Pet training mat system comprising absorbent mat and natural or synthetic wax sheet

Abstract

The invention discloses a pet training mat system and method. More specifically, a pet training pad system and method includes a wax sheet that can be shaped into a wax tray, and includes an absorbent pad to be disposed in the wax tray. The wax sheet may be shaped into a wax tray having one or more generally vertical walls. The invention further discloses a pet excrement absorbing pad.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 381,151, filed on October 27, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to pet training pad systems and methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pet training pad system and method that includes a natural or synthetic wax sheet that includes an absorbent pad sized to be placed on a surface of the sheet. The sheet can be configured to form one or more generally vertical walls. Background Art

[0004] Pet owners often housetrain their pets so that the pets do not urinate and / or defecate in undesirable locations in the owner's home. For example, dog owners train their dogs to urinate and / or defecate outside the owner's home. However, in some cases, when a dog or other pet needs to defecate, it may not be able to go out. To address this situation, pet owners can train their pets to urinate and / or defecate in a consistent location in their home. For example, pet owners can train dogs or other animals to urinate and / or defecate on absorbent pet training pads placed at desired locations in the home. Such pet training pads are configured to protect the underlying surface from urine and feces, and are often configured so that once they are soiled, the owner can easily clean and dispose of them.

[0005] While pet training pads are widely used and can be effective, such pads are generally configured to be placed generally flat on an underlying surface, such as a floor. When an animal uses a generally flat pad, the animal may position itself so that urine and feces are not directed into the center of the pad, but rather toward the periphery of the pad. As a result, animal excrement (particularly urine) may flow out of the pad before it is absorbed by the pad. If a relatively large amount of animal excrement (particularly urine) is absorbed or a considerable amount of time passes before the owner can clean the soiled pad, the animal excrement (particularly urine) absorbed by the pad may leak through the bottom layer. The resulting mess is inconvenient and annoying to clean up, and may cause damage to surfaces around or below the pad.

[0006] Many modern consumers are making environmentally conscious decisions about the products they purchase. Thus, there remains a need in the art for pet training pads that can better contain animal waste, particularly urine, within the size constraints of the pad and that can reduce the amount of unsustainable, non-biodegradable waste generated through the use of such pads. Summary of the invention

[0007] A pet training pad system includes an absorbent pad and a natural or synthetic wax sheet having a surface area that releasably engages the absorbent pad.

[0008] A pet training pad system includes an absorbent pad; a wax sheet; wherein the wax sheet can be formed into a wax tray; and wherein the absorbent pad can be placed in the wax tray.

[0009] A pet excrement absorbing pad comprises a top layer; a bottom layer; and at least one middle layer disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer; wherein the at least one middle layer is a wax layer; and wherein the wax layer can be formed into a wax tray, whereby the absorbing pad is correspondingly formed into an absorbing pad tray.

[0010] A method of providing a pet training pad system includes providing an absorbent pad and a wax sheet; wherein the wax sheet is formable into a wax tray; and wherein the absorbent pad is positionable in the wax tray.

[0011] A method for shaping a pet training absorbent pad comprises providing a pet waste absorbent pad, the absorbent pad comprising a top layer, a bottom layer, and at least one middle layer disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein the at least one middle layer is a wax layer, and wherein the wax layer can be shaped into a wax tray, whereby the absorbent pad is correspondingly shaped into an absorbent pad tray; and shaping the wax layer into the wax tray, whereby the absorbent pad is correspondingly shaped into an absorbent pad tray.

[0012] A pet training pad system includes an absorbent pad and a natural or synthetic wax sheet having an inner surface area for engaging the absorbent pad and an outer surface including a plurality of edge areas on the inner surface of the natural or synthetic wax sheet. The inner surface of the natural or synthetic wax sheet is configured to releasably engage the absorbent pad, and the plurality of edge areas on the natural or synthetic wax inner sheet are configured to adhere together to provide a generally vertical wall.

