Anti-slip coating agent and tool for applying Anti-slip agent

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an anti-slip coating agent that is capable of inexpensively and easily preventing a pet animal from slipping when having the pet animal walk on a slippery floor surface, dries quickly, maintains a long-lasting anti-slip effect, does not damage the appearance of the floor surface, is not licked by the pet animal, and is harmless even if licked. [Solution] The anti-slip coating agent is composed of an aqueous solution containing at least one of pectin and karaya gum in an amount of 0.5 wt% or more. The anti-slip coating agent is applied to the paw pads of a pet animal, such as a dog or a cat, that is kept indoors.

Description

Anti-slip coating agent and anti-slip agent application device

[0001] The present invention relates to an anti-slip coating agent applied to the paw pads of pet animals and an anti-slip agent application device.

[0002] When raising pet animals such as dogs and cats indoors, there are points to note. Indoors, there are many smooth floor surfaces such as flooring, concrete, and artificial marble. The paw pads formed on the feet of pet animals do not obtain sufficient friction on such smooth floor surfaces. For example, since the range of motion of the hip joint of a dog is limited, if it is raised on a slippery floor surface, it may dislocate or damage the hip joint. Also, cats will scratch the floor surface because they stand on their claws on a slippery floor surface. Also, on stairs made of smooth materials, there is a risk that pet animals will slip and fall.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-46169, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-65227

[0004] Patent Document 1 proposes a coating agent applied to the floor to increase the frictional force. The coating agent contains chip-shaped fine aggregates mixed in a base material made of an ultraviolet curable resin. The coating agent is applied to a slippery floor surface and irradiated with ultraviolet rays to be cured. Then, grip force is obtained by the chip-shaped fine aggregates, so that large pet animals are prevented from slipping.

[0005] Patent Document 2 proposes an anti-slip pen for pet animals. The anti-slip pen contains an anti-slip agent made of a water-soluble natural rubber solution and is designed to be applied to the paw pads of pet animals. Then, the frictional force of the paw pads increases, and slipping is prevented even on a slippery floor surface.

[0006] The coating agent described in Patent Document 1 is excellent because it can make slippery floor surfaces less slippery, making it easier for pets to walk. However, it cannot protect pets from injury if there are floor surfaces that have not been coated. Applying the coating agent to all floors in a house is expensive and laborious. Furthermore, when taking pets out to places such as hotels and restaurants, the floors may not have been treated with anti-slip coatings. The coating agent cannot address such situations. There are also issues for people. When people walk on floors wearing slippers, they expect a certain degree of slipperiness. When someone unfamiliar with the surface walks on a floor coated with the coating agent, their slippers may get caught, making it difficult to walk and increasing the risk of tripping.

[0007] The anti-slip pen described in Patent Document 2 is excellent because it can prevent slipping simply by applying an anti-slip agent to the paw pads of pet animals beforehand. This is because it does not require any special treatment of the floor surface where pet animals walk, and it can be implemented inexpensively and easily. It can also be used to deal with slippery floors in facilities when visiting.

[0008] However, the anti-slip pen described in Patent Document 2 has some issues. Specifically, there are issues with the anti-slip agent. The details of the experiment will be explained in more detail later, but the inventor manufactured anti-slip agents by diluting water-soluble natural rubber to various concentrations and applied each to the paw pads of dogs, then had the dogs walk on a floor. Although an anti-slip effect was observed immediately after application, all of the anti-slip agents peeled off the paw pads relatively quickly, and the anti-slip effect did not last long. Also, since the peeled-off anti-slip agent is natural rubber, it is white. As a result, it scattered on the floor in a state like eraser shavings. This is an issue that spoils the aesthetics.

[0009] Dogs have eccrine sweat glands in their paw pads. Water-soluble natural rubber may temporarily block these eccrine sweat glands, potentially interfering with thermoregulation. The reason the anti-slip coating peeled off prematurely, as mentioned above, is likely because the solidified aqueous solution of natural rubber was lifted by sweat from the eccrine sweat glands. Another problem is that the aqueous solution of water-soluble natural rubber takes time to dry. Dogs cannot walk on the floor immediately after application. Furthermore, because water-soluble natural rubber is solubilized with ammonia, it has an ammonia smell that dogs like, and it also has a sweet taste. There is also the problem of pets licking it.

