Method for turning a pliable member of an article moving along a machine direction

A method for turning a pliable web member extending laterally from a precursor structure, having longitudinal axis, as the precursor structure is conveyed along a machine direction at a conveyance speed, comprising the steps of:

• conveying the precursor structure along a machine direction on a conveyor, the machine direction following a substantially straight line along the conveyor;
• receiving at least a portion of the pliable web member onto an operative twisting moving surface defined by a twisted moving belt situated alongside the conveyor;
• wherein the pliable web member has a free width, and the twisted moving belt has a belt width, and the belt width is less than the free width;
• retaining the portion of the pliable web member in contact with the operative twisting moving surface;
• driving the twisted moving belt at a speed coordinated with the conveyance speed such that the operative twisting moving surface moves generally along the machine direction, thereby conveying the retained portion of the pliable web member alongside the moving precursor structure and turning the portion of the pliable web member over by movement of the operative twisting moving surface;
• and
• releasing the portion of the pliable web member from the belt.