EP1033094B1 - Support pliant pour meubles - Google Patents

Support pliant pour meubles Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1033094B1
EP1033094B1 EP00301677A EP00301677A EP1033094B1 EP 1033094 B1 EP1033094 B1 EP 1033094B1 EP 00301677 A EP00301677 A EP 00301677A EP 00301677 A EP00301677 A EP 00301677A EP 1033094 B1 EP1033094 B1 EP 1033094B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
frame
parts
mounting plate
bed according
frame part
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
EP00301677A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1033094A1 (fr
Inventor
Stephen M. Durrans
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.)
Jay-Be Ltd
Original Assignee
Jay-Be 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 Jay-Be Ltd filed Critical Jay-Be Ltd
Publication of EP1033094A1 publication Critical patent/EP1033094A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1033094B1 publication Critical patent/EP1033094B1/fr
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
    • A47C19/00Bedsteads
    • A47C19/12Folding bedsteads
    • A47C19/122Folding bedsteads foldable head to foot only

Definitions

  • the invention to which this application relates is a foldable frame for furniture, typically a bed which comprises a bed frame and a mattress supported on said frame and of the type whereby the bed can be folded between a position which the frame is substantially flat for use and a folded storage position.
  • foldable beds are well known and conventionally, the bed frame is moved and is provided with two spaced breaks along the length of the bed frame.
  • the breaks are typically spaced apart and are hingedly connected so that when folded, the bed frame is substantially U-shaped in end view.
  • Almost all bed manufacturers utilise this type of foldable frame and there are several disadvantages.
  • a first disadvantage is that when the frame is in the folded position, ties or other additional retaining means are required to be provided to maintain the free ends of the bed frame in a locked position to prevent the same from falling down and causing potential injury.
  • a second problem is that as the frame is U-shaped when folded, the mattress is trapped within the frame and is required to be provided of a shorter length than the length of the frame when in a flattened position to prevent the mattress from protruding from the free ends of the frame when in a folded position.
  • the conventional bed frames are manufactured from tubular metal which are required to be painted or otherwise coated and, the frames can be relatively heavy.
  • GB1508174 dislcoses one form of foldable bed in which there is provide a frame with a base for a mattress.
  • the frame includes two leg portions which can be moved and pivoted with respect to the base and the base itself can be moved to a folded position by movement about a pivotal axis at the two end parts of the base.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide a bed which can be folded between in use and storage positions and in which, firstly, the free ends of the bed, when folded, are held in a folded position without the need for additional retaining means, a mattress of equal length to the bed frame when in a flattened condition can be accommodated within the bed frame when in folded condition and, if required, plastics or other lightweight or suitable materials can be used to manufacture the same.
  • a bed comprising a frame for supporting a mattress thereon, said frame including two parts which are movable between a folded condition in which the two parts lie substantially parallel and an in use condition in which the two parts lie substantially in line, each of said parts pivotable with respect to at least one mounting plate at a first location on the mounting plate and characterised in that the said frame part and mounting plate are further engaged via a track assembly.
  • each mounting plate is provided with first and second track assemblies, a first frame part mounted for movement along the first track assembly and a second frame part mounted for movement along the second track assembly.
  • each of the frame parts is pivotally movable with respect to the two mounting plates, one on each side of the frame.
  • each mounting plate is provided in a set at each side of the frame parts, each mounting plate having one track formed thereon.
  • the mounting plates are held in a fixed position with respect to the other mounting plates.
  • each of said mounting plates includes two pivot points, one for each of the frame parts, and two track assemblies, one for each of said frame parts.
  • the mounting plates include the slots for said track arrangements, said slots including an arcuate portion and depending away from one another and the length of said slots define the extent of pivotal movement of the respective frame parts about the respective points with respect to the mounting plate.
  • the track assembly comprises a slot along which a member can slidably move and typically the shape of said first and second slots, when provided on the mounting plate are symmetrical about a vertical axis positioned between the same.
  • a member or a slot on the frame part for movement with respect to the other of a member or slot on the mounting plate.
  • the movement of the frame part is guided by the member connected to the frame part moving along a slot in the mounting plate.
  • the slot can be of any form but typically is arcuate in form.
  • the slot is provided with a portion which, when the frame part is in a storage condition, allows the member to move to a locked position thereby retaining the frame part in the storage condition.
  • a slot which allows linear movement of the frame part with respect to the mounting plate.
  • the mounting plate is positioned at approximately the centre of the length of the bed when in the in-use condition so that the two frame parts are of substantially equal length.
  • each frame part is movable along the track assembly between a first position in which the frame part is held in the in use condition and a second position at which the frame part is in the storage condition.
  • the mattress is provided to be of at least the same length as the frame when in the use condition and when in a storage condition the mattress at the point of folding is received in a gap defined between the spaced ends of the frame parts.
  • each frame part includes at least one foldable leg portion which can be folded outwardly to support the frame parts in an in use position and are stowable adjacent the frame parts to which they are attached for storage.
  • At least one of the foldable legs of the bed is connected to the track assembly for that frame part to which it is attached such that movement of the leg causes movement of the frame part with respect to the mounting plate.
