EP1109473B1 - Chair with metal body - Google Patents

Chair with metal body Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1109473B1
EP1109473B1 EP99942932A EP99942932A EP1109473B1 EP 1109473 B1 EP1109473 B1 EP 1109473B1 EP 99942932 A EP99942932 A EP 99942932A EP 99942932 A EP99942932 A EP 99942932A EP 1109473 B1 EP1109473 B1 EP 1109473B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
metal frame
chair
tubes
notches
plugs
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
EP99942932A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1109473A1 (en
Inventor
Wulf Rabe
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.)
Wulf Rabe Design Oy
Original Assignee
Wulf Rabe Design Oy
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 Wulf Rabe Design Oy filed Critical Wulf Rabe Design Oy
Publication of EP1109473A1 publication Critical patent/EP1109473A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1109473B1 publication Critical patent/EP1109473B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C5/00—Chairs of special materials
    • A47C5/04—Metal chairs, e.g. tubular
    • A47C5/06—Special adaptation of seat upholstery or fabric for attachment to tubular chairs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/42—Support for the head or the back for the back of detachable or loose type

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a chair with a metal frame of a new type, which provides better durability, ease of assembly and also enhanced appearance and usability compared with previous chair solutions.
  • the chair with a metal frame of the invention is usable for the same purposes of use as conventional chairs with a metal frame.
  • Serially produced chairs are subject to a number of various requirements. These requirements involve durability, ease of use and also relative comfort.
  • the chairs should have a stable and solid construction, while being straightforward and inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
  • the number of chair components should be small and easy to assemble. In some cases the chairs are assembled only on the buyer's premises, thus cutting down packaging and transport expenses, since this allows a large number of chairs to be transported collapsed in a smaller space.
  • a chair with a metal frame usually has only three central parts, i.e. the metal frame, the seat and the back.
  • the frame comprises a metal tube sealed with plastic plugs at its ends.
  • the seat is usually attached with e.g. screws on top of a kind of tubular latticework so that the fixing screws are hidden.
  • a chair with a metal frame has the advantage of a small number of components.
  • Prior art backrest attachments involve the problem of the means of attachment being unpleasantly visible.
  • the attachment may also affect the sitting comfort and have a negative effect on the appearance of the chair.
  • Screw attachments also involve the drawback of fatigue or rupture of the attachment point in the course of time. Screw attachments require a screwdriver to be used as a tool in the assembling step.
  • the back of a chair assembled with screw attachment does not increase the stability and solidity of the chair adequately. In prior art chairs the screw-heads remain visible, and with bad luck, it may even tear the user's cloths.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide a chair with a metal frame which is an improvement on previous solutions and which resolves the problems and overcomes the inconveniences above.
  • the chair with a metal frame of the invention comprises the features of claim 1.
  • Figure 1 shows the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention and the back design of the chair in a dismantled state.
  • the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention comprises the metal frame 1 of the chair, a seat, a back 4 and plugs 9, 10.
  • the back tubes of the metal frame 1 of the chair of the invention comprise longitudinal notches 2, 3, which the back 4 engages.
  • the back 4 comprises notched lower edges 7, 8, the notches 7, 8 of the lower edge of the back 4 being supported by the notches 2, 3 in the back tubes of the metal frame 1.
  • the back 4 comprises notched upper edges 5, 6 so as to allow the back 4 to be attached by its upper edge to the notches 5, 6 and to be secured with the aid of plugs 9, 10 fitted into the ends of the back tubes of the metal frame 1.
  • the plugs 9, 10 have a special design such that the plugs 9, 10 seal the ends of the back tube of the metal frame 1 and bind the upper edges of the tubes to the back 4. When the back 4 is fitted into position, it forms a joint with the metal frame 1 which assembles the back and the back tubes of the frame.
  • Figure 2 shows the chair with a metal frame of the invention in assembled state.
  • the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention comprises a metal frame 1, a seat 25, a back 4 and plugs 9, 10.
  • the back 4 is attached between the two back tubes to form a unit, the means of attachment being invisible after the assembly.
  • Figure 3 shows the means of attachment of the back of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention.
  • the means of attachment of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention comprises a chair back 4, a plug 9 and a back tube of the metal frame having a longitudinal notch 2 which the back 4 engages.
  • the back 4 has a notched lower ege, the notch 7 in the lower edge of the back 4 being supported by the notch 2 in the back tube of the metal frame.
  • the back 4 comprises a notched upper edge 5 allowing the back 4 to be attached by its upper edge to the notch 5 and to be secured by means of a plug 9 fitted into the end of the back tube of the metal frame 1.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention.
  • the back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention comprises the back tubes of the metal frame of the chair, the back 4 and the plugs 9, 10.
  • the back tubes of the metal frame of the chair in accordance with the invention comprises longitudinal notches 2, 3, which the back 4 engages.
  • the back 4 comprises notched lower edges 7, 8 such that the notches 7, 8 in the lower edge of the back 4 are supported by the notches 2, 3 in the back tubes of the metal frame.
  • the back 4 comprises notched upper edges 5, 6 allowing the back 4 to be attached by its upper edge to the notches 5, 6 and to be secured by means of plugs 9, 10 fitted into the ends of the back tubes.
  • Figure 5 shows an optional back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention.
  • the optional back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention comprises the back tubes of the metal frame of the chair, the back 4 and plugs 15, 16.
  • the back tubes of the metal frame of the chair in accordance with the invention comprises longitudinal notches 11, 12 which the back 4 engages.
  • the notches 11, 12 in the back tubes do not extend over the entire height of the tubes.
  • the back 4 comprises notched lower edges 7, 8 allowing the notches 7, 8 in the lower edge of the back 4 to be supported by the notches 11, 12 in the back tubes of the metal frame.
  • the back 4 has notched upper edges 13, 14 allowing the back 4 to be attached by its upper edge to the notches 13, 14 and to be secured by means of plugs 15, 16 fitted into the ends of the back tubes of the metal frame.
  • the plugs 15, 16 and the notched upper edges 13, 14 of the back 4 are specially shaped such that the plugs 15, 16 seal the ends of the back tubes of the metal frame and bind the notched upper edges 13, 14 of the tubes to the back 4.
  • the back 4 When the back 4 is fitted into position, it forms a joint with the metal frame which assembles the back 4 and the back tubes of the metal frame.
  • the back of of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention can be firmly attached without screws or any other visible means of attachement affecting its appearance.
  • the back of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention enhances the stability and solidity of the chair markedly.
  • the chair with a metal frame of a new type in accordance with the invention provides better durability, greater ease of assembly and also better appearance and usability than conventional chairs.
  • the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention can be used for the same purposes of use as conventional chairs with a metal frame.

