Patent Publication Number: US-2017360629-A1

Title: Refastenable Absorbent Article

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/080,974, filed on Mar. 25, 2016, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/010,040, filed on Jan. 20, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,427,362, granted on Aug. 30, 2016, which claims the benefit, under 35 USC §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/296,662, filed on Jan. 20, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are fully incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to absorbent articles and methods for manufacturing the same, and more particularly relates to refastenable and disposable absorbent articles and methods of manufacturing the same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many refastenable pull-on disposable absorbent articles, such as pants or diapers, for example, are provided to a consumer with fastening components initially engaged. In such structures, where first and second fasteners or a first fastener and a second fastener, for example, are initially engaged, the fastening components may form a pant comprising two side seams, a waist opening, and two leg openings. Consumers generally prefer that the side seams of the pant be easily openable and reliably recloseable. Initially engaged fastening components, if designed to deliver a low initial opening force, may also have a low subsequent opening force after re-closing of the side seams. The side seam reopening force of an opened and re-closed side seam (i.e., fasteners) is likely to require a lower force than the initial opening force. Pants with a low subsequent side seam opening force may lead to poor side seam strength and a less secure closure, since the same fasteners provide not only the initial, preferably low opening force, but also must provide adequate side seam strength after refastening. What is needed is an improvement over the foregoing. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, the present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and the back waist region, a front waist end edge, a back waist end edge, a longitudinal axis extending from a mid-point of the front waist end edge to a mid-point of the back waist end edge, a first longitudinally extending side edge, a second longitudinally extending side edge, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. A portion of the front waist region and a portion of the back waist region are joined in a surface to surface relationship to form a pant comprising a first permanent side edge seam and a laterally opposed second permanent side edge seam. The first and second permanent side edge seams define an initial waist opening circumference and a pair of leg openings. The absorbent article comprises a first fastening component comprising a first fastening surface and a first attachment surface. The first attachment surface is disposed on the interior surface or the exterior surface of the absorbent article in the front waist region. The absorbent article comprises a second fastening component comprising a second fastening surface. The second fastening component is disposed on or forms a portion of the same surface of the absorbent article on which the first attachment surface is disposed. The initial waist opening circumference formed by the first and second permanent side edge seams is configured to be opened. The first fastening surface and the second fastening surface are configured to be refastenably engaged and separated with each other. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       In the drawing and in the written description, lowercase letters appended to reference numerals indicate generally symmetric elements, e.g., left and right symmetric elements may be respectively identified by the reference numerals  1   a  and  1   b . A reference numeral without an appended lowercase letter identifies all of the elements to which that particular reference numeral applies, unless otherwise indicated herein. 
       Common elements of various figures may not be numbered in all figures for simplicity. Applicants reserve the right to rely on the specification and other figures of the specification for support. While common numbers may be used to denote particular elements in various figures, it will be understood that although an element has as a common number, the element could be an alternative embodiment (i.e., the same number does not necessarily mean the element is the same, although the element could be the same). 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a simplified absorbent article shown in its flat, uncontracted state prior to being formed into a pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. In  FIG. 1 , the exterior surface of the absorbent article is shown facing the viewer. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of  FIG. 1 , taken along line A-A in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a pant formed from the absorbent article of  FIG. 1  joined by permanent side edge seams in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of a pant being worn about a lower torso of a wearer in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view of the pant of  FIG. 4  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a left side elevation view of the pant of  FIG. 4  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a right side elevation view of the pant of  FIG. 4  in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a pant joined by a permanent side edge seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of a simplified absorbent article shown in a flat, uncontracted state and configured to be formed into a pant comprising a flange seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the simplified absorbent article of  FIG. 9  partially formed into the pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the simplified absorbent article of  FIG. 9  formed into the pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the simplified pant of  FIG. 11  with separation zones separated in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view of the simplified pant of  FIG. 12  in a flat, uncontracted state in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the simplified pant of  FIG. 12  with the separation zones separated and first fastening components refastened to a second fastening component that is a part of, formed with, disposed on, or attached to a portion of front waist region of the pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of a pant formed with a flange seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of a simplified absorbent article shown in its flat, uncontracted state prior to being formed into a pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. In  FIG. 16 , the exterior surface of the absorbent article is shown facing the viewer. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of  FIG. 16 , taken along line A-A in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a plan view of a simplified absorbent article shown in its flat, uncontracted state prior to being formed into a pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. In  FIG. 18 , the exterior surface of the absorbent article is shown facing the viewer. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of  FIG. 18 , taken along line A-A in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of  FIG. 1 , taken along line B-B in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of a pant formed with a flange seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of the pant of  FIG. 21  with the separation zones separated and the closure bonds broken. A first side of the pant is unfastened, while the second side of the pant is refastened to a front waist region of the pant. 
         FIG. 23  is a top view of a pant formed with a flange seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of the pant of  FIG. 23  with the separation zones separated and the closure bonds broken. A first side of the pant is unfastened, while the second side of the pant is refastened to a front waist region of the pant. 
         FIG. 25  is a top view of a pant formed with a flange seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is a top view of the pant of  FIG. 25  with the separation zones separated and the closure bonds broken. A first side of the pant is unfastened, while the second side of the pant is refastened to a front waist region of the pant. 
         FIG. 27  is a plan view of a simplified absorbent article shown in its flat, uncontracted state prior to being formed into a pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. In  FIG. 27 , the exterior surface of the absorbent article is shown facing the viewer. 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of  FIG. 27 , taken along line A-A in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  is an alternative cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of  FIG. 27 , taken along line A-A in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  illustrates alternate side panel designs in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIGS. 30A-H  illustrate alternate side panel designs in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments. 
         FIG. 31  is a top view of a pant formed with a flange seam in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  is a plan view of a simplified absorbent article shown in its flat, uncontracted state prior to being formed into a pant in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. In  FIG. 32 , the exterior surface of the absorbent article is shown facing the viewer. 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of  FIG. 32 , taken along line A-A in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of  FIG. 32 , taken along line B-B in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment. 
         FIG. 35  illustrates equipment used to make the absorbent articles of the present disclosure in accordance with various non-limiting embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example embodiments and that the scope of the various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In this description, the following terms generally have the following meanings: 
     The term “absorbent article” refers to a device that is placed against or in proximity to a body of a wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Example absorbent articles may comprise diapers, training pants, pants, pull-on pant-type diapers (i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and related articles. 
     The term “fastening component” refers to the fastening element or elements that define an area of refastenable attachment. The fastening components enable refastening of the absorbent article to reconfigure the waist and leg openings into a closed configuration until the fastening components are separated. A fastening component may comprise of one or more refastenable fastening elements, e.g., hooks, loops, bulbs, mushrooms, arrowheads, balls on stems, buttons, snaps, refastenable cohesives, selective refastenable adhesives, etc. A fastening component may be opened and subsequently re-closed, reliably, without destroying the fastening component. A fastening component comprises those elements of a fastening system that form the area of attachment via direct surface-to-surface contact forming a refastenable closure. For the purpose of clarity, surface-to-surface contact encompasses contact between a surface of a hook material and a surface of a loop material, for example. For instance, a tab member joined to a backsheet would not be a fastening member as discussed. The fastening component may be the hooks or the loops that are joined to the tab and connect with the other fastening components or a portion of an absorbent article. 
     The term “initial waist opening circumference” refers to the circumference of a waist opening of the disposable training pant at the time the disposable training pant is placed in the package and, subsequently, when it is removed from the package by the consumer. 
     The term “lateral” refers to a direction running from a side edge to an opposing side edge of the absorbent article and generally at a right angle to the longitudinal direction. Directions within ±45° of the lateral direction are considered to be “lateral”. 
     The term “longitudinal” refers to a direction running from a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the absorbent article and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directions within ±45° of the longitudinal direction are considered to be “longitudinal”. 
     The term “pant” (also referred to as “disposable training pant,” “training pant,” and “pull-on pant-type diaper”) refers to disposable absorbent articles having a continuous perimeter waist opening and continuous perimeter leg openings designed for infant, child, or adult wearers (hereafter “wearer”). A pant may be configured with a continuous or closed waist opening and at least one continuous or closed leg opening prior to the pant being applied to the wearer. A pant may be pre-formed by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, joining together portions of the absorbent article using any refastenable and/or permanent closure member(s) (e.g., seams, heat bonds, pressure welds, adhesives, cohesive bonds, mechanical fasteners, etc.). A pant may be preformed anywhere along its circumference in the waist region (e.g., side fastened, front waist fastened, rear waist fastened). Example pants and pant configurations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,246,433, 5,569,234, 6,120,487, 6,120,489, 4,940,464, 5,092,861, 5,897,545, 5,957,908, and U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2003/0233082. 
     The term “secondary waist opening circumference” refers to the circumference of the waist opening of the pant after the initial waist opening circumference has been broken and the pant has been refastened. 
     The term “side edge seam” refers to a given side edge wherein a portion of the side edge, or region adjacent the side edge, in the front waist region is joined to a portion of the same side edge, or region adjacent the side edge, in the rear waist region to define closed, encircled leg openings and a closed waist opening. Because the side edge seam is closed with a permanent closure member, it cannot be opened without causing the permanent closure member to fail (i.e., the permanent closure member cannot again be reliably reclosed). 
