Development of an underpad with an indicator for a pet

Abstract

The invention relates to a pet underpad developed for the determination of urine pH in pets. The invention in particular relates to a fast, painless and guiding underpad for pet developed to reveal possible health risks in pets through early diagnosis, to enhance their quality of life and to reduce negative effects on their health, which pet underpad will support both parents and veterinarians. The pet underpad of the invention is a breathable product made entirely of bio-based components, containing a print made with a biobased pH indicator.

Description

[0001] DEVELOPMENT OF AN UNDERPAD WITH AN INDICATOR FOR A PET

[0002] Subject of the Invention and Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a pet underpad developed for the determination of urine pH in pets. The invention in particular relates to a fast, painless and guiding underpad for pet developed to reveal possible health risks in pets through early diagnosis, to enhance their quality of life and to reduce negative effects on their health, which pet underpad will support both parents and veterinarians. The pet underpad of the invention is a breathable product made entirely of bio-based components, containing a print made with a biobased pH indicator.

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] Pet ownership is a phenomenon that has existed throughout human history. The first domesticated animals are thought to be dogs, and this domestication occurred approximately 15,000 years ago. People discovered the benefits of animals with the domestication of animals. Nowadays, pet ownership has become more popular, and animals are now considered as family members of many people.

[0006] Pet ownership comes with many responsibilities. It is necessary to pay attention to issues such as the health status, nutrition and cleanliness of pets. As pets live with humans, they share the same environment and therefore their health checks should be carried out regularly. Attention should also be paid to the hygiene of pets. Clean water and clean food bowls should be provided, and the hair, nails, ears and teeth of pets should be checked regularly.

[0007] Urine tests have an important place in pet health checks. Traditional urine tests are a common method used by many veterinarians to monitor the health of pets. These tests are performed by analyzing pets' urine samples. The urine test can detect substances in the urine of pets. These substances include proteins, glucose, ketones, nitrites, leukocytes and pH levels. Urinalysis is often studied as part of a minimum database of diagnostic tests along with a complete blood count and clinical biochemistry profile. Currently, urine collection is performed by free catch, catheterization and cystosynthesis methods. Under normal circumstances, urine is collected by urination or manual (compression) methods. A midstream sample is preferred. The disadvantage of a voided free-catch sample is potential contamination with cells and bacteria from the distal urethra, genital tract, and external skin. The catheterization method is performed by entering the bladder with a urinary catheter, but bacteria that can enter through the catheter can cause urinary tract infections and are more likely to add red cells and transitional cells to the sample due to the mild trauma experienced. The cystocentesis method requires trained personnel, and a sufficient amount of urine should be present in bladder. A blood contamination may be seen in the obtained urine samples during cystocentesis.

[0008] Traditional urine tests are used to measure pH levels. The pH level of urine determines whether the urine is acidic or basic. This measurement plays an important role in diagnosing urinary tract infections, urinary stones and other urinary system diseases. Normally, the pH level of pets' urine varies between 6 and 7,5. However, the pH level may sometimes change, and these changes may provide clues about the pet's health status.

[0009] Traditional urine tests are performed in laboratories to perform measurements and interpret the results. However, these tests performed in the laboratory are quite painful, stressful and achy. There have been certain patent studies in the state of the art on pads developed for urine determination in pets;

[0010] There exists a patent numbered WO2022025323A1 in the state of the art. This patent application includes a texture which dries the surface while absorbing a pet's urine, a texture which reacts with the pH values of the urine, a polymeric absorbent which absorbs urine, and a pad consisting of a pulp and a synthetic resin film. There is also a diagnostic marker on the pad that detects characteristics such as glucose, blood, protein or pH in urine. In order to detect glucose, the diagnostic marker reacts with the oxidized glucose and changes its color, thereby having a visible color. In order to detect blood, the diagnostic marker indirectly detects the iron component in red blood cells by reacting with hemoglobin. Diagnostic marker for protein detection enhances a color and increases visibility by binding albumin and cobalt. For pH detection, the diagnostic marker is designed as a disposable defecation pad containing an indicator. The diagnostic marker is a disposable defecation pad containing ink with a special formulation. It may also include a color plate to determine the pH of the pad. This refers to a piece of colored paper or cardboard used to determine the pH value of the pad. This patent application provides a method for analyzing and monitoring the urine and feces of pets, but does not use the MDO technique; the fabric is not breathable, there is no information that the ink and non-woven textile contained therein are bio-based, so it is envisaged that it may have negative effects on the environment if it is burned or becomes waste.

