JPWO2017030141A1 - Livestock supporter and livestock leg joint protector using the supporter - Google Patents

Abstract

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a supporter having characteristics that make it difficult to bottom out even when the livestock's own weight is loaded. The loss tangent tan δ obtained by measuring dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 10 rad / s in the range of −40 ° C. to 150 ° C. is 20% or more when the compressive stress decay rate after 60 seconds under load is 20% or more. In this case, the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet has a temperature of 0 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower.

Description

  The present invention relates to a livestock supporter and a livestock leg joint protector using the supporter.

  In recent years, large livestock such as cattle and horses (hereinafter represented by cattle) are generally kept in stable stables such as concrete. Supporters have been proposed for the purpose of preventing problems such as leg joint bruises and arthritis that may occur when undulating from a hard floor (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). The above-mentioned conventional supporters for livestock include a rubber or soft plastic elastic body as a cushioning material (Patent Document 1), and a closed cell foam such as foamed polyurethane, foamed polyvinyl chloride, foamed polyethylene, foamed rubber (Patent Document). 2) is used.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-277066 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-289051

However, since large livestock such as adult cattle weighs 400 kg or more, the above cushioning material is easily crushed by its bruise or its own weight and has insufficient shock buffering to the legs such as joints, and is effective in preventing wounds, etc. May not be sufficiently obtained.
In addition, continuous compression due to their own body weight (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “self-weight”) at bedtime, that is, when a certain level of pressure is continuously applied to a certain location, It has been found that it may worsen or develop pressure ulcers. Moreover, it is easy to develop an infection etc. due to such diseases, and when the infection worsens, a dairy farmer may suffer a tremendous economic loss due to difficulty in standing up or a decrease in milking amount.

  In addition, there is a problem that the supporter slips off during wearing and is detached from the joint part, the joint part cannot be protected by the supporter, and pressure ulcers and the like are generated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a livestock supporter having a characteristic that the bottom of the livestock is not easily pushed even when the weight of the livestock is loaded, and a livestock leg joint protector using the supporter. There is to do.

  The livestock supporter of the present invention has a compressive stress decay rate of 20% or more after a load load of 60 seconds in a compressive stress relaxation test with a load of 1.5 tons, and a frequency of 10 rad / in the range of −40 ° C. to 150 ° C. The main point is to have a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet having a temperature of 0 ° C. or more and 40 ° C. or less when the loss tangent tan δ obtained by measuring dynamic viscoelasticity at s is the maximum value.

  In the present invention, the maximum value of tan δ is preferably 0.5 or more and less than 5.0.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the supporter preferably includes a laminate including the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet and a foam. It is also preferable to have a laminate in which the thermoplastic elastomer and the foam are laminated via a thermoplastic adhesive.

  The present invention has a protective part for attaching a supporter for protecting the leg joint, and a mounting part for attaching the protective equipment to the upper and lower sides of the livestock leg across the protective part, and the protective equipment from the lower end of the protective part Also included is a livestock leg joint protector whose gist is that the length from the upper end to the upper end of the protector is longer than the lower end of the protector.

  It is also desirable that the supporter used in the protective equipment is the supporter of the present invention.

  In the present invention, the domestic animal is preferably a cow.

  According to the present invention, by using a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet satisfying specific physical properties as a livestock supporter, bottom-out at the time of self-loading can be suppressed. Therefore, if the livestock supporter of the present invention is used, it is difficult to bottom out even if the livestock's own weight is loaded, so that diseases such as pressure ulcers and wounds can be effectively prevented, and it is useful as a cushioning material. Moreover, if the livestock leg joint protector of this invention is used, since it can suppress that a supporter slips down during supporter mounting | wearing, it is much more effective at prevention of the said disease.

FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view showing an example of a supporter of the present invention. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the supporter of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the shape of the through hole provided in the foam sheet. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the shape of the through hole provided in the foam sheet. FIG. 5 shows No. in the load test of the example. 1 and No. 2 is a graph showing a stress attenuation curve of 2. FIG. 6 shows No. 1 in the load test of the example. 3 and no. 4 is a graph showing a stress attenuation curve of No. 4; 7 shows No. 1 in the load test of the example. 5 and no. 6 is a graph showing a stress attenuation curve of FIG. FIG. 8 shows No. in the load test of the example. 4 and no. 6 is a graph showing a stress attenuation curve of FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the supporter of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example in which the supporter of the present invention is attached to the front leg of a cow. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an example in which the supporter of the present invention is mounted on a back leg including a cow's heel and a joint. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a three-layer laminate of the present invention.

  In the prior art, for example, when used for large livestock with a weight of 400 kg or more, the cushioning material as a supporter easily bottoms out, and the above problem cannot be solved.

  In addition, in order to eliminate the above-mentioned problems caused by bottom thrust, the thickness of the cushioning material used in conventional livestock leg supporters is increased, and mounting the supporter on the joint part inhibits the movement of the joints of the livestock and causes stress on the livestock etc. It turns out that a new problem arises.

  Accordingly, the present inventors have intensively studied materials that can prevent the above-mentioned diseases because they are difficult to bottom out even when the weight of a large livestock is newly loaded. As a result, we thought that it was effective to spread the body weight efficiently. In a compression stress relaxation test with a load of 1.5 tons, the compression stress decay rate after 60 seconds of load load is 20% or more, and dynamic viscoelasticity is obtained at a frequency of 10 rad / s in the range of −40 ° C. to 150 ° C. If a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet having a maximum loss tangent tanδ obtained by measurement of 0 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower is used, it is difficult to bottom out even for large livestock, and the above problems can be solved. And found the present invention.

In the present invention, the term “compression stress decay rate” means that a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet is compressed at a rate of 1 mm / min with a sheet of indenter in an environment of a temperature of 23 ° C. and a relative humidity of 50%. When the compression stress value reaches 1.5 tons, the indenter is stopped to maintain the compression gap, and the compression stress maximum value (1.5 tons) at that time and the compression It is a value calculated based on the following formula (1) from the compressive stress value (a) 60 seconds after the time when the maximum stress value was obtained.
Compression stress decay rate (%) = [(1.5 tons−a) /1.5 tons] × 100 (1)

  If the compression stress decay rate of the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet is too low, the weight of large livestock cannot be sufficiently dispersed and the above effect cannot be obtained due to bottoming out. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient surface dispersibility, the compression stress decay rate of the thermoplastic elastomer is 20% or more, preferably 25% or more, more preferably 30% or more, still more preferably 40% or more, and still more preferably 45%. That's it. The higher the compressive stress decay rate, the more efficiently the body weight is dispersed and the bottom impact is suppressed, so that the above effect is obtained. Therefore, the upper limit is not particularly limited.

  The livestock supporter of the present invention is intended for large livestock such as cattle and is scheduled for long-term use during the breeding period. Therefore, it is desirable that the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet used in the present invention maintains the level of the compressive stress attenuation rate even when it is repeatedly used. Repeated use means at least one week after mounting the supporter of the present invention on the target livestock, more preferably one month or more, more preferably three months or more, still more preferably six months or more, most preferably one year or more, It is desirable to maintain the compression stress decay rate.

  The thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet of the present invention is a temperature at which the loss tangent tan δ obtained by measuring dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 10 rad / s in the temperature range of −40 ° C. to 150 ° C. is the maximum value (peak value). However, it is 0 degreeC or more, Preferably it is 10 degreeC or more, Comprising: It is 40 degrees C or less, Preferably it is less than 35 degreeC, More preferably, it is less than 30 degreeC. If the temperature at which the loss tangent tan δ reaches the maximum value is too high or too low, the surface dispersibility in a normal use environment may be lowered.

  The thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet preferably has a maximum loss tangent tan δ of 0.5 or more, more preferably obtained by measuring dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 10 rad / s in a temperature range of −40 ° C. to 150 ° C. Preferably it is 1.0 or more, More preferably, it is 1.1 or more, More preferably, it is 2.0 or more, Preferably it is less than 5.0, More preferably, it is 3.5 or less, More preferably, it is less than 3.5. is there. If tan δ is too low, if a supporter is attached to a movable part such as a joint, the followability when the joint is bent or stretched may be lowered. On the other hand, if tan δ is too high, sufficient surface dispersibility may not be obtained, and the above-described disease prevention effect may not be sufficiently obtained.

<Thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet>
In the present invention, a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet satisfying at least the above characteristics may be used, and the raw material is not particularly limited. For example, various known thermoplastic elastomers described in JIS K 6418 (2007) such as polyamide (TPA), polyester (TPEE), styrene (TPE), olefin, vinyl chloride, polyurethane, and polybutadiene. Can be used.

  The thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet of the present invention is preferably obtained by sheeting a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing a polymer (A) and a polymer (B) having the characteristics described below in a specific ratio. . Such a sheet exhibits more excellent surface dispersibility and can reduce the compressive stress in a short time.

  From the viewpoints of flexibility and stress relaxation, the upper limit of the content of the polymer (A) in the thermoplastic elastomer composition with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the polymer (A) and the polymer (B). Is preferably 90 parts by mass, more preferably 75 parts by mass, still more preferably 60 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 50 parts by mass. The lower limit of the polymer (A) content is preferably 10 parts by mass, more preferably 15 parts by mass, still more preferably 25 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 30 parts by mass.

  On the other hand, the upper limit of the content of the polymer (B) in the thermoplastic elastomer composition is preferably 90 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the polymer (A) and the polymer (B). Preferably it is 85 mass parts, More preferably, it is 75 mass parts, Most preferably, it is 70 mass parts. The lower limit of the polymer (B) is preferably 10 parts by mass, more preferably 25 parts by mass, still more preferably 40 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 50 parts by mass.

Polymer (A)
Examples of the polymer (A) include, but are not limited to, the various known thermoplastic elastomers and rubbers. The polymer (A) satisfying the following requirement (i) is preferable, and the polymer (A) satisfying the following requirements (i) and (ii) is more preferable. When the polymer (A) satisfying the following requirement (i) is used, the followability and surface dispersibility of the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet are improved. Moreover, when the polymer (A) satisfying the following requirements (i) and (ii) is used, the followability and surface dispersibility of the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet are further improved.

  Requirement (i): The temperature when the loss tangent tan δ obtained by measuring the dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 10 rad / s in the range of −40 ° C. to 150 ° C. is preferably 0 ° C. or more, more preferably 10 ° C or higher, more preferably 15 ° C or higher, preferably lower than 45 ° C, more preferably 40 ° C or lower, still more preferably lower than 40 ° C.

  Requirement (ii): The maximum value of loss tangent tan δ obtained by measuring dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 10 rad / s in the range of −40 ° C. to 150 ° C. is preferably 1.0 or more, more preferably 1.1. Or more, more preferably 2.0 or more, preferably less than 5.0, more preferably 3.5 or less, still more preferably less than 3.5.

  As the polymer (A) satisfying the above requirements, 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) is preferably used because of the maximum temperature of tan δ and the maximum value.

<4-Methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1)>
The 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) further satisfies one or more requirements selected from the following requirements (a), (b), (c) and (d): Is preferred.

Requirement (a)
The 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) comprises a structural unit (i) derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene and an α-olefin (provided that 4-methyl-1- When the total of the structural unit (ii) derived from pentene is 100 mol%, the structural unit (i) is 60 to 90 mol%, and the structural unit (ii) is 40 to 10 mol%. Become.

  The proportion of the structural unit (i) is preferably 60 mol% or more, more preferably 65 mol% or more, further preferably 68 mol% or more, preferably 90 mol% or less, more preferably 86 mol% or less. is there.

  The proportion of the structural unit (ii) is preferably 10 mol% or more, more preferably 14 mol% or more, preferably 40 mol% or less, more preferably 35 mol% or less, still more preferably 32 mol% or less. is there.

  The structural unit (i) and structural unit (ii) of the 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) are within the above range, and the maximum temperature of tan δ is within the above temperature range, Preferably, when the temperature is around room temperature, the shape followability and stress relaxation properties are excellent.

  Examples of the α-olefin that leads to the structural unit (ii) include ethylene, propylene 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, and 1-tetradecene. , 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-eicosene and the like, a linear α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 15 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 10 carbon atoms, 3- Methyl-1-butene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 3-ethyl-1-pentene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-hexene, 4,4-dimethyl-1-hexene, Examples thereof include branched α-olefins having 5 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 5 to 15 carbon atoms, such as 4-ethyl-1-hexene and 3-ethyl-1-hexene. Among these, ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene and 1-octene are preferable, ethylene and propylene are more preferable, and propylene is particularly preferable.

  In the present invention, the 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) preferably comprises only the structural unit (i) and the structural unit (ii). However, the 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) is further included in the structural unit (iii) within a range not to impair the object of the present invention (for example, 10 mol% or less). As a structural unit derived from monomers other than α-olefin other than 4-methyl-1-pentene and the structural unit (ii). For example, when the 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) is a 4-methyl-1-pentene / propylene copolymer, the structural unit (iii) is 5-vinyl-2- Examples include norbornene and 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene.

Requirement (b)
The intrinsic viscosity [η] of the 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) measured in decalin at 135 ° C. is preferably 0.1 dL / g or more, more preferably 0.5 dL / g or more, preferably 5.0 dL / g or less, more preferably 4.0 dL / g or less, still more preferably 3.5 dL / g or less. As described later, when hydrogen is used together during polymerization, the molecular weight can be controlled, and the intrinsic viscosity [η] can be adjusted by freely obtaining from a low molecular weight body to a high molecular weight body. If the intrinsic viscosity [η] is too small or too large, the molding processability when the polymer composition is processed into a sheet may be impaired.

Requirement (c)
A weight average molecular weight (Mw) and a number average molecular weight (Mn) obtained by measuring 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The ratio (molecular weight distribution: Mw / Mn) is preferably 1.0 or more, more preferably 1.2 or more, still more preferably 1.5 or more, preferably 3.5 or less, more preferably 3.0. Hereinafter, it is more preferably 2.8 or less. If the Mw / Mn is more than 3.5, the moldability may be deteriorated due to the low molecular weight and low stereoregular polymer derived from the composition distribution.

  The polymer satisfying the above-mentioned requirement is, for example, the copolymer (A-1) satisfying the above-mentioned requirement (c) within the range of the intrinsic viscosity [η] indicated by the above-mentioned requirement (b) when a catalyst described later is used. ) Can be obtained.

  Further, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is preferably in terms of polystyrene. 500 or more, more preferably 1,000 or more, preferably 10,000,000 or less, more preferably 5,000,000 or less, and further preferably 2,500,000 or less.

Requirement (d)
The density of the 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) (measured by ASTM D 1505) is preferably 830 kg / m ³ or more, preferably 870 kg / m ³ or less. More preferably, it is 865 kg / m < ³ > or less, More preferably, it is 855 kg / m < ³ > or less.

  The density can be appropriately changed depending on the comonomer composition ratio of the 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1), and the copolymer (A-1) having a density within the above range is: This is advantageous in producing a lightweight sheet.

<Method for producing 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1)>
Next, a method for producing the 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) will be described.

  The production method of 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) is a 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) that satisfies the above-mentioned predetermined requirements. As long as it can be obtained, it is not particularly limited. However, in a general aspect of the present invention, 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A-1) is 4-methyl-1-pentene and the above-mentioned “α that leads to the structural unit (ii)”. -Olefin "can be obtained by polymerizing in the presence of a suitable polymerization catalyst.

  As a polymerization catalyst suitable in the present invention, a conventionally known catalyst such as a magnesium-supported titanium catalyst, WO 01/53369 pamphlet, WO 01/27124 pamphlet, JP-A-3-193396 or JP-A 02 -41303 and the method described in the metallocene catalyst described in International Publication No. 14/050817 pamphlet can be employed.

Polymer (B)
The polymer (B) constituting the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet is a thermoplastic resin other than the polymer (A), an elastomer, rubber or the like.

  The polymer (B) is preferably selected from an olefin resin (B-1), an olefin elastomer (B-2), a styrene elastomer (B-3), and a thermoplastic elastomer composition (B-4). At least one kind.

Olefin resin (B-1)
As specific examples of the olefin resin (B-1), a copolymer of ethylene and an α-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a copolymer of ethylene, an α-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms and a cyclic olefin, Ethylene copolymer having various vinyl compounds such as styrene, vinyl acetate, (meth) acrylic acid and (meth) acrylic acid ester as a comonomer, copolymer of propylene and α-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, propylene Copolymer of α-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms and cyclic olefin, and propylene copolymer having various vinyl compounds such as styrene, vinyl acetate, (meth) acrylic acid, (meth) acrylic acid ester as a comonomer Etc. More specifically, low density, medium density, high density polyethylene, high pressure low density polyethylene, isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene, poly 1-butene, poly 4-methyl-1-pentene, poly 3-methyl Examples include -1-butene, cyclic olefin copolymers, and chlorinated polyolefins.