     To improve the overall functionality of a refastenable side seam pant, it may be desirable to make the initial opening force and the opening force after refastening or re-closing the pant independent of each other. Stated another way, separate closure or fastening members may be used to create an initial waist opening circumference and a second waist opening circumference (refastened). Having fastening components initially disposed in a non-engaged orientation when the initial waist opening circumference is formed makes the initial opening force of the initial waist opening circumference independent of the opening force of the second waist opening circumference once the pant has been refastened or re-closed. If the fastening components are not initially engaged, the initial opening force may be controlled independently of the fastening components. 
     In one embodiment, the initial opening force may be a function of the strength of a separation zone defined in the pant. Since the initial opening force is independent of the subsequent opening force after refastening, a high subsequent opening force may be delivered thereby providing a more secure and stable side seam closure after refastening of the side seam. In addition, a pant that has permanent side seams as the structural elements that define the side seams, the waist opening, and the leg openings tend to deliver more robust and reliable side seams. In one embodiment, the permanent side seams may be formed using bonding, such as thermal bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding, for example, or may alternatively be formed using adhesives, permanent cohesives, or other suitable bonding or closure devices. 
     In one embodiment, both of the fastening components (i.e., first fastening component and second fastening component) of each side seam may be disposed or formed within the front waist region of a pant to improve access to the fastening components. It is noted that the second fastening component may merely be disposed on or form a portion of the front waist region, to which the first fastening component is disposed. Improving access to the fastening components by placing the first and second fasting components in the front waist region may make opening and refastening of the pant significantly easier for a caregiver and allow front waist region to front waist region fastening, making the pant changing or pant checking process easier for the caregiver when the wearer is standing in front of the caregiver (e.g., face-to-face) or when the wearer is laying on his or her back. 
     In addition, fastening of the fastening components in the front waist region of a pant or diaper is also familiar to caregiver since this is similar to tape-style diapers. 
     In one embodiment, both of the fastening components may also be disposed on the same surface of the pant. In one embodiment, the fastening components may both be disposed on or formed with an exterior surface or a garment-facing surface of the pant thereby making both of the fastening components readily recognizable for the caregiver, thereby making a pant change or pant check faster and easier for the caregiver. 
     These pull-on training pants have proven to be particularly desirable and useful products for wearers, such as children in the potty training stage, for example. Such pants generally comprise an absorbent chassis comprising a liquid impervious backsheet, a liquid pervious topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent chassis and the side panels (when present) may be pre-closed to form an initial waist opening circumference and two initial leg opening circumferences. 
     Some pants have permanent side seams, or seams that cannot be refastened once broken, forming the leg opening circumferences and the waist opening circumference. Such permanent seams are generally pre-closed to provide a pant that looks like underwear and may be applied like underwear (i.e., slid up the legs of a wearer and into position around the wearer&#39;s waist region). Pants with permanent side seams, however, may require a separate element for disposal of the pants, such as a disposal tape positioned on the external surface of the pants (such that the pant can be wrapped up and disposed of). Other pants have non-permanent side seams and are refastenable thereby allowing a caregiver to open and close the waist and leg openings of the pants similar to a traditional tape-style diaper. 
     The ability to open and refasten the pants offers convenience to the caregiver. For instance, it might be more convenient to apply the pants as a traditional tape-style diaper when away from home or when it is inconvenient to remove the clothing and/or shoes of the wearer. Because it is difficult to predict when the wearer will need to be changed and, therefore, when a particular mode of application will be needed, it would be beneficial to provide a pant that is adaptable to being applied either as a traditional tape-style diaper or as a disposable training pant. In addition, a product that may be applied like a traditional tape-style diaper or a disposable training pant also permits inspection of the interior of the product without having to slide the product down the legs of the wearer. The pants of the present disclosure provide dual functionality with regard to application and removal while enabling the easy wrapping up and disposal of the used pants. 
     Further to the above, some related art pants may be easier for a wearer to remove than the pant of the present disclosure. In related art pants, the overlap of the two portions that refasten the pants about the side seams often creates a flap that the wearer may grasp and pull to remove the pants at an undersirable time. Because this flap generally runs from the waist region to the leg openings, its length allows the wearer to easily remove the pant regardless of the wearer&#39;s dexterity. And, because the closure of the flap creates the initial waist opening circumference of the training pant, once opened, the pant may fall off of the wearer. 
     To alleviate some of the problems of the related art pants, the present disclosure, in part, teaches a pant that minimizes the opportunity given to a wearer to remove the pant while still offering refastenable convenience to the caregiver. The pant of the present disclosure comprises an opening and re-closure system that require greater dexterity to open owing at least to the location of the opening and closure system on the pant. In one embodiment, the pant may comprise one or more permanent side seams which form the absorbent article into the pant with pre-closed waist and leg openings and fastening components that enable ease of re-closing and/or disposal of the pant. In one embodiment, the opening and re-closure system may be oriented so that the closure member is unapparent to the wearer. Further, if the wearer does open the fastening components of the refastenable closure system, the pant will not fall off since the fastening components do not, in their initial non-engaged position, form the initial waist opening circumference and leg opening circumferences. As a result, the pant of the present disclosure allows the caregiver to decide in what manner the pant will be applied to the wearer (as a pant or as a traditional tape-style diaper). Further, the caregiver receives the added security that the pant may not be easily removed by the wearer. Therefore, creating a pant with the flexibility to apply as a traditional tape-style diaper or a pant and with the aesthetics and appearance of underwear provides the best overall experience for the wearer and the caregiver. 
     The various components used to form various example pants of the present disclosure will now be described in greater detail. 
     Absorbent Article 
     In one embodiment, an absorbent article may comprise an absorbent chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet. The chassis may comprise a waistband, leg cuffs and/or elastic strands. In various embodiments, referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an example absorbent article  10  is shown in its flat uncontracted state prior to being formed into a pant. The absorbent article  10  may be formed into a pant  20  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 8 , for example. Various suitable configurations of pant  20  are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,246,433, 5,569,234, 6,120,487, 6,120,489, 4,940,464, 5,092,861, 5,897,545, 5,957,908, and U.S. Pat. Publ. Nos. 2003/0233082, 2003/0088220, 2003/0233082, 2005/0215971, 2005/0215970, 2007/0078427, 2007/0093769, 2007/0074381, 2007/0078426, 2007/0078427, 2007/0093769, and 2008/0107861. 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one end portion of the absorbent article  10  may be configured as a front waist region  36  and the longitudinally opposing end portion may be configured as a back waist region  38 . An intermediate portion of the absorbent article  10  extending longitudinally between the front waist region  36  and the back waist region  38  may be configured as a crotch region  37 . In one embodiment, although not illustrated as such, the length of each of the front waist region  36 , the back waist region  38  and the crotch region  37  may be about ⅓ of the length of the absorbent article  10 , for example. In other embodiments, the length of each of the front waist region  36 , the back waist region  38  and the crotch region  37  may have other dimensions, for example. In various embodiments, the absorbent article  10  may have a laterally extending front waist end edge  136  in the front waist region  36  and a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist end edge  138  in the back waist region  38 . 
     In one embodiment, still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a chassis  100  of the absorbent article  10  may comprise a first longitudinally extending side edge  137   a  and a laterally opposing and second longitudinally extending side edge  137   b . Both of the side edges  137  may extend longitudinally between the front waist end edge  136  and the back waist end edge  138 . The chassis  100  may form a portion of the laterally extending front waist end edge  136  in the front waist region  36  and a portion of the longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist end edge  138  in the back waist region  38 . Furthermore, the chassis  100  may comprise an interior surface  102 , an exterior surface  104 , a longitudinal axis  42 , and a lateral axis  44 . The longitudinal axis  42  may extend through a midpoint of the front waist end edge  136  and through a midpoint of the back waist end edge  138 , while the lateral axis  44  may extend through a midpoint of the first side edge  137   a  and through a midpoint of the second side edge  137   b.    
     In various embodiments, a portion of or the whole absorbent article  10  may be made to be laterally extensible. The extensibility of the absorbent article  10  may be desirable in order to allow the absorbent article  10  to conform to a body of a wearer during movement by the wearer. The extensibility may also be desirable, for example, in order to allow the caregiver to extend the front waist region  36 , the back waist region  38 , the crotch region  37 , and/or the chassis  100  to provide additional body coverage for wearers of differing size, i.e., to tailor the absorbent article  10  to the individual wearer. Such extension may provide the absorbent article  10  with a generally hourglass shape, so long as the crotch region  37  is extended to a relatively lesser degree than the waist regions  36  and/or  38 . This extension may also impart a tailored appearance to the absorbent article  10  during use. 
