Pet training pad

Abstract

A pet training pad comprising a central region, a peripheral region surrounding the central region and forming the periphery of the pet training pad, an absorbent material, and a plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the peripheral region to the central region, wherein the weight per unit area of ​​the absorbent material is greater in the central region than in the peripheral region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 585,397 filed on September 26, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein to the extent consistent herewith.

[0002] Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to pet training pads. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a pet training pad that provides an absorbent top surface having a plurality of channels for directing the flow of pet excrement, such as pet urine and / or feces, toward a central region of the training pad, particularly for absorption. The central region includes a relatively greater amount of absorbent material than other locations of the training pad, for example, has a greater weight per unit area (weight / area) of absorbent material. Background Art

[0003] Background

[0003] Pet owners often train their pets not to urinate and / or defecate in undesired locations inside the owner's home. In some circumstances, pets may not be able to go outside the owner's home to excrete. To address such situations, pet owners may train their pets to urinate and / or defecate in a certain location inside the home, such as on an absorbent pet training pad. Such training pads are configured to protect the underlying surface from urine and feces. Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004]

[0004] Pet training pads are widely used and can be effective, but preventing pet urine and / or feces excreted on the training pad from flowing over the edges of the training pad remains a problem. When pets use such pet training pads, the excreted urine and / or feces, especially urine, are prone to flowing, and as a result, the urine and / or feces may flow over the edges of the training pad and onto adjacent surfaces in the owner's home. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] overview

[0005] The present disclosure provides a pet training pad comprising a central region containing a relatively larger amount of absorbent material than other parts of the training pad, for example, a central region with a greater weight per unit area (weight / area) of absorbent material, and a contour that directs fluid toward the central region. More specifically, the central region of the pad is configured to contain a relatively larger amount of absorbent material, such as a superabsorbent polymer, than other parts of the training pad. In this way, fluid directed toward the central region of the training pad reaches a location with a relatively large amount of absorbent material for absorbing urine or other excretory fluids.

[0006]

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad comprises a central region, a peripheral region surrounding the central region and forming the periphery of the pet training pad, an absorbent material, and a plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the peripheral region to the central region, wherein the weight per unit area of ​​the absorbent material is greater in the central region than in the peripheral region.

[0007]

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad further comprises a periphery, and a plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the periphery to the central region are inclined downward from the periphery to the central region.

[0008]

[0008] In at least one embodiment, a plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the periphery to the central region extend through the central region.

[0009]

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad further comprises a center point within the central region, and a plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the periphery to the central region are inclined downward to the center point.

[0010]

[0010] In at least one embodiment, multiple inclined channels that slope downward from the periphery to the central region converge toward the central region.

[0011]

[0011] In at least one embodiment, multiple inclined channels that slope downward from the periphery to the central region and converge toward the central region converge in the periphery.

[0012]

[0012] In at least one embodiment, multiple inclined channels that slope downward from the periphery to the central region and converge toward the central region converge in the central region.

[0013]

[0013] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad further comprises a center point within the central region, and a plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the periphery region to the central region slope downward to the center point, and the plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the periphery region to the central region converge to the center point.

[0014]

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad further comprises a top surface, and a plurality of inclined channels sloping downward from the peripheral region to the central region are formed on the top surface.

[0015]

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad further comprises a periphery and a center point within a central region, wherein a plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the periphery to the central region are continuously inclined downward from the periphery to the center point.

[0016]

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the multiple inclined channels that incline downward from the circumferential region to the central region are inclined downward at angles ranging from 5° to 40°.

[0017]

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad has an upper surface area, and the central area defines up to 40.0% of the upper surface area of ​​the pet training pad.

[0018]

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad has an upper surface area, and the central area defines 10.0% to 40.0% of the upper surface area of ​​the pet training pad.

[0019]

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the absorbent material includes a superabsorbent polymer,

[0020]

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad has a concave contour toward the central region.

