AU4641589A - Improved casing brake construction - Google Patents

Description

IMPROVED CASING BRAKE CONSTRUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices for the forming of filled tubular products commonly known as chubs, to the casing brake mechanisms used in such devices, and particularly, to the casing brakes used in such casing brake mechanisms.

In the formation of filled tubular products in closed end links commonly known as chubs, material to be encased is pumped through a stuffing horn. Simultaneously, casing is progressed from about the exterior of the horn. The material and casing are brought together off the end of the horn, in a mechanism known as a casing brake. The casing brake brakes movement of the casing, providing tension within the casing and assuring a tightly filled product.

While past casing brakes have proven highly useful, when running plastic casings and films, a problem of controlling casing and film tension is always encountered. Casing brake materials and designs used to date have not proven entirely satisfactory with materials such as plastic casings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a principal aspect, the present invention is embodied in a casing brake of two cooperating members. A first, outer annular member is formed most preferably of polyurethane and is compressible within the casing brake mechanism. A second, inner annular member is located within the outer member and is compressible by the outer member. The second member defines the annular through which the casing and fill material flows. The second, annular intermember is formed of Teflon^R.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

A brief description of the accompanying drawing is as follows:

FIGURE 1 is a cross-section extending from a center line to an edge of a first preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a teflon component of a second preferred embodiment of the inventio ; and

FIGURE 3 is a cross-section from a center line to an edge of the second preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGURE 1, a first preferred embodiment of the invention, a casing brake 10, includes a first annular outer member 12 and a second annular inner member 14. The outer member 12 includes an inwardly directed annular grove 14 within which the inner member 14 is located. The inner member 14 is formed of a Teflon^R tube or rod wound into the grove 14 helically in the manner of a helical spring. Tightening of the casing brake mechanism about the outer member 12 compresses the outer member 12, and thereby compresses the Teflon^R inner member 14. Gradual and accurate adjustment of tension on a casing brake, by gradual and accurate adjustment of compression on the member 14 is provided. Referring to FIGURES 2 and 3, a second preferred embodiment, a casing brake 210, includes an outer annular member 212 which functions as does outer annular member 12, and an inner member 214, which functions as does inner member 14. In contrast with the member 14, the member 214, in cross-section, is a single rectangular material. The member 214 includes, as shown in FIGURE 2, an interlocking section 218 comprising a tab 220 and tab receiver 222, which provide for compression of the member 214.

Claims (3)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A casing brake for a casing brake mechanism, the casing brake mechanism being for a device for the formation of filled, tubular chubs, the casing brake comprising: a first annular outer member compressable within the casing brake mechanism; and a second, annular inner member compressible within the first member and formed of polytetrafluorethylene; whereby gradual and accurate adjustment of tension on a casing by gradual and accurate compression on the second, annular inner member is provided.

2. A casing brake as in Claim 1 in which the second, annular inner member is comprised of a polytetrafluoroethylene.

3. A casing brake as in Claim 1 in which the second, annular inner member includes an interlocking section.