Protected telephone network interface device

A jack unit module for use in a telephone network interface device adapted to contain a plurality of such modules in side-by-side stacked array, said module comprising:

• a body containing a plurality of substantially rectangularly disposed, upstanding, integrally formed sides forming a substantially hollow base structure defining an enclosed chamber therein said sides being configured for close side-by-side disposition with respect to correspondingly configured adjacent base structures in said telephone network interface device;
• means for mounting said base structure body in said telephone network interface apparatus;
• means on said base structure body for connecting subscriber wiring thereto;
• means on said base structure body for connecting telephone company wiring thereto separate from said subscriber wiring;
• means including a jack formed in said base structure body for selectively electrically interconnecting said subscriber wiring and said telephone company wiring;
• and
• means forming a protector assembly disposed in said base structure chamber and having circuit means operative to protect said module against the imposition of excessive voltages;
• a circuit board mountedly disposed in said base structure chamber;
• a ground plate attached to said base structure in spaced relation to said circuit board;
• and
• said protector assembly containing conductor pins extending between and connecting said circuit board and said ground plate for securing said protector assembly in said chamber.

A jack unit module for use in a telephone network interface device adapted to contain a plurality of such modules in side-by-side, stacked array, said module comprising:

• a body formed of electrically non-conductive material containing a plurality of substantially rectangularly disposed, upstanding, integrally formed sides configured for close side-by-side disposition with respect to correspondingly configured adjacent modules in said telephone network interface device, said body having a support surface extending between the upper ends of said sides to define there below a substantially hollow base structure containing an enclosed chamber therein;
• means forming a jack at one longitudinal end of said body structure for electrically connecting a telephone service;
• a terminal strip detachably secured to said support surface and containing means for connecting subscriber wiring thereto;
• means on said body for connecting telephone company wiring thereto;
• means including a depressible actuator mounted for slidable movement in said terminal strip for selectively interconnecting said telephone company wiring and said subscriber wiring;
• a movable cover connected to said body to enclose said terminal strip and said jack, when closed, and to expose said terminal strip and said jack, when open;
• an operator carried by said cover to operate said actuator for electrically connecting said subscriber wiring and said telephone company wiring when said cover is closed and for disconnecting said subscriber wiring and said telephone company wiring when said cover is open;
• means forming a groundable protector assembly disposed in said chamber for protecting said module against the conduction of excessive voltages by said telephone company wiring;
• a ground plate in said chamber in substantially spaced, parallel relation to said support surface;
• a parallelly arranged circuit board between said ground plate and said support surface;
• a pair of line pins connecting said protector assembly to said circuit board;
• and,
• a ground pin connecting said protector assembly to said ground plate.