Patent Publication Number: US-7586394-B2

Title: Electrical switching apparatus, and trip actuator reset assembly and lever arm assembly therefor

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is related to commonly assigned, co-pending: 
   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/696,810, filed Apr. 5, 2007, entitled “ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS AND TRIP ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY THEREFOR”; 
   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 reset assemblies for electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers. The invention also relates to lever arm assemblies for circuit breaker trip actuator reset assemblies. 
   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). The travel and actuating force of the plunger are relatively limited. Therefore, any misalignment between circuit breaker components can adversely affect the reset operation of the trip actuator assembly. For example, because the pole shaft, the cradle assembly, and the reset lever are coupled together, dimensional variations and/or assembly errors can result in imprecise interaction among these components. By way of example, the pole shaft and the cradle assembly may, for example, move in a manner which tends to over-rotate the reset lever of the trip actuator reset assembly. More specifically, over-rotation occurs when the reset lever has completely depressed the plunger, thus resetting the trip actuator, but the pole shaft and/or the cradle assembly continue to move causing the reset lever to continue to apply pressure to the plunger. 
   There is, therefore, room for improvement in electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breakers, and in trip actuator reset assemblies therefor. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   These needs and others are met by embodiments of the invention, which are directed to a lever arm assembly for trip actuator reset assemblies of electrical switching apparatus such as, for example, circuit breakers, wherein the lever arm assembly can accommodate dimensional and/or assembly imperfections and conditions (e.g., over-rotation of the pole shaft, cradle assembly and/or reset lever) caused thereby, in order to avoid damage to the circuit breaker and to accurately and consistently reset the trip actuator. 
   As one aspect of the invention, a lever arm assembly is provided for a trip actuator reset assembly of an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The trip actuator reset assembly includes a cradle assembly pivotably coupled to the pole shaft, a reset lever pivotably coupled to the housing, and a trip actuator including an actuating element. The cradle assembly is movable among a first position corresponding to the separable contacts being closed, and a second position corresponding to the separable contacts being open. The actuating element is structured to move the reset lever in response to a trip condition. The lever arm assembly comprises: at least one linking element including a first end structured to be pivotably coupled to the cradle assembly, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and a pivot structured to pivotably couple such linking element to the housing; and a deflection assembly comprising a deflection member disposed on a corresponding one of the at least one linking element and being structured to move the reset lever. After the trip condition, the actuating element of the trip actuator is structured to be reset. When the cradle assembly moves from the first position toward the second position, the cradle assembly moves the corresponding one of the at least one linking element, thereby moving the deflection member into engagement with the reset lever, in order to pivot the reset lever. When the deflection member pivots the reset lever, the reset lever moves the actuating element of the trip actuator, thereby resetting the trip actuator, and after the trip actuator has been reset, if the cradle assembly continues to move beyond the second position, then the deflection assembly deflects to accommodate any additional motion of the cradle assembly. 
   The corresponding one of the at least one linking element may comprise an elongated arm including a first end, a second end, a first edge, a second edge disposed opposite the first edge, a pivot disposed at or about the second end, and at least one recess disposed on the first edge proximate the pivot. The deflection assembly may be coupled to the first edge at or about the at least one recess. The deflection assembly may further comprise a bias element substantially disposed within a corresponding one of the at least one recess, wherein the bias element is structured to bias the deflection member toward engagement with the reset lever. The at least one recess may be a first recess and a second recess disposed on the first edge of the elongated arm proximate the first recess. The deflection member may be a generally planar member having a first side facing the first edge of the elongated arm, a second side disposed opposite the first side, a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end of the generally planar member, and a tab extending outwardly from the first side of the generally planar member at or about the first end of the generally planar member. The second end of the generally planar member may be structured to cooperate with the pivot, and the tab may movably engage the first edge of the elongated arm at or about the second recess. 
