Patent Description:
Diapers are configured to contain body waste products or excreta including solids and fluids. Typical diapers are designed for human bodies and provide functionality and comfort when worn on the human body. For example, the diapers are configured to accommodate movement of human bodies, which move in a vertical, or upright, manner. The diapers also collect excreta that are typically released from the human body in a vertical manner, i.e., in a direction parallel to the legs of the human when the human is upright. However, non-humans, such as canines or felines, may also require diapers and the diapers designed for humans may not accommodate non-humans. For example, many non-humans are adapted to move in a four-legged horizontal manner. Four-legged non-humans typically release excreta from horizontal positions, not vertical positions like from humans. Diapers that are designed to contain excreta released in a vertical direction may not properly contain excreta that is released from a non-human in a horizontal direction.

In addition, humans' legs extend vertically in a direction parallel to the body and rotate approximately <NUM>° at the hips. As such, human legs are generally circular in cross-section to accommodate the <NUM>° rotation. In contrast, many non-humans have legs that extend downward in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal body of the non-humans and rotate approximately <NUM>° at the hips relative to the body. Accordingly, the non-humans' legs may be other than circular (e.g., elliptical) to accommodate the <NUM>° rotation. However, most diapers are designed to fit humans and include, for example, circular leg openings. When applied to diapers for non-humans, the circular leg openings may result in gaps between the legs of the non-human that allow excreta to leak around the legs. In addition, the absorbent material of diapers designed for humans may not properly receive and contain excreta from non-humans.

<CIT> discloses an absorbent article for pets that fits the body of a pet in an excellent manner and is able to properly absorb liquid bodily waste. This article that is wrapped around the body of pet is provided with deformation guide parts.

Accordingly, there is a need for a disposable diaper that is adapted specifically for non-humans, such as canines or felines, and that provides enhanced functionality and comfort when worn by the non-humans.

The present invention provides a diaper for a non-human, the diaper comprising: a chassis configured to form two leg openings when the diaper is placed on a non-human in a wear configuration; and an absorbent core attached to the chassis, the absorbent core having a total superabsorbent polymer (SAP) load and comprising:.

A method of making an absorbent core for a diaper for a nonhuman is also described herein. It includes depositing a superabsorbent polymer in zones of the absorbent core to form a total superabsorbent polymer (SAP) load of the absorbent core. The method further includes forming seals around the first absorbent section, the second absorbent section, the third absorbent section, the fourth absorbent section, and the fifth absorbent section.

The embodiments described herein may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of a diaper for a non-human include an absorbent core having at least five absorbent sections. The diaper also includes a chassis including a front edge, a back edge, and sides extending between the front and back edges. The absorbent core is attached to the chassis and positioned to absorb excreta of a non-human wearer. The sections of the absorbent core extend perpendicular to the waistband of the diaper. For example, at least one middle section extends through the middle of the diaper along the length of the diaper. At least two first side sections having approximately equal length are positioned end-to-end on a left side of the middle section. At least two second side sections having approximately equal length are positioned end-to-end on a right side of the middle section. The absorbent sections are separated by seals. Due at least partially to the arrangement of the sections of the absorbent core, the diaper forms leg openings that are non-circular in shape and accommodate the legs of non-human species to provide an improved function and fit of the diaper for non-humans.

In addition, the absorbent core includes a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Each absorbent section is filled with a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of a total SAP load of the diaper. Thus, the first side sections provide a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load, the middle section provides a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load, and the second side sections provide a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load. As a result, the absorbent core allows for an initial release of excreta to be absorbed by a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% SAP in the middle section and any remaining excreta is absorbed by a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% SAP in the first side sections and the second side sections to prevent leakage out the diaper around the non-human's leg.

<FIG> is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an absorbent article in the form of a diaper, generally indicated at <NUM>, for a non-human. The diaper <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> and an absorbent core <NUM> attached to the chassis. For example, in some embodiments, the absorbent core <NUM> is positioned between an inner sheet and an outer sheet <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> in a sandwiched configuration. The absorbent core <NUM> may be adhered, bonded, entrapped, or otherwise attached to the chassis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the absorbent core <NUM> forms a portion of the chassis <NUM> such as the inner layer. In such embodiments, the absorbent core <NUM> may directly contact the body of the wearer. In other embodiments, an inner sheet extends between the absorbent core <NUM> and the body and is at least semi-permeable to allow excreta to pass through the inner sheet and reach the absorbent core.