[0013] A method of providing a pet training pad system. First, a natural or synthetic wax sheet having a surface and an absorbent pad are provided. Then, the absorbent pad is pressed onto the surface of the natural or synthetic wax sheet and releasably bonded to the surface.

[0014] A method of providing a pet training pad system includes providing a natural or synthetic wax sheet having an inner surface region, an outer surface, at least two corner locations, and a plurality of edge regions on the inner surface of the beeswax sheet, and then applying pressure on the outer surface of the natural or synthetic wax sheet at the at least two corner locations, and adhering the inner surface of the natural or synthetic wax sheet together at the corner locations and forming a generally vertical wall between the at least two corner locations.

[0015] A method of providing a pet training pad system includes providing a wax sheet having at least two corner locations and at least one edge region; adhering surfaces of the wax sheet together at the at least two corner locations and forming generally vertical walls with the at least one edge region at the at least two corner locations; and placing a pet training pad on the wax sheet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent as the following detailed description proceeds and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts, and in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary wax (eg, beeswax) sheet of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 Picture shows Figure 1 The wax sheet is in its deployment tray state.

[0019] Figure 3A A close-up image shows Figure 1 The wax sheet is circled in the area indicated by reference numeral 3A.

[0020] Figure 3B A close-up image shows Figure 2 wax tray, showing the pressure a typical user would apply to Figure 1 The wax sheet is converted into Figure 2 The wax tray is positioned.

[0021] Figure 3C A close-up image shows Figure 2 The wax tray is circled by reference numeral 3C.

[0022] Figure 4 Picture shows Figure 2 A wax tray with an absorbent pad placed inside.

[0023] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shows Figure 1 Wax sheet.

[0024] Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shows Figure 4 wax tray and absorbent pad.

[0025] Figure 7 is an isometric view of another exemplary wax (e.g., beeswax) sheet of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 8 Another wax sheet is shown in cross-section.

[0027] Fig. 9 The wax is shown incorporated into the absorbent pad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As noted in the background, pet training pads are currently known. While such pads may be effective, they are typically configured to be located on an underlying surface such as a floor. When an animal uses the pad, the animal may position itself so that urine and feces are deposited relatively close to the periphery of the pad, rather than in the center of the pad. Furthermore, if the pad is oversaturated with a large amount of urine or feces, or if a saturated pad is not cleaned immediately, allowing time for leakage to occur, the urine and / or feces absorbed into the pad may leak through the bottom layer of the pad.

[0029] In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure is generally directed to a pet training pad system including an absorbent pad and a natural or synthetic wax sheet having a surface area for releasably engaging (e.g., releasably bonding, such as releasably bonding with an adhesive) the absorbent pad. In a method form, a natural or synthetic wax sheet having a surface and an absorbent pad are first provided. The absorbent pad is then pressed onto the surface of the natural or synthetic wax sheet and releasably bonded to the surface.

[0030] The synthetic or natural wax sheet may preferably be selected from natural or synthetic polymers or macromolecules. Thus, natural polymers or macromolecules include plant-based waxes, such as carnauba wax, soy wax, jojoba wax, candelilla wax or rice bran wax. In addition, natural animal waxes, such as beeswax, may also be preferably used. Synthetic waxes are preferably selected from hydrocarbon-based waxes, which therefore include polyethylene wax or paraffin wax. The wax composition / layer of the wax sheet preferably comprises at least 75% wax by weight, more preferably at least 85% wax by weight, even more preferably at least 95% wax by weight. The wax sheet may comprise, consist essentially of or consist of wax.

[0031] The synthetic or natural waxes herein are such that they provide hydrophobic properties, such as a surface that repels water. In addition, the waxes make them malleable or pliable (formable) at ambient temperature. That is, they can be pressed or folded into a desired shape by the user. Their melting points are typically in the range of 35°C to 100°C. The synthetic or natural wax sheets herein are also wax sheets that themselves provide releasable bonding to themselves and to the surface of the applied absorbent pad.