[0021]

[0021] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad further comprises an upper surface, the plurality of inclined channels comprising adjacent channels, and the upper surface having a convex contour between adjacent channels, thereby allowing fluid placed on the convex contour to flow toward at least one of the adjacent channels.

[0022]

[0022] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad further comprises an impermeable bottom layer that is impermeable to the pet's excretory fluid.

[0023]

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the periphery completely surrounds the central region and forms a continuous loop around the central region.

[0024]

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the pet training pad has a peripheral edge, and the peripheral region completely forms the peripheral edge.

[0025]

[0025] In at least one embodiment, there is provided a method of using a pet training pad, comprising: obtaining a pet training pad, the pet training pad comprising a central region, a peripheral region surrounding the central region and forming the periphery of the pet training pad, an absorbent material, and a plurality of inclined channels inclined downwardly from the peripheral region to the central region, wherein the central region has a higher weight per unit area of the absorbent material than the peripheral region; placing the pet training pad on a flat support surface; and depositing fluid onto the upper surface of the pet training pad such that the fluid flows toward the central region in at least one of the plurality of inclined channels.

[0026] Drawings

[0026] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure, and methods of achieving them, will become more apparent and better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] [Figure 1]

[0027] It is a top (plan) view of the pet training pad according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2]

[0028] It is a perspective view of the pet training pad in Fig. 1. [Figure 3]

[0029] It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pet training pad in Fig. 2. [Figure 4]

[0030] It is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative inclined channel of the pet training pad in Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Detailed Description

[0031] It will be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the configuration and arrangement of the components described below or shown in the drawings. Other embodiments of the inventions herein are possible and may be carried out or performed in various ways. It will also be understood that the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit them in a way that would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0029]

[0032] Referring to the figures, Figure 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the pet training pad 10 according to the present disclosure, while Figure 2 is a full perspective view of the pet training pad 10, and Figure 3 is a partial (cross-sectional) perspective view of the pet training pad 10. Figure 4 is an alternative embodiment of the inclined channel of the pet training pad according to the present disclosure.

[0030]

[0033] As shown, the pet training pad 10 may have one or more outer (peripheral) edges 14. The pet training pad 10 may have four edges of equal length, thereby forming a square; however, the pet training pad 10 may take on various other geometric shapes (e.g., rectangle, circle, polygon, etc.).

[0031]

[0034] As best shown in Figure 3, the pet training pad 10 has a top surface 18 with a downward-sloping (concave) contour toward the central region 16 and center point 22, and a plurality of inclined channels 12 located between the raised (convex) portions 13 of the pad surface 18. Thus, the inclined channels 12 exist as a plurality of channels 12, preferably spaced apart by an interval I along the outer (peripheral) edge 14 of the pet training pad 10.

[0032]

[0035] From the outer (peripheral) edge 14, multiple inclined channels 12 continuously incline downward and converge to the central region 16 of the pet training pad 10, more specifically to the center point 22. That is, the inclined channels 12 define an inclined path from the outer (peripheral) edge 14 of the pet training pad 10 to the central region 16. The central region 16 may have a lateral dimension measured across the top surface 18 of the pet training pad 10, such as a diameter in the range of 3 to 15 inches, while the pet training pad 10 may be a square with a length of 18 to 28 inches and a width of 18 to 28 inches. The inclined channels 12 may have a length from the outer (peripheral) edge 14 to the center point 22 in the range of 9 to 20 inches, more specifically to 12 to 17 inches.

[0033]

[0036] The spacing I at which the inclined channels 12 form along the outer (periphery) edge 14 of the pet training pad 10 may be random or based on a selected geometric pattern. For example, in the preferred embodiments shown in Figures 1-2, the spacing I at which the inclined channels 12 form may be equally spaced along the outer (periphery) edge 14 of the pet training pad 10.

[0034]

[0037] Furthermore, the pet training pad 10 also includes a non-central (peripheral) area 17. As shown, the non-central (peripheral) area 17 at least partially surrounds the central area 16 and at least partially defines the outer (peripheral) edge 14 of the pet training pad 10. As shown, the non-central (peripheral) area 17 completely surrounds the central area 16, forming a continuous loop around the central area 16 and completely defines the outer (peripheral) edge 14 of the pet training pad 10.

