(19)

(11)

EP 1 062 178 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 27.12.2000 Bulletin 2000/52 (21) Application number: 99903090.1 (22) Date of filing: 14.01.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B66D 1/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9900/796 (87) International publication number: WO 9942/400 (26.08.1999 Gazette 1999/34)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (30) Priority: 18.02.1998 US 25519 (71) Applicant: Ratcliff, Bruce E. San Carlos, CA 94070 (US)	(72) Inventor: Ratcliff, Bruce E. San Carlos, CA 94070 (US) (74) Representative: Sanderson, Michael John et al Mewburn Ellis,York House,23 Kingsway London WC2B 6HP London WC2B 6HP (GB)