[0010] The anti-slip pen described in Patent Document 2 also has other problems. Because the pen tip is thin, it takes a long time to evenly apply the anti-slip agent to the paw pads. While applying the agent to the paw pads, it is necessary to hold the pet's paw, which is cumbersome for the worker if it takes a long time to apply and causes a lot of stress to the pet.

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the problems described above. Specifically, it aims to provide an anti-slip coating agent that can prevent pets from slipping on slippery floor surfaces inexpensively and easily, dries quickly, provides long-lasting anti-slip effects, does not impair the aesthetics of the floor surface, and is not licked by pets, or even harmless if licked. Furthermore, another objective is to provide an anti-slip coating agent application device that can efficiently and quickly apply such an anti-slip coating agent to the paw pads of pets without causing them stress.

[0012] The invention described in claim 1 is configured as an anti-slip coating agent for application to the paw pads of pet animals, comprising an aqueous solution containing 0.5% by weight or more of at least one of pectin and karaya gum. The invention described in claim 2 is configured as an anti-slip coating agent comprising a humectant, wherein the humectant comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. The invention described in claim 3 is configured as an anti-slip coating agent comprising a coating member for applying the anti-slip coating agent to the paw pads of pet animals, wherein the anti-slip coating agent comprises an aqueous solution containing 0.5% by weight or more of at least one of pectin and karaya gum, and is configured as an anti-slip coating agent application device. The invention described in claim 5 is configured as an anti-slip coating agent application device comprising a stamp pad in which the coating member is a pad of a predetermined area, and a lid for opening and closing the pad. The invention described in claim 6 comprises a container for supplying an anti-slip coating agent to a coating member, and the coating member is configured such that the portion to be applied to the paw pad is formed in a planar shape.

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 1, the anti-slip coating agent consists of an aqueous solution containing 0.5% by weight or more of at least one of pectin and karaya gum, and therefore has appropriate stickiness. As a result, it adheres appropriately to the paw pads of pet animals, is difficult to peel off, and has sufficient friction. Therefore, an anti-slip effect is obtained even when pet animals walk on slippery floor surfaces. This anti-slip coating agent forms a water-soluble film on the paw pads. Because the film is water-soluble, the appropriate stickiness is maintained by sweating from the eccrine sweat glands and the humidity of the room, and the anti-slip effect lasts for a long time. Furthermore, the aqueous solution containing pectin and karaya gum is transparent, so even if it peels off and residue falls on the floor, it is not noticeable. In other words, it does not spoil the aesthetics. Both pectin and karaya gum are inexpensive and easy to use, and they have no ammonia odor and a bitter taste, so pet animals will not lick them. Also, both pectin and karaya gum are naturally derived and are harmless even if licked, so they can be used with peace of mind. Furthermore, because the concentration is 0.5% by weight or higher, it also has the effect of drying quickly when applied to the paw pads of dogs and cats with a higher body temperature (approximately 38-39°C). The invention described in claim 2 contains a moisturizer which is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, thus protecting the paw pads of pets from rough skin. This becomes more noticeable as pets get older, but rough paw pads become more severe after going outside and walking on asphalt, etc., or during dry seasons. The paw pads can be protected by applying an anti-slip coating containing a moisturizer. The invention described in claim 3 contains a preservative which is included in the anti-slip coating, so it can be used for a long period of time without deterioration. The invention described in claim 4 comprises an application member for applying an anti-slip coating agent to the paw pads of a pet animal, wherein the anti-slip coating agent is an aqueous solution containing 0.5 to 10.0% by weight of at least one of pectin and karaya gum, and the application device is configured to easily apply the anti-slip coating agent to the paw pads. The invention described in claim 5 comprises an application member consisting of a stamp pad with a predetermined area, and is equipped with a lid for opening and closing the pad. The anti-slip coating agent can be applied simply by placing the paw pad on the pad, making the work easy and quick.Furthermore, closing the lid prevents dirt from entering, and it can be carried when going out. The invention described in claim 6 includes a container for supplying an anti-slip coating agent to a coating member, the coating member having a surface-shaped portion for application to the paw pad. Because it is formed in a surface shape, application of the anti-slip coating agent to the paw pad is easy. The container is filled with a sufficient amount of anti-slip coating agent, allowing for long-term use.

[0014] This is a perspective view showing an anti-slip agent application device according to the first embodiment of this invention. This is a perspective view showing an anti-slip agent application device according to the second embodiment of this invention. This is a perspective view showing an anti-slip agent container according to this embodiment.

