GB2596577A

GB2596577A - Net and casing loading system for stuffer assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2596577A
Application number: GB2010108.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Baird Revill Stuart
Original assignee: Trunature Ltd
Current assignee: Trunature Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-01
Filing date: 2020-07-01
Publication date: 2022-01-05
Also published as: GB202010108D0

Abstract

A method of loading a casing 154 and a net 150 onto an applicator tube 160 for a food stuffing assembly comprises (i) moving the casing 154a and net 150a in opposing directions D1, D2 towards each other, (ii) reversing the direction in which either the casing or the net is moving so they are moving in the same direction, (iii) bringing together an open end of the casing 166 and an open end of the net 168 onto the outer surface 116a of the applicator tube as they are moving in the same direction, and (iv) shirring together the length of casing and the length of net on the surface of the applicator tube. The method results in an arrangement in which the casing and net are together shirred on the applicator tube with the casing disposed directly on the applicator tube and the net disposed directly on the casing. Preferably the casing 154a is fed through the interior of the applicator tube 160 in one direction D1 and folded onto the exterior of the tube in direction D2 as it leaves the tube and meets the net 150a. The food stuffer is preferably a meat stuffer.

Description

NET AND CASING LOADING SYSTEM FOR STUFFER ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a net and casing loading system for use with a stuffing system and more particularly but not exclusively, to an apparatus for the loading of a plastic casing and an elasticated knitted net onto the same applicator or ouffeed tube. Aspects of the present invention relate to a net and casing loading system that is suitable for use with a single or dual-purpose stuffing and/or pressing system, wherein the meat is simultaneously stuffed into an innermost casing and an outermost net.

The invention finds advantageous application in the meat processing industry for the preparation of meat-product, that may be pressed or non-pressed and stuffed into a casing and outer net and then subsequently cooked, for example, in a broiler, boiler, poacher, smoker and/or steamer; or delivered to a wholesale or retail outlet as a raw meat product for cooking by a customer, for example by roasting, grilling and/or on a BBQ.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the food packaging and food preparation industry, it is known to use elasticated netting, fibrous, plastic and similar casings, and the like to encapsulate meat products such as sausages and joints of beef or pork. Typically, such nets, casings and bindings are applied to a raw (uncooked) meat product and are very beneficial in reducing the time involved in butchery and product preparation and further beneficially can improve the appearance and quality of the packaged product. An example of a machine which packages meat in such netting is disclosed in GB 2380179. In conjunction with such a stuffing machine, casing and net applicator apparatus are typically used in order to quickly, efficiently and consistently load casing and net onto an applicator tube. One such example of a casing and net applicator is shown in Figure 1 and has been made available by Scotnet0 under the product code CNA1000360.

The net, casing or binding typically remains on the meat joint, sausage or bird during roasting to retain its shape and integrity during cooking. Such elasticated nets are typically knitted from a thread comprising materials such as polyester, cotton, rubber and rayon, and they have proved to be very successful, particularly for roasting joints of meat. In addition to its use on joints of meat, netting, in particular elasticated netting or fibrous casings are also often used in the preparation and presentation of cooked meat products such as sausages, hams, salamis and frankfurters Elasticated netting for the containment or binding of joints of meat is knitted as a continuous sleeve which is often wound in a flat condition into a roll or onto a bobbin. In its unstressed condition, elasticated tubular net is of much smaller diameter than the pieces of meat which it is to enclose. The elasticated net is expanded (stretched) to insert the meat so that when released it will bind the meat, thus maintaining the integrity of the joint during processing such as cooking. It can then be stripped off before the meat is consumed.

The elasticated netting may be expanded onto storage or applicator tubes of greater internal diameter than the pieces of meat to be enclosed By folding or rucking the netting on the outside of a tube a considerable length of netting can be stored on a much shorter tube. Tubes on which lengths of netting have been stored are taken to a different location where joints of meat are passed one at a time through the interior of the tubes. Apparatus for folding netting onto storage tubes is disclosed in our British Patent Specification Seriai No. GB 2336826, to which reference is made for a clearer understanding of the field and background of the present invention Where it is required to use both a casing and a net to contain a meat product, a variety of difficulties arise. The meat can be first stuffed into the casing and then the encased meat stuffed into a net, but this increases processing time.

