Animal training pad with a urine denial zone bordered by a urine collection channel
By designing a urine-rejecting area at the boundary of the urine collection channel on the top layer of the animal training mat and an impermeable bottom layer, the problems of odor and smearing caused by urine exposure are solved, achieving better hygiene.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202580024892.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-04-16
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-06
AI Technical Summary
The top layer of existing animal training mats is urine-permeable, which exposes the urine-permeable top layer and the urine-soaked absorbent layer to the external environment, emitting a foul odor and potentially causing urine from pets' paws to be smeared onto indoor surfaces.
Design an animal training mat with a top layer having a urine-repellent area bounded by a urine collection channel. Combined with a urine-impermeable bottom layer and an internal absorbent layer, urine is guided to the interior for absorption through the collection channel, avoiding direct contact with the external environment.
It effectively isolates urine from the external environment, reduces odor, prevents pets from getting urine on their pets, and improves the hygiene of the training mat.
Smart Images

Figure CN123056707A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Cross-references to related applications
[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 634,702, filed April 16, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent consistent with this document. Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to an animal training mat. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an animal training mat comprising at least one or more inner layers disposed between a liquid-impermeable bottom layer (particularly a urine-impermeable bottom layer) and a top layer, the top layer having at least one or more urine-repelling regions (particularly urine-repelling regions) bounded by at least one or more urine collection channels. Background Technology
[0003] Pet owners often use animal training mats to protect their indoor surfaces from animal urine and / or feces by training their pets to relieve themselves on the mat when indoors. These training mats typically have a urine-impermeable backing, a urine-permeable top layer, and at least one or more inner layers, such as absorbent layers, positioned between the top and backing. The mats are constructed such that the urine-impermeable backing rests on the indoor surface, while the urine-permeable top layer is available for the animal to urinate or defecate. When a pet relieves itself on these mats, the urine passes through the urine-permeable top layer, is absorbed by one or more inner (intermediate) absorbent layers, and is prevented from contacting the indoor surface by the urine-impermeable backing.
[0004] However, because the top layer is urine-permeable, urine can flow through it to the absorbent layer, exposing the urine-soaked absorbent portion of the training mat to the surrounding environment, or leaving it isolated solely by the urine-permeable top layer. In this case, the urine-permeable top layer and the urine-soaked absorbent layer are more likely to emit a foul odor and / or cause urine to accumulate on the paws of pets walking across the mat, which may then be rubbed onto surrounding interior surfaces. While some training mats may include channel structures on the urine-permeable top surface / top layer to guide urine flow, the urine-soaked absorbent portion of the mat remains fully exposed to the external environment through the urine-permeable top layer.
[0005] Therefore, pet owners need a training mat that includes a top layer comprising a urine-rejecting area bounded by a urine collection channel, a urine-impermeable bottom or base layer, and at least one or more inner layers, wherein at least one inner layer is an absorbent layer. This allows urine deposited on the top surface to be guided away from the urine-rejecting area and into the urine collection channel, where it is further absorbed into the inner absorbent layer. Thus, a portion of the inner absorbent layer below the urine-rejecting area on the top layer (which absorbs urine through the urine collection channel) is isolated from the external environment by the urine-rejecting area, making it less likely to emit foul odors and preventing urine from being carried by the pet. Summary of the Invention
[0006] An animal training mat includes: a top layer having at least one or more urine-rejecting regions bounded by at least one or more urine collection channels; a urine-impermeable bottom layer; and at least one or more inner layers disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein at least one of the inner layers is an absorbent layer.
[0007] In at least one embodiment, an animal training mat is provided. The animal training mat includes: a top layer; a urine-impermeable bottom layer; and at least one inner layer disposed between the top layer and the urine-impermeable bottom layer, wherein the at least one inner layer includes an absorbent layer; wherein the top layer has at least one urine-repellent region bounded by at least one urine collection channel; and wherein the at least one urine collection channel includes an opening formed in the top layer, which exposes the at least one inner layer to urine when urine is placed on the at least one urine-repellent region of the top layer.
[0008] In at least one embodiment, the top layer having the at least one urine-rejecting region bounded by the at least one urine collection channel further includes a plurality of urine-rejecting regions bounded by a plurality of urine collection channels in the top layer.
