EP1104344A4 - Rasoir jetable a passage d'ecoulement a long manche - Google Patents

Rasoir jetable a passage d'ecoulement a long manche

Info

Publication number
EP1104344A4
EP1104344A4 EP99939094A EP99939094A EP1104344A4 EP 1104344 A4 EP1104344 A4 EP 1104344A4 EP 99939094 A EP99939094 A EP 99939094A EP 99939094 A EP99939094 A EP 99939094A EP 1104344 A4 EP1104344 A4 EP 1104344A4
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connection
cartridge
razor
handle
features
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
EP99939094A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1104344A1 (fr
EP1104344B1 (fr
Inventor
Jeff Wonderley
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.)
American Safety Razor Co
Original Assignee
American Safety Razor Co
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 American Safety Razor Co filed Critical American Safety Razor Co
Publication of EP1104344A1 publication Critical patent/EP1104344A1/fr
Publication of EP1104344A4 publication Critical patent/EP1104344A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1104344B1 publication Critical patent/EP1104344B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26BHAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B21/00Razors of the open or knife type; Safety razors or other shaving implements of the planing type; Hair-trimming devices involving a razor-blade; Equipment therefor
    • B26B21/40Details or accessories
    • B26B21/52Handles, e.g. tiltable, flexible
    • B26B21/521Connection details, e.g. connection to razor heads
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26BHAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B21/00Razors of the open or knife type; Safety razors or other shaving implements of the planing type; Hair-trimming devices involving a razor-blade; Equipment therefor
    • B26B21/08Razors of the open or knife type; Safety razors or other shaving implements of the planing type; Hair-trimming devices involving a razor-blade; Equipment therefor involving changeable blades
    • B26B21/14Safety razors with one or more blades arranged transversely to the handle
    • B26B21/22Safety razors with one or more blades arranged transversely to the handle involving several blades to be used simultaneously
    • B26B21/222Safety razors with one or more blades arranged transversely to the handle involving several blades to be used simultaneously with the blades moulded into, or attached to, a changeable unit
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26BHAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B21/00Razors of the open or knife type; Safety razors or other shaving implements of the planing type; Hair-trimming devices involving a razor-blade; Equipment therefor
    • B26B21/40Details or accessories
    • B26B21/4012Housing details, e.g. for cartridges

