Abstract: A disposable garment includes a nonwoven backsheet formed by melt-blowing. The melt-blown nonwoven web has a basis weight of from about 3 g/m2 to about 60 g/m2 and an air permeability value of at least about 15 cm3/cm2/sec. The melt-blowing web is made by fine fibers having an average fiber diameter of from about 3 ?m to about 10 ?m.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet made from an air-laid fiber web includes a functional emboss pattern of a continuous (wave-like) shape extending in the machine direction of the sheet. The emboss pattern defines a plurality of compressed regions operative to preferentially convey sorbed liquid away from the point of insult to prevent product failure. The sheet is particularly useful as absorbent core material within a multi-layer absorbent pad. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making absorbent sheet utilizing an emboss roll provided with radially projecting circumferential sinuate bosses.

Abstract: A method for making absorbent pads for various absorbent articles is provided. A strip of the absorbent web material is conveyed along a machine direction, the absorbent web material having a generally first constant cross-direction width and generally first uniform basis weight. Longitudinally defined portions of the web material are stretched in the cross direction so as to define longitudinal sections having a wider cross-direction width and decreased basis weight alternately spaced between longitudinally extending sections of the web material having a lesser cross-direction width and greater basis weight. The web is released eventually cut in a cross direction into individual absorbent pads such that each pad has a crotch section corresponding to the longitudinal section having the lesser cross-direction width and greater basis weight and at least one of a front section and back section corresponding to the wider cross-direction width and decreased basis weight.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis defining front and rear waist regions, an absorbent panel laid on the inner surface of the chassis and a decorative element adapted to be seen through the chassis and interposed between an intermediate zone of the chassis and the absorbent panel. An optical transmittance exhibited by the intermediate zone of the chassis in which the decorative element is laid is higher than an optical transmittance exhibited by opposite lateral zones of the chassis.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article for personal wear has an outer cover, a bodyside liner adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer's skin, and an absorbent structure disposed between the liner and the outer cover. The absorbent structure is secured to at least one of the liner and the outer cover within a securement zone. A central portion of the securement zone is disposed generally within a central region of the article and at least one outer portion of the securement zone is disposed longitudinally outward of the central portion thereof.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet, a liquid-absorbent base panel interposed between these two sheets, a pair of side flaps lying outside transversely opposite side edges of the base panel so as to extend in a longitudinal direction, a pair of leak-barrier cuffs attached to the respective side flaps, elastic members secured to distal side edge portions of the cuffs. The article further includes a pair of liquid-absorbent side panels attached to opposed surfaces of the leak-barrier cuffs.

Abstract: A disposable diaper comprising a fluid-permeable topsheet, a fluid-impermeable backsheet and a fluid-retentive absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the disposable diaper being formed in a substantially vertically elongated configuration and having a stomach side, a back side and a crotch region positioned between the stomach side and the back side, wherein a second absorbent core is disposed at an outside region of each opposite side edge of the absorbent core at the crotch region along a longitudinal direction of the diaper, and an elastic member is disposed at the region where the second absorbent core is disposed along a longitudinal direction of the diaper.

Abstract: An incontinence article having a back guard is provided. In particular, the present invention provides an incontinence article in which a back guard extends from a rear portion of the article to a middle back area of a user. The back guard article preferably includes an absorbent material and optional elastic.

Abstract: An absorbent composite sheet is thin and has a surface to be easily situated in dry condition. The absorbent composite sheet includes at least a first layer and a second layer. The first layer placed on the side of receiving a liquid is a non-woven fabric fabricated from thermoplastic synthetic resin fibers. The second layer stacked below the first layer is a non-woven fabric fabricated by entangling cellulose type fibers and thermoplastic synthetic resin fibers. The first layer and the second layer are joined by fuse bonding synthetic resin fibers of the first layer and synthetic resin fibers of the second layer. The liquid applied on a surface of the first layer is transferred to the second layer through gaps between synthetic resin fibers of the first layer.

Abstract: A disposable pants-type diaper includes a front waist region sheet, a rear waist region sheet and a body fluid absorbent pad. The front and rear waist region sheets are bonded together in the vicinity of transversely opposite side edges thereof and the pad is curved in a U-shape and has longitudinally opposite ends bonded to the inner side of the front and rear waist region sheets. Periphery of a lower edge of the front waist region sheet draws a curve which is convex upward and this-lower edge intersects transversely opposite side edges of the pad to define tops of a pair of leg-holes. A first elastic member extending along the lower edge of the front waist region sheet intersects third elastic members of the pad in the vicinity of the tops and then descend rearward of the diaper.

