(19)

(11)

EP 1 289 592 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 02.05.2002 (43) Date of publication: 12.03.2003 Bulletin 2003/11 (21) Application number: 01929150.9 (22) Date of filing: 07.05.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61M 16/06 (86) International application number: PCT/CA0100/622 (87) International publication number: WO 0108/7394 (22.11.2001 Gazette 2001/47)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 17.05.2000 US 572637 04.05.2001 US 849863 (71) Applicant: Southmedic Incorporated Barrie,Ontario L4M 5K3 (CA)	(72) Inventors: LAVIMODIERE, Maurice, Jr. Barrie, Ontario L4M 6G8 (CA) MCDONALD, Lee Barrie, Ontario L4M 4S6 (CA) (74) Representative: Wilson Gunn Gee  Chancery House,Chancery Lane London WC2A 1QU London WC2A 1QU (GB)