[0035]

[0038] The central region 16 is preferably a region of the pet training pad 10 that contains a relatively larger amount of absorbent material, such as a superabsorbent polymer, than the non-central (peripheral) region 17, for example, a region with a greater weight per unit area (weight / area) of absorbent material. The superabsorbent polymer may 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 with a 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution), an absorption rate in the range of 15 seconds to 40 seconds (for example, the amount of time it takes to absorb 50, 100, or 150 milliliters of liquid such as a 0.9% NaCl aqueous solution), a water content in the range of 4% to 9%, a residual acrylic acid monomer amount in the range of parts per million (ppm) to 25 ppm, and a bulk density in the range of 0.6 g / ml to 0.85 g / ml.

[0036]

[0039] As a further example, the superabsorbent polymer may have a retention capacity of 41 g / g, an absorption capacity of 60 g / g (measured in a 0.9% NaCl 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. In yet another example, the superabsorbent polymer may have a retention rate of 40 g / g, an absorption capacity of 60 g / g (measured in a 0.9% NaCl 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 may be measured to be less than 850 micrometers (μm). For example, 80% to 90% of the particles may have a particle size measured in the range of 180 μm to 500 μm.

[0037]

[0040] Preferably, the central region 16 is a closed (circular) area that defines up to 40.0% of the surface area of ​​the pet training pad 10, such as the top surface 18, where all of the excretory bodily fluids may be located. In other words, as shown in Figure 1, the central region 16, which has a relatively larger amount of absorbent material compared to the non-central (peripheral) region 17, for example, a higher weight per unit area (weight / area), is located within the pet training pad 10, preferably below the top surface 18. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, up to 40% of the available surface area of ​​the training pad 10, such as the top surface 18, is above the central region 16, which has a relatively larger amount of absorbent material.

[0038]

[0041] Furthermore, the central region 16 may also define more limited central regions, such as 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, or 10% of the available surface area of ​​the upper surface 18. Therefore, within the central region 16, the relative density of the absorbent material can be increased, preferably, so that the density of the absorbent material within the central region 16 increases. This, in turn, results in a relatively higher absorption capacity of excretory fluids in the central region 16 compared to the non-central (peripheral) region 17, where such excretory fluids are also encouraged to flow into such a central region with higher absorption capacity.

[0039]

[0042] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the training pad 10 of Figure 2 along two inclined exemplary channels 12a and 12b. As can be seen from Figure 3, the thickness 20 of the pet training pad 10 along channels 12a and 12b preferably decreases from the outer (peripheral) edge 14 of the pet training pad 10 to the central region 16 of the pet training pad 10. Here, the thickness 20 of the pet training pad 10 is measured from the bottom opaque layer 11 to the top surface 18 of the pet training pad 10. More specifically, the thickness 20 of the pet training pad 10 along channels 12a and 12b decreases continuously from the outer (peripheral) edge 14, through the non-central (peripheral) region 17 and the central region 16, to the center point 22 of the pet training pad 10 where all channels 12 intersect.

[0040]

[0043] Furthermore, as shown, the thickness 21 of the pet training pad 10 between adjacent channels 12 is greater than the thickness 20 of the pet training pad 10 in the channel 12, and the thickness 21 of the pet training pad 10 between adjacent channels 12 also decreases continuously from the outer (peripheral) edge 14, through the non-central (peripheral) region 17 and the central region 16, to the center point 22 of the pet training pad 10 where all channels 12 intersect. As shown, the upper surface 18 and thickness 21 of the pet training pad 10 between adjacent channels 12 have a convex contour, which facilitates the flow of excretory fluids placed on the upper surface 18 toward at least one of the adjacent channels 12.