The chassis <NUM> includes a front <NUM> having a front edge <NUM>, a back <NUM> having a back edge <NUM>, and sides <NUM> extending between the front edge and the back edge. When the diaper <NUM> is in a wear configuration, the front <NUM> and the back <NUM> attach together to form a waistband that is sized and shaped to extend around the wearer. For example, the chassis <NUM> may include fasteners <NUM> that secure the front <NUM> and the back <NUM> together. The fasteners <NUM> may include hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, and/or any other suitable fasteners. The fasteners <NUM> may be formed as part of or attached to the front <NUM> and/or the back <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners <NUM> extend from the back <NUM> and attach to the material of the front <NUM> when the diaper is in the wear configuration.

In addition, the sides <NUM> form leg openings that accommodate the legs of the wearer when the diaper <NUM> is in the wear configuration. The sides <NUM> may be curved (e.g., concave) as shown in the illustrated embodiment. As described further herein, the diaper <NUM> is adapted to accommodate noncircular legs of non-humans. Specifically, the configuration of the chassis <NUM> and the absorbent core <NUM> allow the diaper to conform to the shape of non-humans. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a leg opening of the diaper <NUM> conforms to the shape of a leg <NUM> of a non-human such as a canine or a feline and forms a tight seal around the leg to prevent leakage. In addition, the diaper <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> in the middle of the diaper sized and shaped to accommodate a tail of a non-human.

The chassis <NUM> has a length <NUM> defined between the front edge <NUM> and the back edge <NUM>. Also, the chassis <NUM> has a width <NUM> defined between the sides <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may be sized to accommodate bodies of non-humans. For example, in some embodiments, the length <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> centimeters (cm) to about <NUM> and the width <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The absorbent core <NUM> is attached to the chassis <NUM> between the front edge <NUM> and the back edge <NUM> and extends along the length <NUM> of the chassis. The absorbent core <NUM> includes a first absorbent zone <NUM>, a second absorbent zone <NUM>, and a third absorbent zone <NUM>. The second absorbent zone <NUM> extends along a centerline of the chassis <NUM>. The first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> are on opposite sides of the second absorbent zone <NUM> between the second absorbent zone and respective sides <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. Accordingly, the second absorbent zone <NUM> is configured to receive excreta that is released into a central region of the diaper <NUM> and the first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> provide a secondary receiving area to seal along the sides <NUM> and prevent any excreta not absorbed by the second absorbent zone <NUM> from flowing out of the diaper <NUM> along the sides <NUM>.

The absorbent core <NUM> includes a plurality of sections that are arranged in the zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to absorb the excreta released by the non-human wearer. For example, the first absorbent zone <NUM> includes a first absorbent section <NUM> and a second absorbent section <NUM>. The second absorbent zone <NUM> includes a third absorbent section <NUM>. The third absorbent zone <NUM> includes a fourth absorbent section <NUM> and a fifth absorbent section <NUM>. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the absorbent core <NUM> includes at least five absorbent sections. In other embodiments, the absorbent core may include any suitable absorbent sections. For example, in some embodiments, the first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> each include three or more absorbent sections. In further embodiments, the second absorbent zone <NUM> includes two or more absorbent sections.

The absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the absorbent zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are bounded by seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the absorbent core <NUM> includes edge seals <NUM> that extend parallel to the front edge <NUM> and the back edge <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> on opposite ends of the absorbent zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and along the ends of the absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Also, the absorbent core <NUM> includes longitudinal seals <NUM> that extend longitudinally between the absorbent zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and along the sides of the absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the absorbent core <NUM> includes a first lateral seal <NUM> that extends through the first absorbent zone <NUM> between the first absorbent section <NUM> and the second absorbent section <NUM>. The absorbent core <NUM> includes a second lateral seal <NUM> that extends through the third absorbent zone between the fourth absorbent section <NUM> and the fifth absorbent section <NUM>. The lateral seals <NUM>, <NUM> extend perpendicular to the longitudinal seals <NUM> and parallel to the front edge <NUM> and the back edge <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. The seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> overlap and connect to each other. As a result, each absorbent section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is completely encircled by the seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and each absorbent section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> acts as an individual absorbent body to absorb excreta and the sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are able to move relative to each other.

The seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, the seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be heat seals that are formed by heating layers of the absorbent core <NUM>. In some embodiments, the seals may be formed by ultrasonic bonding, welding, and any other suitable process. For example, in some embodiments, the absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be separated by embossments formed using embossing rollers.

The first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM> are identical to each other and each have a length <NUM> and a width <NUM>. The length <NUM> is greater than the width <NUM> and is equal to approximately half of the total length of the absorbent core <NUM>. The third absorbent section <NUM> is a different size from the first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM>. The third absorbent section <NUM> has a length <NUM> and a width <NUM>. The length <NUM> is approximately equal to the total length of the absorbent core <NUM>. The width <NUM> of the third absorbent section <NUM> equal to the width <NUM> of the first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM> such that a ratio of each width <NUM>, <NUM> to the total width of the absorbent core <NUM> is <NUM>:<NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the absorbent core <NUM> of the diaper <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The absorbent core <NUM> is constructed of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The SAP may be distributed throughout the absorbent core <NUM> in an arrangement that accommodates a non-human wearer. For example, the first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the third absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM> each include a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load. Accordingly, the first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> each include a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load of the absorbent core <NUM>. The second absorbent zone <NUM> includes a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load of the absorbent core <NUM>. In other embodiments, the second absorbent zone <NUM> includes a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load of the absorbent core <NUM>. The SAP in the second absorbent zone <NUM> is distributed along the length of the absorbent core <NUM> in the center region and is configured to absorb excreta released by a non-human in a horizontal direction. The first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> are configured to absorb excreta that is not absorbed by the second absorbent zone <NUM> to prevent the excreta from flowing toward the sides <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of the diaper <NUM>.

When the SAP absorbs excreta, as shown in <FIG>, each section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> expands. In the illustrated embodiment, each section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> forms a cylinder when the SAP within each section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is fully loaded. The first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM> are identical to each other and each have an expanded width <NUM> that is greater than the width <NUM>. The third absorbent section <NUM> has an expanded width <NUM> that is less than the expanded width <NUM> of the first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM>. Accordingly, when the SAP has absorbed fluids, the third absorbent section <NUM> has an elongate, thinner shape in comparison to the first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core <NUM> of the diaper <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>. Line <NUM>-<NUM> extends through the first absorbent zone <NUM>. The absorbent zone <NUM> includes the first absorbent section <NUM> and the second absorbent section <NUM> which are separated by the seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> extends through a middle of the first absorbent zone <NUM> such that the first absorbent section <NUM> and the second absorbent section <NUM> are approximately equal halves of the first absorbent zone <NUM>. The first absorbent zone is symmetric about the seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> defines a minimum thickness of the first absorbent zone <NUM> (i.e., a thickness substantially less than the thickness of the first absorbent section <NUM> and the second absorbent section <NUM>) and separates the sections from each other. Accordingly, the first absorbent section <NUM> and the second absorbent section <NUM> are distinct absorbent regions and act as separate absorbent bodies to absorb excreta. Moreover, the seal <NUM> acts as a joint between the sections <NUM> and <NUM> and allows for movement of the sections relative to each other. As a result, the sections <NUM> and <NUM> allow the leg openings of the diaper <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to assume an elliptical shape when the diaper is in the wear configuration. The foregoing description also applies to the third absorbent zone <NUM> because the third absorbent zone <NUM> is identical to the first absorbent zone <NUM> other than being positioned on an opposite side of the second absorbent zone <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core <NUM> of the diaper <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>. Line <NUM>-<NUM> extends through the second absorbent zone <NUM>. The third absorbent section <NUM> extends throughout the entirety of the second absorbent zone <NUM>. Accordingly, the second absorbent zone <NUM> is not divided by any seals and has a substantially uniform thickness. The third absorbent section <NUM> is positioned generally in a middle area of the diaper <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and is arranged to receive an initial discharge of excreta from the non-human wearer. The excreta may be distributed substantially evenly throughout the SAP of the third absorbent section <NUM> because of the uniform thickness of the third absorbent section <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a method of assembling the diaper <NUM> generally includes forming the chassis <NUM> and attaching the absorbent core <NUM> to the chassis <NUM>. For example, the absorbent core <NUM> may be attached to the outer sheet <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> and/or sandwiched between two or more sheets <NUM> of the chassis. One or more sheets <NUM> may be secured together to form the chassis <NUM> before, after, or simultaneous with the absorbent core <NUM> being attached to the chassis.