The Scotnet® casing and net loader CNA1000360, which is pictured in Figures 1, 1B and 1C of the accompanying drawings, addresses certain problems by providing two tubes P1a, P1 b.

The prior art loader is indicated by reference P100 and it can be seen that a first applicator tube Pia has folded or rucked elasticated net PN disposed on an outside thereof. The eiasticated net PN is loaded onto the first applicator tube Pia in an expanded state. A second applicator tube Plb, fits inside the first applicator tube Pia, and has a shirred (rucked) casing PC loaded onto an outside thereof. The casino is supplied on a bobbin PBC. The diameter of the first applicator tube P1 a is necessarily greater than the diameter of the second applicator tube Fib in order for the inner, second applicator tube P1b to fit inside the first, outer applicator tube P1 a. The difference between the two tube diameters results in an annular gap 'G' between the two tubes Pi a, Plb. The first and second applicator tubes P1 a, Fib can be considered as a co-extruder applicator and are compatible for use with a variety of sausage emulsion fillers, such that the emulsion can be directly co-extruded simultaneously into the casing and the netting. The co-extruder tubes are designed for use with sausage fillers and may not be compatible with all meat-stuffer apparatus.

One of the problems associated with the dispensing of netting and casing in this way is that there is gap G between the outer surface of the tube onto which the net is loaded and the outer surface of the second tube onto which the casing is loaded. This gap G is necessary in order for the inner (second) applicator for the casing to be fitted inside the larger outer (first) applicator for the net. The tubular elasticated net is beneficial because its urge to relax from a stretch state to an unstretched state helps to impart a compressive force onto the meat within the casing and helps to maintain the shape and uniformity of the sausage. However, due to the over-expansion of the net, (in order to first force it onto the first applicator tube Pia), a degree of excess stretch of the net occurs. Wth a fully elasticated net, the use of two tubes in the ScotNet system, is satisfactory.

However, the existence of "gap" G, becomes an issue when the net being used is not a fully elasticated net, but rather a fixed calibre elasticated netting i.e. an elasticated netting with an inextensible weft, such as that disclosed in EP 2519667. The elastic net with pre-fixed diameter is a very successful product for TruNet Group, and is marketed under the trade mark TCNO (Total Control Net). The TON® net of EP 2519667 has an inextensible weft which controls and limits the diametric expansion of the elasticated net. In other words, the net is elasticated only to a limited extent and the limit is not set by the material's inherent elastic properties, but by the inclusion of a non-elastic weft thread of fixed, maximum diameter. The elastic aspect of the net provides compression force once the net is stuffed; and the inextensible weft pre-sets and determines the maximum diameter that the elastic aspect of the net can stretch to. The elasticated, knitted net with inextensible net has proved to be very successful. Its advantages include: even compression of meat during cooking; and maintenance of a uniform cylindrical shape and size of meat product during cooking.

In many applications tubular, elasticated, knitted net, such as but not limited to the TON® inextensible weft net, is used in conjunction with a casing such as a plastic or collagen casing (which may be elasticated i.e. stretchable to some extent), in a stuffing machine, such as that described in GB 2380179.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of net and casing loaders for stuffing systems, and in particular, but without limitation for the primary-packaging of raw meat-product, by providing an improved loading system for net and casing.