Abstract: An absorbent product, such as a diaper or an incontinence garment, having a longitudinal and a lateral direction, includes a back sheet, being distal from the body of the wearer in use of the garment, and a top sheet, being proximal to the body of the wearer in use of the garment. The product has a front part, a rear part and a crotch part lying between the front and rear parts, and an absorbent structure between the top and back sheet extending longitudinally from the front part to the rear part. The absorbent structure includes two separate absorbent cores, wherein a first absorbent core extends longitudinally from the front to the rear part, and a second absorbent core is disposed in the front part or in the rear part.

Abstract: Absorbent pants having a waist opening, two leg openings, and a waterproof outer barrier layer, which is arranged outside the pants layer. The pants layer has a surface area which is greater than that of the outer barrier layer and is joined in parts with itself or includes a device for enabling it to be joined in parts with itself, so that during use of the pants it alone constitutes the waist opening and the leg openings of the pants, and that the load-bearing parts of the pants and all of the parts lying against the body of the user are formed only from the pants layer. The pants are also elastic, where the outer barrier layer is essentially inelastic.

Abstract: An absorbent article which minimizes or avoid component bonding within the interior area thereof is provided to improve or increase the independence of the components which constitute the article.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a backsheet and a fecal management member joined to the backsheet. The fecal management member includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations. The sheet of fibers includes additional fibers which are joined to at least some of the arcuate portions.

Abstract: Absorbent article having a containment assembly and highly extensible leg openings. The leg opening margins may have portions having differential properties, such as differential elastic extensibility. The absorbent article may also have highly extensible outer leg cuffs. Additionally, the absorbent article may have a narrow crotch region. The absorbent article may thus provide ease of application and removal, sustained dynamic fit, prevention of leakage, sustained wearer comfort, and desirable appearance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and having leakage-preventing side walls on a liquid-receiving side of the article. The leakage-preventing side walls extend in a longitudinal direction of the article and lie opposite one another in a width direction of the article. At least a liquid-receiving face of each leakage-preventing side wall is made of a fibrous sheet that contains hydrophobic fibers thermally bonded to one another and hydrophilic fibers shorter than the hydrophobic fibers. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers form aggregates which are dispersed in the fibrous sheet and are bonded to the hydrophobic fibers.

Abstract: A generally thin, flexible sanitary napkin capable of absorbing medium to high menstrual flows, and having a stiffened center is provided. In one embodiment, the sanitary napkin has a longitudinal central region disposed along the length of at least a portion of the longitudinal centerline, and longitudinal side regions are disposed outboard of the longitudinal central region. The longitudinal central region of the sanitary napkin has a flexure-resistance that is greater than that of the longitudinal side regions. The embodiment of the sanitary napkin described above easily forms around the curvature of the wearer's labia majora by cupping and surrounding the exterior of the labia majora. The longitudinal central region of the sanitary napkin forms the bottom of a cup-like trough under the wearer's labia majora, and the longitudinal side regions are sufficently flexible that they are able to form the sides of the trough structure.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article which includes a backsheet, a liquid-pervious topsheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the backsheet and the topsheet. At least the backsheet is made from a water-decomposable material. The backsheet is formed of a fibrous sheet that contains water-dispersible fibers and water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose. The water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose has a degree of etherification (D.S.) falling between 0.3 and 0.6, and is modified so that the hydrogens of at least 95% of carboxylic acids therein are substituted with metal.

Abstract: A cloth-like, flexible mechanical fastener including a flexible layer and at least one fastener island, and methods of making the same. The fastener island has a planar perimeter edge, a mechanical fastening material, and a backing material attached to the mechanical fastening material. The backing material is embedded within the flexible layer and the planar perimeter edge is surrounded by the flexible layer. Accordingly, the mechanical fastener offers an improved flexibility and a cloth-like presentation. The improved flexibility and cloth-like presentation reduce the potential for the wearer to be exposed to coarse edges or creases, thereby lowering the possibility of red-marking or irritation of the skin. Moreover, the flexibility of the fastener allows the fastener to better accommodate the movement of the wearer, providing more reliable securement. The cloth-like, flexible mechanical fastener may be of particular use in combination with disposable absorbent articles to secure the article about a wearer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent structure to be used in an absorbent article such as a diaper, a training pant, an adult incontinence absorbent article, a bed mat, or the like, and the respective absorbent article. The absorbent structure of the present invention is able to rapidly acquire urine even against gravity as is quantified by the liquid drip off test defined herein.