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a razor and more specifically, to a disposable razor cartridge/handle arrangement which features a through flow feature and a snap together structure which enables a snug fit and stable mounting.
  • connection mechanism which permits the cartridges to be interchanged also tends to permit a small amount of play between the handle and the cartridge which leads to a slightly wobbly connection being perceived by the user. This tends to reduce the level of confidence in the user who is expecting a nice rigid connection so that precise placement of the blades against the area being shaved can be anticipated with a high degree of expectation.
  • a first aspect of the invention resides in a razor comprising: a handle; and a disposable cartridge.
  • the disposable cartridge has a pair of snap action connection features which are formed in a predetermined spaced relationship on a lower surface of a platform portion of the cartridge, each of the connection features having a projecting connection portion which is oriented toward the other, each of the connection features being separated by essentially flat surface portions which extends from one of the connection features toward the other across the lower surface of the platform.
  • the handle on the other hand, is formed with: angled projections at the ends of a connection head portion which are adapted to engage the connection portions and deflect the corresponding connection feature as they pass thereby and assume positions wherein flat mating surfaces formed adjacent the angled projections, abut the essentially flat surface portions formed on the lower surface of the platform portion, and engaging surfaces which are respectively formed behind the angle projections for receiving the connection portions of the pair of connection features.
  • a feature of the above arrangement is that crush ribs are formed on the platform portion of the disposable cartridge.
  • crush ribs are formed on an underside surface of each of the connection portion so as to engage a snap engaging surface in a manner which deforms the crush ribs and provides an interference fit between each of the connection features of the disposable cartridge and the engaging surfaces of the handle.
  • the snap engaging surface is, in an embodiment, defined by a shoulder which is formed behind the angled projections.
  • Each of the above mentioned crush ribs has a contact surface which extends at predetermined angle with respect to the contact portion and has an first edge which is unitary with the underside surface of a connection portion and a second edge which is unitary with an inner wall surface of the connection feature which merges with underside surface of the connection portion at a predetermined angle.
  • the portion of the platform portion which is located between the connection features is sufficiently flexible as to flex when the angled projections at the ends of a connection head portion engage and deflect the corresponding connection action feature as they pass thereby.
  • each of the snap action features are flexible and flex when the angled projections at the ends of a connection head portion engage and deflect the respective connection feature.
  • the platform portion is formed with openings into which the angled projection are received after passing by the connection portions formed on the connection features.
  • the handle is provided with abutment members which are respectively located adjacent the angled projections and which have flat front surfaces adapted to abut corresponding flat surface portions which are formed on the platform portion of the cartridge.
  • the platform portion of the cartridge mentioned above is formed with a plurality of ribs and wherein a leading edge portion of the handle head is formed with a protrusion which engages portions of the ribs in a manner which deforms the ribs and establishes an interference fit.
  • Another feature of the above arrangement resides in a water passage structure formed in the platform portion; a first blade mounted directly on the platform section; a spacer disposed on the first blade; a second blade disposed on the spacer; and a flow opening or openings formed in one of the first blade and the spacer which is in flow communication with the water passage structure for permitting water to flow between the first and second blades in a manner which flushes the space therebetween.
  • a second aspect of the present invention resides in a razor comprising a handle having: angled projections formed on a connection head portion and adapted to engage and deflect connection features formed on a disposable cartridge as the angle projections pass by the connection features; flat surface portions formed adjacent the angled projections which are adapted to abut essentially flat surface portions on the cartridge, and engaging surfaces which are respectively formed behind the angle projections for receiving connection portions of the connection features of the cartridge.
  • a third aspect resides in a razor comprising a disposable cartridge having: connection features which are formed in a predetermined spaced relationship on the cartridge, the connection features having barb-like portions which are: a) adapted to be deflected by angled deflecting members formed on a handle adapted for use with the cartridge, and b) arranged to engage shoulder portions formed on the handle in a predetermined spatial relationship with the angled deflecting members; and flat surface portions which are formed proximate the connection features and which are adapted to abut, in a face-to-face relationship, flat portions formed on the handle.
  • crushable features are associated with the connection features and are arranged to be distorted when the connection features engage the shoulder portions in a manner which produces an interference fit.
  • a passage means is formed in the cartridge for transmitting a flow of water between a plurality of blades supported in the cartridge.
  • a plurality of ribs which engage a protrusion formed on the handle define interference fit means which rigidities the interconnection between the cartridge and the handle.
  • Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a handle according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the handle shown in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 is a side view of the handle shown in Figs. 1 and 2
  • Fig. 4 is an enlarged top plan of the head of the handle shown in Figs. 1-3 showing the features which are used to engage and connect a disposable cartridge thereto in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 5 is a front view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 6 is a sectional side view schematically depicting the relationship between the handle and the cartridge as taken along section line XI - XI of Fig. 8;
  • Fig. 7 is a sectional side view as taken along section line XII - XII of Fig. 8, depicting the manner in which mating flat surfaces abut one another in accordance with a feature of the present invention
  • Fig. 8 is a partially sectioned top plan view of the assembled handle and cartridge showing the interlocking interconnection arrangement which represents an important aspect of the invention
