Lifted pet waste collection training pad

Abstract

A pet waste collection training pad having one or more areas that are elevated from a surface on which the pad is to be disposed. More particularly, the present disclosure discloses a pet waste collection training pad that is disposable on a selected surface, the pad comprising at least one upper layer and at least one lower layer; the at least one upper layer comprising an absorbent; and the at least one lower layer comprising at least one pleat having a base, wherein the at least one pleat elevates an area of the pad relative to the base of the pleat when the pad is positioned on the selected surface.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 201,652, filed May 7, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to pet waste collection training pads. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to pet waste collection training pads having one or more areas that are elevated from the surface on which the pad will be disposed. BACKGROUND

[0004] Pet owners often train their pets to go indoors so that the pets do not urinate and defecate in undesirable places in the owner’s home. For example, dog owners often train their dogs to go to the bathroom outside the owner’s home. However, in some instances, the dog or other pet can not be able to go outside when it needs to relieve itself. To address this situation, pet owners can train their pets to urinate or defecate in a fixed location in the home. For example, pet owners can train dogs or other animals to urinate / defecate on an absorbent pet waste collection training pad that is placed in a desired location in the home. Such pads are configured to protect the underlying surface from urine and feces, and are generally configured so that once they are soiled, the owner can easily clean and dispose of them.

[0005] While pet waste collection training pads are widely used and can be effective, such pads are generally configured to be placed substantially flat on an underlying surface, such as a floor. When an animal uses such a pad, the animal waste, particularly urine, is then absorbed by the pad and can then wick into selected layers of the pad in order to contain such waste and then be properly disposed of by the owner. However, when the pad is placed flat in alignment with a given surface, and particularly when such a pad is saturated, condensation can be observed forming between the bottom of the pad and the floor, resulting in moisture buildup. Thus, there remains a need for a pet training pad that will avoid condensation when placed on a floor, and the floor will remain relatively dry. SUMMARY

[0006] A pet waste collection training pad that can be disposed on a selected surface, comprising at least one upper layer and at least one lower layer; the at least one upper layer comprising an absorbent; and the at least one lower layer comprising at least one pleat having a base, wherein the at least one pleat elevates an area of the pad relative to the base of the pleat when the pad is positioned on the selected surface.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the at least one lower layer comprises a bottom layer of the pad.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the bottom layer includes a channel extending adjacent to a longitudinal length of the at least one pleat, wherein the channel provides an air gap between the bottom layer of the mat and the selected surface when the mat is positioned on the selected surface.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the bottom layer is a film layer.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the at least one pleat lifts a region of the mat a vertical height in a range of 0.05 millimeters to 2 millimeters relative to a base of the pleat.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the at least one pleat lifts a region of the mat a vertical height greater than or equal to 1 millimeter relative to a base of the pleat.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the at least one pleat includes at least one fold of the lower layer, wherein the fold includes a fold bend connecting an upper fold segment overlying a lower fold segment.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the at least one pleat having the base further includes a plurality of pleats, each pleat of the plurality of pleats having the base, respectively; a region of the mat is between the pleats; and wherein each pleat of the plurality of pleats lifts the region of the mat between the pleats relative to a base of the pleat.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, each pleat of the plurality of pleats lifts the region of the mat between the pleats a vertical height in a range of 0.05 millimeters to 2 millimeters relative to a base of the pleat.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, each pleat of the plurality of pleats lifts the region of the mat between the pleats a vertical height greater than or equal to 1 millimeter relative to a base of the pleat.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, each pleat of the plurality of pleats includes at least one fold of the lower layer, wherein the fold includes a fold bend connecting an upper fold segment overlying a lower fold segment.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, each pleat of the plurality of pleats includes at least first and second folds of the lower layer, wherein the second fold overlies the first fold.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, each of the first and second folds includes a fold bend connecting an upper fold segment overlying a lower fold segment, respectively.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the upper folded section of the first fold and the lower folded section of the second fold are shared by the first and second folds.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the at least one pleat having the base further comprises a plurality of pleats each having the base; a bridge is disposed between at least two pleats of the plurality of pleats, and wherein at least a portion of the bridge is elevated relative to the base of the at least two pleats.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the bridge is elevated relative to the base of the at least two pleats by a vertical height in a range of 0.05 millimeters to 2 millimeters.