Olefin elastomer (B-2)
As a specific example of the olefin elastomer (B-1), the first aspect of the polyolefin elastomer is one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene, polybutadiene, hydrogenated polybutadiene, polyisoprene, hydrogenated polyisoprene, poly It is a copolymer with one selected from the group consisting of isobutylene and α-olefin. The form of copolymerization may be either block copolymerization or graft copolymerization, but only in the case of one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and polypropylene and a copolymer consisting of α-olefin, the form of copolymerization is random copolymerization. It may be polymerization. The α-olefin is an olefin having a double bond at one end of a molecular chain, and 1-butene, 1-octene, or the like is preferably used.

For example, a block copolymer of a polyolefin block that forms a polymer with high crystallinity such as polypropylene that becomes a hard part and a monomer copolymer that shows amorphousness that becomes a soft part can be mentioned. Specifically, an olefin ( Crystalline) / ethylene / butylene / olefin block copolymer, polypropylene / polyolefin (amorphous) / polypropylene block copolymer, and the like. As specific examples, trade names DYNARON (registered trademark) from JSR Corporation, trade names Toughmer (registered trademark), Notio (registered trademark) from Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., trade names ENGAGE ^™ and VERSIFY from Dow Chemical Corporation. ^TM , commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade name Vistamaxx ^TM .

Styrene elastomer (B-3)
As the styrene elastomer (B-3), a block copolymer (SBS) of a polystyrene block that becomes a hard part (crystal part) and a diene monomer block that becomes a soft part, hydrogenated styrene / butadiene / styrene block Polymer (HSBR), Styrene / Ethylene / Propylene / Styrene Block Copolymer (SEPS), Styrene / Ethylene / Butene / Styrene Block Copolymer (SEBS), Styrene / Isoprene / Styrene Block Copolymer (SIS), Styrene -An isobutylene styrene copolymer (SIBS), a styrene isobutylene copolymer (SIB), etc. can be illustrated. Styrenic elastomers are used singly or in combination of two or more.

Specific examples of the hydrogenated styrene / butadiene / styrene block copolymer include those commercially available from JSR Corporation under the trade name: Dynalon (registered trademark). The styrene / ethylene / propylene / styrene block copolymer is obtained by hydrogenating a styrene / isoprene / styrene block copolymer (SIS). Specific examples of SIS include: JSR Corporation as trade name: JSR SIS (registered trademark), Kuraray Co., Ltd. as trade name: Hibler (registered trademark), or Shell Corporation as trade name: Clayton D (registered trademark) The thing marketed etc. are mentioned.
Specific examples of SEPS include those commercially available from Kuraray Co., Ltd. under the trade name: Septon (registered trademark), or from Shell Co., Ltd. under the trade name: Clayton (registered trademark).

  Specific examples of SEBS include those commercially available from Asahi Kasei Corporation under the trade name: Tuftec (registered trademark), or from Shell Corporation under the trade name: Clayton (registered trademark).

  Moreover, as a specific example of SIB and SIBS, what is marketed by Kaneka Co., Ltd. as a brand name: Shibustar (trademark), etc. are mentioned.

Thermoplastic elastomer composition (B-4)
The thermoplastic elastomer composition (B-4) is different from the above (B-1) to (B-3), and comprises an ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] and a polyolefin resin. A composition obtained by dynamically crosslinking a mixture containing [II].

Ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I]
The ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] usually contains (a) a unit derived from ethylene and (b) a unit derived from an α-olefin, preferably 50/50 to 95 / 5, more preferably 60/40 to 80/20, still more preferably in the range of a molar ratio of 65/35 to 75/25 [(a) / (b)].

  The α-olefin constituting the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated diene copolymer [I] is usually an α-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, specifically, propylene, 1-butene, 4 -Methyl-1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tridecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-pentadecene, 1-hexadecene 1-heptadecene, 1-nonadecene, 1-eicosene, 9-methyl-1-decene, 11-methyl-1-dodecene, 12-ethyl-1-tetradecene, and the like. Among these, propylene, 1-butene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-hexene and 1-octene are preferable, and propylene is particularly preferable. These α-olefins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Specific examples of the non-conjugated polyene constituting the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated diene copolymer [I] include 1,4-hexadiene, 3-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, 4-methyl-1 , 4-hexadiene, 5-methyl-1,4-hexadiene, 4,5-dimethyl-1,4-hexadiene, 7-methyl-1,6-octadiene, 8-methyl-4-ethylidene-1,7-nonadiene Chain non-conjugated dienes such as 4-ethylidene-1,7-undecadiene; methyl tetrahydroindene, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, 5-methylene-2-norbornene, 5-isopropylidene-2-norbornene, 5-vinylidene 2-norbornene, 6-chloromethyl-5-isopropenyl-2-norbornene, 5-vinyl-2-norbornene, 5-iso Cyclic non-conjugated dienes such as propenyl-2-norbornene, 5-isobutenyl-2-norbornene, cyclopentadiene, norbornadiene; 2,3-diisopropylidene-5-norbornene, 2-ethylidene-3-isopropylidene-5-norbornene, Examples include trienes such as 2-propenyl-2,2-norbornadiene and 4-ethylidene-8-methyl-1,7-nanodiene. These non-conjugated dienes can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these non-conjugated dienes, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (ENB) and 5-vinyl-2-norbornene (VNB) are preferable.

  In general, the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] preferably has an iodine value of 1 or more, more preferably 5 or more, and still more preferably 10 or more, which is an index of the amount of the non-conjugated polyene component. Thus, it is preferably 40 or less, more preferably 30 or less. The total amount of non-conjugated diene components is usually in the range of 2 to 20% by mass in the component [I].

  The ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] has an intrinsic viscosity [η] measured in a decalin solvent at 135 ° C. of preferably 1 dl / g or more, more preferably 1.5 dl / g or more. Thus, it is preferably 10 dl / g or less, more preferably 8 dl / g or less.

  The ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] may be a so-called oil-extended rubber in which a softener, preferably a mineral oil-based softener, is blended during the production. Examples of the mineral oil softener include conventionally known mineral oil softeners such as paraffin process oil.

The Mooney viscosity [ML _{1 + 4} (100 ° C.)] of the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 30 or more, and preferably 250 or less. Preferably it is 150 or less. The ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] may be used alone or in combination of two or more ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymers. The ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] can be produced by a conventionally known method.

Polyolefin resin [II]
The polyolefin resin [II] is a homopolymer of α-olefin such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene and 1-decene, or two It is a copolymer having a main α-olefin content of 90 mol% or more, usually having a melting point (Tm) of preferably 70 ° C or higher, more preferably 80 ° C or higher. Preferably it is 200 degrees C or less, More preferably, it is the range of 170 degrees C or less. The polyolefin resin [II] usually has substantially no unsaturated bond in the main chain. The polyolefin resin [II] may be used alone or in combination of two or more olefin polymers. Among these polyolefin resins [II], propylene polymer (II-1) and ethylene polymer (II-2) are preferable.

Propylene polymer (II-1)
The propylene-based polymer (II-1) is a homopolymer of propylene or propylene and usually an α-olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms of 10 mol% or less, such as ethylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, Random copolymer with 4-methyl-1-pentene or the like, or block copolymer of propylene homopolymer and amorphous or low crystalline propylene / ethylene random copolymer, usually melting point Is preferably 120 ° C. or higher, more preferably 145 ° C. or higher, preferably 170 ° C. or lower, more preferably 165 ° C. or lower. Such a propylene polymer (II-1) is usually produced and sold as a polypropylene resin.

  The steric structure of the propylene-based polymer (II-1) is preferably an isotactic structure, but a syndiotactic structure, a mixture of these structures, or a partly containing atactic structure can also be used. In general, the propylene polymer (II-1) preferably has a melt flow rate (measured in accordance with MFR: JIS K6758 at a temperature of 230 ° C. and a load of 21.18 N) of 0.05 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 0.8. It is 1 g / 10 min or more, preferably 100 g / 10 min or less, more preferably 50 g / 10 min or less. The propylene polymer (II-1) is polymerized by various known polymerization methods.

