    19. A method according to Claim 18 wherein an electrostatic thinner is added to the first coating mixture and/or second coating prior to spraying.
    20. A method according to any of Claims 17 to 19 wherein the first coating mixture and/or the second coating material are sprayed to a thickness of between 12 and 24 microns.
    21. A glazed tableware item decorated according to the method as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 20 inclusive.
    EP98930881A 1997-06-19 1998-06-17 Decoration method Expired - Lifetime EP0920357B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    GB9712825A GB2325182B (en) 1997-06-19 1997-06-19 Decoration method
    GB9712825 1997-06-19
    PCT/GB1998/001778 WO1998057760A1 (en) 1997-06-19 1998-06-17 Decoration method

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0920357A1 EP0920357A1 (en) 1999-06-09
    EP0920357B1 true EP0920357B1 (en) 2003-01-02

    Family

    ID=10814494

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP98930881A Expired - Lifetime EP0920357B1 (en) 1997-06-19 1998-06-17 Decoration method

    Country Status (7)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP0920357B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE230309T1 (en)
    DE (1) DE69810430T2 (en)
    ES (1) ES2189192T3 (en)
    GB (1) GB2325182B (en)
    PT (1) PT920357E (en)
    WO (1) WO1998057760A1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (7)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    GB2325182B (en) 1997-06-19 1999-03-31 Promotion Consultancy Limited Decoration method
    US6281165B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2001-08-28 World Wide Art Studios Therochromatic ink covered article having image disposed thereon and method of making the same
    GB0226916D0 (en) * 2002-11-19 2002-12-24 Walker Timothy Improved coating process
    GB2419306B (en) * 2004-10-22 2006-12-13 Ram Sharma Decorating ceramic articles
    GB0425068D0 (en) * 2004-11-12 2004-12-15 Listawood Holdings Ltd A method of decorating a substrate
    US8092866B2 (en) 2005-03-22 2012-01-10 World Wide Lines, Inc. Thermochromatic pigment covered article and method of making the same
    GB0601779D0 (en) * 2006-01-28 2006-03-08 Wilkinson Alan R Thermochromic Indicator

    Family Cites Families (21)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    GB1217233A (en) * 1967-01-12 1970-12-31 Arne Bybjerg Pedersen Heatable hair rollers
    US4156365A (en) * 1976-08-02 1979-05-29 Ferdinand Heinmets Temperature indicator
    JPS5790085A (en) 1980-11-27 1982-06-04 Pilot Ink Co Ltd Thermochromic material
    US4917643A (en) 1987-06-26 1990-04-17 Mattel, Inc. Toy vehicle with thermochromic material
    JPH072398B2 (en) * 1988-05-07 1995-01-18 川崎製鉄株式会社 Thermochromic stainless steel plate
    JPH0376783A (en) * 1989-08-21 1991-04-02 Matsui Shikiso Kagaku Kogyosho:Kk Polychroic thermochromic composition
    DE3927753A1 (en) * 1989-08-23 1991-02-28 Ralf Jeising Traffic warning sign for ice or scolding danger - has temp.-dependent coating transparent at normal temp. otherwise becoming opaque and/or coloured
    US5352649A (en) * 1991-07-04 1994-10-04 The Pilot Ink Co., Ltd. Thermochromic laminate member, and composition and sheet for producing the same
    CA2073215C (en) 1991-07-09 1995-06-20 Nobuaki Matsunami Thermochromic laminate member and toy utilizing the same
    US5215491A (en) * 1992-02-07 1993-06-01 Mattel, Inc. Water actuated toy kitchen set
    JP2957042B2 (en) * 1992-02-29 1999-10-04 鐘紡株式会社 Decorative soap and its manufacturing method
    JPH0680912A (en) * 1992-09-04 1994-03-22 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Automobile coating composition and substrate coated therewith
    JP3134108B2 (en) * 1992-10-26 2001-02-13 パイロットインキ株式会社 Thermochromic light-shielding composition, laminate using the same, and internally concealed three-dimensional object using the laminate
    FR2698321B1 (en) * 1992-11-25 1995-01-13 Ebauchesfabrik Eta Ag Plastic object with at least part of the outer surface decorated.
    GB2274428B (en) * 1993-01-20 1996-08-21 Portals Security threads
    JP3306607B2 (en) * 1994-03-25 2002-07-24 パイロットインキ株式会社 Thermochromic shading-translucent composition, laminate using the same, and internally concealed three-dimensional object using the laminate
    US5588747A (en) 1994-06-01 1996-12-31 Blevins; Terry D. Measuring cup with externally-mounted liquid crystal thermometer
    GB2312955A (en) * 1996-05-08 1997-11-12 Willett Int Ltd Monitoring temperatures of surfaces of heat exchangers
    US5618581A (en) * 1996-07-01 1997-04-08 Calladium Corporation Method for making thermochromic writing instruments having a reptilian texture
    WO1998007345A1 (en) * 1996-08-16 1998-02-26 Monty Lawrence P Thermochromic handheld hair curling iron
    GB2325182B (en) 1997-06-19 1999-03-31 Promotion Consultancy Limited Decoration method

