WO2025131293A1

WO2025131293A1 - Pant-type absorbent article

Info

Publication number: WO2025131293A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/087426
Authority: WO
Inventors: Åsa LINDSTRÖM
Original assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Current assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Priority date: 2023-12-21
Filing date: 2023-12-21
Publication date: 2025-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-21

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a pant-type absorbent article (1), such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant, or incontinence pant. The 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 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), 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 pair of back panel side edges (24, 25) and the pair of front panel side edges (14, 15) being fastened to each other to form side seams (16) of the absorbent article (1), 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). The back panel (20) has sets of elastic threads, the sets of elastic threads comprising a set of body elastic threads (201) extending over the main portion (26) and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction (T), a set of buttocks elastic threads (202) extending over the buttocks covering portion (27) and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction (T), a set of shaping elastic threads (203) extending over the buttocks covering portion (27) at a location further away from the back panel waist edge (21) than the set of buttocks elastic threads (202) and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction (T), a set of leg elastic threads (204) extending along the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23) and extending parallel to each other along the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23). A spacing distance (D5) in the longitudinal direction (L) between the set of buttocks elastic threads (202) and the set of shaping elastic threads (203) is larger than a spacing distance (D3) between two adjacent shaping elastic threads, a spacing distance (D2) between two adjacent buttocks elastic threads is larger than the spacing distance (D3) between two adjacent shaping elastic threads, the spacing distance (D3) between two adjacent shaping elastic threads is larger than a spacing distance (D4) between two adjacent leg elastic threads.

Description

PANT -TYPE ABSORBENT ARTICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

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 .

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 .

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

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 .

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 .

According to a first aspect , there is provided a pant-type absorbent article , such as a pant diaper, a sanitary pant , or incontinence pant , the absorbent article having 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 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 pair of back panel side edges and the pair of front panel side edges being fastened to each other to form side seams of the absorbent article , 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 sets of elastic threads , the sets of elastic threads comprising a set of body elastic threads extending over the main portion and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction, a set of buttocks elastic threads extending over the buttocks covering portion and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction, a set of shaping elastic threads extending over the buttocks covering portion at a location further away from the back panel waist edge than the set of buttocks elastic threads and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction, a set of leg elastic threads extending along the pair of back panel leg edges and extending parallel to each other along the pair of back panel leg edges , wherein a spacing distance in the longitudinal direction between the set of buttocks elastic threads and the set of shaping elastic threads is larger than a spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads , wherein a spacing distance between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads is larger than the spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads , wherein the spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads is larger than a spacing distance between two adj acent leg elastic threads .

Since the back panel of the pant-type absorbent article has the set of buttocks elastic threads and the set of shaping elastic threads , both extending over the buttocks covering portion, wherein the set of shaping elastic threads is located further away from the back panel waist edge than the set of buttocks elastic threads , and has the set of leg elastic threads extending along the pair of back panel leg edges , and since the spacing distance between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads is larger than the spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads , and the spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads is larger than the spacing distance between two adj acent leg elastic threads , there is provided a gradient of elasti f ication towards the back panel leg edges in the back panel . The gradient of elasti f ication means a reduction in the spacing distance of elastic threads towards the back panel leg edges . This removes a bulging out portion in a lower area of the buttocks covering portion, i . e . , in an area of the buttocks covering portion located more towards the back panel leg edges . Thus , the absorbent article better conforms 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 . Moreover, the set of shaping elastic threads and the set of buttocks elastic threads also act together with the set of leg elastic threads , thereby further promoting improved fit . In addition, since the elastic threads of the set of body elastic threads , the set of buttocks elastic threads , and the set of shaping elastic threads all extend parallel to each other in the transversal direction, a smoother overall appearance of the absorbent article can be achieved . As a result , the pant-type absorbent article has improved comfort , fit , and underwear-like visual appearance in the buttocks covering portion .

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

The pant-type absorbent article may be intended for adult users . When referring to "absorbent article" herein, "panttype absorbent article" is meant .

The central longitudinal axis may run through the back panel , the front panel , and the absorbent insert of the absorbent article .

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 threads 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 un-gathered state , without wrinkles from any contraction of an elastic thread . 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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

The pant-type absorbent article according to the present disclosure 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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

Preferably, however, the front panel , the back panel , and the absorbent insert may be made of three separate pieces of laminated web material .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 threads 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.

The back panel of the absorbent article has several sets of elastic threads. In general, the term "elastic thread" is 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.

