(19)

(11)

EP 1 144 253 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 17.10.2001 Bulletin 2001/42 (21) Application number: 00900072.0 (22) Date of filing: 06.01.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B65B 61/18, B31B 19/90 (86) International application number: PCT/GB0000/020 (87) International publication number: WO 0040/465 (13.07.2000 Gazette 2000/28)

(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: 06.01.1999 EP 99300091 (71) Applicant: IMPERIAL TOBACCO LIMITED Bristol, BS99 7UJ (GB)	(72) Inventor: HOLLOWAY, Stephen, John Beeston,Nottingham NG9 3FG (GB) (74) Representative: Purdy, Hugh Barry  Stevens Hewlett & Perkins1 StAugustine's Place Bristol BS1 4UD Bristol BS1 4UD (GB)