[0009] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of urine collection channels completely surround the plurality of urine rejection areas.
[0010] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of urine-rejecting areas are completely isolated from each other through the plurality of urine collection channels.
[0011] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of urine collection channels include a plurality of substantially parallel urine collection channels and / or a plurality of substantially vertical urine collection channels.
[0012] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of urine collection channels include the plurality of substantially parallel urine collection channels and the plurality of substantially perpendicular urine collection channels.
[0013] In at least one embodiment, the plurality of substantially parallel urine collection channels intersect with the plurality of substantially perpendicular urine collection channels.
[0014] In at least one embodiment, the at least one urine collection channel has a depth extending into the at least one inner layer.
[0015] In at least one embodiment, the at least one inner layer has a thickness, and the at least one urine collection channel extends into the at least one inner layer to a depth ranging from 25% to 95% of the thickness of the at least one inner layer.
[0016] In at least one embodiment, the at least one urine collection channel has a width ranging from 0.5 inches to 3 inches.
[0017] In at least one embodiment, the at least one urine collection channel is U-shaped, V-shaped, or semi-circular.
[0018] In at least one embodiment, the at least one urine collection channel has an arcuate bottom, a flat bottom, or a pointed bottom.
[0019] In at least one embodiment, the top layer including the at least one urine-rejecting region is tilted toward the at least one urine collection channel.
[0020] In at least one embodiment, the top layer including the at least one urine-rejecting region is raised.
[0021] In at least one embodiment, the at least one urine-repellent area prevents at least 75% of the urine placed thereon from being absorbed by the top layer.
[0022] In at least one embodiment, the at least one urine-repellent region is formed of a hydrophobic polymer.
[0023] In at least one embodiment, the absorbent layer is formed of a superabsorbent polymer.
[0024] In at least one embodiment, the at least one inner layer further includes at least one of an enticing layer, a fragrance layer, or an odor-masking layer.
[0025] In at least one embodiment, a method of forming an animal training mat is provided, the method comprising: forming a layered structure having a top layer, a urine-impermeable bottom layer, and at least one inner layer disposed between the top layer and the urine-impermeable bottom layer, wherein the at least one inner layer includes an absorbent layer, and the top layer has at least one urine-repellent region; and forming at least one urine collection channel in the layered structure by removing at least a portion of the top layer to provide an opening in the top layer such that when urine is placed on the at least one urine-repellent region of the top layer, the opening exposes the at least one inner layer below the removed portion of the top layer to urine; wherein the at least one urine-repellent region is bounded by the at least one urine collection channel.
[0026] In at least one embodiment, the method further includes forming at least one urine collection channel in the layered structure by removing a portion of the at least one inner layer below the removed portion on the top layer. Attached Figure Description
[0027] The features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, and wherein: Figure 1 A top view (top view) of an embodiment of an animal training mat according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment; Figure 3 The image shows an animal training mat contaminated with urine. Figure 2 A sectional view; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a current animal training mat according to this disclosure is shown; Figure 5 The various layers of the animal training mat (including optional layers) are shown; and Figure 6A A V-shaped urine collection channel according to this disclosure is shown; Figure 6B A rectangular urine collection channel according to this disclosure is shown; and Figure 6C A square urine collection channel according to this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0028] It is understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The invention described herein can have other embodiments and can be implemented or performed in various ways. It is also understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0029] As noted in the background section, animal training mats are currently known. While such training mats can be effective, they are constructed such that the top surface / top layer is urine-permeable, meaning that when an animal uses the mat, the urine-soaked absorbent material layer is only isolated from the external environment through the urine-permeable top layer. In this construction, there is a risk that odors can easily escape from the urine-permeable top layer, or that pressure from a pet's paws when stepping on a contaminated mat can cause urine to be squeezed out of the absorbent material layer and through the urine-permeable top layer.
[0030] In view of the foregoing, and with general reference to the accompanying drawings, this disclosure generally relates to an animal training mat 10 having a top layer (external exposed layer) 12 consisting of at least one or more liquid-repellent regions 14 (more specifically urine-repellent regions 14) bounded by a urine collection (absorption) channel 16, a liquid-impermeable bottom layer (bottom layer) 22 (more specifically urine-impermeable bottom layer 22), and at least one or more inner layers 20 disposed between the top layer 12 and the bottom layer 22.