[0015] <Anti-slip coating agent> This embodiment will now be described. The anti-slip coating agent according to this embodiment is applied to the paw pads of pet animals such as dogs and cats kept indoors to prevent slipping on slippery floor surfaces. The anti-slip coating agent according to this embodiment is an aqueous solution made from pectin or karaya gum, or from pectin and karaya gum. Specifically, it is an aqueous solution containing at least 0.5% by weight or more, preferably 1.0% by weight or more, of pectin or karaya gum. The aqueous solution of pectin and karaya gum has a moderate stickiness, making it difficult to peel off the paw pads, and also has high frictional force, making it an excellent anti-slip coating agent. Furthermore, it is substantially transparent and does not stand out on the floor even if it peels off the paw pads.

[0016] By the way, both pectin and karaya gum are classified as thickening polysaccharides. The anti-slip coating agent according to this embodiment can be sufficiently made with either pectin or karaya gum or both as raw materials, but other thickening polysaccharides may also be added. However, only a small amount should be added compared to pectin and karaya gum. Examples of thickening polysaccharides that can be added include guar gum, xanthan gum, acacia gum, gum arabic, locust bean gum, tara gum, succinoglycan, tamarind gum, tragacanth gum, glucomannan, alginic acid and its salts, alginic acid esters, gellan gum, psyllium seed gum, starch, and soybean polysaccharides. Although water-soluble natural rubber is also a type of polymer with thickening properties, it is not added. If water-soluble natural rubber is added, it should be in a sufficiently small amount compared to pectin and karaya gum. This is because the anti-slip coating agent will turn white, and when it peels off from the paw pads, it will be noticeable on the floor and spoil the aesthetics.

[0017] The anti-slip coating agent according to this embodiment may be manufactured solely from thickening polysaccharides with pectin, karaya gum, or both as the main raw materials, but a humectant may also be added. Since paw pads tend to become rough during dry seasons, this can prevent roughness. Suitable raw materials for humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. One or more of these can be used. When a humectant is added, the amount should be 1.0 to 8.0% by weight, preferably 5.0% by weight or less. In addition to these raw materials, gelatin, soy lecithin, urea, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E, ceramide, amino acids, petrolatum, heparinoid, betaine, trehalose, Lipidure, olive oil, camellia oil, and squalane may also be added as humectants. These are naturally derived materials and can be used safely on pets.

[0018] The anti-slip coating agent according to this embodiment may contain a preservative. Oligogalacturonic acid can be used as the preservative. Adding a preservative prevents bacterial growth and ensures stable quality over a long period. Other preservatives that can be used include catechin and wasabi linol.

[0019] In this embodiment, other substances can also be added to the anti-slip coating. For example, antifungal agents or silver-based antibacterial agents. Adding these will suppress the growth of mold and bacteria, thus preventing ringworm and other skin diseases, even during humid periods such as the rainy season when the paw pads become damp.

[0020] <Anti-slip agent application device according to the first embodiment> Figure 1 shows an anti-slip agent application device 1A according to the first embodiment of this product. The anti-slip agent application device 1A consists of a container 2 of a predetermined capacity and a head 4 attached to the tip of the container 2. The container 2 is filled with the anti-slip agent according to this embodiment, and when the container 2 is tilted, the anti-slip agent is supplied to the head 4. The head 4 is made of a relatively soft porous material, and in this embodiment it is made of a fine-grained sponge. The head 4 is formed in a low cylindrical shape. Although not shown in Figure 1, the top surface of the cylinder is the application surface, and the anti-slip agent is applied to the paw pads 101, 101, ... of the pet animal 100. In other words, the head 4 is an application member that applies the anti-slip agent to the paw pads 101, 101, ... of the pet animal 100, and the application part is a surface. Therefore, it can be applied efficiently.

[0021] The anti-slip agent application device 1A according to the first embodiment of this implementation is equipped with a detachable cap 7. By attaching the cap 7 and closing the head 4, it is possible to prevent the anti-slip agent from evaporating from the head 4 and prevent dirt from adhering to the head 4. In addition, the anti-slip agent application device 1A can be carried when going out.

