Abstract: A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.

Abstract: Various stiffness characteristics of removable and replaceable absorbent core components used with disposable absorbent articles are disclosed. The replaceable core component can be constructed with bending stiffness characteristics making it easier to install in a diaper chassis. In other instances, a relatively stiff insertion tool may also be used to engage a relatively flexible replaceable core component to aid with insertion of the replacaeable core component into the diaper chassis. Aspects of the present disclosure involve replaceable core components alone or in combination with insertion tools having bending stiffness characteristics that reduce the likelihood of buckling and/or folding while installing the replaceable core component into the diaper chassis. The present disclosure also provides methods for testing replaceable core components and/or insertion tools to evaluate the bending stiffness characteristics associated therewith.