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the bridge is elevated relative to the base of the at least two pleats by a vertical height greater than or equal to 1 millimeter.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the bridge is disposed between at least one folded section of a first pleat of the two pleats and at least one folded section of a second pleat of the two pleats.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the first pleat and the second pleat each comprise a lower folded section and an upper folded section; and wherein the bridge connects the upper folded section of the first pleat to the lower folded section of the second pleat.

[0025] A pet waste collection training pad arrangeable on a selected surface, comprising: an upper layer comprising an absorbent; and a bottom layer comprising a channel extending adjacent to a longitudinal length of at least one pleat in the bottom layer, wherein the channel provides an air gap between the bottom layer of the pad and the selected surface when the pad is disposed on the selected surface; wherein the channel has a vertical height relative to a base of the pleat in a range of 0.05 millimeters to 2 millimeters; wherein the channel has a width W1 in a range of 5 millimeters to 30 millimeters and a length in a range of 250 millimeters to 1200 millimeters. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the detailed description in which like numerals and characters designate like parts throughout the several figures, and wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 One example of a pet training pad consistent with the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 One example of a layering of a pet training pad consistent with the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line A-A of the bottom portion of the pad is shown. Figure 1

[0030] Figure 4 A perspective view of the bottom portion of the pad is provided, wherein the upper layer has been removed so that the spacing of the channels can be observed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] As noted in the Background, pet waste collection training pads are currently in widespread use. While such pads can be effective, they are typically configured to lie flat on an underlying surface, such as a floor. When an animal uses the pad, it can position itself so that urine and feces are deposited on the pad. When the bottom of the pad is in direct contact with the floor, condensation can form between the pad bottom and the floor, resulting in moisture buildup.

[0032] Note Figure 1 which shows one example of a pet waste collection training pad consistent with the present disclosure. The pad 100 can initially be disposed or laid out in a substantially flat condition as shown in Figure 1 Figure 1 is a top (plan) view of the pad. The pad 100 preferably includes an absorbent layer region 101 and a border region 103. The absorbent layer region 101 is generally configured to absorb or otherwise retain animal waste, such as urine or feces. The nature and construction of the absorbent layer region 101 is not limited and the absorbent layer region 101 can be constructed in any suitable manner. In embodiments, the absorbent layer region 101 preferably includes at least one layer of material configured to absorb liquid, such as urine. In embodiments, the absorbent layer region 101 preferably includes a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) layer, alone or in combination with one or more layers of material. For example, in embodiments, the absorbent layer region 101 can include an attractant layer designed to attract an animal by odor or other excitant, a superabsorbent polymer layer, and an odor control layer for masking / covering odor. Such preferred additional layers can be disposed in any suitable order on a fluid-impermeable backing layer.

[0033] For example and as shown in Figure 2 , the absorbent layer region 101 can include a top (sheet) layer 151 designed to be porous to liquid waste. This can be followed by an attractant layer 152 designed to attract an animal by odor or another excitant, and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) layer 153. It should also be appreciated that, optionally, there can be additional layers, such as an odor control layer or a scent layer, that will mask or cover odor that occurs after use.

[0034] ​​The superabsorbent polymer 153 can preferably have a retention absorbency, for example, in the range of 30 g / g to 45 g / g, an absorbent capacity (as measured in 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution) in the range of 55 g / g to 65 g / g, an absorbency rate (e.g., the amount of time to absorb 50, 100, or 150 milliliters of liquid (e.g., 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution)) in the range of 15 seconds to 40 seconds, a moisture content in the range of 4% to 9%, a residual acrylic acid monomer measurement in the range of 15 parts per million (ppm) to 25 ppm, and a bulk density in the range of 0.6 g / ml to 0.85 g / ml. By way of further example, the superabsorbent polymer layer 153 can include superabsorbent polymers having a retention absorbency of 41 g / g, an absorbent capacity (as measured in 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution) of 60 g / g, an absorbency rate of 29 seconds, a moisture content of 7.4%, a residual acrylic acid monomer measurement of 22 ppm, and a bulk density of 0.74 g / ml. By way of further example, the superabsorbent polymer layer 153 can include superabsorbent polymers having a retention absorbency of 40 g / g, an absorbent capacity (as measured in 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution) of 60 g / g, an absorbency rate of 30 seconds, a moisture content of 7.2%, a residual acrylic acid monomer measurement of 18 ppm, and a bulk density of 0.74 g / ml. The particle size of the superabsorbent polymers forming the superabsorbent polymer layer 153 can be measured as less than 850 micrometers (pm). For example, between 80% and 90% of the particles can have a particle size measured in the range of 180 pm to 500 pm.