[0041]

[0044] For example, the thickness of the central region 16 of the pet training pad 10 may be in the range of 0.020 inches to 0.60 inches. More specifically, the thickness at the center point 22 may be in the range of 0.02 inches to 0.08 inches, while the thickness adjacent to the non-central (peripheral) region 17 may be in the range of 0.12 inches to 0.675 inches. The thickness of the non-central (peripheral) region 17 adjacent to the central region may be in the range of 0.12 inches to 0.675 inches, while the thickness of the outer (peripheral) edge 14 may be in the range of 0.25 inches to 1.25 inches.

[0042]

[0045] Therefore, this provides multiple inclined channels 12 to facilitate the flow of excretory bodily fluids toward the central region 16 of the pet training pad 10. Preferably, the inclined channels 12 are inclined downward toward the central region 16 of the pet training pad 10 at an angle 24 in the range of 5° to 40° (with the center point 22 shown as the vertex of angle 24), including all individual values ​​and increments therein. Therefore, the inclined channel 12 may be inclined downward toward the central area 16 of the pet training pad 10, more specifically toward the center point 22, at an angle 24 of 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°. Angle 24 may be the same from the outer (periphery) edge 14 to the center point 22 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, but it should be understood that the downward slope may vary along the length of the channel 12 from the outer (periphery) edge 14 to the center point 22, and therefore more than one angle may be used, as shown in Figure 4.

[0043]

[0046] The multiple inclined channels 12 may preferably be provided by quilting in the training pad 10. Quilting refers to indentations that selectively compress the thickness of the training pad 10. The quilting may consist of one or more indentations along the length of each of the multiple channels 12. For example, the quilting may consist of a single solid line indentation along the length of each of the multiple channels 12. Alternatively, the quilting may consist of multiple relatively smaller, continuous indentations of various shapes (e.g., dots, rhombuses, dashes, etc.) along the length of each of the multiple channels 12. The quilting may be configured to provide substantially linear channels 12. The quilting preferably provides compression to the thickness of the pet training pad 10, with the quilting being greatest in the channels 12 in the central surface region 16 and least where the channels 12 are adjacent to the outer (peripheral) edge 14 of the pet training pad 10.

[0044]

[0047] Therefore, the overall thickness 20 of the pet training pad 10 preferably decreases gradually, and more specifically, continuously, along the length of the channels 12, from the outer (peripheral) edge 14 toward the central surface region 16 and the center point 22. Furthermore, the overall thickness 21 of the pet training pad 10 also preferably decreases gradually, and more specifically, continuously, along the length of the channels 12 between adjacent channels 12, from the outer (peripheral) edge 14 toward the central surface region 16 and the center point 22.

[0045]

[0048] Due to the gradual, and more specifically, continuous, decrease in the thickness 20 of the pet training pad 10 in and along the length of the channel 12, the channel 12 provides an inclined surface, which, as described above, slopes downward from the outer (peripheral) edge 14 to the central surface region 16. As shown herein, the absorbency of the pet training pad 10 is preferably configured to be relatively maximum in the central region 16 than elsewhere on the pet training pad 10. The inclined channel 12 and the presence of a relatively large amount of absorbent material in the central region 16, for example, absorbent material with a greater weight per unit area (weight / area), provide the pet training pad 10 herein with a relatively efficient distribution of bodily fluids and excrement in contact at any point on the pad surface 18.

[0046]

[0049] In addition to an impermeable bottom layer 11 which may be placed substantially flat on a flat support surface (e.g., a floor), the pet training pad 10 may have one or more absorbent layers, attractant layers, odor-masking layers, and / or an impermeable bottom layer. The reference to the impermeable (impermeable) layer 11 refers to the characteristic of the layer that prevents the passage of most or all of urine and / or feces, which may be formed from a polymer film such as a polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene) film.

[0047]

[0050] The attractant layer may contain one or more attractants to encourage the pet to approach the training pad when it needs to relieve itself. For example, the attractants may contain one or more pheromones configured to encourage the pet to urinate on the training pad. The odor masking layer may preferably mask any odors that develop after use and reduce the amount of odor that the owner can detect.

