EP1051330B1 - An improved bottom profile for a can - Google Patents

An improved bottom profile for a can Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1051330B1
EP1051330B1 EP97922935A EP97922935A EP1051330B1 EP 1051330 B1 EP1051330 B1 EP 1051330B1 EP 97922935 A EP97922935 A EP 97922935A EP 97922935 A EP97922935 A EP 97922935A EP 1051330 B1 EP1051330 B1 EP 1051330B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dome
dimples
seating
diameter
side wall
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.)
Revoked
Application number
EP97922935A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1051330A1 (en
Inventor
Paulus Jozef Tamis
Stephanus Maria Kamperman
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.)
Tata Steel Ijmuiden BV
Original Assignee
Corus Staal BV
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=8166614&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1051330(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Corus Staal BV filed Critical Corus Staal BV
Publication of EP1051330A1 publication Critical patent/EP1051330A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1051330B1 publication Critical patent/EP1051330B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Revoked legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/12Cans, casks, barrels, or drums
    • B65D1/14Cans, casks, barrels, or drums characterised by shape
    • B65D1/16Cans, casks, barrels, or drums characterised by shape of curved cross-section, e.g. cylindrical
    • B65D1/165Cylindrical cans

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a thin metal pressure-resistant can comprising a can body having a deep-drawn and wall-ironed cylindrical side wall, such as for instance a beverage can, with an improved bottom profile.
  • beverage cans of the type mentioned in the preamble which cans are manufactured in very large numbers, ever more lighter in weight by starting with a thinner basic material.
  • a reduction of the material thickness of beverage cans for instance from a thickness of the basic steel material of 0.26 mm to less than 0.22 mm, it appeared that the resistance against an internal a pressure of over 689 KPa (100 psi) in particular of existing bottoms of standard beverage cans are not in all cases sufficient, causing the occurrence of unacceptable deformation of the beverage cans.
  • Cans having a bottom profile comprising an outwardly convexed bottom integrally with said body are known from The Canmaker, November 1996, pp.43 - 44, "Light years ahead", and European Patent Application EP-A-040014.
  • a bottom profile according to said article comprises a flat bottom, which has at its centre an inward flat projection.
  • US 5421480 discloses, as an alternative to inwardly domed can bottoms, a can bottom comprising a flat central panel connected to a curved wall portion via a substantially flat wall panel.
  • FR 2398669 discloses a food can having a substantially flat bottom connected via a series of concave and convex portions to a curved wall.
  • FR 2248981 describes a can having a bottom comprising a central dome connected by horizontal and/or flat sloping sections to the side wall.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a can with an alternative bottom and bottom profile, which has a higher resistance so as to allow thinner basic materials to be used.
  • the invention consists of a thin metal pressure-resistant can comprising a can body having a deep-drawn and wall-ironed cylindrical side wall and an integral bottom comprising a centered inwardly projecting dome, characterized in that the side wall and the dome are connected by a continuously curved convex bottom portion.
  • the bottom of the beverage can is more resistant against internal pressure and meets the requirements set out above using thinner materials.
  • the dome which is relatively small compared to the diameter of the can, can expand into convex shape as an indication of an unexpectedly pressure increase in a closed beverage can.