[0032] Optionally, additives such as one or more tackifiers can be included in the natural or synthetic wax sheet, which promote the formation of surface adhesive bonding. Such tackifiers can also be described as increasing the viscosity of the wax sheet surface. Therefore, preferably, such tackifiers include resins (e.g., rosin and its derivatives, terpenes and modified terpenes, aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic resins (C5 aliphatic resins, C9 aromatic resins and C5 / C9 aliphatic / aromatic resins), hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins and mixtures thereof, terpene-phenol resins (TPR, often used with ethylene-vinyl acetate adhesives)) and novolacs. The tackifiers herein may also include pressure-sensitive adhesive formulations including natural or synthetic rubbers. Tackifiers may preferably be present in the natural or synthetic wax sheet in the range of 1.0% (wt.) to 40.0% (wt.) of the wax sheet, including all individual values ​​and increments therein. For example, the tackifier may be present at a preferred level of 1.0% (wt.) to 25.0% (wt.), or 1.0% (wt.) to 15.0% (wt.), or even 5.0% (wt.) to 25.0% (wt.) of the wax flakes.

[0033] Optionally, the wax sheet may or may not include a reinforcement in the wax composition of the wax layer. Exemplary reinforcements may or may not include randomly dispersed particles (e.g., random fibers) in the wax composition. Reinforcements may or may not include fabrics, nets, screens, films, membranes, or other reinforcement layers, which may be, for example, woven, nonwoven, knitted, porous or nonporous. Therefore, the wax sheet may, for example, include randomly dispersed particles with or without additional reinforcement layers. Alternatively, for example, the wax sheet may include a reinforcement layer with or without additional reinforcement in the form of randomly dispersed particles. Alternatively, for example, the wax sheet may include a porous, nonwoven or woven layer without other listed reinforcement layers.

[0034] In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure is more preferably directed to a pet training pad system comprising a natural or synthetic wax sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface, including an edge location, wherein the edge location is subsequently deformed into a structure having one or more generally vertical walls, such as in a tray, wherein an absorbent pad may be placed within such tray. Reference to a tray may be understood as a container having raised edges (generally vertical walls) for holding an absorbent pad.

[0035] Thus, the natural or synthetic wax sheet preferably has one or more edge locations that may become one or more generally vertical walls (raised edges) around all or a portion of the inner surface of the beeswax sheet. The absorbent pad may then be placed and adhered to the inner surface of the central portion of the tray, which inner surface is generally defined by the shaped vertical walls. Thus, it can be appreciated that the natural or synthetic wax sheet at multiple locations on the inner surface (e.g., at selected locations along the edges) may preferably and conveniently be clamped together and adhered together to create generally vertical walls to define a boundary for the natural or synthetic wax sheet.

[0036] One particularly preferred natural or synthetic wax that can be used herein includes beeswax flakes, which refers to the wax produced by bees. The approximate chemical formula of beeswax is C 15 H 32 COOC 30 H 61 . It contains a relatively high proportion of fatty acid esters and alcohols and a relatively small proportion of hydrocarbons and acids. It has a relatively low melting range of 62°C to 64°C. The beeswax sheet preferably has a flexural strength between 0.7 MPa and 1.0 MPa and a yield strength between 0.5 MPa and 0.6 MPa. The surfaces of the beeswax are such that they will adhere to themselves, and as discussed herein, can be relied upon to form generally vertical upstanding walls in the beeswax sheet. In addition, as further disclosed herein, the natural adhesive properties of the preferred beeswax surface can be relied upon to releasably engage an absorbent pad placed on the beeswax surface. The bottom surface of the wax sheet can also provide an anti-slip surface, i.e., resist sliding, to stay where it is placed when placed on an underlying surface.

