Patent Publication Number: US-7586395-B2

Title: Electrical switching apparatus and trip actuator assembly therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is related to commonly assigned, concurrently filed: 
   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/696,815, filed Apr. 5, 2007, entitled “ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS, AND TRIP ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND RESET ASSEMBLY THEREFOR”; and 
   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/696,812, filed Apr. 5, 2007, entitled “ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS AND TRIP ACTUATOR RESET ASSEMBLY THEREFOR”, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The invention relates generally to electrical switching apparatus and, more particularly, to trip actuator assemblies for electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers. 
   2. Background Information 
   Electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, provide protection for electrical systems from electrical fault conditions such as, for example, current overloads, short circuits, abnormal voltage and other fault conditions. Typically, circuit breakers include an operating mechanism which opens electrical contact assemblies to interrupt the flow of current through the conductors of an electrical system in response to such fault conditions as detected, for example, by a trip unit. 
   Among other components, the operating mechanisms of some low-voltage circuit breakers, for example, typically include a pole shaft and a trip actuator assembly. The pole shaft pivots during opening and closing operations of the circuit breaker, which operations respectively correspond to electrical contact assemblies being opened (e.g., contacts separated) and closed (e.g., contacts electrically connected). The trip actuator assembly typically includes a trip bar, a trip actuator such as, for example, a solenoid, and a cradle assembly. The cradle assembly is coupled to and is cooperable with the pole shaft. The trip actuator (e.g., solenoid) has a spring, a coil which is energized by the trip unit in response to the electrical fault condition, and an actuating element such as, for example, a plunger. Normally (e.g., in the absence of the electrical fault condition), the plunger is latched (e.g., by a magnet) in a retracted position. When the coil is energized, in response to the electrical fault condition, the magnetic force that holds the plunger in the retracted position is overcome and the spring biases the plunger to an extended position and maintains it there. When the plunger extends, it causes the trip bar to pivot and trip open the electrical contact assemblies. 
   Subsequently, both the electrical contact assemblies and the trip actuator must be reset. The trip actuator assembly operates in conjunction with the pole shaft to perform the resetting operation. Specifically, when the circuit breaker operating mechanism is reset, the pole shaft pivots, thereby moving the cradle assembly. The cradle assembly then pivots a reset arm which, in turn, depresses the actuating element (e.g., plunger) and resets the trip actuator (e.g., solenoid). However, the travel and actuating force of the plunger are relatively limited. Therefore, to ensure that the trip actuator assembly consistently performs properly, the trip actuator assembly must be well designed, and the trip actuator of this assembly must be accurately installed and maintained in a precise predetermined position within the circuit breaker. 
   In the above regard, known trip actuator assemblies suffer from a number of disadvantages. Among them is the fact that at least one component of the trip actuator assembly and, in particular, the trip actuator, is typically fastened to a portion of the circuit breaker that has no correlation to the tripping and/or resetting function(s) of the circuit breaker. This, alone or in combination with the fact that the trip actuator is typically fastened to such portion using hardware (e.g., brackets) and a plurality of fasteners, can result in misalignment of the trip actuator. In other words, misalignment of the trip actuator can result not only from the positioning of the hardware and trip actuator during its installation, but also from the fact that each component of the circuit breaker tends to vary in precise dimension due, for example, to manufacturing tolerances. When the circuit breaker is assembled, the tolerance variations from one part of the circuit breaker to the next can undesirably accumulate or “stack” up. Consequently, the accuracy with which the trip actuator is installed can be compromised, adversely affecting circuit breaker performance. 
   A further disadvantage of known trip actuator assemblies is that they tend to be relatively complex, and include numerous components. They, therefore, require the aforementioned plurality of fasteners, as well as separate tools (e.g., without limitation, screw drivers) to fasten and/or remove such fasteners and the hardware that secures the trip actuator within the circuit breaker. 
   It is desirable, therefore, to provide a trip actuator assembly in which the trip actuator is maintained in a precise predetermined position with respect to the components (e.g., without limitation, pole shaft; cradle assembly) of the circuit breaker with which the trip actuator cooperates, yet that can relatively quickly and easily be accurately installed or be removed, replaced, and/or maintained. 
   There is, therefore, room for improvement in electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, and in trip actuator assemblies therefor. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   These needs and others are met by embodiments of the invention, which are directed to a trip actuator assembly for electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, which trip actuator assembly accurately, yet removably mounts the trip actuator within the circuit breaker, without requiring a plurality of separate fasteners. 
