Elastomeric side panel for use with convertible absorbent articles

An absorbent article having a refastenable fastening system allowing the absorbent article to be fitted to a wearer in a conventional configuration or in a pull-on configuration, 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;
• d) a pair of front ear flaps disposed in said front waist region juxtaposed said longitudinal edges of said containment assembly, each of said front ear flaps comprising at least one fold, said front flaps being folded such that at least a portion of each of said front ear flaps extending laterally inwardly from said longitudinal edge of said containment assembly, and said flaps being releasingly bonded in a folded configuration;
• and
• e) 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 having a pair of longitudinal outer edges, said first closure member and said second closure member each being disposed at an angle to said longitudinal centerline and said lateral centerline of the absorbent article, said first closure member and said second closure member each having a closure member major axis, said closure member major axis being at an angle to said longitudinal and said lateral centerline of the absorbent article, said first closure member and said second closure member each comprising at least two engaging elements, 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.