  • the mounting plate typically includes supports means thereon to support the mounting plate in a fixed position with respect to a support surface on which the same lies.
  • the support means can be legs, castors, wheels or the like.
  • a frame for an item of furniture said frame including two parts which are movable between a folded condition in which the two parts lie substantially parallel and an in use condition in which the two parts lie substantially in line and in that each of said parts is pivotable with respect to at least one mounting plate and said frame parts and mounting plate are mutually engaged via a track assembly formed between the same.
  • the frame when the frame is used for a bed the frame is formed and movable so that when in a folded, storage position, the mattress does not protrude from the free end of the frame in the folded position.
  • This is achieved by the use of the pivot points and track assemblies on the mounting plates on either side of the frame parts which join the frame parts together and when the frame parts are moved to a folded position, there is a space defined between the pivoted ends of the frame parts and into which space the folded mattress can pass so as to accommodate a portion of the mattress and thereby prevent the ends of the mattress from protruding beyond the free ends of the folded frame as is the case with conventional folding bed frames.
  • a bed which comprises a mattress 2 which is supported by a frame 4 which in this case is formed of two parts 6 and 8, each of said parts having a leg 10, 12 with support struts 60,62 and the said parts are shown in broken lines abutting at a break point in the frame 15 and are held in position via mounting plates 14, one of which is shown with the other positioned at the other side of the frame parts in the same manner.
  • the frame includes a series of slats 63 which are mounted between the frame side members at spaced intervals so as to provide a support for the mattress 2.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the bed in a folded condition in which the parts of the frame 4, 6 and 8, are shown in an upright position and pivoted about the mounting plate 14. It is also shown how the mattress 2 is folded with the frame members and, as it can be accommodated between the space defined between the parts 6 and 8 of the frame at the break 15 then the mattress 2 can be the same length as the frame when in an in use position as shown in Figure 1 and still does not protrude beyond the edges 16 and 18 of the frame parts 6 and 8 when in a folded position. This was not previously possible with conventional folding bed frames.
  • the legs 10 and 12 can be moved to a stowed position in which they are substantially in line with the frame parts 6,8.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a detailed view of an inside face of one of the mounting plates 14 and shows the arrangement between the frame parts 6 and 8, only the ends of which are shown, and the mounting plate.
  • the mounting plate allows the pivotal movement of the frame parts between the folded storage condition and an in use condition.
  • Figure 3 show the frame parts in an in use condition and it will be seen that the frame parts 6,8 are in line and that the ends of the frame parts 6,8 at the break point 15 are adjacent one and other.
  • the frame parts are pivotally movable about respective pivot points 20, 22 on the mounting plate to allow movement between the folded and in use conditions.
  • Elongate members 24, 26 are attached to the mounting plate 14 as shown and pass across the width of the frame to attach in the same manner with a mounting plate at the other side of the frame which acts in the same manner as the mounting plate shown.
  • the parts 6 and 8 can therefore pivotally move about the members 24, 26 respectively about the pivot points 20,22 on the mounting plate.
  • the mounting plate also includes two track assemblies, one for each of the frame parts, and said track assemblies are formed by members 28 and 30 in engagement with respective arcuate slots 32, 34.
  • the frame parts 6 and 8 lie at one end of the slots 32,34 respectively. If the bed is to be moved to the storage condition the pivotal movement of the frame parts about the pivot points 20,22 respectively, causes and is guided by, the members 28 and 30 moving along the slots to the respective positions marked X and Y in the slots 32, 34 and, in this position, the frame parts 6 and 8 lie in the substantially vertical planes as shown in Figure 2. However, when in positions X and Y the frame parts are free moving and therefore slot portions 36, 38 are provided which depend from the arcuate portion of the respective slots and into which the members 28 and 30 fall.
  • the additional cross rails 44 to 48 are provided to act as strengthening members for the mounting plates so as to support the pivotal movement of the frame members 6 and 8 and these pass between the said mounting plates.
  • the cross rail 46 also acting as a stop for the mattress to prevent the same from slipping any further through the gap in the frame parts when in the folded position.
  • Figures 4 and 5 illustrate further the arrangement between one of the members 24 with the mounting plate 14 and frame part 6.
  • the frame part 6 is in a vertical, folded position but in an unlocked condition whereupon the member 24 lies at the bottom of the slot 40 and the member 28 lies at the top of the slot portion 36 in the mounting plate 14 ie at position X.
  • Figure 5 illustrates the member 6 still in a vertical plane but having moved to a locked, retained condition with the member 24 having slid to the top of the slot 40 and the member 28 on the frame 6 having slid to the bottom of the slotted portion 36 on the mounting plate 14.
  • levers 40, 42 shown in Figure 1, to connect the legs 10, 12, of the bed to or to act as the members 28, 30.
  • the arrangement of this invention allows the frame parts to be held in a folded position without the need for further retaining members, allows a mattress to be used which is of substantially the same length as the length of the frame in a flat in use position and without the end of the mattress protruding from the free ends of the frame parts when in a folded position, allows the frame to be formed from only two parts, with only one break in the frame, and allows, if required, the parts of the frame to be manufactured from suitable materials such as plastics, aluminium or the like thereby reducing the need for painting and hence reducing the cost and possibly also the weight of the bed.
  • the bed and in particular the frame of the current application represents a distinct and significant invention.

