Patent Publication Number: US-7910850-B2

Title: Electrical switching apparatus and push-to-trip assembly therefor

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to electrical switching apparatus and, more particularly, to electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers. The invention also relates to push-to-trip assemblies for electrical switching apparatus. 
     2. Background Information 
     Electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit interrupters, generally include at least one pair of separable contacts which are operated either manually, by way of a handle and/or another suitable manually operated trip actuator accessible on the exterior of the circuit interrupter housing, or automatically by way of a trip unit in response to a trip condition (e.g., without limitation, an overcurrent condition; a relatively high level short circuit or fault condition; a ground fault or arc fault condition). 
       FIG. 1  shows a molded case circuit breaker  1  employing a manually operated trip actuator in the form of a push-to-trip assembly  3 . The push-to-trip assembly  3  includes a push-to-trip button  5  having a first end  7 , a second end  9  disposed opposite and distal from the first end  7 , and a biasing element  11  (e.g., spring). The first end  7  of the push-to-trip button  5  is accessible at or about the exterior  13  of the circuit breaker housing  15  (partially shown in phantom line drawing). The spring  11  biases the second end  9  of the push-to-trip button  5  toward the exterior  13  of the circuit breaker housing  15 . When the push-to-trip button  5  is pushed inward, against the bias of the spring  11 , the second end  9  cooperates with the trip bar  17  of the circuit breaker  1  to cause the circuit breaker operating mechanism  19  to trip open the separable electrical contacts  21 , 23  (partially shown) in response to a trip condition. 
     Among other disadvantages, it is difficult to hold the various components (e.g., without limitation, push-to-trip button  5 ; spring  11 ; trip bar  17 ) of the push-to-trip assembly  3  and/or circuit breaker  1  together during assembly of the circuit breaker  1 . Specifically, the push-to-trip button  5 , which is spring-biased, is dependent on an external stop such as, for example, the housing  15  (e.g., cover) of the circuit breaker  1  to hold it in place. Further complicating the assembly process is the fact that the spring  11  also, directly or indirectly, biases the trip bar  17  of the circuit breaker  1 . Specifically, absent a suitable stopping mechanism for resisting undesired rotation of the trip bar  17 , it is difficult to achieve the desired orientation of the trip bar  17  during assembly of the circuit breaker  1 . For example, assembly of the circuit breaker  1  is reliant upon the trip bar  17  abutting bimetal  25  of circuit breaker heater assembly  27 . It would be preferable to avoid such abutment. Moreover, in circumstances where the push-to-trip assembly  3  and/or the trip bar  17  is/are assembled and installed in the circuit breaker  1  before the installation of the heater assembly  27 , the bimetal  25  is not available for use as a stop to resist over rotation of the trip bar  17 . 
     There is, therefore, room for improvement in electrical switching apparatus and in push-to-trip assemblies therefor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These needs and others are met by embodiments of the invention, which are directed to a push-to-trip assembly for an electrical switching apparatus, wherein the push-to-trip assembly includes a number of structures to facilitate assembly of the electrical switching apparatus. 
     As one aspect of the invention, a push-to-trip assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing, separable contacts and a trip bar cooperating with an operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The housing includes a base, a cover coupled to the base, and an exterior. The push-to-trip assembly comprises: a push-to-trip actuator structured to be movably coupled to the base of the housing, the push-to-trip actuator comprising a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, the push-to-trip actuator being further structured to move among a first position corresponding to the separable contacts being closeable, and a second position corresponding to the second end of the push-to-trip actuator cooperating with the trip bar to cause the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, the first end of the push-to-trip actuator being structured to be accessible from the exterior of the housing to actuate the push-to-trip actuator from the first position to the second position; a biasing element structured to bias the push-to-trip actuator away from the base of the housing toward the first position; at least one cover stop disposed on the push-to-trip actuator, the at least one cover stop being structured to engage a corresponding portion of the cover of the housing to stop movement of the push-to-trip actuator away from the base of the housing; and an overtravel restraint disposed proximate the second end of the push-to-trip actuator, the overtravel restraint being structured to restrain movement of the trip bar. 
     The cover of the housing may be a primary cover disposed on the base of the housing and a secondary cover coupled to the primary cover, and the at least one cover stop may be a primary cover stop and a secondary cover interface. The primary cover stop may be disposed on the push-to-trip actuator between the first end of the push-to-trip actuator and the second end of the push-to-trip actuator. When the primary cover is disposed on the base and the secondary cover is not coupled to the primary cover, the primary cover stop may be structured to engage the primary cover. The secondary cover interface may be disposed at or about the first end of the push-to-trip actuator. When the secondary cover is coupled to the primary cover and the push-to-trip actuator is disposed in the first position, the secondary cover interface may be structured to engage the secondary cover of the housing. 