Of significant advantage, the improved net and casing loader system of the present disclosure uses a single tube rather than two tubes and allows a fixed diameter elastic net and a casing to be loaded ready for use with a stuffer system, without having a significant diametric difference between them. Further significant savings include the necessity for meat-processors to provide floor space for two linearly arranged applicator tubes being alleviated; as well as less apparatus needing to be cleaned, maintained and serviced. Furthermore, the alleviation of the diametric difference between an out over-stretched TON net and an inner casing, ensures that the compression power offered by a fixed diameter TON net is fully utilised to provide uniform and securely shaped meat products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention for which protection is sought, there is provided a method of loading an applicator tube with a length of casing and with a length of net, the loaded applicator tube being suitable for use in a meat-stuffing assembly, the method comprising: (I) providing an applicator tube having: an outer surface; a first open end; a second open end; and an internal void between the first and second open ends; (ii) moving a first open end of the length of casing in a first linear direction; (iii) moving the length of net in a second linear direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first linear direction; (iv) changing the direction in which said first open end of the casing is moving from said first linear direction to said second linear direction; or changing the direction in which the length of net is moving from said second linear direction to said first linear direction, such that the first open end of the casing and the length of net are moving in the same first or second linear direction; (v) onto the outer surface of the applicator tube, bringing together the first open-end of the casing with either the first open-end of the net or a second open-end of the net as the length of casing and length of net are moving in said same first or second direction; and (vi) shirring together the length of casing and the length of net as the length of casing and length of net are moving in said same first or second linear direction on the surface of the applicator tube, the loaded applicator tube arrangement being such that: the length of casing is disposed directly onto an outer surface of the applicator tube; the length of net is disposed directly on top of the length of casing; and the casing and net are together shirred with the length of casing and the length of net each being significantly longer than an end-to-end length of the applicator tube.

Optionally, said step (ii) comprises: moving the first end of the length of tubular casing into the first open end of the internal void of the applicator tube and moving said length of tubular casing, in said first linear direction, through the internal void therein, and out of the second open end; Optionally, said step (iv) comprises: changing the direction in which said first open end of the casing is moving from said first linear direction to said second linear direction by moving the first open-end of the length of tubular casing onto the outer surface of the applicator tube, at the second open end of the applicator tube; and Optionally, said step (v) comprises: onto the outer surface of the applicator tube, bringing together the first open-end of the casing with the first open-end of the net as the length of casing and length of net are moving in said same second linear direction.

Alternatively, said step (ii) comprises: moving the first end of the length of tubular casing into a first open end of an internal void of an auxiliary loading tube and moving said length of tubular casing, in said first linear direction, through that internal void therein, and out of a second open end of the auxiliary loading tube; Alternatively, said step (iii) comprises: moving a first open end of the length of net in the second linear direction on an outer surface of the auxiliary loading tube; Alternatively, said step (iv) comprises: changing the direction in which the length of net is moving from said second linear direction to said first linear direction, by moving a second open end of the length of net such that the first open end of the casing and the length of net are moving in the same first linear direction; and Optionally, said step (v) comprises: onto the outer surface of the applicator tube, bringing together the first open-end of the casing with the second open-end of the net as the length of casing and length of net are moving in said same first linear direction.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a view of a PRIOR ART Scotnete casing and net loader (product number CNA1000360); FIGURE 1B is an enlarged view of part of the PRIOR ART Scotnet® casing and net loader (product number CNA1000360) shown in Figure 1; FIGURE 1C is a schematic plan view of a (first) outer and (second) inner applicator tubes of the PRIOR ART system of Figure 1B showing the different diameters of the applicator tubes; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view from an outfeed-end and a first side of a double-stuffer system that employ applicator tubes according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of part of the outfeed end of the double-stuffer system of Figure 2, wherein each applicator tube comprises both an open sleeve of plastic casing and an open sleeve of TCN®.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the system of Figure 3, wherein each applicator tube comprises both an open sleeve of plastic casing and an open sleeve of TCNO, and wherein a stuffed, cased and netted meat product has been produced, FIGURE 5 is an illustration of a manual loading system and applicator tube, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, for use in stuffer system similar to that of Figure 2, wherein the applicator tube comprises both an open and shirred length of plastic 5 casing and an open rucked sleeve of TCNO; and FIGURE 6 is an illustration of a manual loading system and applicator tube, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, for use in stuffer system similar to that of Figure 2, wherein the applicator tube comprises both an open and shirred length of plastic casing and an open rucked sleeve of TCNO.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the casing and net loading methods; applicator tubes; and stuffer-systems; of the present invention are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the casing and net loading systems; methods; applicator tubes; and stuffer-systems; of the present invention described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a perspective view from an ouffeed-end '0' and a first side of a double-stuffer system 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In Figure 2 the system 100 is a stuffing system 100 that can produce netted and cased meat-products 'M' such as that shown in Figure 4. The meat-product referred to herein may be a joint of meat or processed or reformed meat and in some embodiments, the meat-product may actually comprise meat-substitute.

