PANT-type absorbent article

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pant-type absorbent article in which a central longitudinal axis (CL) divides the pant-type absorbent article into a first article side (2) and a second article side (3). The absorbent article comprises a back panel (20) having a back panel waist edge (21), a pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23), a pair of back panel side edges (24, 25), a main portion (26), and a buttocks covering portion (27), the buttocks covering portion (27) being provided between the main portion (26) and the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23). The back panel (20) has at least one elastic member (260) extending at least partly over the main portion (26), a first and a second set of elongated leg elastic elements (220, 230) extending along the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23), and a first and a second set of elongated shaping elastic elements (270, 280) extending at least partly over the buttocks covering portion (27), the first set of leg elastic elements (220) and the first set of shaping elastic elements (270) being provided on the first article side (2) and the second set of leg elastic elements (230) and the second set of shaping elastic elements (280) being provided on the second article side (3), wherein for each of the first set of shaping elastic elements (270) and the second set of shaping elastic elements (280) the following is fulfilled: each shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284) has a first point (P1) and a second point (P2), the first point (P1) being closer to the back panel waist edge (21) than the second point (P2) as seen in the longitudinal direction (L) and the second point (P2) being closer to the respective one of the first and second longitudinal side edges (31, 32) of the absorbent insert (30) than the first point (P1) as seen in the transversal direction (T), the first point (P1) being the location on the shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284) that is closest to an innermost leg elastic element (221, 231), which is located closest to the back panel waist edge (21) out of the respective one of the first set and second set of leg elastic elements (220, 230), the second point (P2) being the location on the shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284) that is closest to the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge (31, 32) of the absorbent insert (30), for each shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284), an imaginary straight line (IL) is defined as a straight line including the first point (P1) and the second point (P2), wherein an angle (a) between the imaginary straight line (IL) and the transversal direction (T) is from 7° to 25°, the shaping elastic elements (271-274, 281-284) are spaced apart from each other as seen in the longitudinal direction (L), each shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284) extends in such a manner that an elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284) acts along its imaginary straight line (IL) between the first point (P1) and the second point (P2), for each shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284), a point where the imaginary straight line (IL) intersects the innermost leg elastic element (221, 231) is a first intersection point (IS1), and a point where the imaginary straight line (IL) intersects the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge (31) and the second longitudinal side edge (32) of the absorbent insert (30) is a second intersection point (IS2), and a distance between the first point (P1) and the second point (P2) is at least 60% of a distance between the first intersection point (IS1) and the second intersection point (IS2).

Description

[0001] PANT -TYPE ABSORBENT ARTICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a pant-type absorbent article , such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant , or incontinence pant .

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Pant-type absorbent articles generally have a front panel , a back panel , and an absorbent insert between the front panel and the back panel . The front panel is intended to be placed at the belly of a wearer, the back panel is intended to be placed at the back and the buttocks of a wearer, and the absorbent insert is intended to be placed at the crotch of a wearer, when the absorbent article is in a worn state .

[0006] There is a general desire in the field of pant-type absorbent articles to provide absorbent articles with increased comfort and fit , and discrete underwear-like visual appearance . In particular, it is desirable that the pant-type absorbent article has increased comfort and fit in the buttocks covering portion . The buttocks covering portion is a portion of the back panel intended to cover the buttocks of a wearer . For example , EP 2 260 811 Al discloses a pant-type absorbent article in form of a pant diaper with alleged good appearance . The pant diaper has elastici zed regions 234 in the back panel with elastic elements 235 extending in the transverse direction Y ( see Fig . 2 of EP 2 260 811 Al ) . The elastici zed regions 234 are intended to define a smoothly curved contact surface along the rounded surface of a wearer' s buttock .

[0007] However, there is a need for further improvements in terms of comfort , fit , and underwear-like visual appearance . SUMMARY

[0008] It is an obj ect of the present disclosure to provide a panttype absorbent article having improved comfort , fit , and underwear-like visual appearance , in particular, in the buttocks covering portion .

[0009] This obj ect is solved by a pant-type absorbent article as defined in claim 1 . Optional features and preferred embodiments of the pant-type absorbent article are defined in the dependent claims .

[0010] According to a first aspect , a pant-type absorbent article , such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant , or incontinence pant , has a central longitudinal axis , wherein a longitudinal direction is defined as a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis and a transversal direction is defined as a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis , the central longitudinal axis dividing the pant-type absorbent article into a first article side and a second article side along the transversal direction, the absorbent article comprising a front panel having a front panel waist edge , a pair of front panel leg edges , and a pair of front panel side edges , a back panel having a back panel waist edge , a pair of back panel leg edges , a pair of back panel side edges , a main portion, and a buttocks covering portion, the main portion being provided between the pair of back panel side edges as seen in the transversal direction, the buttocks covering portion being provided between the main portion and the pair of back panel leg edges as seen in the longitudinal direction, and an absorbent insert located between the front panel and the back panel in the longitudinal direction so as to partly overlap the front panel and the back panel , and connected to the front panel and the back panel , the absorbent insert having a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the back panel has at least one elastic member extending at least partly over the main portion, a first and a second set of elongated leg elastic elements extending along the pair of back panel leg edges , and a first and a second set of elongated shaping elastic elements extending at least partly over the buttocks covering portion, the first set of leg elastic elements and the first set of shaping elastic elements being provided on the first article side and the second set of leg elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements being provided on the second article side , wherein for each of the first set of shaping elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements the following is ful filled : each shaping elastic element has a first point and a second point , the first point being closer to the back panel waist edge than the second point as seen in the longitudinal direction and the second point being closer to the respective one of the first and second longitudinal side edges of the absorbent insert than the first point as seen in the transversal direction, the first point being the location on the shaping elastic element that is closest to an innermost leg elastic element , which is located closest to the back panel waist edge out of the respective one of the first set and second set of leg elastic elements , the second point being the location on the shaping elastic element that is closest to the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge of the absorbent insert , for each shaping elastic element , an imaginary straight line is defined as a straight line including the first point and the second point , wherein an angle between the imaginary straight line and the transversal direction is from 7 ° to 25 ° , the shaping elastic elements are spaced apart from each other as seen in the longitudinal direction, and each shaping elastic element extends in such a manner that an elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic element acts along its imaginary straight line between the first point and the second point , for each shaping elastic element , a point where the imaginary straight line intersects the innermost leg elastic element is a first intersection point , a point where the imaginary straight line intersects the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge of the absorbent insert is a second intersection point , and a distance between the first point and the second point is at least 60% of a distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point .

[0011] Since the pant-type absorbent article has the shaping elastic elements extending over the buttocks covering portion in such a manner that an elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic element acts along its imaginary straight line between the first point and the second point , wherein an angle between the imaginary straight line and the transversal direction is from 7 ° to 25 ° , the shaping elastic elements extend in an angled manner with respect to the transversal direction, thereby better conforming to a wearer' s buttocks . This leads to an improved snug fit in the buttocks covering portion as compared to the prior art pant-type diaper being non-elasti f led in this area . Moreover, the shaping elastic elements also act together with the leg elastic elements , thereby further promoting improved fit . As a result , the pant-type absorbent article has improved comfort , fit , and underwear-like visual appearance in the buttocks covering portion .

[0012] The pant-type absorbent article may be a disposable or a washable pant-type absorbent article .

[0013] The pant-type absorbent article may be intended for adult users . When referring to "absorbent article" hereinafter, "pant-type absorbent article" is meant .

[0014] The central longitudinal axis may run through the back panel , the front panel , and the absorbent insert of the absorbent article . The central longitudinal axis dividing the pant-type absorbent article into a first article side and a second article side along the transversal direction may divide the absorbent article into two article sides , i . e . , into the first article side and the second article side , of equal si ze in terms of area si ze .

