Abstract: A clasp has a prong and a housing with clamping wedges and actuator wedges. The clamping wedges are spaced circumferentially around the prong within the housing and moveable within the housing via the actuator wedges. In a disengaged position, the clamping wedges are spaced radially outwardly from the outer surface of the prong at a distance sufficient such that a tube is insertable between the prong and the clamping wedges. In the engaged position, the clamping wedges are positioned radially inward of the disengaged position so as to press the tube against the prong. Each actuator wedge is slidingly engageable with the corresponding clamping wedge along complementary and cooperating wedge-shaped surfaces of the actuator wedge and the corresponding clamping wedge. The wedge-shaped surfaces include cooperating elongated protrusions and elongated slots.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing mandrels from successive rolls of convolutely wound web material. In one aspect, a roll of web convolutely wound around a mandrel is moved to a position in which the mandrel is aligned with a clasp with the clasp spaced apart from the mandrel. The clasp is then moved along a path toward the roll. Movement of the clasp toward the roll is stopped only when the clasp is in a position to engage the mandrel. The mandrel is engaged with the clasp. The clasp and the mandrel are moved away from the roll to withdraw the mandrel from the roll. The mandrel is released from the clasp when the mandrel is removed from the roll. The mandrel is removed from the path of the clasp. The steps are repeated for a subsequent roll.