[0031] The urine-repellent area 14 of the animal training pad 10 may be composed of a hydrophobic polymer. For example, the top layer 12 may be formed of a nonwoven fiber pad, wherein the extruded fibers of the nonwoven fiber pad are formed of a hydrophobic polymer, or the hydrophobic polymer may be disposed on the nonwoven fibers.
[0032] The urine-impermeable bottom layer 22 may consist of a single or multiple membranes, wherein at least one layer is a polyolefin, particularly polyethylene.
[0033] The at least one or more inner layers 20 may include at least one absorbent layer 20a, which may be located directly below and closest to the top layer 12. In another embodiment, the at least one or more inner layers 20 may preferably include at least one or more of an absorbent layer 20a, an enticing layer 20b, a fragrance layer 20c, and / or an odor masking layer 20d, such as Figure 5 As shown.
[0034] The mentioned urine-rejecting region 14 refers to the following characteristics: at least or greater than 75% by weight of fluid (e.g., urine) will be rejected (rather than absorbed through the top layer 12) and guided into the urine collection channel 16. More specifically, at least or greater than 85% by weight of fluid (e.g., urine) will be rejected (rather than absorbed through the top layer 12) and guided into the urine collection channel 16. Even more specifically, at least or greater than 95% by weight of fluid (e.g., urine) will be rejected (rather than absorbed through the top layer 12) and guided into the urine collection channel 16. Even more specifically, at least or greater than 98% by weight of fluid (e.g., urine) will be rejected (rather than absorbed through the top layer 12) and guided into the urine collection channel 16. Even more specifically, 100% by weight of fluid (e.g., urine) will be rejected (rather than absorbed through the top layer 12) and guided into the urine collection channel 16.
[0035] More preferably, the urine-rejecting region 14 refers to a region that preferably absorbs (permeates) less than or equal to 5.0% of urine by weight within a 24-hour period, more preferably less than or equal to 4.0% of urine by weight within a 24-hour period, or less than or equal to 3.0% of urine by weight within a 24-hour period, or less than or equal to 2.0% of urine by weight within a 24-hour period, or less than or equal to 1.0% of urine by weight within a 24-hour period.
[0036] The at least one or more internal absorbent layers 20 (more specifically absorbent layer 20a) preferably comprise a superabsorbent polymer. More specifically, the superabsorbent polymer may, for example, have a liquid retention capacity in the range of 30 g / g to 45 g / g, an absorption capacity (measured in a 0.9% sodium chloride aqueous solution) in the range of 55 g / g to 65 g / g, an absorption rate in the range of 15 seconds to 40 seconds (e.g., the amount of time required to absorb 50 ml, 100 ml, or 150 ml of liquid (such as a 0.9% sodium chloride aqueous solution), a water content in the range of 4% to 9%, a residual acrylic acid monomer content in the range of 15 ppm (parts per million) to 25 ppm, and a bulk density in the range of 0.6 g / ml to 0.85 g / ml.
[0037] As another example, the superabsorbent polymer can have a liquid-holding capacity of 41 g / g, an absorption capacity of 60 g / g (measured in a 0.9% sodium chloride aqueous solution), an absorption rate of 29 seconds, a water content of 7.4%, a residual acrylic acid monomer content of 22 ppm, and a bulk density of 0.74 g / ml. As yet another example, the superabsorbent polymer can have a liquid-holding capacity of 40 g / g, an absorption capacity of 60 g / g (measured in a 0.9% sodium chloride aqueous solution), an absorption rate of 30 seconds, a water content of 7.2%, a residual acrylic acid monomer content of 18 ppm, and a bulk density of 0.74 g / ml. The particle size of the superabsorbent polymer can be measured to be less than 850 micrometers (µm). For example, 80% to 90% of the particles can have a particle size in the range of 180 µm to 500 µm.
[0038] The internal lure layer 20b may include at least one or more attractants to encourage the pet to approach the training mat when it needs to relieve itself. For example, the attractant may include at least one or more pheromones configured to encourage the pet to urinate on the training mat. The internal fragrance layer 20c may preferably provide a scent that attracts the pet and / or masks odors that persist after use. The internal odor masking layer 20d may preferably mask odors that persist after use and reduce the amount of odor detectable by the owner. Optionally, a fragrance may be used.
