EP1852361A1 - Récipient imperméable flexible, récipient de protection contre l'inondation - Google Patents

Récipient imperméable flexible, récipient de protection contre l'inondation Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1852361A1
EP1852361A1 EP07251597A EP07251597A EP1852361A1 EP 1852361 A1 EP1852361 A1 EP 1852361A1 EP 07251597 A EP07251597 A EP 07251597A EP 07251597 A EP07251597 A EP 07251597A EP 1852361 A1 EP1852361 A1 EP 1852361A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
flexible waterproof
chambers
flood protection
protection container
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
EP07251597A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1852361B1 (fr
Inventor
Robert Thomas Hill
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.)
Inventive Products Ltd
Original Assignee
Individual
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 Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1852361A1 publication Critical patent/EP1852361A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1852361B1 publication Critical patent/EP1852361B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C7/00Collapsible or extensible purses, luggage, bags or the like
    • A45C7/0059Flexible luggage; Hand bags
    • A45C7/0063Flexible luggage; Hand bags comprising an integrated expansion device
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/64Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for bulky articles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C13/00Details; Accessories
    • A45C13/008Details; Accessories for making water- or air-tight
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/68Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for machines, engines or vehicles in assembled or dismantled form
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00Large containers
    • B65D88/005Large containers of variable capacity, e.g. with movable or adjustable walls or wall parts, modular
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00Large containers
    • B65D88/16Large containers flexible
    • B65D88/1612Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
    • B65D88/1631Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] with shape keeping flexible elements
    • B65D88/1637Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] with shape keeping flexible elements cables or straps from top to bottom
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00Large containers
    • B65D88/78Large containers for use in or under water
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C7/00Collapsible or extensible purses, luggage, bags or the like
    • A45C7/0059Flexible luggage; Hand bags
    • A45C7/0077Flexible luggage; Hand bags collapsible to a minimal configuration, e.g. for storage purposes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flexible waterproof flood protection container for protecting possessions from flood water.
  • US6273113 which relates to a flexible waterproof container for a car.
  • the container of US6273113 is not of variable volume, and has only one valve for the expulsion of air.
  • the fixed volume allows only vehicles of a certain size to be accommodated therein, and the single valve results, when in use, in a single air pocket being formed at the upper part of the container.
  • a single air pocket causes instability, especially in the event that the container breaks free from its moorings.
  • the present invention seeks to provide, amongst other things, a flexible waterproof flood protection container with improved stability when subjected to flood water, results in no or a minimum amount of damage to items placed within the container, and which has an adaptable volume.
  • a flexible waterproof flood protection container for protecting possessions from flood water
  • the flexible container comprising : a variable volume housing into which possessions can be placed and which can be water tightly sealed; means for stabilising the sealed housing when subjected to flood water, the in use stabilising means defining two or more chambers in the housing as the interior volume of the housing varies, the chambers stabilising the housing when buoyant in flood water; and two or more one-way valves for discharging air from the housing via the chambers so that, when the housing is subjected to external pressure, the housing at least partially conforms to the possessions therein, each one-way valve in use being in direct communication with one of the chambers defined by the stabilizing means.
  • variable volume housing enables a wide variety of items of varying dimensions to be held within the container, while allowing the housing to conform to the contents under the pressure of external flood water.
  • the two or more valves allow the two or more respective chambers to vent equally or substantially equally, thus maintaining stability during turbulent flood waters.
  • a flexible waterproof flood protection container 10 which comprises a flexible envelope-type housing 12, a protective base layer 14 on which the housing 12 is provided, and a stabilising sheet 16 which extends across an upper surface of the housing 12, opposite to the base layer 14. As such, the housing 12 is interposed between the stabilising sheet 16 and the base layer 14.
  • the housing 12 is formed from flexible water impermeable material, such as or including polychloroprene, for example Neoprene RTM.
  • the housing 12 has a base 18 adjacent to and in contact with the protective base layer 14, a top 20 opposite the base 18, and a large flap 22 which is formed in the top 20 to allow access to the interior of the housing 12.
  • the flap 22 is closed via a waterproof, and typically air tight, toothed fastening device 24, such as a diving zip.
  • a waterproof, and typically air tight, toothed fastening device 24 such as a diving zip.
  • a device is a Pro-Seal RTM TZNC-41 AFHR2 Z CR W-SEAL zipper, available from YKK.
  • the housing 12 is water tightly sealed to prevent the ingress of water.
  • Two one-way air valves 26 are provided in spaced relationship in the flap 22.
  • the air valves 26 are symmetrically positioned in the top 20 of the housing 12 for reasons which will become apparent hereinafter.
  • the air valves 26 can be adjustable Low Profile Auto Dump Valves typically used in diving applications and available from Apex Marine Equipment Ltd.
  • the base 18 of the housing 12 includes a gusseted, folded, concertinaed, or pleated base portion 28 which allows expansion of the base 18 into the interior of the housing 12, and a flange portion 30 which surrounds the base portion 28 and in and/or on which stabilising sheet locating elements 32 are provided.