   The pivot may comprise a generally circular portion disposed at or about the second end of the elongated arm. The generally circular portion may include a hole. A pin member may extend through the hole and be structured to be pivotably coupled to the housing of the electrical switching apparatus. A protrusion may extend outwardly from the generally circular portion, wherein the protrusion is generally parallel with respect to the first edge of the elongated arm and is spaced apart from the first edge of the elongated arm. The second end of the generally planar member may be disposed between the protrusion and the first edge of the elongated arm. 
   The cradle assembly may include a first end pivotably coupled to the pole shaft, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end of the cradle assembly, and at least one side member extending between the first end of the cradle assembly and the second end of the cradle assembly. The at least one linking element may further comprise a connecting link structured to interconnect the elongated arm and the cradle assembly, wherein the connecting link includes a first end structured to be pivotably coupled to a corresponding one of the at least one side member, and a second end pivotably coupled to the first end of the elongated arm. 
   As another aspect of the invention, a trip actuator reset assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The trip actuator reset assembly comprises: a cradle assembly including a first end structured to be pivotably coupled to the pole shaft, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and at least one side member extending between the first end and the second end, the cradle assembly being movable among a first position corresponding to the separable contacts being closed, and a second position corresponding to the separable contacts being open; a reset lever structured to be pivotably coupled to the housing; a trip actuator including an actuating element which, in response to a trip condition, moves the reset lever; and a lever arm assembly comprising: at least one linking element including a first end pivotably coupled to a corresponding one of the at least one side member of the cradle assembly, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end of the at least one linking element, and a pivot structured to pivotably couple the at least one linking element to the housing, and a deflection assembly comprising a deflection member disposed on a corresponding one of the at least one linking element and being cooperable with the reset lever. After the trip condition, the actuating element of the trip actuator must be reset. When the cradle assembly moves from the first position toward the second position, the at least one side member of the cradle assembly moves the corresponding one of the at least one linking element, thereby moving the deflection member into engagement with the reset lever, in order to pivot the reset lever. When the deflection member pivots the reset lever, the reset lever moves the actuating element of the trip actuator, thereby resetting the trip actuator, and after the trip actuator has been reset, if the cradle assembly continues to move beyond the second position, then the deflection assembly deflects to accommodate any additional motion of the cradle assembly. 
   The corresponding one of the at least one linking element of the lever arm assembly may comprise an elongated arm including a first end, a second end, a first edge, a second edge disposed opposite the first edge, a pivot disposed at or about the second end of the elongated arm, and at least one recess disposed on the first edge proximate the pivot of the elongated arm. The deflection member of the deflection assembly may be coupled to the first edge of the elongated arm at or about the at least one recess. The deflection assembly may further comprise a bias element substantially disposed within a corresponding one of the at least one recess, wherein the bias element biases the deflection member toward engagement with the reset lever. 
   As another aspect of the invention, an electrical switching apparatus comprises: a housing; separable contacts enclosed by the housing; an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, the operating mechanism including a pole shaft; and a trip actuator reset assembly comprising: a cradle assembly including a first end pivotably coupled to the pole shaft, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and at least one side member extending between the first end and the second end, the cradle assembly being movable among a first position corresponding to the separable contacts being closed, and a second position corresponding to the separable contacts being open, a reset lever pivotably coupled to the housing, a trip actuator including an actuating element which, in response to a trip condition, moves the reset lever, and a lever arm assembly comprising: at least one linking element including a first end pivotably coupled to the corresponding one of the at least one side member of the cradle assembly, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end of the at least one linking element, and a pivot pivotably coupling the at least one linking element to the housing, and a deflection assembly comprising a deflection member disposed on a corresponding one of the at least one linking element and being cooperable with the reset lever. After the trip condition, the actuating element of the trip actuator must be reset. When the cradle assembly moves from the first position toward the second position, the corresponding one of the at least one side member of the cradle assembly moves the corresponding one of the at least one linking element, thereby moving the deflection member into engagement with the reset lever, in order to pivot the reset lever. When the deflection member pivots the reset lever, the reset lever moves the actuating element of the trip actuator, thereby resetting the trip actuator, and after the trip actuator has been reset, if the cradle assembly continues to move beyond the second position, then the deflection assembly deflects to accommodate any additional motion of the cradle assembly. 

