Abstract: A process (100) for forming an article (20) includes delivering an article web (120) which provides an interconnected plurality of article-segments (104). At least one selected article-segment (104) can include at least one wing-panel component or member (142), which has been operatively joined to its corresponding, selected article-segment (104) and configured to extend beyond at least one laterally-opposed side edge of said article web (120) in an intermediate portion (76) of the corresponding article-segment (104). The process (100) can also include a substantially continuous severing of the article web (120) and the at least one wing-panel member (142) to provide a contoured composite web. The contoured composite web can include at least one contoured wing-panel (142). In addition, a contoured side-edge (64) of the contoured wing-panel (142) can be configured to extend substantially continuously from a cooperatively contoured side-edge (74) of the article web.

Abstract: An absorbent article (20) has a longitudinal-direction (22), a lateral cross-direction (24) and an intermediate portion (76). The article comprises a backsheet (28), a liquid-permeable topsheet (26), an absorbent body (30) sandwiched between the backsheet (28) and the topsheet (26) and at least one wing-panel (42) which is operatively joined to the intermediate portion (76) of the article (20). The wing-panel extends laterally beyond at least one lateral side edge of the backsheet (28) in the intermediate portion (76) of the article, and the wing-panel (42) is configured to wrap about an undergarment. A contoured side-edge (64) of the wing-panel (42) provides a substantially continuous extension from a contoured side-edge (62) of the backsheet (28).