Landscapes

  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a chair with a metal frame. The chair comprises the metal frame (1) of the chair, a seat (25), a back (4) and plugs (9, 10), the back tubes of the metal frame (1) comprising longitudinal notches (2, 3) which the back (4) engages between the two back tubes to form an integral unit. The back (4) comprises notched lower edges (7, 8) to support the notches (7, 8) at the lower edge of the back (4) on the notches (2, 3) in the back tubes of the metal frame (1).

Description

The invention relates to a chair with a metal frame of a new type, which provides better durability, ease of assembly and also enhanced appearance and usability compared with previous chair solutions. The chair with a metal frame of the invention is usable for the same purposes of use as conventional chairs with a metal frame.
Serially produced chairs are subject to a number of various requirements. These requirements involve durability, ease of use and also relative comfort. The chairs should have a stable and solid construction, while being straightforward and inexpensive and easy to manufacture. During production, the number of chair components should be small and easy to assemble. In some cases the chairs are assembled only on the buyer's premises, thus cutting down packaging and transport expenses, since this allows a large number of chairs to be transported collapsed in a smaller space.
One of the vital aspects in terms of chair requirements is the appearance of the chair, which cannot be neglected. Thus, the industrial design and appearance of a chair should meet the users' requirements, in addition to its other characteristics.
Currently, one of the most popular chair designs is a chair with a metal frame. A chair with a metal frame usually has only three central parts, i.e. the metal frame, the seat and the back. In a chair with a metal frame, the frame comprises a metal tube sealed with plastic plugs at its ends. In most cases, it is fairly easy to attach the seat and the back to a chair with a metal frame. The seat is usually attached with e.g. screws on top of a kind of tubular latticework so that the fixing screws are hidden. A chair with a metal frame has the advantage of a small number of components.
In prior art chairs with a metal frame the attachment of the back has constituted a problem. In prior art chair designs with a metal frame the back has usually been attached with screws to the back tube of the metal frame see e.g. US-A-3 556 592. The screw attachment is conventionally performed from the front. Alternatively, the screw attachment can be performed laterally so that the back is placed between the tubes. The back can also be attached to fixing flaps located on the rear legs.
Prior art backrest attachments involve the problem of the means of attachment being unpleasantly visible. The attachment may also affect the sitting comfort and have a negative effect on the appearance of the chair. Screw attachments also involve the drawback of fatigue or rupture of the attachment point in the course of time. Screw attachments require a screwdriver to be used as a tool in the assembling step. The back of a chair assembled with screw attachment does not increase the stability and solidity of the chair adequately. In prior art chairs the screw-heads remain visible, and with bad luck, it may even tear the user's cloths.
Besides the requirements above, universal furniture used in most varying circumstances, such as chairs with a metal frame, are required to have reliable and flexible function and also to be versatile and easy to use. For this reason, there has arisen a need for chairs with a metal frame of a new type, which provides hihger durability and greater ease of assembly, while having enhanced appearance and usability.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a chair with a metal frame which is an improvement on previous solutions and which resolves the problems and overcomes the inconveniences above. To achieve this, the chair with a metal frame of the invention comprises the features of claim 1.
The invention will be described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
figure 1
shows the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention and the back design of the chair dismantled,
figure 2
shows a chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention assembled,
figure 3
shows the means of attachment of the back of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention,
figure 4
shows the back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention,
figure 5
shows an optional back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention, and
figure 6
shows a second optional back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention.