  • a thin-walled can with an outwardly convex bottom integrally with said body has the required, pressure resistance and is easy to manufacture.
  • a preferred embodiment of the can in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the dome has a diameter in the range of 18 - 30 mm for a can with a diameter of more than 55mm, and more preferably by the dome has a diameter in the range of 20-25 mm.
  • the can has a plurality of seating dimples which allows the can to stand more stable on a flat surface.
  • the can in accordance with the invention is from a basic steel material thickness of less than 0.22 mm, and more preferably of less than 0.20 mm. By this it is achieved that the can itself weights 20 grams, while it is able to withstand the required pressure of 689 KPa (100 psi).
  • the can according to the invention is made of a packaging steel and typically has a side wall thickness of said body after wall-ironing equal to or less than 0.10 mm, even equal to or less than 0.06 mm.
  • the seating dimples extend below the lowest part of the convex bottom and the setting area is offset within practical limits towards the periphery consistent with the requirements of adequate strength.
  • the number of seating dimples can be chosen freely.
  • the height of the seating dimples relative to the convex bottom depends significantly on the requirement whether the can should be stackable or not. When it is not required that the can is stackable with other cans of a similar type, the height of the seating dimples can be kept as low as possible, preferably in the range of up to 4 mm. This allows for a stable positioning of the can on a flat surface. Relatively short seating dimples are easy to produce in the convex shaped bottom of a can.
  • the seating dimples can be attached to the bottom of the can in various manners, such as welding or adhesion. In a preferred embodiment the dimples are integrally with said can body.
  • the height of the seating dimples should be in a range of 4 to 6 mm when using a standard stay-on-tab lid. Modifications of such a standard lid might lead to a reduction of the height of the seating dimples, which is preferred in respect to the ease of manufacture.
  • Fig. 1 shows a part of the bottom of an axi-symmetrical can comprising a standing rim (1) and a hollow part towards the inside, also called dome (2).
  • Fig. 2 shows a part of the bottom of the can in accordance with the invention comprising an outwardly convexed bottom and a small inwardly projecting dome at the centre of the bottom, which dome can flop out as an indication of an unexpectedly pressure increase in a closed beverage can.
  • the dimensions of the dome are set so that the dome will deform significantly at a pressure of 7 bar or more.
  • Fig. 3 shows a part of the bottom of the can in accordance with the invention which also includes a plurality of seating dimples. These seating dimples allow the can to stand more stable on a flat surface.
  • Fig 4A shows a part of an axi-symmetrical can body with an outwardly convexed bottom with the dome in accordance with the invention.
  • Fig. 4B shows a part of a can body as shown in Fig. 4A, but also including seating dimples which allow the can for a stable positioning on a flat surface.
  • Fig. 4C shows a part of a can body as shown in Fig. 4B, but with higher seating dimples, which makes the can stackahle to a can with for example an at least partly outwardly projecting stay-on-tab lid.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
  • Shaping Metal By Deep-Drawing, Or The Like (AREA)
  • Image Analysis (AREA)
  • Electron Beam Exposure (AREA)
  • Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A thin metal pressure-resistant can comprising a can body having a deep-drawn and wall-ironed cylindrical side wall, the can body comprising an outwardly convexed bottom integrally with said body and an inwardly projecting dome.