Ethylene polymer (II-2)
The ethylene-based polymer (II-2) is an ethylene homopolymer, or ethylene and an α-olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms of 2 to 10 mol%, for example, propylene, ethylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, It is a random copolymer with 4-methyl-1-pentene or the like, and usually the melting point is preferably 80 ° C. or higher, more preferably 90 ° C. or higher, preferably 150 ° C. or lower, more preferably 130 ° C. or lower. Is in range. Such an ethylene-based polymer (II-2) is usually produced and sold as a high-pressure method low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, or the like.

  The ethylene polymer (II-2) usually has a melt flow rate (measured in accordance with MFR: JIS K6758 at a temperature of 190 ° C. and a load of 21.18 N) of 0.05 g / 10 min or more, more preferably 0.1 g / It is 10 minutes or more, preferably 100 g / 10 minutes or less, more preferably 50 g / 10 minutes or less.

(Crosslinking agent)
Examples of the crosslinking agent used when dynamically crosslinking the mixture containing the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] and the polyolefin resin [II] include organic peroxides, sulfur, sulfur compounds, Examples thereof include phenolic vulcanizing agents such as phenol resins, among which organic peroxides are preferably used.

  Specific examples of the organic peroxide include dicumyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di- (tert-butylperoxy) hexane, and 2,5-dimethyl-2. , 5-Di (tert-butylperoxy) hexyne-3,1,3-bis (tert-butylperoxyisopropyl) benzene, 1,1-bis (tert-butylperoxy) -3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, n -Butyl-4,4-bis (tert-butylperoxy) valerate, benzoyl peroxide, p-chlorobenzoyl peroxide, 2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide, tert-butylperoxybenzoate, tert-butylperbenzoate, tert-butylperoxyisopropyl Carbonate, diace Ruperuokishido, lauroyl peroxide, etc. tert- butyl cumyl peroxide.

  Of these, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di (tert-butylperoxy) hexane, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di (tert-butylperoxy) hexyne in terms of odor and scorch stability -3,1,3-bis (tert-butylperoxyisopropyl) benzene, 1,1-bis (tert-butylperoxy) -3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane and n-butyl-4,4-bis (tert- Butylperoxy) valerate is preferred, and 1,3-bis (tert-butylperoxyisopropyl) benzene is most preferred.

  These organic peroxides are preferably 0.01 parts by mass or more, more preferably with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] and the polyolefin resin [II]. It is used in a proportion of 0.03 parts by mass or more, preferably 15 parts by mass or less, more preferably 12 parts by mass or less. When the organic peroxide is used in the above ratio, the thermoplastic elastomer composition (B-4) in which the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] is at least partially crosslinked is obtained, and is heat resistant. A molded article having sufficient tensile properties and rubber elasticity can be obtained.

(Crosslinking aid)
In the crosslinking treatment with the organic peroxide, sulfur, p-quinonedioxime, p, p-dibenzoylquinonedioxime, N-methyl-N, 4-dinitrosoaniline, nitrobenzene, diphenylguanidine, trimethylolpropane-N , N′-m-phenylene dimaleimide and other crosslinking aids, or divinylbenzene, triallyl cyanurate, eletin glycol dimethacrylate, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, allyl methacrylate, etc. A crosslinking aid comprising a polyfunctional vinyl monomer such as a functional methacrylate monomer, vinyl butyrate or vinyl stearate may be added. By adding such a crosslinking aid, uniform and mild crosslinking reaction of the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] can be expected. In particular, when divinylbenzene is used in the present invention, it is easy to handle and is compatible with the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] and the polyolefin resin [II], which are the main components of the object to be treated. Is good, and has the solubilizing action of the organic peroxide, and acts as a dispersion aid for the organic peroxide, so the crosslinking effect by heat treatment is homogeneous, and the thermoplasticity has a good balance between fluidity and physical properties. Since an elastomer composition (B-4) is obtained, it is most preferable.

  The crosslinking aid is preferably 0.01 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.00 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] and the polyolefin resin [II]. 03 parts by mass or more, preferably 15 parts by mass or less, more preferably 12 parts by mass or less.

(Softener)
A softener may be added to the mixture containing the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] and the polyolefin resin [II] as a fluidity or hardness adjusting agent during dynamic crosslinking. In addition, the softener is an ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I], a polyolefin resin [II], or an ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] and a polyolefin resin [II]. Or the mixture (precursor) is added by a method of injecting during dynamic crosslinking. In that case, you may add the said method individually or in combination of the said method.

  Specific examples of softeners include petroleum-based softeners such as process oil, lubricating oil, paraffin, liquid paraffin, polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, petroleum asphalt, and petroleum jelly; coal tar softening such as coal tar and coal tar pitch Agents; castor oil, linseed oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, coconut oil and other fatty oil softeners; tall oil; sub, (factis); beeswax, carnauba wax, lanolin and other waxes; ricinoleic acid, palmitic acid, Fatty acids and fatty acid salts such as stearic acid, barium stearate, calcium stearate, zinc laurate; naphthenic acid; pine oil, rosin or derivatives thereof; synthetic polymers such as terpene resin, petroleum resin, coumarone indene resin, and atactic polypropylene Substance: Dioctyl phthalate, Dioctyl Ester softeners such as dipate and dioctyl sebacate; microcrystalline wax, liquid polybutadiene, modified liquid polybutadiene, liquid polyisoprene, terminal modified polyisoprene, hydrogenated terminal modified polyisoprene, liquid thiocol, hydrocarbon synthetic lubricating oil, etc. Can be mentioned. Among these, petroleum softeners, particularly process oils are preferably used.

  When adding a softener, it is preferably 10 parts by mass or more, more preferably 15 parts by mass or more, and still more preferably 20 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I]. It is above, Preferably it is 200 mass parts or less, More preferably, it is 150 mass parts or less, More preferably, it mix | blends in 80 mass parts or less. When the softener is used in the above proportion, the resulting thermoplastic elastomer composition (B-4) is excellent in fluidity during molding and does not degrade the mechanical properties of the resulting molded article. In this invention, when the usage-amount of a softening agent exceeds 200 mass parts, it exists in the tendency for the heat resistance and heat aging resistance of the thermoplastic elastomer composition (B-4) obtained to fall.

(Other additives)
If necessary, the thermoplastic elastomer composition (B-4) or the mixture before dynamic crosslinking of the composition includes a slip agent, a nucleating agent, a filler, an antioxidant, a weathering stabilizer, a colorant, You may mix | blend additives, such as a foaming agent, in the range which does not impair the objective of this invention.

  Examples of the nucleating agent include non-melting type and melting type crystallization nucleating agents, and these can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Non-melting crystallization nucleating agents include inorganic substances such as talc, mica, silica, aluminum, brominated biphenyl ether, aluminum hydroxydi-p-tert-butylbenzoate (TBBA), organophosphate, rosin crystallization Nucleating agents, substituted triethylene glycol terephthalate and Terylene & Nylon fibers, etc., especially hydroxy-di-p-tert-butylbenzoic acid aluminum salt, methylenebis (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphoric acid sodium salt, 2, 2'-methylenebis (4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate, rosin-based crystallization nucleating agent is desirable. Examples of the melting crystallization nucleating agent include sorbitol-based compounds such as dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS), substituted DBS, and lower alkyl dibenzylidene sorbitol (PDTS).

  Examples of the slip agent include fatty acid amide, silicone oil, glycerin, wax, and paraffinic oil.

  Examples of the filler include conventionally known fillers, specifically, carbon black, clay, talc, calcium carbonate, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, silica, alumina, graphite, glass fiber, and the like.

Method for producing thermoplastic elastomer composition (B-4) The thermoplastic elastomer composition (B-4) is a mixture comprising an ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] and a polyolefin resin [II]. Preferably, the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] and the polyolefin resin [II] are [I] / [II] (mass ratio) of 90/10 to 5/95, more preferably 70. It can be obtained by dynamically crosslinking a mixture containing / 30 to 10/90, or a mixture (precursor) containing a predetermined amount of the softener as necessary. When dynamic crosslinking is performed, heat treatment is preferably performed dynamically in the presence of the crosslinking agent or in the presence of the crosslinking agent and the crosslinking aid. “Dynamically heat-treating” means kneading in a molten state.