   As one aspect of the invention, a trip actuator assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing having a mounting surface, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The trip actuator assembly comprises: a trip actuator structured to be cooperable with the operating mechanism; and a planar member comprising a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a first edge, a second edge disposed opposite and distal from the first edge, and an aperture. The trip actuator is structured to be at least partially disposed within the aperture and further to be disposed between the planar member and the mounting surface of the housing. The first edge of the planar member is structured to be removably coupled to the mounting surface of the housing, thereby being structured to removably couple the trip actuator to the housing. 
   The trip actuator may comprise an enclosure including a first end having an actuating element, and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end. When the trip actuator is removably coupled to the mounting surface of the housing, the first end of the enclosure may be engaged by the planar member at the aperture and the second end of the enclosure may be structured to be disposed adjacent the mounting surface of the housing. The first end of the enclosure may further include a recess, and the aperture may comprise a first edge, a second edge, and a top. The top of the aperture may include a protrusion structured to extend into the recess of the first end of the enclosure in order to secure the trip actuator within the aperture, and further to maintain the trip actuator in a desired position with respect to the housing. The trip actuator may be a solenoid, wherein the actuating element of the solenoid may be a plunger. 
   The mounting surface of the housing of the electrical switching apparatus may comprise a first end including a first slot, and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end of the mounting surface of the housing and including a second slot. The first edge of the planar member at or about the first end of the planar member may be structured to removably engage the first slot, and the planar member may be structured to be pivoted until the first edge of the planar member at or about the second end of the planar member removably engages the second slot. The planar member may be structured to removably couple the trip actuator to the housing, without a plurality of separate fasteners. 
   As another aspect of the invention, an electrical switching apparatus comprises: a housing including a mounting surface; separable contacts enclosed by the housing; an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts; and a trip actuator assembly comprising: a trip actuator cooperable with the operating mechanism, and a planar member comprising a first end, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, a first edge, a second edge disposed opposite and distal from the first edge, and an aperture. The trip actuator is at least partially disposed within the aperture and further is disposed between the planar member and the mounting surface of the housing. The first edge of the planar member is removably coupled to the mounting surface of the housing, thereby removably coupling the trip actuator to the housing. 
   The trip actuator assembly may further comprise at least one linking member pivotably coupled to the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker, wherein the trip actuator and the at least one linking member are both coupled to the planar member of the trip actuator assembly. The electrical switching apparatus may be a circuit breaker. The planar member of the trip actuator assembly may be a side plate having a first side, a second side, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The at least one linking member may be a cradle assembly and a reset lever. The reset lever may include a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end. The trip actuator may be disposed within the first aperture of the side plate and extend outwardly from the first side of the side plate and the second side of the side plate, and the cradle assembly may be disposed on the second side of the side plate. The reset lever may be pivotably coupled to the first side of the side plate, and the first end of the reset lever may be cooperable with the trip actuator on the first side of the side plate. The second end of the reset lever may extend through the second aperture of the side plate and cooperate with a portion of the cradle assembly on the second side of the side plate. 
   The housing of the circuit breaker may further include an accessory tray. The body of the enclosure may be a cylinder, and the accessory tray may include a first edge having an arcuate recess and a second edge disposed opposite and distal from the first edge of the accessory tray. When the accessory tray is inserted, the arcuate recess of the accessory tray may engage and secure a portion of the cylinder. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a circuit breaker and trip actuator assembly therefor, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, also showing an accessory tray for the circuit breaker in simplified form in phantom line drawing; 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the circuit breaker and trip actuator assembly therefor of  FIG. 1 , showing portions of the circuit breaker in block form; 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the side plate and trip actuator of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the trip actuator assembly of  FIG. 1 , also showing the pole shaft and cradle assembly of the circuit breaker operating mechanism; 
       FIG. 5A  is a right side elevation view of the trip actuator assembly, and pole shaft and cradle assembly of  FIG. 4 , with each component shown in its respective position corresponding to the circuit breaker being closed; 
       FIGS. 5B and 5C  are right and left side elevation views, respectively, of the trip actuator assembly, and pole shaft and cradle assembly of  FIG. 5A , modified to show each component in its respective position corresponding to the circuit breaker being open; 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a trip actuator assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, also showing the pole shaft and cradle assembly of the circuit breaker operating mechanism; 
       FIG. 7A  is a right side elevation view of the trip actuator assembly, and pole shaft and cradle assembly of  FIG. 6 , with each component shown in its respective position corresponding to the circuit breaker being closed; and 
       FIGS. 7B and 7C  are right and left side elevation views, respectively, of the trip actuator assembly, and pole shaft and cradle assembly of  FIG. 7A , modified to show each component in its respective position corresponding to the circuit breaker being open. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   For purposes of illustration, embodiments of the invention will be described as applied to low-voltage circuit breakers, although it will become apparent that they could also be applied to a wide variety of electrical switching apparatus (e.g., without limitation, circuit switching devices and other circuit interrupters, such as contactors, motor starters, motor controllers and other load controllers) other than low-voltage circuit breakers and other than low-voltage electrical switching apparatus. 
   Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, left, right, top, bottom, upper, lower, front, back, clockwise and counterclockwise and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein. 
   As employed herein, the terms “actuator” and “actuating element” refer to any known or suitable output mechanism (e.g., without limitation, trip actuator; solenoid) for an electrical switching apparatus (e.g., without limitation, circuit switching devices, circuit breakers and other circuit interrupters, such as contactors, motor starters, motor controllers and other load controllers) and/or the element (e.g., without limitation, stem; plunger; lever; paddle; arm) of such mechanism which moves in order to manipulate another component of the electrical switching apparatus. 
   As employed herein, the term “fastener” shall mean a separate element or elements which is/are employed to connect or tighten two or more components together, and expressly includes, without limitation, rivets, pins, screws, bolts and the combinations of bolts and nuts (e.g., without limitation, lock nuts) and bolts, washers and nuts. 
   As employed herein, the term “aperture” refers to any known or suitable passageway into or through a component and expressly includes, but is not limited to, openings, holes, gaps, slots, slits, recesses, and cut-outs. 
   As employed herein, the term “trip condition” refers to any electrical event that results in the initiation of a circuit breaker operation in which the separable contacts of the circuit breaker are tripped open, and expressly includes, but is not limited to, electrical fault conditions such as, for example, current overloads, short circuits, abnormal voltage and other fault conditions, receipt of an input trip signal, and a trip coil being energized. 
   As employed herein, the statement that two or more parts are “coupled” together shall mean that the parts are joined together either directly or joined through one or more intermediate parts. 
   As employed herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). 
     FIG. 1  shows an electrical switching apparatus such as, for example, a low-voltage circuit breaker  2 , and a trip actuator assembly  100  and a trip actuator reset assembly  200  therefor. The circuit breaker  2  includes a housing  4  having a mounting surface  6 , separable contacts  8  (shown in simplified form in  FIG. 2 ) enclosed by the housing  4 , and an operating mechanism  10  (shown in simplified form in  FIG. 2 ), which is structured to open and close the separable contacts  8  ( FIG. 2 ). 
   The trip actuator assembly  100  includes a trip actuator  102  (e.g., without limitation, a solenoid  102 ), which is structured to be cooperable with the circuit breaker operating mechanism  10  ( FIG. 2 ), and a planar member  104 . The planar member  104  has first and second ends  110 , 112 , first and second edges  114 , 116 , and at least one aperture  118 , 120 . The planar member  104  of the example circuit breaker  2  shown and described herein, is a first side plate  104  having first and second apertures  118 , 120 . The example circuit breaker  2  also includes a second side plate  106 . The trip actuator  102  is structured to be at least partially disposed within the first aperture  118  between the first side plate  104  and the mounting surface  6  of the housing  4 . More specifically, the trip actuator  102  includes an enclosure  130  having a first end  132  with an actuating element  138  (e.g., without limitation, a plunger), and a second end  134  disposed opposite and distal from the first end  132 . When the trip actuator  102  is removably coupled to the mounting surface  6  of the circuit breaker housing  4 , as shown in  FIG. 1  (see also  FIG. 3 ), the first end  132  of the trip actuator enclosure  130  is engaged by the first side plate  104  at the aperture  118  thereof, and the second end  134  of the trip actuator enclosure  130  is disposed adjacent the mounting surface  6  of the circuit breaker housing  4 . 