In the system 100 of Figure 2, the meat-product is manually or automatically loaded into a chamber 20 and is automatically stuffed into a casing 'C' and net 'N' (see Figure 3) by action of a reciprocating piston (not shown) Reciprocating stuffer-pistons (not shown) are forcefully driven into and through first and second meat-loading chambers 20. The first stuffer-piston is in alignment with the first meat-loading chamber 20; and a second stuffer-piston is in alignment a second chamber housing. The first and second reciprocating pistons are optionally operated alternately, one after the other, by a suitable controllable drive means. Optionally, the first and second reciprocating pistons are the same, size, configuration, stroke length and type and optionally are cylindrical, stainless steel, pneumatic pistons actuated by a control means.

The first and second chamber-housings 14a, 14b are disposed upstream of the stuffer-piston section. Optionally in the present double-stuffer arrangement 100, two meat-loading chambers 14a, 14b are provided. It will be recognised that in a single stuffer arrangement (not shown) only one chamber housing and only one meat-loading chamber would be provided. However, the illustrated arrangement is a double-stuffer system 100 comprising first and second chamber-housings 14a, 14b.

The first reciprocating stuffer-piston can be moved through a meat loading chamber in order to force (stuff) meat product (when disposed within the first and second chamber-housings 14a, 14b) out into an (applicator) tube 16a, 16b (see Figures 2, 3 and 4). An outer surface of an applicator tube 16a, in use, will have shirred lengths of net and casing disposed thereon (see Figures 3 and 4) so that as meat-product 'M' exits a tube 16a, 16b it is stuffed, simultaneously into the (inner) casing 'C and (outer) net 'N'. The optional double stuffer arrangement 100 has two side by side (applicator) tubes 16a, 16b: one for each chamber housing 14a, 14b of the double-stuffer system 100.

For stuffing, a piston from piston housing 10 can be driven through an aperture 19b, in the direction indicated by '0'. The cylindrical stuffer piston is preferably dimensioned such that it can be driven smoothly and precisely and drive all meat-content loaded in the chamber 20 into and through the tube 16b for shaping the meat product and stuffing the meat product into the casing and net combination 52 already disposed on the outer surface of the applicator tube 16a, 16b.

Whereas in the present disclosure a specific system is described and illustrated it will be recognised that equivalent components may be substituted to perform the equivalent function without departing from the inventive essence disclosed herein. For example, whereas a double-stuffing system 100 has been described, the applicator tubes and method of loading an applicator tube according to the disclosure may be used with a variety of meat, meat substitute, meat emulsion, and sausage filling machines.

Referring to Figures Sand 6, the general method of loading an applicator tube 16a, 16b,116a, 116b, 216a, 216b, with a length of casing 'C' and with a length of net 'N' will be described.

Further details of each of the different exemplary but non-limiting embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 will then be described in slightly greater detail.

In the present illustrated arrangements, the net 'N' may be a partially elastic net with a limited diametric expansion, such as the TCN® offered by the applicant. Alternatively, the net 'N' may be a fully elasticated net. Either type of net 'N' is suitable for use in the methods described herein, albeit it may be appreciated that particular benefit is gained when the TCN® net is used. A roll of net 150, may comprise a length of net 150a, 250a that is knitted, flat-form, and which has two open ends, a first end 168, 268 and a second end 170, 270.

In the present illustrated arrangements, the casing 'C' may be a plastic, collagen, partially elastic or non-elastic casing. Either type of casing 'C' is suitable for use in the methods described herein, albeit it may be appreciated that particular benefit is gained when the casing is plastic. A roll of casing 154, 254 may comprise a length of casing 154a, 254a that is tubular, but in a flat-form, and which has two open (or openable, or cut ends): a first end 166, 266 and a second end (not shown).

The loaded applicator tubes 116a, 216a shown in Figures 5 and 6 are suitable for use in a meat-stuffing assembly such as that depicted in Figure 2, or similar. In general, a method according to the present disclosure comprises providing an applicator tube 116a, 216a. The applicator tube 116a, 216a may comprise an outer surface, which may be generally cylindrical, smooth, optionally tapered slightly and optionally having opening fingers at an end thereof. The applicator tube 116a, 216a may also comprise a first open end 160, 260; a second open end 164, 264; and an internal void between the first and second open ends 160, 260, 164, 164 The general method also comprises moving a first end 166, 266 (optionally a first open-end) of the length of casing 'C' in a first linear direction 'DI.

