WO2004098664A2 - Revetement polymere pour rubans elastiques non poudres - Google Patents

Revetement polymere pour rubans elastiques non poudres Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004098664A2
WO2004098664A2 PCT/US2004/013556 US2004013556W WO2004098664A2 WO 2004098664 A2 WO2004098664 A2 WO 2004098664A2 US 2004013556 W US2004013556 W US 2004013556W WO 2004098664 A2 WO2004098664 A2 WO 2004098664A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
polymer
sheet
strand
polymer composition
strands
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/013556
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2004098664A3 (fr
Inventor
Martin Riswick
Wei Kong
Salvador Alvarado
Original Assignee
National Starch And Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by National Starch And Chemical Investment Holding Corporation filed Critical National Starch And Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
Publication of WO2004098664A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004098664A2/fr
Publication of WO2004098664A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004098664A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/49Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
    • A61F13/49007Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers
    • A61F13/49009Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers with elastic means
    • A61F13/4902Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers with elastic means characterised by the elastic material
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J7/00Chemical treatment or coating of shaped articles made of macromolecular substances
    • C08J7/04Coating
    • C08J7/0427Coating with only one layer of a composition containing a polymer binder
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J7/00Chemical treatment or coating of shaped articles made of macromolecular substances
    • C08J7/04Coating
    • C08J7/043Improving the adhesiveness of the coatings per se, e.g. forming primers
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08JWORKING-UP; GENERAL PROCESSES OF COMPOUNDING; AFTER-TREATMENT NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C08B, C08C, C08F, C08G or C08H
    • C08J2321/00Characterised by the use of unspecified rubbers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the use of a polymeric coating on powder-free natural or synthetic rubber elastomeric strands and sheets.
  • the polymer coating provides good release and anti-blocking properties to the elastic strips, as well as adding to the machinability and end-use properties of the strands.
  • Natural and synthetic rubber is an elastic material that is very tacky and has a low glass transition temperature (Tg). Because of its tackiness, the material adheres to itself and other materials during the manufacturing process, especially prior to curing. A surface coating must be applied to the elastic material to prevent blocking, which is the adhering together of two rubber surfaces, and also to serve as a release coating to prevent the rubber from sticking to objects during manufacture.
  • Tg glass transition temperature
  • a powder such as talc, calcium carbonate, or starch is coated onto the elastomeric strands, to prevent blocking, and serve as a release coating.
  • the powder also makes cured rubber elastic strands slippery, helping to prevent entanglement of the strands for ease of assembly into end-use products such as baby diapers.
  • the presence of powder on rubber strands can present problems to both the manufacturer of the rubber strands, and also the manufacturer of end-use products containing the rubber strands.
  • the powders are dusty and easily come off. Air-borne powder contaminates the air, substrate surfaces, and machinery surfaces. The dust is an explosion hazard, and build-up on machinery can result in downtime for cleaning.
  • the powders also tend to adsorb proteins found in natural rubber latex, then when the powder contacts skin or is inhaled, it can cause allergies and other negative effects.
  • Copending U.S. Patent Application 09/400,488, and copending U.S. Patent Application, submitted September 15, 2000 describe the use of star polymers as inner coatings for latex gloves.
  • Copending U.S. Patent Application 09/790,093 describes the use of a polymer as a release coating for latex glove manufacture.
  • a polymeric coating applied to natural or synthetic rubber sheets provides excellent release and anti-blocking properties. Additionally, the polymer coating improves the strength of the elastomeric material during the manufacturing process. The polymer coating is also advantageous in that it bonds well to hot-melt adhesives typically used in attaching the elastic strands to a finished product.
  • the polymer coating must provide excellent release and anti-blocking properties.
