Linkage for controlling a needle safety latch on a baler

Abstract

A baler has improved linkage for controlling a needle safety latch mechanism being supported on the baler and biased for movement from a retracted position to an extended position for stopping the reciprocation of a plunger within a bale case on the baler if the timing between the plunger and a needle-carrying member on the baler is disrupted and the plunger moves on a working stroke when the needles are projected across the bale case and the path of the plunger. The improved linkage includes an elongated rigid member extending along the bale case and pivotally interconnected at one end to the latch mechanism and a link pivotally coupled adjacent one of its ends to pivot means which also pivotally mounts the needle-carrying member. The link adjacent an opposite one of its ends is pivotally coupled to an opposite end of the elongated member. Also, the link includes a portion disposed in the path of movement of the needle-carrying member. The latter member engages a resilient, rubber-like element on the link to hold the link at a first position when the needle-carrying member is at its home position and thereby, via the elongated rigid member, holds the latch mechanism at its retracted position. As the needle-carrying member moves away from its home position toward the bale case to project the needles across the bale case, it allows the link to pivot to a second position as the bias of the latch mechanism moves it to its extended position upon the release of the link.