(19)

(11)

EP 0 971 656 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 19.01.2000 Bulletin 2000/03 (21) Application number: 97954881.5 (22) Date of filing: 07.07.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61F 5/37 (86) International application number: PCT/US9713/693 (87) International publication number: WO 9902/109 (21.01.1999 Gazette 1999/03)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT NL (71) Applicant: DEROYAL INDUSTRIES, INC. Powell, TN 37849 (US)	(72) Inventor: NEAL, Charles, O. Knoxville,TN37922 (US) (74) Representative: Rostovanyi, Peter  AWAPATENT AB,Box 5117 200 71 Malmö 200 71 Malmö (SE)