  • the polymeric coating can stretch without coating deiamination. Further, the coating should be deliverable from an aqueous solution, and be resistant to washing.
  • These objects are provided for by the current invention directed to a coated elastomeric sheet comprising a natural or synthetic rubber sheet having directly deposited on both sides of said sheet a polymer composition, the polymer composition comprising a high Tg polymer, having a Tg of greater than -10°C.
  • the invention is also directed to a method of making a coated elastomeric sheet comprising: a) extruding or calendaring an elastomeric sheet of natural or synthetic rubber; b) forming an aqueous polymer composition comprising a high Tg polymer, wherein said polymer comprises from 0.5 to 20 percent by weight of the polymer composition; c) applying said polymer composition to the elastomeric sheet; d) curing said polymer coated elastomeric sheet.
  • the invention is further directed to an article having polymer coated elastomeric strands attached near one or more openings in the article.
  • a rubber sheet or strand, and an elastic or elastomeric sheet or stand are all terms meant to denote an elastic natural or synthetic rubber sheet.
  • the sheet may be cut into smaller sheets or strands.
  • the sheets or strands are generally fiat, and are different than formed rubber objects such as gloves, condoms, catheters, and balloons that are formed on a mold and have the three-dimensional shape of the mold.
  • the elasomeric strands are coated on both sides with the polymer coating composition of the invention.
  • the natural or synthetic rubber sheet of the invention is a low-Tg, tacky polymeric material.
  • examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, butyl rubber, natural latex rubber, polyisoprene, polyvinyl chloride, neoprene, nitrile, viton, styrene butadiene copolymers, polyurethanes, interpenetrating polymer network emulsion polymers, or combinations of these.
  • the elastomeric sheet is generally formed by extruding or calendaring. The elastomeric sheet can then be cut into strands following formation.
  • the elastomeric sheet or strands are coated with an aqueous polymer composition.
  • the aqueous polymer composition is a dispersion of one or more polymers and optional adjuvants.
  • the polymer used in the invention is a high Tg polymer or copolymer.
  • a high Tg polymer in the context of the invention is one having a Tg from -10 to 120°C, preferably from 20 to 110 D C, more preferably from 25 to 90°C, and most preferably from 40°C to 80°C.
  • Polymers useful in the present invention are those formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers by means known in the art, or mixtures thereof. Particularly useful polymers include (meth)acrylic copolymers, vinyl acrylics, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and polyurethanes.
  • a high Tg copolymer could also contain a low energy monomer, and adhesion promoter.
  • the polymer is a water-borne acrylic polymer having a Tg of 40 to 80°C.
  • the polymer composition may also contain a blend of two or more different polymers.
  • the polymer of the present invention may be formed by means known in the art, such as emulsion polymerization, solution polymerization, and suspension polymerization.
  • the process may be a batch, semi-batch, or continuous process.
  • the polymer composition may be simply a polymer in an aqueous medium. It may be two or more different polymers dispersed in water. More preferably, the polymer composition also contains adjuvants useful in stability of the polymer composition, and useful in the end-use application.
  • adjuvants include, but are not limited to dispersants, adhesion promoters, icrospheres, rheology modifiers, surfactants, crosslinking agents, biocides, low surface energy compounds, and fillers, and anti-foaming agents.
  • a dispersant can be used to help stabilize the polymer particles, especially when the polymer composition is diluted before application to the rubber sheet. While not being bound to any theory, it is believed that the addition of a dispersant to a polymer composition results in stabilization of the polymer. It also helps in forming a uniform and continuous film on the elastic strand.
  • One or more dispersants are preferably present in the polymer composition at from 2 to 50 percent by weight, and more preferably 5 to 30 percent by weight, based on the weight of the polymer in the polymer composition.
  • the dispersant may be a polymer, a non-polymer, or a mixture thereof.
  • Non-polymeric dispersants useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants.
  • Polymeric dispersants include amphiphilic linear and star copolymers.