The dynamic heat treatment in the present invention is preferably performed in a non-open type apparatus, and is preferably performed in an inert gas atmosphere such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The temperature of the heat treatment ranges from the melting point of the polyolefin resin [II] to 300 ° C, preferably 150 ° C or higher, more preferably 170 ° C or higher, preferably 270 ° C or lower, more preferably 250 ° C or lower. . The kneading time is preferably 1 minute or longer, preferably 20 minutes or shorter, more preferably 10 minutes or shorter. Further, the shear force applied is preferably at a shear rate 10 sec ^-1 or more, more preferably it is at 100 sec ^-1 or more, preferably 50,000Sec ^-1 or less, more preferably 10,000Sec ^-1 or less.

  As a kneading apparatus, a mixing roll, an intensive mixer (for example, a Banbury mixer, a kneader), a uniaxial or biaxial extruder can be used, and a non-open type apparatus is preferable.

  According to the present invention, the thermoplastic elastomer composition (B-4) in which at least a part of the ethylene / α-olefin / non-conjugated polyene copolymer [I] is crosslinked is obtained by the dynamic heat treatment described above. .

Other thermoplastic resins (B-5)
Further, other thermoplastic resins (B-5) are different from the above (B-1) to (B-4), and specific examples include aliphatic polyamides (nylon 6, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 66, nylon 610, nylon 612) and the like, examples of the vinyl aromatic resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyester elastomer, specifically, polystyrene, ABS resin, AS resin. Polyester resins such as thermoplastic polyurethane; vinyl chloride resin; vinylidene chloride resin; acrylic resin; ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer; ethylene / methacrylic acid acrylate copolymer; ionomer; ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymer; Fluorine resin polycarbonate Polyacetal; polyphenylene oxide; polyphenylene sulfide polyimide; polyarylate; polysulfone; polyethersulfone and the like.

Other Components The polymer composition forming the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet of the present invention may be composed only of the polymer (A) and the polymer (B), but if necessary, further An appropriate additive may be contained as other components.

  Additives are within the range that does not impair the purpose of the present invention, weather resistance stabilizer, heat stabilizer, antistatic agent, anti-slip agent, anti-blocking agent, anti-fogging agent, lubricant, pigment, dye, plasticizer, aging Additives such as inhibitors, hydrochloric acid absorbents, antioxidants, crystal nucleating agents, antifungal agents, antibacterial agents, flame retardants, fillers (inorganic fillers, organic fillers), softeners and the like can be mentioned.

  The total use amount of these additives is preferably 0.001 to 50 parts by mass, with the total of the polymer (A) and the polymer (B) being 100 parts by mass.

Polymer composition, sheet manufacturing method Polymer composition forming thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet is polymer (A), polymer (B), and, if necessary, various additions exemplified as the above other components The product is blended in the above-mentioned range and mixed by various known methods, for example, a multistage polymerization method, a plastmill, a Henschel mixer, a V-blender, a ribbon blender, a tumbler blender, a kneader ruder, or the like, It can be produced by employing a method of granulating or pulverizing after melt-kneading with a single screw extruder, twin screw extruder, kneader, Banbury mixer or the like.

  The obtained polymer composition is obtained by various known molding methods, specifically, by various molding methods such as extrusion molding, press molding, injection molding, calendar molding, hollow molding, and the like with the sheet layer (II). can do.

  The supporter for livestock of the present invention only needs to contain the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet. That is, it may be composed of only a single layer of the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet, or a laminate laminated with one or more thermoplastic elastomer composition sheets of the same type or different types, or the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet. And one or more sheets made of a resin other than those described above may be used. Preferably, it is a laminate comprising the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet and a foam, and more preferably a sheet-like laminate comprising the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet and a foam. It is desirable that the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet and the foam be bonded to each other so as not to be peeled off using various pressure-sensitive adhesives such as acrylic and urethane, or rubber solvents.

  Compared with the case where it comprises only the said thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet, the adhesiveness to a joint can be improved by setting it as the laminated body which combined the thermoplastic elastomer and the foam. That is, the foam has higher flexibility and stretchability than the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet, and by combining it with the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet, adhesion to the joint and followability can be improved. And by improving the adhesiveness to a joint, the shift | offset | difference of the supporter resulting from operation | movement can be reduced, and the stress to livestock can be reduced. Moreover, the followability with respect to the bending and stretching of the joint part of the livestock is improved by improving the adhesion, and the protection part such as the joint part can be protected for a long period of time. When mounting on a movable part such as a joint of livestock, not only suppresses the onset of the above-mentioned diseases caused by bottom-out over a long period of time, but also reduces stress on livestock by improving adhesion and follow-up performance This is very important. In particular, for livestock such as cows whose production volume such as milking is affected by stress, stress reduction is also important. The laminate of the present invention can be used for livestock compared to the case of a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet alone, by placing the foam on the outside (eg, laminating in the order of a livestock joint, a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet, and a foam). The onset of the above-mentioned diseases caused by bottoming can be suppressed while reducing the wearing stress of the skin.

  In the present invention, the foam refers to a foamed plastic in which a large number of cells (cells) are dispersed in a resin matrix and is molded into a sheet like the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet. In addition, from the viewpoint of improving the adhesion to livestock wearing parts, the foam may be either open-celled or closed-celled, but if an open-celled foam having excellent flexibility is used, it will be even more adhesive. Is preferable. Moreover, it is preferable from a viewpoint of adhesive improvement that the sheet | seat which consists of a foam is excellent in a softness | flexibility, a stretching property, and impact resilience rather than a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet. More preferably, it has flexibility and extensibility to such an extent that the foam does not crack due to the movement of the mounting part such as a joint. These characteristics may be appropriately set according to the livestock to which the supporter is applied and the application site.

  The foaming ratio of the foam is not particularly limited, but by increasing the foaming ratio, the followability / adhesion between the joint and the supporter when the joint at the site where the supporter is mounted is improved. The expansion ratio is preferably 5 times or more, more preferably 10 times or more, preferably 60 times or less, more preferably 50 times or less.

  The type of foam is not particularly limited. Polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, EVA crosslinked foam, PET resin foam, phenol foam, silicone foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, acrylic foam, polyimide foam, rubber Various known foams such as foams can be used. In the present invention, an EVA crosslinked foam which is superior in flexibility, stretchability and impact resilience to thermoplastic elastomers is preferred. In addition, the foam may be any one of the above or a combination of two or more.

  What is necessary is just to adjust the thickness of the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet used for this invention suitably according to the kind of large livestock, a body weight, etc. FIG. For example, as shown in the examples below, there is a good correlation between the thickness of the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet and the compression stress decay rate. If the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet is too thin, sufficient surface dispersibility cannot be obtained. Therefore, the thickness is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more, and further preferably 1.5 mm or more. The upper limit is not particularly limited as the thickness of the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet increases, so the surface dispersibility increases.However, if the thickness is excessive, it becomes heavier and causes stress and supporter misalignment. Since it may decrease and become a joint operation load, it is preferably 6 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, and still more preferably 4 mm or less. The case where a plurality of the thermoplastic elastomers are laminated is also within the above range. In addition, what is necessary is just to set suitably the vertical and horizontal size of a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet according to an application site | part.

  The foam is preferably in the form of a sheet, but the thickness of the foam is not particularly limited. If the foam is too thick, the laminated body hinders the movement of the legs and joints of livestock, and is preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 30 mm or less, and even more preferably 25 mm or less. Although it does not specifically limit about a minimum, When the effect which improves the adhesiveness by lamination | stacking of a foam is considered, Preferably it is 1 mm or more, More preferably, it is 5 mm or more, More preferably, it is 10 mm or more. When a plurality of foams are laminated, it is desirable to be within the above range.

  The laminate including the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet and the sheet made of the foam may be composed of the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet and the sheet made of the foam, but does not hinder the effect of the laminate. In the range, an arbitrary third layer (the number of the third layer is not limited) may be included.

  Examples of the third layer include a protective sheet and an adhesive sheet that are excellent in UV resistance, abrasion resistance, weather resistance, and the like based on polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, olefin, and the like. The protective sheet may be laminated on the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet or the foam.

