EP1127516A1 - Chaise pliable - Google Patents

Chaise pliable Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1127516A1
EP1127516A1 EP00306998A EP00306998A EP1127516A1 EP 1127516 A1 EP1127516 A1 EP 1127516A1 EP 00306998 A EP00306998 A EP 00306998A EP 00306998 A EP00306998 A EP 00306998A EP 1127516 A1 EP1127516 A1 EP 1127516A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
chair
locking
frame
seat panel
bar
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
EP00306998A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1127516B1 (fr
Inventor
Shing Chi Tsang
Sing Tak Tsang
Shing Yip Tsang
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.)
B T Furnishing Sdn Bhd
Original Assignee
B T Furnishing Sdn Bhd
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 B T Furnishing Sdn Bhd filed Critical B T Furnishing Sdn Bhd
Publication of EP1127516A1 publication Critical patent/EP1127516A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1127516B1 publication Critical patent/EP1127516B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
    • A47C4/04—Folding chairs with inflexible seats
    • A47C4/18—Folding chairs with inflexible seats having a frame made of metal
    • A47C4/20—Folding chairs with inflexible seats having a frame made of metal with legs pivotably connected to seat or underframe
    • A47C4/24—Folding chairs with inflexible seats having a frame made of metal with legs pivotably connected to seat or underframe with cross legs