The chassis <NUM> may be cut or formed to a shape including the front edge <NUM>, the back edge <NUM>, and/or the sides <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sides <NUM> may be at least partially curved to accommodate the legs of the wearer. The fasteners <NUM> may be attached to or otherwise provided on the chassis <NUM> such that the diaper <NUM> has a laid flat configuration (shown in <FIG>) and a wear configuration.

The absorbent core <NUM> may be formed of one or more sheets <NUM> that are arranged to receive the SAP. The SAP may be distributed and/or injected into the respective sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the absorbent core <NUM> in desired ratios. For example, each section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may receive about <NUM>/<NUM> of the total SAP for the absorbent core. Suitably, the seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are formed during the same manufacturing step that the SAP is positioned in the absorbent core <NUM> in an in-situ manufacturing process. In other embodiments, channels could be formed between and around the sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> using one or more embossing rollers.

The distribution of the SAP is closely controlled and the formation of the seals is more precise relative to the distribution of the SAP because the seals are formed during the distribution of the SAP. As a result, the amount of SAP required to assemble the diaper <NUM> is reduced and the efficiency of the manufacturing process is increased. In some embodiments, the edges and/or sides of the absorbent core <NUM> may be sealed after the SAP is distributed. In other embodiments, the SAP is distributed onto the sheet <NUM> before at least one of the seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is formed.

After the sealing process, the diaper <NUM> may undergo further processing such as printing and/or coating. In some embodiments, the diapers <NUM> are formed in continuous sheets and the diapers <NUM> are cut apart from each other before shipping. Each diaper <NUM> is then prepared for shipping. For example, each diaper <NUM> may be folded and packaged for shipping.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view illustrating a diaper with a conventional leg opening <NUM> on a leg <NUM> of a non-human. The leg opening <NUM> forms a circular shape because of the arrangement of the absorbent core of the diaper. For example, the absorbent core around the leg opening is substantially continuous and provides a uniform bend or curve and causes the circular shape. The circular shape is configured to accommodate most human legs but does not conform to the shape of non-human legs. For example, the circular shape of the leg opening <NUM> forms gaps <NUM> around the leg <NUM> of the non-human because the leg <NUM> has a generally non-circular shape. Accordingly, the diaper may allow excreta to leak around the leg <NUM> through the gaps <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view illustrating the diaper <NUM> on the leg <NUM> of the non-human. In contrast to the conventional diaper shown in <FIG>, the diaper <NUM> fits snugly on the leg <NUM> and provides a tight seal to prevent leakage around the leg <NUM>. For example, the arrangement of the absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the seals <NUM> allow the leg openings <NUM> to have an elliptical shape and accommodate the generally elliptical shape of the leg <NUM>. In particular, the lateral seals <NUM> allow the absorbent core <NUM> to at least partially bend or crease at a midpoint of the absorbent core <NUM> and form the elliptical shape. Accordingly, the leg opening <NUM> and the absorbent core <NUM> conform to the shape of the leg <NUM> such that the diaper <NUM> prevents leaks and provides a more comfortable fit for the wearer.

