Pet pad with edge pockets to capture fluids

Abstract

The absorbent floor pad comprises a fluid-impermeable layer and an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer being an upper layer to the fluid-impermeable layer and being adhered to the fluid-impermeable layer, the absorbent layer including at least one folded edge region along an edge boundary region of the absorbent floor pad, at least a portion of the at least one folded edge region being folded over a base region of the absorbent layer at an acute fold angle to provide an overlap region of the absorbent layer that forms at least one edge pocket with the base region to capture liquid exudates.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 362,071, filed March 29, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to pet floor pads, and more particularly to pads that include edge regions that define edge pockets for capturing and absorbing waste material, particularly urine. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Pet owners often train their pets not to defecate / urinate in undesirable places in the owner's house. For example, dog owners often train their dogs to defecate / urinate outside the owner's house. However, in some situations, dogs and other pets may not be able to go outside when they need to relieve themselves. To address such situations, pet owners may train their pets to defecate / urinate in the same place in the house. For example, pet owners may train their dogs and other animals to defecate / urinate on absorbent pet pads (sometimes called floor pads or training pads) that are placed in desirable places in the house. Such pads are configured to protect the underlying support surface from feces and urine, and are often configured to allow the owner to easily clean up and dispose of the pads when soiled.

[0004]

[0004] While pet training pads are widely available and can be effective, such pads are typically configured to lie substantially flat on an underlying support surface, such as a floor. When a pet uses such a pad, waste material (particularly urine) may be absorbed into the pad and soak into selected layers of the pad to contain such waste material for proper disposal by the pet owner. There is a need to improve the pad's ability to absorb urine, and in particular, its ability to contain or prevent urine from flowing over the outer edge of the pad onto unprotected surfaces before the pad can absorb the urine. Summary of the Invention

[0005]

[0005] An absorbent pad comprises a fluid impermeable layer and an absorbent layer adhered to the fluid impermeable layer, the absorbent layer having one or more absorbent material composition layers and including an edge region, at least a portion of which is folded back over the absorbent layer to provide a folded edge region overlapping the absorbent layer and providing an edge pocket for capturing liquid exudates.

[0006]

[0006] An absorbent floor pad comprises a fluid-impermeable layer and an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer being an upper layer to and adhered to the fluid-impermeable layer, the absorbent layer including at least one folded edge region along an edge boundary region of the absorbent floor pad, at least a portion of the at least one folded edge region being folded at an acute fold angle onto a base region of the absorbent layer to provide an overlap region of the absorbent layer which forms with the base region at least one edge pocket for capturing liquid exudates.

[0007]

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the absorbent floor pad has an upper surface and at least one folded edge region has an inlet opening for fluid to enter at least one edge pocket, the inlet opening being located in an imaginary plane extending perpendicular to the upper surface.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the inlet opening has a vertical height from the top surface in the range of 0.01 inches to 0.25 inches.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the at least one edge pocket narrows from the entrance opening toward the fold line.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the at least one edge pocket continuously narrows from the entrance opening toward the fold line.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the overlap area has an overlap width in the range of 0.25 inches to 5 inches, and more specifically, in the range of 0.25 inches to 3 inches.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the acute fold angle is in the range of 1 degree to 30 degrees, and more specifically, in the range of 1 degree to 15 degrees.

[0013]

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the absorbent layer includes a plurality of corresponding folded edge regions along a plurality of edge boundary regions of the absorbent floor pad, at least a portion of each of the plurality of folded edge regions being folded over a base region of the absorbent layer at a corresponding acute fold angle to provide a corresponding overlap region of the absorbent layer forming a corresponding edge pocket with the base region to capture liquid exudates.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the absorbent layer includes a plurality of corresponding edge pockets disposed along opposite edge border regions from the plurality of edge border regions.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the absorbent layer includes a plurality of corresponding edge pockets that completely circumscribe the absorbent layer.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the absorbent pad has edge border regions that form a continuous frame around the absorbent layer.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, a continuous frame around the absorbent layer is formed by a fluid impermeable layer without the absorbent layer.

[0018]

[0018] In at least one embodiment, a fluid-impermeable layer is positioned under at least one folded edge region of the absorbent layer, and the fluid-impermeable layer positioned under at least one folded edge region of the absorbent layer has at least one air flow path.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the at least one air flow passage includes a plurality of air flow passages.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the multiple air flow paths are substantially parallel to one another.