Description

The invention relates to a thin metal pressure-resistant can comprising a can body having a deep-drawn and wall-ironed cylindrical side wall, such as for instance a beverage can, with an improved bottom profile.
Partly for environmental reasons too, there is a continuing aim for manufacturing beverage cans of the type mentioned in the preamble, which cans are manufactured in very large numbers, ever more lighter in weight by starting with a thinner basic material. With a reduction of the material thickness of beverage cans, for instance from a thickness of the basic steel material of 0.26 mm to less than 0.22 mm, it appeared that the resistance against an internal a pressure of over 689 KPa (100 psi) in particular of existing bottoms of standard beverage cans are not in all cases sufficient, causing the occurrence of unacceptable deformation of the beverage cans. A further existing requirement in respect of the resistance of the bottom, regardless of the material thickness, is that the standing rim of a beverage can should not deviate more than 0.4 mm in an axial direction with a test pressure up to 100 psi as to allow a good stability of a standing beverage can.
Cans having a bottom profile comprising an outwardly convexed bottom integrally with said body, are known from The Canmaker, November 1996, pp.43 - 44, "Light years ahead", and European Patent Application EP-A-040014. A bottom profile according to said article comprises a flat bottom, which has at its centre an inward flat projection.
US 5421480 discloses, as an alternative to inwardly domed can bottoms, a can bottom comprising a flat central panel connected to a curved wall portion via a substantially flat wall panel. FR 2398669 discloses a food can having a substantially flat bottom connected via a series of concave and convex portions to a curved wall. FR 2248981 describes a can having a bottom comprising a central dome connected by horizontal and/or flat sloping sections to the side wall.
An object of the present invention is to provide a can with an alternative bottom and bottom profile, which has a higher resistance so as to allow thinner basic materials to be used.
The invention consists of a thin metal pressure-resistant can comprising a can body having a deep-drawn and wall-ironed cylindrical side wall and an integral bottom comprising a centered inwardly projecting dome, characterized in that the side wall and the dome are connected by a continuously curved convex bottom portion.
By this combination of features it is achieved that the bottom of the beverage can is more resistant against internal pressure and meets the requirements set out above using thinner materials. The dome, which is relatively small compared to the diameter of the can, can expand into convex shape as an indication of an unexpectedly pressure increase in a closed beverage can. A thin-walled can with an outwardly convex bottom integrally with said body has the required, pressure resistance and is easy to manufacture.
A preferred embodiment of the can in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the dome has a diameter in the range of 18 - 30 mm for a can with a diameter of more than 55mm, and more preferably by the dome has a diameter in the range of 20-25 mm. By this it is achieved that the dome will expand from a concave shape into convex shape at a pressure rise in a closed beverage can of about 7 bar or more.
In a preferred embodiment of the can in accordance with the invention, the can has a plurality of seating dimples which allows the can to stand more stable on a flat surface.
Preferably the can in accordance with the invention is from a basic steel material thickness of less than 0.22 mm, and more preferably of less than 0.20 mm. By this it is achieved that the can itself weights 20 grams, while it is able to withstand the required pressure of 689 KPa (100 psi).
The can according to the invention is made of a packaging steel and typically has a side wall thickness of said body after wall-ironing equal to or less than 0.10 mm, even equal to or less than 0.06 mm.
The seating dimples extend below the lowest part of the convex bottom and the setting area is offset within practical limits towards the periphery consistent with the requirements of adequate strength. The number of seating dimples can be chosen freely.
The height of the seating dimples relative to the convex bottom depends significantly on the requirement whether the can should be stackable or not. When it is not required that the can is stackable with other cans of a similar type, the height of the seating dimples can be kept as low as possible, preferably in the range of up to 4 mm. This allows for a stable positioning of the can on a flat surface. Relatively short seating dimples are easy to produce in the convex shaped bottom of a can. The seating dimples can be attached to the bottom of the can in various manners, such as welding or adhesion. In a preferred embodiment the dimples are integrally with said can body.
When it is also required that the can should he stackable with similar type of cans, the height of the seating dimples should be in a range of 4 to 6 mm when using a standard stay-on-tab lid. Modifications of such a standard lid might lead to a reduction of the height of the seating dimples, which is preferred in respect to the ease of manufacture.
The invention will now be explained by reference to the drawings in which
  • Fig. 1 gives schematically a standard 60 - 65 mm diameter can body part in accordance with the state of the art;
  • Fig. 2 gives schematically a part of a can body part in accordance with the invention;
  • Fig. 3 gives schematically a part of a can body part in accordance with the invention, with a plurality of seating dimples;
  • Fig. 4 gives schematically a can body part as function of the height of the seating dimples.
  • Fig. 1 shows a part of the bottom of an axi-symmetrical can comprising a standing rim (1) and a hollow part towards the inside, also called dome (2).
    Fig. 2 shows a part of the bottom of the can in accordance with the invention comprising an outwardly convexed bottom and a small inwardly projecting dome at the centre of the bottom, which dome can flop out as an indication of an unexpectedly pressure increase in a closed beverage can. The dimensions of the dome are set so that the dome will deform significantly at a pressure of 7 bar or more.
    Fig. 3 shows a part of the bottom of the can in accordance with the invention which also includes a plurality of seating dimples. These seating dimples allow the can to stand more stable on a flat surface.
    Fig 4A shows a part of an axi-symmetrical can body with an outwardly convexed bottom with the dome in accordance with the invention. Fig. 4B shows a part of a can body as shown in Fig. 4A, but also including seating dimples which allow the can for a stable positioning on a flat surface. Fig. 4C shows a part of a can body as shown in Fig. 4B, but with higher seating dimples, which makes the can stackahle to a can with for example an at least partly outwardly projecting stay-on-tab lid.

