Patent · US Expired

Circuit breaker hold-down

US5973914A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
3References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 27, 1997
Grant dateOct 26, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 27, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH02B1/056
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An attachment for attaching a main circuit breaker in an electrical panel has a uniquely constructed hold-down for the circuit breaker and a headed screw for fastening the hold-down in the panel. The hold-down is a non-electrically conductive part, such as a plastic. A circuit-breaker-engaging projection for engaging a circuit breaker projects from a first side of the hold-down body and a gripping tab projects from a second side of the body opposite the first side. A shank of the headed screw passes through a through-hole in the hold-down body to thread into a hole in a base pan. The screw is tightened against the hold-down body to hold it, and in turn the main circuit breaker, in place. In such an installed condition, the main circuit breaker cannot be removed easily from the panel unless the screw is intentionally unscrewed by a tool sufficiently to allow movement of the hold-down to a position that enables the main circuit breaker to be removed. The hold-down includes certain features that are intended to reduce the risk that the tool might contact parts other than the screw and the hold-down during unscrewing. The gripping tab facilitates installation and removal, and provides …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.