  • the stabilising sheet locating elements 32 are typically eyelets 34 and straps 36 forming loops.
  • the expandable base portion 28 allows expansion in any direction.
  • the top 20 of the housing 12 also includes a flange portion 38 which is water tightly attached to the flange portion 30 of the base 18 to form the housing 12.
  • the protective base layer 14 on which the housing 12 is located is water permeable, and is formed of a tough resilient web, mesh or net material which prevents or limits, typically external, objects or surfaces from puncturing or abrading the base 18 of the housing 12 when the container 10 is in use.
  • the protective base layer 14 does not impede the passage of water to the base 18 of the housing 12.
  • the stabilising sheet 16 comprises a flexible sheet body 40 formed from a resilient air permeable material, and a plurality of anchoring straps 42 which extend from the sheet body 40 and which are fed through the stabilising sheet locating elements 32 provided on the housing 12.
  • the stabilising sheet 16 is separable from the housing 12, and the sheet body 40 covers the air valves 26. However, since the sheet body 40 is air permeable, the discharge of air through the air valves 26 is not restricted.
  • anchoring straps 42 are provided at respective corners of the sheet body 40, and a single middle strap 44 of greater length than the corner straps is provided midway or substantially midway between the air valves 26 and bisecting the longitudinal extent of the housing 12, as best shown in Figure 1.
  • the flexible waterproof flood protection container 10 can be easily and conveniently folded or rolled to assume a compact size.
  • the flexible waterproof flood protection container 10 is laid out as shown in Figure 1, the stabilising sheet 16 is removed, and the flap 22 is unfastened to expose the interior of the housing 12, as in Figure 3. Items to be protected from flood water damage are then placed into the housing 12, the housing 12 is drawn up and around the items, and the flap 22 is closed and fastened so as to water tightly seal the items within the housing 12.
  • the stabilising sheet 16 is then positioned on top of the housing 12, and the anchoring straps 42 are fed through the respective stabilising sheet locating elements 32. Distal free ends of the anchoring straps 42 are either securely fastened to an immovable object, such as the ground, or are weighted down.
  • the flood water When the sealed container 10 is subjected to flood water, the flood water will first tend to push the housing 12 against the items contained therein.
  • the expandable base 18 of the housing 12 will be forced by the pressure of the flood water to project into the interior of the housing 12, resulting in the base 18 at least partially conforming to the shape of the contents.
  • the expansion of the base 18 in this manner acts to reduce the interior volume of the housing 12, and thus air within the housing 12 is forced upwards towards the one-way valves 26.
  • the middle anchoring strap 44 which extends fully across the lateral extent of the stabilising sheet 16 is dimensioned such that, as air inside the housing 12 is forced upwards towards the one-way valves 26, thus causing the housing 12 to balloon, the middle anchoring strap 44 causes two dome-shaped air pocket chambers 46 to be defined in the housing 12. See Figure 5.
  • the one-way air valves 26 are positioned in the top 20 of the housing 12 so that they correspond to the or substantially the apex of each dome, thus allowing maximum discharge of air from the housing 12.
  • the dome-shaped air pocket chambers 46 in the housing 12 are maintained by the stabilising sheet 16 being biased downwards against, and therefore compressing, the housing 12.
  • the plurality of air pocket chambers 46 increases the stability of the container 10 when afloat in the water, limiting damage to the contents.
  • An air permeable sheet body for stabilizing the housing is beneficial due to the reduction in pressure on the contents within the housing.
  • other means for stabilizing the housing can be used.
  • straps can replace the sheet body.
  • solely using straps will localize the pressure on the contents, thus resulting in the greater likelihood of damage.
  • the housing can be formed integrally with the stabilizing means, and/or have the stabilizing means attached permanently thereto.
  • the whole of the top of the housing can be formed as a flap, or the flap can be dispensed with entirely and the top of the housing can simply be removable from the base of the housing to provide access to the interior. Additionally, although the flap is foldable, it can be entirely removable.
  • the housing and stabilizing means can be arranged to define more than two air pocket chambers. In this case, a respective number of one-way air valves are also provided.
  • air pocket chambers are dome-shaped, other shapes are possible, such as parabolic, conical, frusto-conical, pyrammidical, and ogival.
  • toothed fastening device described above is extremely convenient and allows the flexible waterproof flood protection container to be easily reusable.
  • one or more surfaces of the housing can include a protective external layer to prevent or reduce the risk of damage, such as puncturing and abrasion.
  • base portion is described as being expandable
  • additional portions of the housing can be formed in a similar manner to also be expandable and thus allow a reduction in volume of the housing and conforming of the housing to the contents.
  • a flexible waterproof flood protection container which not only reduces the risk of damage to contents therein, but also has improved stability. Furthermore, the container can be compactly stored and reused many times. By providing an expandable base which acts to reduce the interior volume of the housing when subjected to flood water pressure, buoyancy also becomes more controllable, again reducing the risk of damage to items held within the container.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Self-Closing Valves And Venting Or Aerating Valves (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
EP07251597A 2006-05-03 2007-04-13 Récipient imperméable flexible, récipient de protection contre l'inondation Active EP1852361B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0608626A GB2437723A (en) 2006-05-03 2006-05-03 Flexible waterproof flood protection container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1852361A1 true EP1852361A1 (fr) 2007-11-07
EP1852361B1 EP1852361B1 (fr) 2009-12-09