[0035] As further shown, the absorbent layer region 101 can also include a pulp layer 154. The pulp layer 154 can be formed from pulp fibers and / or pulp powder distributed within the layer as shown. This can be followed by a tissue layer 155, which preferably consists of tissue paper. This can be followed by a bottom (continuous, non-perforated barrier film) layer 156. The film layer 156 can be a polyolefin type film layer, such as a polyethylene film layer. In any case, the film layer 156 is preferably formed from or includes an impermeable film that prevents the flow of waste fluids from contacting the floor or other surface 10 upon which the absorbent pad can be placed. Thus, it will be appreciated that the pad 100 has an upper (fluid permeable / absorbent) side 140 that will face the animal during use, and a lower (fluid impermeable / barrier) side 150 that will face the underlying surface during use.

[0036] The border region 103 is generally configured to indicate an end of the absorbent region 101. Without limitation, in embodiments, the border region 103 is preferably in the form of or includes a polyolefin film, such as but not limited to a polyethylene film. Without limitation, in embodiments, the border region 103 is a portion of a film layer used in the absorbent region 101, such as but not limited to a portion of the film layer 156 that extends past the border of the absorbent region 101. The material of the border region 103 is flexible or soft such that it can be repositioned from a flat state to an upright state.

[0037] The pad 100 is depicted as preferably having an overall quadrilateral shape and including a quadrilateral absorbent region 101 surrounded by a border region 103. The pads described herein are not limited to this configuration and can have any suitable shape. For example, the pad 100 can have an overall shape having any suitable number of sides, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more sides. Likewise, the absorbent region 101 can have any suitable number of sides, and in embodiments, the number of sides of the absorbent region 101 is the same as or different from the number of sides of the pad 100. Preferably, the absorbent region 101 has the same number of sides as the pad 100, where the sides of the pad 100 are defined by the outer edges of the border region 103.

[0038] The pad 100 is also shown as having an absorbent region 101 that includes four corners 125 (i.e., a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner). This configuration is not required, and the absorbent region 101 can be configured differently. Indeed, the absorbent region 101 can have any suitable geometry, having 0 or more than 0 corners.

[0039] Each border region 103 can be adjacent to each side of the absorbent region 101 and include at least one inner edge and an outer edge. For example, the border region 103 includes a top outer edge 105, a top inner edge 107, a bottom outer edge 111, a bottom inner edge 113, a right side outer edge 117, a right side inner edge 119, a left side outer edge 121, and a left side inner edge 123. The top and bottom inner edges 107, 113 extend laterally along the corresponding top and bottom sides of the absorbent region 101, respectively, and the right and left side inner edges 119, 123 extend vertically along the corresponding right and left sides of the absorbent region 101, respectively. In this embodiment, the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the absorbent region 101 extend between the respective two corners 125 of the absorbent region 101.

[0040] As used herein, the term "inner edge" is used to describe the boundary between the absorbent area 101 and the border area 103. In embodiments, each inner edge of the border area 103 is defined by an edge of the material forming the border area 103. In other embodiments, the border area is defined by a portion of a fluid-impermeable backing layer that extends past the edge of the absorbent area 101. In such cases, the inner edge of the border area 103 is not defined by an end edge of the material forming the border area 103, but rather is the interface of the material of the border area 103 adjacent the edge of the absorbent area 101.

[0041] For purposes of illustration and ease of understanding, the top outer edge 105, the bottom outer edge 111, the right outer edge 117, and the left outer edge 121 have been shown as extending linearly substantially parallel to the corresponding top inner edge 107, bottom inner edge 113, right inner edge 119, and left inner edge 123, respectively. This configuration is not required, and the outer edges 105, 111, 117, and 121 can have any suitable shape. In embodiments, the outer edges 105, 111, 117, and 121 are preferably offset from the inner edges 107, 113, 119, and 123, respectively, and have a linear, curved, stepped, or other shape.

