Apparatus and method for mounting a resilient finger to a poultry plucking apparatus or the like

摘要

A resilient finger for use in connection with a poultry plucking apparatus or the like is provided with a head portion capable of being pushed through an opening provided in a movable memer associated with the apparatus. The head portion is provided with a resilient base portion which deforms sufficiently so as to allow the head portion to pass through the opening provided in the movable member. After passing through the opening, the resilient base portion returns to its undeformed state and grips the area of the movable member adjacent the opening against a shoulder portion formed on the shank of the resilient finger. A neck having a reduced transverse dimension relative to the shoulder and the base of the head portion is disposed within the opening upon installation. The base of the head portion is preferably provided with one or more protrusions which deform during passage through the opening and thereafter return to their undeformed state. The protrusions provide areas of increased transverse dimension at the base of the head portion in order to retain the finger within the opening. A method of mounting a resilient finger to a movable member is also disclosed in accordance with the above, and includes the step of rotating the finger about its longitudinal axis during insertion through the opening, in order to ease such insertion.