EP3585229A1 - A cleaning nozzle for upholstery for use with a surface cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

A cleaning nozzle for upholstery for use with a surface cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number
EP3585229A1
EP3585229A1 EP18705475.4A EP18705475A EP3585229A1 EP 3585229 A1 EP3585229 A1 EP 3585229A1 EP 18705475 A EP18705475 A EP 18705475A EP 3585229 A1 EP3585229 A1 EP 3585229A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
upholstery
inlet section
inlet
tool according
tool
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP18705475.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3585229B1 (en
Inventor
Chloe SCOTT
Tony ELKINGTON
Edward Barrett
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.)
Techtronic Floor Care Technology Ltd
Original Assignee
TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd filed Critical TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Publication of EP3585229A1 publication Critical patent/EP3585229A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3585229B1 publication Critical patent/EP3585229B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/06—Nozzles with fixed, e.g. adjustably fixed brushes or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4094—Accessories to be used in combination with conventional vacuum-cleaning devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
    • A47L11/4044—Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an upholstery tool for a surface cleaning apparatus which includes a source of suction.
  • upholstery tools and surface cleaning apparatus including a source of suction for cleaning upholstery
  • upholstery tools are provided with a body having a dirty air inlet and a neck connected to the body having an outlet connection with the source of suction of a vacuum cleaner to permit the suctioning of dirt from the upholstery to be cleaned.
  • upholstery tools are generally designed for cleaning upholstery, for example fabric on armchairs and sofas. Such fabric can be difficult to clean because it is relatively pliable in that it can move with respect to the product to which it is attached so that during cleaning a portion of the fabric may move under suction into the upholstery tool. This is commonly referred to as clamping. Other issues include having to clean in restricted spaces and crevices.
  • Floor tools are generally larger than upholstery tools because they are designed to clean large planar surfaces, and so have relatively large planar sole plates. This makes them unsuitable for cleaning upholstery. Summary
  • an upholstery tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, wherein the tool includes:
  • a first inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets
  • an upholstery tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, wherein the tool includes:
  • a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use, wherein the tool surface includes a forward edge, a rear edge, a left edge and a right edge, and the dirty air inlet includes:
  • a first inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets in the left and right edges;
  • a second inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets in the left and right edges; and a third inlet section which fluidly connects the first and second inlet sections;
  • the tool surface may include a forward portion positioned forwardly of the dirty air inlet to define a part of the first inlet section.
  • the tool surface may include a rearward portion positioned rearwardly of the dirty air inlet to define a part of second inlet section.
  • the tool surface may include first and second side portions positioned between the forward and rearward portions to define respective parts of the first and second inlet sections.
  • the first and second side portions may define respective parts of the third inlet section.
  • the first and second side portions may be positioned generally midway between the forward and rearward portions.
  • At least one or both of the forward and rearward portions may be generally curved.
  • the first and second side portions may be generally planar. A leading edge of the forward portion may be curved. A rearward edge of the rearward portion may be curved. The first and second inlet sections may each have a greater surface area than the third inlet section.
  • the first inlet section may be substantially linear.
  • the second inlet section may be substantially linear.
  • the first inlet section may have a substantially uniform depth.
  • the second inlet section may have a substantially uniform depth.
  • Figure 1 is an underside view of an upholstery tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a side view of an upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a side view of an upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
  • Figures 4 and 5 are differently annotated underside views of the upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
  • Figure 6 is a front view of the upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
  • Figure 7 is a front view of an optional brush attachment for use with the upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
  • Figure 8 is a side view of the brush attachment of figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is an underside view of the brush attachment attached to the upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
  • Figure 10 is a front view of the brush attachment attached to the upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
  • Figure 1 1 is a side view of the brush attachment on the upholstery tool of figure 1 .
  • an upholstery tool 1 is for use with a surface cleaning which includes a source of suction.
  • the upholstery tool 1 includes a body 10 including a dirty air inlet 12 in a tool surface 14 which faces a surface to be cleaned in use.
