Extruded three-phase base pan configuration for a load center

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 1.
A three-phase base pan for a load center, comprising: a bottom surface including longitudinally extending ribs, each rib containing a lip extending at substantially a right angle from each rib forming a groove between the bottom surface and the lip; a centrally disposed rail; a first pair of channels extending the length of the base pan, each channel being positioned in a parallel relationship on either side of the rail, each channel cooperating with one rib to form a groove therebetween; a pair of outwardly extending double hook formations, each formation being disposed along the base pan generally parallel to the rail and the first pair of channels; and a second pair of channels extending the length of the base pan, each channel being disposed parallel to the rail along an outer edge of the base pan.
2.
A base pan according to claim 1, the centrally disposed rail having a cross-sectional configuration in the form of a modified cross having a central body and two arms, with each arm of the cross having an upper surface curving away from the body and a lower surface, the lower surface of each arm extending at a right angle horizontally from the body a short distance, then bending up ward at approximately a right angle and then continuing to extend horizontally away from the body.
3.
A base pan according to claim 2, wherein the upper surface and lower surface of each arm are joined by a U-shaped surface.
4.
A base pan according to claim 1, wherein each groove located between the bottom surface and the associated lip is open toward the center of the base pan.
5.
A base pan according to claim 1, wherein each lip extends the length of each rib.




Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is related to co-filed application Ser.
No.
926,008 "Three-Phase Load Center", by Gregory P.
Barner and Drew S.
Hancock, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to three-phase load centers and more particularly to a three-phase extruded base pan configuration for such a load center