  • Fig. 9 is a side sectional view of the handle and full cartridge assembly showing the passage arrangement which enables the through flow cleaning feature which is provided in accordance with an aspect of the invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a partially sectioned inverted front view of a platform portion of the cartridge showing the arrangement of connection features according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the cartridge shown in Fig. 10;
  • Fig. 12 is a partially sectioned rear view of the cartridge shown in Figs. 10 & 11 ;
  • Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of the cartridge.
  • Figs. 14-16 are respectively sectional view as taken along section lines XIV - XIV, XV - XV and XVI - XVI of Fig. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • Figs. 1-16 show an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fully assembled cartridge 200 which is adapted to be releasably mounted on a suitable handle 100, comprises, as best seen in Fig. 9, a platform 202, flexible blades 203, 204 and spacer 206, which separates the blades 203, 204, and a cap member 208 which is rigidly connected to the platform 202 by way of integral fastening rivet portions (not shown) which extend down from a lower surface thereof.
  • the handle 100 in this embodiment is of the long handle type.
  • a channel structure is formed in the cartridge to permit water to flow between the blades 203, 204 during a cleaning operation which can be carried out either from time to time during shaving or at the completion thereof.
  • This channel structure includes a passage 212 which is formed in the platform 202, and a series of transfer openings or passages 214 which are, in this instance, formed in lower blade 203. This arrangement permits water to flow either down through the opening defined between the two blades 203, 204, and out through the passage 210 or vice versa, or both.
  • This flow causes the debris (cut beard stubble, flakes of the upper epidermal layer, etc.) to be flushed away from the blades, ensuring that they remain well exposed for clean shaving and/or adequate removal of the extraneous material after the shaving process has been completed.
  • This through-flow feature is combined with an engagement arrangement, which, as best seen in Fig. 8, is such as to include a pair of snap action engagement or connection features 216. These features 216 are formed so as to be sufficiently flexible as to enable them to be deflected out of the way as a result of engagement with tapered projections 101 provided on the handle 100 and which pass by the engagement portions during handle/cartridge interconnection.
  • connection features 216 can be rendered relatively inflexible and instead the cartridge 200 can be constructed as to be flexible to the degree that the platform bows as the connection features are driven outwardly by the interaction between the connection features 216 and the tapered projections 101.
  • a combination of the flexure of the connection features with a small amount of bowing of the cartridge can be used to provide the desired amount of force/displacement, necessary to produce the requisite docking resistance and subsequent snap action interlocking.
  • connection features 216 have barb-like engagement members or pawls 218 formed at their free ends while the head of the handle 100, on which the tapered projections 101 are formed, is formed with shoulder portions 102 on which the engagement members 218 can seat once the tapered projections 101 have been forced sufficiently past the rounded head portion of each engagement member 218.
  • the surfaces on the engagement members 218 and the shoulders 102 which are arranged to actually abut one another in a fully interconnected state are essentially flat.
  • Abutment members 106 formed at the front of the handle head are, in this embodiment, such as to merge with the inboard edges of the tapered projections 101 and have flat front surfaces 106A which are arranged to abut against flat surface portions located on the cartridge platform 202A at locations just inboard of the openings 220 which are formed immediately adjacent the inboard edges of the connection features 216 and which are adapted to accommodate the tapered projections in the manner illustrated in Fig. 8.
  • This face-to-face abutment between opposed flat surfaces, in combination with the locking action which is achieved between the engagement members 218 and the shoulders 102, is such as to promote a very rigid handle/cartridge interconnection.
  • this embodiment is additionally provided with members which shall be referred to crush ribs 222.
  • these crush ribs 222 take the form of web-like members which are arranged, as shown in Figs 10 and 12, for example, to interconnect an inner wall portion 216A of an engagement feature 216 with the flat engaging underside surface 218A of the barb-like engagement member 218.
  • the thickness of these crush ribs 222 is small and these features can be "crushed" as the interconnection between the shoulders 102 and the engagement members 218 occurs. This crushing action produces an interference fit which tends to eliminate even the smallest amount of play between the handle 100 and the cartridge 200.
  • the contact surface of the crush rib 222 is arranged to extend at an angle of about 45° in this embodiment while the ribs 222 themselves are arranged normal to the side surface 216A of the connection features and normal to the underside surface 218A of the engagement members 218.
  • each of these angles can be changed in order to endow a directional bias on the interference effect when the rib 222 is crushed.
  • the shape and angling of the crush rib 222 can be used to produce a bias which can apply a pressure between the handle and the cartridge and thus used to compensate/eliminate any play that may be perceived between the two elements.
  • the present embodiment features the provision of a protrusion 108 at the leading edge of the head of the handle 100 in the manner depicted in Fig. 6.
  • This protrusion 108 is adapted to engage a plurality of ribs 224 (see Figs. 13 and 16) formed in the cartridge platform 202, in a manner which generates an interference fit as the abutment members 106 enter and seat in channel -like spaces defined between a rib 224 and a projection 226 formed opposite the rib 224 (see Fig.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une cartouche (200) qui comporte deux éléments de connexion par encliquetage (216) placés sur la face inférieure d'une partie plate-forme (202) de la cartouche. Chaque élément de connexion par encliquetage est muni d'une partie de connexion en forme de barbe (218) orientée vers l'autre élément, ces deux éléments étant séparés par une surface essentiellement plane qui s'étend de l'un des éléments à encliquetage (216) à l'autre à travers la face inférieure de la plate-forme. Le manche comporte des saillants pointus (101), situés à l'extrémité d'une tête de raccord, qui s'emboîtent dans les parties de connexion (218) et dévient les éléments d'encliquetage (216) lors de leur passage pour pénétrer ensuite dans les ouvertures (220) ménagées dans la partie plate-forme (202).
EP99939094A 1998-08-11 1999-08-10 Rasoir jetable a passage d'ecoulement a long manche Expired - Lifetime EP1104344B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US9619298P 1998-08-11 1998-08-11
US96192P 1998-08-11
PCT/US1999/018002 WO2000009299A1 (fr) 1998-08-11 1999-08-10 Rasoir jetable a passage d'ecoulement a long manche