A set of elastic threads means multiple elastic threads, i.e., at least two elastic threads, that are arranged next to each other and have the same geometric orientation (e.g., extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction of the absorbent article, extending parallel to each other along the pair of leg edges of the absorbent article, etc.) . Different sets of elastic threads are distinguishable by the sets being located at different locations of the absorbent article and/or by the sets having different geometric orientations. Same geometric orientation may designate a geometric relationship not only including a precise arrangement in the same geometric orientation, but also small variations of that precise arrangement, which a skilled person would consider as same orientation when considering measurement inaccuracies and/or manufacturing tolerances. Regarding the aspect of the sets being located at different locations of the absorbent article, in an example comprising a first set of elastic threads and a second set of elastic threads , the feature "the first set of elastic threads extending at a location further away from a certain reference position than the second set of elastic threads" means that all elastic threads of the first set of elastic threads are further away from the reference position than the one elastic thread of the second set of elastic threads that is furthest away from the reference position . The multiple elastic threads of one set of elastic threads may have the same elastic properties , e . g . , in terms of material and/or linear mass density and/or elongation . A set of elastic threads may also be considered as a zone or a region of elastic threads , wherein the extension of the zone or region of elastic threads in a direction perpendicular to the elastic threads corresponds to the spacing distance between the two outermost elastic threads of the set of elastic threads .

The elastic threads of the set of body elastic threads may extend in parallel to each other over the main portion in the transversal direction from one of the pair of back panel side edges to the other one of the pair of back panel side edges . The set of body elastic threads 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 nontensioned elastic thread . For adhesive bonding, adhesive can be applied on any of the enclosing layers and/or on the thread .

The elastic threads of the set of buttocks elastic threads may extend in parallel to each other over the buttocks covering portion in the transversal direction from one of the pair of back panel leg edges to the other one of the pair of back panel leg edges . In this case , the buttocks elastic threads may be cut at the back panel leg edge during manufacture of the absorbent article by cutting of the leg openings .

The elastic threads of the set of shaping elastic threads may extend in parallel to each other over the buttocks covering portion in the transversal direction from one of the pair of back panel leg edges to the other one of the pair of back panel leg edges . In this case , the shaping elastic threads may be cut at the back panel leg edge during manufacture of the absorbent article by cutting of the leg openings . As mentioned above , the feature "the set of shaping elastic threads extending over the buttocks covering portion at a location further away from the back panel waist edge than the set of buttocks elastic threads" means that all elastic threads of the set of shaping threads are further away from the back panel waist edge than the one elastic thread of the set of buttocks elastic threads that is furthest away from the back panel waist edge .

The set of buttocks elastic threads and the set of shaping elastic threads 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 buttocks and shaping elastic threads 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 .

The elastic threads of the set of leg elastic threads may extend in parallel to each other along the pair of back panel leg edges from one of the pair of back panel side edges , at a location where the one of the pair of back panel side edges crosses one of the pair of back panel leg edges , to the other one of the pair of back panel side edges , at a location where the other one of the pair of back panel side edges crosses the other one of the pair of back panel leg edges .

During manufacturing of the absorbent article , the set of buttocks elastic threads , the set of shaping elastic threads , and the set of leg elastic threads 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 buttocks , shaping, and leg elastic threads and connected to the front panel and the back panel . After connecting the absorbent insert to the front panel and the back panel , the buttocks , shaping, and leg elastic threads below the absorbent insert may be deactivated, in terms of deactivating the elastic property, by cutting or removing . Alternatively, the buttocks , shaping, and leg elastic threads may be attached in the back panel such that the portion of the buttocks , shaping, and leg elastic threads 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/ threads extending over the area of the absorbent insert .

In the set of body 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 body 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 body elastic threads comprises less than 20 threads , the threads may have a linear mass density of 50 dtex to 1200 dtex .

The threads of the set of leg elastic threads 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 threads are curved or generally following the leg openings .

The elastic threads of the set of shaping elastic threads and the elastic threads of the set of buttocks elastic threads 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 set of shaping elastic threads and individual elastic threads within the set of buttocks elastic threads 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 another thread may have 800 dtex ) , or any mix of linear mass densities . The same may apply to the elongation percentages .

The spacing distance in the longitudinal direction between the set of buttocks elastic threads and the set of shaping elastic threads means the spacing distance between the one buttocks elastic thread of the set of buttocks elastic threads that is furthest away from the back panel waist edge and the one shaping elastic thread of the set of shaping elastic threads that is closest to the back panel waist edge , which distance is perpendicular to the respective elastic threads extending parallel .

The spacing distance between two adj acent elastic threads of the same set of elastic threads means a distance perpendicular to the adj acent elastic threads , which elastic threads extend parallel to each other . Two elastic threads are adj acent elastic threads when no further elastic thread of the set of elastic threads is between them, e . g . , adj acent shaping elastic threads mean two shaping elastic threads directly next to each other .

The spacing distance between any two adj acent parallel elastic threads of a set of elastic threads is preferably the same , meaning that no matter which two adj acent elastic threads of a set of elastic threads are considered, the spacing distance is the same and has the same length value . In other words , the parallel elastic threads of the set of elastic threads are equidistant in the direction perpendicular to the parallel elastic threads . In case the spacing distance between any two adj acent elastic threads of a set of elastic threads is not the same , but changes , for example , the spacing distance increases or decreases along the longitudinal direction, the feature that a certain spacing distance is larger than the changing spacing distance means that the certain spacing distance is larger than the largest changing spacing distance .

The spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads is preferably the same between any two adj acent shaping elastic threads .

The spacing distance between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads is preferably the same between any two adj acent buttocks elastic threads .

The spacing distance between two adj acent leg elastic threads is preferably the same between any two adj acent leg elastic threads .

The spacing distance between the set of buttocks elastic threads and the set of shaping elastic threads may be between 15 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 60 mm .

The spacing distance between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads may be between 15 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 17 mm and 23 mm . A number of buttocks elastic threads may be between 2 and 7 .

The spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads may be between 10 mm and 18 mm, preferably between 13 mm and 16 mm . A number of shaping elastic threads may be between 2 and 5 , preferably between 3 and 4 .

The spacing distance between two adj acent leg elastic threads may be less than 10 mm . A number of leg elastic threads may be between 2 and 6 , preferably between 3 and 4 .

Even though the range for the spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic elements may include values larger than the smallest value in the range for the spacing distance between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads , it is to be understood that the requirement that the spacing distance between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads is larger than the spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads means that the values are appropriately selected so that this requirement is always ful filled .

For example , the absorbent article may be intended to be worn by a wearer having a speci fic clothing si ze , such as XXS , XS , S , M, L, XL, XXL . In this case , a product si ze of the absorbent article may be adapted to the clothing si ze . Depending on the clothing si ze , a relationship between a product length of the absorbent article and a product width of the absorbent article may di f fer between the di f ferent product si zes . 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 si zes , the product length to product width ratio may be higher than the product length to product width ratio for larger clothing si zes .

Thus , with the ranges indicated above for the spacing distances and for the numbers of elastic threads , it is possible to provide an absorbent article with improved fit , comfort and appearance for wearers having di f ferent clothing si zes .

According to a second aspect , the set of buttocks elastic threads may extend over the buttocks covering portion and partly over the main portion at a location further away from the back panel waist edge than the set of body elastic threads .

The feature that the set of buttocks elastic threads may extend over the buttocks covering portion and partly over the main portion means that a part of the set of buttocks elastic threads , i . e . , some of the multiple buttocks elastic threads extend over the main portion, but at a location further away from the back panel waist edge than the set of body elastic threads . These buttocks elastic threads that extend over the main portion may extend over the main portion in parallel to each other in the transversal direction from one of the pair of back panel side edges to the other one of the pair of back panel side edges .

With this configuration, the fit and appearance of the absorbent article can be further improved .

According to a third aspect , the spacing distance in the longitudinal direction between the set of buttocks elastic threads and the set of shaping elastic threads may be larger than the spacing distance between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads .

According to a fourth aspect , at a location where the pair of back panel leg edges crosses the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge of the absorbent insert , the set of leg elastic threads may have a first section in which the leg elastic threads may extend parallel to each other in the transversal direction or substantially in the transversal direction, wherein, in the back panel , the set of body elastic threads , the set of buttocks elastic threads , the set of shaping elastic threads , and the first section of the set of leg elastic threads may be arranged in this order as seen in the longitudinal direction along the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge of the absorbent insert from the back panel waist edge towards the location where the pair of back panel leg edges crosses the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge .

The first section of the set of leg elastic threads may be understood as a section along the parallel extending leg elastic threads including each of the leg elastic threads in the set of leg elastic threads. The location at which the first section is, i.e., the location where the pair of back panel leg edges crosses the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge of the absorbent insert, is the location next to the absorbent insert and at the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge of the absorbent insert.

The feature that in the first section, the leg elastic threads may extend parallel to each other in the transversal direction or substantially in the transversal direction, means that the elastic threads can either extend straight in the parallel direction, in terms of what a skilled person in the present field would consider as straight, or they have a curved, e.g., slightly curved, shape not being strictly straight parallel to the transversal direction but still in a way that the elastic threads in the first section mainly extend in the transversal direction and do not cross the set of shaping elastic elements .

With this configuration the gradient of elastif ication towards the back panel leg edges in the back panel is even more pronounced towards the crotch of a wearer. Thus, the absorbent article even better conforms to a wearer' s buttocks in the crotch region.

According to a fifth aspect, the spacing distance between two adjacent shaping elastic threads may decrease or increase towards the pair of back panel leg edges.

In this case, a number of shaping elastic threads may be between 3 and 5, preferably between 3 and 4 (i.e., 3 or 4) .

In case 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 thread ("lowermost" and "uppermost" being defined in relation to when the article is worn) , the distance between two adj acent , parallel shaping elastic threads decreases . For example , in case of three or more shaping elastic threads , the distance between the two lowermost shaping elastic threads is less than the distance between the two uppermost shaping elastic threads .

