Apparatus and method for producing tubular packages

An apparatus for producing tubular packages sequentially from an initially generally flat, substantially continuous length of packaging material, each package enclosing one of a series of items conveyed through the apparatus in a machine direction in use, the apparatus comprising:

• a packaging material dispenser arranged to dispense a substantially continuous length of packaging material and convey the material in the machine direction;
• a forming section through which the packaging material is conveyed in the machine direction, the forming section being configured to fold the packaging material from an initially flat configuration into a tubular package structure, the forming section being a progressive folding region defined by a plurality of discrete, elongate external guide surfaces extending spaced apart from one another and configured to come in contact with an outer surface of the packaging material so as to progressively fold the packaging material about a longitudinal axis extending in the machine direction as the packaging material passes through the progressive folding region;
• and
• guide members which define the elongate external guide surfaces,
• wherein at least some of the guide members are supported by a plurality of plates provided along the progressive folding region, each of the plurality of plates having an aperture through which the packaging material and items to be packaged pass,
• wherein the plurality of plates comprises a first plate having a first aperture and a second plate having a second aperture,
• wherein the first plate and the second plate are parallel to each other and spaced apart along the progressive folding region,
• wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are different in shape, and
• wherein at least some of the guide members are positioned within the aperture of each of the plurality of plates and are spaced apart along a perimeter of the aperture of each of the plurality of plates.