[0037] Figure 1 Depicted is a preferred embodiment of a natural or synthetic wax sheet 10A ("wax sheet"), which preferably has four sides, with a wax sheet length L ws , wax sheet width W ws and the thickness T of the wax sheet ws However, the wax sheet can be of any geometric shape (e.g., square, rectangular, circular, triangular, etc.) to accommodate absorbent pads having different geometric shapes. ws and width W ws In the range of 12.0 inches to 45 inches, including all individual values ​​and increments therein. The thickness T of the wax sheet 10A ws Preferably, it is in the range of 0.01 inches to 1.0 inches, including all individual values ​​and increments therein. For example, the wax sheet 10A may more preferably have a thickness in the range of 0.1 inches to 0.25 inches. The wax sheet 10A is preferably continuous (non-perforated).

[0038] exist Figure 1 , the wax sheet 10A is shown as having a surface 16 and a bottom surface 15, the surface 16 providing (see Figure 2 ) the inner surface of the formed tray, the bottom surface providing the outer surface of the formed tray. In addition, (peripheral) edge regions 17 are identified on the inner surface 16, which preferably extend inwardly from the peripheral edge of the sheet in the range of 0.2 inches to 3.0 inches, including all individual values ​​and increments therein. As disclosed herein, these edge regions 17 are ultimately relied upon and generally turned upward to form a generally vertical wall.

[0039] Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been transformed into a wax tray 10B, which preferably has a relatively flat (planar) central area 11, which is now surrounded by a generally vertical wall 12. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the wax tray 10B includes an inner surface 16, a bottom or outer surface 15, and a generally vertical wall 12 that generally defines a central region 11 of the wax tray. It can therefore be appreciated that Figure 1 The edge region 17 illustrated in FIG. 1 has now been substantially turned upwards, for example by bending and / or folding, to form the vertical wall 12 .

[0040] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The preferred method of forming the generally vertical wall 12 is illustrated, and how a user may deform the wax sheet 10A into a wax tray 10B. As can be seen, the user may apply pressure to the outer side surfaces 13A and 13B at each of the sheet corner locations 20A. Figure 3A A close-up view of one corner location 20A of the wax sheet 10A prior to forming the generally vertical wall 12 is depicted.

[0041] Figure 3B Two fingers 21 of a typical user are depicted folding, pinching and applying pressure inwardly upon the wax sheet 10 at a corner location 20A, thereby forming a generally vertical wall 12. It can be seen that the user preferably applies pressure to the outer side surfaces 13A and 13B, which causes the inner surfaces 16 of the wax sheets to contact and adhere to each other. A typical user may conveniently apply a pressure of 10 psi to 75 psi, including all individual values ​​and increments therein, on the outer side surfaces 13A and 13B, causing the corresponding inner surfaces 16 of the wax sheets to engage and contact. The pressure is also preferably and conveniently applied for a time period of 2.0 seconds to 15.0 seconds, including all individual values ​​and increments therein. Given the properties of the natural or synthetic wax, and as Figure 3C As shown in FIG. 1 , the inner surfaces 16 are adhered and bonded together at 16B, resulting in a generally vertical wall 12 (see again FIG. Figure 2 ). That is, Figure 3A ,3B The sequence shown in and 3C can be conveniently applied to the opposite corner location 20A of the wax sheet 10A to form a generally vertical wall 12. When the remaining corner locations 20A of the wax sheet 10A undergo a similar sequence, a tray having vertical wall sections along all four sides is formed. Figure 2 .

[0042] Therefore, it is observed that the bond 16B formed at the corner location 20B of the wax tray 10B is relatively and sufficiently strong to maintain the formation of the generally vertical position of the wall 12. Figure 2 In the event that the bond 16B weakens over time, the user can simply repeat the FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Thus, in view of the foregoing, it can be appreciated that the two-dimensional corner 20A of the two-dimensional (flat) wax sheet 10A is transformed into a three-dimensional corner 20B of the three-dimensional wax tray 10B.