  Moreover, when laminating | stacking the said protective sheet or laminating | stacking the said thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet | seat and the said foam, it is preferable to interpose an adhesive sheet. FIG. 12 is an example showing a configuration of a laminate including a third layer, in which the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet 20 and the foam sheet 21 are laminated via an adhesive sheet 22.

  The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 22 is preferably a thermoplastic pressure-sensitive adhesive, and particularly preferably an acrylic resin-based pressure-sensitive adhesive. The thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet 20 and the foam sheet 21 are different in stretch rate and elastic modulus, and a high load is applied to the laminate applied to the joint portion when the animal is raised and lowered. Under such conditions, the thermoplastic pressure-sensitive adhesive, particularly the acrylic resin-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, exhibits high adhesiveness and high followability, and therefore can suppress the peeling between the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet 20 and the foam sheet 21. If a thermosetting pressure-sensitive adhesive such as a urethane-based pressure-sensitive adhesive or an adhesive is used for the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 22, it cannot follow sufficiently under the above conditions and may be peeled off during use, which is not desirable.

  The thickness of the laminated body is not particularly limited, but considering the stress given to livestock by ensuring the mobility of the supporter mounting location and the thickness of the supporter, it is preferably 60 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 40 mm or less, Most preferably, it is 30 mm or less.

  The laminate preferably has a compressive stress attenuation rate of 10% or less, more preferably 20% or less, still more preferably 25% or less, after 60 seconds of load in a compression stress relaxation test with a load of 1.5 tons. Especially preferably, it is 30% or less.

  The thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet used for the livestock supporter of the present invention, the laminate including the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet and the foam, and the laminate in which a thermoplastic adhesive is further interposed in the laminate are described above. did.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the said foam is demonstrated. The foam manufactured based on a well-known manufacturing method can be used. For example, various known methods for producing foamed plastics such as a cast foam molding method, a melt foam molding method, and a solid phase foam molding method are exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A commercial product may be used as the foam.

  Moreover, you may add various additives similar to a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet to the foam of this invention in the range which does not impair the objective of this invention.

  The livestock leg joint protector of the present invention will be described below.

  The supporter of the present invention is preferably used together with protective equipment for leg joints of various domestic animals. A protective device is a mounting tool for mounting a supporter on a protective part of a livestock leg joint. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the protector of the present invention includes at least a protector 1 and a supporter 2 included in the protector 1. The supporter 2 may be provided in a place where pressure ulcers or wounds are likely to occur due to contact with the floor when raising and lowering the livestock. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the supporter 2 may be provided at the joint portion 27 that comes into contact with the floor. The shape and size of the protector 1 and the supporter 2 may be any shape and size that are suitable for the shape and size of a wearing part such as a joint of a domestic animal to be worn.

  In order to prevent the supporter 2 from being displaced from the joint portion 27 during mounting, the protector 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 9 is desirable. That is, the protector 1 includes a protector 12 provided with a supporter 2 that protects a leg joint of a livestock, and a mounting portion (on the upper side and a lower side of the livestock leg with the protector 12 being attached to the livestock leg). The upper mounting portion 13 and the lower mounting portion 14) have a length (lower length 25) from the lower end 23 of the protective portion 12 to the lower end 15 of the protective device 1 from the upper end 24 of the protective portion 12 to the protective device 1. It is desirable that the length is longer than the length up to the upper end 16 (upper length 26).

  In the present invention, by making the lower length 25 longer than the upper length 26, the protector 1 can be firmly fixed by the lower leg of the joint, so that the shift of the protector 1 due to joint flexion and extension can be suppressed. .

  If the lower mounting portion 14 is too close to the joint portion 27 when the protector 1 is fixed, the protective portion 12 is displaced from the joint portion 27 as the joint bends and stretches. The shift of the accompanying protection part 12 can be suppressed. Therefore, the lower end 15 of the protective device 1 is preferably at least 1/2 of the length of the livestock lower leg 18 (the length of the lower leg connecting the joint portion 27 to be protected and the joint below it), more preferably 2 / 3 or more, more preferably 3/4 or more, a position close to the lower joint, most preferably just above the lower joint as shown in FIG. 10, and a length that does not fix the lower joint. On the other hand, since the protective device 1 can suppress the shift of the protective portion 12 by increasing the fixing force on the lower leg side, the upper length 26 is not particularly limited. Therefore, the upper end 16 of the protective device 1 is preferably 1/2 or less, more preferably 1/3 of the length of the upper leg 17 of the livestock (the length of the upper leg connecting the joint portion 27 to be protected and its upper joint). Hereinafter, it is more preferable that the position is close to the joint to be protected, which is 1/4 or less, and most preferably 1/5 or less, and above the joint portion 27.

  The protection part 12 is a part where a supporter is provided to protect the leg joint that comes into contact with the floor when the cow is raised and lowered. Since the position of the protection unit 12 differs depending on the size of the livestock and whether it is the front leg or the rear leg, the range of contact with the floor by checking the joint flexion / extension status of the livestock to be worn and the bone projection of the joint part is included. Thus, the position of the protection unit may be determined.

  The upper mounting portion 13 and the lower mounting portion 14 have a length that goes around the livestock leg, and are means for fixing the protective device 1 to the leg. The upper mounting part 13 and the lower mounting part 14 should just be comprised so that the protector 1 can be attached or detached with respect to a livestock leg.

  In FIG. 9, the protective device central portion 28 is cut out from the upper mounting portion 13 and the lower mounting portion 14 so that the width of the protective device central portion 28 is shorter than the circumferential length of the livestock leg. . Thereby, air permeability is ensured and the stuffiness by a protector can be prevented.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, it is desirable that the protective device 1 is integrally formed as a whole including the upper mounting portion 13 and the lower mounting portion 14. Being integrally formed means that the central portion 28, the upper mounting portion 13, and the lower mounting portion 14 of the protector 1 are configured in series with the same material. The protective device 1 having such a configuration is fixed to the livestock leg of the protective device 1 as compared with the case where the mounting portion (such as a band in the patent document) is removable from the protective device 1 as in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. In addition to improving the force, there is no unevenness in the connecting portion with the wearing band, so that there is no problem that the unevenness comes into contact with the floor when the livestock is raised and the leg is pressed.

  The attachment / detachment means provided in the upper mounting part 13 and the lower mounting part 14 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is desirable to provide a removable means 10 that can be repeatedly used, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a fastener, and a snap button, in a part of the upper mounting portion 13 and the lower mounting portion 14. A hook-and-loop fastener is preferable from the viewpoint of easy attachment / detachment.

  The material of the protector 1 of the present invention is not particularly limited, and a known material can be used. Examples include natural fibers such as cotton and wool, and chemical fibers such as rayon, nylon, acrylic, polyurethane, polyester, and chloroprene, and these can be used alone or in combination. Among these, chemical fibers excellent in stretchability and quick drying properties are desirable. For example, wet suit fabrics are suitable as a supporter material because they are excellent in stretchability, breathability, and durability.

  The supporter 2 may be a laminate of the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet of the present invention and the foam sheet, a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet single layer, or a laminate including an adhesive sheet as shown in FIG.

  When using a laminated body, the order of lamination is not particularly limited, but the foam sheet is placed on the inside so that it faces the livestock side such as a joint, and the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet is laminated on the side opposite to the livestock, that is, the outside. It is preferable to do. Since the foam sheet has higher flexibility than the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet and has excellent followability, the foam sheet can be disposed on the inner side to inhibit the adhesion between the joint portion and the supporter 2 when the joint is bent. Absent. In addition, what is necessary is just to arrange | position in arbitrary positions according to a use, when adding arbitrary layers, such as an adhesive sheet, to a laminated body and making it 3 layers or more.

  The structure of the foam sheet is not particularly limited, but preferably has a through hole from one surface of the foam sheet to the other surface, specifically, from the inside to the outside of the foam sheet. When the foam sheet has through holes, the adhesion and surface dispersibility of the foam sheet are improved during joint refraction. That is, when the joint is bent, the foam sheet is expanded or contracted to follow the joint portion, and at this time, the through hole is deformed according to the stress, so that the adhesion is improved. In addition, the weight of the material can be reduced by providing the through hole, and the load on the mounting portion of the supporter 2 can be reduced. The shape of the through hole is not particularly limited, but may be an arbitrary polygon such as a triangle as shown in FIG. 3 or a quadrangle as shown in FIG. The size of the through hole 5 is larger than that of normal open cells. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the opening area of the through hole 5 is the resin portion 6 (non-through hole portion) of the foam sheet 21. You may form so that it may become larger than an area. For example, the diameter (maximum diameter) of the through hole is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and still more preferably 8 mm or more. The upper limit of the diameter (maximum diameter) of the through-hole 6 is not particularly limited, but if it becomes too large, the area of the through-hole portion becomes too large and effects such as adhesion and surface dispersibility may not be sufficiently obtained. The thickness is preferably 100 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less, and still more preferably 30 mm or less. Although the size and shape of each through-hole may be the same or different, it is preferable that they are substantially the same shape and size from the viewpoints of ease of processing and improvement of the followability.

