EP1326788B1 - Carton closure structure - Google Patents

Carton closure structure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1326788B1
EP1326788B1 EP00975571A EP00975571A EP1326788B1 EP 1326788 B1 EP1326788 B1 EP 1326788B1 EP 00975571 A EP00975571 A EP 00975571A EP 00975571 A EP00975571 A EP 00975571A EP 1326788 B1 EP1326788 B1 EP 1326788B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
panel
joinder
carton
panels
weakened
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
EP00975571A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1326788A1 (en
Inventor
James R Oliff
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.)
WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Original Assignee
Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
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 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC filed Critical Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Publication of EP1326788A1 publication Critical patent/EP1326788A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1326788B1 publication Critical patent/EP1326788B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS 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
    • B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
    • B65D71/12—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank
    • B65D71/36—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers, with end walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
    • B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00141—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper glued
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00518—Handles or suspending means with reinforcements
    • B65D2571/00524—Handles or suspending means with reinforcements integral
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00648—Elements used to form the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00654—Blanks
    • B65D2571/0066—Blanks formed from one single sheet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00709—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
    • B65D2571/00722—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface
    • B65D2571/00728—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface the end walls being closed by gluing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to cartons, and more particularly, to cartons having a closure structure that enhances carton integrity and appearance.
  • EP0 500 258 illustrates one example of a carton having bevelled corners.
  • Modern beverage cans usually have top and bottom components that are smaller in diameter than the body of the can. This means that there is often substantial space between the corners of the end structure of a carton and the tops and bottoms of the cans.
  • the cans are typically designed to telescopically nest when they are stacked one upon another. Thus, when packages of cans are stacked upon one another the cans tend to nest as much as they are able. This action decreases the overall height of a carton thereby causing the end walls to bow outwardly. This outward bowing, or bulging, is also known as blousing.
  • Blousing creates problems because it can place undue stress upon the flaps forming the end walls of cartons thereby causing glued panels to fail.
  • a blousing type of carton deformation also creates a protrusion, which can cause snags or otherwise interfere with handling.
  • the present invention and its preferred embodiments seek to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.
  • One aspect of the invention provides a carton comprising opposing top and bottom panels and opposing side panels adjoining one another forming a tubular structure, side flaps foldably adjoining the side panels along respective first weakened lines of joinder, major flaps foldably adjoining the top panel along respective second weakened lines of joinder and minor flaps adjoining the bottom panel along respective third weakened lines of joinder.
  • the first weakened lines of joinder each extend entirely along an adjacent end edge of the respective side panel and are towards the side flaps wherein a length of at least one of the top and bottom panels is less than a distance between apexes of arcs of the side panels.
  • the lengths of both the top panel and the bottom panel are lengthwise less than the distance between apexes of arcs of the side panels.
  • the top panel and the bottom panel may be of substantially equal length.
  • this aspect of the invention there may further comprises inwardly-inclined transition panels at respective ends of the side panels each formed by the first weakened line of joinder and a fourth weakened line of joinder positioned inwardly of a notional corner of the carton thereby to tighten the carton around the articles.
  • the fourth weakened line of joinder is arcuate to define a transition panel of an ellipsoidal shape.
  • a handle structure wherein the fourth weakened line of joinder is placed across a panel forming the handle structure.
  • the or each side panel may be separated from its adjacent side flap by the transition panel(s).
  • a second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a first panel for forming a top panel in the erected carton foldably adjoining a second panel for forming one side panel in the erected carton foldably adjoining a third panel forming a bottom panel in the erected carton foldably adjoining a fourth panel for forming another side panel in the erected carton, side flaps foldably adjoining the second and fourth panels along respective first weakened lines of joinder, major flaps foldably adjoining the first panel that serves as the top panel in the erected carton along respective second weakened lines of joinder, minor flaps adjoining the third panel that serves as the bottom panel in the erected carton along respective third weakened lines of joinder.
  • the first weakened lines of joinder each extend entirely along an adjacent end edge of the respective second and fourth panels and are towards the side flaps, wherein a length of at least one of the first and third panels is lengthwise less than a distance between apexes of arcs of the second and fourth panels.