Claims (20)

  1. Un lit comprenant un support pour supporter un matelas (2), ledit support comportant deux parties (6,8) qui peuvent être mues entre un état replié pour le rangement, en lequel les deux parties se trouvent sensiblement parallèles, et un état d'utilisation en lequel les deux parties se trouvent sensiblement alignées, chacune desdites parties (6,8) pouvant pivoter relativement à au moins une plaque de montage (14) en une première position sur la plaque de montage et caractérisé en ce que ladite partie de support et la plaque de montage sont de plus mises en prise au moyen d'un ensemble formant rail.
  2. Un lit selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que qu'il est pourvu, au minimum, de deux plaques de montage dont une est placée d'un premier côté des parties de support et en prise avec celles-ci, et la deuxième est montée d'un côté opposé des parties de support et en prise avec celles-ci.
  3. Un lit selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que chaque plaque de montage est pourvue d'un premier et d'un deuxième ensembles formant rails, une première partie de support en prise pour se mouvoir le long du premier rail et une deuxième partie de support en prise pour se mouvoir le long du deuxième rail.
  4. Un lit selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que deux plaques de montage sont prévues de chaque côté des parties de support, chaque plaque de montage ayant un rail formé sur la plaque.
  5. Un lit seon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdites plaques de montage sont maintenues en une position fixe relativement aux autres plaques de montage.
  6. Un lit selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la forme desdits premier et deuxièmes ensembles formant rail sur la plaque de montage est symétrique autour d'un axe vertical positionné entre ceux-ci.
  7. Un lit selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la plaque de montage est placée approximativement au centre de la longueur du lit en l'état d'utilisation, de sorte que les deux parties de support sont de longueur sensiblement égale.
  8. Un lit selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la partie de support peut se mouvoir le long de l'ensemble formant rail entre une première position en laquelle la partie de support est maintenue en l'état d'utilisation et une deuxième position en laquelle la partie de support se trouve en l'état de rangement.
  9. Un lit selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'ensemble formant rail comprend, sur la partie de support, un élément ou une fente qui, pour le mouvement, est en prise avec un autre élément ou une autre fente sur la plaque de montage.
  10. Un lit selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que le mouvement de la partie de support est guidé par l'élément qui, sur la partie de support, se déplace le long d'une fente dans la plaque de montage.
  11. Un lit selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que la fente est en forme d'arc.
  12. Un lit selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que le fente est pourvue d'une portion qui, lorsque la partie de support est en un état de rangement, permet à l'élément de passer à une position verrouillée, retenant ainsi la partie de support en l'état de rangement.
  13. Un lit selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il est prévu, au point de pivot, une fente qui rend possible un mouvement linéaire de la partie de support relativement à la plaque de montage.
  14. Un lit selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que chacune des plaques de montage comprend deux points de pivot dont un pour chaque partie de support, et deux agencements de rails, dont un pour chaque partie de support.
  15. Un lit selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que les plaques de montage comprennent les fentes pour lesdits agencements de rails, lesdites fentes incluant une partie en arc et s'écartant l'une de l'autre de haut en bas, et la longueur desdites fentes délimitant le degré de pivotement des parties de support respectives relativement à la plaque de montage.
  16. Un lit selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le matelas est prévu pour avoir au moins la même longueur que le support en un état d'utilisation et, lorsque le support est en un état de rangement, le matelas est reçu, à son point de pliage, dans un intervalle défini entre les extrémités espacées des parties de support.
  17. Un lit selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que chaque partie de support comprend au moins une partie formant un pied repliable qui peut être déplié vers l'extérieur pour supporter les parties de support en une position d'utilisation et, pour le rangement, peut être arrimé à proximité de la partie de support à laquelle il est fixé.
  18. Un lit selon la revendication 17, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins un des pieds repliables du lit est connecté à l'agencement de rails pour la partie de support à laquelle il est attaché, de sorte que le mouvement du pied cause un mouvement de la partie de support relativement à la plaque de montage.
  19. Un lit selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la plaque de montage est pourvue de moyens de soutien qui maintiennent la plaque de montage en une position fixe relativement à une surface de support sur laquelle se trouve celle-ci.
  20. Un support pour un meuble selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 19, ledit support comprenant deux parties (6,8) qui peuvent se mouvoir entre un état replié en lequel les deux parties se trouvent sensiblement parallèles et un état d'utilisation en lequel les deux parties sont sensiblement alignées, caractérisé en ce que chacune desdites parties (6,8) peut pivoter relativement à au moins une plaque de montage (14) et lesdites parties de support et la plaque de montage sont mises en prise mutuelle au moyen d'un ensemble formant rail, formé entre celles-ci.
EP00301677A 1999-03-04 2000-03-01 Support pliant pour meubles Expired - Lifetime EP1033094B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9904865.4A GB9904865D0 (en) 1999-03-04 1999-03-04 Foldable bed
GB9904865 1999-03-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1033094A1 EP1033094A1 (fr) 2000-09-06
EP1033094B1 true EP1033094B1 (fr) 2004-01-07