  • Linear polymers useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, poly(vinyl alcohol); partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol); poly(acrylic acid); poly(methacrylic acid); copolymers of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid with compatible ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid, hydroxyalkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid, alpha-methyl styrene, styrene, and derivatives thereof, vinyl acetate, crotonic acid, esters of crotonic acid, and acrylamide, and derivatives thereof.
  • linear polymeric dispersants include but are not limited to poly(maleic acid) and copolymers of maleic acid with compatible ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as mono- and diesters of maieic acid, (meth)acrylic acid, alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid, hydroxyalkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid, alpha-methyl styrene, styrene, and derivatives thereof, vinyl acetate, crotonic acid, esters of crotonic acid, and acrylamide, and derivatives thereof.
  • compatible ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as mono- and diesters of maieic acid, (meth)acrylic acid, alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid, hydroxyalkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid, alpha-methyl styrene, styrene, and derivatives thereof, vinyl acetate, crotonic acid, esters of crotonic
  • linear polymeric dispersants include, but are not limited to, polystyrene sulfonates, which are typically obtained by sulfonating poly(styrene) or copolymers of styrene with compatible ethylenically unsaturated monomers including, but not limited to, (meth)acrylic acid, esters of (meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, and mono- and diesters of maleic acid; condensates including but not limited to naphthalenesulfonic acid-formaldehyde condensate and melamine-formaldehyde condensate.
  • Certain natural or naturally derived polymers useful in the present invention include but are not limited to tannins, lignins, lignosulfates, alginates, dispersed or soluble starches and modified starches, and cellulosic polymers.
  • Star or radial polymers as used herein, is intended to describe polymers that have three or more polymeric arms emanating from a central core. These polymers can be prepared by various polymerization procedures such as anionic, cationic, and free radical mechanisms.
  • the star polymers are usually formed by using either multifunctional initiators, multifunctional chain transfer agents, or multifunctional coupling agents.
  • the star polymers have unique properties including: low viscosities in solution due to their compact structure and high melt viscosities due to extensive entanglements relative to their linear coatings.
  • the polymer composition may also contain microspheres. Microspheres are useful in reducing the surface contact area, improving both the release and anti-blocking characteristics. such as, for example, by brushing.
  • the dipping or spray can easily be incorporated in current rubber strand production processes.
  • the polymer composition may be diluted prior to application, to optimize the application process.
  • Elastic strands may be dipped into a polymer composition containing from 0.5 to 20 percent by weight of polymer solids, and preferably from 3 to 10 percent by weight of polymer solids.
  • the aqueous polymer composition is then dried to form a continuous polymer film on the elastic strand, followed by curing of the elastomer. It was found that the polymer coating composition adhered permanently to the rubber elastic strip, and did not peel off or crack, even under repeated stretching and high temperatures.
  • the polymer coating on each side of the rubber sheet or strands is preferably from 0.1 to 10 percent by weight of the rubber sheet, more preferably from 0.5 to 5 percent, and most preferably from 1 to 3 percent.
  • the polymer coated rubber strands have good release properties, good anti-blocking properties, good bonding properties to the elastic surface, and good bonding with hot melt and other adhesives in end-use manufacturing assembly.
  • the polymer coating might provide improved machinability of the rubber strands by improving tensile strength, thus helping to prevent breakage during the manufacturing process.
  • the polymer coating of the invention is safe for direct skin contact.
  • the powder-free polymer coated elastic strips are especially useful in personal disposable items, such as baby diaper diapers; adult incontinent articles; hospital gowns, boots and caps; sanitary napkin.
  • One particular advantage of the present invention is that the polymer-coated elastic strips show good bonding with standard hot-melt adhesives.
  • Hot-melt adhesives are often used to attach the elastic strip to a substrate, such as in the use of the elastic strip at the leg opening of a disposable diaper.