[0022] <Anti-slip agent application device according to the second embodiment> The anti-slip agent application device 1B according to the second embodiment of this embodiment consists of a so-called stamp pad 9, as shown in Figure 2. The base 11 of the stamp pad 9 is provided with a pad 12 and a lid 15 for opening and closing the pad 12. The surface of the pad 12 is made of cloth and has a soft porous material filling inside. The anti-slip agent according to this embodiment is impregnated into this filling. The lid 15 is attached to the base 11 by a hinge 17 and can be kept closed by a locking mechanism 18 formed in the base 11. When the anti-slip agent application device 1B is not in use, the lid 15 is closed to close the pad 12. This prevents the anti-slip agent from drying out and prevents dirt from adhering to the pad 12. The anti-slip agent application device 1B can also be carried when going out.

[0023] When using the anti-slip agent application device 1B according to the second embodiment of this invention, the lid 15 is opened to expose the pad 12, as shown in Figure 2. Next, the foot 102 of the pet animal 100 is placed on the pad 12. The anti-slip agent according to this embodiment is then applied to the paw pad (not shown). In other words, the pad 12 acts as the application member. Since the anti-slip agent can be applied simply by placing the foot 102 on it, the application work is easy.

[0024] <Other Anti-Slip Agent Application Devices> The anti-slip agent application device for applying the anti-slip agent according to this embodiment is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and various forms can be adopted. For example, in the first embodiment, the application member of the head 4 can be formed into a rotatable roller shape. The anti-slip agent can be applied by rolling the roller-shaped application member over the paw pads 101, 101, ... The roller-shaped application member also provides a massaging effect when rolled over the paw pads. The anti-slip agent application device can also be constructed from a spray. The anti-slip agent will be sprayed directly onto the paw pads using the spray.

[0025] <Anti-slip coating container according to this embodiment> There are no limitations on the container for the anti-slip coating according to this embodiment, but Figure 3 shows an anti-slip coating container 20 according to this embodiment that is convenient for dispensing a fixed amount of anti-slip coating. The anti-slip coating container 20 consists of a container section 21 in which the anti-slip coating is placed, and a dispenser 23 provided on the container section 21. The dispenser 23 is equipped with a dish-shaped supply section 24 that slides up and down. When a cotton wool piece 26 cut to a predetermined size is held by hand and pressed against the supply section 24, a predetermined amount of anti-slip coating is supplied to the cotton wool piece 26. The anti-slip coating can be applied by pressing the cotton wool piece 26 against the paw pad of a pet animal.

[0026] Experiments were conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the anti-slip coating agent according to this embodiment. [Experimental method] Various aqueous solutions were prepared under the following conditions. Aqueous solution A1-1: Aqueous solution of 0.3 wt% pectin Aqueous solution A1-2: Aqueous solution of 0.5 wt% pectin Aqueous solution A1-3: Aqueous solution of 1.0 wt% pectin Aqueous solution A1-4: Aqueous solution of 2.0 wt% pectin Aqueous solution A1-5: Aqueous solution of 10.0 wt% pectin Aqueous solution A2-1: Aqueous solution of 0.3 wt% karaya gum Aqueous solution A2-2: Aqueous solution of 0.5 wt% karaya gum Aqueous solution A2-3: Aqueous solution of 1.0 wt% karaya gum Aqueous solution A2-4: Aqueous solution of 4.0 wt% karaya gum Aqueous solution A3-1: Aqueous solution of 2.0 wt% pectin and 0.5 wt% karaya gum Aqueous solution X1-1: Aqueous solution of 1.0 wt% water-soluble natural rubber Aqueous solution X1-2: Aqueous solution of 2.0 wt% water-soluble natural rubber Each aqueous solution was applied to the paw pads of indoor dogs, and the dogs were allowed to walk on flooring to investigate the anti-slip effect and the duration of the effect.

[0027] [Experimental Results] Anti-slip effects were confirmed for all aqueous solutions prepared in the experiment. However, with aqueous solutions X1-1 and X1-2, the solution applied to the paw pads peeled off after about 10 minutes, scattering white residue on the floor. After that, the anti-slip effect disappeared. With aqueous solutions A1-1 and A2-1, the anti-slip effect disappeared after about 1 hour. On the other hand, with aqueous solutions A1-2, A1-3, A1-4, A1-5, A2-2, A2-3, A2-4, and A3-1, the anti-slip effect was maintained even after 2 hours. [Discussion] It was confirmed that anti-slip coatings that do not easily peel off the paw pads and have a long-lasting effect are pectin or karaya gum, or aqueous solutions made from pectin and karaya gum. Note that when the concentration of pectin or karaya gum was low, the duration of the anti-slip effect was slightly shorter. This may be because the adhesion to the paw pads was insufficient. The concentration of pectin or karaya gum needs to be 0.5% by weight or higher. Furthermore, when the concentrations of pectin and karaya gum were high, the aqueous solutions became highly viscous and difficult to handle. The concentration should be 10.0% by weight or less for pectin and 4.0% by weight or less for karaya gum. Regarding drying speed, aqueous solutions of pectin or karaya gum dried immediately after being applied to the paw pads. On the other hand, aqueous solutions of water-soluble natural rubber took time to dry.