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a folding chair of the type comprising a pair of leg frames that are hinged together so that the chair may be folded substantially flat when not in use.
  • a seat panel has one end hinged to one of the frames with the opposite end supported by the other frame when the chair is open for use.
  • a seat panel and back support are hinged together to form a seat assembly that may be folded substantially flat, and the seat assembly is supported by the pair of leg frames.
  • chairs of this type are inevitably prone to collapse during use. This can cause serious bodily injury. Additionally, the chair often collapses when it is lifted to be moved to another location. This is naturally inconvenient. Therefore, the aim of the invention is to realise a folding chair offering improved safety and/or convenience to the user.
  • a folding chair comprises a first frame that forms the rear legs of the chair and a second frame that forms the front legs of the chair, the first and second frames being pivotally connected so as to enable the chair to be folded substantially flat when not in use, and further comprises a seat panel that has one end pivotally connected to one of the frames and an opposite end engagable with the other of the frames whereby said other frame supports said opposite end of the seat panel when the chair is open for use.
  • the chair is characterized in that a locking member is mounted on one of said other frame and said opposite end of the seat panel for limited movement relative thereto, and the other of said other frame and said opposite end of the seat panel includes a locking formation for receiving the locking member to lock the chair in the open condition, the limited movement of the locking member enabling the locking member to assume a locking position in which the locking member is located within the locking formation, and a release position in which the locking member is located outside the locking formation.
  • the arrangement is such that the locking member automatically assumes the locking position in the action of opening the chair whereas the locking member must be manually moved into the release position in order to unlock and fold the chair.
  • the folding chair of this first aspect of the invention incorporates a highly effective and safe locking mechanism whose operation is not dependent on the user remembering to lock the chair and which has a low probability of being accidentally released while the chair is in use.
  • the locking member comprises a bar extending laterally across the width of the chair, and the locking formation comprises a groove or notch adapted to locate an edge of the bar.
  • the opposite ends of the bar may be loosely trapped in respective recesses of a shape which permits movement of the bar between the locking position and the release position. These recesses may have a substantially triangular shape whereby the bar rests against one inclined side of the triangle in the locking position.
  • the locking member is preferably biased into the locking position.
  • the bias may arise under the action of gravity on the locking member or under the action of resilient means such as at least one spring element, or both.
  • the locking member may be temporarily and automatically displaced from its bias position into the release position before being returned, by virtue of the biasing action, into the locking position in which the locking member engages the locking formation.
  • the seat panel is hinged to the second frame that forms the front legs of the chair.
  • the locking member is mounted on the seat panel and the locking formation is formed at the end of the first frame that forms the rear legs of the chair and supports the front edge of the seat panel.
  • the first frame may engage the seat panel by means of pins that extend outwardly from the frame and slide within respective grooves formed at each side of the seat panel.
  • the seat panel may be hinged to the first frame that forms the rear legs of the chair.
  • the locking member is mounted on the second frame that forms the front legs of the chair and the locking formation is formed at the rear edge of the 0 seat panel.
  • the rear end of the seat panel is supported by the second frame when the chair is open for use.
  • a folding chair comprises a pair of leg frames that are pivotally connected together so as to enable the chair to be folded substantially flat when not in use, and further comprises a seat panel supported by said pair of leg frames, characterized in that the opening and closing of the pair of leg frames is governed by a sliding bar that connects the two leg frames, the sliding bar having one end pivotally coupled to a first said leg frame and including an elongate slot, a pin mounted on a second said leg frame being arranged to ride within said elongate slot, and in that said elongate slot includes an angled locking portion at an end of the slot, the arrangement being such that said pin automatically enters the locking portion of the slot in the action of opening the chair whereas the pin must be manually released from the locking portion, by manipulating the sliding bar, in order to unlock and fold the leg frames.
  • the folding chair of this second aspect of the invention incorporates a highly effective and safe locking mechanism whose operation is not dependent on the user remembering to lock the chair and which has a low probability of being accidentally released while the chair is in use.
  • the locking portion of the sliding bar slot extends generally upwardly when the chair is open for use, so that the pin enters the locking portion as the sliding bar drops under the action of gravity.
  • the locking portion of the slot may, for example, extend at approximately 90° to the main portion of the slot.
  • the seat panel may be pivotally connected to the second leg frame by means of said pin.
  • a back support may be hinged to the seat panel to form a collapsible seat assembly.
  • the hinge connection may be of such a type that the angle between the seat panel and the back support is adjustable to a plurality of settings that provide different degrees of repose.
  • the chair may thus be a multi-position, for example 5-position, folding chair.
  • the sliding bar is preferably provided on only one side of the chair in order to simplify the unlocking operation.
  • the folding chair does not collapse when lifted up to be moved to a new location. This adds to the chair's convenience in everyday use.
  • Figs 1 to 8 relate to a folding chair according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein:
  • Fig. 1 shows the chair in its open condition and Fig. 2 in its closed or folded state.
  • the chair comprises a pair of leg frames 1, 2 which are coupled together by means of a pivot connection, such as a hinge, at a point remote from the ends of the frames.
  • the first leg frame 1 forms the rear legs of the chair and the second frame 2 forms the forward legs of the chair.
  • the second frame 2 also extends upwardly to form the back support of the chair.
  • the back of the seat panel 3 is pivotally connected by means of a hinge to the second frame 2.
  • the front of the seat panel 3 is supported by the upper end of the first frame 1 when the chair is open for use.
  • Figs. 3 to 5 illustrate how the rear leg frame 1 is coupled to the seat panel.
  • the frame 1 comprises a pair of mutually parallel side members 5 that form the rearwardly extending legs.
  • the side members 5 are connected together by a pair of cross bars 6.
