(19)

(11)

EP 0 944 699 A2

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 29.09.1999 Bulletin 1999/39 (21) Application number: 97948391.0 (22) Date of filing: 19.11.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  C11D 1/ 72( . ) C11D 3/ 16( . ) C11D 1/ 722( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1997/021160 (87) International publication number: WO 1998/023712 (04.06.1998 Gazette 1998/22)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 26.11.1996 US 19960031917P (71) Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (US)

(72) Inventors: CRIPE, Thomas, Anthony Loveland, OH 45140-7345 (US) CONNOR, Daniel, Stedman Cincinnati, OH 45251 (US) VINSON, Phillip, Kyle Fairfield, OH 45014 (US) BURCKETT-ST. LAURENT, James, Charles, T. R. Cincinnati, OH 45249 (US) WILLMAN, Kenneth, William Fairfield, OH 45014 (US) (74) Representative: Peet, Jillian Wendy, et al  Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Whitley Road, Longbenton Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9TS Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9TS (GB)