(19)

(11)

EP 0 973 471 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 26.01.2000 Bulletin 2000/04 (21) Application number: 97953575.4 (22) Date of filing: 19.12.1997

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61F 13/15 (86) International application number: PCT/US9724/247 (87) International publication number: WO 9829/079 (09.07.1998 Gazette 1998/27)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE DE ES FR GB IT NL SE (30) Priority: 30.12.1996 US 33987 P 12.05.1997 US 854876 (71) Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. Neenah, Wisconsin 54956 (US)	(72) Inventor: RUSCHER, Edward, Herman Appleton, WI 54911 (US) (74) Representative: Hancox, Jonathan Christopher (GB)  Frank B. Dehn & Co.European Patent Attorneys,179 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EL London EC4V 4EL (GB)