[0042] The top outer edge 105 can be offset from the top inner edge 107 by a first distance Dl, the bottom outer edge 111 can be offset from the bottom inner edge 113 by a second distance D2, the right outer edge 117 can be offset from the right inner edge 119 by a third distance D3, and the left outer edge 121 can be offset from the left inner edge 123 by a fourth distance D4. Dl-D4 can be defined as the linear distance between two opposing points on the corresponding inner and outer edges, and can range from greater than 0 to about 3 inches, such as from greater than 0 to about 2.5 inches, or even from about 0.2 to about 2.3 inches. In embodiments, Dl, D2, D3, and D4 are each preferably in the range of about 0.2 to about 2.2 inches. In any case, Dl-D4 can be the same or different from one another. Without limitation, Dl, D2, D3, and D4 are the same or at least substantially the same.

[0043] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line A-A of the bottom portion or layer of the pad of Figure 1 of the pad of Figure 2). The upper layers (e.g., pulp layer 154, SAP layer 153, attractant layer 152, and top sheet layer 151) are not shown. The upper layers can or can not include the pleat 330. The pleat 330 can preferably include one or more folded portions 332 (on top of each other) in the bottom portion of the mat 100. As shown, the pleat 330 includes two folded portions 332, with one folded portion 332b covering the other folded portion 332a, but it is understood that there can also be 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or even 10 folded portions. Thus, the pleat 330 here can have 1-10 folded portions 332. Further, it is understood that such folded portions 332 will thus serve to lift the upper layers (e.g., pulp layer 154, SAP layer 153, attractant layer 152, and top sheet layer 151) of the mat from the floor surface. Preferably, the folded portions 332 will thus lift the upper layers of the mat from the floor in a vertical height VI in the range of 0.05 millimeters to 2.00 millimeters, which can also be in the range of 0.10 millimeters to 2.0 millimeters, 0.50 millimeters to 2.0 millimeters, 0.75 millimeters to 2.0 millimeters, 1.0 millimeters to 2.0 millimeters, 0.05 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, and 0.75 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters. The vertical height VI can also be greater than or equal to 0.05 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters, 0.75 millimeters, 1.0 millimeters, 1.25 millimeters, 1.5 millimeters, and 1.75 millimeters. The pleat 330 itself has a preferred width Wl in the range of 5.0 millimeters to 30.0 millimeters, which can also be in the range of 5.0 millimeters to 25.0 millimeters, 5.0 millimeters to 20.0 millimeters, 5.0 millimeters to 15.0 millimeters, 5.0 millimeters to 10.0 millimeters, 10.0 millimeters to 30.0 millimeters, 10.0 millimeters to 25.0 millimeters, 10.0 millimeters to 20.0 millimeters, 10.0 millimeters to 15.0 millimeters, 15.0 millimeters to 30.0 millimeters, 15.0 millimeters to 25.0 millimeters, 15.0 millimeters to 20.0 millimeters, 20.0 millimeters to 30.0 millimeters, 20.0 millimeters to 25.0 millimeters, and 25.0 millimeters to 30.0 millimeters. The width Wl can also be greater than 5.0 millimeters, 10.0 millimeters, 15.0 millimeters, 20.0 millimeters, 25.0 millimeters, and 30.0 millimeters.

[0044] As shown, each folded portion 332 includes a 180 degree folded bend 340, which can also be referred to as a fold line, disposed between and connecting adjacent upper and lower folded segments 344 arranged in layered (stacked / overlapping) relationship that are substantially parallel (e.g., within 10 degrees of parallel). As shown, the folded portion 332b shares a folded segment 344 with the folded portion 332a.

[0045] Furthermore, the folded pleats 330 are preferably spaced apart from each other by bridging regions 350 having a width W2, at least a portion of which is raised relative to the base 346 of the pleats 330. As shown, the bridging regions 350 connect adjacent pleats 330, particularly between the upper / uppermost fold segment 344 of the upper / uppermost fold 332b and the lower / lowermost fold segment 344 of the lower / lowermost fold 332a. The width W2 can fall within the range of 1.0 mm to 650.0 mm, and thus can vary depending on the number of pleats 330 that may be present. For example, for a width of 1300 mm ( Figure 4 A given pet training mat 100 (W3) may have only two pleats 330, each extending approximately 325 mm from the edge, and thus each pleat spaced approximately 650 mm apart. Alternatively, the multiple pleats 330 may preferably be spaced apart from each other by a distance W2 greater than or equal to, or less than or equal to, 10.0 mm, 20.0 mm, 30.0 mm, 40.0 mm, 50.0 mm, 60.0 mm, 70.0 mm, 80.0 mm, 90.0 mm, 100.0 mm, 110.0 mm, 120.0 mm, 130.0 mm, 140.0 mm, or 150.0 mm. Thus, the distance W2 may be within, for example, any of the two aforementioned values ​​(e.g., 10.0 mm to 150.0 mm, 10.0 mm to 30.0 mm, 70.0 mm to 140.0 mm, etc.).