[0039] Figure 1 A top view (top view) of a preferred embodiment of an animal training mat 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The animal training mat 10 shown includes a top layer 12, which includes at least one or more urine-repelling regions 14 bounded by at least one or more urine collection channels 16. The urine collection channels 16 include elongated openings 17 formed in the top layer 12, which expose at least one inner layer 20 located therebelow to the urine when urine is placed on the urine-repelling regions 14 of the top layer 12, particularly exposing the absorbent layer 20a to the urine. Such urine collection channels 16 defining the boundaries of the at least one or more urine-repelling regions 14 can be configured as a plurality of intersecting channels or a plurality of non-communicating channels.
[0040] As shown in the figure, all urine collection channels 16 are arranged in a straight line. Some urine collection channels 16 extend substantially parallel to each other (e.g., within a 10-degree range, including parallel), and some extend substantially perpendicular to each other (e.g., within a 10-degree range, including perpendicular). As shown in the figure, the urine collection channels 16 intersect, making all urine collection channels 16 interconnected.
[0041] As shown in the figure, the top layer 12 may preferably include a number of isolated urine-rejecting regions 14, the number of which may be in the range of 1 to 200, including all values and increments therein, wherein each isolated urine-rejecting region 14 is bounded by at least one or more urine collection channels 16, and more particularly is completely bounded (enclosed) by multiple urine collection channels 16. More preferably, 4 to 25 urine-rejecting regions 14 may be used.
[0042] The animal training mat 10 may preferably have at least one or more peripheral edges 18 and have a geometric shape (e.g., square, rectangle, circle, triangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, and polygon, etc.). The lengths of the at least one or more edges 18 may be equal or different. Preferably, the length of each of the at least one or more edges 18 is in the range of 1 foot to 4 feet, more preferably in the range of 1.5 feet to 3.5 feet.
[0043] Furthermore, the animal training mat 10 may have a peripheral boundary 19 adjacent to and defining at least one or more edges 18, and the peripheral boundary 19 may be non-absorbent. The peripheral boundary 19 may be a continuous loop / path around the perimeter of the animal training mat 10 and has a width W extending inward from the at least one or more edges 18 within a portion of the animal training mat 10. b The width W of the non-absorbent boundary 19 b It is preferably in the range of 0.5 inches to 4 inches, and more preferably in the range of 1 inch to 2 inches.
[0044] The at least one or more urine-rejecting regions 14 may have at least one or more edges 15 and have a geometric shape (e.g., square, rectangle, triangle, quadrilateral, hexagon, and polygon, etc.). The lengths of the at least one or more edges 15 of the at least one or more urine-rejecting regions 14 may be equal or different. Preferably, the length of each of the at least one or more edges 15 of the at least one or more urine-rejecting regions 14 is in the range of 2 inches to 24 inches, more preferably between 6 inches and 12 inches.
[0045] The urine collection channel can have a variable or constant width W. c , where the width W cPreferably, the area is in the range of 0.25 inches to 3 inches, more preferably 0.5 inches to 3 inches, and even more preferably in the range of 1 inch to 1.5 inches. In a top view of the animal training mat 10, the surface area ratio of the at least one or more urine-repellent areas 14 to the surface area of the urine collection channel 16 is preferably 5:4. If the top layer 12, the inner layer 20, and the urine-impermeable bottom layer 22 are laminated or otherwise joined / assembled into a layered structure, the urine collection channel 16 can be formed by removing a corresponding portion of the top layer 12 of the animal training mat 10 and optionally removing a corresponding portion of at least one or more inner layers 20 below it (e.g., by cutting), which would otherwise occupy the volume of the urine collection channel 16.
[0046] The at least one or more urine-repelling areas 14 can preferably be arranged in a grid on the top layer 12. For example, the at least one or more urine-repelling areas 14 can be arranged as a 2×2 grid, a 3×3 grid, a 4×4 grid, a 5×5 grid, or a 6×6 grid. More preferably, the at least one or more urine-repelling areas 14 can be arranged as a grid including a first row having a first number of urine-repelling areas 14 extending in a first direction D1 along the first edge 18 of the top layer 12 or the animal training mat 10 in a first direction of 2 to 10, and a second number of urine-repelling areas 14 extending from each of the urine-repelling areas 14 in the first row in a second direction D2 (shown as perpendicular to the first direction D1) along the second edge 18 of the top layer 12 or the animal training mat 10 in a second direction D2 (shown as perpendicular to the first direction D1). Figure 1 A 3×3 grid is shown in the image.
