Method and machine for folding and finishing training pant diapers

A method of folding and finishing training pant diapers, wherein each diaper includes a closed annular girdle, and a crotch connected to the girdle to define two leg openings, and wherein each diaper is formed from a respective H-shaped flat blank comprising two transverse bands, and a longitudinal crosspiece connecting the bands and defining said crotch of the diaper;

• said method comprising the steps of
• conveying the flat blank on a first conveyor;
• clamping an intermediate portion of the blank on the first conveyor and, at the same time, gradually detaching a leading half of the blank, in the travelling direction of the blank, from the first conveyor by a second conveyor, while retaining a trailing half of the blank on the first conveyor;
• transferring the leading half from said second conveyor to a third conveyor as the trailing half is advanced on the first conveyor;
• folding the blank into a U-shaped configuration by rotating the third conveyor to gradually superimpose the leading half and the trailing half together, and
• folding the blank by conveying it though a folding station interposed between the first and third conveyor;
• and
• joining the transverse bands of the blank to form the closed annular girdle.