Method and apparatus for unfolding folded plastic film for use in forming a packaging tube

A method of unfolding a folded plastic film for use in forming a tube, wherein the plastic film includes a first side joined to a second side along a longitudinal folded edge, wherein each side includes an outer longitudinal edge and wherein said sides are parallel and adjacent one another, said method comprising:

• initially separating the plastic film first and second sides at their respective outer longitudinal edges;
• conveying a plastic film longitudinal left side comprising part of the first side adjacent its outer longitudinal edge toward and over a guide plate left side edge and then over a left form tube section;
• conveying a plastic film longitudinal right side comprising part of the second side adjacent its outer longitudinal edge toward and over a guide plate right side edge and then over a right form tube section;
• conveying a plastic film longitudinal middle section comprising the longitudinal folded edge and part of both the first and second sides adjacent the longitudinal folded edge toward and over an angular edge which is located at an angle relative to the guide plate side edges and then onto a carrying surface;
• and,
• wherein after said conveying of said longitudinal middle section over said angular edge and prior to conveying said longitudinal middle section onto the carrying surface, said longitudinal middle section travels over an elongate guide member.