  • the lengths of both the top first panel and the third panel are lengthwise less than the distance between apexes of arcs of the second and fourth panels.
  • the first panel and said third panel are of substantially equal length.
  • the fourth weakened line of joinder is arcuate to define a transition panel of an ellipsoidal shape.
  • a handle structure wherein the fourth weakened line of joinder is placed across a panel forming the handle structure.
  • the or each second and fourth panel is separated from its adjacent side flap by the transition panel.
  • almond-shaped transition panels further facilitate a snug, secure end closure that is not easily deformed by bulging or blousing.
  • a carton 10 having closure structure in accordance with the teachings of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1.
  • a blank 12 suitable for forming the carton 10 is shown in Figure 2.
  • a tubular structure, shown in Figure 1, is formed from panels, which for convenience of reference, are referred to as top 22, a first side wall 24, bottom 26, and second side wall 20/28 panels hingedly connected together in series.
  • orientation of these panels relates to the orientation of articles such as cans C that are packaged in the articles which is non-limiting.
  • the upright orientation of a can C corresponds to the designation of the panels 22 and 26 as top and bottom panels, respectively, and the designation of panels 24 and bifurcated panel 20/28 as side panels.
  • the panels that assume top and bottom panel disposition in the erected carton 10 are designated 22 and 26 and may be considered first and third panels in the blank.
  • the end-most side panel is shown in bifurcated form 20/28 but does not necessarily have to be formed in that fashion to practice the teaching of the invention.
  • the first side panel 24 in the blank may be considered the second panel and the outermost side panel may be considered the fourth panel.
  • each one of the pair of side panels with respect to one another and each one of the pair of top and bottom panels with respect to one another is inconsequential in the operation and teachings of the invention.
  • the top panel 22 may be used as the bottom panel 26 without departing from the teachings of the invention.
  • a plurality of flaps and gusset structures form end closure for the tubular structure.
  • side flaps 25, 21/29 are adjoined to respective ends of the side panels 24, 20/28 along scored, perforated or otherwise weakened lines of joinder 55.
  • first weakened lines of joinder are referred to as first weakened lines of joinder.
  • All of the weakened lines of joinder described herein may be scored, perforated or otherwise weakened.
  • Major flaps 23 are adjoined to the top (or first) panel along second weakened lines of joinder 45.
  • Minor flaps 27 are adjoined to the bottom (or third) panel along third weakened lines of joinder 35.
  • the first weakened lines of joinder 55 are arcuate, toward the side flaps 25, 21/29. In the erected carton, the arcuate lines of joinder 55 have the effect of making the carton 10 widthwise more narrow at the ends (as shown in Figure 3).
  • the length L2 or L3 (that is, the distance between the second weakened lines of joinder 35 or third weakened lines of joinder 45) of at least one of the top and bottom panels 26, 22 is less than the length L1 (that is, the distance between the apexes of the arcuate first weakened lines of joinder 55 so as to provide a tighter carton closure structure that is less prone to deformation by so-called blousing.
  • the lengths L2, L3 of the top 22 and bottom 26 panels are less than the distance L1 between the apexes of the side walls 24, 20/28, so that the fold lines 45, 35 of the major 23 and minor 27 flaps, respectively, lie closer to or are even coincident with the chimes of cans C or similar articles that are packaged.
  • This enables the package to be more tightly formed initially with less free or unencumbered major and minor flap area subject to the blousing effect. Accordingly, the side flaps 25, 21/29 are able to rest against the cans (C) while the major and minor flaps 23, 27 fit snugly against the top and bottom portions of the cans.
  • the carton end closure is made even more snug fitting with respect to the articles held within the carton through placement of a transition panel 50, 60 intermediate the side panels 24, 20/28 and the end walls of the carton.
  • Each transition panel 50, 60 is formed from a first weakened line of joinder 55 and a fourth weakened line of joinder 58.
  • the two lines are outwardly arcuate with respect to the transition panels 50, 60, whereby the fourth weakened line of joinder 58 is arced toward the opposite end of the respective side panel. This enables the end structures to adhere even more closely to the packaged articles (such as cans C).
  • the arcuate weakened lines 55, 58 define an elipse, whereby transition panels/gussets have ends that intersect at the corners of the carton.
  • transition panels provide a smooth transition from the side panels to a more narrow end wall and structure, shown in more detail in Figure 3.
  • each first weakened line of joinder 55 is disposed to coincide with the body of a corner article, at the end of a carton.
  • the apex of the fourth weakened line of joinder 58 may be disposed to coincide with the body of the corner article at its tangent with the side panel, so that at least part of the transition panel will abut a portion of the side of the article C.
  • the fourth weakened line of joinder 58 is adapted to be positioned across, or through, the strap.
  • hinged connection can be formed from one or more of one of the following, a score line, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of invention.
  • the size and shape of the transition panels and/or lines of joinder may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape, or alternative top and base closure structures may be used.
  • the carton may accommodate more than one article in different arrays.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
EP00975571A 2000-10-10 2000-11-03 Carton closure structure Expired - Lifetime EP1326788B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US68673600A 2000-10-10 2000-10-10
US686736 2000-10-10
PCT/US2000/030369 WO2002030785A1 (en) 2000-10-10 2000-11-03 Carton closure structure