  • the tool 1 has an outlet 18 for fluid communication with the source of suction which is fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet 12.
  • a neck 16 may be provided which extends away from the body.
  • the outlet 18 may be provided in the neck 16.
  • the tool surface 14 may have a forward edge 42, a rearward edge 44, a left edge 46 and a right edge 48.
  • the neck 16 may have a generally elongate axis which may form an angle ⁇ to (a portion of) the tool surface 14.
  • the angle ⁇ may be between 30 to 60 Q .
  • the angle ⁇ may be between 40 to 50 Q .
  • the angle ⁇ may be 45 Q .
  • the angle ⁇ may be positioned towards the rearward edge 44 of the tool 1
  • the neck 16 may function as a handle, in use.
  • the combination of the angle ⁇ being in the above described ranges and the neck 16 functioning as a handle means that the tool 1 may be easy to use.
  • the tool surface 14 and the dirty air inlet 12 may be naturally presented at a convenient angle.
  • the dirty air inlet 12 is provided in three sections: a first inlet section 20; a second inlet section 22 and a third inlet section 24.
  • the dirty air inlet 12 may be provided in four or more sections without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the first inlet section 20 extends across the tool surface 14.
  • the first inlet section 20 terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28.
  • the peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28 may be provided in respective left and right edges 46, 48 of the body 10.
  • the second inlet section 22 extends across the tool surface 14.
  • the second inlet section 22 terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets 30, 32.
  • the peripheral bleed air inlets 30, 32 may be provided in the left and right edges 46, 48.
  • Such an upholstery tool may be particularly advantageous.
  • such a construction can provide a particularly effective tool.
  • the four bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 can help to reduce clamping, whilst still providing good flow of air over the surface being cleaned.
  • the first inlet section 20 may be substantially linear.
  • the first inlet section 20 may have a substantially uniform depth.
  • the first inlet section 20 may be curved.
  • the first inlet section 20 may have a varying depth.
  • the first inlet section 20 may have a depth which reduces as it extends towards the peripheral air bleed inlets 26, 28.
  • the second inlet section 22 may be substantially linear.
  • the second inlet section 22 may have a substantially uniform depth.
  • the second inlet section 22 may be curved.
  • the second inlet 22 section may have a varying depth.
  • the second inlet section 22 may have a depth which reduces as it extends towards the peripheral air bleed inlets 30, 32.
  • the third inlet section 24 fluidly connects the first and second inlet sections 20, 22.
  • the third inlet section 24 may be provided between the first and second inlet sections in a generally central area of the tool surface 14, as shown in figure 1 .
  • the tool surface 14 may include a forward portion 34 which is positioned forwardly of the dirty air inlet 12 to define a part of the first inlet section 20.
  • the tool surface may include a rearward portion 36 positioned rearwardly of the dirty air inlet 12 to define a part of the second inlet section 22.
  • the tool surface 14 may include first and second side portions 38, 40 positioned between the forward 34 and rearward 36 portions to define respective parts of the first and second inlet sections 20, 22.
  • the first and second side portions 38, 40 may be at peripheral regions of the dirty air inlet 12. For example, they may be positioned at a left and a right edge 46, 48 of the tool, respectively.
  • the forward portion 34 may be provided with a thread lifting material.
  • the rearward portion 36 may be provided with a thread lifting material.
  • the first side portion 38 may be provided with a thread lifting material.
  • the second side portion 40 may be provided with a thread lifting material.
  • the thread lifting materials may be orientated in particular directions, as discussed in more detail below.
  • the first and second side portions 38, 40 may define respective parts of the third inlet section 24.
  • the third inlet section may be partly defined by lines A and B which are imaginary lines showing how part of the first and second inlet sections extend across the tool, and may also be partly defined by the first and second side portions.
  • the dirty air inlet may extend a distance X1 between the forward portion and the rearward portion.
  • X1 may be between 15 mm and 35 mm.
  • X1 may be between 20 mm and 30 mm.
  • X1 may be approximately 25 mm.
  • the first inlet section may extend a distance X2 between the forward portion and the first and second side portions.
  • X2 may be between 5 mm and 13mm.
  • X2 may be between 7 mm and 1 1 mm.
  • X2 may be approximately 9 mm.
  • the second inlet section may extend a distance X3 between the rearward portion and the first and second side portions.
  • X3 may be between 5 mm and 13 mm.
  • X3 may be between 7 mm and 1 1 mm.
  • X3 may be approximately 9 mm.
  • the third inlet section may extend a distance Y1 between the first and second side portions.
  • Y1 may be between 57 mm and 65 mm.
  • the first and second side portions 38, 40 may be positioned generally midway between the forward the rearward portions 34, 36.
  • the first and second side portions 38, 40 may be positioned at a periphery of the surface 14.
  • the first and second side portions may extend a distance X4 between the forward and rearward portions.
  • X4 may be between 2 mm and 10 mm.
  • X4 may be between 4 mm and 8 mm.
  • X4 may be approximately 6 mm.
  • the forward and rearward portions 34, 36 may be generally curved.
  • the forward and rearward portions may lie on a curve having a radius of curvature defined by a circle C having a radius R of between 40 mm and 50 mm.