     Topsheet 
     In one embodiment, again referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the absorbent article  10  may comprise a topsheet  81 . The topsheet  81  may be compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer&#39;s skin and may be elastically stretchable in one or more directions. Further, the topsheet  81  may be liquid pervious, permitting liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) to penetrate through its thickness. Various topsheets may also comprise a hydrophilic material, for example, which is configured to draw bodily fluids into an absorbent core of the chassis  100  when these fluids are expelled from the body. A suitable topsheet  81  may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as woven and nonwoven materials, apertured or hydroformed thermoplastic films, apertured nonwovens, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated thermoplastic films, and/or thermoplastic scrims, for example. Suitable apertured films may comprise those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,097, 5,916,661, 6,545,197, and 6,107,539. Apertured film topsheets typically may be pervious to bodily exudates, yet non-absorbent, and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer&#39;s skin. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers, such as, for example, wood or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers, such as, for example, polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers, or combinations thereof. If the topsheet  81  comprises fibers, the fibers may be spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed, for example, as is generally known in the art. 
     Backsheet 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 3 and 8 , for example, the absorbent article  10  may comprise a backsheet  83 . In  FIGS. 3 and 8 , the absorbent article  10  is shown formed into a pant  20 . The backsheet  83  may be impervious, or at least partially impervious, to fluids or body exudates (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) and may be manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. The backsheet  83  may prevent the body exudates or fluids absorbed and contained in an absorbent core of the absorbent article  10  from wetting articles which contact the absorbent article  10 , such as bedsheets, pajamas, clothes, and/or undergarments, for example, when formed into the pant  20 . The backsheet  83  may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, and/or a multi-layer or composite materials comprising a film and a nonwoven material (e.g., having an inner film layer and an outer nonwoven layer). A suitable backsheet may comprise a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Examples of polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation BR-120 and BR-121, and by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute, Ind., under the designation XP-39385. In one embodiment, the backsheet  83  may be embossed and/or matte-finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. Further, the backsheet  83  may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core of the absorbent article  10  (i.e., the backsheet  83  is breathable) while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, fluids or body exudates from passing through the backsheet  83 . In one embodiment, the size of the backsheet  83  may be dictated by the size of the absorbent article  10  and the design or configuration of the pant  20  to be formed, for example. 
     Absorbent Core 
     In various embodiments, referring to  FIG. 1 , the absorbent article  10  may comprise an absorbent core  200  that is disposed between the topsheet  81  and the backsheet  83 . The absorbent core  200  may comprise a laterally extending front edge  236  in the front waist region  36 , a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back edge  238  in the back waist region  38 , a first longitudinally extending side edge  237   a , and a laterally opposing and second longitudinally extending side edge  237   b . Both of the side edges  237  may extend longitudinally between the front edge  236  and the back edge  238 . In one embodiment, more than one absorbent core  200  or more than one absorbent core layer may be provided in an absorbent article  10 , for example. The absorbent core  200  may be any suitable size or shape that is compatible with the absorbent article  10 . Example absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core  200  of the present disclosure that have achieved acceptance and commercial success are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678, 4,673,402, 4,888,231, and 4,834,735. 
     In one embodiment, suitable absorbent cores may comprise cellulosic airfelt material. For instance, such absorbent cores may comprise less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even 1% of the cellulosic airfelt material as determined by weight. Additionally, such an absorbent core may be primarily comprised of an absorbent gelling material in amounts of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even about 100% as determined by weight. Furthermore, a portion of the absorbent core may comprise a microfiber glue (if applicable). Such absorbent cores, microfiber glues, and absorbent gelling materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,599,335, 5,562,646, 5,669,894, 6,790,798, and 7,521,587 and in U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2004/0158212. 
     Leg Cuffs 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the chassis  100  of the absorbent article  10  may comprise longitudinally extending and laterally opposing leg cuffs  147   a  and  147   b  that are disposed on the interior surface of the chassis  100  that faces inwardly toward the wearer and contacts the wearer. The leg cuffs  147  may comprise one or more elastic gathering members  159  disposed at or adjacent the proximal edge of one or both of the leg cuffs  147 . In addition to the elastic gathering members  159 , the leg cuff may comprise one or more elastic strands  168  disposed at or adjacent the distal edge  139  of one or both of the leg cuffs  147 . The elasticized leg cuffs  147  may comprise several embodiments for reducing the leakage of body exudates or fluids in the leg regions. The elasticized leg cuffs  147  are sometimes referred to as leg bands, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs, or gasketing cuffs.) Suitable elasticized leg cuffs  147  may comprise those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003, 4,909,803, 4,695,278, 4,795,454, 4,704,115, and 4,909,803, and U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2009/0312730. The leg cuffs  147  may be formed by folding portions of the chassis  100  laterally inward, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis  42 , to form both the respective leg cuffs  147  and the side edges  137  of the chassis  100 . In other embodiments, the leg cuffs  147  may be formed by attaching an additional layer or layers to the chassis  100  at or adjacent to each of the respective side edges  137   a  and  137   b  of the chassis  100 . In one embodiment, the chassis  100  may also comprise other elastics  141  disposed adjacent the side edges  137  which may cause the pant  20  to form into a “U” shape when allowed to relax thereby pulling the interior surface  102  of the front waist region  36  toward the interior surface  102  of the back waist region  38 . 
     In one embodiment, again referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each leg cuff  147  may comprise a proximal edge  157   a  and  157   b . These edges  157   a  and  157   b  are positioned proximate to the longitudinal axis  42  compared to distal edges  139   a  and  139   b . The leg cuffs  147  may overlap the absorbent core  200 , i.e., the proximal edges  157   a  and  157   b  lie laterally inward of the respective side edges  237   a  and  237   b  of the absorbent core  200 . Such an overlapped configuration may be desirable in order to impart a more finished appearance to the absorbent article  10  than that imparted by a non-overlapped configuration. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs  147  may not overlap the absorbent core  200 . 
     In one embodiment, still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each leg cuff  147  may be attached to the interior surface  102  of the chassis  100  in a leg cuff attachment zone (not shown) adjacent to the front waist end edge  136  and in a longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zone (not shown) adjacent to the back waist end edge  138 . In one embodiment, between the leg cuff attachment zones, the proximal edge  157  of the leg cuff  147  remains free, i.e., not attached to the interior surface  102  of the chassis  100  or to the absorbent core  200 . Also, between the longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zones, each leg cuff  147  may comprise one or more (specifically including one, two, three, or four elastic strands per leg cuff  147 ) longitudinally extensible cuff elastic gathering members  159  that may be disposed at or adjacent to the proximal edge  157  of the leg cuff  147  by any suitable methods. Each of such cuff elastic gathering members  159  may be attached over the leg cuff&#39;s entire length or over only a portion of the leg cuff&#39;s length. For example, such cuff elastic gathering members  159  may be attached only at or near the leg cuff&#39;s longitudinally opposing ends and may be unattached at the middle of the leg cuff&#39;s length. Such cuff elastic gathering members  159  may be disposed in the crotch region  37  and may extend into one or both of the front waist region  36  and the back waist region  38 . For example, in the exemplary chassis  100  shown in  FIG. 2 , an elastic gathering member  159  may be attached at or adjacent to the proximal edge  157  of each of the leg cuffs  147  and extends into both the front waist region  36  and the back waist region  38 . 
     In various embodiments, each cuff elastic gathering member  159  may be enclosed inside a folded hem  170  for example. In various embodiments, the cuff elastic gathering members  159  may be sandwiched between two layers forming the leg cuff  147 , by two layers of the chassis  100 , or may be attached on a surface of the chassis  100  or the leg cuff  147  and remain exposed. 
     In one embodiment, when stretched, the cuff elastic gathering member  159  disposed adjacent to each leg cuff&#39;s proximal edge  157  allows the leg cuff proximal edge  157  to extend to the flat uncontracted length of the chassis  100 , e.g., the length of the chassis  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . When allowed to relax, the cuff elastic gathering member  159  contracts to pull the front waist region  36  and the back waist region  38  toward each other and, thereby, bend the pant  20  into a “U” shape in which the interior of the “U” shape may be formed by the portions of the pant  20  that are intended to be placed toward the body of the wearer (i.e., interior surface  102 ). Because each of the proximal edges  157  remains free between the longitudinally oriented leg cuff attachment zones, the contractive force of the elastic gathering member  159  may lift the proximal edge  157  of the leg cuff  147  away from the interior surface  102  of the chassis  100 . This lifting of the proximal edges  157  when the pant  20  is in the relaxed condition lifts the leg cuffs  147  into a position to serve as side barriers to prevent, or at least inhibit, leakage of bodily exudates. 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 2 , one or more (specifically including one, two, three, or four elastic strands per leg cuff  147 ) elastic strands  168   a  and  168   b  may be attached at or adjacent the side edges  137   a  and  137   b  of the chassis  100  or the distal edge  139  of the leg cuff  147 . When allowed to relax, the elastic strands  168   a  and  168   b  may gather the side edges  137   a  and  137   b  of the chassis  100  and/or distal edges  139  of the leg cuff  147  to form side barriers and function as a second barrier to leakage of bodily exudates (e.g., urine and fecal waste). 
     In various embodiments, the leg cuff  147  may be formed into a cuff flap  631  and a side barrier  633 . Particularly, a side barrier attachment zone  630  may be oriented between the elastic gathering member  159  and elastic strands  168 . The placement of side barrier attachment zones  630   a  and  630   b  relative to the longitudinal axis  42  may have a direct and coupled effect on the depth of cuff flaps  631   a  and  631   b  and the size of the side barriers  633   a  and  633   b . For example, as illustrated by  FIG. 2 , when the side barrier attachment zone  630  is moved laterally inward, the depth of the cuff flaps  631  may decrease and the size of the side barrier  633  may increase. Conversely, when the side barrier attachment zone  630  is moved laterally outward, the depth of the cuff flaps  631  may increase and the size of the side barriers  633  may decrease. The depth and/or size of the cuff flaps  631  and side barriers  633  may be adjusted for various applications to provide enhanced functionality. In one such embodiment, it has been found that reduced depth cuff flaps  631  and larger side barriers  633  provide better application ease with regard to a pull-on pant-style application. This configuration may increase the size of the leg opening enabling the wearer to step into the diaper  20  more easily. In another embodiment, it has been found that increasing the depth of the cuff flaps  631  and reducing the size of the side barriers  633  may provide improved leakage protection and increased perception of capacity. 
     For embodiments wherein the leg cuffs  147  are formed by attaching additional layers to the chassis  100  at or adjacent to each of the respective side edges  137   a  and  137   b  of the chassis  100 , the one or more elastic strands  168   a  and  168   b  may be oriented and attached between the layers (e.g., layers forming the backsheet  83  and leg cuff  147 ). 
     Waistband 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 3 and 8 , the pant  20  formed from the absorbent article  10  may comprise an elasticized waistband  82 . 
     In one embodiment, the elasticized waistband  82  may provide improved fit and containment and may be configured to elastically expand and contract laterally to dynamically fit a wearer&#39;s waist. The elasticized waistband  82  may extend longitudinally inwardly from the waist edge of the pant  20  toward the waist edge of the absorbent core  200 . In one embodiment, the pant  20  may have two elasticized waistbands  82 , one positioned in the back waist region  38  and one positioned in the front wait region  36 , although other pant embodiments may be constructed with a single elasticized waistband  82 . The elasticized waistband  82  may be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,515,595 and 5,151,092. 
     In one embodiment, the elasticized waistbands  82  may comprise materials that have been “prestrained” or “mechanically prestrained” (i.e., subjected to some degree of localized pattern mechanical stretching to permanently elongate the material). The materials may be prestrained using suitable deep embossing techniques. In other embodiments, the materials may be prestrained by directing the material through an incremental mechanical stretching system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,458. The materials may then be allowed to return to their substantially untensioned condition, thus forming a zero strain stretch material that is extensible, at least up to the point of initial stretching. Examples of zero strain materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,075,189, 3,025,199, 4,107,364, 4,209,563, 4,834,741, and 5,151,092. 
     Side Panels 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the absorbent article  10  may comprise side panels  189  attached at or adjacent the side edges  137  of the chassis  100  in one or both of the front waist region  36  and/or the back waist region  38 . In various embodiments, each side panel  189  may either be a discrete separate element affixed to the chassis  100  or may comprise a unitary piece of material that is neither divided nor discontinuous with an element of the chassis  100 , for example, a backsheet, a topsheet, or a leg cuff. In various embodiments, a pair of laterally opposed side panels  189  may be attached adjacent the laterally opposing side edges  137   a  and  137   b  of the chassis  100  in the front waist region  36  and a longitudinally opposing pair of side panels  189  may be attached at or adjacent the laterally opposing side edges  137   a  and  137   b  of the chassis  100  in the back waist region  38 . The side panels  189  in the front waist region  36  may have the same lateral extent from the side edge  137  of the chassis  100  to the distal edge  137   a  and  137   b  of each side panel  189  as the longitudinally opposed side panels  189  in the back waist region  38  or, alternatively, the side panels  189  disposed in the front waist region  36  may have different lateral extents as measured from the side edges  137  of the chassis  100  to the distal edge (also indicated as  137   a  and  137   b ) of the side panel  189  than the side panels  189  disposed in the back waist region  38 . When side panels  189  are present, the distal edges  137  of the side panels  189  form a portion of the side edges  137  or the absorbent article  10 . In various embodiments, the side panels  189  may comprise a first nonwoven material layer  191 , an elastomeric film layer  193 , and a second nonwoven material layer  195 . The film layer  193  may be disposed intermediate, or at least partially intermediate, the first nonwoven material layer  191  and the second nonwoven material layer  195 . 
     In one embodiment, the side panels  189  may be substantially rectangular in shape or may be shaped in such a way as to provide an integral tab for ease of opening and refastening to create the secondary waist opening circumference  61 . The side panels  189  may be extensible or elastically extensible in the lateral direction and/or the longitudinal direction, for example. In various embodiments, the side panels  189  may comprise an elastomeric film, such as a nonwoven, or a combination of film and nonwoven. In one embodiment, the side panels  189  may also comprise a plurality of strand-like filaments and a nonwoven material, for example. The strand-like filaments may be elastically extensible in at least the lateral direction, for example. Suitable elastomeric side panels and absorbent articles comprising such side panels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,669,897, 5,899,895, 4,940,464, 5,246,433, 5,545,158, 5,591,155, 5,897,545. 
     Side Edge Seam 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 3 and 8 , the front waist region  36  and the back waist region  38  of the absorbent article  10  may be joined together to form the pant  20  having an initial waist opening circumference  60  and two leg openings circumferences  62 . The joining of the front waist region  36  with the back waist region  38  may comprise side edge seams  51   a  and  51   b . Such side edge seams  51  may be formed where the front and back waist regions  36  and  38  are joined such that the interior surface  102  of the front waist region  36  faces the interior surface  102  of the back waist region  38  in a face-to-face relationship, e.g., in a so-called flange seam attachment. Such side edge seams  51  are shown in  FIGS. 3 and 8 , for example. 
     The laterally opposing side edge seams  51  may extend laterally outward from the initial waist opening circumference  60  such that they each form a flange-style permanent side edge seam  51  that may be folded laterally inward toward either the front waist region  36  and/or back waist region  38  of the pant  20 . Both of the side edge seams  51  may be pre-closed, meaning that the side edge seams  51  are closed prior to removal of the pant  20  from its package and, therefore, prior to being donned on the wearer. The initial waist opening circumference  60  and the leg opening circumferences  62  may be opened at predetermined separation zones  59 , as described in further detail herein. In one embodiment, once broken, the side edge seams  51  may not be able to be re-closed to form a secondary waist opening circumference and secondary leg opening circumferences without the use of the first fastening components  53 . 
     In one embodiment, the bonds of the side edge seams  51  may comprise permanent suitable bonds that are appropriate for the specific materials employed in construction of the pant  20 . Suitable bond types may comprise discrete bonds, such as sonic sealed bonds, heat sealed bonds, high pressure bonds, radio frequency bonds, adhesive or cohesive bonds, sewed bonds, autogeneous bonds, and combinations thereof, for example. In various embodiments, the permanent side edge seams  51  may be joined by a predetermined pattern of heat/pressure or ultrasonic welds that are able to withstand the forces and stresses exacted onto the side edge seams  51  during application and wear of the pant  20 . The permanent side edge seams  51  may be formed as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,779,831, 5,772,825, 5,607,537, 5,622,589, 5,662,638, 6,042,673, and 6,726,792, for example. The aforementioned patents also disclose various processing methods to produce pants. 
     Refastenable Member 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1-8 , the pant  20  of the present disclosure may comprise the side edge seam  51  (e.g., permanent bonds) that may form the initial waist opening circumference  60  and leg openings  62 , a first fastening component  53  disposed at or adjacent to the side edge seam  51 , a second fastening component  55  disposed in the area defined between the first fastening component  53  and the longitudinal axis  42 . The first and second fastening components  53  and  55  may be disposed on the same surface of the pant  20  (i.e., exterior surface  104  or interior surface  102 ) and/or in the same waist region (i.e., front waist region  36  or back waist region  38 ) of the pant  20 . In one embodiment, a separation zone  59   a  may be disposed in the same waist region as the first fastening component  53   a  and/or in the same waist region as the second fastening component  55 . In one embodiment, the second fastening component  55  may not be a specific distinct element and may be formed by a portion of one of the layers forming the pant  20 , e.g., a portion of the backsheet  83 . In such an embodiment, the second fastening component  55  may be disposed on or form a portion of the same surface to which the first fastening component  53  is disposed. In one embodiment, the first and second fastening components  53  and  55  are not in contact and/or are not attached or engaged with each other when packaged (i.e., prior to use). 
     In one embodiment, the first and/or the second fastening components  53  and  55 , respectively, may each comprise at least one of a fastening surface and an attachment surface. The fastening surface may comprise a fastener, a fastening device, and/or a fastening composition, for example. The fastening surface may be used to attach the fastening component to a fastening surface of another fastening component or to another portion of the absorbent article  10  or the pant  20 . The attachment surface may be used to attach the first and/or second fastening components  53  and  55  to the chassis  100 , a portion of the front waist region  36 , or another portion of the absorbent article  10 , for example. In one embodiment, the second fastening component  55  may not comprise an attachment surface as it may be integrally formed with or may be a portion of the front waist region  36 . In such an embodiment, the second fastening component  55  may still comprise a fastening surface, such that it can be attached to the first fastening component  53 . 
     In one embodiment, the first and second fastening components  53  and  55  may be disposed on the exterior surface  104  of the absorbent article  10  in the front waist region  36 . In an alternative embodiment where the absorbent article  10  comprises side panels  189 , the first and second fastening components  53  and  55  may be disposed on or form a portion of one of the interior or exterior surfaces of the side panels  189  in the front waist region  36 , for example. 
     In various embodiments, each of the fastening components  53  and  55  may be permanently bonded, formed with, or adhered or otherwise joined directly or indirectly to the pant  20  in the front waist region  36 . One or more of the fastening components  53  and  55  may be permanently bonded or joined at a location at or proximate to the side edges  137  of the pant  20  by any suitable methods, such as adhesive bonding, sonic bonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding or combinations thereof, for example. 
     In one embodiment, the first fastening component  53  and/or the second fastening component  55  may be made of a suitable releasably engageable fastener. For example, the first and second fastening components  53  and  55  may comprise mechanical fasteners, e.g., hook and loop fasteners, hook and hook fasteners, mechanical fasteners, macrofasteners, buttons, snaps, tab and slot fasteners, tape fasteners, adhesive fasteners, cohesive fasteners, magnetic fasteners, hermaphrodidic fasteners, and other suitable fasteners. Some suitable examples of fastening systems and/or the fastening components  53  and  55  are discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,594, 4,662,875, 4,846,815, 4,894,060, 4,946,527, 5,151,092, 5,221,274, 6,251,097, 6,669,618, 6,432,098, 7,101,359, and 7,407,468. 
     Non-Engagement Zone 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example, the absorbent article  10  may comprise one or more non-engagement zones  54  disposed on or forming a portion of the same surface and in the same waist region as the first fastening components  53 . In various embodiments, the non-engagement zones  54  may be intended to prevent, or at least inhibit, the first fastening components  53  from becoming engaged with other elements of the absorbent article  10  when packaged. In certain embodiments, the non-engagement zones  54  may be in surface to surface contact with a fastening surface of the first fastening components  53  when the pant  20  is packaged. 
     In one embodiment, the non-engagement zone  54  may be disposed laterally inward of the first fastening component  53  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The non-engagement zone  54  may be disposed at or adjacent the permanent side edge seam  51 . In various embodiments, the non-engagement zones  54  may comprise a film, a sheet, a coating, or another material that does not attach to or engage with the first fastening components  53 . Suitable non-engagement zone materials may comprise films of polyethylene or poly propylene, Teflon, latex, non-tack adhesives, selective adhesives, cohesives, and other materials that do not engage with the first fastening component  53 . 
     Separation Zone 
     In order to minimize the level of tensile force required to tear open or separate the pant  20  at a predetermined location for removal from the wearer, a separation zone  59  may be provided at or proximate to the side edge seams  51 . The separation zone  59  may be located in the intact, initial waist opening circumference  60  of the pant  20  in the same waist region as the first fastening component  53  and the second fastening component  55 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5-8 , for example. In an embodiment, a portion of the separation zone  59  may be disposed laterally inward of the first fastening component  53 . For embodiments comprising the first and second fastening components  53  and  55 , a portion of the separation zone  59  may be disposed between the first and second fastening components  53  and  55  and may be disposed in the same waist region as the first and second fastening components  53  and  55 . 
     In one embodiment, the separation zone  59  may be located on the pant  20  in any manner that provides the desired functionality and ease of application and refastening. For example, a separation zone  59  may be located laterally inward of the side edges  137  of the absorbent article  10  in one or both of the front waist region  36  and back waist region  38 . In various embodiments, the separation zone  59  may be disposed adjacent to or be included in the area encompassed by the fastening components  53  and  55 , for example. In various embodiments, the separation zone  59  may be disposed between the first fastening component  53  and the second fastening component  55 . In other embodiments, a portion of the separation zone  59  may be disposed laterally inward of the first side edge seam  51  and the first fastening component  53  may be disposed between the side edge seam  51  and the first longitudinally extending side edge  137   a , for example. In one embodiment, a portion of the separation zone  59  may be disposed laterally inward of the first fastening component  53  or the first fastening component  53  may be disposed laterally inward of the separation zone  59 . In other embodiments, the first fastening component  53  may be disposed laterally between the first longitudinally extending side edge  137   a  and the first side edge seam  51   a.    
     While the separation zone  59  is illustrated as a dotted line in certain embodiments for simplicity, it will be understood that the separation zone  59  may, in fact, be a “zone” having an area verses a line. The separation zone  59  may be any suitable size for a particular pant. In one embodiment, a caregiver may have an option of separating the separation zone  59  at more than one place within the separation zone  59 , for example. 
     In one embodiment, the separation zone  59  may be formed in a layer or a laminate of layers by any methods that encourage preferentially fracture or separation when stress is applied thereto. The separation zone  59  may also be formed by a variety of methods and may comprise a variety of patterns. In one embodiment, the separation zone  59  may comprise a pattern providing greater strength in the cross-machine or lateral direction (CD) than the strength in the machine or longitudinal direction (MD), for example. This configuration may help to maintain a pant-like form during application and use, and yet provide the ease of opening to enable removal of the pant  20  or enable application as a traditional tape-style diaper rather than a pant. In other embodiments, the separation zone  59  may not comprise a weakened area, but instead, the area of the pant  10  surrounding the separation zone  59  may comprise a strengthened area, for example. In such an embodiment, the transition between the strengthened area and the adjacent area may form an area of stress concentration which can be utilized to help propogate the separation of the separation zone  59 . 
     In one embodiment, each of the laterally opposing separation zones  59  may comprise laterally opposing separation zone edges that may be formed in one of the waist regions  36  and  38  laterally inward of the first fastening components  53 . In such an embodiment, the separation zone edges may intersect with the front waist end edge  136  laterally inboard the side edge  137  and may intersect the side edge  137  of the absorbent article  10  at the margin of each leg opening  62 . In other embodiments, the separation zone edges may also be disposed in other locations on the absorbent article  10 . For example, if the separation zone edges continued generally linearly toward the lateral axis  44 , continuous portions of the pant  20  may remain in place around the legs of the wearer. When the separation zone edges are shaped to intersect the margins of the respective leg opening  62  as described above, tearing or separating the pant  20  at both of the laterally opposing separation zone edges may release the pant  20  from the waist and both legs of the wearer. In one embodiment, the separation zone  59  may comprises a first separation zone edge extending from the waist opening of the absorbent article  10  to one of the leg openings of the absorbent article  10 , and a second separation zone edge extending from the waist opening of the absorbent article  10  to the laterally opposing leg opening of the absorbent article  10 . In various embodiments, the first and second separation zone edges may be linear, non-linear, parallel, or non-parallel. 
     In one embodiment, the separation zone  59  may comprises a bond, such as a sonic sealed bond, a thermal sealed bond, a high pressure bond, a radio frequency bond, an adhesive bond, a cohesive bond, a sewed bond, an autogenous bond, and a combination thereof, for example. In such embodiments, the bond area may form an area of increased strength forming an area of stress concentration immediately adjacent. This area of stress concentration may help enable separation of the separation zone. In an alternative embodiment, the bond can be separated (not illustrated) to create the separation zone. 
     In one embodiment, the initial waist opening circumference  60  is configured to be opened by separating a first portion of the separation zone  59  from a second portion of the separation zone  59 . The separation of the first portion of the separation zone  59  from the second portion of the separation zone  59  may create linear or non-linear separation edges through, or at least partially through, the separation zone  59 . 
     In certain embodiments, a separation zone locator or visual signal comprising one or more structural, graphical or textural elements may be provided so a caregiver can clearly distinguish the separation zone  59  from the remainder of the pant  20 . For example, a separation zone locator may be printed at or adjacent to the separation zone  59 . In such an embodiment, the presence of the visible separation zone locator may prove helpful to the caregiver in locating the separation zone  59  for use in removal of the pant  20 . 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 8 , a finger tab  72  may be disposed at or adjacent the side edge seam  51  allowing the caregiver to use the finger tab  72  to release the first fastening component  53  from the exterior surface  104  of the pant  20  (in one embodiment, by breaking the closure bond) and, subsequently, to break the separation zone  59 . The finger tab  72  may be disposed adjacent the first fastening component  53  and extend beyond the side edge  137  of the pant  20 . In other embodiments, the finger tab  72  may form a portion of the surface on which the first fastening component  53  is disposed. 
     Accordingly, the finger tab  72  may be partially aligned with the separation zone  59  as shown in  FIG. 8 . It should be appreciated, however, that the tab  72  may alternatively be positioned and arranged in any alternative manner that facilitates intentional opening of the separation zone  59 . For instance, the tab  72  may extend substantially along the entire length of the separation zone  59 . The tab  72  may be configured to be grasped by a caregiver when applying an opening or releasing force to the first fastening component  53  and the separation zone  59  in order to sever the initial waist opening circumference  60  and leg opening circumferences  62  to remove the pant  20  from the wearer. The tab  72  may also provide a visual grasping point and greater leverage for the caregiver to open the first fastening components  53  and sever the separation zone  59  and, in some embodiments, the closure bond. 
     In one embodiment, the tab  72  may comprise any suitable indicia that can be printed on the exposed surface of the tab  72  (i.e., the surface that is visible when the pant  20  is being worn). Alternatively, the indicia may be disposed on an auxiliary layer that is affixed to the tab  72 , for example. Accordingly, the indicia may be visible to a caregiver who wishes to remove the pant  20  from the wearer. 
     In one embodiment, suitable indicia may comprise graphics, writings, (e.g., “pull here” or “open here” or other suitable language that communicates the use of the tab  72 ), regions that are colored differently than surrounding pant  20  components, such as the chassis  100 , and combinations thereof that increase the visibility and intuitive use of the tab  72 . Furthermore, the finger tab  72 , the first fastening component  53 , the non-engagement zone  54 , the second fastening component  55 , and the separation zone  59  may comprise distinctively different colors, patterns, characters, or carry other identifying indicia that provides contrast between the various components, thereby increasing their visibility and communicating their intuitive use to the caregiver. In various embodiments, the indicia may comprise pictorial symbols, photographs, drawings, cartoons, and logos, for example. 
     The indicia  76  may also comprise a single icon or a series of the same or different icons. Graphics other than the images described above may be used to attract a caregiver&#39;s attention and indicate a gripping location, as described in U.S. Pat. Publ. Nos. 2006/0212010 and 2006/0212018, for example. 
     As described above, the separation zone  59  may be configured to be broken, separated, or severed, such that the caregiver may easily separate a portion of the front waist region  36  from itself or may separate a portion of the back waist region  38  from itself to inspect the pant  20  for soiling or to initially apply the pant  20  in a traditional tape-style diaper fashion, if desired, and also to remove the pant  20  from the wearer after it has been soiled. In one embodiment, the separation zone  59  may have an opening force of less than about 5000 grams, less than about 4000 grams, or less than about 3000 grams such that the caregiver can choose to break the separation zone  59  and remove the pant  20 . Alternatively, the separation zone  59  may be left intact allowing a caregiver or a wearer to slide down the pant  20  from the waist and legs similar to conventional underwear, for example. 
     In one embodiment, the separation zone  59  may comprise a notch or a notched portion (not illustrated). In one embodiment, the notch may help get the separation or tearing of the two separation zone edges in an area of the separation zone  59 , for example. In various embodiments, indicia or graphics may be oriented on a portion of the separation zone  59  (e.g., in the middle of the separation zone) such that the caregiver tears or separates the separation zone in that desired location. In such an embodiment, the separation may not be assisted by weakened areas, perforations, one material being positioned adjacent another material, etc. In one embodiment, the resulting separation may be very rough, jagged, and/or unpredictable, for example. 
     Example Embodiments 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , when the pant  20  is worn on the lower torso of a wearer, the front waist end edge  136  and the back waist end edge  138  of the chassis  100  may encircle a portion of the waist of the wearer, while at the same time the side edges  137   a  and  137   b  may encircle at least a portion of the legs of the wearer. At the same time, the crotch region  37  may be generally positioned between the legs of the wearer and the absorbent core  200  may extend from the front waist region  36  through the crotch region  37  to the back waist region  38 . 
     Flange Seam Progression Figures 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 9-14  the absorbent article  10  may be folded about a lateral axis  44  to form a pant  20  comprising flange seams  58 . The absorbent article  10  may comprise a front waist region  36  comprising a front waist end edge  136 , a back waist region  38  comprising a back waist end edge  138 , one or more first fastening components  53 , one or more non-engagement zones  54 , optionally, one or more closure bonds  56 , and a longitudinal axis  42 . In one embodiment, the one or more closure bonds  56  may not be present until the absorbent article  10  is folded about the lateral axis  44  and readied to be formed into the pant  20 . In various embodiments, the absorbent article  10  may comprise one or more first fastening components  53  disposed in a first waist region and may optionally comprise one or more second fastening components  55  disposed in the same waist region as the first fastening components  53 . The one or more second fastening components  55  may be formed as a portion of the first waist region, formed integral with a portion of the first waist region, or attached to or disposed on a portion of the first waist region. In one embodiment, more than two second fastening components  55  may be provided along an area of the first waist region, for example. In various embodiments, the first fastening components  53  and the second fastening components  55  may be disposed in the same waist region (e.g., the first waist region  36 ) and on the same surface of the same waist region (e.g., the exterior surface  104 ). 
     Now described is the progression of how the absorbent article  10  may be formed into the pant  20  (i.e., steps taken by the manufacturer). In one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 9 , a simplified version of the absorbent article  10  is illustrated. While the absorbent article  10  is illustrated as being comprised of a single panel, those of skill in the art will recognize that the absorbent article  10  may be comprised of multiple panels or components, such as topsheets, backsheets, containment regions, absorbent cores, leg cuffs, waistbands, elastics and/or side panels, for example. The simplified version is illustrated merely for simplicity in the explanation of the progression of formation. To form the pant  20 , first, the absorbent article  10  is folded about the lateral axis  44  such that the interior surface  102  of the front waist region  36  is brought into a surface-to-surface facing position relative to the interior surface  102  of the back waist region  38 . In one embodiment, this configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . While in the configuration of  FIG. 10 , laterally opposing flange seams  58   a  and  58   b  are formed near the side edges  137   a  and  137   b , respectively. At this stage, the front waist region  36  is joined to the back waist region  38  via the flange seams  58  and a separation zone  59  may be formed intermediate each first fastening component  53  and each non-engagement zone  54  on the front waist region  36 . As can be seen in  FIG. 10 , the pant  20  comprises an initial waist opening circumference  60  formed by the permanent side edge seams  51 . Optionally, in the step illustrated in  FIG. 10 , one or more closure bonds  56 , may be formed by various methods, such as adhesive bonding, cohesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or pressure bonding, for example. The closure bonds  56  may be disposed on the exterior surface  104  of the front waist region  36  at or adjacent each side edge  137  and/or each first fastening component  53 . Next, referring to  FIG. 11 , the portions of the absorbent article  10  that comprise the flange seams  58  and/or the first fastening components  53  can be folded laterally inward, in a direction toward the longitudinal axis  42 . In one embodiment, the closure bonds  56  may hold the folded over portion against the exterior surface  104  of the front waist region  36  of the pant  20 . In various embodiments, the fully formed pant  20  is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . As can be seen in  FIG. 11 , the fully formed pant  20  comprises an initial waist opening circumference  60 . In such an embodiment, the first fastening components  53  are not used to maintain or form the initial waist opening circumference  60  and, in fact, are not fastenably engaged with the second fastening components  55  or other portions of the pant  20  although they may be in contact with the non-engagement zones  54 . As discussed herein, the non-engagement zones  54  prevent, or at least inhibit, the first fastening components  53  from fastening with a portion of the pant  20  when packaged. In certain instances, the consumer (e.g., caregiver) would receive the pant  20  in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
     In one embodiment, the caregiver, upon receipt of the pant  20  or removal of the pant  20  from a package (the pant  20 , in one embodiment, being in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 11 ), may decide to apply the pant  20  as a pull-on training pant or as a type-style diaper. To apply the pant  20  as a pull-on training pant, the caregiver may use the pant  20  like underwear and have the wearer place one foot in each leg openings and pull the pant  20  up to an area about the wearer&#39;s waist. In this configuration, the first fastening components  53  would not be fastenably engaged with a portion of the pant  20  or with the second fastening components  55 . Instead, the flange seam  58  would maintain the initial waist opening circumference  60  around the wearer&#39;s waist. If the caregiver needs to check the pant  20  at any time during use by the wearer, the caregiver can pull on a portion of the pant adjacent the side edge  137  to separate or break the closure bond  56  and then rotate the folded over portion away from the longitudinal axis  42  thereby separating or tearing the separation zone  59 . In one embodiment, the separated or torn separation zones  59  are illustrated in  FIG. 12 . In various embodiments, one or more portions of the front waist region  36  that have been separated from the central portion of the front waist region  36  may then be reattached to the front waist region  36 , similar to the example configuration illustrated in  FIG. 14 . When the pant  20  is in the configurations of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the caregiver can check the pant  20  to determine if a pant change needs to be made. If a pant change does not need to be made, the caregiver can refasten the pant  20  by engaging the first fastening components  53  and the second fastening components  55  with each other to create a second waist opening circumference  61 . One embodiment of such engagement is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . In embodiments, where the second fastening components  55  are not provided, the caregiver may engage the first fastening components  53  with another portion of the front waist region  36  (e.g., the backsheet  83 ). 
