Abstract: A resilient rubber finger and a locking mechanism therefore for use in poultry processing plants for the plucking of feathers off poultry is provided. The rubber-plucking finger is comprised of an oversized base without an annular recess, and a tapered furrowed shank. A plurality of fingers is inserted into a support base through apertures therein. The diameter of the shank proximate the base is substantially equal to the diameter of the support base aperture to ease insertion and removal. A backing plate is provided to abut the rear of the support plate preventing accidental displacement of the rubber finger from the support plate. The support plate is attached to the backing plate using an integrated centrifugal locking mechanism within the backing plate.

Abstract: A resilient rubber finger and a locking mechanism therefore for use in poultry processing plants for the plucking of feathers off if poultry is provided. The rubber-plucking finger is comprised of an oversized base without an annular recess, and a tapered furrowed shank. A plurality of fingers is inserted into a support base through apertures therein. The diameter of the shank proximate the base is substantially equal to the diameter of the support base aperture to ease insertion and removal. A backing plate is provided to abut the rear of the support plate preventing accidental displacement of the rubber finger from the support plate. The support plate is attached to the backing plate using an integrated centrifugal locking mechanism within the backing plate.