   The first end  132  of the trip actuator enclosure  130  further includes a recess  140 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  (shown in hidden line drawing),  4  and  6 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first aperture  118  of the example first side plate  104  is a cut-out having a first edge  122 , a second edge  124 , and a top  126 . The top  126  of the first aperture  118  includes a protrusion  128  which extends into the recess  140  of the first end  132  of the trip actuator enclosure  130 , in order to secure the trip actuator  102  within the first aperture  118 . The first side plate  104  further includes a first side  150  and a second side  152 , and the enclosure  130  of the trip actuator  102  further includes a body, which in the example shown and described herein is a cylinder  136 . The cylinder  136  extends between the first and second ends  132 , 134  of the trip actuator enclosure  130 , and extends through the first aperture  118  of the first side plate  104  in order to be disposed on both the first and second sides  150 , 152  of the first side plate  104 . More specifically, the cylinder  136  has a center  142 . The plunger  138  of the trip actuator  102  is disposed in the center  142  of the cylinder  136 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . The first portion of the cylinder  136 , which is disposed on the first side  150  of the first side plate  104 , is greater than the second portion of the cylinder  136 , which is disposed on the second side  152  of the first side plate  104 , in order that the plunger  138  is disposed on the first side  150  of the first side plate  104 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that disclosed trip actuator assembly  100  effectively maintains the trip actuator  102  in a desired position within the circuit breaker  2 . Specifically, it will be appreciated that the trip actuator  102  is secured directly by the first side plate  104  to the mounting surface  6  of the circuit breaker housing  4 . Additionally, the first side plate  104  is preferably substantially flat and devoid of deformations (e.g., without limitation, bends). It will, therefore, be appreciated that the trip actuator  102  is secured directly by the first side plate  104 , without requiring any intermediate component (e.g., without limitation, a mounting bracket), or, for example, a mounting flange. Thus, it is the first side plate  104  that, by itself, functions as the mounting element for precisely mounting the trip actuator  102  within the circuit breaker  2 . This, along with the fact that circuit breaker components which interact with the trip actuator  102  (e.g., without limitation, the cradle assembly  202  and the reset lever  204  of the trip actuator reset assembly  200  discussed hereinbelow with respect to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 A,  5 B), are directly coupled to the first side plate  104 , results in precise, consistent operation of the trip actuator  102 . In this manner, the disclosed trip actuator assembly  100  overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages (e.g., without limitation, misalignment) associated with known trip actuator assembly designs. 
   As an added benefit, the example trip actuator assembly  100  also reduces the number of components and/or fasteners required to accurately position the trip actuator  102  within the circuit breaker  2 , and thereby further simplifies the installation, removal and/or maintenance of the trip actuator  102 . Specifically, as will now be discussed, the first side plate  104  removably couples the trip actuator  102  to the circuit breaker housing  4 , without a plurality of separate fasteners. In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mounting surface  6  of the circuit breaker housing  4  includes a first end  12  having a first slot  14  (shown in hidden line drawing in  FIG. 2 ), and a second end  16  disposed opposite and distal from the first end  12 , and including a second slot  18  (shown in hidden line drawing in  FIG. 2 ). Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and also to  FIG. 3 , it will be appreciated that the first edge  114  of the example first side plate  104  includes a first extension  154  (shown in hidden line drawing in  FIG. 2 ) at or about the first end  110  of the first side plate  104 , and a second extension  156  disposed at or about the second end  112  of the first side plate  104 . The first extension  154  is structured to removably engage the first slot  14 , of the circuit breaker housing  4 , and the second extension  156  is structured to removably engage the second slot  18  of the circuit breaker housing  4 . Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the first extension  154  of the example first side plate  104  is pivotable with respect to the first slot  14 , in order that the second extension  156  can engage and disengage the second slot  18  to relatively easily secure and release, respectively, the trip actuator  102 , as desired. It will, however, be appreciated that the first side plate  104  and, in particular, the first edge  114  of such side plate  104 , could have any known or suitable alternative number and/or configuration of extensions (e.g.,  154 , 156 ) or other suitable securing mechanism (not shown) structured to suitably engage the circuit breaker housing  4 , without departing from the scope of the invention. 
