(19)

(11)

EP 1 104 252 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 06.06.2001 Bulletin 2001/23 (21) Application number: 99943860.9 (22) Date of filing: 20.08.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A47F 1/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9919/238 (87) International publication number: WO 0010/434 (02.03.2000 Gazette 2000/09)

(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: 21.08.1998 US 138588 18.03.1999 US 271779 (71) Applicant: Hakim, Nouri E. Monroe, LA 71201 (US)	(72) Inventor: Hakim, Nouri E. Monroe, LA 71201 (US) (74) Representative: Granleese, Rhian Jane  Marks & Clerk,57-60 Lincoln's Inn Fields London WC2A 3LS London WC2A 3LS (GB)