[0015] In general , angles and dimensions defined herein in connection with the absorbent article are measured when the absorbent article is in its fully-extended, unfolded, and flat state , as shown in Fig . 1 . For example , starting from an absorbent article in its closed form, wherein the pair of front panel side edges and the pair of back panel side edges are fastened to each other to form side seams of the absorbent article and the front panel waist edge and the back panel waist edge form a waist opening, the fully-extended, unfolded, and flat state is reali zed by opening or breaking the side seams and unfolding the absorbent article into a flat state . Fully- extended means that the absorbent article has been extended in both the longitudinal and transversal direction to such an extent that all the elastic elements and members contained in the absorbent article are extended to such an extent that they no longer gather any part of the absorbent article , but the entire absorbent article is completely flat and in an ungathered state , without wrinkles from any contraction of an elastic element or elastic member . The absorbent article is extended only to such an extent that this flat condition is reached . In order to hold the unfolded, flat-state absorbent article in its fully-extended state , the absorbent article may be put on a plate and fixed with needles or nails .

[0016] The front panel is intended to be located at the belly of a wearer when the absorbent article is in a worn state . The front panel may be generally rectangular, with a rectangular shape having a long side and a short side . The long side may be perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article . The front panel waist edge is intended to be located at the waist of a wearer when the absorbent article is in a worn state . The pair of front panel leg edges are intended to be located at the legs of a wearer, one of the pair of front panel leg edges being located at one leg of a wearer, the other one of the pair of front panel leg edges being located at the other leg of the wearer . The front panel side edges may form the short side of the rectangular shape of the front panel .

[0017] The back panel is intended to be located at the back and the buttocks of a wearer when the absorbent article is in a worn state . The back panel waist edge is intended to be located at the waist of a wearer when the absorbent article is in a worn state . The pair of back panel leg edges are intended to be located at the legs of a wearer, one of the pair of back panel leg edges being located at one leg of the wearer, the other one of the pair of back panel leg edges being located at the other leg of the wearer .

[0018] The main portion of the back panel may be generally rectangular, with a rectangular shape having a long side and a short side . The long side may be perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the absorbent article . The back panel side edges may form the short side of the rectangular shape of the back panel . The buttocks covering portion of the back panel may have a trapezoidal shape with the pair of back panel leg edges constituting tapering and / or curved edges extending towards the crotch of a wearer when the absorbent article is in a worn state .

[0019] The pant-type absorbent article according to the present invention is in a closed form, wherein the pair of front panel side edges and the pair of back panel side edges are fastened to each other to form side seams of the absorbent article and the front panel waist edge and the back panel waist edge form a waist opening . For example , the side edges may be releasably fastened to each other, for example , using hook and loop fastener, adhesive fastener, or ultrasonic fastening .

[0020] A pant-type absorbent article refers to an absorbent article of wear, which has a pre- formed waist and leg openings and is intended to enclose the lower part of the wearer' s trunk like a pair of underwear . The pant-type absorbent article is pulled onto the body of the wearer by inserting the legs into the leg openings and pulling the article up towards the waist . Panttype absorbent articles normally provide a snug fit and resemble underwear . They are normally intended to fit comfortable and snugly about the wearer without compromising skin comfort , sagging and leakage . A pant-type absorbent article is normally intended to absorb and / or contain various exudates such as urine , menses and / or feces discharged from the wearer of the article . Pant-type absorbent articles include a pant-shaped chassis and an absorbent core component integrated with the chassis . Pant-type absorbent articles include pant diapers , sanitary panties and incontinence pants .

[0021] Pant-type absorbent articles include pre- fastened pant-type articles , such as , for example , training pants , having re- closable fasteners for opening and reclosing the pant-type article during use and permanently sealed pant-type articles having a permanent seal or seam that is destroyed when tearing the article along the seal .

[0022] The absorbent insert is intended to be located at the crotch of a wearer when the absorbent article is in a worn state . The absorbent insert may generally have a rectangular shape with the long sides of the rectangle corresponding to the first and second longitudinal side edges of the absorbent insert .

[0023] The absorbent insert is preferably applied on an inner surface of the front panel and the back panel , and comprises an absorbent core . An absorbent core may comprise any conventional material suitable for absorbing discharged bodily wastes , such as cellulosic fluf f pulp, tissue layers , highly absorbent polymers ( super absorbents ) , absorbent foam materials including hydrogel- foam material , absorbent nonwoven materials , or the like . The absorbent core can comprise nonabsorbent components such as sti f fening elements , shaping elements , binders , etc . Various types of liquid-receiving and liquid distribution elements can also be included in the core . It is conventional in absorbent articles to have an absorbent core comprising layers of di f ferent properties with respect to liquid receiving capacity, liquid distribution capacity and storage capacity . The absorbent core may have any useful shape , such as rectangular, hourglass shape , T-shape , etc . , as known in the art .

[0024] The absorbent insert may have a liquid permeable topsheet placed on the side intended to face the skin of a user, and a liquid impermeable backsheet placed on the side of the absorbent insert intended to face the garment of a user . As such, the absorbent insert may be considered as a part having an absorbent core applied between two layers , i . e . , the liquid permeable topsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet . Generally, the liquid permeable topsheet comprises or consist of a nonwoven material . The topsheet material may further be composed of tow fibers , porous foams , apertured plastic films etc . As mentioned above , the materials suited as topsheet materials should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and be readily penetrated by body fluid, e . g . , urine or menstrual fluid, and display low rewetting properties . The liquid impermeable backsheet may consist of a thin plastic film, e . g . , a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a nonwoven material coated with a liquid impervious material , a hydrophobic nonwoven material which resists liquid penetration or laminates of plastic films and nonwoven materials . The backsheet material may be breathable so as to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent core , while still preventing liquids from passing through the backsheet material .

[0025] The topsheet and backsheet of the absorbent insert may extend outwardly beyond the area of the absorbent core . The topsheet and backsheet may be connected to each other, for example , by adhesive bonding, gluing, or welding by heat or ultrasonically . The topsheet and / or the backsheet may further be attached to the absorbent core by any method known in the art , such as adhesive , heat-bonding, welding, needling, etc .

[0026] The materials used for the absorbent article , in particular for the front panel , the back panel , and the absorbent insert , as well as the manufacturing method of the absorbent article may correspond to typical materials and manufacturing methods of absorbent articles that are generally well known to the skilled person any may be such as described in EP 3 544 563 Bl or WO 2018 / 106160 Al , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference . The front panel and the back panel preferably comprise an outer layer of material and inner layer of material enclosing the elastic elements of the absorbent article , the material preferably being nonwoven material . The nonwoven material layers or webs may be selected from, for example , spunbond, air laid, wet laid, carded, electro spunned or meltblown nonwovens . The nonwoven material may be bonded by multiple techniques , e . g . , by needling, hydroentangling, or heat bonding .

[0027] The at least one elastic member extending at least partly over the main portion of the back panel may be an elastic laminate of elastic nonwoven or elastic film . Preferably, however, the at least one elastic member may comprise a set of back elastic elements extending at least partly over the main portion . For example , the set of back elastic elements may be a set of back elastic threads . The back elastic threads may extend in parallel to each other along the transversal direction . The set of back elastic elements may be attached in the back panel by any suitable means such as adhesive or ultrasonic bonding . For ultrasonic bonding, entrapment can be used . Entrapped elastic threads are elastic threads , which are attached between two nonwoven sheets by ultrasonic welds . That is , the elastic threads are entrapped by pairs of welds arranged on opposite sides of the respective elastic threads having proximal surfaces facing the elastic thread, spaced apart by a distance less than the diameter of the non-tensioned elastic thread . For adhesive bonding, adhesive can be applied on any of the enclosing layers and / or on the thread .