The length of net 'N' is (before, during or after movement of the casing 'C'), moved in a second linear direction 'D2'. The second direction 'D2' is opposite to the first linear direction 'D1'.

To continue to arrange the casing 'C' and net 'N' to enable simultaneous stuffing of a net 'N; and casing 'C; the method may further comprise changing the direction in which the first open end 166, 266 of the casing 'C' is moving, from the first linear direction 'D1' to the second linear direction 'D2'. Alternatively, the method may comprise changing the direction in which the length of net 'N' is moving from the second linear direction 'D2' to the first linear direction D1'.

In this way, the first open end 166, 266 of the casing 'C' and the length of net 'N' are manipulated so that they are being moved in the same direction, either the first linear direction D1' or the second linear direction 'D2'.

Once the casing 'C' and net 'N' are heading in the same direction, then they can be brought onto the outer surface of the applicator tube 116a, 216a. The method therefore comprises bringing together the first open-end 166, 266 of the casing 'C' with either a first open-end 168 of the net 'N' or a second open-end 270 of the net as the length of casing 154a, 254a and length of net 150a, 250a are moving in said same first direction D1' or second direction 'D2'.

As greater and greater amounts of the lengths of casing 154a, 254a and net 150a, 250a are together moved onto the outer surface of the applicator tube 116a, 216a, the lengths of casing 154a, 254a and net 150a, 250a are shirred together. In other words, as the length of casing 154a, 254a and the length of net 150a, 250a are being moved in said same first or second linear direction 'D1', 'D2' on the surface of the applicator tube 116a, 216a, they are gathered, rucked, folded or otherwise wrinkled up together. The resulting loaded applicator tube arrangement being such that: the length of casing 154a, 254a is disposed directly onto an outer surface of the applicator tube 116a, 216a; the length of net 150a, 250a is disposed directly on top of the length of casing 154a, 254a to form a two-ply composite encasing tubular layer 152, 252; and the casing and net 152, 252, 'C', 'N', are together, shirred (gathered) with the length of casing and the length of net 154a, 254a, 150a, 250a each being significantly longer than an end-to-end length of the applicator tube 116a, 216a.

Referring more specifically to the arrangement illustrated in Figure 5, it can be seen that in various embodiments of the disclosure, the method may comprise moving the first end 166 of the length of tubular casing 154a into the first open end 160 of the internal void of the applicator tube 116a and moving the length of (flat form) tubular casing 154a in the first linear direction D1' through the internal void. The casing 154a is then manipulated (optionally manually) such that it is pulled or withdrawn out of the second open end 164 of the internal void. The first end 166 of the length of tubular casing 154a is opened and the casing inverted as is then moved back around onto the outer surface of the applicator tube 116a. In this way the method involves changing the direction in which the first open end 166 of the casing 154a is moving from the first linear direction (through 1800), to said second linear direction 'D2' by moving the first open-end 166 of the length of tubular casing 154a onto the outer surface of the applicator tube 116a. In sequence, the casing and net can then be brought together. As shown in Figure 5, with the roll of net 150 in proximity to the applicator tube 116a, and optionally held by an aspect of a loading assembly (not shown), the first open-end of the casing 166 is brought together and at least approximately united with the first open-end 168 of the net 150a, on the outer surface of the applicator tube 116a. During the bringing together of the lengths of casing and net, the length of casing 154a and length of net 150a are moving in said same second linear direction 'D2'.

