US Patent 6840928 Stretchable absorbent article having zones of differential stretch

A disposable absorbent article is provided which includes a substantially liquid-impermeable, stretchable outer cover, a liquid permeable, stretchable top surface, and an absorbent body located between the outer cover and the top surface. The stretchable top surface can further include a first zone and a second zone. The stretchable outer cover can be configured to provide a first level of elongation when subjected to a tensile force of 100 gmf per inch (per 2.54 cm) of width according to the Material Elongation and Deformation Tensile Test set forth herein, while the first zone provides a second level of elongation that is less than the first level of elongation.