Method and apparatus for attaching elastic components to absorbent articles

A method for applying discrete lengths of a first substrate to a second substrate, the method comprising the steps of:

• rotating a drum about an axis of rotation, the drum having an outer circumferential surface, wherein the outer circumferential surface has a contour;
• advancing a first substrate in a first direction;
• stretching the first substrate along the first direction;
• advancing the stretched first substrate onto the outer circumferential surface of the drum;
• cutting the stretched first substrate into discrete lengths of substrate while advancing on the outer circumferential surface of the drum, wherein each discrete length includes a first end region, a second end region, and a central region separating the first and second end regions;
• advancing a second substrate in a second direction, wherein the second direction crosses the first direction;
• advancing the second substrate over a roller, the roller having an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the roller has a curved shape, and wherein the curved shape of the outer surface of the roller corresponds with at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the drum;
• deforming a portion of the second substrate along the first direction to define a curve extending along the first direction, wherein the curve corresponds with at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the drum;
• repeatedly displacing the deformed portion of the second substrate into contact with the discrete lengths of substrate on the outer circumferential surface of the drum;
• and
• bonding the discrete lengths of substrate to the second substrate.