[0046] Furthermore, and even more preferably, the pleats 330 may be equally spaced from each other, wherein the equal spacing is expected to vary by + / - 1.0 mm. For example, if the pleats 330 are to be uniformly spaced from each other by 5.0 mm, it is conceivable that, in order to uniformly space the pleats 330, the pleats 330 may be entirely spaced between 5.0 mm and + / - 1.0 mm. Finally, it is preferred that the pleats 330 and the boundary region 103 of the pad ( Figure 1 The interval ranges from 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm.

[0047] Therefore, between the pleats 330, particularly below the bridging region 350, one or more open channels 334 are preferably formed, providing one or more air gaps between the bottom of the pad 100 and the floor. These air gaps have been observed to reduce or eliminate condensation that might otherwise form between the bottom of the pad 100 and the floor surface. Therefore, the open channels 334 also have the aforementioned width W2.

[0048] As shown, the bridging region 350 can have a first bridging segment 352 that extends substantially parallel to (e.g., within 10 degrees of parallel) the upper / most upper fold segment 344 of the upper / most upper fold 332b for at least a portion of the width W2 of the bridging region 350. More particularly, the first bridging segment 352 can be at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the width W2 of the bridging region 350. The first bridging segment 352 can also have a width W2 that is within a range of 10% to 90%, 10% to 80%, 10% to 70%, 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, 20% to 90%, 20% to 80%, 20% to 70%, 20% to 60%, 20% to 50%, or 20% to 40% of the width W2 of the bridging region 350.

[0049] As shown, the bridging region 350 can have a second bridging segment 354 that is at an obtuse angle relative to the first bridging segment 352. As shown, the second bridging segment 354 preferably transitions vertically as a planar segment from the upper / most upper fold segment 344 of the upper / most upper fold 332b to the lower / most lower fold segment 344 of the lower / most lower fold 332a.

[0050] Figure 4 A perspective view of the bottom of the mat is provided, with the upper layer having been removed so that the spacing of the channels 334 can be more clearly observed. As noted, the channels themselves can preferably have a width W2 within a range of 1.0 millimeter to 650 millimeters and a length LI extending across the mat within a range of 250 millimeters to 1200 millimeters, which can also be within a range of 300 millimeters to 1100 millimeters, 350 millimeters to 1000 millimeters, 400 millimeters to 900 millimeters, and 450 millimeters to 800 millimeters. It should also be appreciated that the mat 100 itself can preferably have a width W3 within a range of 350 millimeters to 1300 millimeters, which can also include 400 millimeters to 1200 millimeters, 450 millimeters to 1100 millimeters, 500 millimeters to 1000 millimeters, 550 millimeters to 900 millimeters, and 600 millimeters to 800 millimeters.

[0051] Accordingly, in a broad sense, the present disclosure is directed to a pet training mat 100 that can be elevated from a given floor surface. Such elevation is preferably achieved through the presence of a bottom portion that includes one or more pleated portions 330 that contain one or more folded portions 332 that then serve to elevate the mat 100 from the floor and define one or more channels 334 having an air gap that allows for air flow / venting. Such channels 334 thus reduce or eliminate condensation that might otherwise collect on the bottom of the mat 100 between the mat bottom and the floor surface.