[0028] In general , the term "elastic thread" may be intended to mean an elastic strand or thread, which is made of elastic material , such as natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers , such as thermoplastic polyurethane or styrene block co-polymers or elastane , also referred as to spandex (polyurethane-polyurea copolymer ) . The thread may be of the elastane type that is available under the trade name "LYCRA" , but any suitable elastic thread may be used . The threads may have a linear mass density given in the unit dtex .

[0029] In case the at least one elastic member comprises a set of back elastic threads , the threads may have a linear mass density, dtex, of about 20 dtex to 1200 dtex . For example , i f the set of back elastic threads comprises more than 20 threads , the threads may have a linear mass density of 20 dtex to 600 dtex . For example , i f the set of back elastic threads comprises less than 20 threads , the threads may have a linear mass density of 50 dtex to 1200 dtex .

[0030] The first and the second set of elongated leg elastic elements may comprise elastic threads extending in parallel along the pair of back panel leg edges . The number of elastic threads may be between 2 and 6 , or between 2 and 5 , for each of the first and the second set of elongated leg elastic elements . The elastic threads of the elongated leg elastic elements may have a linear mass density of between 500 dtex and 1100 dtex, and an elongation of 150% to 280% . For the buttocks covering portion of the back panel having a trapezoidal shape with the pair of back panel leg edges constituting tapering and / or curved edges extending towards the crotch of a wearer when the absorbent article is in a worn state , the leg elastic elements are curved or generally following the leg openings .

[0031] The first and the second set of elongated shaping elastic elements may comprise elastic threads . The elastic threads of the elongated shaping elastic elements may have a linear mass density of between 300 dtex and 1100 dtex, and an elongation of 100% to 300% . For example , individual elastic threads within the first and the second set of elongated shaping elastic elements may all have the same linear mass density, or may have di f ferent linear mass densities ( for example , two threads may have 540 dtex and two other threads may have 800 dtex ) , or any mix of linear mass densities . The same may apply to the elongation percentages .

[0032] The first set of shaping elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements may be attached in the back panel by adhesive . For example , adhesive may be applied to the back panel during manufacturing of the absorbent article and, subsequently, the shaping elastic elements may be applied to the adhesive . Adhesive may be applied to the back panel in form of intermittent adhesive pattern or patches or blocks , or in form of a continuous adhesive surface .

[0033] During manufacturing of the absorbent article , the elongated shaping elastic elements may be applied to the back panel so as to be enclosed between two material layers of the back panel . Subsequently, the absorbent insert may be placed on the front panel and back panel comprising the shaping elastic elements and connected to the front panel and the back panel . After connecting the absorbent insert to the front panel and the back panel , the shaping elastic elements below the absorbent insert may be deactivated, in terms of deactivating the elastic property, by cutting or removing . Alternatively, the shaping elastic elements may be attached in the back panel such that the portion of the shaping elastic elements below the absorbent insert is not cut or removed, but is in a slacking configuration, thereby also being deactivated . Both the deactivation by cutting or removing and the deactivation by slacking may generally apply to all elastic elements / members extending over the area of the absorbent insert .

[0034] The first and the second set of elongated shaping elastic elements may not cross the at least one elastic member of the main portion of the back panel . The first and the second set of elongated shaping elastic elements may cross the pair of back panel side edges . Preferably, however, the first and the second set of elongated shaping elastic elements may not cross the pair of back panel side edges . In the closed form of the absorbent article , wherein the pair of front panel side edges and the pair of back panel side edges are fastened to each other to form side seams of the absorbent article and the front panel waist edge and the back panel waist edge form a waist opening, the first and the second set of elongated shaping elastic elements may not cross the side seams .

[0035] Regarding the angle between the imaginary straight line defined for each shaping elastic element and the transversal direction of from 7 ° to 25 ° , the smaller one of the two angles between the imaginary straight line and the transversal direction is meant.

[0036] For example, the absorbent article may be intended to be worn by a wearer having a specific clothing size, such as XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL. In this case, a product size of the absorbent article may be adapted to the clothing size. Depending on the clothing size, a relationship between a product length of the absorbent article and a product width of the absorbent article may differ between the different product sizes. The product length is a length from the front panel waist edge to the back panel waist edge when the absorbent article is in its fully-extended, unfolded, and flat state, wherein the product length is measured parallel to the longitudinal direction. The product width is the length from one side edge of the back panel to the other side edge of the back panel when the absorbent article is in its fully- extended, unfolded, and flat state, wherein the product width is measured parallel to the transversal direction. For example, for smaller clothing sizes, the product length to product width ratio may be higher than the product length to product width ratio for larger clothing sizes.

[0037] For example, an absorbent article intended to be worn by a wearer having clothing size XXS, XS, or S may have an angle between the imaginary straight line and the transversal direction from 15° to 22°. An absorbent article intended to be worn by a wearer having clothing size M may have an angle between the imaginary straight line and the transversal direction from 13° to 19°. An absorbent article intended to be worn by a wearer having clothing size L, XL or XXL may have an angle between the imaginary straight line and the transversal direction from 10° to 15°.

[0038] Thus, with the angular range of from 7° to 25°, it is possible to provide an absorbent article with improved fit, comfort and appearance for wearers having different clothing sizes. The shaping elastic elements may be spaced apart from each other as seen in the longitudinal direction so that they extend in parallel to each other .

[0039] The feature that the first point is the location on the shaping elastic element that is closest to an innermost leg elastic element means that the first point is a location on the shaping elastic element , which location is closest to the innermost leg elastic element out of every location on the shaping elastic element , when considering as distance to the innermost leg elastic element the distance of the location measured perpendicular to the innermost leg elastic element .

[0040] The feature that the second point is the location on the shaping elastic element that is closest to the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge of the absorbent insert means that the second point is a location on the shaping element , which location is closest to the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge out of every location on the shaping elastic element , when considering as the distance to the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge the distance of the location measured perpendicular to the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge .

[0041] The feature that each shaping elastic element extends in such a manner that an elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic element acts along its imaginary straight line between the first point and the second point may include a configuration in which the respective shaping elastic element extends straight between the first point and the second point . Likewise , said feature may also include configurations in which the respective shaping elastic element has an extension that deviates , for example , slightly deviates , from a straight extension between the first point and the second point , as long as the maj ority of the elastic force exerted by the respective shaping elastic element between the first point and the second point acts along the imaginary straight line . In this regard, the maj ority may mean more than 80% of the amount of the overall elastic force , considering the force as a vector whose length indicates the magnitude of the force . For example , in case the shaping elastic element has an extension that deviates from a straight extension between the first point and the second point , the elastic force vector of the shaping elastic element has a first component along the imaginary straight line and a second component perpendicular to the imaginary straight line . In this case , the feature that the maj ority of the elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic element between the first point and the second point acts along the imaginary straight line means that the first component along the imaginary straight line is more than 80% of the amount of the sum of the first and second components . Furthermore , said feature may include configurations in which the respective shaping elastic element intermittently extends between the first point and the second point . For example , the shaping elastic element may be cut one or more times between the first point and the second point . In this case , the elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic elements is composed of the forces of the individual portions of the cut shaping elastic element .

[0042] By the feature that a distance between the first point and the second point of the shaping elastic element is at least 60% of a distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point associated with that shaping elastic element , it is ensured that more than hal f , i . e . , more than 50% of the distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point is elasti fied, i . e . , covered by the shaping elastic element , which ensures improved fit , comfort , and appearance .

[0043] According to a second aspect , the angle between the imaginary straight line and the transversal direction may be from 10 ° to 22 ° . According to a third aspect , the distance between the first point and the second point may be at least 70% , preferably at least 80% , more preferably at least 90% , most preferably 100% , of the distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point .

