Elastomeric side panel for use with convertible absorbent articles

An absorbent article having a refastenable fastening system, a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline, the absorbent article comprising:

• a) a containment assembly having a rear waist region, a crotch region, a front waist region, a pair of longitudinal edges, a body facing surface and a garment facing surface opposite of said body facing surface, said containment assembly comprising a topsheet, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet;
• b) an elastomeric first ear panel extending laterally outwardly from one of said longitudinal edges of said containment assembly in said rear waist region, said first ear panel having a proximal edge joined with said containment assembly, a distal edge spaced laterally outwardly from said proximal edge, an inner surface, and an outer surface;
• c) an elastomeric second ear panel extending laterally outwardly from the other of said longitudinal edges of said containment assembly in said rear waist region, said second ear panel having a proximal edge joined with said containment assembly, a distal edge spaced laterally outwardly from said proximal edge, an inner surface, and an outer surface;
• and
• d) a refastenable mechanical fastening system comprising:
• i) a first closure member disposed adjacent said distal edge of said first ear panel;
• ii) a second closure member disposed adjacent said distal edge of said second ear panel;
• said first closure member and said second closure member each including an engaging component having a plurality of engaging elements extending therefrom and having a pair of opposed longitudinal outer edges, a pair of opposed lateral outer edges, an outer region comprising said longitudinal and said lateral outer edges and a central region surrounded by said outer region, the central region having an area, said first closure member being joined to said first ear panel and said second closure member being joined to said second ear panel, said first and said second closure members being joined to said ear panels with a plurality of discrete mechanical bonds arranged in a pattern having at least one edge mechanical bond in said outer region juxtaposed each of said longitudinal outer edges, said pattern also leaving at least a portion of the central region unbonded by said mechanical bonds;
• and
• iii) a third closure member disposed in said front waist region on said garment facing surface of said containment assembly, said third closure member being engageable with said first closure member and said second closure member so as to define a waist hoop having a relaxed state circumference and a fully stretched circumference.