     The trip bar may comprise at least one protrusion extending laterally outwardly from the trip bar. The push-to-trip actuator may further comprise an engagement segment extending outwardly from the push-to-trip actuator at or about the second end thereof. When the push-to-trip actuator is actuated from the first position toward the second position, the engagement segment may be structured to engage a corresponding one of the at least one protrusion of the trip bar, thereby moving the trip bar to cause the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts of the electrical switching apparatus. The overtravel restraint of the push-to-trip actuator may comprise a restraint segment disposed opposite and spaced apart from the engagement segment of the push-to-trip actuator. The overtravel restraint may be structured to receive a corresponding one of the at least one protrusion of the trip bar between the engagement segment of the push-to-trip actuator and the restraint segment of the overtravel restraint in order to restrain movement of the trip bar. The at least one protrusion of the trip bar may include a first protrusion extending laterally outwardly from the trip bar and a second protrusion extending laterally outwardly from the trip bar generally opposite the first protrusion, and the push-to-trip actuator may further comprise an interlock extending outwardly from the push-to-trip actuator at or about the second end thereof. The overtravel restraint may be structured to receive the first protrusion of the trip bar between the engagement segment of the push-to-trip actuator and the restraint segment of the overtravel restraint, and the interlock of the push-to-trip actuator may be structured to cooperate with the second protrusion of the trip bar. 
     As another aspect of the invention, a push-to-trip assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing, separable contacts and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The housing includes a base, a primary cover disposed on the base, a secondary cover coupled to the primary cover and an exterior. The push-to-trip assembly comprises: a push-to-trip actuator structured to be movably coupled to the base of the housing, the push-to-trip actuator comprising a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, the push-to-trip actuator being further structured to move among a first position corresponding to the separable contacts being closeable, and a second position corresponding to the second end of the push-to-trip actuator cooperating with the operating mechanism to open the separable contacts, the first end of the push-to-trip actuator being structured to be accessible from the exterior of the housing to actuate the push-to-trip actuator from the first position to the second position; a biasing element structured to bias the push-to-trip actuator away from the base of the housing toward the first position; a primary cover stop disposed on the push-to-trip actuator between the first end of the push-to-trip actuator and the second end of the push-to-trip actuator, the primary cover stop being structured to stop movement of the push-to-trip actuator away from the base of the housing when the primary cover is disposed on the base of the housing and the secondary cover of the housing is not coupled to the primary cover; and a secondary cover interface disposed at or about the first end of the push-to-trip actuator, the secondary cover interface being structured to engage the secondary cover of the housing when the secondary cover is coupled to the primary cover of the housing and the push-to-trip actuator is disposed in the first position. 
     As another aspect of the invention, an electrical switching apparatus comprises: a housing including a base, a primary cover disposed on the base, a secondary cover coupled to the primary cover, and an exterior; separable contacts enclosed by the housing; an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts; a trip bar cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts; and a push-to-trip assembly comprising: a push-to-trip actuator movably coupled to the base of the housing, the push-to-trip actuator comprising a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, the push-to-trip actuator being movable among a first position corresponding to the separable contacts being closeable, and a second position corresponding to the second end of the push-to-trip actuator cooperating with the trip bar to cause the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, the first end of the push-to-trip actuator being accessible from the exterior of the housing to actuate the push-to-trip actuator from the first position to the second position, a biasing element biasing the push-to-trip actuator away from the base of the housing toward the first position, a primary cover stop disposed on the push-to-trip actuator between the first end of the push-to-trip actuator and the second end of the push-to-trip actuator, the primary cover stop stopping movement of the push-to-trip actuator away from the base of the housing when the primary cover is disposed on the base of the housing and the secondary cover of the housing is not coupled to the primary cover, a secondary cover interface disposed at or about the first end of the push-to-trip actuator, the secondary cover interface engaging the secondary cover of the housing when the secondary cover is coupled to the primary cover of the housing and the push-to-trip actuator is disposed in the first position, and an overtravel restraint disposed proximate to the second end of the push-to-trip actuator, the overtravel restraint restraining movement of the trip bar. 