[0044] For example , each shaping elastic element may extend from a respective one of the pair of back panel leg edges to a respective one of the first and second longitudinal side edges of the absorbent insert . In this case , each shaping elastic element may cross a respective one of the first and second set of elongated leg elastic elements extending along the pair of back panel leg edges . In this case , the distance between the first point and the second point is 100% of the distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point . It is to be noted that the configuration in which the distance between the first point and the second point is 100% of the distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point also covers embodiments in which the shaping elastic element extends beyond the first and second intersection points because the distance between the first point and the second point cannot be longer than 100% of the distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point . This is because the first point and the second point are the points closest to the first and second intersection points , respectively . Thus , even i f an overall length of the shaping elastic element can be longer than the distance between the first and second intersection points , the first and second points closest to the first and second intersection points remain the same and would coincide with the first and second intersection points in such a case .

[0045] With this configuration, the longer the distance between the first point and the second point , the more of the distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point is elasti fied, i . e . , covered by the shaping elastic element , which further improves fit , comfort , and appearance . In case the shaping elastic element may extend up to a respective one of the pair of back panel leg edges , the shaping elastic element may be cut at the back panel leg edge during manufacture of the absorbent article by cutting of the leg openings .

[0046] In case the shaping elastic element may cross a respective one of the first and second set of elongated leg elastic elements extending along the pair of back panel leg edges , there may be an angle defined between the innermost leg elastic element and the imaginary straight line of the shaping elastic element . Such angle may be from 12 ° to 35 ° , preferably from 15 ° to 32 ° . For example , an absorbent article intended to be worn by a wearer having clothing si ze XXS , XS , or S may have an angle between the innermost leg elastic element and the imaginary straight line of the shaping elastic element from 28 ° to 31 ° . An absorbent article intended to be worn by a wearer having clothing si ze M may have an angle between the innermost leg elastic element and the imaginary straight line of the shaping elastic element from 24 ° to 27 ° . An absorbent article intended to be worn by a wearer having clothing si ze L, XL or XXL may have an angle between the innermost leg elastic element and the imaginary straight line of the shaping elastic element from 16 ° to 19 ° .

[0047] According to a fourth aspect , the number of shaping elastic elements may be between 3 and 8 , preferably between 3 und 7 , more preferably between 4 and 7 , most preferably between 4 and 5 .

[0048] The features of the fourth aspect are to be understood as applying to each of the first set of shaping elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements .

[0049] In particular, the number of shaping elastic elements in the first set of shaping elastic elements may be the same as the number of shaping elastic elements in the second set of shaping elastic elements . With the particular configuration of having the angle between the imaginary straight line and the transversal direction from 10 ° to 22 ° and the number of shaping elastic elements between 4 and 5 , the shaping elastic elements follow the curvature of the buttocks in the best way, regardless of si ze , and provide the product with the best adaption to the curvature of the buttocks . Moreover, by this configuration, it is easily avoided that the shaping elastic elements cross the at least one elastic member . In addition, an area between the shaping elastic elements and the leg elastic elements is small enough in order not to bulge outwardly .

[0050] According to a fi fth aspect , the shaping elastic elements may extend parallel to each other, wherein a spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic elements may decrease towards the pair of back panel leg edges .

[0051] The features of the fi fth aspect are to be understood as applying to each of the first set of shaping elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements .

[0052] The term "parallel" may designate a geometric relationship not only including a precise parallel arrangement , but also small variations of that precise parallel arrangement , which a skilled person would consider as parallel when considering measurement inaccuracies and / or manufacturing tolerances .

[0053] Adj acent shaping elastic elements mean two shaping elastic elements directly next to each other .

[0054] The spacing distance means a distance between adj acent shaping elastic elements perpendicular to the elongated shaping elastic elements , which elongated shaping elastic elements extend parallel to each other .

[0055] The spacing distance between adj acent shaping elastic elements may decrease towards the pair of back panel leg edges in the same manner in the first set of shaping elastic elements and in the second set of shaping elastic elements.

[0056] The spacing distance may decrease towards the pair of back panel leg edges. This means that when going towards the pair of back panel leg edges, i.e., when going in a direction from the back panel waist edge towards the back panel leg edges, i.e., when going to the lowermost shaping elastic elements ("lowermost" and "uppermost" being defined in relation to when the article is worn) , the distance between two adjacent, parallel shaping elastic elements decreases. For example, in case of three or more shaping elastic elements, the distance between the two lowermost shaping elastic elements is less than the distance between the two uppermost shaping elastic elements .

[0057] With this configuration, an even more improved fit, comfort, and appearance especially in a lower portion of the buttocks covering portion, i.e., in a portion of the buttocks covering portion located more towards the back panel leg edges, can be achieved. This is because there is less loose material, which is not elastified, in the lower portion of the buttocks covering portion. With the particular configuration of having the number of shaping elastic elements between 4 and 5, the decreasing spacing distance between two adjacent shaping elastic elements towards the pair of back panel leg elastic elements forms a gradient, which is clearer and more significant for 4 or 5 shaping elastic elements than in case of, e.g., only 3 shaping elastic elements. Having more than 6 shaping elastic elements is possible but they need to be closer to each other, which is more challenging to manufacture. Also, more than 6 shaping elastic elements affect the esthetical aspect of the product because a non-elastic, generally triangular area above the shaping elastic elements (area between the shaping elastic elements and the at least one elastic member of the back panel, cf., e.g., Fig. 1) is decreased. In general, it is preferred that in the buttocks covering portion there is an elastified area and a non- elastified area. In case of more than 6 shaping elastic elements in the elasti fied area, there will generally be too many elastic elements in the elasti fied area, which af fects the esthetical aspect . In particular, this ef fect is more pronounced for smaller product si zes , since the elasti fied area on these si zes will be smaller than the corresponding elasti fied area of the products of larger si ze . Also , more than 6 shaping elastic elements af fects the drapability in the elasti fied area .

[0058] According to a sixth aspect , a largest spacing distance between adj acent shaping elastic elements may be between 22 mm and 38 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm, more preferably between 27 mm and 32 mm, and a smallest spacing distance between adj acent shaping elastic elements may be between 8 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 11 mm and 18 mm, more preferably between 13 mm and 16 mm .

[0059] The features of the sixth aspect are to be understood as applying to each of the first set of shaping elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements .

[0060] In case of three shaping elastic elements , the shaping elastic element furthest away from the back panel waist edge is the lowermost shaping elastic element and the shaping elastic element closest to the back panel waist edge is the uppermost shaping elastic element . The shaping elastic element between the uppermost and the lowermost shaping elastic element is a middle shaping elastic element . In this case , the largest spacing distance is the distance between the uppermost and the middle shaping elastic element and the smallest spacing distance is the distance between the lowermost and the middle shaping elastic element .

[0061] In case of more than three shaping elastic elements , the distance between the two lowermost shaping elastic elements is the smallest spacing distance and the distance between the two uppermost shaping elastic elements is the largest spacing distance . The spacing distances between shaping elastic elements between the two lowermost shaping elastic elements and the two uppermost shaping elastic elements have values between the smallest spacing distance and the largest spacing distance , wherein these values decrease towards the pair of back panel leg edges .

[0062] According to a seventh aspect , the at least one elastic member extending at least partly over the main portion may have a lowermost portion, which may be located furthest away from the back panel waist edge , wherein for each of the first set of shaping elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements the following may be further ful filled : the respective set of shaping elastic elements may have an innermost shaping elastic element , which may be located closest to the back panel waist edge out of the respective set of shaping elastic elements , a distance along the longitudinal direction between the second point of the innermost shaping elastic element and a point where the innermost leg elastic element may be located at the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge may be defined as a distance Y, and a distance along the longitudinal direction between the second point of the innermost shaping elastic element and the lowermost portion of the at least one elastic member may be defined as a distance X, a relationship of X divided by Y is between 0 . 8 and 1 . 5 .