Family

ID=36603750

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07251597A Active EP1852361B1 (fr) 2006-05-03 2007-04-13 Récipient imperméable flexible, récipient de protection contre l'inondation

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20070256719A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1852361B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE451309T1 (fr)
DE (1) DE602007003632D1 (fr)
GB (1) GB2437723A (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1953021A1 (fr) * 2007-02-01 2008-08-06 Honeywell International Inc. Système de stockage pliable de protection contre les inondations
WO2010067051A3 (fr) * 2008-12-13 2010-08-05 Inventive Products Limited Appareil et procédé

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110129170A1 (en) * 2009-11-27 2011-06-02 Campbell Charles E Flood Proof Container
US10814945B2 (en) 2017-12-08 2020-10-27 Robert Chaney Life raft system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6273113B1 (en) * 1999-10-29 2001-08-14 Aqua Vault, Inc. Vehicle flood protection system
FR2874207A1 (fr) * 2004-08-12 2006-02-17 Sema Sa Dispositif de protection d'un objet contre l'immersion
WO2006124528A1 (fr) * 2005-05-12 2006-11-23 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Sac de rangement vidable de son air a compartiments multiples

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3397117A (en) * 1966-06-13 1968-08-13 Nasa Usa Compact solar still
US3730240A (en) * 1971-03-16 1973-05-01 Metatronics Manuf Corp Inflatable insulation for packaging
JPS5620237B2 (fr) * 1972-05-31 1981-05-12
USRE32560E (en) * 1972-12-12 1987-12-15 Stabilized survival raft
US4155453A (en) * 1978-02-27 1979-05-22 Ono Dan D Inflatable grip container
US4773456A (en) * 1984-07-27 1988-09-27 Rodgers James K Motor vehicle flood protection apparatus
CA1319861C (fr) * 1988-04-26 1993-07-06 Joseph S. Hall Embarcation de sauvetage
US4981392A (en) * 1989-06-29 1991-01-01 Taylor Geoffrey L Water inflatable structural module
US6206743B1 (en) * 1996-06-13 2001-03-27 Wardle Storeys (Safety & Survival Equipment) Limited Liferaft
US6080027A (en) * 1998-10-19 2000-06-27 Rodemann; Will Flotation device
US6283296B1 (en) * 1998-12-29 2001-09-04 Air Packaging Technologies, Inc. Quilted inflatable packaging device
FR2795040B1 (fr) * 1999-06-21 2002-01-04 Zodiac Int Embarcation pneumatique a quille gonflable
US6375529B1 (en) * 2001-07-03 2002-04-23 Marisa Infante Reversible life raft and method therefor
GB2390858A (en) * 2002-07-15 2004-01-21 Andrew Wye Watertight car / vehicle cover to protect against flood
FR2850956B1 (fr) * 2003-02-06 2006-07-14 Berrouane Zohra Dispositif de protection du mobilier contre les inondations
FR2871433B1 (fr) * 2004-06-11 2006-09-22 Zodiac Internat Soc Par Action Embarcation pneumatique a quille gonflable sous haute pression