[0028] Experiments were conducted to confirm that the anti-slip effect can be obtained even when a moisturizer and a preservative are added to the anti-slip coating agent according to this embodiment. [Experimental method] Various aqueous solutions were prepared under the following conditions. Aqueous solution B1-1: Aqueous solution of 2.0% by weight of pectin and 3.0% by weight of glycerin Aqueous solution B1-2: Aqueous solution of 2.0% by weight of pectin and 0.5% by weight of hyaluronic acid Aqueous solution B1-3: Aqueous solution of 2.0% by weight of pectin and 0.5% by weight of collagen Aqueous solution B1-4: Aqueous solution of 2.0% by weight of pectin and 1.0% by weight of oligogalacturonic acid Aqueous solution B1-5: Aqueous solution of 2.0% by weight of pectin, 2.0% by weight of glycerin, 0.5% by weight of hyaluronic acid, and 1.0% by weight of oligogalacturonic acid Aqueous solution B2-1: Aqueous solution of 2.0% by weight of karaya gum and 3.0% by weight of glycerin Aqueous solutions were prepared in weight percent of the following concentrations: Aqueous solution B2-2: Aqueous solution of 2.0 wt% karaya gum and 0.5 wt% hyaluronic acid; Aqueous solution B2-3: Aqueous solution of 2.0 wt% karaya gum and 0.5 wt% collagen; Aqueous solution B2-4: Aqueous solution of 2.0 wt% karaya gum and 1.0 wt% oligogalacturonic acid; Aqueous solution B2-5: Aqueous solution of 2.0 wt% karaya gum, 2.0 wt% glycerin, 0.5 wt% hyaluronic acid, and 1.0 wt% oligogalacturonic acid. Each aqueous solution was applied to the paw pads of indoor dogs, and the dogs were allowed to walk on flooring to examine the anti-slip effect and the duration of the effect. [Experimental results] It was confirmed that the anti-slip effect lasted for 2 hours for all aqueous solutions prepared in the experiment. [Discussion] It was confirmed that if pectin or karaya gum, or pectin and karaya gum, are present at the specified concentrations, the other ingredients do not affect the anti-slip effect if they are present in relatively small amounts.

[0029] Although the anti-slip coating agent according to this embodiment has been described as a coating agent intended for anti-slip purposes, it can also be used as a moisturizing cream with anti-slip properties by increasing the proportion of moisturizing agents added. For example, by hydrolyzing the high molecular weight compounds such as glycerin mentioned above to lower their molecular weight, it becomes possible to dissolve them at high concentrations, for example, up to about 30% by weight. In that case, it can be used as a moisturizing cream.

[0030] 1A, 1B Anti-slip agent application device 2 Container 4 Head 7 Cap 9 Stamp pad 11 Base 12 Pad 15 Lid 17 Hinge 18 Locking mechanism 20 Anti-slip agent container 21 Container part 23 Dispenser 24 Supply part 26 Cotton swab 100 Pet animal 101 Paw pad 102 Foot

Claims

1. An anti-slip coating agent for application to the paw pads of pet animals, comprising an aqueous solution containing 0.5% by weight or more of at least one of pectin and karaya gum.

2. The anti-slip coating agent according to claim 1, wherein the anti-slip coating agent comprises a humectant, and the humectant comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen.

3. The anti-slip coating agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-slip coating agent contains a preservative, and the preservative contains oligogalacturonic acid.

4. An applicator for applying an anti-slip coating agent to the paw pads of a pet animal, wherein the anti-slip coating agent is an aqueous solution containing at least 0.5% by weight of pectin and karaya gum.

5. The anti-slip agent application device according to claim 4, wherein the application device consists of a stamp pad in which the application member is a pad of a predetermined area, and is equipped with a lid for opening and closing the pad.

6. The anti-slip agent application device according to claim 4, wherein the device for applying the anti-slip agent comprises a container for supplying the anti-slip agent to the application member, and the application member has a surface-shaped portion for application to the paw pad.

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