Furthermore , in case the spacing distance may decrease towards the pair of back panel leg edges and in case of three shaping elastic threads , the shaping elastic thread furthest away from the back panel waist edge is the lowermost shaping elastic thread and the shaping elastic thread closest to the back panel waist edge is the uppermost shaping elastic thread . The shaping elastic thread between the uppermost and the lowermost shaping elastic thread is a middle shaping elastic thread . In this case , the largest spacing distance is the distance between the uppermost and the middle shaping elastic thread and the smallest spacing distance is the distance between the lowermost and the middle shaping elastic thread .

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

The largest spacing distance between adj acent shaping elastic threads may be between 12 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 13 mm and 17 mm, and the smallest spacing distance between adj acent shaping elastic threads may be between 3 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm .

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 elasti fied, in the lower portion of the buttocks covering portion . With the particular configuration of having the number of shaping elastic threads of 4 , the decreasing spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads towards the pair of back panel leg edges forms a gradient , which is clearer and more signi ficant than in case of , e . g . , only 3 shaping elastic threads . Having more than 4 shaping elastic threads is possible but they need to be closer to each other, which is more challenging to manufacture .

It is also conceivable to have an embodiment in which the spacing distance may increase towards the pair of back panel leg edges , which means that when going towards the pair of back panel leg edges , the distance between two adj acent , parallel shaping elastic threads increases . For example , in case of three or more shaping elastic threads , the distance between the two lowermost shaping elastic threads is larger than the distance between the two uppermost shaping elastic threads .

According to a sixth aspect , the spacing distance between two adj acent leg elastic threads may be smaller than a spacing distance between two adj acent body elastic threads .

A spacing distance between two adj acent body elastic threads may be between 3 mm and 18 mm . A number of body elastic threads may be between 6 and 20 , preferably between 8 and 15 .

According to a seventh aspect , the front panel may have sets of front panel elastic threads , the sets of front panel elastic threads comprising a set of front panel body elastic threads extending between the pair of front panel side edges and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction, a set of front panel leg elastic threads extending along the pair of front panel leg edges and extending parallel to each other along the pair of front panel leg edges , wherein the set of front panel leg elastic threads may be located further away from the front panel waist edge than the set of front panel body elastic threads.

For the set of front panel body elastic threads, the same configurations may apply as for the set of body elastic threads of the back panel, e.g., in terms of elastic properties, material, manufacturing, etc.

For the set of front panel leg elastic threads, the same configurations may apply as for the set of leg elastic threads of the back panel, e.g., in terms of elastic properties, material, manufacturing, etc. However, the front panel leg elastic threads may not be applied in a curved shape, but in a straight shape.

A spacing distance between adjacent front panel body elastic threads may be between 3 mm and 18 mm. A number of front panel body elastic threads may be between 6 and 17, preferably between 10 and 15.

A a number of front panel leg elastic threads may be between 2 and 6, preferably between 3 and 4.

According to an eighth aspect, at the side seams, a first part of the set of buttocks elastic threads may face at least, for example at least a part of, the set of front panel leg elastic threads in the transversal direction.

When the absorbent article is in the closed form, i.e., when the pair of back panel side edges and the pair of front panel side edges are fastened to each other to form side seams of the absorbent article, the body elastic threads of the back panel and the front panel body elastic threads may face each other at the side seams in the transversal direction.

In this context, facing each other means that the set of body elastic threads of the back panel and the set of front panel body elastic threads overlap each other at the side seams , as seen in the longitudinal direction .

The first part of the set of buttocks elastic threads may be one or more than one buttocks elastic thread of the set of buttocks elastic threads . In particular, the first part of the set of buttocks elastic threads may include the buttocks elastic thread or buttocks elastic threads of the set of buttocks elastic threads that is or are located closest to the back panel waist edge (uppermost buttocks elastic thread or buttocks elastic threads ) .

The feature that , at the side seams , the first part of the set of buttocks elastic threads may face at least , for example at least a part of , the set of front panel leg elastic threads in the transversal direction may mean that the buttocks elastic thread of the set of buttocks elastic threads that is located closest to the back panel waist edge is located closer to the back panel waist edge and the front panel waist edge , forming together a waist opening, than at least the front panel leg elastic thread of the set of front panel leg elastic threads that is furthest away from the back panel waist edge and the front panel waist edge , as seen in the longitudinal direction . In this sense , this feature may also include a configuration in which the buttocks elastic thread of the set of buttocks elastic threads that is located closest to the back panel waist edge is located closer to the back panel waist edge and the front panel waist edge , forming together a waist opening, than each of the front panel leg elastic threads of the set of front panel leg elastic threads , as seen in the longitudinal direction .

According to a ninth aspect , at the side seams , the first part of the set of buttocks elastic threads may face the set of front panel leg elastic threads and a part of the set of front panel body elastic threads in the transversal direction .