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1104344A1 EP1104344A1 (fr) 2001-06-06
EP1104344A4 true EP1104344A4 (fr) 2002-11-06
EP1104344B1 EP1104344B1 (fr) 2004-03-17

Family

ID=22256235

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99939094A Expired - Lifetime EP1104344B1 (fr) 1998-08-11 1999-08-10 Rasoir jetable a passage d'ecoulement a long manche

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1104344B1 (fr)
AR (1) AR014078A1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE261799T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU5344699A (fr)
DE (1) DE69915640D1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000009299A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2356571A1 (fr) * 2000-10-27 2002-04-27 Vincent Cosmo Motta Dispositif de rasage comprenant un manche raccorde a un mecanisme de fixation de tete de rasoir et methode de montage
GB2495073B (en) * 2011-09-08 2013-08-14 Robert Brett Woolfson Razor handles
KR101999552B1 (ko) * 2012-12-21 2019-07-12 빅-비올렉스 에스아 교체 가능한 카트리지를 가지는 면도기와 이러한 면도기를 위한 카트리지와 헤드 및 핸들 조립체
KR101703514B1 (ko) 2016-06-24 2017-02-07 주식회사 도루코 면도기

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4270268A (en) * 1979-12-07 1981-06-02 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
US4833779A (en) * 1987-06-30 1989-05-30 American Safety Razor Company Platform, handle and shield for safety razor

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4094063A (en) * 1976-12-15 1978-06-13 The Gillette Company Razor assembly with pivotally mounted cartridge
GB8717216D0 (en) * 1987-07-21 1987-08-26 Gillette Co Safety razors

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4270268A (en) * 1979-12-07 1981-06-02 The Gillette Company Razor blade assembly
US4833779A (en) * 1987-06-30 1989-05-30 American Safety Razor Company Platform, handle and shield for safety razor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69915640D1 (de) 2004-04-22
EP1104344A1 (fr) 2001-06-06
ATE261799T1 (de) 2004-04-15
AR014078A1 (es) 2001-01-31
EP1104344B1 (fr) 2004-03-17
AU5344699A (en) 2000-03-06
WO2000009299A1 (fr) 2000-02-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2279187C (fr) Rasoir et procede de rasage
US6880253B1 (en) Razor with a movable shaving head
US4641429A (en) Razor blade cartridge unit with dual blades
EP0757614B1 (fr) Tete de rasoir dynamique et flexible
US8567068B2 (en) Safety razors
EP1501661B1 (fr) Ensemble rasoir
EP1084012B1 (fr) Cartouche de rasoir a protecteur de lame alveole
US4480387A (en) Cleaning device for razors
US5461781A (en) Dynamic shaving system with integral push clean bar and spring member
US5365665A (en) Razor head with flow passages
EP1053082B1 (fr) Tete de rasage
US20020035786A1 (en) Safety razors
US4903405A (en) Safety razors
KR20110099123A (ko) 면도기
JP3588361B2 (ja) 湿式ひげそり用可撓性カミソリユニットのクリーニング装置
WO1999020440A1 (fr) Cartouche de lame de rasoir munie de voies d'ecoulement d'un lubrifiant
CA2373228A1 (fr) Rasoir a porte-lame pivotante et cartouche de lame de rechange connexe
WO1993001918A1 (fr) Barre de protection segmentee
EP1104344B1 (fr) Rasoir jetable a passage d'ecoulement a long manche
US5524346A (en) Shaving cartridge for wet razors
WO1996004111A1 (fr) Tete de rasoir avec dispositif de protection de la peau ameliore
JP7538123B2 (ja) ブレード間スパンを増大させたシェービングヘッド
US5329700A (en) Flexible razor unit employing embossed blades
US20260084328A1 (en) Dual sided razor
EP0885699B1 (fr) Systèmes de rasoirs avec passages de rinçage

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: 20010309

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

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

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20020923

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Free format text: 7B 26B 21/40 A, 7B 26B 21/52 B

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

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

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20040317

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: 20040317

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20040317

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20040317

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: 20040317

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: 20040317

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: 20040317

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: 20040317

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20040317

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: 20040317

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: 69915640

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20040422

Kind code of ref document: P

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: 20040617

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: 20040617

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: 20040617

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

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20040618

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: 20040810

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20040810

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20040317

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: 20040831

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

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

EN Fr: translation not filed
26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20041220

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: PT

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

Effective date: 20040817

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20130827

Year of fee payment: 15

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

Effective date: 20140810

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: 20140810