  • the radius R may be between 43 mm and 48 mm.
  • the radius R may be approximately 46 mm.
  • a rearward edge 44 of the rearward portion 36 may be positioned a distance L above the first and second side portions 38, 40.
  • a forward edge 42 of the front portion 34 may be positioned a distance L above the first and second side portions 38, 40.
  • the distance L may be between 5 mm and 9 mm.
  • the distance L may be approximately 7 mm.
  • the first and second side portions 38, 40 may be generally planar. Alternatively, they may be generally curved. In particular, in side cross-section as shown in figure 2, the first and second side portions 38, 40 may lie on a curve having a radius of curvature defined by the circle C having a radius R of between 40 mm and 50mm.
  • the radius R may be between 43 mm and 48 mm.
  • the radius R may be approximately 46 mm.
  • the leading, or forward, edge of the forward portion 34 may be curved. It may, alternatively, be generally linear.
  • the forward portion may extend a distance X5 forwardly of the dirty air inlet.
  • X5 may be between 6 mm and 14 mm.
  • X5 may be between 8 mm and 12 mm.
  • X5 may be approximately 10 mm.
  • the rearward edge 44 of the rearward portion 36 may be curved. Alternatively, the rearward edge 44 may be generally linear.
  • the rearward portion may extend a distance X6 rearwardly of the dirty air inlet.
  • X6 may be between 6 mm and 14 mm.
  • X6 may be between 8 mm and 12 mm.
  • X6 may be approximately 10 mm.
  • the first inlet section may have a greater surface area than the third inlet section.
  • the second inlet section may have a greater surface area than the third inlet section.
  • the first and second inlet sections 20, 22 may each have a greater surface area than the third inlet section 24.
  • One or more of the peripheral bleed inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 may have a substantially rectangular cross sectional area.
  • the peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 may have a bottom edge which faces a surface to be cleaned in use. In other words, the peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 may extend the dirty air inlet 12 from the tool surface 14 into side walls 46, 48.
  • the body 10 may have a width between the left and right edges 46, 48 of Y2.
  • Y2 may be between 80 mm and 120 mm.
  • Y2 may be between 90 mm and 1 10 mm.
  • Y2 may be approximately 105 mm.
  • an optional brush attachment 50 for attachment to the upholstery tool 1 .
  • the brush attachment 50 may be provided with bristles 52 which provide a substantially planar cleaning surface, by providing bristles of varying lengths.
  • the bristles 52 may be positioned around a periphery of the tool.
  • the attachment 50 may be provided with surfaces 56, 58 which cover the forward and rearward portions 34, 36 in use.
  • a clip 54 may be provided to permit the brush attachment 50 to be connected to the tool 1 .
  • peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 provide the advantageous effect of permitting dirt which is positioned to the sides of the tool to be suctioned up whilst in use. This can increase the effective cleaning area of the upholstery tool 1 without increasing the size of the tool. This is advantageous as it can enable a greater effective surface area to be cleaned whilst permitting an upholstery tool 1 to fit into small spaces where other tools would not be able to fit. It also enables any dirt which is trapped in creases in the upholstery to be cleaned up effectively.
  • the thread lifting material on the forward portion 34 may extend across 90% (or more) of the width of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36. E.g. 95% or more of the width of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36.
  • the thread lifting material on the rearward portion 36 may extend across 90% of the width of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36. E.g. 95% or more of the width of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36.
  • the thread lifting material on each of the forward and rearward portions 34, 36 and first and second side portions 38, 40 may be provided as lint pickup strip(s).
  • the thread lifting material on each of the forward and rearward portions 34, 36 and first and second side portions 38, 40 may include bristles.
  • the forward portion 34 may include bristles.
  • the rearward portion 36 may include bristles.
  • the first and second side portions 38, 40 may include bristles.
  • the bristles may be oriented in a first direction A' on the forward portion 34.
  • the bristles may be oriented in a second direction B' on the rearward portion 36.
  • the bristles may be oriented in a third direction C on the first and second side portions 38, 40.
  • the first direction A' and the second direction B' may be the same.
  • the second direction B' and the third direction C may be the same.
  • the first direction A' and the third direction C may be the same.
  • the first and second and third direction A', B', C may be the same.
  • first direction A' and the second direction B' may be different.
  • the second direction B' and the third direction C may be different.
  • the first direction A' and the third direction C may be different.
  • the first, second and third directions A', B', C may be different. Any of the first, second and third directions A', B', C may be generally opposite. In some embodiments the first and second directions A', B' may be generally opposite whilst the first and third directions A', C may be generally the same.
  • first direction A' is generally rearwardly of the tool.
  • the second direction B' is generally forwardly of the tool.
  • the third direction C is generally rearwardly of the tool.
  • Such a combination has been found to be particularly effective.
  • the combination provides effective thread (e.g. lint) lifting from surfaces which being cleaned.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