    
    
     
       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 a side elevation view of a portion of a circuit breaker and a push-to-trip assembly therefor; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a portion of a circuit breaker and a push-to-trip assembly therefor, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is an isometric view of one side of a portion of the push-to-trip assembly of  FIG. 2 , also showing a portion of the circuit breaker trip bar; 
         FIG. 3B  is an isometric view of the opposite side of the push-to-trip assembly of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a sectional view of a portion of the push-to-trip assembly of  FIG. 2 , shown cooperating with a secondary cover of the circuit breaker in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 4B  is a sectional view of a portion of the push-to-trip assembly of  FIG. 4A , modified to shown the secondary cover of the circuit breaker in the fully assembled position. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, left, right, downward, upward, clockwise, counterclockwise, top, bottom 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 term “fastener” refers to any suitable connecting or tightening mechanism expressly including, but not limited to, rivets, screws, bolts and the combinations of bolts and nuts (e.g., without limitation, lock nuts), and bolts, washers and nuts, as well as connecting mechanisms that do not require a separate fastening element (e.g., without limitation, a rivet; a screw; a bolt and a nut; a combination of bolts, washers and nuts) such as, for example and without limitation, an arrangement of interlocking protrusions or projections (e.g., without limitation, tabs) and apertures (e.g., without limitation, openings; recesses; holes; slots). 
     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. 2  shows a push-to-trip assembly  100  for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker  200  (partially shown in  FIG. 2 ). The circuit breaker  200  includes a housing  202  (partially shown), separable contacts  204 , 206  (shown in simplified form in  FIG. 2 ) enclosed by the housing  202 , and a trip bar  208 , which cooperates with the circuit breaker operating mechanism  210  (shown in simplified form in hidden line drawing in  FIG. 2 ) to trip open the separable contacts  204 , 206 . The circuit breaker housing  202  includes a base  212  and a cover  214 , 216 . As described hereinbelow, the example cover is a primary cover  214  disposed on the base  212  and a secondary cover  216  coupled to the primary cover  214 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 2 , and also to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the push-to-trip assembly  100  includes a push-to-trip actuator  102  (e.g., without limitation, a button), which is movably coupled to the base  212  of the circuit breaker housing  202  ( FIGS. 2 and 3A ). For simplicity of illustration, only a relatively small segment of the base  212  of the circuit breaker housing  202  is shown in  FIG. 3A . The push-to-trip actuator  102  is structured to move among a first position (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4B ), corresponding to the separable contacts  204 , 206  ( FIG. 2 ) being closeable, and a second position (shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 2 ), corresponding to the first end  104  of the push-to-trip actuator  102  being depressed (e.g., downward from the perspective of  FIG. 2 ) such that the second end  106  of the push-to-trip actuator  102  cooperates with the trip bar  208  to cause the operating mechanism  210  ( FIG. 2 ) to trip open the separable contacts  204 , 206  ( FIG. 2 ). Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the first end  104  of the push-to-trip actuator  102  is accessible from the exterior  218  of the housing  202 , where it is actuatable to move the push-to-trip actuator  102  from the first position to the second position. 
     A biasing element such as, for example and without limitation, a spring  108  ( FIG. 2 ; also shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 3B , and in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ), biases the push-to-trip actuator  102  away from the base  212  of the circuit breaker housing  202  toward the first position. At least one cover stop  110 , 112  (both shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) is disposed on the push-to-trip actuator  102 , and is structured to engage a portion of a corresponding one of the primary cover  214  and/or the secondary cover  216  of the circuit housing  202  to stop movement of the push-to-trip actuator  102  away from the base  212  of the housing  202 , as desired. As will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, the push-to-trip actuator  102  of the example push-to-trip assembly  100  includes two cover stops, a primary cover stop  110  and a secondary cover interface  112 , both of which are shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     The example push-to-trip assembly  100  further includes an overtravel restraint  114  ( FIGS. 2 and 3B ), which is disposed proximate the second end  106  of the push-to-trip actuator  102 , and is structured to restrain movement of the trip bar  208  (partially shown in  FIG. 3B ). More specifically, the trip bar  208  includes a first protrusion  220  extending laterally outwardly from the trip bar  208  in a first direction (e.g., to the right from the perspective of  FIG. 2 ; to the left from the perspective of  FIG. 3B ) and a second protrusion  222  extending laterally outwardly from the trip bar  208  generally opposite the first protrusion  220  (e.g., to the left from a perspective of  FIG. 2 ; to the left from the perspective of  FIG. 3A ), and the push-to-trip actuator  102  further includes an engagement segment  116  ( FIGS. 2 and 3B ), which extends outwardly from the push-to-trip actuator  102  at or about the second end  106  thereof. When the push-to-trip actuator  102  is actuated in the direction indicated by arrow  300  of  FIG. 2 , from the first position toward the second position, the engagement segment  116  engages the first protrusion  220  of the trip bar  208 , as shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 3B , thereby moving (e.g., pivoting counterclockwise from the perspective of  FIG. 3B , as indicated by arrow  400 ) the trip bar  208  to cause the operating mechanism  210  ( FIG. 2 ) to trip open the separable contacts  204 , 206  ( FIG. 2 ) of the circuit breaker  200 . 
