(19)

(11)

EP 1 372 435 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 02.01.2004 Bulletin 2004/01 (21) Application number: 02761991.5 (22) Date of filing: 01.04.2002

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A47C 27/08 (86) International application number: PCT/US2002/010073 (87) International publication number: WO 2002/082955 (24.10.2002 Gazette 2002/43)

(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: 30.03.2001 US 280257 P 30.03.2001 US 280040 P 17.05.2001 US 859706 17.05.2001 WO PCT/US01/15834 (71) Applicant: CHAFFEE, Robert B. Boston, MA 02116 (US)	(72) Inventor: The designation of the inventor has not yet been filed  () (74) Representative: Grey, Ian Michael et al Venner, Shipley & Co,20 Little Britain London EC1A 7DH London EC1A 7DH (GB)