    Claims (4)

    1. A thin metal pressure-resistant can comprising a can body having a deep-drawn and wall-ironed cylindrical side wall and an integral bottom comprising a centered inwardly projecting dome, characterized in that the side wall and the dome are connected by an continuously curved convex bottom portion.
    2. The can according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom portion is provided with or is interrupted by a plurality of outwardly projecting seating dimples.
    3. The can according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterized in that the can is made of packaging steel and has a diameter of more than 55 mm and wherein the dome has a diameter in the range of 18 - 30 mm.
    4. The can according to claim 3, characterized in that the dome has a diameter in the range of 20 - 25 mm.
    EP97922935A 1997-04-29 1997-04-29 An improved bottom profile for a can Revoked EP1051330B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (1)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    PCT/EP1997/002241 WO1998049065A1 (en) 1997-04-29 1997-04-29 An improved bottom profile for a can

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1051330A1 EP1051330A1 (en) 2000-11-15
    EP1051330B1 true EP1051330B1 (en) 2003-02-19

    Family

    ID=8166614

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP97922935A Revoked EP1051330B1 (en) 1997-04-29 1997-04-29 An improved bottom profile for a can

    Country Status (8)

    Country Link
    EP (1) EP1051330B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE232813T1 (en)
    AU (1) AU2889997A (en)
    BR (1) BR9714701A (en)
    DE (1) DE69719228T2 (en)
    DK (1) DK1051330T3 (en)
    ES (1) ES2192270T3 (en)
    WO (1) WO1998049065A1 (en)

    Cited By (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    WO2014143121A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Silgan Containers Llc Container with concentric segmented can bottom

    Families Citing this family (4)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE10037860A1 (en) * 2000-08-01 2002-02-14 Linhardt Gmbh & Co Kg Cigar sleeve made of aluminum and method and pressing tool for producing such a sleeve
    WO2011027910A1 (en) * 2009-09-02 2011-03-10 麒麟麦酒株式会社 Bottomed cylinder-shaped can container body and beverage can product having the same filled with beverage
    JP5256150B2 (en) * 2009-09-02 2013-08-07 麒麟麦酒株式会社 Can body body with bottomed cylindrical body and beverage can product filled with beverage
    JP5256155B2 (en) * 2009-09-24 2013-08-07 麒麟麦酒株式会社 Can body body with bottomed cylindrical body and beverage can product filled with beverage

    Family Cites Families (7)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    SE7406029L (en) * 1973-10-25 1975-04-28 American Can Co
    DE2701827A1 (en) * 1977-01-18 1978-07-20 Schmalbach Lubeca CAN FOR PACKAGING GOODS UNDER PRESSURE
    GB1600006A (en) * 1977-03-26 1981-10-14 Metal Box Co Ltd Containers
    FR2398669A1 (en) * 1977-07-29 1979-02-23 Carnaud Sa Preserved food container with pressed bottom - has support ring of defined curvature and height pressed in bottom to provide container base
    US4732292A (en) * 1978-06-16 1988-03-22 Schmalbach-Lubeca Gmbh Flexible bottom profile for drawn and ironed beverage can
    US5421480A (en) * 1993-04-08 1995-06-06 Reynolds Metals Company Thin-walled can having a displaceable bottom
    FR2738001B1 (en) * 1995-08-24 1997-09-19 Lorraine Laminage GENERAL CIRCULAR FOOD METAL BOX

    Cited By (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    WO2014143121A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Silgan Containers Llc Container with concentric segmented can bottom

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    WO1998049065A1 (en) 1998-11-05
    ES2192270T3 (en) 2003-10-01
    DE69719228T2 (en) 2003-11-20
    BR9714701A (en) 2000-06-13
    DE69719228D1 (en) 2003-03-27
    DK1051330T3 (en) 2003-06-16
    AU2889997A (en) 1998-11-24
    ATE232813T1 (en) 2003-03-15
    EP1051330A1 (en) 2000-11-15