[0063] In case the at least one elastic member extending at least partly over the main portion of the back panel comprises a set of back elastic elements extending at least partly over the main portion, the back elastic element located furthest away from the back panel waist edge is the lowermost portion of the at least one elastic member .

[0064] With this configuration, the higher the ratio of distance X to distance Y, the closer the shaping elastic elements are to the pair of back panel leg edges , i . e . , the furthest away from the back panel waist edge . Thus , the higher the ratio of distance X to distance Y, the better the improvement of fit , comfort , and appearance especially in a lower portion of the buttocks covering portion . According to an eighth aspect , an elastic force of each of the first set of leg elastic elements and the second set of leg elastic elements may be higher than the elastic force of each of the first set of shaping elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements , and the elastic force of each of the first set of shaping elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements may be higher than or equal to an elastic force of the at least one elastic member .

[0065] The higher elastic force may be reali zed by a higher number of elastic elements of the respective set of leg elastic elements , a smaller distance between adj acent elastic elements of the respective set of leg elastic elements , a higher dtex value of the elastic elements of the respective set of leg elastic elements , and / or a higher elongation of the elastic elements of the respective set of leg elastic elements , as compared to the respective set of shaping elastic elements . The same may apply to the comparison between the first and second sets of shaping elastic elements and the at least one elastic member .

[0066] According to a ninth aspect , the back panel may comprise a set of back elastic elements being the at least one elastic member extending at least partly over the main portion .

[0067] As mentioned above , the set of back elastic elements may comprise a set of back elastic threads , in particular, the set of back elastic threads having the above-indicated speci fications .

[0068] According to a tenth aspect , the set of back elastic elements may extend along the transversal direction, wherein each of the first set of shaping elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements may not cross the set of back elastic elements .

[0069] With this configuration, the function of the first and second set of shaping elastic elements is not af fected by the set of back elastic elements . Moreover, the absorbent article can be manufactured in an easier way, compared to the case in which the first set of shaping elastic elements and the second set of shaping elastic elements crosses the set of back elastic elements . This is because there is no interference between adhesive fastening of the shaping elastic elements and ultrasonic fastening or adhesive fastening of the back elastic elements .

[0070] The pant-type absorbent article may comprise a chassis and the front panel , the back panel , and the absorbent insert may be integral parts of the chassis .

[0071] Preferably, however, according to an eleventh aspect , the front panel , the back panel , and the absorbent insert may be made of three separate pieces of laminated web material .

[0072] According to a twel fth aspect , the back panel may be formed of an inner material web and an outer material web, the inner material web and the outer material web enclosing the at least one elastic member, the first set of shaping elastic elements , the second set of shaping elastic elements , the first set of leg elastic elements , and the second set of leg elastic elements .

[0073] The inner material web may be a web closer to a wearer' s body when the absorbent article is in a worn state as compared to the outer material web .

[0074] According to a thirteenth aspect , the main portion may further comprise a first section of waist elastic elements extending along the back panel waist edge .

[0075] The first section of waist elastic elements is intended to be arranged closer to the back panel waist edge than the at least one elastic member of the main portion and may be arranged at the main portion so as to not overlap with or cross the at least one elastic member . According to a fourteenth aspect , the absorbent insert may have a layered structure comprising a liquid permeable topsheet , a liquid impermeable backsheet , and an absorbent core applied between the liquid permeable topsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet .

[0076] Further aspects of the present disclosure may be found in the following description of particular embodiments referring to the accompanying drawings .

[0077] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Fig . 1 shows a schematic illustration of a pant-type absorbent article according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure , the absorbent article being in its fully-extended, unfolded, and flat state .

[0079] Fig . 2 is an enlarged view of a part of the absorbent article of Fig . 1 , the part corresponding to the dashed rectangle indicated in Fig . 1 .

[0080] Fig . 3 shows the same part of an absorbent article as Fig . 2 but for an absorbent article according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure .

[0081] Fig . 4 shows the same part of an absorbent article as Fig . 2 but for an absorbent article according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure .

[0082] Fig . 5A is a photograph showing an absorbent article according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure ( right side ) in comparison with a reference absorbent article ( left side ) , the absorbent articles being in a worn state using a mannequin .

[0083] Fig . 5B is an enlarged view of a part of Fig . 5A. Fig . 6A is a photograph showing an absorbent article according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure ( right side ) in comparison with a reference absorbent article ( left side ) , the absorbent articles being in a worn state using a mannequin .

[0084] Fig . 6B is an enlarged view of a part of Fig . 6A.

[0085] Fig . 7 is a photograph showing the absorbent article according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Fig . 5A ( right side ) in comparison with the absorbent article according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure ( left side ) , the absorbent articles being in a worn state using a mannequin .

[0086] Fig . 8 is a schematic illustration of a cross section of an absorbent insert of the pant-type absorbent article along the transversal direction .

[0087] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

[0088] For a fuller understanding of the ef fects and advantages o f the present disclosure , and to show how the same may be carried into ef fect , embodiments according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings . The embodiments hereinafter described should be understood not to the limit the scope of application or implementation of the present disclosure , or the principles by which it attains its ef fects or advantages in one or more embodiments . Accordingly, where elements of certain embodiments may be combined, substituted, or omitted without af fecting one or more ef fects or advantages thereof , such embodiments are also considered to form part of the disclosure as would readily be understood by one skilled in the art . Moreover, further certain individual features or modi fications or substitutions thereof described in this context can be combined with other features of the described embodiments to form further embodiments of the disclosure . Throughout the drawings , the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar elements .

[0089] Fig . 1 shows a schematic illustration of a pant-type absorbent article 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure , the absorbent article 1 being in its fully- extended, unfolded, and flat state .

[0090] The pant-type absorbent article 1 has a central longitudinal axis CL, wherein a longitudinal direction L is defined as a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis CL and a transversal direction T is defined as a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis CL . The central longitudinal axis CL divides the pant-type absorbent article 1 into a first article side 2 and a second article side 3 along the transversal direction T . In the present case , the first article side 2 and the second article side 3 are of equal area si ze .

[0091] The absorbent article 1 comprises a front panel 10 having a front panel waist edge 11 , a pair of front panel leg edges 12 , 13 , and a pair of front panel side edges 14 , 15 . The absorbent article 1 comprises a back panel 20 having a back panel waist edge 21 , a pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 , a pair of back panel side edges 24 , 25 , a main portion 26 , and a buttocks covering portion 27 . The main portion 26 is provided between the pair of back panel side edges 24 , 25 as seen in the transversal direction T , and the buttocks covering portion 27 is provided between the main portion 26 and the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 as seen in the longitudinal direction L .

[0092] An absorbent insert 30 is located between the front panel 10 and the back panel 20 in the longitudinal direction L so as to partly overlap the front panel 10 and the back panel 20 , and is connected to the front panel 10 and the back panel 20 . Fig . 8 is a schematic illustration of a cross section of the absorbent insert 30 along the transversal direction T . In this embodiment , as described above , the absorbent insert 30 has an absorbent core 33 applied between two layers , i . e . , the liquid permeable topsheet 34 and the liquid impermeable backsheet 35 . The topsheet 34 and the backsheet 35 of the absorbent insert 30 extend outwardly beyond the area of the absorbent core 33 , and are connected to each other . As such, the absorbent insert 30 has a first longitudinal side edge 31 and a second longitudinal side edge 32 extending in the longitudinal direction L, wherein the first longitudinal side edge 31 and the second longitudinal side edge 32 are defined by the edges of any layer of the absorbent insert , such as , e . g . , the liquid permeable topsheet 34 and the liquid impermeable backsheet 35 , extending furthest in the transversal direction T . The edges of the liquid permeable topsheet 34 and the liquid impermeable backsheet 35 do not have to be coinciding .