[0047] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the preferred animal training mat 10. (See also...) Figure 2 As shown, the animal training mat 10 has a top layer 12, at least one or more inner layers 20, and a urine-impermeable bottom layer 22. The top layer 12 includes at least one or more urine-rejecting regions 14 bounded by a urine collection channel 16. The urine collection channel 16 may preferably have a U-shaped channel (e.g., Figures 2-3 As shown), "V" shaped channel ( Figure 6A (with a pointed bottom) and rectangular channels ( Figure 6B Straight sides and straight bottom, with side length longer than bottom), square channel ( Figure 6C Cross-sectional geometries such as (flat sides and flat bottom, with sides and bottom of equal length) and polygons. More preferably, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the urine collection channel 16 has an arc-shaped, or more specifically, semi-circular, cross-sectional geometry at its bottom.
[0048] The urine collection channel 16 is shown as having a channel depth D extending through the top layer 12. cAnd it can extend through at least one or more inner layers 20. The channel depth D of the urine collection channel 16 c The thickness can preferably be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.35 mm to 0.85 mm. The urine-repellent area 14 of the top layer 12 of the animal training pad 10 can have a thickness T. tl Thickness T tl Preferably within the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm (corresponding to channel depth D) c More preferably, it is in the range of 0.35 mm to 0.85 mm (corresponding to channel depth D). c In other words, the depth D of the urine collection channel 16 c The thickness T of the urine-rejecting area 14 of the top layer 12 of the animal training mat 10 shall be at least equal to that of the animal training mat 10. tl .
[0049] As shown in the figure, the depth D of the urine collection channel 16 is... c Preferably, it extends partially into and through the thickness T of the inner layer 20. il And it does not extend completely through the inner layer 20 so as not to damage the underlying urine-impermeable bottom layer 22.
[0050] Depth D of urine collection channel 16 c The thickness T of the inner layer 20 can be il The thickness T of the inner layer 20 extends into the range of 25% to 95%. il In particular, the internal absorbent layer 20a. More specifically, the depth D of the urine collection channel 16... c The thickness T of the inner layer 20 can be il The thickness T of the inner layer 20 extends into the range of 50% to 95%. il In particular, the inner absorbent layer 20a. Even more specifically, the depth Dc of the urine collection channel 16 can be within the thickness T of the inner layer 20. il The thickness T of the inner layer 20 extends into the range of 75% to 95%. il Especially the absorption layer 20a.
[0051] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Animal training mats and Figure 2 The same cross-sectional view is shown, and further illustrates an example of how urine 28 deposited by the pet on the urine-rejecting area 14 can preferably flow through the urine collection channel 16 and be absorbed into the animal training pad 10. Preferably, the flow 30 is... Figure 3As indicated by the arrows, urine 28 deposited on the urine-repellent region 14 can flow into the urine collection channel 16 and be absorbed there, and further absorbed into the at least one or more inner layers 20 below the at least one or more urine-repellent regions 14. As shown, urine 28 does not flow through the urine-repellent regions 14 of the top layer 12, but only through the urine collection channel 16 formed in the top layer 12.
[0052] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the animal training mat 10 according to this disclosure is shown, wherein the urine-rejecting region 14 and / or the inner layer 20 may provide a sloped (protruding) top surface 40 of the top layer 12 inclined toward the urine collection channel 16. Preferably, the sloped top surface 40 or the top layer 12 is inclined downward toward the urine collection channel 16 relative to the horizontal line at an angle A measured in the range of 1° to 40°. Therefore, the inclined top surface 40 or top layer 12 can be inclined downward toward the urine collection channel 16 at an angle A within any range of 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, 15°, 16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, 22°, 23°, 24°, 25°, 26°, 27°, 28°, 29°, 30°, 31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 35°, 36°, 37°, 38°, 39°, or 40°. As shown, as the distance along the inclined top surface 40 / top layer 12 toward the urine collection channel 16 decreases, the magnitude of angle A can increase, for example, from A1 to A2.
