Bale-tie interlock device

Abstract

A bale-tie interlock device for engaging the looped ends of bale-tie wires about a compressed bale in a baling press includes a U-shaped housing having a plate member extending substantially the length of the housing and substantially across the elongated housing opening which defines a bale-tie wire accommodating channel. Slidably positioned within the bale-tie accommodating channel for longitudinal movement is a shuttle member containing a leaf spring. Stop members are mounted in each end of the U-shaped housing to retain the shuttle member within the bale-tie wire accommodating channel. Integrally mounted to one of the sides of the U-shaped housing adjacent one end of the housing is a hook plate member which is engageable with one of the looped ends of the bale-tie wire. Upon the insertion of one looped end into the U-shaped housing, the leaf spring on the shuttle member biases the looped end of the bale-tie wire to cause the looped end to engage the hook plate member. Upon the insertion of the opposite looped end member into the opposite end of the bale-tie accommodating channel, the looped ends are engaged and firmly locked together.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.