   
     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 one side of a circuit breaker, and a trip actuator reset assembly and lever arm assembly therefor, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, showing portions of the circuit breaker in block form; 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the opposite side of the circuit breaker, and trip actuator reset assembly and lever arm assembly therefor of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the lever arm assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the lever arm assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a portion of the circuit breaker, and the trip actuator reset assembly and lever arm assembly therefor, of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6A  is a right side elevation view of the trip actuator reset assembly, and pole shaft and cradle assembly of  FIG. 1 , with each component shown in its respective position corresponding to the circuit breaker being closed; and 
       FIG. 6B  is a right side elevation view of the trip actuator reset assembly, and pole shaft and cradle assembly of  FIG. 6A , 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 term “linking element” refers to any known or suitable mechanism for connecting one component to another and expressly includes, but is not limited to, rigid links (e.g., without limitation, arms; pins; rods), flexible links (e.g., without limitation, wires; chains; ropes), and resilient links (e.g., without limitation, springs). 
   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 reset assembly  50  and a lever arm 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 hidden line drawing, enclosed by the housing  4 , and an operating mechanism  10 , shown in simplified form in hidden line drawing, which is structured to open and close the separable contacts  8 . The operating mechanism  10  includes a pivotable pole shaft  20 , which is partially shown in  FIG. 1  (see also pole shaft  20  of  FIGS. 2 ,  6 A and  6 B). 
   The trip actuator reset assembly  50  includes a cradle assembly  52  (best shown in  FIG. 2 ), which has a first end  54  pivotably coupled to the pole shaft  20 , a second end  56  disposed opposite and distal from the first end  54 , and at least one side member  58 , 60  (two are shown) extending between the first and second ends  54 , 56 . A reset lever  70  of the trip actuator reset assembly  50  is pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing  4 , and cooperates with a trip actuator  102  (e.g., without limitation, a solenoid) and, in particular, an actuating element  130  (e.g., without limitation, a plunger) of the trip actuator  102 . The actuating element  130  is structured to move the reset lever  70  in response to a trip condition. Interaction of the trip actuator  102  and actuating element  130  thereof with the reset lever  70  will be further appreciated with respect to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , which are discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. 
   The cradle assembly  52  is movable among a first position ( FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 A), corresponding to the separable contacts  8  being closed, and a second position ( FIG. 6B ), corresponding to separable contacts  8  being open. Operation of the pole shaft  20  of the circuit breaker operating mechanism  10 , the cradle assembly  50 , and the trip actuator  102  may be similar, for example, to the operation of the corresponding components described, for example, in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/696,810, which has been incorporated herein by reference. 
   The housing  4  of the example circuit breaker  2  includes the mounting surface  6  and first and second side plates  104 , 106  extending outwardly therefrom. The first side plate  104  has first and second opposing ends  110 ,  112 , a bottom edge  114 , which engages the mounting surface  6  of the circuit breaker housing  4 , and a top edge  116 . The aforementioned cradle assembly  50  is disposed on the second side  152  of the first side plate  104 , between the first and second side plates  104 ,  106 . The example first side plate  104 , in combination with a number of protrusions  30 , 32  and fastener  34 , all of which extend outwardly from the mounting surface  6  of the circuit breaker housing  4 , secure the trip actuator  102  to the mounting surface  6 . More specifically, the fastener  34  engages a hole  36  in protrusion  32 , in order to secure the trip actuator  102  in the desired orientation with respect to the first side plate  104 . In the example of  FIG. 1 , the trip actuator  102  is secured to the mounting surface  6  of the circuit breaker housing  4  such that the actuating element  130  of the trip actuator  102  is disposed on the first side  150  of the first side plate  104 . It will, however, be appreciated that the trip actuator  102  may be secured in any known or suitable alternative manner and configuration, without departing from the scope of the invention. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  5 ,  6 A and  6 B, the reset lever  70  includes a first end  72  overlaying the actuating element  130  of the trip actuator  102 , a second end  74  disposed distal from the first end  72 , and a pivot  76  pivotably coupling the reset lever  70  to the first side  150  of the first side plate  104 . The second end  74  of the reset lever  70  extends from at or about the first side  150  of the first side plate  104 , through an opening  120  of the side plate  104 , and beyond the second side  152  of the side plate  104 , in order to cooperate with the lever arm assembly  200 , as best shown in  FIG. 5 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 , it will be appreciated that the example lever arm assembly  200  includes two linking elements, an elongated arm  202 , and a connecting link  252 , which interconnects the elongated arm  202  and the cradle assembly  52  ( FIGS. 2 ,  5 ,  6 A and  6 B). Specifically, the elongated arm  202  includes a first end  204 , a second end  206 , first and second opposing edges  214 ,  216 , and a pivot  208  disposed at or about the second end  206 . The pivot  208  pivotably couples the elongated arm  202  to the second side  152  of the side plate  104 , as best shown in  FIG. 2 . A deflection assembly  210 , which includes a deflection member  212 , is movably coupled to the first edge  214  of the elongated arm  202 . The second end  74  of the aforementioned reset lever  70  of the trip actuator reset assembly  50  extends through the hole  120  (shown in hidden line drawing in  FIG. 5 ; see also  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 A and  6 B) of the circuit breaker side plate  104 , and overlays the deflection member  212  of the correction assembly  210 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Accordingly, the deflection member  212 , which in the example shown and described herein is a generally planar member  212 , is structured to move the reset lever  70 , thereby moving the actuating element  130  of the trip actuator  102 , in order to reset the trip actuator  102  after the trip condition. 
   Specifically, in response to the trip condition, the actuating element  130  of the trip actuator  102  extends, as shown in phantom line drawing in  FIG. 6A , in order to engage and move the first end  72  of the reset lever  70 , causing the reset lever  70  to pivot (e.g., counterclockwise with respect to  FIG. 6A ) about pivot  76 . After the trip condition, the actuating element  130  remains extended until it is depressed by the reset lever  70 , as shown in  FIG. 6B , in order to reset the trip actuator  102 . When the cradle assembly  52  is moved toward the second position of  FIG. 6B , the deflection member  212  of the deflection assembly  210  of the lever arm assembly  200  engages the second end  74  of the reset lever  70 , thereby pivoting the reset lever  70  (e.g., clockwise with respect to  FIG. 6B ) about pivot  76 . As the cradle assembly  52  moves into the second position ( FIG. 6B ), the reset lever  70  continues to pivot until the first end  72  of the reset lever  70  completely depresses the actuating element  130 , thereby resetting the trip actuator  102 , as shown in  FIG. 6B . After the trip actuator  102  is reset, if the cradle assembly  52  continues to move (e.g., continues to pivot the reset lever  70  clockwise about pivot  76 ), then the deflection member  212  of the deflection assembly  210  deflects ( FIG. 6B ) to absorb such movement. In this manner, the lever arm assembly  200  and, in particular, the deflection assembly  210  thereof, among other benefits, accommodate excess motion of the cradle assembly  50  in order to resist damage that could otherwise be caused thereby (e.g., without limitation, damage to the trip actuator  102  and/or actuating element  130  thereof). 
   Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , it will be appreciated that the elongated arm  202  of the example lever arm assembly  200  further includes first and second recesses  218 , 220  disposed on the first edge  214  of the elongated arm  202 , proximate the pivot  208  thereof. The deflection assembly  210  includes a biasing element, which in the example shown and described herein is a spring  222  having a first end  234  disposed within the first recess  218  of the elongated arm  202 , and a second end  236  that engages a first side  224  of the deflection member  212  of the deflection assembly  210 . The spring  220  is, therefore, structured to bias the deflection member  212  toward engagement with the reset lever  70  and, in particular, the second end  74  thereof, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 ,  6 A and  6 B. Hence, it will be appreciated that it is the deflection of the exemplary spring  222 , which ultimately accommodates excess travel of the cradle assembly  50  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 ,  6 A and  6 B), in the manner previously discussed. 