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1326788A1 EP1326788A1 (en) 2003-07-16
EP1326788B1 true EP1326788B1 (en) 2005-05-25

Family

ID=24757529

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00975571A Expired - Lifetime EP1326788B1 (en) 2000-10-10 2000-11-03 Carton closure structure

Country Status (12)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1326788B1 (xx)
JP (1) JP4542310B2 (xx)
AT (1) ATE296239T1 (xx)
AU (2) AU2001213601B2 (xx)
BR (1) BR0017352B1 (xx)
CA (1) CA2464719C (xx)
DE (1) DE60020408T2 (xx)
DK (1) DK1326788T3 (xx)
ES (1) ES2240196T3 (xx)
MX (1) MXPA03002942A (xx)
PT (1) PT1326788E (xx)
WO (1) WO2002030785A1 (xx)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10040596B2 (en) 2014-05-08 2018-08-07 Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc Carton and carton blank

Families Citing this family (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040089671A1 (en) 2002-11-07 2004-05-13 The C.W. Zumbiel Company Carton with dispenser
US6918487B2 (en) 2003-02-12 2005-07-19 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Dispensing system for double stack carton
US7614497B2 (en) 2003-10-15 2009-11-10 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Display/vending carton
WO2006086593A1 (en) 2005-02-09 2006-08-17 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems Llc Carton with dispenser
JP4625520B2 (ja) 2005-03-14 2011-02-02 グラフィック パッケージング インターナショナル インコーポレイテッド ディスペンサセクションを有するカートン
AU2006242149B2 (en) 2005-05-03 2010-07-08 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton with dispenser
ATE549264T1 (de) 2005-09-23 2012-03-15 Graphic Packaging Int Inc Behälter mit gebogenem ende und ausgabeteil
US7331505B2 (en) 2005-11-28 2008-02-19 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc Carton for tapered articles
NZ569821A (en) 2006-01-12 2011-03-31 Graphic Packaging Int Inc Carton with dispenser with first and second end panels that angle downwardly at different angles and distances
US7478743B2 (en) 2006-02-28 2009-01-20 Holley Jr John M Carton for tapered and cylindrical articles
EP3003896B1 (en) 2013-05-24 2018-12-05 Graphic Packaging International, LLC Carton for articles
US10384846B2 (en) 2013-05-24 2019-08-20 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Arrangement of containers in a carton
WO2016179474A1 (en) 2015-05-07 2016-11-10 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with handle
KR101580670B1 (ko) * 2015-05-14 2015-12-28 대양패키지 주식회사 주류용 포장박스
US10202228B2 (en) 2015-10-09 2019-02-12 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton with asymmetrical corners
USD881690S1 (en) 2018-12-31 2020-04-21 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton
USD885887S1 (en) 2019-01-03 2020-06-02 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton
USD898565S1 (en) 2019-04-23 2020-10-13 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8906621D0 (en) * 1989-03-22 1989-05-04 Mead Corp Carton with divisible carrying handle for providing access to the carton contents
GB9103388D0 (en) * 1991-02-19 1991-04-03 Assi Packaging Dev Ltd Take away pack
GB9413862D0 (en) * 1994-07-08 1994-08-24 Mead Corp Beverage carton with strap type carrying handle
JPH0880936A (ja) * 1994-09-12 1996-03-26 Dainippon Printing Co Ltd ワンタッチ開閉カートン
JP3048955U (ja) * 1997-11-17 1998-05-29 レンゴー株式会社 包装箱
US6129266A (en) * 1999-06-18 2000-10-10 The Mead Corporation Carton with reinforced handle structure
WO2000078618A1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2000-12-28 The Mead Corporation Carton with reinforced handle structure

