Diaper with elastic fastener

Claim 1

A disposable diaper, comprising: an absorbent pad assembly having first and second opposed waistline portions, opposed surfaces, a pair of opposed side edges, and a pair of end edges connecting the side edges; and a pair of elongated rectangular tape fasteners comprising a pair of integral pressure-sensitive tape strips having first end portions defining fixed ends of the tape strips secured to one of said surfaces of the pad assembly of the first waistline portion adjacent the opposed side edges thereof, second end portions defining free working ends of the tape strips having free split securement portions for attachment to remote surface portions of the second waistline portion, with said second end portions including uninterrupted severance lines extending longitudinally through said rectangular fasteners from an outer edge of the tape strip to a location adjacent said side edges of the pad assembly and defining said split securement portions on opposed sides of said severance lines, said split securement portions being spreadable so as to be spaced from each other when attached to said second waistline portion and thereby distribute the securing forces in the fastener over a wide area of the diaper surface portions and secure a snug fit of the diaper on an infant, and release means releasably attached to and covering adhesive on all said securement portions.