     The aforementioned overtravel restraint  114  of the push-to-trip actuator  102  includes a restraint segment  118  ( FIGS. 2 and 3B ), which is disposed opposite and spaced apart from the engagement segment  116  of the push-to-trip actuator  102 . Accordingly, the first protrusion  220  of the trip bar  208  is disposed between the engagement segment  116  of the push-to-trip actuator  102  and the restraint segment  118  of the overtravel restraint  114 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3B , in order to restrain movement of the trip bar  208 . In this manner, the disclosed push-to-trip assembly  100  and, in particular, the overtravel restraint  114  thereof, functions to maintain the trip bar  208  in the desired orientation during assembly of the circuit breaker  200  ( FIG. 2 ). Specifically, unlike known push-to-tip assemblies (see, for example, push-to-trip assembly  3  of  FIG. 1 ), which are reliant upon an external stop mechanism or suitable structure (see, for example, bimetal  25  of heater assembly  27  of  FIG. 1 ) to restrain movement of the trip bar (see, for example, trip bar  17  abutting bimetal  25  of  FIG. 1 ) to achieve and/or maintain the desired orientation of the trip bar (e.g.,  17 ), the disclosed push-to-trip assembly  100 , by virtue of the aforementioned overtravel restraint  114 , is not reliant upon any external stop mechanism or structure to restrain movement of the trip bar  208 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 3A , the second protrusion  222  of the example trip bar  208  cooperates with an interlock  120 . The interlock  120  extends outwardly from the push-to-trip actuator  102  at or about the second end  106  thereof. The interlock  120  functions to resist undesired movement (e.g., without limitation, pivoting counterclockwise from the perspective of  FIG. 3A ). Thus, it will be appreciated that movement of the trip bar  208  is restrained between the position shown in  FIG. 3A , in which the second protrusion  222  of the trip bar  208  abuts the interlock  120  of the push-to-trip actuator  102 , and the position partially shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 3B , in which the first protrusion  220  of the trip bar  208  abuts the restraint segment  118  of the overtravel restraint  114 . It will, however, be appreciated that the trip bar (e.g.,  208 ) could include any suitable alternative number and/or configuration of protrusions (not shown) other than first and second protrusions  220  ( FIGS. 2 and 3B ),  222  ( FIGS. 2 and 3A ), without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The interlock  120  of the push-to-trip actuator  102  is generally opposite and spaced apart from the overtravel restraint  114 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3B . The spring  108  (shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 3B ) of the push-to-trip assembly  100  is generally disposed within a channel  228  of the base  212  of the circuit breaker housing  202  (as shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A,  4 A and  4 B). The spring  108  is also partially disposed between, and is parallel with respect to, the interlock  120  and the overtravel restraint  114 , and extends from the base  212  of the circuit breaker housing  202  to engage a spring seat  144  at the second end  106  of the push-to-trip actuator  102 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The push-to-trip actuator  102  is movably secured within the channel  228  by first and second lateral protrusions  138 , 140 , which extend outwardly from the first and second edges  126 , 128 , respectively, of the push-to-trip actuator  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 3B ,  4 A and  4 B. It will, however, be appreciated that any known or suitable alternative number and/or configuration of protrusions (not shown) or other suitable structures (not shown) could be employed to suitably movably retain the push-to-trip actuator  102  within the channel  228 . 
     As noted previously, the push-to-trip actuator  102  of the example push-to-trip assembly  100  includes a primary cover stop  110  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 A and  3 B; also shown in hidden line drawing in  FIG. 4A ), and a secondary cover interface  112  ( FIGS. 2-4B ). The primary cover stop  110  is disposed between the first and second ends  104 , 106  of the push-to-trip actuator  102 , and extends outwardly from the second side  124  opposite the first side  122  thereof, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . When the primary cover  214  is disposed on the base  212  of the circuit breaker housing  202  and the secondary cover  216  is not coupled to the primary cover  214 , for example and without limitation, when the secondary cover  216  is being removed as shown in solid line drawing in  FIG. 4A , the primary cover stop  110  abuts the primary cover  214  of the circuit breaker housing  202 . In this manner, the primary cover  214  serves to resist undesired movement of the push-to-trip actuator  102  away from the base  212  of the circuit breaker housing  202 , and functions to hold the push-to-trip assembly  100  together, without requiring a separate external stopping mechanism (e.g., without limitation, secondary cover  216 ). 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 4A , in addition to the primary cover stop  110 , the aforementioned second lateral protrusion  140 , which extends outwardly from the second side  128  of the push-to-trip actuator  102 , can additionally or alternatively engage a corresponding portion of the primary cover  214  of the circuit breaker housing  202  to stop movement of the push-to-trip actuator  102 , as desired. Specifically, the second lateral protrusion  140  in the example of  FIG. 4A  includes a surface  142 , which abuts the primary cover  214  when the secondary cover  216  is not fastened to the primary cover  214  in the manner shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 4A  and described hereinbelow. 