   As will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, the example circuit breaker  2  further includes at least one linking member such as, for example and without limitation, the cradle assembly  202  of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  5 A,  5 B and  5 C (see also cradle assembly  302  of  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A,  7 B and  7 C) and the reset lever  204  of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  5 A,  5 B and  5 C (see also reset lever  304  of  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A,  7 B and  7 C). These components are coupled to the operating mechanism  10  ( FIG. 2 ) and, in particular, the pole shaft  20  (shown in hidden line drawing in  FIG. 2 ; see also  FIGS. 4 ,  5 A,  5 B,  5 C,  6 ,  7 A,  7 B and  7 C) of the circuit breaker  2 , and as previously discussed, are also coupled to the first side plate  104  of the example trip actuator assembly  100 . As will be described in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 A,  5 B and  5 C, the reset lever  204  includes a first end  206 , a second end  208 , and a pivot  210  structured to pivotally couple the reset lever  204  to the first side  150  of the first side plate  104 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The cradle assembly  202  is disposed on the second side  152  of the first side plate  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5C . The first end  206  of the reset lever  204  is cooperable with the plunger  138  of the trip actuator  102  on the first side  150  of the first side plate  104 . The second end  208  of the example reset lever  204  extends through the second aperture  120  of the first side plate  104  and cooperates with a portion of the cradle assembly  202  on the second side  152  of the first side plate  104 , as will be discussed. 
   In order to further secure the trip actuator  102  in the desired position with respect to the circuit breaker  2  and, in particular, the operating mechanism  10  ( FIG. 2 ), the mounting surface  6  of the housing  4  of the example circuit breaker  2  further includes a number of outwardly extending protrusions  30 , 32  ( FIG. 1 ). When the trip actuator  102  is removably coupled to the mounting surface  6 , the body  136  of the trip actuator enclosure  130 , at or about the second end  134  thereof, is secured by at least one of the outwardly extending protrusions  30 , 32 . Two molded protrusions  30 , 32 , which extend outwardly from the mounting surface  6 , are shown securing the second end  134  of the trip actuator enclosure  130  in the example of  FIG. 1 . It will, however, be appreciated that any known or suitable alternative number and/or configuration of protrusions or other suitable securing mechanism (not shown) could be employed, without departing from the scope of the invention. It will also be appreciated that the trip actuator  102  may, for example, “snap” into position between a suitable number of protrusions (e.g.,  30 , 32 ) to be secured. The example protrusion  32  further includes a hole  34 , and receives a fastener, such as the screw  36  shown in exploded orientation in  FIG. 1 . The screw  36  is fastenable within the hole  34  to further secure the trip actuator  102 . 
   The housing  4  of the example circuit breaker  2  also includes an accessory tray  40  which, for economy of disclosure, is shown in simplified form in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 1 . The accessory tray  40  is insertable on the mounting surface  6  of the housing  4 , as shown, and is also removable. When the accessory tray  40  is inserted (shown), it abuts the body  136  of the trip actuator enclosure  130 , in order to further secure the trip actuator  102  in the desired position. More specifically, the accessory tray  40  includes first and second edges  42 , 44 . The first edge  42  has an arcuate recess  46  corresponding to the cylindrical body  136  of the trip actuator enclosure  130 . Accordingly, when the accessory tray  40  is inserted, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the arcuate recess  46  of the accessory tray  40  engages and secures a portion of the cylindrical body  136 . 
   In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the disclosed trip actuator assembly  100  functions to removably secure the trip actuator  102  in a precise orientation within the circuit breaker  2  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In addition to the aforementioned advantages (e.g., without limitation, precise alignment; consistent operation of the trip actuator), precise mounting of the trip actuator  102  also helps to ensure that the trip actuator  102  is effectively and consistently reset following a trip of the circuit breaker  2  in response to a trip condition, as will now be discussed. 
     FIGS. 4 ,  5 A,  5 B and  5 C, show the trip actuator reset assembly  200  for the circuit breaker  2 . Specifically, the trip actuator reset assembly  200  includes the aforementioned cradle assembly  202 , reset lever  204 , and trip actuator  102 , as well as a resilient element  220 , and a guide member  230 . The cradle assembly includes a first end  212 , which is pivotally coupled to the pole shaft  20  of the circuit breaker  2  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and a second end  214  disposed opposite and distal from the first end  212 . The cradle assembly  202  is movable among a first position ( FIGS. 4 and 5A ; see also first position of cradle assembly  302  of  FIG. 7A ) corresponding to the separable contacts  8  ( FIG. 2 ) of the circuit breaker  2  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) being closed, and a second position ( FIGS. 5B and 5C ; see also second position of cradle assembly  302  of  FIGS. 7B and 7C ) corresponding to the separable contacts  8  ( FIG. 2 ) being open. In response to the trip condition, the plunger  138  of the trip actuator  102  is structured to move (upward with respect to  FIG. 5A ) the first end  206  of the reset lever  204 . Subsequently, the trip actuator  102  must be reset. 