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    EP1093432B1 (en) Can bottom having improved strength and apparatus for making same
    US4525401A (en) Plastic container with internal rib reinforced bottom
    US5938067A (en) Deformation resistant aerosol container cover
    US5421480A (en) Thin-walled can having a displaceable bottom
    EP0854827B1 (en) Aerosol can for acidic detergent compositions
    US6419110B1 (en) Double-seamed can end and method for forming
    US4964522A (en) Thermoplastic blown bottle with a handle
    US3904069A (en) Container
    US6095378A (en) Aerosol containers
    US3693828A (en) Seamless steel containers
    US4953738A (en) One piece can body with domed bottom
    US4438856A (en) Combination base cup and bottle
    US4037752A (en) Container with outwardly flexible bottom end wall having integral support means and method and apparatus for manufacturing thereof
    EP2969785B1 (en) Drawn and ironed aerosol can
    EP0302412A2 (en) Can with domed bottom structure
    US4919284A (en) Plastic container with ring stabilized base
    US20030150866A1 (en) Can end and method for fixing the same to a can body
    GB2034663A (en) Synthetic resin thin-walled bottle
    EP3512781A1 (en) Compact aerosol container
    US5033639A (en) Bunged vessel
    EP1051330B1 (en) An improved bottom profile for a can
    US4426013A (en) Can body
    GB2067160A (en) Plastics container base
    CA2252653C (en) Thin-walled can having plurality of supporting feet
    CA1152012A (en) Convex bottom - two-piece container

    Legal Events

    Date Code Title Description
    PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

    17P Request for examination filed

    Effective date: 19991129

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

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

    17Q First examination report despatched

    Effective date: 20010511

    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

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

    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

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

    Ref country code: NL

    Payment date: 20030326

    Year of fee payment: 7

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 69719228

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 20030327

    Kind code of ref document: P

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

    Ref country code: AT

    Payment date: 20030408

    Year of fee payment: 7

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

    Ref country code: FR

    Payment date: 20030411

    Year of fee payment: 7

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

    Ref country code: DK

    Payment date: 20030414

    Year of fee payment: 7

    Ref country code: CH

    Payment date: 20030414

    Year of fee payment: 7

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

    Ref country code: GB

    Payment date: 20030417

    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: 20030428

    Year of fee payment: 7

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

    Ref country code: ES

    Payment date: 20030507

    Year of fee payment: 7

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

    Ref country code: BE

    Payment date: 20030508

    Year of fee payment: 7

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: NV

    Representative=s name: E. BLUM & CO. PATENTANWAELTE

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: SE

    Ref legal event code: TRGR

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: DK

    Ref legal event code: T3

    ET Fr: translation filed
    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FG2A

    Ref document number: 2192270

    Country of ref document: ES

    Kind code of ref document: T3

    PLBQ Unpublished change to opponent data

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OPPO

    PLBI Opposition filed

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

    PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

    26 Opposition filed

    Opponent name: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY

    Effective date: 20031119

    NLR1 Nl: opposition has been filed with the epo

    Opponent name: REXAM BEVERAGE CAN COMPANY

    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: 20040429

    Ref country code: AT

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

    Effective date: 20040429

    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: 20040430

    Ref country code: LI

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

    Effective date: 20040430

    Ref country code: DK

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

    Effective date: 20040430

    Ref country code: CH

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

    Effective date: 20040430

    Ref country code: BE

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

    Effective date: 20040430

    PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

    PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

    BERE Be: lapsed

    Owner name: *CORUS STAAL B.V.

    Effective date: 20040430

    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: 20041101

    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: 20041103

    EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: PL

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

    Effective date: 20040429

    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: 20041231

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

    Effective date: 20041101

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    PLAY Examination report in opposition despatched + time limit

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNORE2

    PLBC Reply to examination report in opposition received

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNORE3

    RDAF Communication despatched that patent is revoked

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREV1

    RDAG Patent revoked

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009271

    STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

    Free format text: STATUS: PATENT REVOKED

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FD2A

    Effective date: 20040430

    27W Patent revoked

    Effective date: 20050411

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

    Ref country code: SE

    Payment date: 20030417

    Year of fee payment: 7