<FIG> is a top view of another embodiment not in accordance with the invention of an absorbent article in the form of a diaper, generally indicated at <NUM>, for a non-human. The diaper <NUM> is configured, in particular, for use on a male non-human. For example, the diaper <NUM> may extend around the waste of the male non-human to collect urine released in a horizontal direction. In particular, the diaper <NUM> acts as a wrap that covers the inguinal region and/or the penis of the non-human to collect urine and other excreta that is emitted by the male non-human. The diaper <NUM> does not extend across the tail end of the non-human. In some embodiments, the diaper <NUM> may be used as a surgical wrap to cover a surgical site of a non-human.

The diaper <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> and an absorbent core <NUM> attached to the chassis. For example in some embodiments, the absorbent core <NUM> is positioned between an inner sheet and an outer sheet <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> in a sandwiched configuration. The absorbent core <NUM> may be adhered, bonded, entrapped, or otherwise attached to the chassis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the absorbent core <NUM> forms a portion of the chassis <NUM> such as the inner layer. In such embodiments, the absorbent core <NUM> may directly contact the body of the wearer. In other embodiments, an inner sheet extends between the absorbent core <NUM> and the body and is at least semi-permeable to allow excreta to pass through and reach the absorbent core.

The chassis <NUM> includes a front edge <NUM>, a back edge <NUM>, and sides <NUM> extending between the front edge and the back edge. The diaper <NUM> is sized and shaped to wrap around the wearer in a wear configuration and the sides <NUM> are configured to attach together to secure the diaper <NUM> in the wear configuration. For example, the chassis <NUM> may include one or more fasteners <NUM> that attach the sides <NUM> together. The fasteners <NUM> may include hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, and/or any other suitable fasteners. The fasteners <NUM> may be formed as part of or attached to the chassis <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners <NUM> extend along one side <NUM> of the chassis and attach to another side <NUM> when the diaper <NUM> is in the wear configuration. In other embodiments, the diaper <NUM> may include a single fastener <NUM> extending along the side <NUM>. In further embodiments, the diaper <NUM> includes one or more straps (not shown) that facilitate securing the diaper to the non-human.

The chassis <NUM> has a width <NUM> defined between the front edge <NUM> and the back edge <NUM>. Also, the chassis <NUM> has a length <NUM> defined between the sides <NUM>. Accordingly, the chassis <NUM> has a rectangular shape. In addition, the chassis <NUM> may be sized to accommodate bodies of non-humans. For example, in some embodiments, the width <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM> and the length <NUM> may be in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The absorbent core <NUM> includes a first absorbent zone <NUM>, a second absorbent zone <NUM>, and a third absorbent zone <NUM>. The second absorbent zone <NUM> extends along a centerline of the chassis <NUM>. The first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> extend between the second absorbent zone <NUM> and respective sides <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. The diaper <NUM> is configured to wrap around the non-human such that the second absorbent zone <NUM> is positioned along the inguinal region of the non-human and the first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> are positioned at least partially along the sides of the non-human. Accordingly, the second absorbent zone <NUM> is configured to receive excreta that is released into a central region of the diaper <NUM> and the first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> provide a secondary receiving area to seal along the sides <NUM> and prevent any excreta not absorbed by the second absorbent zone <NUM> from escaping the diaper.

The zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include a plurality of absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that are arranged to absorb excreta released by the non-human wearer. For example, the first absorbent zone <NUM> includes a first absorbent section <NUM> and a second absorbent section <NUM>. The second absorbent zone <NUM> includes a third absorbent section <NUM>. The third absorbent zone <NUM> includes a fourth absorbent section <NUM> and a fifth absorbent section <NUM>. Accordingly, the absorbent core <NUM> includes at least five absorbent sections. For example, in some embodiments, the first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> each include three or more absorbent sections. In further embodiments, the second absorbent zone <NUM> includes two or more absorbent sections.

The absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be any suitable shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the diaper <NUM> is configured to accommodate a male non-human such as a canine or a feline and the absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to absorb excreta released by the male non-human. For example, the first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM> each are square. The third absorbent section <NUM> is a rectangle. The shapes of the absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provide a desired distribution of the SAP and facilitate the diaper <NUM> being positioned around the waistline of the non-human.

The absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the absorbent core <NUM> are bounded by longitudinal seals <NUM> and lateral seals <NUM>, <NUM>. The longitudinal seals <NUM> extend along the width <NUM> of the chassis <NUM> between the front edge <NUM> and the back edge <NUM> of the chassis. In addition, the first absorbent section <NUM> and the second absorbent section <NUM> of the first absorbent zone <NUM> are separated by a first lateral seal <NUM>. The fourth absorbent section <NUM> and the fifth absorbent section <NUM> are separated by a second lateral seal <NUM>. The lateral seals <NUM>, <NUM> extend perpendicular to the longitudinal seals <NUM> and parallel to the front edge <NUM> and the back edge <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>. Accordingly, the seals <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> divide the absorbent zones <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> into the absorbent sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and completely circumscribe each absorbent section <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM> are identical to each other and each have a length <NUM> and a width <NUM>. The length <NUM> is equal to the width <NUM> and is equal to approximately half of the total length of the absorbent core <NUM>. The third absorbent section <NUM> is a different shape from the first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM>. The third absorbent section <NUM> has a length <NUM> and a width <NUM>. The length <NUM> is approximately equal to the total length of the absorbent core <NUM>. The width <NUM> of the third absorbent section <NUM> is equal to the width <NUM> of the first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM> such that a ratio of each width <NUM>, <NUM> to the total width of the absorbent core <NUM> is <NUM>:<NUM>.

The SAP may be distributed throughout the absorbent core <NUM> in an arrangement that accommodates a non-human wearer. For example, the first absorbent section <NUM>, the second absorbent section <NUM>, the third absorbent section <NUM>, the fourth absorbent section <NUM>, and the fifth absorbent section <NUM> each include a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP. Accordingly, the first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> each include a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load of the absorbent core <NUM>. The second absorbent zone <NUM> includes a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load of the absorbent core <NUM>. The SAP in the second absorbent zone <NUM> is distributed along the length of the absorbent core <NUM> in the center region and is configured to absorb excreta released by a non-human in a horizontal direction. The first absorbent zone <NUM> and the third absorbent zone <NUM> are configured to absorb excreta that is not absorbed by the second absorbent zone <NUM>.

As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," "essentially," and "approximately" when used in conjunction with ranges of dimensions, concentrations, temperatures or other physical or chemical properties or characteristics is meant to cover variations that may exist in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges of the properties or characteristics, including, for example, variations resulting from rounding, measurement methodology or other statistical variation.

Claim 1:
A diaper for a non-human, the diaper comprising:
a chassis configured to form two leg openings when the diaper is placed on a non-human in a wear configuration; and
an absorbent core attached to the chassis, the absorbent core having a total superabsorbent polymer (SAP) load and comprising:
a first zone including a first absorbent section and a second absorbent section, wherein the first absorbent section and the second absorbent section each include a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load;
a second zone including a third absorbent section including a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% or of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load;
a third zone including a fourth absorbent section and a fifth absorbent section, wherein the fourth absorbent section and the fifth absorbent section each include a range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total SAP load, and wherein the second zone is between the first zone and the third zone; and
seals surrounding each of the first absorbent section, the second absorbent section, the third absorbent section, the fourth absorbent section, and the fifth absorbent section, wherein one of the seals extends through the first zone between the first absorbent section and the second absorbent section, and another of the seals extends through the third zone between the fourth absorbent section and the fifth absorbent section,
wherein the seals extending through the first zone and the third zone are lateral seals extending parallel to an edge of the absorbent core,
wherein the first absorbent section has a first length, the second absorbent section has a second length, the third absorbent section has a third length, the fourth absorbent section has a fourth length, and the fifth absorbent section has a fifth length, and wherein the first length, the second length, the fourth length, and the fifth length are equal to each other, and wherein a ratio of the first length to the third length is <NUM>:<NUM>, and
wherein the seals further include longitudinal seals extending perpendicular to the lateral seals and between the first zone and the second zone and between the second zone and the third zone, and
wherein at least two of the absorbent sections extend along each leg opening, wherein the leg openings have an elliptical shape when the diaper is placed on the non-human in the wear configuration.