Figure 1 shows the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention and the back design of the chair in a dismantled state. The chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention comprises the metal frame 1 of the chair, a seat, a back 4 and plugs 9, 10. For the sake of clarity, the figure does not show the seat. The back tubes of the metal frame 1 of the chair of the invention comprise longitudinal notches 2, 3, which the back 4 engages. The back 4 comprises notched lower edges 7, 8, the notches 7, 8 of the lower edge of the back 4 being supported by the notches 2, 3 in the back tubes of the metal frame 1. In addition, the back 4 comprises notched upper edges 5, 6 so as to allow the back 4 to be attached by its upper edge to the notches 5, 6 and to be secured with the aid of plugs 9, 10 fitted into the ends of the back tubes of the metal frame 1.
The plugs 9, 10 have a special design such that the plugs 9, 10 seal the ends of the back tube of the metal frame 1 and bind the upper edges of the tubes to the back 4. When the back 4 is fitted into position, it forms a joint with the metal frame 1 which assembles the back and the back tubes of the frame.
Figure 2 shows the chair with a metal frame of the invention in assembled state.The chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention comprises a metal frame 1, a seat 25, a back 4 and plugs 9, 10. In the new chair design with a metal frame in accordance with the invention, the back 4 is attached between the two back tubes to form a unit, the means of attachment being invisible after the assembly.
Figure 3 shows the means of attachment of the back of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention. The means of attachment of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention comprises a chair back 4, a plug 9 and a back tube of the metal frame having a longitudinal notch 2 which the back 4 engages. The back 4 has a notched lower ege, the notch 7 in the lower edge of the back 4 being supported by the notch 2 in the back tube of the metal frame. In addition, the back 4 comprises a notched upper edge 5 allowing the back 4 to be attached by its upper edge to the notch 5 and to be secured by means of a plug 9 fitted into the end of the back tube of the metal frame 1.
Figure 4 illustrates the back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention. The back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention comprises the back tubes of the metal frame of the chair, the back 4 and the plugs 9, 10. The back tubes of the metal frame of the chair in accordance with the invention comprises longitudinal notches 2, 3, which the back 4 engages. The back 4 comprises notched lower edges 7, 8 such that the notches 7, 8 in the lower edge of the back 4 are supported by the notches 2, 3 in the back tubes of the metal frame. In addition, the back 4 comprises notched upper edges 5, 6 allowing the back 4 to be attached by its upper edge to the notches 5, 6 and to be secured by means of plugs 9, 10 fitted into the ends of the back tubes.
Figure 5 shows an optional back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention. The optional back design of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention comprises the back tubes of the metal frame of the chair, the back 4 and plugs 15, 16. The back tubes of the metal frame of the chair in accordance with the invention comprises longitudinal notches 11, 12 which the back 4 engages. The notches 11, 12 in the back tubes do not extend over the entire height of the tubes. The back 4 comprises notched lower edges 7, 8 allowing the notches 7, 8 in the lower edge of the back 4 to be supported by the notches 11, 12 in the back tubes of the metal frame. In addition, the back 4 has notched upper edges 13, 14 allowing the back 4 to be attached by its upper edge to the notches 13, 14 and to be secured by means of plugs 15, 16 fitted into the ends of the back tubes of the metal frame.
The plugs 15, 16 and the notched upper edges 13, 14 of the back 4 are specially shaped such that the plugs 15, 16 seal the ends of the back tubes of the metal frame and bind the notched upper edges 13, 14 of the tubes to the back 4. When the back 4 is fitted into position, it forms a joint with the metal frame which assembles the back 4 and the back tubes of the metal frame.
The back of of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention can be firmly attached without screws or any other visible means of attachement affecting its appearance. The back of the chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention enhances the stability and solidity of the chair markedly.
The chair with a metal frame of a new type in accordance with the invention provides better durability, greater ease of assembly and also better appearance and usability than conventional chairs. The chair with a metal frame in accordance with the invention can be used for the same purposes of use as conventional chairs with a metal frame.