[0043] Wax tray 10B (see Figure 2 ) The now remaining central region 11 can thus be appropriately sized to receive and now releasably adhere to and contain the inserted absorbent pad 30. See Figure 4 The substantially vertical wall 12 is preferably formed such that the vertical wall is continuous around the entire periphery of the tray 10B. Such a substantially vertical wall 12 may now preferably be used as a barrier to hinder animal excrement, in particular urine, from entering the surrounding environment from within the dimensional constraints of the wax tray 10B. The dimensional constraints of the wax tray 10B are to be understood as the space in the central area 11 enclosed by the substantially vertical wall 12.

[0044] Figure 4 Depicted Figure 2 10A, wherein the absorbent pad 30 is now placed (arranged) within the wax tray 10B on the wax sheet inner surface 16. As suggested above, the overall shape and size of the central region 11 of the wax tray 10B preferably provides an area in which the absorbent pad 30 can be releasably adhered to the wax surface and thus contained and secured to the inner surface 16 of the wax tray 10B. The absorbent pad 30 itself may have one or more sides, preferably the same number of sides as the wax sheet 10A. The side of the absorbent pad 30 preferably has a length L less than the length L of the wax sheet. ws and width W ws10B, so that the absorbent pad 30 is completely contained within the wax tray 10B. However, it is also conceivable that the absorbent pad 30 can have a length and width greater than the central region 11, so that a portion of the absorbent pad 30 can also be adhered to all or a portion of the inner surface 16 of the generally vertical wall 12. Therefore, the absorbent pad 30 can take on a variety of geometric shapes and preferably covers 50% to 100% or more of the inner surface of the wax tray 10B, including all individual values ​​and increments therein. The absorbent pad 30 itself may preferably have one or more layers, preferably one or more of an absorbent layer, an attracting layer, an odor masking layer, and / or a bottom impermeable layer.

[0045] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shows Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shows Figure 4 The shaped and generally vertical wall 12 of the wax sheet preferably has a height H in the range of 0.2 inches to 3.0 inches. ws , including all individual values ​​and increments therein. The generally vertical wall 12 preferably intersects the central region 11 of the wax tray 10B and forms a relative angle θ with the central region 11 in the range of 70° to 120°. ws As in Figure 6 It can be seen that the relative angle θ ws is the angle formed between the marked inner surface 16 of the central region 11 of the wax sheet and the inner surface 16 of the vertical wall 12. In other words, the generally vertical wall 12 may be at an angle of 90 degrees (i.e., completely perpendicular to the central region 11) plus or minus 20 degrees (90° + / - 20°) to the central region 11.

[0046] Figure 7 Another preferred embodiment of a wax sheet 10A is depicted wherein a visual marker 14 is provided on the wax sheet inner surface 16 as a vertex 18 (see Figure 6 ) is an indication of the intended position between the generally vertical wall 12 and the inner surface 16 of the beeswax tray 10B. The visual mark 14 is intended to assist the user in forming the generally vertical wall 12 during the transformation of the wax sheet 10A into the wax tray 10B. In this sense, the visual mark 14 identifies the location of the fold line for forming the generally vertical wall 12. In a preferred embodiment, the mark 14 can be any kind of indication visible to the user. More preferably, the mark 14 can be scored into the wax sheet 10A so that the thickness T of the wax sheet is ws A relatively small amount (eg, 0.1 inch) is reduced in the wax sheet. In another preferred embodiment, the markings 14 may simply be visible (colored) lines applied to the wax with ink.

[0047] Figure 8Another preferred embodiment of a wax sheet 10A is depicted, wherein the wax sheet, which may include one or more wax layers 28A, 28B, may also include a bottom layer 28C located below the one or more overlying wax layers 28A, 28B. The bottom layer 28C provides a barrier layer through which the wax composition cannot pass from the one or more wax layers 28A, 28B, thereby preventing the wax composition from contacting the floor (e.g., carpet, wood, tile) below the wax sheet 10A / wax tray 10B and potentially leaving a wax residue thereon.