An upholstery tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, wherein the tool includes a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use, wherein the dirty air inlet includes a first inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets a second inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets; and a third inlet section which fluidly connects the first and second inlet sections; and an outlet for fluid communication with the source of suction fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet.

Description

Title: A CLEANING NOZZLE FOR UPHOLSTERY FOR USE WITH A
SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS Field
This invention relates to an upholstery tool for a surface cleaning apparatus which includes a source of suction. Background
Tools for use with a surface cleaning apparatus to clean surfaces are known.
For example, upholstery tools and surface cleaning apparatus including a source of suction for cleaning upholstery are known. Typically, upholstery tools are provided with a body having a dirty air inlet and a neck connected to the body having an outlet connection with the source of suction of a vacuum cleaner to permit the suctioning of dirt from the upholstery to be cleaned. Upholstery tools are generally designed for cleaning upholstery, for example fabric on armchairs and sofas. Such fabric can be difficult to clean because it is relatively pliable in that it can move with respect to the product to which it is attached so that during cleaning a portion of the fabric may move under suction into the upholstery tool. This is commonly referred to as clamping. Other issues include having to clean in restricted spaces and crevices.
Another type of tool is known as the floor tool. Floor tools are generally larger than upholstery tools because they are designed to clean large planar surfaces, and so have relatively large planar sole plates. This makes them unsuitable for cleaning upholstery. Summary
It is desired to increase the effective cleaning area of an upholstery tool without significantly increasing the size of the tool. It is also desired to prevent or ameliorate motor burn out in the case of a blockage in the tool. It is a nonexclusive object of the present disclosure to provide these desiderata.
There is provided an upholstery tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, wherein the tool includes:
a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use, wherein the dirty air inlet includes:
a first inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets;
a second inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets; and
a third inlet section which fluidly connects the first and second inlet sections; and
an outlet for fluid communication with the source of suction fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet.
There is also provided an upholstery tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, wherein the tool includes:
a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use, wherein the tool surface includes a forward edge, a rear edge, a left edge and a right edge, and the dirty air inlet includes:
a first inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets in the left and right edges;
a second inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets in the left and right edges; and a third inlet section which fluidly connects the first and second inlet sections; and
an outlet for fluid communication with the source of suction fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet.
The tool surface may include a forward portion positioned forwardly of the dirty air inlet to define a part of the first inlet section. The tool surface may include a rearward portion positioned rearwardly of the dirty air inlet to define a part of second inlet section.
The tool surface may include first and second side portions positioned between the forward and rearward portions to define respective parts of the first and second inlet sections.
The first and second side portions may define respective parts of the third inlet section. The first and second side portions may be positioned generally midway between the forward and rearward portions.
At least one or both of the forward and rearward portions may be generally curved.
The first and second side portions may be generally planar. A leading edge of the forward portion may be curved. A rearward edge of the rearward portion may be curved. The first and second inlet sections may each have a greater surface area than the third inlet section.
The first inlet section may be substantially linear.
The second inlet section may be substantially linear. The first inlet section may have a substantially uniform depth. The second inlet section may have a substantially uniform depth. Brief description of the drawings
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
Figure 1 is an underside view of an upholstery tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of an upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a side view of an upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
Figures 4 and 5 are differently annotated underside views of the upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
Figure 6 is a front view of the upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
Figure 7 is a front view of an optional brush attachment for use with the upholstery tool of figure 1 ; Figure 8 is a side view of the brush attachment of figure 7;
Figure 9 is an underside view of the brush attachment attached to the upholstery tool of figure 1 ;
Figure 10 is a front view of the brush attachment attached to the upholstery tool of figure 1 ; and
Figure 1 1 is a side view of the brush attachment on the upholstery tool of figure 1 .
Detailed description of embodiments