[0011] There exists a Korean patent no. KR20190058165A in the state of the art. This patent application describes an intestinal pad designed to absorb the liquid feces of a pet. The pad consists of a layer of nonwoven fabric with fine pores, a layer of paste, and a tertiary absorbent surface, which contains a superabsorbent resin and powder paste to form a secondary absorbent surface thereunder. There is also another layer of paste under the powder paste, which forms a quaternary absorbent surface, and a PE film, which is a waterproof layer. This pad is designed to absorb and treat the liquid feces of the pets. The patent application states that a layer of nonwoven fabric contains an indicator that can change color according to a pH change and an indicator reagent. This indicator is provided so that the time to change the pad may be confirmed by a change in pad color. However, the pad some drawbacks. This patent application provides a method for analyzing and monitoring the urine and feces of pets, but does not use the MDO technique; the fabric is not breathable, there is no information that the ink and non-woven textile contained therein are bio-based, so it is envisaged that it may have negative effects on the environment if it is burned or becomes waste.

[0012] There exists a Chinese utility model no. CN203801451 U in the state of the art. The utility model application discloses the structure and features of a multifunctional pet urinal pad. The urinal pad includes a surface layer, an adsorption layer and a casting layer. A urine absorbing area is disposed in the middle of the urinal pad, and the urine absorbing area comprises a surface layer, an adsorption layer and a casting layer. The combination of the surface layer of the lower layer and the upper layer is larger than the adsorption layer, and the urine absorbing area is provided with multiple urine and / or feces detecting elements. The detecting element may be urine glucose test strip, and / or pH test strip, and / or bacteria test strip. The detecting element is placed on the surface layer or adsorption layer by embedding, printing or bonding. This patent application provides a method for monitoring and analyzing the urine and feces of pets. However, in this method, the MDO technique is not used, and the breathability of the fabric is limited. Additionally, there is no information that the detecting element and nonwoven textile contained therein are biobased. Therefore, it has been observed that it may have negative effects on the environment if it becomes waste or is burned. Further research and caution in material selection is required to prevent potential environmental impacts.

[0013] There exists a Japanese patent no. JP2012223179A in the state of the art. This patent relates to a liquid absorbent material for pets. The material contains resin that can absorb water and water retention materials, while an indicator material used for fecal examination has also been added. The indicator material mentioned in the patent is fixed in an ink composition. This ink composition changes color depending on the amount of a fecal sample. However, in this method, the breathability of the fabric is limited as the MDO technique is not used. Additionally, there is no information that the indicator material and the other materials contained therein are bio-based. Therefore, it has been observed that it may have negative effects on the environment if it becomes waste or is burned.

[0014] Accordingly, for the sake of the comfort, convenience and safety of pets, it is important to perform urine analysis in their natural environment, without stressing them, or creating any risk of contamination.

[0015] In the state of the art, there are studies on making pet pads environmentally friendly. However, the development of bio-products proves to be a challenge, attributed to the restricted availability of raw materials and the constrictions imposed by technological and investment costs. Also, as the line speeds and capacities are currently high, it is laborious for the lines, and the production of the bioproducts is quite inconvenient. It is also known that there are cost disadvantages. During the process, some difficulties are observed in operations requiring stretching, shrinking, binding and strength.

[0016] When the existing products and methods in the state of the art are considered, the fact that there is no pad which acts as a pH analyzer for pet urine shows the need for, and necessity of, this invention, wherein the pad: - uses entirely bio-based, renewable resources,

[0017] - comprises a biobasedpH indicator,

[0018] - has been made breathable using the MDO technology, and

[0019] - has a nonwoven textile fabric produced from soybean protein fibers (SPF).

[0020] Technical Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0021] The present invention is an underpad used to monitor the health status of pets. The object of the invention is to design a pH indicator underpad produced entirely from biobased materials, unlike the urinal pads in the state of the art. The main reason why it is produced entirely from bio-based materials is to avoid and prevent any damage to the environment.

