Patent ID: 7462755

Claim:
An absorbent article having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, said absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet, and at least a fluid acquisition/distribution layer; wherein said absorbent article further comprises at least a first and a second edge barrier element for intercepting fluids, said at least first and second edge barrier element being positioned on opposing sides of said longitudinal axis and/or of said transverse axis; wherein said at least first and second edge barrier elements comprising a liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition which comprises a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein; wherein said absorbent article further comprises an upper fluid acquisition/distribution layer positioned between said topsheet and said absorbent core, a lower fluid acquisition/distribution layer positioned between said backsheet and said absorbent core, at least a first and a second edge barrier element positioned between said upper fluid acquisition/distribution layer and said core, and at least a first and a second edge barrier element positioned between said lower fluid acquisition/distribution layer and said absorbent core.