Circuit interrupter operating mechanism

An operating mechanism (38) controls and trips a separable contact structure (56) arranged in a protected circuit. The mechanism (38) includes a frame (86), a drive member (88) pivotally coupled to the frame (86), a spring (96) pivotally connecting the drive member (88) to a drive connector (235), an upper link (174) pivotally seated on the drive connector (235), a lower link member (194) pivotally coupled to the drive connector (235), a crank member (208) pivotally coupled to the lower link member (194) for interfacing the separable contact structure (56), and a cradle member (106) pivotally secured to the frame (86) and pivotally securing the upper link (174). The cradle member (106) is configured for being releasably engaged by a latch assembly (126, 138), which is displaced upon occurrence of a predetermined condition in the circuit such as a trip condition. The mechanism (38) is movable between a tripped position, a reset position, an off position, and an on position. Spacers (189, 192, 196, or 234) are operatively positioned between movable members (106, 174, 194, 208), and protrusions (224, 226 or 228) are operatively formed on the enclosure (32, 34 or 36) of the contact structure (56). The spacers (189, 192, 196, or 234) and protrusions (224, 226 or 228) serve to widen the stance of the operating mechanism for force distribution purposes, and also to minimize friction between movable components (106, 174, 194, 208).