  The structure of the protection part to which the supporter 2 is attached is not particularly limited. The supporter 2 is preferably contained in the protective device 1 or has a protective cover. When the supporter 2 is exposed, the durability is deteriorated due to wear or the like. The supporter 2 may be sealed in the protective device 1 by sewing or adhesion, but it is desirable that the supporter is removable in order to prevent damage to the supporter when the protective device 1 is washed.

  The protection unit 12 shown in FIG. 9 is provided with a storage space for the supporter 2. If the storage space is too large, the supporter 2 may move inside, so it is desirable that the storage space be as large as the supporter 2. As a storage space, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a bag-like supporter storage space 8 is provided on the protector 1 and is sealed 7 by sewing or bonding, and the supporter 2 can be taken in and out of the protector 1. Further, the above-described detachable means 10 such as a hook-and-loop fastener may be provided in the supporter entrance / exit portion 9 of the protective device 1 which is not sealed.

  The protective device 1 of the present invention provided with the supporter 3 of the present invention in the protective part 12 is difficult to bottom out even when applied to a large livestock weighing 400 kg or more, preferably 500 kg or more, more preferably 1 ton or more, and a concrete surface. Can reduce pressure ulcers and wounds caused by bruises in bed and bed slippage at bedtime. Examples of the large livestock include quadruped walking animals such as cows and horses. Among these, it is preferable to apply to livestock, such as cattle, whose economic loss increases when the milking amount is difficult to stand up due to pressure sores and the like.

  Hereinafter, although the protection method of the leg joint part of livestock with the protector using the supporter of this invention is demonstrated based on drawing, it is not limited to the following, It can change suitably.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing an example in which the protector 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 is attached to the front leg of a cow. When the cow sits on the floor, the joint part 27 (joint part connecting the forearm bone and the metacarpal bone) of the bent front leg contacts the floor (head direction). Therefore, the protection part 12 is provided so as to cover the front surface of the joint part 27. Specifically, the upper side of the protective part 2 enclosing the supporter includes a part of the upper leg side of the joint, and the lower side of the protective part 2 includes a part of the lower leg side of the joint. The lower side of the protector 1 is worn by attaching the lower leg 18 (metacarpal bone) above the lower joint (joint portion connecting the proximal phalanx and the metacarpal bone) with the mounting portion 14 provided at the lower end portion. It is fixed by the detaching means 10 provided at the other end of the portion 14. Further, the upper side of the protector 1 is fixed to the upper leg 17 (the forearm bone) above the joint portion of the joint protection portion by the attaching / detaching means 10 at the mounting portion 13 provided at the upper end portion. In addition, the upper end of the protector 1 is 1/4 or less of the livestock upper leg length 17, and the lower end of the protector 1 is located in the immediate vicinity of the lower joint of the livestock lower leg length 18.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an example in which the protector 1 of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 is attached to the rear leg of a cow. When a cow sits on the floor, he sits with his front legs on the floor and then tilts his body to the side, so the rear legs are different from the front legs, and the outer sides of the joints (lateral direction of the body) touch the floor. Therefore, the protection part 12 of the protector 1 is provided so as to cover the outer side surface of the joint portion 27 (including the joint portion connecting the lower leg bone and the metatarsal bone and the rib portion). Specifically, the upper side of the protective part 2 to which the supporter is attached includes a part on the upper leg side of the joint, and the lower side of the protective part 2 includes a part on the lower leg side of the joint. The lower side of the protector 1 wraps around the lower leg 18 (metacarpal bone) above the lower joint (joint joint portion of the metatarsal bone and ribs) at the mounting portion 14 provided at the lower end portion. It is fixed by a detaching means 10 provided at the other end. Further, the upper side of the protector 1 is fixed by the attaching / detaching means 10 in the same manner with the upper leg 17 (lower leg bone) above the joint portion of the joint protection portion at the mounting portion 13 provided at the upper end portion. In addition, the upper end of the protector 1 is 1/4 or less of the livestock upper leg length 17, and the lower end of the protector 1 is located in the immediate vicinity of the lower joint of the livestock lower leg length 18.

  This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-161010 filed on Aug. 18, 2015. The entire contents of the specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-161010 filed on August 18, 2015 are incorporated herein by reference.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited by the following examples, but may be appropriately modified within a range that can meet the purpose described above and below. Of course, it is possible to implement them, and they are all included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Example 1
The following No. used as a supporter. The compression stress decay rate of the buffer materials 1 to 6 was examined. Specifically, the buffer material (size: length 15 cm × width 15 cm) was compressed at a compression speed of 1 mm / min with a compression tester (model name AG-100kNX, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). After the compression load reached 1.5 tons, the compression was stopped and the change in compression force was measured for 60 seconds. The results are shown in FIGS.

  The following No. The tan δ of the buffer materials 1 to 4 and 6 was examined. Specifically, a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet (thickness 3 mm) was prepared, and a strip of 45 mm × 10 mm × 3 mm necessary for dynamic viscoelasticity measurement was cut out. The temperature dependence of dynamic viscoelasticity from −40 to 150 ° C. is measured at a frequency of 10 rad / s using MCR301 manufactured by ANTONPaar, and the loss tangent (tan δ) reaches the maximum value in the range of 0 to 30 ° C. The temperature at that time (hereinafter also referred to as “peak temperature”) and the value of the loss tangent (tan δ) at that time were measured.

  The melting point (Tm) of the polymer was measured with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) using a DSC220C apparatus manufactured by Seiko Instruments Inc. Samples 7-12 mg obtained from the polymerization were sealed in an aluminum pan and heated from room temperature to 200 ° C. at 10 ° C./min. The sample was held at 200 ° C. for 5 minutes and then cooled to −50 ° C. at 10 ° C./min. After 5 minutes at −50 ° C., the sample was heated again to 200 ° C. at 10 ° C./min. The peak temperature on the high temperature side in the endothermic curve in this second heating (second time) was adopted as the melting point (Tm).

The intrinsic viscosity [η] of the polymer was measured at 135 ° C. using a decalin solvent. That is, a sample (about 20 mg) was dissolved in decalin solvent (15 mL), and the specific viscosity ηsp was measured in an oil bath at 135 ° C. After decalin solvent (5 mL) was added to the decalin solution for dilution, the specific viscosity ηsp was measured as described above. This dilution operation was further repeated twice, and the value of ηsp / C when the sample concentration (C) was extrapolated to 0 was defined as the intrinsic viscosity [η] of the olefin polymer.
Intrinsic viscosity [η] = lim (ηsp / C) (C → 0)

  The molecular weight of the polymer is liquid chromatograph: Waters ALC / GPC 150-C plus type (differential refractometer detector integrated type), and Tosoh Corporation GMH6-HT × 2 and GMH6-HTL × 2 as columns. The books were connected in series, and o-dichlorobenzene was used as the mobile phase medium, and the flow rate was 1.0 ml / min and measurement was performed at 140 ° C. Mw / Mn value and Mz / Mw value were calculated by analyzing the obtained chromatogram by a known method using a calibration curve using a standard polystyrene sample. The measurement time per sample was 60 minutes.

  No. 1 and 2 are the following thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet single layers. No. 3, 4, and 6 have the laminated structure which consists of the following 1st layer and 2nd layer. No. 5 is the following foam single layer. In addition, the laminated body was integrated using the adhesive so that the 1st layer and the 2nd layer might not peel.