[0093] In the present case , the front panel 10 , the back panel 20 , and the absorbent insert 30 are made of three separate pieces of laminated web material .

[0094] The back panel 20 has at least one elastic member 260 extending at least partly over the main portion 26 , wherein, in the present embodiment , the at least one elastic member 260 is a set of back elastic elements 262 , wherein the back elastic elements 262 are elastic threads extending over the main portion 26 along the transversal direction T . The back panel 20 further has a first and a second set of curved elongated leg elastic elements 220 , 230 extending along the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 constituting curved edges extending towards the crotch of a wearer when the absorbent article is in a worn state , and a first and a second set of elongated shaping elastic elements 270 , 280 extending at least partly over the buttocks covering portion 27 . In the present case , the first set of elongated shaping elastic elements 270 comprises shaping elastic elements 271 , 272 , 273 , and 274 . The second set of elongated shaping elastic elements 280 comprises shaping elastic elements 281 , 282 , 283 , and 284 . Furthermore , in the present embodiment , each of the first set of shaping elastic elements 270 and the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 does not cross the set of back elastic elements 262 . The main portion 26 further comprises a first section of waist elastic elements 263 extending along the back panel waist edge 21 .

[0095] The back panel 20 is , for example , formed of an inner material web and an outer material web, the inner material web and the outer material web enclosing the multiple elastic threads of the set of back elastic elements 262 , the first set of shaping elastic elements 270 , the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 , the first set of leg elastic elements 220 , and the second set of leg elastic elements 230 .

[0096] The first set of leg elastic elements 220 and the first set of shaping elastic elements 270 are provided on the first article side 2 and the second set of leg elastic elements 230 and the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 are provided on the second article side 3 .

[0097] Fig . 2 is an enlarged view of a part of the absorbent article of Fig . 1 , the part corresponding to the dashed rectangle indicated in Fig . 1 . Even though Fig . 2 only shows details of the first set of shaping elastic elements 270 , it is to be understood that the same applies to the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 shown in Fig . 1 . For this reason, the following description also is made with reference to the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 .

[0098] As shown in Fig . 2 and in accordance with the present disclosure , for each of the first set of shaping elastic elements 270 and the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 the following is ful filled :

[0099] - Each shaping elastic element 271-274 , 281-284 has a first point Pl and a second point P2 . The first point Pl is closer to the back panel waist edge 21 than the second point P2 as seen in the longitudinal direction L ( see Fig . 1 ) and the second point P2 is closer to the respective one of the first and second longitudinal side edges 31 , 32 of the absorbent insert 30 than the first point Pl as seen in the transversal direction T . The first point Pl is the location on the shaping elastic element 271-274 , 281-284 that is closest to an innermost leg elastic element 221 , 231 , which is located closest to the back panel waist edge 21 out of the respective one of the first set and second set of leg elastic elements 220 , 230 ( see also Fig . 1 ) . Closest to the back panel waist edge means furthest away from the pair of back panel leg edges . For the first set of shaping elastic elements 270 , as shown in Fig . 2 , the first point Pl is the location on the shaping elastic element 271-274 that is closest to the innermost leg elastic element 221 . For the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 , as shown in Fig . 1 , the first point Pl is the location on the shaping elastic element 281-284 that is closest to the innermost leg elastic element 231 . The second point P2 is the location on the shaping elastic element 271-274 , 281-284 that is closest to the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge 31 and the second longitudinal side edge 32 of the absorbent insert 30 . For the first set of shaping elastic elements 270 , as shown in Fig . 2 , the second point P2 is the location on the shaping elastic element 271-274 that is closest to the first longitudinal side edge 31 of the absorbent insert 30 . For the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 , as shown in Fig . 1 , the second point P2 is the location on the shaping elastic element 281-284 that is closest to the second longitudinal side edge 32 of the absorbent insert 30 .

[0100] - For each shaping elastic element 271-274 , 281-284 , an imaginary straight line IL is defined as a straight line including the first point Pl and the second point P2 , wherein an angle a between the imaginary straight line IL and the transversal direction T is from 7 ° to 25 ° . In Fig . 2 , and in Figs . 3 and 4 , the imaginary straight line for each of the shaping elastic elements 271-274 is indicated as a dotted line . Preferably, the angle a between the imaginary straight line IL and the transversal direction T is from 10 ° to 22 ° . - The shaping elastic elements 271-274 , 281-284 are spaced apart from each other as seen in the longitudinal direction L .

[0101] - Each shaping elastic element 271-274 , 281-284 extends in such a manner that an elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic element 271-274 , 281-284 acts along its imaginary straight line IL between the first point Pl and the second point P2 .

[0102] - For each shaping elastic element 271-274 , 281-284 , a point where the imaginary straight line IL intersects the innermost leg elastic element 221 , 231 is a first intersection point IS 1 , and a point where the imaginary straight line IL intersects the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge 31 and the second longitudinal side edge 32 of the absorbent insert 30 is a second intersection point IS2 .

[0103] - According to the present disclosure , a distance between the first point Pl and the second point P2 is at least 60% of a distance between the first intersection point IS 1 and the second intersection point IS2 . In the speci fic embodiment shown in Figs . 1 and 2 , the first point Pl coincides with the first intersection point IS 1 and the second point P2 coincides with the second intersection point IS2 . Thus , the distance between the first point Pl and the second point P2 is 100% of the distance between the first intersection point IS 1 and the second intersection point IS2 .

[0104] Since the pant-type absorbent article 1 has the shaping elastic elements 271-274 , 281-284 extending over the buttocks covering portion 27 in such a manner that an elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic element 271-274 , 281-284 acts along its imaginary straight line IL between the first point Pl and the second point P2 , wherein an angle a between the imaginary straight line IL and the transversal direction T is from 7° to 25°, the shaping elastic elements 271-274, 281-284 extend in an angled manner with respect to the transversal direction T, thereby better conforming to a wearer's buttocks. This leads to an improved snug fit in the buttocks covering portion 27 as compared to prior art pant-type diapers being non-elastif led in this area. As a result, the pant-type absorbent article 1 has improved comfort, fit, and underwearlike visual appearance in the buttocks covering portion 27.

[0105] In the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the number of shaping elastic elements 271-274, 281-284 is 4 and the shaping elastic elements 271-274, 281-284 extend parallel to each other. A spacing distance SD between adjacent shaping elastic elements 271-274, 281-284 decreases towards the pair of back panel leg edges 22, 23. For example, a largest spacing distance SDL between adjacent shaping elastic elements 271 and 272, and between adjacent shaping elastic elements 281 and 282 is between 22 mm and 38 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm, more preferably between 27 mm and 32 mm, and a smallest spacing distance SDS between adjacent shaping elastic elements 273 and 274, and between adjacent shaping elastic elements 283 and 284 is between 8 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 11 mm and 18 mm, more preferably between 13 mm and 16 mm.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the at least one elastic member 260 extending at least partly over the main portion 26 has a lowermost portion 261, which is located furthest away from the back panel waist edge 21. In the present case, the lowermost portion 261 corresponds to the lowermost one of the set of back elastic elements 262. For each of the first set of shaping elastic elements 270 and the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 the following is further fulfilled:

[0107] - The respective set of shaping elastic elements 270, 280 has an innermost shaping elastic element 271, 281, which is located closest to the back panel waist edge 21 out of the respective set of shaping elastic elements 270, 280. - A distance along the longitudinal direction L between the second point P2 of the innermost shaping elastic element 271 , 281 and a point where the innermost leg elastic element 221 , 231 is located at the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge 31 and the second longitudinal side edge 32 is defined as a distance Y .

[0108] - A distance along the longitudinal direction L between the second point P2 of the innermost shaping elastic element 271 , 281 and the lowermost portion 261 of the at least one elastic member 260 is defined as a distance X .

