(19)

(11)

EP 0 993 519 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 19.04.2000 Bulletin 2000/16 (21) Application number: 98932383.7 (22) Date of filing: 06.07.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: D07B 1/14 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9801/988 (87) International publication number: WO 9901/605 (14.01.1999 Gazette 1999/02)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE PT (30) Priority: 04.07.1997 GB 9714171 (71) Applicant: MARLOW ROPES LIMITED Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3JS (GB)	(72) Inventor: HOOKER, John Gilbert Dorking,Surrey RH4 2RA (GB) (74) Representative: Leckey, David Herbert  Frank B. Dehn & Co.,European Patent Attorneys,179 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EL London EC4V 4EL (GB)