(19)

(11)

EP 0 975 522 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 02.02.2000 Bulletin 2000/05 (21) Application number: 98917349.7 (22) Date of filing: 14.04.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B65B 55/02, B65B 55/10 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9801/075 (87) International publication number: WO 9846/486 (22.10.1998 Gazette 1998/42)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE (30) Priority: 16.04.1997 GB 9707687 (71) Applicant: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation Alsip, IL 60803-2599 (US)	(72) Inventors: PERIGO, John, Alfred Nr. WitneyOxfordshire OX8 5UW (GB) PRICE, Frederick SwindonWiltshire SN3 1NQ (GB) (74) Representative: Gadsden, Robert Edward  CarnaudMetalbox Plc,Downsview Road Wantage,Oxon OX12 9BP Wantage,Oxon OX12 9BP (GB)