[0021] In at least one embodiment, at least one air flow passage has a V-shaped cross-sectional profile. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022]

[0022] The above and other features of the present disclosure, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become more apparent and be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments described in this specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] [Figure 1]

[0023] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pet waste / training absorbent floor pad according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]

[0024] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the pet pad of FIG. 1 taken along section line 2-2. [Diagram 3]

[0025] 2 is a close-up cross-sectional side view of the folded edge region of the pet pad of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]

[0026] FIG. 2 is a plan view of another pet waste / training absorbent floor pad according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024]

[0027] It will be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0025]

[0028] Attention is now directed to FIG. 1, which shows a pet waste / training absorbent pad 10 according to the present disclosure. The absorbent pad 10 comprises a planar lower impermeable layer / portion 12 (which may also be referred to as a lower impermeable surface / face) and an upper absorbent layer / portion 14 (which may also be referred to as an upper absorbent surface / face) that is directly or indirectly adhered to the lower impermeable layer / portion 12. The lower impermeable layer / portion 12 is fluid impermeable, particularly to liquids (e.g., urine) incident thereon. Thus, when an animal (e.g., a dog) sits on the absorbent pad 10 and urinates, the urine will not pass through the lower impermeable layer / portion 12 of the absorbent pad 10 and onto a flat horizontal support surface, such as a floor on which the absorbent pad 10 is placed. The lower impermeable layer / portion 12 may be made of a polymer film, such as a polyolefin film (e.g., polyethylene).

[0026]

[0029] The upper absorbent layer / portion 14 is configured to be absorbent such that at least a portion of the liquid incident thereon is absorbed. The upper absorbent layer / portion 14 may itself be comprised of one or more absorbent material composition layers that absorb liquid (e.g., urine). Preferably, the upper absorbent layer / portion 14 may comprise, for example, a superabsorbent polymer, pulp, or tissue.

[0027]

[0030] The superabsorbent polymer may preferably have, for example, a retention capacity in the range of 30 g / g to 45 g / g, an absorption capacity in the range of 55 g / g to 65 g / g (measured in 0.9% NaCl in water), an absorption rate (e.g., the time it takes to absorb 50, 100, or 150 milliliters of liquid, such as 0.9% NaCl in water) in the range of 15 seconds to 40 seconds, a moisture content in the range of 4% to 9%, an amount of residual acrylic acid monomer 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 superabsorbent polymer may have a retention capacity of 41 g / g, an absorption capacity of 60 g / g (measured in 0.9% NaCl in water), an absorption rate of 29 seconds, a moisture content of 7.4%, an amount of residual acrylic acid monomer in the range of 22 ppm, and a bulk density of 0.74 g / ml.

[0028]

[0031] As yet another example, the superabsorbent polymer may have a retention capacity of 40 g / g, an absorption capacity of 60 g / g (measured in 0.9% NaCl in water), an absorption rate of 30 seconds, a moisture content of 7.2%, an amount of residual acrylic acid monomer of 18 ppm, and a bulk density of 0.74 g / ml. The particle size of the superabsorbent polymer may be less than 850 microns (μm). For example, 80% to 90% of the particles may have a particle size in the range of 180 μm to 500 μm.

[0029]

[0032] It should thus be understood that the absorbent pad 10 has an upper (fluid permeable / absorbent) surface 50 that will face an animal during use, and a lower (fluid impermeable / barrier) surface 52 opposite the upper surface 50 that will face an underlying surface during use. As shown, the edge border region 36 of the lower impermeable layer / portion 12 forms a continuous loop (picture frame) that completely surrounds the upper absorbent layer / portion 14.

[0030]

[0033] As best shown in Figures 2-3, along at least two sides of the absorbent pad 10, the upper absorbent layer / portion 14 is folded back onto the base region 28 along a fold line 30 at an acute fold angle 32 to provide a folded edge region 16 of the upper absorbent layer / portion 14 that doubles in thickness and also forms an edge pocket 20 in the form of an empty cavity that continuously narrows toward the fold line 30 for more effectively capturing liquid exudates.

