Rotary Drum Apparatus Reconfigurable for Various Size Substrates

An apparatus comprising:

• a shell member having a curved outer surface, the shell member defining a first end and a second end, the outer surface of the shell member comprising a plurality of vacuum apertures;
• a first support member that is releasably connectable with the first end of the shell member;
• a second support member that is releasably connectable with the second end of the shell member;
• a first anvil releasably connectable with the first support member and located adjacent to the outer surface of the shell member;
• a second anvil releasably connectable with the second support member and located adjacent to the outer surface of the shell member;
• a first grip plate connected with the outer surface of the shell member and located in the first end of the shell member;
• a second grip plate connected with the outer surface of the shell member and located in the second end of the shell member, the first and second grip plates defining an outer edge, the outer edge of the first and second grip plates having a rough surface;
• and
• a vacuum member releasably connectable with the shell member, wherein the vacuum apertures are in fluid communication with the vacuum member.

A method for configuring an apparatus for advancing a discrete length of elastic substrate of substrate of a particular size, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a drum rotatable about an axis of rotation, the drum comprising a first set of first shell segments having a first number of first shell segments, each first shell segment being releasably connectable with the drum, and each first shell segment having an outer surface, and when the first number of the first shell segments are connected with the drum, the outer surfaces combine to form a continuous first outer circumferential surface defining a maximum radial distance from the axis of rotation;
• removing the first set of shell segments from the drum;
• providing a second set of second shell segments having a second number of shell segments, each second shell segment being releasably connectable with the drum, and each second shell segment having an outer surface, and when the second number of the second shell segments are connected with the drum, the outer surfaces combine to form a continuous second outer circumferential surface located within 10% of the maximum radial distance from the axis of rotation, wherein the first number of first shell segments is greater than the second number of second shell segments;
• and
• connecting the second set of second shell segments with the drum.

The method of claim 20, wherein each shell segment comprises:

• a support member releasably connectable with the drum;
• and
• a shell member releasably connectable with the support member;
• the shell member having a curved outer surface.