  • the presence of a powder coating in the current process hinders the contact between the adhesive and rubber, decreasing bonding efficiency.
  • high amounts of hot melt adhesive are required.
  • the bonding between the polymer-coated elastic strip and adhesive is excellent, resulting in much better bonding. This results in the use of much less adhesive in the assembly process.
  • the elastic strands are often in direct contact with the adhesive application head.
  • the presence of powder can build-up on, and clog the head, shutting down a production line.
  • the polymer-coated elastic strands of th'e present invention overcome this process problem.
  • Polymer-coated elastic strands may also be used in products such as medical and industrial protective wear such as, for example, gloves, and facemasks.
  • the powder-free polymer ' coated elastic can be made into strands, threads, and tapes useful in, but not limited to, said listed products.
  • a polymer coating composition was prepared containing 1.5 percent of linear copolymer of
  • a polymer coating composition was prepared containing 1.5% of a heteroarm star copolymer, 1 percent by weight of NACRYLIC 6408 (meth)acrylic emulsion, 0.25 percent by weight of polymethylmethacrylate-co-ethylene glycol di-methacrylate copolymer beads having average diameter of 8 micron (ALDRICH 46,316-7) and 0.075% by weight of KELTROL T xanthan gum.
  • a polymer coating composition was prepared containing 1.5% of random star copolymer of
  • Example 2 1% by weight of NACRYLIC 6408 (meth)acrylic emulsion, 0.25% by weight of polymethylmethacrylate-co-ethylene glycol di-methacrylate copolymer beads having average diameter of 8 micron and oil adsorption of 55 mL/100g (ALDRICH 46,316-7) and 0.075% by weight of KELTROL T xanthan gum.
  • the dispersion was significantly more stable than in Example 6 and practically no settling was observed at the bottom of the container. The dispersion was used for coating rubber articles, which exhibited excellent donning properties.
  • Rubber elastic strands, from Fullflex Elastomerics were washed in water containing a small amount of detergent to remove the talc powder on the surface. The rubber strands were then rinsed thoroughly in distilled water. The washed elastic strip was then dipped into a diluted polymer composition of Example 3. The polymer solids level of the diluted emulsions was 5 percent, 10 percent, and 15 percent. Following dipping, the coated elastic strips were placed into a 60° C oven for 3 hours to dry. After drying, all of the elastic strips were found to have smooth surfaces. No cracking or peeling of the polymer coating was seen, even after repeated stretching of the strands.
  • Example 3 Elastic samples of Example 3 were tested for adhesion of a styrene block copolymer hot- melt adhesive (DM 727 from National Starch and Chemical Company) to the elastic surface.
  • DM 727 styrene block copolymer hot- melt adhesive
  • the Kanebo adhesion test was used. Each elastic strip was attached to Kanebo paperboard across the line direction with tape. A bead of DM727 was applied across the elastic. The pressure was applied to the adhesive bead to form bonding with elastic strand.
  • the test was performed with the following conditions:
  • Adhesive DM727 Coating weight: 26.3g/min
  • Application temperature 155°C
  • Open time 5 seconds
  • Set time 0.5 seconds
  • Pressure 0.2 Kg/cm 3
  • Line speed 30 m/min
  • the bond strength of the elastic to adhesive was measured on an Instrom at 23°C.
  • the paperboard was clamped by the lower jar, and the elastic was clamped by the upper jaw. 100 mm/min crosshead speed was used, and the bond strength was measured as the maximum pull force. 7 to 8 specimens of each sample were tested, and the bond strength reported as the average of all specimens. The results are found in Table 1.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Paints Or Removers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à des feuilles ou des rubans élastomères revêtus, qui possèdent un revêtement polymère appliqué sur les deux faces. Le revêtement polymère non poudré confère de bonnes propriétés de dégagement et anti-blocage aux rubans élastiques, tout en améliorant les propriétés d'usinabilité et d'utilisation finale des rubans. Les rubans élastiques à revêtement polymère sont utiles pour la fabrication de couches et d'autres articles jetables nécessitant des ouvertures à doublure élastique souples.
PCT/US2004/013556 2003-05-02 2004-05-03 Revetement polymere pour rubans elastiques non poudres WO2004098664A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US46738203P 2003-05-02 2003-05-02
US60/467,382 2003-05-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004098664A2 true WO2004098664A2 (fr) 2004-11-18
WO2004098664A3 WO2004098664A3 (fr) 2005-02-10

