| abstract |
An article is configured with a front section (12), a rear waistband section (14), and an intermediate section (16) which interconnects the front and rear waistband sections. The article includes a backsheet layer (30) having a laterally extending width and a longitudinally extending length. A liquid permeable topsheet layer (28) is superposed on the backsheet layer, and the topsheet layer has a laterally extending width and a longitudinally extending length. An absorbent body (32) is located between the backsheet layer and the topsheet layer. An elasticized side panel (56) is connected to the article at each laterally opposed end region (72, 74) of at least one of the front and rear waistband sections. The side panels are constructed to be elastically stretchable at least along a lateral, cross direction of the article. A bridge member (40), which is separate from the backsheet and topsheet layers, extends laterally to interconnect between the elasticized side panels and to maintain a desired lateral separation and alignment between the side panels. At least a portion of the bridge member is arranged in an overlapping relation with a longitudinal end section (60) of the absorbent body, and is connected to at least one of the backsheet and topsheet layers. A fastening means (36) is provided for securing the article on a wearer. The fastening means connect to laterally distal end regions (76, 78) of the side panels. |