In the same way as mentioned above , this feature may mean that the buttocks elastic thread of the set of buttocks elastic threads that is located closest to the back panel waist edge is located closer to the back panel waist edge and the front panel waist edge , forming together a waist opening, than each of the front panel leg elastic threads of the set of front panel leg elastic threads , and than at least the front panel body elastic thread of the set of front panel body elastic threads that is furthest away from the back panel waist edge and the front panel waist edge , forming together a waist opening, as seen in the longitudinal direction .

According to a tenth aspect , a spacing distance between two adj acent front panel leg elastic threads may be smaller than a spacing distance between two adj acent front panel body elastic threads .

According to an eleventh aspect , the back panel may further comprise a set of waist elastic threads extending along the back panel waist edge and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction, wherein the set of waist elastic threads may be located closer at the back panel waist edge than the set of body elastic threads .

According to a twel fth aspect , the buttocks covering portion of the back panel may have a trapezoidal shape .

In this case , the leg elastic threads may be applied in a curved shape or may generally follow the leg openings .

According to a thirteenth 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 .

Further aspects of the present disclosure may be found in the following description of particular embodiments referring to the accompanying drawings . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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.

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

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

Fig. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a part of the panttype absorbent article of Fig. 1 in its closed form, the part showing a side seam of the absorbent article.

Fig. 6 shows the same part of an absorbent article as Fig. 5 but for an absorbent article according to a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a cross section of an absorbent insert of the pant-type absorbent article along the transversal direction.

Fig. 8 is a photograph showing an absorbent article according to the present disclosure according to Fig. 1 (right side) in comparison with a reference absorbent article (left side) , the absorbent articles being in a worn state using a mannequin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

For a fuller understanding of the effects and advantages of the present disclosure, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, 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 .

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

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 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 . In the present embodiment , the buttocks covering portion 27 of the back panel 20 has a trapezoidal shape .

As mentioned above , in Fig . 1 , the absorbent article is shown in its fully-extended, unfolded, and flat state , with the side seams 16 being broken . In the closed form, the pair of back panel side edges 24 , 25 and the pair of front panel side edges 14 , 15 are fastened to each other to form the side seams 16 of the absorbent article 1 , as shown, for example in Figs . 5 and 6 .

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 . 7 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 .

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

The back panel 20 has several sets of elastic threads . The sets of elastic threads comprise a set of body elastic threads 201 extending over the main portion 26 and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction T . In the present embodiment , the number of body elastic threads is ten and the body elastic threads extend from the back panel side edge 24 to the back panel side edge 25 . The sets of elastic threads further comprise a set of buttocks elastic threads 202 extending over the buttocks covering portion 27 and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction T . In the present embodiment , the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 not only extends over the buttocks covering portion 27 , but also partly over the main portion 26 at a location further away from the back panel waist edge 21 than the set of body elastic threads 201 . In the present embodiment , the number of buttocks elastic threads is six, and the buttocks elastic threads that extend over the main portion 26 extend from the back panel side edge 24 to the back panel side edge 25 , while the buttocks elastic threads that extend over the buttocks covering portion 27 extend from the back panel leg edge 22 to the back panel leg edge 23 . The sets of elastic threads further comprise a set of shaping elastic threads 203 extending over the buttocks covering portion 27 at a location further away from the back panel waist edge 21 than the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction T . In the present embodiment , the number of shaping elastic threads is three , and the shaping elastic threads extend over the buttocks covering portion 27 from the back panel leg edge 22 to the back panel leg edge 23 . The sets of elastic threads further comprise a set of leg elastic threads 204 extending along the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 and extending parallel to each other along the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 . In the present embodiment , the number of leg elastic threads in the set of leg elastic threads 204 is three , and the leg elastic threads extend along the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 from the back panel side edge 24 to the back panel side edge 25 . In the present embodiment , the leg elastic threads are curved and extend along the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 constituting curved edges extending towards the crotch of a wearer when the absorbent article 1 is in a worn state . In the present embodiment , the set of leg elastic threads 204 crosses the set of shaping elastic threads 203 and the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 at the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 .

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 several sets of elastic threads , in particular, the set of body elastic threads 201 , the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 , the set of shaping elastic threads 203 , and the set of leg elastic threads 204 .

The back panel 20 of the absorbent article 1 further comprises a set of waist elastic threads 206 extending along the back panel waist edge 21 and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction T . The set of waist elastic threads 206 is located closer at the back panel waist edge 21 than the set of body elastic threads 201 .

The front panel 10 of the absorbent article has several sets of front panel elastic threads , comprising a set of front panel body elastic threads 101 extending between the pair of front panel side edges 14 , 15 and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction T , and a set of front panel leg elastic threads 104 extending along the pair of front panel leg edges 12 , 13 and extending parallel to each other along the pair of front panel leg edges 12 , 13 . The set of front panel leg elastic threads 104 , which includes three front panel leg elastic threads in the present embodiment , is located further away from the front panel waist edge 11 than the set of front panel body elastic threads 101 , which includes eleven front panel body elastic threads .