[0031]

[0034] 1, the terminal edge 18 of each edge pocket 20, which is also the terminal edge 18 of each folded edge region 16, extends along the entire length of two sides of the upper absorbent layer / portion 14 of the four-sided absorbent pad 10. It should be understood that while the edge pockets 20 similarly extend along the entire length of two sides of the upper absorbent layer / portion 14, an edge pocket 20 having a terminal edge 18 does not necessarily extend along the entire length of one or more sides of the upper absorbent layer / portion 14.

[0032]

[0035] As shown in Figures 2-3, each edge pocket 20 has an inlet / opening 22 that provides an inlet / opening to the edge pocket 20 to allow for inflow (of urine). As shown, the inlets / openings 22 are vertical (located in an imaginary plane (54) perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the absorbent pad 10) and face each other. As shown, the inlets / openings 22 are partially defined by the terminal edges 18 of the folded edge region 16. The inlets / openings 22 may preferably have a vertical open (cross-sectional) dimension, which may be understood as a vertical height, ranging from 0.01 inches to 0.25 inches. Also, as can be readily appreciated, the edge pockets 20 will provide at least two interior opposing absorbent faces / surfaces for absorbing fluids (urine) that are strategically positioned relative to fluids that tend to progress toward the edges of the pad 10 and onto an unprotected floor.

[0033]

[0036] 3 shows a close-up view of a cross section of the edge pocket 20. Preferably, the edge pocket 20 is defined by a folded edge region 16 that defines an overlap region 24 having a folded / overlapped linear dimension (which may be understood as a fold / overlap width 34) from the crease 30 to the terminal edge 18 of the edge pocket 20 in the range of 0.25 inches to 5.0 inches, more specifically 0.25 inches to 3.0 inches, and even more specifically 0.25 inches to 1 inch. In that regard, the acute fold angle 32 may be in the range of 1 degree to 30 degrees, more specifically 1 degree to 20 degrees, and even more specifically 1 degree to 15 degrees, such as in the range of 2 degrees to 12 degrees.

[0034]

[0037] It should be understood here that the edge pockets 20 herein may be present along one or more side edges, e.g., two edges, three edges, or all four side edges, of the absorbent pad 10 when the absorbent pad 10 is polygonal, more specifically quadrilateral, e.g., generally square or rectangular in shape. As shown in the variation of FIG. 4, the edge pockets 20 are positioned to completely surround the periphery of the upper absorbent layer / portion 14. When the absorbent pad 10 is rounded or of other geometric shapes, the edge pockets 20 may extend to surround all or part of such pad, again serving to strategically capture fluids (urine).

[0035]

[0038] Returning to Figure 1, it is noted that the absorbent pad 10 herein may have one or more other features, preferably designed to improve the ability of the pad to reduce or prevent urine from passing over the edge of the absorbent pad layer / portion 14. For example, the absorbent pad 10 herein may include one or more edge regions as defined in U.S. Patent Publication 2020 / 0281155, entitled "Absorbent Pad," which is assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036]

[0039] That is, the absorbent pad 10 herein may also comprise a liquid permeable layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and a liquid absorbent layer disposed between the liquid permeable layer and the liquid impermeable layer, the liquid absorbent layer including a first absorbent region and a second absorbent region, the second absorbent region extending around the first absorbent region, the second absorbent region configured to absorb more liquid per unit area than the first absorbent region. Thus, when liquid is applied to the absorbent pad 10 in a dry state, the liquid is absorbed by the absorbent pad 10, and the absorbent pad 10 operates such that the height of the first absorbent region increases, the height of the second absorbent region increases, the height of the second absorbent region becomes greater than the height of the first absorbent region, the first absorbent region includes a first amount of superabsorbent polymer, the second absorbent region includes a second amount of superabsorbent polymer, the second amount of superabsorbent polymer becomes greater than the first amount of superabsorbent polymer. In FIG. 1, the second absorbent region feature which increases in height to form a raised region as described above is identified by the reference numeral 40.

[0037]

[0040] The absorbent pad 10 may also optionally include one or more elongated air flow (circulation) channels 26 at the bottom of the lower impermeable layer 12, shown as having a v-shaped cross section. Such channels 26 may be preferably located directly below where the folded edge region 16 folds over the base region 28 of the absorbent layer / portion 14 and overlaps therewith to provide the edge pocket 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the channels 26 may be located within the impermeable layer / portion 12 and run substantially parallel (e.g., within 5 degrees of parallel) along the entire length of the absorbent pad 10, providing an elongated air flow channel. Such edge pocket air channels 26 are therefore intended to provide an air gap that allows air flow / ventilation. Such edge pocket air channels 26 are therefore intended to reduce or eliminate condensation that may collect at the bottom of the absorbent pad 10, between the bottom of the absorbent pad 10 and a support surface, particularly condensation below the edge pocket 20. As shown, the flow channels 26 are formed only in the impermeable layer / portion 12 .

