Abstract:
An operation indicator is provided to indicate the open/closed status of device, e.g. a circuit interrupter operable between open and closed operating positions. The operation indicator includes two indicator members having cooperating interleaved or interlaced construction such that a relative small operating stroke of the operable device results in relatively larger open and closed symbol and indicating surfaces.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/645,414 filed on Jan. 21, 2005. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to the field of indicators and, more particularly, to an operation indicator in the electrical power field to indicate the open/closed status of an interrupter, the indicator including an interleaved or interlaced construction between two indicator members such that a relative small operating stroke of the interrupter results in relatively larger open and closed symbol and indicating surfaces. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Various indicators are known for visibly displaying the operational status of a device, e.g. a circuit interrupter. 
   While the prior art arrangements may be generally useful, for desirable visibility from the ground, they often require a relatively large operating stroke to render them visible, i.e. the larger the display surface the larger the required operating stroke. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide an operation indicator to indicate the open/closed status of an interrupter, the indicator including interleaved or interlaced construction between two indicator members such that a relative small operating stroke of the interrupter results in relatively larger open and closed symbol and indicating surfaces. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide an operation indicator for a circuit interrupter that provides a large indicating surface that is changeable from closed to open status with a small operating stroke of the interrupter. 
   These and other objects of the present invention are efficiently achieved by an operation indicator for a device operable from closed to open status. The operation indicator includes two indicator members having cooperating interleaved or interlaced construction such that a relative small operating stroke of the operable device results in relatively larger open and closed symbol and indicating surfaces. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an operation indicator in accordance with the present invention shown in a closed position and illustrated in conjunction with an illustrative device to which the operation indicator responds; 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  are perspective views of a first member of the operation indicator of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  are perspective views of a second member of the operation indicator of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 5  also illustrating an attached actuator member; 
       FIG. 6  is an elevational view of an operation indicator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 7  is an elevational view of an operation indicator in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an operational indictor  20  of the present invention is provided for use with an electrical device such as a switch or circuit-interrupting device, e.g. an illustrative interrupter  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In this implementation, the operation indicator  20  provides the open and closed status of the interrupter  10 , e.g. so as to clearly advise operating personnel of the status of the interrupter switch  10  from distances of ten or fifteen feet or more as is useful when the interrupter  10  is mounted overhead and close approach is neither desirable due to high voltage nor practical since this requires a bucket truck or the like. In a preferred arrangement, the operation indicator  20  displays a first color and symbol such as the color red and a closed symbol such as a straight line when the interrupter is closed and a second color and symbol such as the color green and an open symbol such as the letter “O” when the interrupter is open. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the operation indicator  20  corresponds to the interrupter  10  being closed and displaying the closed symbol at  19  comprised of three segments  19 ′,  19 ″,  19 ′″. 
   The operation indicator  20  is operated by the interrupter  10 , e.g. via movement of an actuator output  12  of the interrupter  10  to which is connected an actuator member  14  of the operation indicator  20 , e.g. the actuator output  12  being translated along the path  16  with the upward direction in  FIG. 1  corresponding to closing operation of the interrupter  10  and the downward direction in  FIG. 1  corresponding to opening operation of the interrupter  10 . Thus, in  FIG. 1 , the operation indicator  20  is shown with the actuator output  12  of the interrupter  10  in the upward, closed position. 
   With additional reference now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the operation indicator  20  includes a first indicator  22  that is stationary and functions as a closed position display, e.g. having mounting tabs  21 ,  23 ,  25  for attachment to a mounting member  18  for the interrupter  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the first indicator  22  is fabricated to define a plurality of concentric rings, e.g. three rings  24 ,  26 ,  28  spaced axially along the direction of the path  16  and separated by ribs  30 ,  32 ,  34 , the rings  24 ,  26 ,  28  being of predetermined decreasing diameter along the direction facing away from the actuator member  14  so as to define circumferential spaces or gaps  27 ,  29  between adjacent rings  24 ,  26  and  26 ,  28  respectively. The first indicator  22  also includes a base  36  that closes the bottom ring  28 , e.g. to permit observation from below the operation indicator  20 . 
   With additional reference now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the operation indicator  20  also includes a second indicator  40  for the open position display, shown in an upward position in  FIG. 1  and almost totally obscured by and having lower portions positioned within the first indicator  22 . The second indicator  40  is attached to and driven by the actuator member  14 . The second indicator  40  is also fabricated to define a plurality of concentric rings, e.g. three rings  42 ,  44 ,  46  spaced axially along the direction of the path  16 , the rings  42 ,  44 ,  46  being of predetermined decreasing diameter along the direction facing away from the actuator member  14  and being defined about a central web structure having a central tube  43  and web arms  45 ,  47 ,  49 . The uppermost ring  42  is arranged to be above the mounting member  18  in this closed position. Each of the rings  42 ,  44 ,  46  also include three circumferentially spaced gaps  50 ,  52 ,  54  respectively, the gaps  50 ,  52 ,  54  being dimensioned and arranged to align with the ribs  30 ,  32 ,  34  of the first indicator  22  so as to permit the rings  42 ,  44 ,  46  of the second indicator  40  when positioned inside the first indicator  22  to move outside and over the respective rings  24 ,  26 ,  28  of the first indicator  22 . 
   Thus, when the interrupter  10  is operated to the open position, the second indicator  40  is driven downward in  FIG. 1  via movement of the actuator member  14  so as to extend the rings  42 ,  44 ,  46  over the respective interlacing rings  24 ,  26 ,  28  so as to essentially totally obscure the first indicator  22 , i.e. cover all visible indicating surfaces of the inner indicator  22 . Accordingly, the open symbol “O” is now visible. Thus, it can be seen that with a relatively short operating stroke or movement of the actuator member  14 , a relatively larger display surface or symbol is achieved for ease of observation by ground observers of an overhead installation. For a measure of protection from the environment, the operation indicator  20  includes transparent cover  60 . 
   In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention and with reference now to  FIG. 6 , a fixed stationary indicator  122  including spaced-apart indicating surfaces  122   a,b,c  functions as a closed position indicator. An open position display  140  is provided via movement of members  140   a,b,c  that are arranged to interleave or interlace with the indicating surfaces  122   a,b,c  via slots  123   a,b  formed between the indicating surfaces  122   a,b,c.  As shown in  FIG. 6 , the open indicating surface  140   c  is hidden below the closed indicator surface  122   c  in the withdrawn, closed position. 
   In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention and with reference now to  FIG. 7 , a fixed stationary indicator  222  including indicating surfaces  222   a,b,c,d  functions as a closed position indicator. An open position display is provided via the movement of flexible indicating surfaces  240   a,b,c  which are fabricated so as to be extend between and be movable with respect to the indicating surfaces  222   a,b,c  so as to cover the indicating surfaces displays  222   b,c,d  in an extended position as shown in  FIG. 7  and form an open display via the surfaces  240   a,b,c.    
   While there have been illustrated and described various embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent that various changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.