Fig . 2 is an enlarged view of the part of the absorbent article of Fig . 1 corresponding to the dashed rectangle indicated in Fig . 1 . As indicated in Fig . 2 , a spacing distance D5 in the longitudinal direction L between the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 and the set of shaping elastic threads 203 is larger than a spacing distance D3 between two adj acent shaping elastic threads . Furthermore , a spacing distance D2 between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads is larger than the spacing distance D3 between two adj acent shaping elastic threads , and the spacing distance D3 between two adj acent shaping elastic threads is larger than a spacing distance D4 between two adj acent leg elastic threads .

As mentioned above , since the back panel 20 of the pant-type absorbent article 1 has the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 and the set of shaping elastic threads 203 , both extending over the buttocks covering portion 27 , wherein the set of shaping elastic threads 203 is located further away from the back panel waist edge 21 than the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 , and has the set of leg elastic threads 204 extending along the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 , and since the spacing distance D2 between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads is larger than the spacing distance D3 between two adj acent shaping elastic threads , and the spacing distance D3 between two adj acent shaping elastic threads is larger than the spacing distance D4 between two adj acent leg elastic threads , there is provided a gradient of elasti f ication towards the back panel leg edges 22 , 23 in the back panel 20 . The gradient of elasti f ication means a reduction in the spacing distance of elastic threads towards the back panel leg edges 22 , 23 . This removes a bulging out portion in a lower area of the buttocks covering portion 27 , i . e . , in an area of the buttocks covering portion 27 located more towards the back panel leg edges 22 , 23 . Thus , the absorbent article 1 better conforms to a wearer' s buttocks . This leads to an improved snug fit in the buttocks covering portion 27 as compared to the prior art pant-type diaper . Moreover, the set of shaping elastic threads 203 and the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 also act together with the set of leg elastic threads 204 , thereby further promoting improved fit . In addition, since the elastic threads of the set of body elastic threads 201 , the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 , and the set of shaping elastic threads 203 all extend parallel to each other in the transversal direction T , a smoother overall appearance of the absorbent article 1 can be achieved . As a result , the pant- type absorbent article 1 has improved comfort , fit , and underwear-like visual appearance in the buttocks covering portion 27 .

In the present embodiment , the spacing distance D5 in the longitudinal direction between the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 and the set of shaping elastic threads 203 also is larger than the spacing distance D2 between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads . Furthermore , the spacing distance D4 between two adj acent leg elastic threads is smaller than a spacing distance DI between two adj acent body elastic threads .

As also indicated in Fig . 2 ( although shown only for the left side of the absorbent article 1 with respect to the central longitudinal axis CL, but equally applicable to the right side of the absorbent article ) , at a location where the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 crosses the first longitudinal side edge 31 and the second longitudinal side edge 32 of the absorbent insert 30 , the set of leg elastic threads 204 has a first section 2041 in which the leg elastic threads extend parallel to each other in the transversal direction T . The first section 2041 of the set of leg elastic threads 204 is indicated by the dashed rectangle in Fig . 2 and includes all three leg elastic threads of the set of leg elastic threads 204 .

According to this configuration, in the back panel 20 , the set of body elastic threads 201 , the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 , the set of shaping elastic threads 203 , and the first section 2041 of the set of leg elastic threads 204 are arranged in this order as seen in the longitudinal direction L along the first longitudinal side edge 31 and the second longitudinal side edge 32 of the absorbent insert 30 from the back panel waist edge 21 towards the location where the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 crosses the first longitudinal side edge 31 and the second longitudinal side edge 32 . With this configuration the gradient of elasti f ication towards the back panel leg edges 22 , 23 in the back panel 20 is even more pronounced towards the crotch of a wearer . Thus , the absorbent article 1 even better conforms to a wearer' s buttocks in the crotch region .

As shown in Fig . 2 , the spacing distance D3 between the two uppermost adj acent shaping elastic threads of the set of shaping elastic threads 203 is the same as the spacing distance D3 between the two lowermost adj acent shaping elastic threads of the set of shaping elastic threads 203 (" lowermost" and "uppermost" being defined in relation to when the article is worn) . Likewise , the spacing distance DI is always the same for any two adj acent body elastic threads of the set of body elastic threads 201 , the spacing distance D2 is always the same for any two adj acent buttocks elastic threads of the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 , and the spacing distance D4 is always the same for any two adj acent leg elastic threads of the set of leg elastic threads 204 .