   The resilient element  220  is pivotally coupled to the circuit breaker housing  4  ( FIG. 1 ). In the example shown and described herein, the resilient element  220  is a leaf spring having a first end  222  pivotally coupled to the second side  152  of the first side plate  104  proximate the second end  208  of the reset lever  204 . The second end  224  of the leaf spring  220  is disposed opposite and distal from the first end  222 , and an intermediate portion  226  of the leaf spring  220  is disposed between the first and second ends  222 , 224 . When the cradle assembly  202  moves (e.g., pivots clockwise with respect to  FIG. 5A ) from the first position ( FIGS. 4  and  5 A) toward the second position ( FIGS. 5B and 5C ), the guide member  230  guides the cradle assembly  202  into engagement with the resilient element  220 , which pivots the reset lever  204 . More specifically, the cradle assembly  202  is pulled by the pole shaft  20  and, in response, has a tendency to pivot. However, when the cradle assembly  202  begins to pivot, the top edges of the first and second sides  216 , 218  (both shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 ) engage the guide member  230 , which prevents it from continuing to pivot, instead forcing it to slide into engagement with the resilient element  220 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . In particular, a protrusion  219 , which extends outwardly from the first side  216  of the cradle assembly  202  engages and moves the resilient element  220 . The resilient element  220  then pivots the reset lever  204  such that the first end  206  of the reset lever  204  depresses the plunger  138  of the trip actuator  102 , thereby resetting the trip actuator  102 . After the trip actuator  102  has been reset, if the cradle assembly  202  has a tendency to continue to move beyond the second position ( FIGS. 5B and 5C ), the intermediate portion  226  of the resilient element  220  bends, as shown in exaggerated form in  FIGS. 5B and 5C . In this manner, the resilient element  220  (e.g., without limitation, leaf spring) accommodates any additional energy and associated motion (e.g., over-rotation) that the cradle assembly  202  may have. Accordingly, the disclosed trip actuator reset assembly  200  overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages (e.g., without limitation, over-rotation; damage to the plunger  138 ) associated with known trip actuator reset assemblies. 
   More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the guide member  230  includes first and second ends  232 , 234 , and in an elongated body  236  extending therebetween. The elongated body  236  extends between the first and second side plates  104 , 106  of the circuit breaker  2 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The example reset lever  204  further includes a bias element such as, for example and without limitation, the spring  250 , which is shown. The bias element  250  is structured to bias the second end  208  of the reset lever  204 , in order to bias and thus pivot (e.g., counterclockwise from the perspective of  FIGS. 4 ,  5 A and  5 B; clockwise from the perspective of  FIG. 5C ) the first end  206  of the reset lever  204 , toward the position shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5A . As partially shown in simplified form in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 5C , the example bias element  250  is disposed within the second aperture or hole  120  of the first side plate  104  (see also  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In this manner, the first end  206  of the reset lever  204  is biased away from the plunger  138  of the trip actuator  102 . 
   The aforementioned first side  216  ( FIGS. 4 ,  5 A and  5 B) of the cradle assembly  202  extends from the pole shaft  20  toward the second end  214  of the cradle assembly  202 . The example cradle assembly  202  also includes a second side  218  ( FIG. 5C ), which is disposed opposite and spaced apart from the first side  216 . A first cross member  240 , which is disposed proximate the first end  212  of the cradle assembly  202 , extends between the first and second sides  216 , 218 , and is structured not to move independently with respect to the first and second sides  216 , 218 . A second cross member  242  is disposed at or about the second end  214  of the cradle assembly  202 , and is structured to extend between, and be pivotally coupled to, the first and second side plates  104 , 106  of the circuit breaker  2  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Thus, the second cross member  242  provides a fixed pivot point for the cradle assembly  202  with respect to the first and second side plates  104 , 106 , and the trip actuator  102 . At least one elongated member such as, for example and without limitation, the first and second rods  244 , 246  shown in  FIG. 4 , is/are fixedly coupled to the second cross member  242 , and extend through the first cross member  240 . Specifically, as will be appreciated with reference to second rod  246  of  FIG. 4 , each of the example elongated members  244 , 246  extend through a corresponding thru hole (only one thru hole  252  is shown in  FIG. 4 ; see also rods  344 , 346  extending through thru holes  351 , 352  in  FIG. 6 ) in the first cross member  240  of the cradle assembly  202 . It will, therefore, be appreciated that a portion (e.g., without limitation, first and second sides  216 , 218 ; pivot  219 ; first cross member  240 ) of the cradle assembly  202  can move on the elongated members  244 , 246  with respect to a second portion (e.g., without limitation, second cross member  242 ) of the cradle assembly  202 , in order to accommodate movement of the pole shaft  20  and/or cradle assembly  202 , for example, during a reset operation of the trip actuator  102 . 
