Patent ID: 7881044
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: H02B

Abstract:
1. A dampening mechanism for an electrical switching apparatus which is movable into and out of an installed position within a switchgear enclosure, said switchgear enclosure including a back panel and a ledge extending outwardly from the back panel, said dampening mechanism comprising: a mounting bracket structured to be coupled to said electrical switching apparatus; a pivot member comprising a first end pivotably coupled to said mounting bracket and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, said pivot member being structured to pivot between a first position corresponding to said electrical switching apparatus not being fully installed within said switchgear enclosure, and a second position corresponding to said electrical switching apparatus being disposed in said installed position; at least one biasing element structured to bias said pivot member toward said first position; and a damper movably coupled to said pivot member, wherein, when said electrical switching apparatus is moved toward said installed position, the second end of said pivot member is structured to engage at least one of the back panel and the ledge of said switchgear enclosure, thereby pivoting said pivot member toward said second position, and wherein, when said pivot member is disposed in said second position, said damper is structured to be biased against the ledge of said switchgear enclosure to dampen undesired vertical motion of said electrical switching apparatus with respect to said switchgear enclosure.