(19)

(11)

EP 0 868 342 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 07.10.1998 Bulletin 1998/41 (21) Application number: 96942443.0 (22) Date of filing: 12.12.1996

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A62B 1/ 20( . ) B63C 9/ 22( . ) B63B 27/ 28( . ) B63C 9/ 28( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/GB1996/003083 (87) International publication number: WO 1997/022514 (26.06.1997 Gazette 1997/27)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE DK FR GR IT SE (30) Priority: 19.12.1995 GB 19950025968 12.09.1996 GB 19960019069 (71) Applicant: Wardle Storeys (Safety & Survival Equipment) Limited Barnoldswick BB18 6UT (GB)	(72) Inventors: BELL, Richard, Edward Crumlin, County Antrim BT29 4JF (GB) McLEAN, Iain, Henry Lisburn, County Antrim BT27 4AS (GB) PHIPPS, Peter, John Godalming, Surrey GU7 1NL (GB) (74) Representative: Knott, Stephen Gilbert, et al  MATHISEN, MACARA & CO. The Coach House 6-8 Swakeleys Road Ickenham Uxbridge UB10 8BZ Ickenham Uxbridge UB10 8BZ (GB)