(19)

(11)

EP 0 998 552 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 10.05.2000 Bulletin 2000/19 (21) Application number: 98938272.6 (22) Date of filing: 31.07.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: C11D 17/00, C11D 11/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9816/077 (87) International publication number: WO 9906/521 (11.02.1999 Gazette 1999/06)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU NL PT SE (30) Priority: 02.08.1997 GB 9716303 (71) Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY Cincinnati,Ohio 45202 (US)	(72) Inventor: SMITH, David, John County Durham DH6 5LN (GB) (74) Representative: Brooks, Maxim Courtney et al Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited,Whitley Road,Longbenton Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9TS Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9TS (GB)