Family

ID=10848863

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00301677A Expired - Lifetime EP1033094B1 (fr) 1999-03-04 2000-03-01 Support pliant pour meubles

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1033094B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2000253955A (fr)
AT (1) ATE257348T1 (fr)
DE (1) DE60007575D1 (fr)
GB (1) GB9904865D0 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2361176B (en) * 2000-04-11 2003-12-24 Abf Ltd A bed
CN101829411B (zh) * 2010-05-26 2012-06-27 武汉纺织大学 安全快速逃生床
US11375822B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2022-07-05 Lippert Components, Inc. Folding bed system

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1841648A (en) * 1931-03-19 1932-01-19 Arthur M Sorey Folding closet bed
FR875760A (fr) * 1941-10-06 1942-10-02 Dispositif d'articulation
FR2144918A5 (fr) * 1971-07-02 1973-02-16 Samti
US4048683A (en) * 1974-12-02 1977-09-20 Tiyung Chen Space-saving folding bed

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60007575D1 (de) 2004-02-12
GB9904865D0 (en) 1999-04-28
ATE257348T1 (de) 2004-01-15
JP2000253955A (ja) 2000-09-19
EP1033094A1 (fr) 2000-09-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5190337A (en) Collapsible pipe rack for pickup trucks
US5156432A (en) Folding gate ramp for pickup trucks
US5133584A (en) Folding gate ramp for pickup trucks
US7568243B2 (en) Playard
US5152570A (en) Retractable cargo rack
US7707949B2 (en) Fold-in-half table with pivotally attached leg assemblies
US6349962B1 (en) Collapsible domestic cart
US7757617B2 (en) Fold-in-half table with pivotally adjustable leg assemblies
US4979867A (en) Ramp
CA2353055C (fr) Chariot manuel repliable verticalement et methode de fonctionnement et de construction
US5392718A (en) Wheel lifting assembly for mobile folding stage unit
US20090249982A1 (en) Multi-Position Table
US5158151A (en) Bidirectionally foldable step ladder
US4044857A (en) Mobile ladder
US20040244110A1 (en) Foldable crib and method for using same
US6868976B1 (en) Support stand for a bicycle
US6651774B2 (en) Combined stepladder and hand truck assembly
US6457559B1 (en) Foldable ladder
EP1033094B1 (fr) Support pliant pour meubles
US6119810A (en) Foldable scaffold
US5195610A (en) Bidirectionally foldable step ladder
US4537421A (en) Foldable dolly
JP2005509768A (ja) 折畳み可能梯子
WO2011117658A1 (fr) Lit d'enfant
US7337583B1 (en) Extendable deck for seating system

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 CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20000918

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020904

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

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 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: 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: 20040107

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: 20040107

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: 20040107

Ref country code: FR

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: 20040107

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: 20040107

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: 20040107

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: 20040107

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: 20040107

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: 20040107

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

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: 60007575

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20040212

Kind code of ref document: P

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: 20040301

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: 20040331

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: 20040407

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: 20040407

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: 20040407

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: 20040408

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: 20040418

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20040505

Year of fee payment: 5

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20040706

Year of fee payment: 5

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: 20041008

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: 20050301

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20050301

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

Effective date: 20050301

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: WD

Ref document number: 1030139

Country of ref document: HK

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: 20040607