Family

ID=33435067

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2004/013556 WO2004098664A2 (fr) 2003-05-02 2004-05-03 Revetement polymere pour rubans elastiques non poudres

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2004098664A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN100465201C (zh) * 2007-04-25 2009-03-04 上海大学 用作药物肠溶包衣材料的水溶性丙烯酸系树脂乳液的制备方法
CN115135293A (zh) * 2020-03-09 2022-09-30 宝洁公司 具有控制层的弹性体层合物及其方法

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002022721A2 (fr) * 2000-09-15 2002-03-21 National Starch And Chemical Investment Holding Corporation Revetement polymere pour article en caoutchouc

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS504170A (fr) * 1973-05-08 1975-01-17
JPH01301736A (ja) * 1988-05-30 1989-12-05 Seiko Kagaku Kk ゴム用防着剤およびその使用方法

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002022721A2 (fr) * 2000-09-15 2002-03-21 National Starch And Chemical Investment Holding Corporation Revetement polymere pour article en caoutchouc

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DATABASE CA [Online] CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS SERVICE, COLUMBUS, OHIO, US; Database accession no. 112:181174 XP002299815 & JP 01 301736 A (SEIKO CHEMICAL CO., LTD ET ASL.) 5 December 1989 (1989-12-05) *
DATABASE CA [Online] CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS SERVICE, COLUMBUS, OHIO, US; Database accession no. 83:29556 XP002299797 & JP 50 004170 A (KURARAY CO., LTD) 17 January 1975 (1975-01-17) *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN100465201C (zh) * 2007-04-25 2009-03-04 上海大学 用作药物肠溶包衣材料的水溶性丙烯酸系树脂乳液的制备方法
CN115135293A (zh) * 2020-03-09 2022-09-30 宝洁公司 具有控制层的弹性体层合物及其方法
CN115135293B (zh) * 2020-03-09 2023-08-18 宝洁公司 具有控制层的弹性体层合物及其方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2004098664A3 (fr) 2005-02-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20050244640A1 (en) Polymer coating for powder-free elastic strands
JP2525614B2 (ja) 感圧接着剤
US6441092B1 (en) Wet-stick adhesives
KR100491803B1 (ko) 피부에적합한감압성접착제및이의제조방법
EP0573142B1 (fr) Adhésifs sensibles à la pression
US5514122A (en) Feminine hygiene pad
CA2398000C (fr) Adhesif a chaud a base de copolymeres polyolefines semicristallines
EP2279230B1 (fr) Adhésifs acryliques sensibles à la pression avec agents de réticulation de type aziridines
EP0902816B1 (fr) Adhesifs autocollants thermomorphiques
EP2406338B1 (fr) Agents de réticulation d'aziridine pour adhésifs acryliques
AU756895B2 (en) Acrylate, silicone, styrene, urethane copolymer coatings for natural and synthetic rubber articles
CN1214060C (zh) 橡胶制品用聚合物涂料
KR20000048921A (ko) 압감 접착제 제품 및 그 제조 방법
EP2291478A1 (fr) Adhésifs acryliques sensibles à la pression contenant des agents de réticulation de type aziridine
KR20100121641A (ko) 아지리딘 가교결합제를 갖는 아크릴 감압 접착제
CN103827237A (zh) 具有包含2-烷基链烷醇的(甲基)丙烯酸酯的压敏粘合剂的多层压敏粘合剂膜
AU2001290969A1 (en) Polymer coating for rubber articles
US6784397B2 (en) Mold release and anti-blocking coating for powder-free natural of synthetic rubber articles
MXPA01013067A (es) Adhesivos para adhesion en humedo.
CN108291118B (zh) 自胶粘制品及其用于在经涂覆的木片壁纸上的粘合的用途
EP1086980A1 (fr) Utilisation d'un revêtement polymère pour articles en caoutchouc
WO2004098664A2 (fr) Revetement polymere pour rubans elastiques non poudres
WO2012050872A1 (fr) Adhésif sensible à la pression soluble dans l'acétone
JPH04314776A (ja) 加硫ゴム成形品用感圧性接着剤
ZA200109674B (en) Wet-stick adhesives.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DPEN Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase