10.15.02
Patented is a disposable diaper with transversely opposite side edges and longitudinally opposite ends. The diaper comprises a liquid-pervious topsheet and a liquid-impervious backsheet surrounding a liquid-absorbent core. The diaper also features a front and rear waist region that surrounds a crotch region and a pair of cushioning pad members that extend transversely from the diaper and are spaced apart from each other longitudinally. A pair of liquid-resistant side flaps extend longitudinally from the diaper and are transversely spaced apart from each other. The flaps have proximal edges joined to the diaper’s inner surface and distal edges that lie inside the proximal edges and extend between the pair of cushioning pad members. Longitudinally opposite ends are contiguous to transversely opposite ends of the cushioning pad members. The distal edges are longitudinally and elastically stretchable. An opening is provided over an area extending across the rear waist region into the crotch region.