[0053] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that various changes, adjustments, and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of this disclosure and the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be determined by reference to the foregoing description, but rather by reference to the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it should be understood that the appended claims do not necessarily encompass the widest scope of the invention to which the applicant is entitled to protection, nor do they necessarily encompass the only manner in which the invention can be protected, nor do they imply that all described features are necessary.
[0054] List of reference numerals 10 Animal Training Mats 12 Top Floor 14. Areas where urine is refused 15. Edge of the urine refusal area 16. Urine collection channel 18 Peripheral Edge 19. Peripheral Boundary 20 Inner Layer 20a Internal Absorption Layer 20b Internal decoy layer 20c Internal fragrance layer 20d internal odor masking layer 22. Bottom layer 28. Urine 30 Urine Flow 40 Top surface Angle A (including A1 and A2) D1 First Direction D2 Second Direction D c Channel depth W b Boundary width W c Channel width T il Thickness of inner layer T tl Top layer thickness
Claims
1. An animal training mat, comprising: Top level; Urine cannot penetrate the underlying layers; At least one inner layer, the at least one inner layer being disposed between the top layer and the urine-impermeable bottom layer, wherein the at least one inner layer includes an absorbent layer; The top layer has at least one urine-rejecting region bounded by at least one urine collection channel; and The at least one urine collection channel includes an opening formed in the top layer, which exposes the at least one inner layer to urine when urine is placed on the at least one urine-rejecting area of the top layer.
2. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The top layer having at least one urine-rejecting region bounded by at least one urine collection channel further includes multiple urine-rejecting regions bounded by multiple urine collection channels within the top layer.
3. The animal training mat according to claim 2, wherein, The multiple urine collection channels completely surround the multiple urine rejection areas.
4. The animal training mat according to claim 2, wherein, The multiple urine-rejecting areas are completely isolated from each other through the multiple urine collection channels.
5. The animal training mat according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of urine collection channels includes a plurality of substantially parallel urine collection channels and / or a plurality of substantially vertical urine collection channels.
6. The animal training mat according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of urine collection channels includes the plurality of substantially parallel urine collection channels and the plurality of substantially perpendicular urine collection channels.
7. The animal training mat according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of substantially parallel urine collection channels intersect with the plurality of substantially perpendicular urine collection channels.
8. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one urine collection channel has a depth extending into the at least one inner layer.
9. The animal training mat according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one inner layer has a thickness, and the at least one urine collection channel extends into the at least one inner layer to a depth ranging from 25% to 95% of the thickness of the at least one inner layer.
10. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one urine collection channel has a width ranging from 0.5 inches to 3 inches.
11. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one urine collection channel is U-shaped, V-shaped, or semi-circular.
12. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one urine collection channel has an arc-shaped bottom, a flat bottom, or a pointed bottom.
13. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The top layer, including the at least one urine rejection area, is tilted toward the at least one urine collection channel.
14. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The top layer, including the at least one urine-rejecting area, is raised.
15. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one urine-repellent area prevents at least 75% of the urine placed thereon from being absorbed by the top layer.
16. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one urine-repellent region is formed of a hydrophobic polymer.
17. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The absorption layer is formed of a superabsorbent polymer.
18. The animal training mat according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one inner layer further includes at least one of an enticing layer, a fragrance layer, or an odor-masking layer.
19. A method for forming a pet training mat, the method comprising: A layered structure is formed, the layered structure having a top layer, a urine-impermeable bottom layer, and at least one inner layer disposed between the top layer and the urine-impermeable bottom layer, wherein the at least one inner layer includes an absorbent layer, and the top layer has at least one urine-repellent region; and By removing at least a portion of the top layer, at least one urine collection channel is formed in the layered structure to provide an opening in the top layer that exposes at least one inner layer below the removed portion of the top layer to urine when urine is placed on the at least one urine-rejecting area of the top layer. The at least one urine-rejecting area is bounded by at least one urine collection channel.
20. The method of forming a pet training mat further includes forming the at least one urine collection channel in the layered structure by removing a portion of the at least one inner layer below the removed portion on the top layer.