[0048] In another embodiment, the absorbent pad 30 can include one or more wax layers consistent with the wax sheets of the previous embodiments. In other words, any teachings of the wax of the previous embodiments can be applied to the wax of the current embodiment.

[0049] As Fig. 9 As shown, the absorbent pad 30 may include a top (sheet) layer 32, which is designed to be permeable to liquid excrement. This may be followed by one or more intermediate layers, including an attraction layer 34, which is designed to attract animals through odor or another stimulus, and an absorption layer 36, which may be formed of pulp powder and / or superabsorbent polymer (SAP). It should also be appreciated that, optionally, there may be additional layers, such as an odor control layer or an odor masking layer, which will mask or conceal odors generated after use.

[0050] The superabsorbent polymer may preferably have, for example, a retained absorbency in the range of 30 g / g to 45 g / g, an absorbent capacity in the range of 55 g / g to 65 g / g (as measured in a 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution), an absorption rate in the range of 15 seconds to 40 seconds (e.g., the amount of time to absorb 50, 100, or 150 milliliters of a liquid such as a 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution), 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. As another example, the absorbent layer 36 may include a superabsorbent polymer having a retained absorbency of 41 g / g, an absorbent capacity of 60 g / g (as measured in a 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution), an absorption rate of 29 seconds, a moisture content of 7.4%, a residual acrylic acid monomer of 22 ppm, and a bulk density of 0.74 g / ml. As yet another example, the absorbent layer 36 may include a superabsorbent polymer having a retained absorbency of 40 g / g, an absorbent capacity of 60 g / g (as measured in 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution), an absorption rate of 30 seconds, a moisture content of 7.2%, a residual acrylic acid monomer of 18 ppm, and a bulk density of 0.74 g / ml. The particle size measurement of the superabsorbent polymer forming the absorbent layer 36 may be less than 850 microns (µm). For example, between 80% and 90% of the particles may have a particle size measured in the range of 180 μm to 500 μm.

[0051] The absorbent layer 36 may be followed by at least one wax layer 38. The wax layer 38 may be followed by a tissue layer 40, which preferably comprises a tissue. The tissue layer 40 may then be followed by a bottom (continuous non-perforated barrier film) layer 42. The film layer 42 may be a polyolefin-type film layer, such as a polyethylene film layer. In any case, the film layer 42 is preferably formed of or includes an impermeable film that prevents the excrement fluid stream from contacting the floor or other surface 10 on which the absorbent pad may be placed. Thus, it should be understood that the absorbent pad 30 has an upper (fluid permeable / absorbent) side 44 and a lower (fluid impermeable / barrier) side 46, the upper side facing the animal during use thereof and the lower side facing the underlying surface during use.

[0052] When the wax layer 38 is disposed between the other layers of the absorbent pad 30, it will be appreciated that unless the upper covering layers 32, 34, and 36 are removed from the absorbent pad 30 in the region of the generally vertical wall 12, the upper covering layers 32, 34, 36 may prevent the wax surfaces 16 from directly contacting each other in the corners 20B of the wax tray 10B to adhere and bond to each other. The upper covering layers 32, 34, 36 may be removed from the absorbent pad 30 in the region of the generally vertical wall 12 by either completely separating (e.g., cutting) from the absorbent pad or simply peeling away from the wax surfaces 16 in the region of the generally vertical wall 12.

[0053] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the generally vertical wall 12 can be folded, bent or otherwise turned upright, and the planar absorbent pad 30 is formed into a tray, and the vertical wax in the corner 20B does not have to adhere and bond to each other, especially because the wax is ductile / easily moldable, so that even if the wax in the corner 20B is not adhered and bonded to each other, the generally vertical wall 12 will remain upright. When the wax layer 38 is formed into a wax tray, the absorbent pad 30 is correspondingly formed into an absorbent pad in the form of a tray.