[0022] An advantage of the invention is that it is produced entirely from the bio-based materials. It comprises low density polyethylene (LDPE) and is obtained from the renewable sugar cane. LDPE is a compostable, nature-friendly resource which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In addition, a product with high processability is obtained. Thus, in the state of the art, the difficulties experienced in the process during the operations requiring stretching, shrinking, binding and strength are prevented.

[0023] Another advantage of the invention is that it is produced using the MDO (Machine Direction Orientation) technology. Using the MDO technology, the film is stretched in the direction of machine during the film production process to ensure the polymer chains to be oriented (more ordered and even). In this way, tensile strength is imparted to the film.

[0024] Also, during this stretching process, micropores are opened between the inelastic calcite pieces and the polymer, thereby making the film breathable. The mineral filler provides economical improvement in the film. The nature-derived mineral filler returns one day without harming the nature. Another advantage of the invention is that the non-woven textile fabric contained therein is produced from soybean protein fibers (SPF). In addition to being biodegradable, these fibers are the only renewable botanical protein fiber. SPF provides nourishment and protection from ultraviolet rays for a healthy skin by means of the 16 amino acids contained therein, when the pad of the invention is tied to the pet's body like a diaper. Another advantage of the invention is that it includes a pH indicator made from bio-based raw materials.. The bio-based pH indicator allows quick and accurate measurement of the pH in the pet's urine.

[0025] A further advantage of the invention is that it has a 5-layer structure containing soybean fiber and bicomponent fiber, which makes it have a light but strong structure. In this way, ease of use and sealing are ensured.

[0026] Description of the Figures

[0027] Fig.-1 is a picture showing the main layers of the pet underpad of the invention.

[0028] Fig. -2 is a picture showing the layers consisting the absorbent layer in the pet underpad of the invention.

[0029] Flow Process Step Name, Section and Part Reference Numerals to Help Explain the Invention

[0030] 1- Pet underpad with a pH indicator

[0031] 2- Printed nonwoven textile layer

[0032] 3- Absorbent layer

[0033] 3a- Paper layer

[0034] 3b- Core layer

[0035] 4- Film layer

[0036] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0037] The object of the pet underpad of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly product to practically perform the pH determination of pet urine, which is a difficult and laborious process in the state of the art. For this purpose, a unique embodiment has been developed in which the absorbent layer is positioned between the nonwoven upper surface and the lower layer of the film, with all raw materials being bio-based. The fundamental feature of the product is its biobased nature and its capability to serve as a pH indicator. The pet pad of the invention contains a print made with a biobased pH indicator ink, so that the color change may be monitored according to the pH level after the pets leave their urine on the pad. In a preferred embodiment, the pet underpad (1) with an indicator of the invention is in the form of an underpad.

[0038] The layers of the pet underpad (1) with an indicator of the invention are shown in Fig.- 1 . Accordingly, the pet underpad with an indicator (1) of the invention most generally comprises a printed nonwoven textile layer (2) on which the pet leave its urine, an absorbent layer (3) which traps the urine left by the pet in a lower part of said printed non-woven textile layer (2), and a film layer (4) below said absorbent layer (3), which is a surface of the product which contacts the ground when it is laid.

[0039] Said printed non-woven textile layer (2) in the pet underpad with an indicator (1) of the invention constitutes the upper surface of the pet pad with an indicator (1) of the invention. Said printed non-woven textile layer (2) contains a soybean fiber and a green polyethylene / polypropylene bicomponent fiber. Soybean fiber was selected as it is biodegradable and is the only renewable botanical protein fiber that can be touched. Soybean protein fiber has good affinity with skin. In addition, soybean fiber contains many types of amino acids, which make it have a good health-protecting effect. Said printed non-woven textile layer (2) contains a bio-based pH indicatorapplied on the surface by a printing technique. In one embodiment of the invention, the printing technique may be rotogravure printing. In a different embodiment of the invention, the printing technique may be flexo. Said biobased pH indicator instantly changes color depending on the pH value of the pets' urine. Thus, the health status of pets may be checked by checking the color of the underpad. Said biobased pH indicator essentially contains cellulose, maleic acid, polyvinyl butyral, ethyl acetate and ethanol.