Referring to the figures, there is shown an embodiment of an upholstery tool 1 . The upholstery tool 1 is for use with a surface cleaning which includes a source of suction.
The upholstery tool 1 includes a body 10 including a dirty air inlet 12 in a tool surface 14 which faces a surface to be cleaned in use. The tool 1 has an outlet 18 for fluid communication with the source of suction which is fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet 12. Attached to an upper side of the body, i.e. a surface which may be generally opposite the tool surface, a neck 16 may be provided which extends away from the body. The outlet 18 may be provided in the neck 16.
The tool surface 14 may have a forward edge 42, a rearward edge 44, a left edge 46 and a right edge 48.
The neck 16 may have a generally elongate axis which may form an angle β to (a portion of) the tool surface 14. The angle β may be between 30 to 60Q. The angle β may be between 40 to 50Q. The angle β may be 45Q. The angle β may be positioned towards the rearward edge 44 of the tool 1
The neck 16 may function as a handle, in use.
The combination of the angle β being in the above described ranges and the neck 16 functioning as a handle means that the tool 1 may be easy to use. In particular, the tool surface 14 and the dirty air inlet 12 may be naturally presented at a convenient angle.
The dirty air inlet 12 is provided in three sections: a first inlet section 20; a second inlet section 22 and a third inlet section 24. The dirty air inlet 12 may be provided in four or more sections without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The first inlet section 20 extends across the tool surface 14. The first inlet section 20 terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28. The peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28 may be provided in respective left and right edges 46, 48 of the body 10.
The second inlet section 22 extends across the tool surface 14. The second inlet section 22 terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets 30, 32. The peripheral bleed air inlets 30, 32 may be provided in the left and right edges 46, 48. Such an upholstery tool may be particularly advantageous. In particular, such a construction can provide a particularly effective tool. For example, the four bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 can help to reduce clamping, whilst still providing good flow of air over the surface being cleaned. The first inlet section 20 may be substantially linear. The first inlet section 20 may have a substantially uniform depth. The first inlet section 20 may be curved. The first inlet section 20 may have a varying depth. In particular, the first inlet section 20 may have a depth which reduces as it extends towards the peripheral air bleed inlets 26, 28.
Such arrangements have been found to appropriately distribute the source of suction within the first inlet 20 across the dirty air inlet 12 to effectively carry dirt away from the surface to be cleaned.
The second inlet section 22 may be substantially linear. The second inlet section 22 may have a substantially uniform depth. The second inlet section 22 may be curved.
The second inlet 22 section may have a varying depth. In particular, the second inlet section 22 may have a depth which reduces as it extends towards the peripheral air bleed inlets 30, 32.
Again, such arrangements have been found to appropriately distribute the source of suction within the second inlet 22 across the dirty air inlet 12 to effectively carry dirt away from the surface to be cleaned. The third inlet section 24 fluidly connects the first and second inlet sections 20, 22. The third inlet section 24 may be provided between the first and second inlet sections in a generally central area of the tool surface 14, as shown in figure 1 . The tool surface 14 may include a forward portion 34 which is positioned forwardly of the dirty air inlet 12 to define a part of the first inlet section 20. The tool surface may include a rearward portion 36 positioned rearwardly of the dirty air inlet 12 to define a part of the second inlet section 22. The tool surface 14 may include first and second side portions 38, 40 positioned between the forward 34 and rearward 36 portions to define respective parts of the first and second inlet sections 20, 22.
The first and second side portions 38, 40 may be at peripheral regions of the dirty air inlet 12. For example, they may be positioned at a left and a right edge 46, 48 of the tool, respectively.
The forward portion 34 may be provided with a thread lifting material. The rearward portion 36 may be provided with a thread lifting material. The first side portion 38 may be provided with a thread lifting material. The second side portion 40 may be provided with a thread lifting material.
The thread lifting materials (if present) may be orientated in particular directions, as discussed in more detail below.
The first and second side portions 38, 40 may define respective parts of the third inlet section 24. In particular, with reference to Figure 1 , the third inlet section may be partly defined by lines A and B which are imaginary lines showing how part of the first and second inlet sections extend across the tool, and may also be partly defined by the first and second side portions.
The dirty air inlet may extend a distance X1 between the forward portion and the rearward portion. X1 may be between 15 mm and 35 mm. X1 may be between 20 mm and 30 mm. X1 may be approximately 25 mm. The first inlet section may extend a distance X2 between the forward portion and the first and second side portions. X2 may be between 5 mm and 13mm. X2 may be between 7 mm and 1 1 mm. X2 may be approximately 9 mm. The second inlet section may extend a distance X3 between the rearward portion and the first and second side portions. X3 may be between 5 mm and 13 mm. X3 may be between 7 mm and 1 1 mm. X3 may be approximately 9 mm. The third inlet section may extend a distance Y1 between the first and second side portions. Y1 may be between 57 mm and 65 mm. Y1 may be between 59mm and 63 mm. Y1 may be approximately 61 mm.