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6273113B1 (en) * 1999-10-29 2001-08-14 Aqua Vault, Inc. Vehicle flood protection system
FR2874207A1 (fr) * 2004-08-12 2006-02-17 Sema Sa Dispositif de protection d'un objet contre l'immersion
WO2006124528A1 (fr) * 2005-05-12 2006-11-23 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Sac de rangement vidable de son air a compartiments multiples

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1953021A1 (fr) * 2007-02-01 2008-08-06 Honeywell International Inc. Système de stockage pliable de protection contre les inondations
WO2010067051A3 (fr) * 2008-12-13 2010-08-05 Inventive Products Limited Appareil et procédé

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE451309T1 (de) 2009-12-15
GB2437723A (en) 2007-11-07
US20070256719A1 (en) 2007-11-08
GB0608626D0 (en) 2006-06-14
DE602007003632D1 (de) 2010-01-21
EP1852361B1 (fr) 2009-12-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6273113B1 (en) Vehicle flood protection system
US6659689B1 (en) Garment integrated personal flotation device
US4216559A (en) Life raft having a toroidal water ballast chamber
US20100299837A1 (en) Vacuum packed inflatable stretcher with frangible overwrap and method of deploying same
EP1852361B1 (fr) Récipient imperméable flexible, récipient de protection contre l'inondation
US6568976B2 (en) Water floatation cushion with deployable tether
US11034419B2 (en) Airbag compartment enclosure assembly
US6200026B1 (en) Inflatable dive marker and collection bag
KR100938973B1 (ko) 개인용 구명 장치
EP3157810B1 (fr) Dispositifs de stabilisation longitudinaux assurant la stabilité transversale
JP7083137B2 (ja) ライフジャケットになるリュックサックの使用方法
EP2836423B1 (fr) Dispositif de redressement destiné à un navire
US4790784A (en) Life raft
US4890569A (en) Life raft
WO2006043134A1 (fr) Porte-equipement de plongee
JP3959496B2 (ja) 個人用救命ボート
WO2005095203A1 (fr) Costume de bain securise
CA3058206C (fr) Dispositif de reperage, de recuperation et de flottation
JP5103455B2 (ja) 水中収容袋
DE102009028016A1 (de) Aufblasbare Einrichtung, insbesondere Schwimmhilfe
CA1080045A (fr) Radeau de sauvetage stable
GB1568712A (en) Buoyant life saving apparatus
WO2010067051A2 (fr) Appareil et procédé
RU2045212C1 (ru) Спинка рюкзака
GB2641418A (en) An inflatable and foam hybrid, collapsable, bouldering mat system

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 BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20071128

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

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

Owner name: TORTUGA COVERS LIMITED

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: HILL, ROBERT THOMAS

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

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

Owner name: INVENTIVE PRODUCTS LIMITED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

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: 602007003632

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20100121

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: T3

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

Ref country code: SE

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

Effective date: 20091209

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: 20091209

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: 20091209

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20091209

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: 20091209

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: 20091209

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: 20091209

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: 20091209

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: 20100309

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: 20100409

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: 20100320

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: 20100409

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: 20091209

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: 20091209

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

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: 20091209

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: 20091209

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: 20091209

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

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: 20100310

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: 20091209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: V1

Effective date: 20101101

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20100910

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: 20100430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20101230

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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101101

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20100413

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: 20091209

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: 20101103

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

Ref country code: MT

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: 20091209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Effective date: 20110413

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

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20100430

Year of fee payment: 4

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

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20110430

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20110430

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: 20110413

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

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20100430

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

Effective date: 20100610

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20100413

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: 20091209