   The pivot  208  of the example elongated arm  202  is disposed at the second end  206  thereof, and includes a generally circular portion  238  including a hole  240 , a pin member  242  extending through the hole  240  and pivotably coupling the elongated arm  202  to the side plate  104  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ) of the circuit breaker housing  4  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and a protrusion  244 . The protrusion  244  extends outwardly from the generally circular portion  238 , and is generally parallel with respect to the first edge  214  of the elongated arm  202  and is spaced apart therefrom, as best shown in the side elevation view of  FIG. 4 . The generally planar member  212 , which is the deflection member  212  of the example deflection assembly  210 , in addition to the aforementioned first side  224 , includes a second side  226 , disposed opposite the first side  224 , and first and second ends  228 , 230 . The second end  230  is disposed between the protrusion  244  of the pivot  208  and the first edge  214  of the elongated arm  202 . The first end  228  includes a tab  232  extending outwardly from the first side  224  of the generally planar member  212 . The tab  232  movably engages the first edge  214  of the elongated arm  202  at or about the second recess  220  thereof, as best shown in hidden line drawing in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The protrusion  244  includes an aperture  246 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5  in solid line drawing, and in hidden line drawing in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . A fastener  248 , which includes a first end  249 , a second end  250 , and a shaft  251  extending therebetween, extends through the aperture  246  of the protrusion  244 , through the second end  230  of the generally planar member  212  of the deflection assembly  210 , and into the first edge  214  of the elongated arm  202 , in order that the first end  249  is disposed in the first edge  214 , the second end  250  is disposed at or about the protrusion  244 , and the shaft  251  extends therebetween, and as best shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the shaft  251  of the fastener  248  movably secures the second end  230  of the generally planar member  212  between the first edge  214  of the elongated arm  202  and the protrusion  244 . The first end  228  of the generally planar member  212  and, in particular, the tab  232  thereof, is secured within the second recess  220  of the elongated arm  202 . In this manner, the generally planar member  212 , which is the deflection member  212  of the deflection assembly  210 , can be deflected, for example, by the second end  74  of the reset lever  70  of the trip actuator reset assembly  50 , such that the tab  232  of the deflection member  212  moves downwardly (from the perspective of  FIG. 6B ) within the second recess  220  of the elongated arm  202 , and the second end  230  of the deflection member  212  slides downwardly (from the perspective of  FIG. 6B ) on the shaft  251  of the fastener  248 , as shown in  FIG. 6B . 
   As shown, for example, in  FIG. 6A , the example lever arm assembly  200  also includes the aforementioned connecting link  252 , although it will be appreciated that any known or suitable alternative number and/or configuration of linking elements (e.g.,  202 , 252 ), as defined herein, could be employed, without departing from the scope of the invention. The example connecting link  252  includes a first end  254  pivotably coupled to a corresponding one  58  of the side members  58 , 60  of the cradle assembly  50 , and a second end  256  pivotably coupled to the first end  204  of the elongated arm  202 . Specifically, as best shown in  FIG. 3 , the first end  204  of the elongated arm  202  includes a pair of opposing side walls  260 , 262  (partially shown in hidden line drawing), which form a slot  264  (partially shown in hidden line drawing) therebetween. The second end  256  (shown in hidden line drawing) of the connecting link  252  is pivotably disposed within such slot  264 , between the pair of opposing side walls  260 , 262 , as shown. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the connecting link  252  translates movement of the cradle assembly  52  to the elongated arm  202  and, in turn, to the reset lever  70 , in order to reset the actuating element  130  of the trip actuator  102 , as shown in  FIG. 6B , following the trip condition. In the example shown and described herein, the pivotable connection between the first end  254  of the connecting link  252  and the first side  58  of the cradle assembly  52  is accomplished using a pin  258  ( FIGS. 2-5 ,  6 A and  6 B), although it will be appreciated that any known or suitable alternative fastener or connecting mechanism (not shown) could be employed. 
   Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the disclosed trip actuator reset assembly  100  and lever arm assembly  200  therefor, provide a mechanism for accommodating, 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  2  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
   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.