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    ATE230309T1 (en) 2003-01-15
    ES2189192T3 (en) 2003-07-01
    PT920357E (en) 2003-03-31
    DE69810430D1 (en) 2003-02-06
    DE69810430T2 (en) 2003-09-25
    GB9712825D0 (en) 1997-08-20
    WO1998057760A1 (en) 1998-12-23
    EP0920357A1 (en) 1999-06-09
    GB2325182A (en) 1998-11-18
    GB2325182B (en) 1999-03-31

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    US7166333B2 (en) Decoration method
    US4169907A (en) Simulated ceramic tile
    CN102657411B (en) Natural crack button and preparation method thereof
    EP0920357B1 (en) Decoration method
    WO1989004889A1 (en) Technique for printing disperse dyes on glass or ceramic surfaces
    CN112617549A (en) Drinking or eating vessel
    US20070020459A1 (en) Method and article for a dye sublimatable cast polymer
    US20070248761A1 (en) Method for decorating articles
    CN102602213B (en) Natural crack collar stay and manufacturing method thereof
    US20040191524A1 (en) Decoration methods
    RU2370378C1 (en) Method for production of decorative coating
    JP2526062B2 (en) How to decorate ceramics
    JPS63274473A (en) Treatment for coating and processing surface of foamed aluminum board
    KR100297642B1 (en) Process for forming wood color and pattern on iron, plastic, rubber and glass
    CN100418794C (en) Stamp-inlaid ceramic tray, box, or plate and its making method
    KR20030073612A (en) A Process For Coloring Of Lacquer Face And Nacre
    CZ137695A3 (en) Process of applying surface layers for achieving the appearance of root wood imitation
    JP3881786B2 (en) Surface decoration and its decoration method
    WO2006064297A1 (en) Method for surface decoration of woodwork products
    JP2683387B2 (en) Decorative plate and manufacturing method thereof
    CN1097015A (en) Flash coloured minute surface sheet decorative pigment and manufacturing process thereof
    KR100780887B1 (en) offset printing plate and method for manufacturing the same
    JPH0460954B2 (en)
    RU2240236C2 (en) Method for manufacture of decorative artistic articles with "khokhloma" ornament
    JPH0768068B2 (en) Metal powder pigment painting method for ceramics

    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: 19990312

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

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

    RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

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

    17Q First examination report despatched

    Effective date: 20000315

    TPAD Observations filed by third parties

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS TIPA

    GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

    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 CY DE DK ES FI FR 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: LI

    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: 20030102

    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: 20030102

    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: 20030102

    Ref country code: CH

    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: 20030102

    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: 20030102

    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: 20030102

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 230309

    Country of ref document: AT

    Date of ref document: 20030115

    Kind code of ref document: T

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: EP

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: IE

    Ref legal event code: FG4D

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 69810430

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 20030206

    Kind code of ref document: P

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: PT

    Ref legal event code: SC4A

    Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

    Effective date: 20030120

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

    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: 20030402

    ET Fr: translation filed
    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: 20030617

    Ref country code: IE

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

    Effective date: 20030617

    Ref country code: CY

    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: 20030617

    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: 20030630

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FG2A

    Ref document number: 2189192

    Country of ref document: ES

    Kind code of ref document: T3

    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

    Effective date: 20031003

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: IE

    Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

    Ref country code: SE

    Payment date: 20110613

    Year of fee payment: 14

    Ref country code: PT

    Payment date: 20110616

    Year of fee payment: 14

    Ref country code: FR

    Payment date: 20110621

    Year of fee payment: 14

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

    Ref country code: NL

    Payment date: 20110621

    Year of fee payment: 14

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

    Ref country code: IT

    Payment date: 20110617

    Year of fee payment: 14

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

    Ref country code: ES

    Payment date: 20110715

    Year of fee payment: 14

    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: 20121217

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: NL

    Ref legal event code: V1

    Effective date: 20130101

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: SE

    Ref legal event code: EUG

    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: 20121217

    Ref country code: SE

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

    Effective date: 20120618

    Ref country code: IT

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

    Effective date: 20120617

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    Effective date: 20130228

    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: 20130101

    Ref country code: FR

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

    Effective date: 20120702

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FD2A

    Effective date: 20131018

    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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20120618

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

    Ref country code: DE

    Payment date: 20160722

    Year of fee payment: 19

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: DE

    Ref legal event code: R119

    Ref document number: 69810430

    Country of ref document: DE

    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: 20180103