The first and second side portions 38, 40 may be positioned generally midway between the forward the rearward portions 34, 36. The first and second side portions 38, 40 may be positioned at a periphery of the surface 14. The first and second side portions may extend a distance X4 between the forward and rearward portions. X4 may be between 2 mm and 10 mm. X4 may be between 4 mm and 8 mm. X4 may be approximately 6 mm.
The forward and rearward portions 34, 36 may be generally curved. In particular, in side cross-section as shown in figure 2, the forward and rearward portions may lie on a curve having a radius of curvature defined by a circle C having a radius R of between 40 mm and 50 mm. The radius R may be between 43 mm and 48 mm. The radius R may be approximately 46 mm. The use of such curved forward and rearward portions in embodiments may permit advantageous cleaning of upholstery products because it can reduce the contact area between the tool surface 14 and the upholstery depending on the shape of the upholstery. It may also assist with cleaning curved upholstery surfaces. A rearward edge 44 of the rearward portion 36 may be positioned a distance L above the first and second side portions 38, 40. A forward edge 42 of the front portion 34 may be positioned a distance L above the first and second side portions 38, 40. The distance L may be between 5 mm and 9 mm. The distance L may be approximately 7 mm.
The first and second side portions 38, 40 may be generally planar. Alternatively, they may be generally curved. In particular, in side cross-section as shown in figure 2, the first and second side portions 38, 40 may lie on a curve having a radius of curvature defined by the circle C having a radius R of between 40 mm and 50mm. The radius R may be between 43 mm and 48 mm. The radius R may be approximately 46 mm.
The leading, or forward, edge of the forward portion 34 may be curved. It may, alternatively, be generally linear. The forward portion may extend a distance X5 forwardly of the dirty air inlet. X5 may be between 6 mm and 14 mm. X5 may be between 8 mm and 12 mm. X5 may be approximately 10 mm.
The rearward edge 44 of the rearward portion 36 may be curved. Alternatively, the rearward edge 44 may be generally linear. The rearward portion may extend a distance X6 rearwardly of the dirty air inlet. X6 may be between 6 mm and 14 mm. X6 may be between 8 mm and 12 mm. X6 may be approximately 10 mm. The first inlet section may have a greater surface area than the third inlet section. The second inlet section may have a greater surface area than the third inlet section. The first and second inlet sections 20, 22 may each have a greater surface area than the third inlet section 24. One or more of the peripheral bleed inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 may have a substantially rectangular cross sectional area. Alternatively, they may (alone or in combination) have a circular cross sectional area. They may have a generally circular cross sectional area with a segment of the circle defining the cross sectional area being removed. The peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 may have a bottom edge which faces a surface to be cleaned in use. In other words, the peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 may extend the dirty air inlet 12 from the tool surface 14 into side walls 46, 48. The body 10 may have a width between the left and right edges 46, 48 of Y2. Y2 may be between 80 mm and 120 mm. Y2 may be between 90 mm and 1 10 mm. Y2 may be approximately 105 mm.
Referring to figures 7 to 1 1 , there may be provided an optional brush attachment 50 for attachment to the upholstery tool 1 . The brush attachment 50 may be provided with bristles 52 which provide a substantially planar cleaning surface, by providing bristles of varying lengths. The bristles 52 may be positioned around a periphery of the tool. The attachment 50 may be provided with surfaces 56, 58 which cover the forward and rearward portions 34, 36 in use. A clip 54 may be provided to permit the brush attachment 50 to be connected to the tool 1 .
It has also been found that the peripheral bleed air inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 provide the advantageous effect of permitting dirt which is positioned to the sides of the tool to be suctioned up whilst in use. This can increase the effective cleaning area of the upholstery tool 1 without increasing the size of the tool. This is advantageous as it can enable a greater effective surface area to be cleaned whilst permitting an upholstery tool 1 to fit into small spaces where other tools would not be able to fit. It also enables any dirt which is trapped in creases in the upholstery to be cleaned up effectively. If present, the thread lifting material on the forward portion 34 may extend across 90% (or more) of the width of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36. E.g. 95% or more of the width of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36.
If present, the thread lifting material on the rearward portion 36 may extend across 90% of the width of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36. E.g. 95% or more of the width of the forward portion 34 and/or the rearward portion 36.
Providing such widths of thread lifting material can help to increase the useable width of the tool.