Referring more specifically to the arrangement illustrated in Figure 6, it can be seen that in various embodiments of the disclosure, the method may comprise moving the first end 266 of the length of tubular casing 254a into a first open end 281 of an internal void of an auxiliary loading tube 280. The method may continue with moving the length of tubular casing 254a, in said first linear direction 'D', through that internal void, and out of a second open end 282 of the auxiliary loading tube 280. Previously, subsequently or in time therewith, the method involves moving a first open end 268 of the length of net 250a in the second linear direction cD2' onto an outer surface of the auxiliary loading tube 280. The entire length of net 250a may be loaded (shirred) onto the auxiliary loading tube 280. Thereafter, the method involves changing the direction in which the length of net 250a is moving from the second linear direction 'D2 to the first linear direction IDl, by moving a second open end 270 of the length of net 250a such that the first open end 266 of the casing 254a and the length of net 250a are moving in the same first linear direction EDl'. The method further involves withdrawing or otherwise manipulating the length of casing from the internal void of the auxiliary loading tube 280 and bringing together the first open-end 266 of the casing 254a with the second open-end 270 of the net 250a onto the outer surface of the applicator tube 216a. In this way, as the length of casing 254a and length of net 250a are moving in the same first linear direction (D1', they are together overlaid as a united layer, onto the applicator tube 216a whereat they are gathered or shirred together as a common layer which can then be withdrawn from the applicator tube 216a, as required during stuffing of shorter lengths thereof with meat.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention.

It will be recognised that whilst the system 100 is particularly applicable to the meat-processing industry, it may have advantageous application in other areas of the food industry where other types of food-product may be stuffed into a net, or pressed and stuffed into a (collagen) casing and net. In the foregoing description reference to "meat" and "meat-product" is not necessarily limited to an animal food product but may also refer to a meat-substitute or plant-based product. For example, the term "meat" may include animal products and may also include, vegetarian, and vegan products, for example mycoprotein-based products such as those sold by Quorne; plant-based meat-free products such as: "Deli Slices" sold by Tofurky0; and sausages sold by Linda McCartney', and the Meatless Farm Ce. as examples.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of loading an applicator tube with a length of casing and with a length of net, the loaded applicator tube being suitable for use in a meat-stuffing assembly, the method comprising: (I) providing an applicator tube having: an outer surface; a first open end; a second open end; and an internal void between the first and second open ends; (H) moving a first open end of the length of casing in a first linear direction; (iii) moving the length of net in a second linear direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first linear direction; (iv) changing the direction in which said first open end of the casing is moving from said first linear direction to said second linear direction; or changing the direction in which the length of net is moving from said second linear direction to said first linear direction, such that the first open end of the casing and the length of net are moving in the same first or second linear direction; (v) onto the outer surface of the applicator tube, bringing together the first open-end of the casing with either the first open-end of the net or a second open-end of the net as the length of casing and length of net are moving in said same first or second direction; and (vi) shirring together the length of casing and the length of net as the length of casing and length of net are moving in said same first or second linear direction on the surface of the applicator tube, the loaded applicator tube arrangement being such that: the length of casing is disposed directly onto an outer surface of the applicator tube; the length of net is disposed directly on top of the length of casing; and the casing and net are together shirred with the length of casing and the length of net each being significantly longer than an end-to-end length of the applicator tube.The method according to claim 1 wherein said step (ii) comprises: moving the first end of the length of tubular casing into the first open end of the internal void of the applicator tube and moving said length of tubular casing, in said first linear direction, through the internal void therein, and out of the second open end; wherein said step (iv) comprises: changing the direction in which said first open end of the casing is moving from said first linear direction to said second linear direction by moving the first open-end of the length of tubular casing onto the outer surface of the applicator tube, at the second open end of the applicator tube; and wherein said step (v) comprises: onto the outer surface of the applicator tube, bringing together the first open-end of the casing with the first open-end of the net as the length of casing and length of net are moving in said same second linear direction 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein said step (ii) comprises: moving the first end of the length of tubular casing into a first open end of an internal void of an auxiliary loading tube and moving said length of tubular casing, in said first linear direction, through that internal void therein, and out of a second open end of the auxiliary loading tube; wherein said step (iii) comprises: moving a first open end of the length of net in the second linear direction on an outer surface of the auxiliary loading tube; wherein said step (iv) comprises: changing the direction in which the length of net is moving from said second linear direction to said first linear direction, by moving a second open end of the length of net such that the first open end of the casing and the length of net are moving in the same first linear direction; and wherein said step (v) comprises: onto the outer surface of the applicator tube, bringing together the first open-end of the casing with the second open-end of the net as the length of casing and length of net are moving in said same first linear direction.