(19)

(11)

EP 1 099 033 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 16.05.2001 Bulletin 2001/20 (21) Application number: 99941432.9 (22) Date of filing: 15.07.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: E04B 5/40 (86) International application number: PCT/EP9905/046 (87) International publication number: WO 0004/250 (27.01.2000 Gazette 2000/04)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 18.07.1998 GB 9815590 (71) Applicant: WARD BUILDING COMPONENTS LIMITED Malton,North Yorkshire YO17 8PQ (GB)	(72) Inventor: ST QUINTON, David Scarborough YO12 6DD (GB) (74) Representative: O'Brien, John Augustine et al John A. O'Brien & Associates,Third Floor,Duncairn House,14 Carysfort Avenue Blackrock, Co Dublin Blackrock, Co Dublin (IE)