Claims (3)

  1. A chair with a metal frame, which comprises the metal frame (1) of the chair, a seat (25), a back (4) and plugs (9, 10, 15, 16), the back tubes of the metal frame (1) comprising longitudinal notches (2, 3, 11, 12) which the back (4) engages between the two back tubes to form an integral unit, characterised in that the back (4) comprises notched lower edges (7, 8) to support the notches (7, 8) in the lower edge of the back (4) on the notches (2, 3) in the back tubes of the metal frame (1), and that the back (4) comprises notched upper edges (5, 6, 13, 14), the upper edge notches (5, 6, 13, 14) of the back (4) being secured by plugs (9, 10, 15, 16) fitted into the ends of the back tubes of the metal frame (1).
  2. A chair with a metal frame as defined in claim 1, characterised in that the plugs (9, 10) are specially shaped to seal the ends of the back tubes of the metal frame (1) and to bind the upper edges of the tubes to the back (4) so as to provide a joint between the back (4) and the back tubes of the metal frame (1) when the back (4) is fitted into position.
  3. A chair with a metal frame as defined in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the plugs (15, 16) and the notched upper edges (13, 14) of the back (4) are specially shaped to seal the ends of the back tubes of the metal frame and to bind the notched upper edges (13, 14) of the tubes to the back (4).
EP99942932A 1998-09-08 1999-09-08 Chair with metal body Expired - Lifetime EP1109473B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI980381U FI3841U1 (en) 1998-09-08 1998-09-08 Chair with metal frame
FI980381U 1998-09-08
PCT/FI1999/000726 WO2000013552A1 (en) 1998-09-08 1999-09-08 Chair with metal body

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1109473A1 EP1109473A1 (en) 2001-06-27
EP1109473B1 true EP1109473B1 (en) 2003-08-20

Family

ID=8550934

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99942932A Expired - Lifetime EP1109473B1 (en) 1998-09-08 1999-09-08 Chair with metal body

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1109473B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE247403T1 (en)
AU (1) AU5625599A (en)
DE (1) DE69910592T2 (en)
FI (1) FI3841U1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000013552A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT202000009724A1 (en) * 2020-05-04 2021-11-04 Pedrali S P A SYSTEM FOR FIXING COMPONENTS OF A FURNISHING ITEM AND FURNISHING ITEM INCLUDING SUCH FIXING SYSTEM

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1674220A (en) * 1923-01-19 1928-06-19 Royalton Mfg Company Inc Article of furniture
GB604989A (en) * 1943-11-16 1948-07-14 Sigfrid Lofgren Improvements in and relating to collapsible chairs and like seats
US3556592A (en) * 1968-08-14 1971-01-19 American Standard Inc Chair assembly
CH619126A5 (en) * 1977-07-29 1980-09-15 Team Form Ag

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1109473A1 (en) 2001-06-27
DE69910592T2 (en) 2004-06-24
ATE247403T1 (en) 2003-09-15
AU5625599A (en) 2000-03-27
FIU980381U0 (en) 1998-09-08
WO2000013552A1 (en) 2000-03-16
DE69910592D1 (en) 2003-09-25
FI3841U1 (en) 1999-03-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP2003153761A (en) Chair
US5362130A (en) Collapsible compact chair with back support for back-packing outdoors use
WO2000072727A3 (en) Synchrotilt chair
USD364509S (en) Patio seat
USD386023S (en) Seat and back unit for a chair
AU2007201722A1 (en) Backrest attachment device
US6499804B1 (en) Easy chair device
US6698828B1 (en) Folding chair
USD420525S (en) Seat
EP1109473B1 (en) Chair with metal body
USD540060S1 (en) Chair
US6616234B1 (en) Adjustable back furniture
USD403872S (en) Foldable armchair
CA2235952A1 (en) A reclinable outdoor chair
WO2004095984A3 (en) Chair, in particular an office chair provided with a synchronous mechanism
USD432323S (en) Glider
USD400363S (en) Ottoman
CN214179866U (en) Hinge structure of dining chair
USD396360S (en) Seating unit
KR19980060619U (en) A chair with a lecture table
USD433855S (en) Seat back
US6231124B1 (en) Multi-functional cafe chair
USD465664S1 (en) Folding chair with frame back
USD494373S1 (en) Seat
KR200264837Y1 (en) Angle adjusting device for a back of the chair

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: 20010226

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: LT PAYMENT 20010226;LV PAYMENT 20010226

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: LT LV

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: 20030820

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: 20030820

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 PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20030820

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: 20030820

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: 20030820

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: 20030820

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: 20030820

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: 20030820

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

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: 20030908

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20030908

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: 20030908

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69910592

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20030925

Kind code of ref document: P

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: 20030930

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: 20031120

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: 20031120

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20031120

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: 20031120

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: 20031201

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

Effective date: 20040120

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20030820

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
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

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Effective date: 20031120

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20040524

EN Fr: translation not filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080917

Year of fee payment: 10

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: 20100401