     In one embodiment, to apply the pant  20  as a type-style diaper, the caregiver can pull on a portion of the pant adjacent the side edge  137  to separate or break the closure bond  56  and rotate the folded over portion away from the longitudinal axis  42  thereby separating or tearing the separation zone  59 . In one embodiment, this configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , the pant  20  may then be unfolded about the lateral axis  44 . When the pant  20  is unfolded, in one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 13 , one or more portions of the front waist region  36  may remain attached to the back waist region  38 . In this configuration the pant  20  can be applied to the wearer like a tape-style diaper. In one embodiment, the applied configuration is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . In  FIG. 14 , the first fastening components  53  are engaged with the second fastening components  55  or other portions of the front waist region  36  to create a second waist opening circumference  61 . 
     Example Embodiments 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , the laterally opposing permanent side edge seams  51  (flange seams  58 ) may be disposed at or adjacent the side edge  137  in one or both of the waist regions  36  and  38 . In embodiments where the lateral extent of the front waist region  36  is substantially equal to the lateral extent of the back waist region  38  during bonding of the permanent side edge seams  51 , the permanent side edge seams  51  may be disposed at or adjacent the side edges  137  of the pant  20  in both the front and back waist regions  36  and  38  as shown in  FIG. 15 . In one embodiment, the absorbent article  10  may be folded at a laterally extending fold line disposed in the crotch region to bring the front waist region  36  and the back waist region  38  into an interior surface-to-interior surface, face-to-face orientation. Subsequently, the permanent side edge seams  51  may be formed by bonding the interior surface of one waist regions  36  or  38  to the interior surface of the opposing waist region  36  or  38 . The first fastening component  53  and the optional second fastening component  55  may be applied to the absorbent article  10  before formation of the permanent side edge seams  51  or after formation of the permanent side edge seams  51 . In such an embodiment, after the permanent side edge seams  51  are formed, a portion of the pant  20  comprising the first fastening component  53  and/or the permanent side edge seam  51  may be folded laterally inward thereby positioning the fastening surface of the first fastening component  53  in a face-to-face, surface-to-surface orientation with a non-engagement zone  54 . The laterally inward folded portion of the pant  20  chassis  100  comprising the first fastening component  53  and/or the permanent side edge seam  51  may be releasably attached to the surface of the absorbent article  10 , using a closure bond  56 , for example, to maintain the position of the first fastening component  53  until the closure bond  56  is broken by the caregiver. When removed from a package, the absorbent article  10  is already formed into the pant  20 . The caregiver may apply the pant  20  to the wearer in pant form or as a tape-style diaper by first releasing the fastening component  53  by unfolding the laterally inwardly folded portion of the pant  20  (by breaking the closure bond  56 , for example), breaking the initial waist opening circumference by separating the separation zone  59 , separating a portion of the front waist region  36  from itself, placing the back waist region  38  of the absorbent article  10  under the wearer and fastening the first fastening component  53  disposed on a portion of the front waist region  36  to the second fastening component  55  disposed on or forming a potion of the front waist region  36 , thereby forming the second waist opening circumference and re-closing the pant  20 . 
     When referring to various flat and cross-sectional example embodiments below, like numbering denotes like features, although not all similar features are labeled in each view. In one embodiment,  FIG. 16  is a simplified flat, uncontracted illustration of the pant  20  of  FIG. 15 . In one embodiment, referring to  FIG. 16 , the second fastening component  55  can extend a substantial portion of the distance between the non-engagement zone  54   a  and the non-engagement zone  54   b . In other embodiments, the second fastening component  55  may not be a separate component but, instead, may form a portion of one of the components of the pant  20 , such as the backsheet  83 , for example. In other embodiments, the second fastening component  55  may comprise one or more elements. In one embodiment,  FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 16  taken along line A-A.  FIGS. 1 and 2  denote other embodiments of the absorbent article  10  that may be formed into the pant  20 , as described in greater detail above. In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the second fastening component is shown as forming a portion of the exterior surface of the absorbent article  10  in the front waist region and the first fastening component  53  may be attached to a portion of the front waist region  36 . In another embodiment,  FIG. 18  is a simplified flat, uncontracted illustration of an absorbent article  10  that may be formed into a pant.  FIG. 18  illustrates an embodiment, where two separate second fastening components  55   a  and  55   b  are present. In one embodiment, first fastening component  53   a  may be engaged with second fastening component  55   a  and first fastening component  53   b  may be engaged with second fastening component  55   b  to form a second waist opening circumference  61  in the pant  20 . In such an embodiment, at least one of the first fastening components  53  may also be engaged with other portions of the front waist region  36 , for example.  FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 18 , taken along line A-A, illustrating, among other things, the second fastening components  55   a  and  55   b .  FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1 , taken along line B-B. In one embodiment,  FIG. 20  illustrates a first fastening component  53   a , a separation zone  59   a  and a non-engagement zone  54   a.    
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , one of the front and back waist regions  36  and  38  may be folded prior to the creation of the permanent side edge seams  51  such that the lateral extent of front waist region  36  is substantially equal to the lateral extent of the back waist region  38  during bonding of the permanent side edge seams  51 . In such an embodiment, the resulting permanent side edge seams  51  may be disposed at or adjacent the side edges  137  of the absorbent article  10  in one of the waist regions  36  or  38  and disposed laterally outward of the side edge  137  of the absorbent article  10  in the opposing waist region  36  or  38 . In one embodiment, the absorbent article  10  may be folded at a laterally extending fold line disposed in the crotch region  37  to bring the front waist region  36  and the back waist region  38  into an interior surface-to-interior surface, face-to-face orientation. The first fastening component  53  and the optional second fastening component  55  may be applied to the absorbent article  10  prior to forming the permanent side edge seam  51 . In such an embodiment, prior to forming the permanent side edge seam  51  the portion of the absorbent article  10  comprising the first fastening component  53  may be folded laterally inward thereby positioning the fastening surface of the first fastening component  53  in a face-to-face, surface-to-surface orientation with the non-engagement zone  54 . The laterally inward folded portion of the pant  20  comprising the first fastening component  53  may be releasably attached to the exterior surface  104  of the absorbent article  10  (using closure bond  56 , for example) to maintain the position of the first fastening component  53  until it is released by the caregiver. Subsequently, the permanent side edge seams  51  may be formed by bonding the interior surface of one waist regions  36  or  38  to the interior surface of the opposing waist region  36  or  38 . When removed from the package, the absorbent article  10  is in the form of the pant  20 . The caregiver may apply the pant  20  to a wearer as a pull-on training pant or as a tape-style diaper by unfolding the laterally inwardly folded portion of the absorbent article comprising the first fastening component  53 , breaking the initial waist opening circumference  60 , placing the back waist region  36  of the absorbent article  10  under the wearer and fastening the first fastening component  53  to the second fastening component  55  or another portion of the absorbent article  10  thereby forming the second waist opening circumference  61  and re-closing the pant  20 . In one embodiment,  FIG. 22  is illustrated with both separation zones  59  separated and a first side in the unattached configuration and a second side in the reattached configuration. 
     In an embodiment of the pant  20  where the lateral extent of the absorbent article  10  in one of the waist regions  36  or  38  is greater than the lateral extent of the absorbent article  10  in the opposing waist region  36  or  38 , i.e. forming one wider waist region and one narrower waist region, referring to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , during bonding the permanent side edge seams  51 , the permanent side edge seams  51  may be disposed at or adjacent the side edge  137  of the narrower of the waist regions  36  or  38  and be disposed laterally inward of the side edge  137  of the wider waist region  36  or  38 , i.e. the waist region having greater lateral extent, In one embodiment, the absorbent article  10  may be folded about a laterally extending fold line disposed in the crotch region  37  to bring the front waist region  36  and the back waist region  38  into an interior surface-to-interior surface, face-to-face orientation. Subsequently, the permanent side edge seams  51  may be formed by bonding the interior surface of one waist regions to the interior surface of the opposing waist region. The first fastening component  53  or the optional second fastening component  55  may be applied to the absorbent article  10  before or after forming the permanent side edge seams  51 . In such an embodiment, after the permanent side edge seams  51  are formed, a portion of the absorbent article  10  comprising the first fastening component  53  and/or the permanent side edge seam  51  may be folded laterally inward thereby positioning the fastening surface of the first fastening component  53  in a face-to-face, surface-to-surface orientation with a non-engagement zone  54 . The laterally inward folded portion of the pant  20  comprising the first fastening component  53  and/or the permanent side edge seam  51  may be releasably attached to the surface of the absorbent article  10  to maintain the position of the first fastening component  53  until it is released by the caregiver (e.g., by breaking the closure bond  56 ). When removed from the package, the absorbent article  10  is in the form of the pant  20 . The caregiver may apply the absorbent article  10  to the wearer as a pull-on training pant or as a tape-style diaper by unfolding the laterally inwardly folded portion of the pant  20 , breaking the initial waist opening circumference  60 , placing the back waist region  38  of the absorbent article  10  under the wearer and fastening the first fastening component  53  to the second fastening component  55  or other portion of the absorbent article  10  thereby reclosing the pant  20  to form the second waist opening circumference  61 . In one embodiment,  FIG. 24  is illustrated with both separation zones  59  separated and a first side in the unattached configuration and a second side in the reattached configuration. 
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , another pant  20  is illustrated. In one embodiment,  FIG. 26  is illustrated with both separation zones  59  separated and a first side in the unattached configuration and a second side in the reattached configuration. In one embodiment,  FIG. 27  illustrates a simplified flat that can be used to create the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 23, 24, 25, and 26 . In one embodiment,  FIG. 28  illustrates a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 27 , taken along line A-A. In one embodiment,  FIG. 29  illustrates an alternative (to  FIG. 28 ) cross-sectional view of  FIG. 27 , taken along line B-B.  FIG. 30  illustrates alternative embodiments of side panels, labeled  189   c - 189   j  and first fastening components, labeled  53   c - 53   j.    
     In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 31-34 , the lateral extent of the absorbent article  10  in one of the waist regions  36  and  38  is greater than the lateral extent of the absorbent article  10  in the opposing waist region, i.e. forming a narrower waist region, prior to or during bonding of the permanent side edge seams  51 , the waist region  36  or  38  having the greater lateral extent is folded and overlapped with the narrower waist region  36  or  38  thereby forming the permanent side edge seam  51  that may be disposed at or adjacent the side edges  137  of both the front and rear waist regions  36  and  38  of the absorbent article  10 . In the embodiment, the absorbent article  10  is folded at a laterally extending fold line disposed in the crotch region to bring the front waist region  36  and the back waist region  38  into an interior surface-to-interior surface, face-to-face orientation. The first fastening component  53  may be applied to the absorbent article  10  prior to forming the permanent side edge seam  51 . The optional second fastening component  55  may also be applied prior to forming the permanent side edge seam  51  or after forming the permanent side edge seam  51 . In this embodiment, prior to forming the permanent side edge seam  51 , the portion of the absorbent article  10  comprising the first fastening component  53  is folded laterally inward thereby positioning the fastening surface of the first fastening component  53  in a face to face surface to surface orientation with the non-engagement zone  54 . The laterally inward folded portion of the absorbent article  10  comprising the first fastening component  53  is releasably attached to the exterior surface  104  of the absorbent article  10  to maintain the position of the first fastening component  53  until it is released by the caregiver (e.g., by breaking the closure bond  56 ). Subsequently, the permanent side edge seams  51  may be formed by bonding the interior surface of one waist regions  36  or  38  to the interior surface of the opposing waist region  36  or  38 . When removed from the package, the absorbent article  10  is in the form of the pant  20 . The caregiver may apply the absorbent article  10  to the wearer as a pant or as a tape-style diaper by unfolding the laterally inwardly folded portion of the pant  20  (by breaking the closure bond  56 , for example), breaking the initial waist opening circumference  60 , placing the back waist region  38  of the absorbent article  10  under the wearer and fastening the first fastening component  53  to the second fastening component  55  or to another portion of the front waist region  36  thereby re-closing the pant and forming a second waist opening circumference  61 . In one embodiment,  FIG. 32  is a simplified flat absorbent article  10  that can be used to form the pant  20  of  FIG. 31 .  FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article  10  of  FIG. 32  taken along line A-A.  FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article  10  of  FIG. 32  taken along line B-B. 
     Attorney Docket No. 11577P, filed on Jan. 20, 2010, naming Gary Dean LaVon as an inventor, generally discloses various acceptable product features that may be implemented in the embodiments described in the present application. Specifically, the above-described embodiments may, as appropriate, comprise a fastening system and side panels as described in Attorney Docket No. 11577P. 
     Method of Making 
     The following method of making description refers generally to  FIG. 35 . Like element references from above will apply below even if they are not illustrated in  FIG. 35 . 
     In one embodiment, provided is a bifold assembly system for folding an absorbent article  10  along a laterally extending axis  44 . The system may comprise a first vacuum conveyance  630 , for example a vacuum drum that has an outer surface for receiving discrete absorbent articles  10 . The first vacuum conveyance  630  may transport the discrete absorbent article  10  in the machine direction. The absorbent article  10  having a leading half comprising the front waist region  36  and the front half of the crotch region  37 , i.e. the portion of the crotch region  37  disposed between the lateral axis  44  and the front waist region  36 , and a trailing half comprising the back waist region  38  and the back half of the crotch region  37 , i.e. the portion of the crotch region  37  disposed between the lateral axis  44  and the back waist region  38 . The system may comprise a second vacuum conveyance  645 , for example a second vacuum drum, disposed adjacent to the first vacuum conveyance  630 . The second vacuum conveyance  645  may be configured to receive at least a portion of the leading half of the absorbent article  10  from the first vacuum conveyance  630 . The second vacuum conveyance  645  may be configured to apply a peel force such that at least part of the leading half of the absorbent article  10  is transferred from the first vacuum conveyance  630  to the second vacuum conveyance  645  and held on the surface of the second vacuum conveyance  645 . The system may comprise a third vacuum conveyance, for example a vacuum conveyor, disposed proximate the first and second vacuum conveyances  630  and  645 . The third vacuum conveyance may comprise a drive mechanism for moving the surface of the third vacuum conveyance at a first speed, a second speed, in a first direction and in a second direction. 
     In one embodiment of the method of making, a continuous web comprising a plurality of interconnected backsheets  83  is combined with a series of laterally opposing pairs of discrete side panels  189 . The side panels  189  may comprise a material that is elastically extensible and may additionally comprise a refastenable fastening component disposed on a surface of the side panel  189 . The continuous web of interconnected backsheets  83  is subsequently joined with a continuous web comprising a plurality of interconnected topsheets  81 . Discrete absorbent cores  200  are disposed between the continuous backsheet  83  web and the continuous topsheet  81  web thereby forming a plurality of interconnected absorbent containment assemblies. The web is severed to form a plurality of discrete absorbent articles  10 . A discrete absorbent article  10  is placed on the outer surface of a first vacuum conveyance  630 . Alternatively, the continuous web of interconnected absorbent articles  10  may be placed on the first vacuum conveyance  630  prior to severing the web into discrete absorbent articles  10 . The first vacuum conveyance  630  may be in the form of a vacuum drum as shown in  FIG. 35  or alternatively in the form of a movable foraminous vacuum conveyor belt configured in an endless loop. The absorbent article  10  is transported along the surface of the first vacuum conveyance  630  in a direction toward a second vacuum conveyance  645 . The second vacuum conveyance  645  may be in the form of a vacuum drum as shown in  FIG. 35  or alternatively in the form of a movable foraminous vacuum conveyor belt configured in an endless loop. A portion of the leading half of the absorbent article  10  comprising the front waist region  36  and the front half of the crotch region  37  is transferred from the first vacuum conveyance  630  to the second vacuum conveyance  645 . Bifold clamps (not shown) hold the crotch region  37  at or adjacent the lateral axis  44  in contact with the first vacuum conveyance  630  thereby helping to maintain the trailing half of the absorbent article  10  comprising the back half of the crotch region  37  and the back waist region  38  in contact with the surface of the first vacuum conveyance  630 . The surfaces of the first vacuum conveyance  630  and second vacuum conveyance  645  downstream of the transfer point are moving in directions that are divergent from one another. The leading half of the absorbent article  10  is transported along the surface of the second vacuum conveyance  645  until it is transferred to a third vacuum conveyance  670 . The surfaces of the third vacuum conveyance and the second vacuum conveyance  645  are convergent. The bifold clamp not only helps retain the crotch region  37  in contact with the first vacuum conveyance  630  but it also helps retain tension in the absorbent article  10  as it is bifolded. The leading half of the absorbent article  10  travels along the surface of the third vacuum conveyance as the trailing half of the absorbent article  10  travels along the surface of the first vacuum conveyance  630  thereby forming a bifolded absorbent article  10 . At this point the surface of the third vacuum conveyance and the surface of the first vacuum conveyance  630  are moving in a convergent direction. U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2009/0098995A1, entitled System for Bifolding an Absorbent Article, generally discloses various acceptable embodiments for carrying out the process as described above and as described in the present application&#39;s  FIG. 35 . More specifically, the first vacuum conveyance (folding drum), second vacuum conveyance (peel roll), third vacuum conveyance (bifold conveyor) as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2009/0098995A1 may be used in the process of the present application. 
     In one embodiment, the trailing half of the absorbent article  10  comprising the back waist region  38  may comprise side panels  189  having refastenable fastening components disposed thereon. The side panels  189  are held in place by vacuum created by the first vacuum conveyance  630 . Once the absorbent article  10  has been bifolded, a portion of the side panel  189 , such as the portion comprising the refastenable fastening components may be folded laterally inward to engage the fastening components disposed in the back waist region  38  with the front waist region  36  of the absorbent article  10 . The side panels  189  may be folded laterally inward by means of a fourth vacuum conveyance such as a vacuum twist belt or alternatively the side panels  189  may be folded laterally inward by a folding board or other suitable methods. In an alternative embodiment, the side panels  189  may be folded by a folding mechanism disposed on a portion of the first vacuum conveyance  630 . 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”. 
     All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present disclosure. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in the present disclosure conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in the present disclosure document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.