Fig . 3 shows the same part of an absorbent article 1 as Fig . 2 but for an absorbent article 1 according to a second embodiment . In contrast to the first embodiment , in the second embodiment , the spacing distance D3 between two adj acent shaping elastic threads of the set of shaping elastic threads 203 decreases towards the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 . In this case , a largest spacing distance D3 , L is the spacing distance D3 between the uppermost and the middle shaping elastic thread, and a smallest spacing distance D3 , S is the distance D3 between the lowermost and the middle shaping elastic thread . Otherwise , all spacing distances are as in Fig . 2 .

Fig . 4 shows the same part of an absorbent article 1 as Fig . 2 but for an absorbent article 1 according to a third embodiment . In contrast to the second embodiment , in the third embodiment , the spacing distance D3 between two adj acent shaping elastic threads of the set of shaping elastic threads 203 does not decrease , but increases towards the pair of back panel leg edges 22 , 23 . In this case , a largest spacing distance D3 , L is the spacing distance D3 between the lowermost and the middle shaping elastic thread, and a smallest spacing distance D3 , S is the distance D3 between the uppermost and the middle shaping elastic thread . Otherwise , all spacing distances are as in Fig . 2 .

Fig . 5 shows a schematic illustration of a part of the panttype absorbent article 1 of Fig . 1 in its closed form, the part showing a side seam 16 of the absorbent article 1 . More speci fically, the part shows the left side seam 16 of the absorbent article 1 , where the back panel side edge 24 and the front panel side edge 14 are fastened to each other, and where the back panel leg edge 22 and the front panel leg edge 12 meet each other to form a leg opening intended for the left leg of a wearer . The back panel waist edge 21 and the front panel waist edge 11 meet each other to form a waist opening of the absorbent article 1 .

In the embodiment shown in Fig . 5 , at the side seam 16 , a first part 2021 of the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 faces the set of front panel leg elastic threads 104 in the transversal direction T . In the present embodiment , the first part 2021 of the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 is the uppermost buttocks elastic thread of the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 , i . e . , the buttocks elastic thread of the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 that is closest to the back panel waist edge 21 . The configuration is the same at the right side seam 16 of the absorbent article 1 .

Fig . 6 shows the same part of an absorbent article 1 as Fig . 5 but for an absorbent article 1 according to a fourth embodiment . In the embodiment shown in Fig . 6 , at the side seam 16 , the first part 2021 of the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 faces the set of front panel leg elastic threads 104 and a part of the set of front panel body elastic threads 101 in the transversal direction T . In the present embodiment , the first part 2021 of the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 comprises the two uppermost buttocks elastic threads of the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 , i . e . , the two buttocks elastic threads of the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 that are closest to the back panel waist edge 21 . The configuration is the same at the right side seam 16 of the absorbent article 1 .

Thus , in the embodiment shown in Fig . 6 , the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 extends further into the main portion 26 of the back panel 20 of the absorbent article 1 than in the embodiment shown in Fig . 5 .

As also seen in Figs . 5 and 6 , a spacing distance D6 between two adj acent front panel leg elastic threads of the set of front panel leg elastic threads 104 is smaller than a spacing distance D7 between two adj acent front panel body elastic threads of the set of front panel body elastic threads 101 . In the embodiments shown in Figs . 5 and 6 , the spacing distance D7 always is the same for any two adj acent front panel body elastic threads of the set of front panel body elastic threads 101 . The same holds true for the spacing distance D6 between two adj acent front panel leg elastic threads .

Fig . 8 is a photograph showing an absorbent article 1 according to the present disclosure according to Fig . 1 ( right side ) in comparison with a reference absorbent article ( left side ) , the absorbent articles being in a worn state using a mannequin .

In the reference absorbent article , in a lower portion of the buttocks covering portion 27 , no elastic threads are provided . In contrast to that , in the absorbent article 1 according to the present disclosure according to Fig . 1 , in the buttocks covering portion 27 , the set of buttocks elastic threads 202 and the set of shaping elastic threads 203 are provided, respectively extending over the buttocks covering portion 27 and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction T . 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 ( 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 1 according to the present disclosure has improved comfort , fit , and underwear-like visual appearance in the buttocks covering portion 27 . The improved fit is particularly pronounced in a lower portion of the buttocks covering portion 27 of the absorbent article 1 , where the bulging out portion is avoided but the drapability in the rest of the portion is kept .