  • the upper ends of the side members 5 include respective laterally outwardly extending pins 7, each of which may take the form of a screw or cylindrical stud or the like.
  • the seat panel 3 comprises a seating board 8 and a pair of side timbers 9.
  • the inward faces of the side timbers 9 include a groove 11 that extends substantially the length of the side timber 9.
  • the pins 7'of the leg frame 1 ride in the respective grooves 11 of the seat panel as the chair is opened and closed.
  • the pins 7 reside in the leftmost ends of the grooves 11, as viewed in Fig. 5.
  • the pins 7 are located at the rightmost ends of the grooves 11, as viewed in Fig. 5.
  • the chair is closed by lifting the front edge of the seat panel 3 upwardly and moving the same in the direction of the arrow 4 shown in Fig. 1.
  • the shorter frame 1 rides in the grooves 11 of the seat panel as the frames 1 and 2 close together in a scissors-like action.
  • the locking mechanism in this embodiment comprises a locking bar 10 which is mounted on the underside of the seat panel towards the front edge thereof.
  • the locking bar 10 In the locked condition, the locking bar 10 is located in notches 15 formed in the upper edges of the side members 5 of the shorter leg frame 1.
  • the locking bar 10 extends laterally across the width of the seat panel. Its ends are located loosely in substantially triangular-shaped recesses 12 formed in the side members 9 of the seat panel.
  • the locking bar is biased into the locking position shown in Figs. 5 and 6 under the action of gravity, as represented by the arrow 13 in Fig. 6. In this state, the locking bar rests on the inclined edges of the triangular recesses 12.
  • the leg frame members 5 slide along the grooves 11 in the seat panel, moving in the left direction as viewed in Figs. 5 to 7.
  • the locking bar 10 is temporarily moved upwardly being dislodged by the upper ends of the frame members 5.
  • the locking bar 10 drops down to the locking position in which the lower edge of the locking bar is located within the triangular notch 15 of each frame member 5.
  • the chair is now in the locked condition shown in Fig. 6.
  • the leg frame 1 is prevented from moving upwardly by the location of the pins 7 at the ends of the grooves 11 and to the left by the stop block 17.
  • the user In order to close the chair, the user must temporarily dislodge the locking bar 10 from the notches 15 by moving the locking bar 10 into the release position, as shown by the arrow 14 in Fig. 7.
  • the leg frame members 5 are then free to travel along the groove 11 to close the chair. Once the upper ends of the frame members 5 have passed the locking bar 10, the latter will drop back under the action of gravity to the bias position shown in Fig. 5.
  • Fig 8 shows a modification of the locking mechanism in which resilient means are employed to bias the locking bar into the locking position.
  • an angled plate 18 formed of spring steel sheet is mounted at each end of the locking bar 10.
  • the plate 18 may be secured to the locking bar by means of one or more screws.
  • Each plate 18 is arranged as shown whereby the bar 10 is moved to the release position against the spring action and returns to the biased position upon release.
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of the chair in its open condition while Fig. 10 shows detail of the sliding bar that forms a key part of its locking mechanism.
  • the chair includes a pair of leg frames consisting of a front leg frame 21 and a rear leg frame 22.
  • the two leg frames 21, 22 are hinged together at their upper ends.
  • the chair further includes a seat assembly consisting of a seat panel 23, a back support 25 and a pair of arm rests 26.
  • the seat panel 23 and back support 25 are connected together at the rear of the chair by means of hinges on either side.
  • the seat assembly is supported by the leg frames.
  • the seat panel is coupled to the legs of the frame 21 towards the front of the seat panel by means of respective pins 29 which pivotally connect each side of the seat panel to the adjacent front leg.
  • the back support 25 is coupled to the pair of leg frames by the arm rests 26.
  • the pivot connections between the arm rests and the back support and the couplings between the arm rests and the leg frames permit limited movement of the back support 25 relative to the seat panel 23 when the chair is in its open state.
  • This enables the inclination of the back support 25 to be adjusted to any of a number of preset positions corresponding to different degrees of repose.
  • this feature is not essential and the back support may alternatively have a single, fixed angle relative to the seat panel when the chair is open for use.
  • the opening and closing of the chair is governed by a sliding bar 27 which links the front and rear leg frames.
  • a single sliding bar 27 is provided on the right hand side of the chair. It will be obvious that the sliding bar could alternatively be provided on the left hand side of the chair or, less preferably, on both sides.
  • One end of the bar 27 is pivotally connected to the rear leg 22 so that the bar may rotate about the pivot connection.
  • the bar includes an elongate longitudinal slot 28 which extends inwardly a predetermined distance from the other end of the bar.
  • the pin 29 which couples the seat panel 23 to the front leg 21 rides within the slot 28.
  • the inner end 33 and the outer end 34 of the slot 28 determine the limits of the travel by the pin 29.
  • the outer end 34 of the slot includes a locking portion 32 which, in this embodiment, extends at approximately 90° to the main portion 31 of the slot.
  • the pin 29 rests at the inner end 33 of the slot.
  • the sliding bar 27 drops down under the action of gravity since, at this time, the locking portion 32 is disposed generally vertically. In this way, at the end of its travel, the pin 29 automatically enters the locking portion 32 and comes to a rest at the end 35 of the slot 28. in this condition, the chair is locked due to the pin 29 being trapped within the locking portion 32 of the slot.
  • the chair cannot be collapsed simply by moving the legs. Additionally, lifting the chair to move it to another position by grabbing hold of the seat panel or arm rests does not result in the chair collapsing.
  • the pin 29 In order to close the chair, the pin 29 must be released from the locking portion 32 of the slot by lifting up the outer or forward end of the sliding bar 27. At this time, the pin 29 reaches the end 34 of the linear portion 31 of the slot and may therefore slide to the other end 33 of the slot.
  • the invention may be embodied in numerous other ways without departing from the scope thereof.
  • the upper edge of the bar may be pivotally connected to the leg frame or seat panel.
  • the movement of the locking bar between the locking and release positions may then be controlled by means of suitably positioned stopping members.
  • the second frame extends upwardly to form a back support for the chair.
  • the seat assembly may comprise a seat panel without any back support.
  • a seat assembly that includes a back support may have a single opening angle or may be of the multi-position type.
  • the sliding bar may be provided respectively on both sides of the chair, although such a design is less convenient in use.
  • a chair in accordance with either aspect of the invention may also incorporate arm rests that are hinged to one or more of the leg frames, seat panel and/or back support in a manner that is known per se in the art.