If present, the thread lifting material on each of the forward and rearward portions 34, 36 and first and second side portions 38, 40 may be provided as lint pickup strip(s).
The thread lifting material on each of the forward and rearward portions 34, 36 and first and second side portions 38, 40 may include bristles.
In some embodiments, the forward portion 34 may include bristles. The rearward portion 36 may include bristles. The first and second side portions 38, 40 may include bristles. The bristles may be oriented in a first direction A' on the forward portion 34. The bristles may be oriented in a second direction B' on the rearward portion 36. The bristles may be oriented in a third direction C on the first and second side portions 38, 40. The first direction A' and the second direction B' may be the same. The second direction B' and the third direction C may be the same. The first direction A' and the third direction C may be the same. The first and second and third direction A', B', C may be the same.
However, the first direction A' and the second direction B' may be different. The second direction B' and the third direction C may be different. The first direction A' and the third direction C may be different. The first, second and third directions A', B', C may be different. Any of the first, second and third directions A', B', C may be generally opposite. In some embodiments the first and second directions A', B' may be generally opposite whilst the first and third directions A', C may be generally the same.
For instance, in some embodiments the first direction A' is generally rearwardly of the tool. The second direction B' is generally forwardly of the tool. The third direction C is generally rearwardly of the tool.
Such a combination has been found to be particularly effective. In particular, the combination provides effective thread (e.g. lint) lifting from surfaces which being cleaned.
When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims
1 . An upholstery tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus, the apparatus including a source of suction, wherein the tool includes:
a body including a dirty air inlet in a tool surface which faces a surface to be cleaned in use, wherein the tool surface includes a forward edge, a rear edge, a left edge and a right edge, and the dirty air inlet includes:
a first inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets in the left and right edges;
a second inlet section which extends across the surface and terminates in peripheral bleed air inlets in the left and right edges; and
a third inlet section which fluidly connects the first and second inlet sections; and
an outlet for fluid communication with the source of suction fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet.
2. An upholstery tool according to claim 1 , wherein the tool surface includes:
a forward portion positioned forwardly of the dirty air inlet to define a part of the first inlet section; and
a rearward portion positioned rearwardly of the dirty air inlet to define a part of second inlet section.
3. An upholstery tool according to claim 2 wherein the tool surface includes:
first and second side portions positioned between the forward and rearward portions to define respective parts of the first and second inlet sections.
4. An upholstery tool according to claim 3, wherein the first and second side portions define respective parts of the third inlet section.
5. An upholstery tool according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first and second side portions are positioned generally midway between the forward and rearward portions.
6. An upholstery tool according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein at least one or both of the forward and rearward portions are generally curved.
7. An upholstery tool according to any one of claims 3 to 5 or claim 6 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 3, wherein the first and second side portions are generally planar.
8. An upholstery tool according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 7 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2 wherein a leading edge of the forward portion is curved.
9. An upholstery tool according to any one of claims 2 to 8 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2 wherein a rearward edge of the rearward portion is curved.
10. An upholstery tool according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second inlet sections each have a greater surface area than the third inlet section.
1 1 . An upholstery tool according to any preceding claim wherein the first inlet section is substantially linear.
12. An upholstery tool according to any preceding claim wherein the second inlet section is substantially linear.
13. An upholstery tool according to any preceding claim wherein the first inlet section has a substantially uniform depth.
14. An upholstery tool according to any preceding claim wherein the second inlet section has a substantially uniform depth.
15. An upholstery tool according to any preceding claim wherein the neck is at an angle β positioned towards the rearward edge.
16. An upholstery tool according to claim 15 wherein the angle β is preferably between 30Q to 60Q, even more preferably between 40Q to 50Q, and most preferably at 45Q.
EP18705475.4A 2017-02-23 2018-02-09 A cleaning nozzle for upholstery for use with a surface cleaning apparatus Active EP3585229B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1702960.4A GB2559993B (en) 2017-02-23 2017-02-23 An upholstery tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus
PCT/GB2018/050363 WO2018154274A1 (en) 2017-02-23 2018-02-09 A cleaning nozzle for upholstery for use with a surface cleaning apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3585229A1 true EP3585229A1 (en) 2020-01-01
EP3585229B1 EP3585229B1 (en) 2022-08-24