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10040596B2 (en) 2014-05-08 2018-08-07 Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc Carton and carton blank

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK1326788T3 (da) 2005-08-08
BR0017352B1 (pt) 2011-07-12
DE60020408T2 (de) 2006-05-04
EP1326788A1 (en) 2003-07-16
CA2464719A1 (en) 2002-04-18
BR0017352A (pt) 2003-10-28
JP4542310B2 (ja) 2010-09-15
DE60020408D1 (de) 2005-06-30
AU1360101A (en) 2002-04-22
WO2002030785A1 (en) 2002-04-18
CA2464719C (en) 2007-03-06
AU2001213601B2 (en) 2006-08-03
ATE296239T1 (de) 2005-06-15
MXPA03002942A (es) 2004-12-13
JP2004510656A (ja) 2004-04-08
PT1326788E (pt) 2005-07-29
ES2240196T3 (es) 2005-10-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1326788B1 (en) Carton closure structure
CA1203207A (en) Fully enclosed wrap-around carton
US6273330B1 (en) Carton with transverse strap handle
US6536656B2 (en) Carton and a handle therefor
US5333734A (en) Heavy duty article carrier for cans arranged in a horizontal position
AU2001213601A1 (en) Carton closure structure
US6758337B2 (en) Beverage carton with strap type carrying handle
US7073705B2 (en) Carton with a glued insert and a blank combination for forming the same
EP1334033B1 (en) Carton
US5682985A (en) Article carrier
US6488322B2 (en) Collapsible article carrier and blank
US3827550A (en) Bottle carrier
US6942140B2 (en) Carton with handle and blank thereof
WO2002085739A1 (en) Carton with transverse strap handle
MXPA01011390A (es) Caja de carton completamente encerrada, con paneles de esquina de tipo diamante.
EP1105314A1 (en) Carton with reinforced handle structure
AU2001255628A1 (en) Carton with transverse strap handle
WO2002034639A1 (en) Carton and carton blank
US5730353A (en) Carton and blank for vertical packaging of articles
US20060049240A1 (en) Wraparound carton and blank
EP1666364A2 (en) Carton and insert and blank for forming the same
JP2002505235A (ja) 帯状携行把手を有する飲料容器用カートン
CA2417599C (en) Carton and carton blank
EP1436207B1 (en) Carton with handle and blank thereof
EP1204566B1 (en) Collapsible article carrier and blank

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: 20030508

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 TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

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

Owner name: MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC

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 TR

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: 20050525

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: 20050525

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: 60020408

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20050630

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Effective date: 20050603

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

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: 20050825

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref document number: 20050402232

Country of ref document: GR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2240196

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

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

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: 20051103

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: 20051130

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20051130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

ET Fr: translation filed
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: 20060228

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

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20081125

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20081027

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20081128

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20081021

Year of fee payment: 9

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

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 20081127

Year of fee payment: 9

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: 20100503

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

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: 20100503

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

Ref country code: FI

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

Effective date: 20091103

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

Ref country code: GR

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

Effective date: 20100602

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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20091130

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

Ref country code: TR

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

Effective date: 20091103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60020408

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: CORINNA VOSSIUS IP GROUP PATENT- UND RECHTSANW, DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60020408

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: PATRONUS IP PATENT- & RECHTSANWAELTE BERNHARD , DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60020408

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: PATRONUS IP PATENT- & RECHTSANWAELTE BERNHARD , DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60020408

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: CORINNA VOSSIUS IP GROUP PATENT- UND RECHTSANW, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60020408

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: CORINNA VOSSIUS IP GROUP PATENT- UND RECHTSANW, DE

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

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20141126

Year of fee payment: 15

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

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20141021

Year of fee payment: 15

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

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20141128

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 296239

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20151103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20151103

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: 20151103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 17

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20161123

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20161128

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20161123

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20161126

Year of fee payment: 17

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

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20161124

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20161128

Year of fee payment: 17

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

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20151130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60020408

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20171201

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

Effective date: 20171103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20180731

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

Ref country code: IT

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

Effective date: 20171103

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20171201

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20180602

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20171130

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: 20171103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20181226

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: 20171104