[0109] - A relationship of X divided by Y is between 0 . 8 and 1 . 5 .

[0110] With this configuration, the higher the ratio of distance X to distance Y, the closer the shaping elastic elements 271-274 , 281-284 are to the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 , i . e . , the furthest away from the back panel waist edge 21 . Thus , the higher the ratio of distance X to distance Y, the better the improvement of fit , comfort , and appearance especially in a lower portion of the buttocks covering portion 27 .

[0111] In general , in the pant-type absorbent article 1 according to Figs . 1 and 2 , an elastic force of each of the first set of leg elastic elements 220 and the second set of leg elastic elements 230 can be higher than the elastic force of each of the first set of shaping elastic elements 270 and the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 , and the elastic force of each of the first set of shaping elastic elements 270 and the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 can be higher than or equal to an elastic force of the at least one elastic member 260 .

[0112] In the embodiment shown in Figs . 1 and 2 , an angle p between a tangent at the innermost curved leg elastic element 221 , 231 at the first intersection point IS 1 and the imaginary straight line IL may be from 12 ° to 35 ° , preferably from 15 ° to 32 ° . In the first embodiment shown in Figs . 1 and 2 , each of the elongated shaping elastic elements 271-274 extends from the back panel leg edge 22 to the first longitudinal side edge 31 of the absorbent insert 30 . However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment .

[0113] Fig . 3 shows the same part of an absorbent article as Fig . 2 but for an absorbent article according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure . In the second embodiment , each of the elongated shaping elastic elements 271-274 extends from a position slightly apart from the innermost leg elastic element 221 to a position slightly apart from the first longitudinal side edge 31 of the absorbent insert 30 . In the embodiment shown in Fig . 3 , the first point Pl does not coincide with the first intersection point IS 1 and the second point P2 does not coincide with the second intersection point IS2 . Thus , the distance between the first point Pl and the second point P2 is less than 100% , but is at least 60% of a distance between the first intersection point IS 1 and the second intersection point IS2 .

[0114] Fig . 4 shows the same part of an absorbent article as Fig . 2 but for an absorbent article according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure . In contrast to the second embodiment shown in Fig . 3 , each of the shaping elastic elements 271-274 does not have a straight-line shape , but a curved shape . Hence , in this configuration, the respective shaping elastic element 271-274 has an extension that deviates , for example , slightly deviates , from a straight extension between the first point Pl and the second point P2 . Nevertheless , in accordance with the present disclosure , the maj ority of the elastic force exerted by the respective shaping elastic element 271-274 between the first point Pl and the second point P2 acts along the imaginary straight line IL . In this regard, the maj ority means more than 80% of the amount of the overall elastic force , the force being a vector whose length indicates the magnitude of the force . The same may apply to the second set of shaping elastic elements 280 . Fig . 5A is a photograph showing an absorbent article according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure ( right side ) in comparison with a reference absorbent article ( left side ) , the absorbent articles being in a worn state using a mannequin . Fig . 5B is an enlarged view of a part of Fig . 5A.

[0115] In the reference absorbent article , in the buttocks covering portion 27 , elastic threads extending in the transversal direction are provided . In contrast to that , in the absorbent article according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure , in the buttocks covering portion 27 , elastic threads are provided extending over the buttocks covering portion 27 in such a manner that an elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic element acts along its imaginary straight line between the first point and the second point , wherein an angle between the imaginary straight line and the transversal direction is from 7 ° to 25 ° . Thus , the shaping elastic elements extend in an angled manner with respect to the transversal direction, thereby better conforming to a wearer' s buttocks . As can be seen, this leads to an improved snug fit in the buttocks covering portion 27 as compared to the reference pant-type absorbent article being non-elasti f led in this area ( in the reference absorbent article , portions of loose material bulging outwards and not providing a snug fit to the wearer' s buttocks are marked by a circle A) . As a result , the pant-type absorbent article according to the present disclosure has improved comfort , fit , and underwearlike visual appearance in the buttocks covering portion .

[0116] In the absorbent article according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure shown on the right side in Figs . 5A and 5B, the shaping elastic elements extend parallel to each other and a spacing distance between adj acent shaping elastic elements is constant .

[0117] Fig . 6A is a photograph showing an absorbent article according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure ( right side ) in comparison with a reference absorbent article ( left side ) , the absorbent articles being in a worn state using a mannequin . Fig . 6B is an enlarged view of a part of Fig . 6A.

[0118] In contrast to the absorbent article according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure shown on the right side in Figs . 5A and 5B, in the absorbent article according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure shown on the right side of Figs . 6A and 6B, the spacing distance between adj acent shaping elastic elements decreases towards the pair of back panel leg edges . Again, in the reference absorbent article shown on the left side of Figs . 6A and 6B, in the buttocks covering portion 27 , elastic threads extending in the transversal direction are provided .

[0119] Since , the elastic threads of the absorbent article according to the first embodiment are provided extending over the buttocks covering portion 27 in such a manner that an elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic element acts along its imaginary straight line between the first point and the second point , wherein an angle between the imaginary straight line and the transversal direction is from 7 ° to 25 ° , the shaping elastic elements extend in an angled manner with respect to the transversal direction, thereby better conforming to a wearer' s buttocks . As can be seen, this leads to an improved snug fit in the buttocks covering portion 27 as compared to the reference pant-type absorbent article being non-elasti f led in this area ( in the reference absorbent article , portions of loose material bulging outwards and not providing a snug fit to the wearer' s buttocks are marked by a circle A) . As a result , the pant-type absorbent article according to the present disclosure has improved comfort , fit , and underwearlike visual appearance in the buttocks covering portion .

[0120] Fig . 7 is a photograph showing the absorbent article according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Fig . 5A ( right side ) in comparison with the absorbent article according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure ( left side ) , the absorbent articles being in a worn state using a mannequin . As can be seen, the absorbent article according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure shown on the left side of Fig . 7 , in which the spacing distance between adj acent shaping elastic elements decreases towards the pair of back panel leg edges , has an even further improved comfort , fit , and underwear-like visual appearance in the buttocks covering portion as opposed to the absorbent article according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure shown on the right side in Fig . 5A ( in the absorbent article according to the fourth embodiment , portions of loose material forming small bags bulging outwards are marked by a circle A) . The improved fit is particularly present in a lower portion of the buttocks covering portion 27 of the absorbent article , where the bulging out portion is avoided but the drapability in the rest of the portion is kept .

[0121] LIST OF REFERENCE S IGNS

[0122] 1 pant-type absorbent article

[0123] 2 first article side

[0124] 3 second article side

[0125] 10 front panel

[0126] 11 front panel waist edge

[0127] 12 front panel leg edge

[0128] 13 front panel leg edge

[0129] 14 front panel side edge

[0130] 15 front panel side edge

[0131] 20 back panel

[0132] 21 back panel waist edge

[0133] 22 back panel leg edge

[0134] 23 back panel leg edge

[0135] 24 back panel side edge

[0136] 25 back panel side edge

[0137] 26 main portion

[0138] 27 buttocks covering portion

[0139] 30 absorbent insert

[0140] 31 first longitudinal side edge

[0141] 32 second longitudinal side edge

[0142] 33 absorbent core

[0143] 34 liquid permeable topsheet

[0144] 35 liquid impermeable backsheet

[0145] 260 at least one elastic member

[0146] 261 lowermost portion

[0147] 262 set of back elastic elements

[0148] 263 first section of waist elastic elements

[0149] 220 first set of elongated leg elastic elements

[0150] 230 second set of elongated leg elastic elements

[0151] 270 first set of elongated shaping elastic elements

[0152] 280 second set of elongated shaping elastic elements

[0153] 271-274 shaping elastic elements ( of the first set )