[0052] While the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] List of Reference Signs

[0054] 10 selected surface

[0055] 100 pad

[0056] 101 absorbent layer region

[0057] 103 border region

[0058] 105 top outer edge

[0059] 107 top inner edge

[0060] 111 bottom outer edge

[0061] 113 bottom inner edge

[0062] 117 right outer edge

[0063] 119 right inner edge

[0064] 121 left outer edge

[0065] 123 left inner edge

[0066] 125 corner

[0067] 140 fluid permeable / absorbent side

[0068] 150 fluid impermeable / barrier side

[0069] 151 top layer

[0070] 152 attractant layer

[0071] 153 superabsorbent polymer layer

[0072] 154 pulp layer

[0073] 155 tissue layer

[0074] 156 bottom layer

[0075] 330 pleat

[0076] 332 fold

[0077] 332a fold

[0078] 332b fold

[0079] 334 channel

[0080] 340 folded bend

[0081] 344 folding segment

[0082] 346 base

[0083] 350 bridging region

[0084] 352 first bridging segment

[0085] D1 first distance

[0086] D2 second distance

[0087] D3 third distance

[0088] D4 fourth distance

[0089] L1 bridging / channel length

[0090] V1 vertical height

[0091] W1 pleat width

[0092] W2 bridging / channel width

[0093] W3 mat width

Claims

1. A pet waste collection training mat that can be placed on a selected surface, comprising: At least one upper layer and at least one lower layer; The at least one upper layer contains an absorbent; The at least one lower layer includes at least one pleated portion having a base, wherein when the pad is located on the selected surface, the at least one pleated portion lifts a region of the pad relative to the base of the pleated portion; The at least one lower layer includes the bottom layer of the pad; The bottom layer includes a channel that extends longitudinally adjacent to the at least one pleat, wherein the channel provides an air gap between the bottom layer of the pad and the selected surface when the pad is located on the selected surface; The at least one folded portion includes at least one folded portion of the lower layer; The folding portion includes a folding bend that connects to an upper folding portion that covers the lower folding portion; and When the pad is arranged on the selected surface, the upper folded section and the lower folded section are stacked vertically.

2. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the bottom layer is a film layer.

3. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pleat raises the area of ​​the pad by a vertical height ranging from 0.05 mm to 2 mm relative to the base of the pleat.

4. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pleat raises the area of ​​the pad by a vertical height greater than or equal to 1 mm relative to the base of the pleat.

5. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pleated portion having the base further comprises a plurality of pleated portions, each pleated portion having the base; The area of ​​the pad is between the folds; and Each of the plurality of pleats elevates the area of ​​the pad located between the pleats relative to the base of the pleat.

6. The pad according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of pleats raises the area of ​​the pad located between the pleats by a vertical height ranging from 0.05 mm to 2 mm relative to the base of the pleat.

7. The pad according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of pleats raises the area of ​​the pad located between the pleats relative to the base of the pleat by a vertical height greater than or equal to 1 mm.

8. The pad of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of pleats includes at least one fold of the lower layer, wherein the fold includes a folded bend connecting an upper fold that covers the lower fold.

9. The pad of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of pleats includes at least a first fold and a second fold of the lower layer, wherein the second fold covers the first fold.

10. The pad according to claim 9, wherein the first fold and the second fold each include a folded bend that connects to the upper fold that covers the lower fold.

11. The pad according to claim 10, wherein the upper fold section of the first fold and the lower fold section of the second fold are shared by the first fold and the second fold.

12. The pad according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pleated portion having the base further comprises a plurality of pleated portions, each pleated portion having the base; The bridging portion is disposed between at least two of the plurality of folds, and At least a portion of the bridging portion is raised relative to the base of the at least two folds.

13. The pad according to claim 12, wherein the bridging portion is raised vertically by 0.05 mm to 2 mm relative to the base of the at least two pleats.

14. The pad according to claim 12, wherein the bridging portion is raised by a vertical height greater than or equal to 1 mm relative to the base of the at least two pleats.

15. The pad according to claim 12, wherein the bridging portion is disposed between at least one fold of the first fold of the two folds and at least one fold of the second fold of the two folds.

16. The pad according to claim 15, wherein both the first pleat and the second pleat comprise a lower fold and an upper fold; and The bridging portion connects the upper fold of the first pleated portion to the lower fold of the second pleated portion.

17. A pet waste collection training mat that can be placed on a selected surface, comprising: Upper layer, the upper layer comprising an absorbent; and The bottom layer includes a channel that extends longitudinally adjacent to at least one fold in the bottom layer, wherein when the pad is disposed on the selected surface, the channel provides an air gap between the bottom layer of the pad and the selected surface; The channel has a vertical height relative to the base of the fold in the range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm; The channel has a width W1 ranging from 5 mm to 30 mm and a length ranging from 250 mm to 1200 mm.

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