Abstract: Bonded composites, and absorbent articles made with such bonded composites. The bonded composites have first and second thin-section elements bonded to each other by bonds defining a bond pattern.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having a combined leg elastic and leak guard flap feature. A chassis of the absorbent garment includes an outer cover and a body side liner with at least one elastomeric member folded within the body side liner around each of two leg openings defined by the chassis to form a finished edge around each leg opening. The folded edge of the body side liner is then folded again to create a fully functional flap with the appearance of a leg elastic in the crotch area. The resulting absorbent garment has a three-dimensional leg elastic assembly that creates a bucket for containing body fluids, and furthermore, creates a tailored, soft, comfortable leg and side seal.

Abstract: An extensible absorbent article or garment has an extensible top sheet layer for facing the body of the wearer; an extensible back sheet layer for an exterior layer facing away from the body of the wearer; and an absorbent core layer located between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent core has a tissue layer acting as a boundary layer or web between the top sheet and the fluff pad of the absorbent core. The tissue web of the absorbent core has an adhesive discontinuously applied thereto for attachment to the top sheet or other extensible layers to avoid tearing the tissue when the extensible layers expand. The tissue web may further be pleated to allow for its extensibility. The discontinuity of the adhesive then allows the pleats to perform their expansion function unbound and thus the tissue can extend without tearing, thereby maintaining the integrity of the tissue barrier.

Abstract: A form-fitting, pant-like, absorbent garment that delivers an optimal amount and direction of stretch to provide optimal fit and comfort. The absorbent garment has an outer cover with a back panel, a crotch panel and a front panel. The back panel and the front panel can each stretch in a transverse direction, and the crotch panel can stretch in a longitudinal direction. Seams joining the front and back panels to the crotch panel provide non-stretch zones that may be positioned to control fit forces. The garment provides enhanced fit and comfort during use, and ease of application with a self-adjusting feature.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment has a front region, a back region, and a central region, each region having a length along a longitudinal axis of one third of the length of the absorbent garment. An absorbent pad positioned within the regions has a length of absorbent pad in the back region divided by a length of absorbent pad in the front region and central region less than 0.10, and the length in the front region is greater than the length in the back region.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid-permeable top layer, an absorbent core layer, and a breathable outer cover is provided with a breathable inner laminate between the absorbent core and the outer cover. The breathable inner laminate includes a breathable film and a nonwoven filament web, and is less breathable than the outer cover. The low to moderately breathable inner laminate substantially reduces perceived dampness occurring on the external surface of the highly breathable outer cover, following a liquid insult, when the article is being worn, without seriously hampering moisture flux out of the diaper. Direct pathways for moisture near the wearer's skin to exit the article are maintained, and a concentration gradient is enhanced.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having improved sustained fit on the body, improved appearance through the period of use, and improved comfort for the wearer. The absorbent article has a containment assembly, a waist feature and a diagonal support member feature disposed so as to lie in the diagonal support zone of the wearer's body when the article is worn. The diagonal support member is designed to support the article from the small of the back, over the hip, and to the lower abdomen. The diagonal support member is distinct from the waist feature, which is designed to provide only enough circumferential tension to hold itself in position on the body. The absorbent article has a garment-like high-waisted appearance, gentle tension around the waist to avoid discomfort and/or pressure marking, good leakage protection, good sustained fit, and easy application and removal.

Abstract: A wearable article useful for facilitating toilet training is provided. The wearable article includes a temperature change element providing a cool/wet signal when wetted which causes discomfort to the wearer. The temperature change element comprises a temperature change substance disposed on an impermeable material in order to maximize the thermal signal provided to the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment comprising a topsheet, a back-sheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet is disclosed. The absorbent core is formed from a folded laminated comprising three layers, including an upper layer, a lower layer and a central fibrous layer including from about 50 to about 95 percent by weight superabsorbent polymer and about 5 to about 50 percent by weight stabilization additives. The upper and lower layers comprise tissue, airlaid fluff pulp synthetic non-woven fibrous layers. The central fibrous layers is adhesively bonded to both the upper and lower layers, all layers together assisting to maintain the dry and wet integrity of the absorbent core. Folding of the thin absorbent laminate provides an absorbent core that can handle large doses of urine.

