Method and device for forming package bodies open at one end from package sleeves open at both ends

A method for forming package bodies open at one end from package sleeves open at both ends for the manufacture of filled packages, comprising keeping the package sleeves ready for further processing in a stack, folded flat along at least two folded edges running in the longitudinal direction of the package sleeves,

• transferring at least one flat-folded package sleeve in succession from the stack to a forming station,
• unfolding the at least one package sleeve in the forming station,
• drawing the at least one package sleeve through a channel that is in contact with at least two opposite folded edges of the package sleeve and narrows in a transverse direction to the at least one package sleeve,
• engaging the at least one package sleeve at the end of the channel in grooves arranged in opposite sides of the channel, and
• pushing the at least one unfolded package sleeve from the forming station onto a mandrel to close or seal, a longitudinal end of the package sleeve.