[0154] 281-284 shaping elastic elements ( of the second set )

[0155] 271 innermost shaping elastic element ( of the first set )

[0156] 281 innermost shaping elastic element ( of the second set )

[0157] 221 innermost leg elastic element ( of the first set )

[0158] 231 innermost leg elastic element ( of the second set ) CL central longitudinal axis

[0159] L longitudinal direction

[0160] T transversal direction

[0161] Pl first point P2 second point

[0162] IL imaginary straight line

[0163] 151 first intersection point

[0164] 152 second intersection point a angle between imaginary straight line and transversal direction p angle between innermost leg elastic element and imaginary straight line

[0165] SD spacing distance

[0166] SDL largest spacing distance SDS smallest spacing distance

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pant-type absorbent article (1) , such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant, or incontinence pant, the absorbent article (1) having a central longitudinal axis (CL) , wherein a longitudinal direction (L) is defined as a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis (CL) and a transversal direction (T) is defined as a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (CL) , the central longitudinal axis (CL) dividing the pant-type absorbent article (1) into a first article side (2) and a second article side (3) along the transversal direction (T) , the absorbent article (1) comprising a front panel (10) having a front panel waist edge (11) , a pair of front panel leg edges (12, 13) , and a pair of front panel side edges (14, 15) , a back panel (20) having a back panel waist edge (21) , a pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23) , a pair of back panel side edges (24, 25) , a main portion (26) , and a buttocks covering portion (27) , the main portion (26) being provided between the pair of back panel side edges (24, 25) as seen in the transversal direction (T) , the buttocks covering portion (27) being provided between the main portion (26) and the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23) as seen in the longitudinal direction (L) , and an absorbent insert (30) located between the front panel (10) and the back panel (20) in the longitudinal direction (L) so as to partly overlap the front panel (10) and the back panel (20) , and connected to the front panel (10) and the back panel (20) , the absorbent insert (30) having a first longitudinal side edge (31) and a second longitudinal side edge (32) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) , wherein the back panel (20) has at least one elastic member (260) extending at least partly over the main portion (26) , a first and a second set of elongated leg elastic elements (220, 230) extending along the pair of back panelleg edges (22, 23) , and a first and a second set of elongated shaping elastic elements (270, 280) extending at least partly over the buttocks covering portion (27) , the first set of leg elastic elements (220) and the first set of shaping elastic elements (270) being provided on the first article side (2) and the second set of leg elastic elements (230) and the second set of shaping elastic elements (280) being provided on the second article side (3) , wherein for each of the first set of shaping elastic elements (270) and the second set of shaping elastic elements (280) the following is fulfilled: each shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284) has a first point (Pl) and a second point (P2) , the first point (Pl) being closer to the back panel waist edge (21) than the second point (P2) as seen in the longitudinal direction (L) and the second point (P2) being closer to the respective one of the first and second longitudinal side edges (31, 32) of the absorbent insert (30) than the first point (Pl) as seen in the transversal direction (T) , the first point (Pl) being the location on the shaping elastic element (271-274, 281- 284) that is closest to an innermost leg elastic element (221, 231) , which is located closest to the back panel waist edge (21) out of the respective one of the first set and second set of leg elastic elements (220, 230) , the second point (P2) being the location on the shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284) that is closest to the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge (31) and the second longitudinal side edge (32) of the absorbent insert (30) , for each shaping elastic element (271-274, 281- 284) , an imaginary straight line (IL) is defined as a straight line including the first point (Pl) and the second point (P2) , wherein an angle (a) between the imaginary straight line (IL) and the transversal direction (T) is from 7° to 25°,the shaping elastic elements (271-274, 281-284) are spaced apart from each other as seen in the longitudinal direction (L) , each shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284) extends in such a manner that an elastic force exerted by the shaping elastic element (271-274, 281-284) acts along its imaginary straight line (IL) between the first point (Pl) and the second point (P2) , for each shaping elastic element (271-274, 281- 284) , a point where the imaginary straight line (IL) intersects the innermost leg elastic element (221, 231) is a first intersection point (IS1) , and a point where the imaginary straight line (IL) intersects the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge (31) and the second longitudinal side edge (32) of the absorbent insert (30) is a second intersection point (IS2) , and a distance between the first point (Pl) and the second point (P2) is at least 60% of a distance between the first intersection point (IS1) and the second intersection point ( IS2 ) .

2. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the angle (a) between the imaginary straight line (IL) and the transversal direction (T) is from 10° to 22° .

3. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , the distance between the first point (Pl) and the second point (P2) is at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably 100%, of the distance between the first intersection point (IS1) and the second intersection point (IS2) .

4. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of shaping elastic elements (271-274, 281-284) is between 3 and 8, preferably between 3 und 7, more preferably between 4 and 7, most preferably between 4 and 5.

5. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to claim4, wherein the shaping elastic elements (271-274, 281-284) extend parallel to each other, wherein a spacing distance (SD) between two adjacent shaping elastic elements (271-274, 281-284) decreases towards the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23) .

6. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to claim5, wherein a largest spacing distance (SDL) between adjacent shaping elastic elements (271-274, 281-284) is between 22 mm and 38 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm, more preferably between 27 mm and 32 mm, and a smallest spacing distance (SDS) between adjacent shaping elastic elements (271-274, 281-284) is between 8 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 11 mm and 18 mm, more preferably between 13 mm and 16 mm.

7. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one elastic member (260) extending at least partly over the main portion (26) has a lowermost portion (261) , which is located furthest away from the back panel waist edge (21) , wherein for each of the first set of shaping elastic elements (270) and the second set of shaping elastic elements (280) the following is further fulfilled: the respective set of shaping elastic elements (270, 280) has an innermost shaping elastic element (271, 281) ,which is located closest to the back panel waist edge (21) out of the respective set of shaping elastic elements (270, 280) , a distance along the longitudinal direction (L) between the second point (P2) of the innermost shaping elastic element (271, 281) and a point where the innermost leg elastic element (221, 231) is located at the respective one of the first longitudinal side edge (31) and the second longitudinal side edge (32) is defined as a distance Y, and a distance along the longitudinal direction (L) between the second point (P2) of the innermost shaping elastic element (271, 281) and the lowermost portion (261) of the at least one elastic member (260) is defined as a distance X, a relationship of X divided by Y is between 0.8 and 1.5.

8. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an elastic force of each of the first set of leg elastic elements (220) and the second set of leg elastic elements (230) is higher than the elastic force of each of the first set of shaping elastic elements (270) and the second set of shaping elastic elements (280) , and the elastic force of each of the first set of shaping elastic elements (270) and the second set of shaping elastic elements (280) is higher than or equal to an elastic force of the at least one elastic member (260) .

9. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the back panel (20) comprises a set of back elastic elements (262) being the at least one elastic member (260) extending at least partly over the main portion (26) .

10. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to claim9,wherein the set of back elastic elements (262) extends along the transversal direction (T) , wherein each of the first set of shaping elastic elements (270) and the second set of shaping elastic elements (280) does not cross the set of back elastic elements (262) .

11. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel (10) , the back panel (20) , and the absorbent insert (30) are made of three separate pieces of laminated web material.

12. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the back panel (20) is formed of an inner material web and an outer material web, the inner material web and the outer material web enclosing the at least one elastic member (260) , the first set of shaping elastic elements (270) , the second set of shaping elastic elements (280) , the first set of leg elastic elements (220) , and the second set of leg elastic elements (230) .

13. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main portion (26) further comprises a first section of waist elastic elements (263) extending along the back panel waist edge (21) .

14. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent insert (30) has a layered structure comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (34) , a liquid impermeable backsheet (35) , and an absorbent core (33) applied between the liquid permeable topsheet (34) and the liquid impermeable backsheet (35) .

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