(19)

(11)

EP 1 130 986 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 12.09.2001 Bulletin 2001/37 (21) Application number: 99972509.6 (22) Date of filing: 26.11.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A47F 3/00 (86) International application number: PCT/NL9900/727 (87) International publication number: WO 0030/503 (02.06.2000 Gazette 2000/22)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 26.11.1998 NL 1010662 (71) Applicant: Van Nelle Tabak Nederland B.V. 8501 ZD Joure (NL)	(72) Inventor: VAN MARLE, René, Arthur NL-5262 LD Vught (NL) (74) Representative: Marles, Alan David  Stevens, Hewlett & Perkins1 St Augustine's Place Bristol BS1 4UD Bristol BS1 4UD (GB)