[0048]

[0051] While preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure and the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the entire scope of the appended claims and equivalents. Furthermore, it should be understood that the appended claims do not necessarily require the broadest scope of the invention that the applicant has the right to claim, or the only way the invention may claim, or all described features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 10 Pet Training Pads 11 Bottom non-permeable layer 12 Sloping Channels 12a Sloping Channel 12b Sloping Channel 13 Ridge 14 Outer (peripheral) edge 16 Central area 17. Non-centralized (peripheral) areas 18 Top Thickness in 20 channels 21 Thickness between channels 22 Center point 24 angles I interval

Claims

1. It is a pet training pad, The central region and, A periphery region surrounding the central region and forming the periphery of the pet training pad, Absorbent material, Multiple inclined channels that slope downward from the peripheral region to the central region, Equipped with, The central region has a greater weight per unit area of ​​the absorbing material than the peripheral region. Pet training pad.

2. Further comprising a peripheral edge, The pet training pad according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inclined channels that incline downward from the peripheral region to the central region are inclined downward from the peripheral edge to the central region.

3. The pet training pad according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the peripheral region to the central region extend through the central region.

4. The central region further comprises a central point, The plurality of inclined channels that incline downward from the circumferential region to the central region are inclined downward to the center point. The pet training pad according to claim 1.

5. The pet training pad according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the peripheral region to the central region converge toward the central region.

6. The pet training pad according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the peripheral region to the central region and converge toward the central region converge in the peripheral region.

7. The pet training pad according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the peripheral region to the central region and converge toward the central region converge in the central region.

8. The central region further comprises a central point, The plurality of inclined channels that incline downward from the circumferential region to the central region, incline downward to the center point, The plurality of inclined channels, which are inclined downward from the circumferential region to the central region, converge at the central point. The pet training pad according to claim 1.

9. It also has a top surface, The plurality of inclined channels that slope downward from the circumferential region to the central region are formed on the upper surface. The pet training pad according to claim 1.

10. It further comprises a peripheral portion and a central point within the central region, The plurality of inclined channels that incline downward from the peripheral region to the central region are continuously inclined downward from the peripheral edge to the center point. The pet training pad according to claim 1.

11. The pet training pad according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inclined channels that incline downward from the peripheral region to the central region are inclined downward at an angle in the range of 5° to 40°.

12. The pet training pad has an upper surface area, The aforementioned central region defines up to 40.0% of the upper surface area of ​​the pet training pad. The pet training pad according to claim 1.

13. The pet training pad has an upper surface area, The aforementioned central region defines 10.0% to 40.0% of the upper surface area of ​​the pet training pad. The pet training pad according to claim 1.

14. The pet training pad according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent material comprises a superabsorbent polymer.

15. The pet training pad according to claim 1, wherein the pet training pad has a concave contour toward the central region.

16. It also has a top surface, The plurality of inclined channels include adjacent channels, The upper surface has a convex contour between the adjacent channels, thereby allowing fluid placed on the convex contour to flow toward at least one of the adjacent channels. The pet training pad according to claim 1.

17. The pet training pad according to claim 1, further comprising an impermeable bottom layer that is impermeable to pet excrement fluid.

18. The pet training pad according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral region completely surrounds the central region and forms a continuous loop around the central region.

19. The pet training pad according to claim 1, wherein the pet training pad has a peripheral edge, and the peripheral region completely forms the peripheral edge.

20. Instructions for using a pet training pad, To obtain the aforementioned pet training pad, the pet training pad is The central region and, A periphery region surrounding the central region and forming the periphery of the pet training pad, Absorbent material, Multiple inclined channels that slope downward from the peripheral region to the central region, Equipped with, The central region has a greater weight per unit area of ​​the absorbing material than the peripheral region, Placing the pet training pad on a flat support surface, The fluid is placed on the upper surface of the pet training pad such that the fluid flows toward the central region in at least one of the plurality of inclined channels. A method that includes this.

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