[0040] The pet underpad with an indicator (1) of the present invention has an absorbent layer (3) under said non-woven textile layer (2), and said absorbent layer (3) is a core layer (3b) positioned between two paper layers (3a) as shown in Fig. -2. Said core layer (3b) contains super absorbent particles and cellulosic fibers. It forms a sandwich structure with the paper layer (3a) above and below the core layer (3b) which contains super absorbent particles and cellulosic fibers. Said paper layers (3a) are necessary to keep the core layer (3b) stable. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the core layer (3b) to maintain its position as the film layer (4) creates a slippery surface. However, said paper layers (3a) play a role in the regular distribution of urine.

[0041] There is a film layer (4) under said absorbent layer (3) in the pet underpad with an indicator (1) of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the invention said film layer (4) is a breathable green polyethylene film. More specifically, said film layer (4) may be a film produced from low density polyethylene obtained from renewable resources. The reason why it is called green is that polyethylene, the raw material of the film, is obtained from sugar cane, a renewable resource, instead of fossil resources. The green polyethylene film meets the properties of films produced from fossil sources. In addition, green polyethylene is compostable, making it environmentally friendly. For example, one tonne of green polyethylene may absorb up to 3,9 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Thus, it helps in reducing the harmful greenhouse gas effect.

[0042] Under the normal conditions, the urine of cats and dogs is slightly acidic (typically pH 6 ~7.5). However, it may vary depending on the diet, medications, water intake and various disorders. Systemic acid-base abnormalities change the pH of the urine. This is because the kidneys compensate for the effects of pH changes in the body. An increase in the pH of the urine (alkaline urine) may be caused by urinary tract infections with ureaseproducing bacteria (bacteria that convert urea to ammonia). In healthy pets, the pH value of the urine depends mostly on the diet and the pets’ fasting state. The details of the color change scale for the pet underpad with an indicator (1) of the invention are provided in the form of a table below. In the visible light color spectrum from red to blue, the color of the print is yellow, light yellow and yellow-brown under the normal conditions. Accordingly, if the pH value of the urine left on the pet underpad with an indicator (1) of the invention is below 6, the biobased pH indicator turns from yellow to orange and then to red and becomes red; if it is above 6, it turns from yellow to green and then to blue and becomes blue. A pH value of the urine below 6 is called acidification and is considered as an environment prone to decrease in kidney function. A pH value above 6 is called alkalization, meaning an environment prone to stone formation and bacterial growth.

[0043] Industrial Applicability of the Invention

[0044] The results of the pet underpad of the invention are for observation and guidance and guide pet parents. The pet underpad of the invention may be demanded by pet parents, but it can also be used in centers providing animal health services. It can be sold in places where pet supplies are sold, or in stores or pharmacies where medical products are sold. In a preferred embodiment, the pet underpad with an indicator of the invention is in the form of an underpad. However, the panty diapers may be used, if desired. The product of the invention has been developed especially for cats and dogs. If the color change of the print on the pet pad of the invention continues for more than 3 days, it is recommended to visit a veterinarian and have a definitive examination.

Claims

CLAIMS1- An improvement in pet underpads for the determination of urine pH, characterized in that it is a breathable pet underpad with an indicator (1), which is made entirely of bio-based components, wherein the pet pad comprises a printed non-woven textile layer (2) on which a pet leaves its urine, an absorbent layer (3) which traps the urine left by the pet in a lower part of said printed non-woven textile layer (2), and a film layer (4) below said absorbent layer (3), which is a surface of the product which contacts the ground when it is laid.2- An improvement according to claim-1, characterized in that said printed non-woven textile layer (2) contains a soybean fiber and a green polyethylene / polypropylene bicomponent fiber.3- An improvement according to claim-1 or 2, characterized in that said printed nonwoven textile layer (2) contains a bio-based pH indicatorwhich is applied on the surface with the printing technique and instantly changes color depending on the pH value of pet urine.4- An improvement according to claim 3, characterized in that said printing technique is rotogravure printing or flexo.5- An improvement according to claim 3, characterized in that said bio-based pH indicator contains cellulose, maleic acid, polyvinyl butyral, ethyl acetate and ethanol.6- An improvement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said absorbent layer (3) contains a core layer (3b) containing super absorbent particles and cellulosic fibers located between two paper layers (3a).7- An improvement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said film layer (3) is a breathable green polyethylene film.8- An improvement according to claim-7, characterized in that said film layer (4) is a film produced from low density polyethylene obtained from renewable resources.

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