[0038]

[0041] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be determined with reference to the above description, but with reference to the appended claims and their full scope of equivalents. It should be further understood that the appended claims do not include the broadest scope of the invention that the applicant is entitled to claim, or only the manner in which the invention may be claimed, or that all described features are essential. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 10 Pads 12 Impermeable layer / part 14 Absorbent layer / part 16 Folded Edge Area 18 Pocket Edge 20 Pocket 22 Entrance / Opening 24 Overlap Area 26 Flow Path 28 Base Area 30 creases 32 Folding angle 34 Fold / overlap width 36 Edge Boundary / Boundary Region 40 Protruding area 50 Top 52 Bottom surface 54 Virtual Plane

Claims

1. An absorbent floor pad comprising a fluid impermeable layer and an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer is an upper layer for the fluid impermeable layer and is adhered to the fluid impermeable layer; the absorbent layer includes at least one folded edge region along an edge border region of the absorbent floor pad; An absorbent floor pad, wherein at least a portion of said at least one folded edge region is folded over a base region of said absorbent layer at an acute fold angle to provide an overlap region of said absorbent layer that forms at least one edge pocket with said base region to capture liquid exudates.

2. the absorbent floor pad having an upper surface; the at least one folded edge region having an inlet opening for fluid to enter the at least one edge pocket; The absorbent pad of claim 1 , wherein said inlet opening lies in an imaginary plane extending perpendicular to said upper surface.

3. 3. The absorbent pad of claim 2, wherein said inlet opening has a vertical height from said upper surface in the range of 0.01 inches to 0.25 inches.

4. 3. The absorbent pad of claim 2, wherein said at least one edge pocket narrows from said entrance opening toward said fold.

5. 3. The absorbent pad of claim 2, wherein said at least one edge pocket narrows continuously from said entrance opening toward said fold line.

6. 10. The absorbent pad of claim 1, wherein said overlap region has an overlap width in the range of 0.25 inches to 5 inches.

7. 2. The absorbent pad of claim 1, wherein said overlap region has an overlap width ranging from 0.25 inches to 3 inches.

8. 2. The absorbent pad of claim 1, wherein said acute fold angle is in the range of 1 to 30 degrees.

9. 2. The absorbent pad of claim 1, wherein said acute fold angle is in the range of 1 to 15 degrees.

10. the absorbent layer includes a plurality of folded edge regions corresponding to a plurality of edge boundary regions of the absorbent floor pad; 2. The absorbent pad of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of said plurality of folded edge regions is folded over said base region of said absorbent layer at a corresponding acute fold angle to provide a corresponding overlapping region of said absorbent layer forming a corresponding edge pocket with said base region for capturing liquid exudates.

11. 11. The absorbent pad of claim 10, wherein said absorbent layer includes a plurality of corresponding edge pockets disposed along opposite edge boundaries of said plurality of edge boundaries.

12. The absorbent pad of claim 10 , wherein said absorbent layer includes a plurality of corresponding edge pockets that completely circumscribe said absorbent layer.

13. 10. The absorbent pad of claim 1, wherein said absorbent pad has edge border regions that form a continuous frame around said absorbent layer.

14. 14. The absorbent pad of claim 13, wherein said continuous frame around said absorbent layer is formed by said fluid impervious layer absent said absorbent layer.

15. the fluid impermeable layer is disposed under the at least one folded edge region of the absorbent layer; 10. The absorbent pad of claim 1, wherein said fluid impermeable layer disposed beneath said at least one folded edge region of said absorbent layer comprises at least one air flow channel.

16. 16. The absorbent pad of claim 15, wherein said at least one air flow passage comprises a plurality of air flow passages.

17. 17. The absorbent pad of claim 16, wherein said plurality of air channels are substantially parallel to one another.

18. 16. The absorbent pad of claim 15, wherein said at least one air channel has a V-shaped cross-sectional profile.

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