LIST OF REFERENCE S IGNS

I pant-type absorbent article

10 front panel

I I front panel waist edge

12 front panel leg edge

13 front panel leg edge

14 front panel side edge

15 front panel side edge

16 side seam

20 back panel

21 back panel waist edge

22 back panel leg edge

23 back panel leg edge

24 back panel side edge

25 back panel side edge

26 main portion

27 buttocks covering portion

30 absorbent insert

31 first longitudinal side edge

32 second longitudinal side edge

33 absorbent core

34 liquid permeable topsheet

35 liquid impermeable backsheet

101 set of front panel body elastic threads

104 a set of front panel leg elastic threads

201 set of body elastic threads

202 set of buttocks elastic threads

2021 first part of the set of buttocks elastic threads

203 set of shaping elastic threads

204 set of leg elastic threads

2041 first section of the set of leg elastic threads

206 set of waist elastic threads

CL central longitudinal axis

L longitudinal direction

T transversal direction

DI spacing distance between two adj acent body elastic threads D2 spacing distance between two adj acent buttocks elastic threads

D3 spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads D3 , L largest spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads

D3 , S smallest spacing distance between two adj acent shaping elastic threads

D4 spacing distance between two adj acent leg elastic threads

D5 spacing distance between the set of buttocks elastic threads and the set of shaping elastic threads

D6 spacing distance between two adj acent front panel leg elastic threads D7 spacing distance between two adj acent front panel body elastic threads

Claims

1. 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 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 pair of back panel side edges (24, 25) and the pair of front panel side edges (14, 15) being fastened to each other to form side seams (16) of the absorbent article (1) , 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 sets of elastic threads, the sets of elastic threads comprising a set of body elastic threads (201) extending over the main portion (26) and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction (T) , a set of buttocks elastic threads (202) extending over the buttocks covering portion (27) and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction (T) , a set of shaping elastic threads (203) extending over the buttocks covering portion (27) at a location further away from the back panel waist edge (21) than the set of buttocks elastic threads (202) and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction (T) , a set of leg elastic threads (204) extending along the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23) and extending parallel to each other along the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23) , wherein a spacing distance (D5) in the longitudinal direction (L) between the set of buttocks elastic threads (202) and the set of shaping elastic threads (203) is larger than a spacing distance (D3) between two adjacent shaping elastic threads, wherein a spacing distance (D2) between two adjacent buttocks elastic threads is larger than the spacing distance (D3) between two adjacent shaping elastic threads, wherein the spacing distance (D3) between two adjacent shaping elastic threads is larger than a spacing distance (D4) between two adjacent leg elastic threads.

2. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the set of buttocks elastic threads (202) extends over the buttocks covering portion (27) and partly over the main portion (26) at a location further away from the back panel waist edge (21) than the set of body elastic threads (201 ) .

3. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the spacing distance (D5) in the longitudinal direction between the set of buttocks elastic threads (202) and the set of shaping elastic threads (203) is larger than the spacing distance (D2) between two adjacent buttocks elastic threads.

4. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, at a location where the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23) crosses the first longitudinal side edge (31) and the second longitudinal side edge (32) of the absorbent insert (30) , the set of leg elastic threads (204) has a first section (2041) in which the leg elastic threads extend parallel to each other in the transversal direction (T) or substantially in the transversal direction (T) , wherein, in the back panel (20) , the set of body elastic threads (201) , the set of buttocks elastic threads (202) , the set of shaping elastic threads (203) , and the first section (2041) of the set of leg elastic threads (204) are arranged in this order as seen in the longitudinal direction (L) along the first longitudinal side edge (31) and the second longitudinal side edge (32) of the absorbent insert (30) from the back panel waist edge (21) towards the location where the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23) crosses the first longitudinal side edge (31) and the second longitudinal side edge (32) .

5. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacing distance (D3) between two adjacent shaping elastic threads decreases or increases towards the pair of back panel leg edges (22, 23) .

6. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacing distance (D4) between two adjacent leg elastic threads is smaller than a spacing distance (DI) between two adjacent body elastic threads.

7. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the front panel (10) has sets of front panel elastic threads, the sets of front panel elastic threads comprising a set of front panel body elastic threads (101) extending between the pair of front panel side edges (14, 15) and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction (T) , a set of front panel leg elastic threads (104) extending along the pair of front panel leg edges (12, 13) and extending parallel to each other along the pair of front panel leg edges (12, 13) , wherein the set of front panel leg elastic threads (104) is located further away from the front panel waist edge (11) than the set of front panel body elastic threads (101) .

8. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to claim 7, wherein, at the side seams (16) , a first part (2021) of the set of buttocks elastic threads (202) faces at least a part of the set of front panel leg elastic threads (104) in the transversal direction (T) .

9. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to claim

8, wherein, at the side seams (16) , the first part (2021) of the set of buttocks elastic threads (202) faces the set of front panel leg elastic threads (104) and a part of the set of front panel body elastic threads (101) in the transversal direction (T) .

10. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a spacing distance (D6) between two adjacent front panel leg elastic threads is smaller than a spacing distance (D7) between two adjacent front panel body elastic threads .

11. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the back panel (20) further comprises a set of waist elastic threads (206) extending along the back panel waist edge (21) and extending parallel to each other in the transversal direction (T) , wherein the set of waist elastic threads (206) is located closer at the back panel waist edge (21) than the set of body elastic threads (201) .

12. The pant-type absorbent article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the buttocks covering portion (27) of the back panel (20) has a trapezoidal shape.

13. 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) .