Landscapes

  • Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Dry Shavers And Clippers (AREA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
EP00306998A 2000-02-28 2000-08-16 Chaise pliable Expired - Lifetime EP1127516B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MYPI20000751 2000-02-28
MY0000751 2000-02-28

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1127516A1 true EP1127516A1 (fr) 2001-08-29
EP1127516B1 EP1127516B1 (fr) 2004-10-27

Family

ID=19749447

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00306998A Expired - Lifetime EP1127516B1 (fr) 2000-02-28 2000-08-16 Chaise pliable

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1127516B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE280524T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU3632401A (fr)
DE (1) DE60015290T2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001064077A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7080877B1 (en) 2004-10-29 2006-07-25 Maxchief Investments, Ltd Folding chair with sliding leg structure
USD802954S1 (en) 2015-05-03 2017-11-21 Zhuhai Shichang Metals, Ltd. Foldable chair
US11103071B2 (en) * 2018-06-11 2021-08-31 Zhejiang Hengfeng Top Leisure Co., Ltd Collapsible chair

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2479101A1 (fr) * 2002-03-12 2003-09-18 Shing Chi Tsang Chaise pliante compacte
DE102016000996A1 (de) 2016-01-29 2017-08-03 Maximilian von Moszczenski Klappstuhl mit Verstellung der Sitzwinkel im Upcycling hergestellt.
CN222264810U (zh) * 2024-03-27 2024-12-31 厦门新技术集成有限公司 一种使用安全的折叠椅

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2294340A (en) * 1938-08-17 1942-08-25 Acme Chair Company Folding chair
US2828805A (en) * 1955-12-05 1958-04-01 Roy W Meldrum Utility stool
DE9400541U1 (de) * 1994-01-14 1994-02-24 Holzwaren Hachelstein GmbH, 98574 Schmalkalden Klappsessel