Family

ID=58544100

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18705475.4A Active EP3585229B1 (en) 2017-02-23 2018-02-09 A cleaning nozzle for upholstery for use with a surface cleaning apparatus

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20190380555A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3585229B1 (en)
CN (1) CN212438463U (en)
GB (1) GB2559993B (en)
WO (1) WO2018154274A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020264183A1 (en) 2019-06-26 2020-12-30 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Vacuum tools
EP3900599A1 (en) * 2020-04-20 2021-10-27 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Nozzle arrangement configured to face a surface to be cleaned

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE383395A (en) * 1930-10-30
DD124497A1 (en) * 1975-11-17 1977-03-02
DE20312836U1 (en) * 2003-08-20 2004-01-22 Mörschel, Siegbert Suction nozzle especially for vacuum-cleaner has pile fiber coating in front of and behind suction opening and has air inlet provided at small side of housing
AU301396S (en) * 2004-05-13 2005-04-29 Dyson Technology Ltd A tool for a cleaning appliance
DE102008034458B4 (en) * 2008-07-24 2019-02-14 Vorwerk & Co. Interholding Gmbh Hand-held suction nozzle for connection to a vacuum cleaner and suction nozzle separable with a nozzle attachment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3585229B1 (en) 2022-08-24
US20190380555A1 (en) 2019-12-19
GB201702960D0 (en) 2017-04-12
CN212438463U (en) 2021-02-02
WO2018154274A1 (en) 2018-08-30
GB2559993A (en) 2018-08-29
GB2559993B (en) 2022-05-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USD959077S1 (en) Cleaning foot for a floor cleaner
CN103826517B (en) The suction nozzle of dust catcher
USD1041105S1 (en) Floor cleaning machine
NZ570621A (en) Vacuum cleaner nozzle with disposable cover sheet
JP6357174B2 (en) Vacuum cleaner head
USD996756S1 (en) Cleaning foot for a floor cleaner
SE532299C2 (en) Nozzle
EP2289383A2 (en) Vacuum accessory tool
USD993663S1 (en) Floor mat for tire cleaning
EP3585229B1 (en) A cleaning nozzle for upholstery for use with a surface cleaning apparatus
US10172505B2 (en) Cleaning pad for a robot cleaner
AU2019101097A4 (en) A cleaning nozzle for upholstery for use with a surface cleaning apparatus
EP3181029A1 (en) Vacuum cleaner nozzle
JP5560067B2 (en) Brush and rotating brush
US5918346A (en) Squeegee assembly for floor surface cleaning machine
USD1005628S1 (en) Cleaning foot for a vacuum cleaner
US11452413B2 (en) Accessory tool for a surface cleaning apparatus
USD1088386S1 (en) Mopping cloth for cleaning robot
USD989428S1 (en) Cleaning foot for a floor cleaner
USD995015S1 (en) Cleaning foot for a floor cleaner
AU2019101096A4 (en) An accessory tool for a surface cleaning apparatus
JP2004267723A (en) Floor nozzle for vacuum cleaner
KR20100020644A (en) Brush for cleaner
USD1106627S1 (en) Cleaning foot for a floor cleaner
USD996757S1 (en) Cleaning foot for a floor cleaner

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

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

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20190828

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: TTI (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LIMITED

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

Owner name: TECHTRONIC FLOOR CARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20220406

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602018039663

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1513094

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20220824

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: 20220824

Ref country code: RS

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: 20220824

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: 20221226

Ref country code: NO

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: 20221124

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: 20220824

Ref country code: LV

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: 20220824

Ref country code: LT

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: 20220824

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: 20220824

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1513094

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220824

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

Ref country code: PL

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: 20220824

Ref country code: IS

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: 20221224

Ref country code: HR

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: 20220824

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: 20221125

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

Ref country code: SM

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: 20220824

Ref country code: RO

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: 20220824

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: 20220824

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: 20220824

Ref country code: CZ

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: 20220824

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: 20220824

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602018039663

Country of ref document: DE

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

Ref country code: SK

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: 20220824

Ref country code: EE

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: 20220824

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

Ref country code: AL

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: 20220824

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

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230613

P02 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) changed

Effective date: 20230613

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20230525

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

Ref country code: SI

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: 20220824

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

Effective date: 20220824

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20230228

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: 20230209

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20230228

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20230228

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: IE

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

Effective date: 20230209

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: 20230228

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

Effective date: 20220824

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

Ref country code: BG

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: 20220824

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

Ref country code: BG

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: 20220824

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20250227

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20250225

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20250227

Year of fee payment: 8

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; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20180209

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

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20180209

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

Effective date: 20220824