   In the example of  FIG. 4 , the first and second rods  244 , 246  further include first and second springs  248 , 249 , respectively. The springs  248 , 249  are disposed between the first and second cross members  240 , 242  of the cradle assembly  202 , and the rods  244 , 246  pass through the coils of the springs  248 , 249 , respectively. The springs  248 , 249  have a tendency to bias the cradle assembly  202  toward the second position ( FIGS. 5B and 5C ; see also cradle assembly  302  shown in the second position in  FIGS. 7B and 7C ). It will, however, be appreciated that such springs (e.g.,  248 , 249 ) shown and described with respect to  FIG. 4  are not intended to be a limiting element of the disclosed trip actuator reset assembly  200 . For example, the cradle assembly  202  could be devoid of such springs, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
   The operating mechanism  10  (shown in simplified form in  FIG. 2 ) of the example circuit breaker  2  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) further includes a trip bar  24  and trip lever  22 , both of which are shown in simplified form in phantom line drawing in  FIGS. 1 ,  5 A and  5 B (see also  FIGS. 7A and 7B ). The trip lever  22  includes a first end  26 , which overlays the plunger  138  of the trip actuator  102 , and a second end  28 , which is coupled to the trip bar  24 . The first end  26  of the example trip lever  22  is also cooperable with the first end  206  of the reset lever  204  of the trip actuator reset assembly  200 , in order that the trip lever  22  and reset lever  204  are movable together in certain modes of operation (e.g., when the plunger  138  of the trip actuator  102  pushes them, as shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 5A ). More specifically, as partially shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 1 , the example trip lever  22  is structured to overlay (e.g., without limitation, straddle) the first end  206  of the reset lever  204 . 
   An operation of the trip actuator reset assembly  200  to reset the trip actuator  102  following a trip condition, will now be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C. It will be appreciated that except for the distinctions discussed herein, the trip actuator reset assembly  300  discussed hereinbelow with respect to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A,  7 B and  7 C functions in substantially the same manner. Specifically, as previously discussed, the example trip actuator is a solenoid  102  having as its actuating element, a plunger  138 . In response to the trip condition, the plunger  138  extends in order to pivot the reset lever  204  and the trip lever  22 , as shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 5A . After the trip condition, the plunger  138  remains extended until it is depressed by the reset lever  204  in order to reset the trip actuator  102  and the trip lever  22 . Specifically, to begin a reset operation, during which the pole shaft  20  and cradle assembly  202  move from the position shown in  FIG. 5A  toward the position shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C , the protrusion  219  of the cradle assembly  202  engages the resilient element  220  (e.g., without limitation, leaf spring) and pivots it about its first end  222 , as previously discussed. The intermediate portion  226  of the resilient element  220  then engages the second end  208  of the reset lever  204 , thereby pivoting the reset lever  204  until the first end  206  of the reset lever  204  engages and depresses the plunger  138 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . When the plunger  138  is fully depressed, the trip actuator  102  is reset. Simultaneously, the trip lever  22 , which in the example shown and described herein is cooperable with (e.g., overlays) the reset lever  204 , is also reset. 
   Unique to the disclosed trip actuator reset assembly  200  is that, after the trip actuator  102  is reset, if the cradle assembly  202  has a tendency to continue to move, for example, thereby having a tendency to over-rotate the reset lever  204  and potentially damage the plunger  138  and/or trip actuator  102  or a component (e.g., without limitation, cradle assembly  202 ) of the trip actuator reset assembly  200 , the intermediate portion  226  of the resilient element  220  advantageously bends to absorb such movement, as previously discussed. The disclosed trip indicator reset assembly  200 , therefore, resists undesirable consequences, for example, associated with over-rotation of the cradle assembly  202 . 