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4580833A (en) * 1984-11-16 1986-04-08 The Quaker Oats Company Safety lock for a folding high chair
DE3926406A1 (de) * 1989-08-10 1990-09-06 Kettler Metallwaren Heinz Sitz-und/oder liegemoebel
AU644999B3 (en) * 1993-09-23 1993-12-23 Co-Ordinated Engineering Services Pty Ltd Improvements in furniture
JP2884152B2 (ja) * 1996-09-02 1999-04-19 三惠工業株式会社 折りたたみ椅子及びそのスライドブッシュ
DE29920956U1 (de) * 1999-11-29 2000-02-10 Standfuß, Rudolf, 01844 Hohwald Klapphocker mit Scherengestell

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2294340A (en) * 1938-08-17 1942-08-25 Acme Chair Company Folding chair
US2828805A (en) * 1955-12-05 1958-04-01 Roy W Meldrum Utility stool
DE9400541U1 (de) * 1994-01-14 1994-02-24 Holzwaren Hachelstein GmbH, 98574 Schmalkalden Klappsessel

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7080877B1 (en) 2004-10-29 2006-07-25 Maxchief Investments, Ltd Folding chair with sliding leg structure
USD802954S1 (en) 2015-05-03 2017-11-21 Zhuhai Shichang Metals, Ltd. Foldable chair
US11103071B2 (en) * 2018-06-11 2021-08-31 Zhejiang Hengfeng Top Leisure Co., Ltd Collapsible chair

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE280524T1 (de) 2004-11-15
DE60015290D1 (de) 2004-12-02
DE60015290T2 (de) 2005-10-20
WO2001064077A2 (fr) 2001-09-07
WO2001064077A3 (fr) 2002-04-18
AU3632401A (en) 2001-09-12
EP1127516B1 (fr) 2004-10-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4606575A (en) Lock release for folding table
US6056354A (en) Foldable chair frame
US4632421A (en) Folding baby carriage with double lock
US7066542B2 (en) Child high chair with an inclination adjustable backrest
US4027600A (en) Combination safety stop and down lock for folding tables
US6769515B2 (en) Multi-fold collapsible ladder
US8146710B2 (en) Step stool latch
US4461502A (en) Adjustable bar lock
EP1916173A2 (fr) Verrouillage sécurisé d'une poussette pliable
US20010052309A1 (en) Pivotal support and foldaway wings
US6536079B2 (en) Folding furniture hinge/locking device
US5992567A (en) Foldable frame
JP2020518748A (ja) シートまたはベアリング面を特に支持する、折り畳み可能な関節構造
US20080093825A1 (en) Safety lock for a baby stroller
EP1127516A1 (fr) Chaise pliable
US5199360A (en) Table constructions
US4217670A (en) Foldable rail assembly
WO2008103674A1 (fr) Chaise pliante
US3261641A (en) Independent folding tablet arm chair
EP1359827B1 (fr) Structure articulee pliante
US7427099B1 (en) Safety device for folding chair
KR102348053B1 (ko) 접철식 테이블
US5829075A (en) Adjustable foundation for use with a bed frame
US20070278363A1 (en) Collapsible door painting support stand
AU2003214785B2 (en) Compact folding chair

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20020228

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20030822

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: 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: 20041027

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: 20041027

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: 20041027

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: 20041027

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: 20041027

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: 60015290

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20041202

Kind code of ref document: P

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

Effective date: 20050127

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: 20050127

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

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20050207

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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: 20050816

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: 20050816

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: 20050831

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: 20050728

ET Fr: translation filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20060824

Year of fee payment: 7

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20060825

Year of fee payment: 7

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

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20060828

Year of fee payment: 7

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

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20060830

Year of fee payment: 7

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

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20060831

Year of fee payment: 7

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20061124

Year of fee payment: 7

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: 20050327

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

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20060825

Year of fee payment: 7

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20070816

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

Ref country code: SE

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

Effective date: 20070817

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20080301

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

Effective date: 20080301

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20080430

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

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20080301

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: 20070816

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20070831

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: 20070816

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: 20070816