Telecommunications interface with protector modules

A telecommunications interface for connecting incoming telephone lines and user-provided equipment comprising:

• base means for supporting said interface on a support surface;
• terminals formed on said base means electrically connectable to incoming telephone lines;
• a socket formed on said base means and including terminal apertures electrically connected with said terminals;
• removable plug-in module means including a housing, a modular jack supported by said housing and connector elements inserted into said socket for supporting electrical connections between said terminals and a corresponding terminal in said modular jack;
• protector means arranged in said housing for protecting user-provided equipment from damage due to a voltage surge on incoming telephone lines;
• an intermediate cover removably attached to said base means and covering said base means and plug-in module except for said modular jack;
• said intermediate cover including intermediate terminals adapted to receive said conductors, the interface further comprising an interconnect cable electrically connected to said terminals and to said modular jack;
• an outer cover removably attached to said intermediate cover and covering said intermediate cover;
• and
• said modular jack being adapted to receive conductors electrically connected to user provided equipment whereby said conductors are received in said modular jack through said intermediate cover before said outer cover is attached to said intermediate cover.

A telecommunications interface for connection between incoming telephone lines and customer equipment, comprising:

• a base for mounting on a support surface and including terminals for connection of incoming telephone lines and a plug-in receptacle electrically connected with said terminals;
• entry means in said base for receiving telephone lines for attachment to said terminals;
• at least one plug-in module provided with plug-in means for electrically connecting said module with said plug-in receptacle, the module including a housing and a modular jack supported by said housing;
• said module provided with protector means located in said module housing;
• an intermediate cover attached to said base and extending over said module and said terminals, the intermediate cover including an aperture for access to said modular jack;
• entry means in said intermediate cover for receiving conductors of customer equipment to said modular jack;
• an outer cover extending over said intermediate cover and means for attaching said outer cover to said intermediate cover;
• and
• a forward extending rib along the bottom of the base and a rearwardly extending rib along the bottom of the intermediate cover, the ribs in opposition, a slot extending into each rib from its outer edge, and an elastomeric member extending into each slot, and grooves in the front edges of the ribs for passage of conductors between said ribs.