Abstract: A reusable diaper is made of two sheets of fabric. One sheet is an absorbant rectangular sheet. The second sheet is an inverted bell-shape and may be of resilient material. The absorbant sheet is stitched along one edge to the bell-shaped sheet along the length of the axis of symmetry of the bell-shaped sheet. The absorbant sheet is only stitched to the bell-shaped sheet adjacent one comer of the absorbant sheet so that, when unfolded, the absorbant sheet is at least twice the length of the axis of symmetry of the bell-shaped sheet. The absorbant sheet may thus be folded into a narrow rectangular absorbant pad lying along the axis of symmetry of the bell-shaped sheet. The opposite tapered ends of the bell-shaped sheet are wrapped around an infant's waist and are drawn to the front of the infant through a loop on the vertex of the bell-shape once the vertex has pulled lifted up between the infant's legs.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper and an incontinence guard comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (2), a liquid impermeable backsheet (3) and an absorbent body (4) enclosed therebetween, said article having a front portion (5), a rear portion (6) and a crotch portion (7), therebetween, whereby the front and rear portion exhibits side flaps (8, 9), which are intended to attach the article to a pantlike shape around the waist of the user. The article has at least one pre-stressed elastic means (11a) and at least attached to the back sheet, that said first elastic means (11a) is brought in an essentially V-shaped pattern having the peak of the pattern located to a first point (13) being essentially located on a imagined longitudinal center line (12) in said crotch portion (7) and that the V-shaped elastic means (11a) diverge in the direction from said longitudinal center line (12) toward the front portion (5).

Abstract: An undergarment is conveniently made with two elasticized top panels bonded and cut at a 45 degree angle on a bottom panel. The top panels have curved leg cutouts matched to the curved leg cutouts of the bottom panel. The curved leg cutouts are preferentially cut for the front and back sections of the garment to produce a comfortable fit.

Abstract: Absorbent diaper pants having a front part (2), a back part (3) with an elastic member (20) in the waist hole (12) region, and a crotch part (4) with elastic hems (19) in the diaper pants (1) leg holes (13), wherein the front part (2) and the back part (3) are provided with fastening means (21), and on the diaper pants (1) inner surface side a changeable absorbent pad (14) is arranged, and the diaper pants (1) are further provided with a therapeutic orthopaedic pad (29); characterized in that the orthopaedic pad (29) is located in a rectangular housing (27) arranged on the diaper pants (1) facing side, while this housing (27) is by its front and back transverse ends, in a takeable apart manner, secured to the end edges (9, 10) of the front part (2) and of the back part (3), and the absorbent pad (14) is inserted inside retaining means.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having unexpectedly superior absorbency are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles have a roll-good type absorbent core in a novel attachment configuration that provides unexpectedly high absorbency, as well as cost efficiency.

Abstract: An absorbent product which possesses two longitudinal side edges (12,13), two transverse end edges (10,11), a longitudinal centre line and a transverse centre line, and which comprises a liquid-permeable outer layer (2), a liquid-impermeable backing layer (3) and an absorption core (4) which is located between the outer layer (2) and the backing layer (3), with the absorption core (4) comprising a first and a second absorption layer (14,15), with the first absorption layer (14) being arranged behind the liquid-permeable outer layer (2) and the second absorption layer (15) being arranged between the first absorption layer (14) and the liquid-impermeable backing layer (3), with the first absorption layer (14) having two longitudinal channels (16,17), with each of the channels having an outer edge (20) closest to the corresponding longitudinal side edge (12,13) of the product and an inner edge (21) closest to the longitudinal centre line of the product.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid impervious backsheet joined to a liquid permeable topsheet with an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The joined topsheet and backsheet includes an extensible portion that is non-elastically, laterally extensible having a percent elongation of at least about 125%. A pair of elastomeric side panels is joined to a portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet near the extensible portion. Each of the side panels is elastically laterally extensible such that the force required to elongate the side panels a select percent elongation is less than the force required to elongate the extensible portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet an equivalent select percent elongation.

Abstract: A fluid absorbent article for surgical applications includes a top layer including an apertured film having a plurality of apertures formed therein. Each aperture includes a base and an apex with the aperture base oriented in an upper surface of the top layer and the apex positioned a depth below the base and upper surface. An absorbent layer includes an absorbent media positioned to underlie the top layer generally coextensive with the top layer and receive fluids passing through the top layer. The absorbent media is operable for dispersing and containing the fluid within the article. Bases of the apertures have a plurality of generally straight sides and are positioned with respect to the upper surface to present a plurality of different angles to fluid flowing on the upper surface to hinder and divert the fluid so that it more readily passes through the apertures to the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A dynamic-fitting absorbent article that includes a liquid impermeable outer cover (42), a liquid permeable bodyside liner (44) in superimposed relation to the outer cover (42) and a continuous elastic absorbent core (28) disposed between the outer cover (42) and the bodyside liner (44). The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can extend from about 80 to about 400 percent upon application of a force of from about 60 to about 325 grams. The continuous elastic absorbent core (28) can have a tension reducing geometry in the crotch section of the article. Additionally, the continuous elastic absorbent core can have a dry tensile strength and a wet tensile strength that is at least 95% of the dry tensile strength.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a novel leg cuff configuration, methods for using same and methods for preparing same, are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles comprise a polymer barrier and a pair of leg cuffs configured to provide unexpectedly superior comfort for wearers of the absorbent articles. The absorbent articles further unexpectedly provide superior fit about the legs of the wearer and consequentially superior lateral leak protection.