No. 1: Single layer (thickness 3mm)
[Production of 4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A)]
750 ml of 4-methyl-1-pentene was charged into a SUS autoclave with a stirring blade having a capacity of 1.5 liters substituted with nitrogen at 23 ° C. The autoclave was charged with 0.75 ml of a 1.0 mmol / ml toluene solution of triisobutylaluminum (TIBAl), and the stirrer was rotated. Next, the autoclave was heated to an internal temperature of 60 ° C. and pressurized with propylene so that the total pressure was 0.15 MPaG. Subsequently, 1 mmol of methylaluminoxane prepared in advance in terms of Al, diphenylmethylene (1-ethyl-3-t-butyl-cyclopentadienyl) (2,7-di-t-butyl-fluorenyl) A toluene solution containing 0.35 ml of zirconium dichloride in an amount of 0.005 mmol was pressed into the autoclave with nitrogen to initiate polymerization. Thereafter, the temperature of the autoclave was adjusted to 60 ° C. for 60 minutes. Sixty minutes after the start of polymerization, 5 ml of methanol was injected into the autoclave with nitrogen to stop the polymerization, and the autoclave was depressurized to atmospheric pressure. Acetone was poured into the reaction solution with stirring. The resulting rubbery polymer containing the solvent was dried at 130 ° C. under reduced pressure for 12 hours.

  The obtained polymer (4-methyl-1-pentene / α-olefin copolymer (A)) was 24.0 g, the component (A1) was 70.9 mol%, and the component (A2) derived from propylene was 29. It was 1 mol%. The Tm of the polymer was not observed, and the intrinsic viscosity [η] = 1.3 dl / g. The molecular weights obtained from GPC were Mw = 257000, Mn = 124000, Mw / Mn = 2.1. The maximum value of tan δ was 2.9 (temperature at which the maximum value was reached: 28.9 ° C.).

  4-methyl-1-pentene polymer synthesized above: 30 parts, Miralastomer 5030NS manufactured by Mitsui Chemical Co., Ltd., 45 parts, and Tuftec H1221: 25 parts manufactured by Asahi Kasei Chemicals Co., Ltd. Got. The maximum value of tan δ of the polymer composition was 0.8 (temperature at which the maximum value was reached: 19.7 ° C.). This composition was formed into a sheet to obtain a 3 mm sheet.

No. 2: Single layer (thickness 3 mm)
Mitsui Chemicals Co., Ltd. Miralastomer 5030NS: 100 parts were formed into a sheet to obtain a 3 mm sheet. The maximum value of tan δ was 0.55 (temperature at which the maximum value was reached: −41.0 ° C.). This composition was formed into a sheet to obtain a 3 mm sheet.

No. 3: Laminate (thickness 17 mm)
First layer (thickness 2 mm): No. A thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet produced in the same manner as in Example 1 was used.
Second layer (thickness 15 mm): A styrene-based elastomer foam having the following characteristics (JIS K 6767) was used.
Apparent density: 0.14 g / cm ³
Tensile strength: 140 N / cm ²
Elongation: 230%
25% compression hardness: 3.5 N / cm ²
Rebound resilience: 9%

No. 4: Laminate (thickness 13 mm)
First layer (thickness 2 mm): No. A thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet produced in the same manner as in Example 1 was used.
Second layer (thickness: 11 mm): No. The same foam as 3 was used.

No. 5: Single layer (thickness 22 mm)
Single layer: No. The same second layer as 3 was used.

No. 6: Laminate (thickness 24 mm)
First layer (thickness 2 mm): No. A thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet produced in the same manner as in Example 1 was used.
Second layer (thickness: 22 mm): No. The same foam as 3 was used.

  In addition, No. No. 3 is a sheet-like foam having no through holes. The second layers 4 to 6 are foams having triangular through holes 5 as shown in FIG. 3 (size: side 8 mm).

  No. Reference numeral 1 denotes a buffer material for a single layer of an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet that satisfies the characteristics defined in the present invention. As shown in FIG. No. 1 indicates that the temperature when the loss tangent tan δ is the maximum value is too low. The compressive stress decay rate was faster than 2, and the effect of relaxing and dispersing the load in a short time was exhibited, and the stress reduction performance during the test time was also excellent. The compressive stress decay rate after 60 seconds of load loading is No. 1 is 50%. 2 was 40%.

  No. The first layer (thickness 2 mm) used for 3, 4, and 6 has a compressive stress decay rate of 50% after 60 seconds of loading. That is, no. 3, 4, and 6 are examples that satisfy the requirements of the present invention. As shown in FIG. No. 4 is a No. 4 foam using no through-hole. The final stress reduction performance was slightly better than 3. The compressive stress decay rate after 60 seconds of load loading is No. 3 is 29%. 4 was 30%.

  No. No. 5 is an example of a foam single layer. 6 is an example using a laminate satisfying the requirements of the present invention. As shown in FIG. No. 5 had an insufficient compressive stress decay rate. On the other hand, no. No. 6 showed an excellent effect on the compression stress decay rate of the present invention. The compressive stress decay rate after 60 seconds of load loading is No. 5 is 11%. 6 was 30%.

  FIG. 4 and no. 6 was used to investigate the effect on the compressive stress attenuation rate due to the difference in the thickness of the foam. As a result, both showed comparable compressive stress decay rates.

Example 2
No. above. The supporter 2 using the laminate of No. 4 as a cushioning material is attached to the protective part 12 of the protective equipment 1 shown in FIG. 9, and as shown in FIG. 10, continuously attached to the front leg root joint part of an adult cow (500 kg or more) for 30 days. Installed. During the period of wearing the protective equipment 1, no action was taken to remove the protective equipment 1 from the cow, and the cow was not particularly stressed. In addition, after 30 days, when the protective equipment 1 was removed and the joint part protected by the protective part 12 was examined, diseases such as arthritis, bruises, and pressure ulcers did not develop. In addition, no abnormal appearance was observed after 30 days. From these results, it was found that the laminate of the present invention used as a supporter has a property that it is difficult to bottom out under the normal breeding environment of livestock, and is effective for disease prevention.

Example 3
No. above. A laminated body in which an acrylic resin-based adhesive is interposed as a third layer between the first layer and the second layer of the laminated body 4 is attached as the supporter 2 to the protective part 12 of the protective device 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, it was continuously attached to the front tarsal joint of an adult cow for 5 months. During the period of wearing the protective equipment 1, no action was taken to remove the protective equipment 1 from the cow, and the cow was not particularly stressed. Further, since the protective part 12 of the protective device 1 did not shift from the joint during the mounting, it was not necessary to remount the supporter to correct the shift. Further, after 5 months, when the joint part, which was protected by the protective part 12 by removing the protective equipment 1, was examined, diseases such as arthritis, bruises and pressure ulcers did not develop. Also, there was no stuffiness caused by wearing protective equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Protective tool 2 Supporter 5 Through-hole 6 Resin 7 Sealing place 8 Supporter storage space 9 Supporter entrance / exit part 10 Desorption means 11 3rd layer 12 Protection part 13 Upper mounting part 14 Lower mounting part 15 Protective tool lower end 16 Protective tool upper end 17 Upper leg 18 Lower leg 19 Joint 20 Thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet 21 Foam sheet 22 Adhesive sheet 23 Protective part lower end 24 Protective part upper end 25 Lower side length 26 Upper side length 27 Joint part 28 Central part

Claims (7)

  Measures the dynamic viscoelasticity at a frequency of 10 rad / s in the range of −40 ° C. to 150 ° C. when the compressive stress decay rate after 60 seconds of load is 20% or more in a compressive stress relaxation test with a load of 1.5 tons. A livestock supporter having a thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet having a temperature of 0 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower when the loss tangent tan δ obtained in this way is the maximum value.   The livestock supporter according to claim 1, wherein the maximum value of tan δ is 0.5 or more and less than 5.0.   The livestock support according to claim 1, wherein the supporter has a laminate including the thermoplastic elastomer composition sheet and a foam.   The livestock supporter according to claim 3, wherein the laminate is obtained by laminating the thermoplastic elastomer and the foam via a thermoplastic adhesive. A protective equipment for livestock leg joints,
The protective equipment is
A protective part provided with a supporter for protecting the leg joint;
A mounting portion for attaching the protective device to the upper and lower sides of the livestock leg with the protective portion in between,
The livestock leg joint protector characterized in that a length from the lower end of the protector to the lower end of the protector is longer than a length from the upper end of the protector to the upper end of the protector.   The said supporter is a supporter in any one of Claims 1-4, The protector for domestic animal leg joints of Claim 5.   The livestock leg joint protector according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the livestock is a cow.

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