Safety trip mechanism for multi-position switch

In switchgear which includes a casing, switch contact means disposed within said casing and including at least one pair of switch contacts at least one of which is movable relative to the other between a position spaced from said other in open electrical circuit therewith and a position contacting said other in closed electrical circuit therewith, actuating means for moving said movable switch contact between said spaced and contacting positions relative to said other of said contacts, said actuating means including a movable arming handle, energy storage means operatively associated with said arm handle and said movable switch contact and adapted to create potential energy during movement of said arming handle, said actuating means further including release means operative to release said potential energy and facilitate snap-action movement of said movable switch contact between its said spaced and contacting positions;

• the combination therewith comprising latch plate means operatively associated with said movable switch contact and movable therewith, said latch plate means having detent means thereon, and latch lever means pivotally supported by said casing and movable between a first position cooperating with said detent means to prevent movement of said latch plate means and associated movable switch contact, and a second position released from said detent means to facilitate movement of said latch plate means and snap-action movement of said movable switch contact between its said spaced and contacting positions relative to the other of said switch contacts.