   It will, however, be appreciated that the trip actuator reset assembly (e.g.,  200 ) and components (e.g., without limitation cradle assembly  202 ; reset lever  204 ; resilient element  220 ) could comprise any known or suitable alternative configuration. For example,  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A,  7 B and  7 C show a trip actuator reset assembly  300  which is substantially similar to the trip actuator reset assembly  200  discussed with respect to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 A,  5 B and  5 C, but includes a rigid element  320  as opposed to the resilient element  220  of trip actuator reset assembly  200 . It will be appreciated that like features of the trip actuator reset assembly  300  are numbered substantially the same as those previously discussed with respect to trip actuator reset assembly  200 , but using 300 series reference numbers instead of 200 series reference numbers. For example, the cradle assembly  302 , includes first and second ends  312 , 314 , first and second sides  316 , 318 , first and second cross members  340 , 342 , and first and second rods  344 , 346 , all of which are substantially similar to the same features previously discussed in connection with trip actuator reset assembly  200  of  FIGS. 4 ,  5 A,  5 B and  5 C. For economy of disclosure, certain aspects of the trip actuator reset assembly  300  which are substantially the same as trip actuator reset assembly  200 , discussed hereinabove, will not be repetitively discussed. 
   In addition to the distinction of the rigid element  320  which, unlike the aforementioned resilient element  220  (e.g., without limitation, leaf spring) is not intended to bend or otherwise deflect, the trip actuator reset assembly  300  is further different from trip actuator reset assembly  200  in that the springs  348 , 349  or suitable equivalent resilient element(s) is/are required elements of the cradle assembly  302 . This is because any additional movement (e.g., without limitation, over-rotation) of, for example, the cradle assembly  302 , that is experienced during the reset operation, must be accommodated by the springs  348 , 349 . In other words, after the trip actuator  102  has been reset, if the cradle assembly  302  continues to move beyond the second position, as shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 7B , then the springs  348 , 349  (both are shown in  FIG. 6 ) of the cradle assembly  302  flex (e.g., extend) to accommodate the additional motion, and thereby resist damage to components of the trip actuator reset assembly  300  such as, for example and without limitation, the plunger  138 , the trip actuator  102 , the reset lever  304  and/or the cradle assembly  302 . Thus, as will be appreciated by comparing  FIG. 7B  to  FIG. 5B , previously discussed in connection with trip actuator reset assembly  200 , rather than bending or otherwise deflecting the resilient element  220 , as shown in exaggerated form in  FIG. 5B , in order to absorb additional motion of the cradle assembly  202 , the intermediate portion  326  of the rigid element  320  of the example of  FIG. 7B  does not bend or otherwise deflect. Instead, the cradle assembly  302  itself and, in particular, the springs  348 , 349  thereof, absorb the additional movement. It will be appreciated that the remainder of the operation of trip actuator reset assembly  300  to reset the trip actuator  102  and trip lever  22  is substantially the same as for trip actuator reset assembly  200 , previously discussed. It will also be appreciated that, rather than, or in addition to, the springs  348 , 349 , the opening spring (not shown) of the circuit breaker ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) could be employed to accommodate the excess movement of the cradle assembly  302 , for example, by allowing the cradle assembly  302  to flex. 
   It will, therefore, be appreciated that the disclosed trip actuator reset assemblies  200 , 300  can accommodate, for example and without limitation, misalignment and/or over-rotation associated therewith, in order to effectively, consistently reset the trip actuator  102  of the circuit breaker ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). It will also be appreciated that the components of the trip actuator reset assemblies  200 , 300  could be shaped and configured in a wide variety of alternative arrangements (not shown) in order to achieve this goal in accordance with the invention. For example, although the rigid element  320  shown and described in the example of  FIGS. 6 ,  7 A,  7 B and  7 C is an elongated member having a first end  322  pivotally coupled to the second side  152  of the first side plate  104  (shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 7C ), a second end  324  disposed opposite and distal from the first end  322 , and the intermediate portion  326  therebetween, it could alternatively have any suitable shape and/or configuration (not shown). For instance, a protrusion (not shown) of the cradle assembly (e.g.,  302 ) itself could pivot the reset lever  304 , thus eliminating the need for a separate rigid element (e.g.,  320 ). 
   While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.