[0054] Alternatively, in certain embodiments, wax layer 38 may be used as the bottom layer of the absorbent pad, eliminating layers 40 and 42 , or with layer 42 being directly superimposed on the adjacent wax layer 38 .

[0055] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to the preferred embodiments above, it will be appreciated that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A pet training pad system, comprising: Absorbent pads; as well as A wax sheet having a surface region releasably engageable with the absorbent pad.

2. The pet training mat system according to claim 1, wherein: The wax flakes include plant-based wax, beeswax or hydrocarbon-based wax.

3. The pet training mat system according to claim 2, wherein: The plant-based wax includes carnauba wax, soy wax, jojoba wax, candelilla wax or rice bran wax.

4. The pet training mat system according to claim 1, wherein: The melting point of the wax flakes is in the range of 35°C to 100°C.

5. A pet training mat system, comprising: Absorbent pads; Wax sheets; Wherein, the wax sheet can be formed into a wax tray; and Wherein, the absorbent pad can be arranged in the wax tray.

6. The pet training mat system according to claim 5, wherein: The wax sheet includes at least one edge region that can be formed into a generally vertical wall of the wax tray.

7. The pet training mat system according to claim 5, wherein: The wax sheet comprises a plurality of edge regions, wherein each respective edge region is formable as a respective substantially vertical wall of the wax tray.

8. The pet training mat system according to claim 5, wherein: The wax sheet includes at least one edge region that can be formed into at least one corner of the wax tray.

9. The pet training mat system according to claim 8, wherein: The wax surfaces of the wax sheets can be bonded to each other to form the at least one corner of the wax tray.

10. The pet training mat system according to claim 5, wherein: The wax sheet includes a plurality of edge regions, wherein each respective edge region is formable to a respective corner of the wax tray.

11. The pet training mat system according to claim 10, wherein: The respective wax surfaces of the wax sheets can be bonded to each other to form respective corners of the wax tray.

12. The pet training mat system of claim 5, wherein: The wax tray is in releasable engagement with the absorbent pad.

13. The pet training mat system of claim 12, wherein: The releasable engagement comprises a releasable adhesive bond.

14. The pet training mat system of claim 5, wherein: The wax sheet that can be formed into the wax tray includes plant-based wax, beeswax, or hydrocarbon-based wax.

15. The pet training mat system of claim 14, wherein: The plant-based wax includes carnauba wax, soy wax, jojoba wax, candelilla wax or rice bran wax.

16. The pet training mat system of claim 5, wherein: The wax sheet that can be formed into a wax tray has a melting point ranging from 35°C to 100°C.

17. The pet training mat according to claim 5, wherein: The wax sheet, which can be formed into a wax tray, includes one or more adhesion-promoting additives.

18. The pet training mat system of claim 5, wherein: The wax sheet includes visual indicia that informs a user where the generally vertical wall intersects the interior surface area.

19. A pet training absorbent pad comprising: Top layer; bottom layer; at least one intermediate layer disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer; wherein the at least one intermediate layer is a wax layer; and Therein, the wax layer can be formed into a wax tray, so that the absorbent pad is correspondingly formed into an absorbent pad tray.

20. The absorbent pad of claim 19, wherein: The absorbent pad comprises at least a second intermediate layer, wherein the second intermediate layer is an absorbent layer disposed between the top layer and the wax layer.

21. The absorbent pad of claim 20, wherein: The absorbent layer comprises superabsorbent polymer and / or pulp.

22. A method of providing a pet training pad system, comprising: providing a wax sheet having at least two corner locations and at least one edge region; as well as adhering the surfaces of the wax sheet together at the at least two corner locations and forming a substantially vertical wall with the at least one edge region at the at least two corner locations; A pet training pad is placed on the wax sheet.

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