Abstract: Highly efficient absorbent articles for wearing by a human female such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads. In use, the absorbent articles preferably maintain contact with and cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia, the exterior surfaces of the wearer's labia, and the supporting garment. The absorbent articles are highly flexible, having flexure resistance of less than or equal to about 100 grams. The absorbent articles may be flat or cup-shaped.

Abstract: An absorbent composition comprising an uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer, wherein the uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer is treated by a means to effectively insolubilize the uncrosslinked, relatively high molecular weight polymer such that the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. In particular, the absorbent composition has the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids. Suitable polymers include polyethylene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight that is greater than about 1,000,000.

Abstract: A pant-like, disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent chassis, a pair of opposed side panels, at least one releasable joint and at least one folded fastenery. The absorbent chassis defines a pair of laterally opposed side edges and a pair of longitudinally opposed waist edges. The side panels extend between the side edges of the absorbent chassis to define a waist opening and a pair of leg openings in the pant-like disposable absorbent article. Each of the opposed side panels defines a first side margin which is permanently attached to the side edge of the absorbent chassis in one waist region of the absorbent article to provide a permanent joint. At least one of the opposed side panels further defines a second side margin opposite the first side margin which is releasably attached to the side edge of the absorbent chassis in the other waist region of the absorbent article to provide a releasable joint.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core form a layered assembly including a front region, a back region, and a crotch region disposed between the front region and the back region. The garment is characterized by a vertical longitudinal plane that extends substantially centrally through the front, back and crotch regions. Each of the front and back regions includes a pair of ear portions extending in substantially opposite lateral directions with respect to the longitudinal plane. Each ear portion is a breathable stretchable layer assembly having a plurality of vent sites. Further, each ear portion includes an outer layer that is an extension of the backsheet and which extends laterally to the side edge of the ear portion, and an inner layer that is an extension of the topsheet and which also extends laterally to the side edge of the ear portion.

Abstract: An absorbent garment comprising skin wellness ingredients is disclosed, where the skin wellness ingredients are incorporated into an adhesive used in the assembly of the garment. By incorporating the skin wellness ingredients into the adhesive, the skin wellness ingredients can be precisely placed on those portions of the absorbent garment where at least perceived skin care benefits for the wearer's skin are desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having front and rear regions corresponding to the front and rear of a wearer, respectively, and a crotch region between the front and rear regions. The article generally comprises a backsheet, a topsheet overlaying the backsheet, and a foam layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. An absorbent core also is located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The foam layer preferably extends from the front region, through the crotch, and into the back region. The foam layer is attached to the article, while in a laterally extended position, in at least one of the front and rear regions thereby elasticizing at least one region.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence products, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like, providing unexpectedly superior absorbency and methods of preparing the absorbent articles are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a substantially non-wicking layer disposed between a substantially impermeable backsheet and a permeable topsheet, said substantially non-wicking layer comprising foam having a density of no greater than about 0.01 g/cc and a compressional rigidity at about 10% strain of at least about 4 kPa.

Abstract: A film which is water-flushable and biodegradable that is particularly useful as a backsheet for disposable absorbent articles, and in particular flushable interlabial catamenial products. The film comprises: (1) a relatively thin water-impervious biodegradable layer to maintain the integrity of the film during use and to minimize or prevent aqueous liquids from penetrating through the film; (2) a relatively thick substantially water-soluble layer adjacent the water-impervious layer to cause the film to lose integrity after the film is flushed; and (3) a relatively thin substantially water-permeable layer adjacent the water-soluble layer to control the rate at which water and other aqueous liquids contact, dissolve and disintegrate the water-soluble layer.

Abstract: Method of producing a fibrous material layer mainly intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin or the like. At least one bundle of continuous filaments, so called tow (12), is opened and the filaments are separated and evened to a layer having the desired fiber distribution, after which the layer is bonded in points, spots or lines in a bonding pattern, but where the filaments otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid impervious backsheet joined to a liquid permeable topsheet with an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The joined topsheet and backsheet includes an extensible portion that is non-elastically, laterally extensible having a percent elongation of at least about 125%. A pair of elastomeric side panels is joined to a portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet near the extensible portion. Each of the side panels is elastically laterally extensible such that the force required to elongate the side panels a select percent elongation is less than the force required to elongate the extensible portion of the joined topsheet and backsheet an equivalent select percent elongation.