     The secondary cover interface  112  is disposed at or about the first end  104  of the push-to-trip actuator  102  and, in the example shown and described herein, consists of a notch  130  and a contact surface  136 , which is structured to engage the secondary cover  216  at an opening  224  thereof, as best shown in  FIG. 4B . Specifically, when the push-to-trip actuator  102  is disposed in the first position, shown in  FIG. 4B , the notch  130  and, in particular, the contact surface  136  thereof, engages the edge  226  of the secondary cover opening  224 . In the example shown and described herein, the notch  130  is parallel with respect to the first end  104  of the push-to-trip actuator  102 . Specifically, as best shown in  FIG. 4B , the first end  104  of the push-to-trip actuator  102  is disposed at an angle  134  with respect to the longitudinal axis  132  of the push-to-trip actuator  102 . The angle  134  is preferably, but not necessarily greater than 90 degrees. Additionally, the contact surface  136  of the aforementioned notch  130  is preferably generally parallel with respect to the first end  104  of the push-to-trip actuator  102 , as shown. Among other benefits, this configuration of the secondary cover interface  112  accommodates movement of the secondary cover  216  of the circuit breaker housing  202 , such that it can be slid and/or pivoted in order to be coupled to the primary cover  214 , as will now be discussed. Attachment of the secondary cover  216  to the primary cover  214  is further facilitated by the fact that the edges of the first end  104  at the notch  130  thereof are rounded, as best shown in  FIG. 3A , to cooperate with the secondary cover opening  224 , which is chamfered (e.g., angled) as best shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the primary cover  214  of the circuit breaker housing  202  includes a number of apertures  230  (one is shown), and the secondary cover  216  of the circuit breaker housing  202  includes a number of protrusions  232  (one is shown). When the secondary cover  216  is coupled to the primary cover  214 , as shown (see also secondary cover  216  partially shown in phantom line drawing fastened to the primary cover  214  in  FIG. 4A ), each of the protrusions  232  (e.g., tabs) of the secondary cover  216  is disposed in a corresponding one of the apertures  230  of the primary cover  214 . In operation, the tab  232  is inserted (e.g., slid) into the aperture  230  and the secondary cover  216  is pivoted from the position shown in solid line drawing in  FIG. 4A  to the position partially shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 4A  (also partially shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4B ). It will be appreciated that, while a single aperture  230  and one corresponding protrusion  232  are shown herein for simplicity of illustration, that any known or suitable alternative number and/or configuration of apertures (e.g.,  230 ) and/or protrusions (e.g.,  232 ) could be employed, without departing from the scope of the invention. The primary cover  214  of the example circuit breaker  200  further includes an outer surface  234  and a number of cavities  236  (one cavity  236  is shown in  FIG. 2 ) extending inwardly from the outer surface  234  toward the base  212  of the circuit breaker housing  202 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . When the secondary cover  216  is fastened to the primary cover  214 , as partially shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 4A , the secondary cover  216  covers the cavity  236  ( FIG. 2 ) of the primary cover  214 . As shown in  FIG. 4A , the secondary cover  216  of the example circuit breaker  200  further includes at least one hole  238  and at least one fastener  240 . Each fastener  240  is inserted through a corresponding hole (e.g., one hole  238  is shown in phantom line drawing  FIG. 4A ) of the secondary cover  216  and is fastened to fasten the secondary cover  216  to the primary cover  214 , as partially shown in phantom line drawing. It will be appreciated that any known or suitable number and/or configuration of holes (e.g.,  238 ) and fasteners (e.g.,  240 ), as defined herein, could be employed within the scope of the invention. 
     Accordingly, the disclosed push-to-trip assembly  100  manual trip actuator (e.g., push-to-trip actuator  102 ), which cooperates with the circuit breaker operating mechanism (e.g., trip bar  208 ) and/or the circuit breaker cover (e.g., primary cover  214 ; secondary cover  216 ) in order to facilitate the assembly of the circuit breaker  200 , and to control the movement of the push-to-trip actuator  102 , as desired. 
     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.