Connecting block

Abstract

A connecting block in which a support member has a large number of terminal clips extending through the member, for connection of wires to both ends, the support member pivotally mounted in a housing so that one or other side of the support member, and related ends of terminal clips, can be selectively presented for wiring. A hinged cover attached to the support member can be utilized to retain the support member in one selected position, the support member normally positioned in the other position, as by gravity.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A connecting block for a telephone system, comprising: a housing having a back member and two spaced apart side members extending forwardly from said back member, parallel to each other;   pivot means on forward ends of said side members;   a support member positioned between said side members, the support member having front and back faces;   pivot means on said support member at each end thereof and pivotally engaged with said pivot means on said side members, said support .[.members.]. .Iadd.member .Iaddend.adapted to present said front and back faces alternatively in a forward facing direction;   a plurality of terminal clips extending through said support member, front ends of the terminal clips extending through the front face of the support member and back ends of the terminal clips extending through the back face of the support member;   a cover hingedly attached at its lower edge to a lower edge of said front face of said support member;   resilient clip means on an upper edge of said cover and engagement means on an upper edge of said front face of said support .[.means.]. .Iadd.member.Iaddend., the arrangement such that said resilient clip means engage with said engagement means when said front face of said support member is presented forward to retain said cover in position over said terminal clips;   stop means on said side members and said support .[.members.]. .Iadd.member.Iaddend., said stop means positioned to locate said support member in a predetermined position, said back face of the support member present in a forward direction; and   interengaging means on said cover and said housing adapted to retain said support member in said predetermined position.   
     
     
       2. A connecting block as claimed in claim 1, said pivot means on said side members substantially aligned with an upper edge of said housing; said interengaging means on said cover and said housing comprising a resilient clip on the upper edge of said cover and a clip-receiving means on said upper edge of said housing. 
     
     
       3. A connecting block as claimed in claim 8, said pivot means disengageable whereby a support member can be removed from said housing and whereby a support member can be inserted in said housing. 
     
     
       4. A connecting block as claimed in claim 3, said housing of flexible material, said pivot means disengageable by flexing of said housing. 
     
     
       5. A connecting block as claimed in claim 8, said support members supporting said plurality of terminal clips in a series of columns, a series of slots formed in the support member at the front face thereof, a slot substantially aligned with each column of terminal clips; each slot including a central portion, a first gap providing initial access to the slot and a second gap leading from the central portion, the arrangement such that a wire can be pulled through the first gap into said central portion, and can further be pulled into the second gap from said central portion. 
     
     
       6. A connecting block as claimed in claim 5, including clamping means for wires passing to the support member, said clamping means including a member slidably adjustable to accommodate a variable number of wires. 
     
     
       7. A connecting block as claimed in claim 5, including a fanning member attached to said support member at the side thereof presenting said rear ends of said terminal clips, the fanning member including a slot for each column of terminal clips. .Iadd. 8. A connecting block for a telephone system, comprising: a housing having a back member and two spaced apart side members extending forwardly from said back member, parallel to each other, to form an open sided trough shaped member;   pivot means on forward ends of said side members at an upper part thereof;   a support member pivotally positioned between said side members, the support member having front and back faces;   further pivot means on said support member, said further pivot means at each end of said support member at an upper part thereof and pivotally engaged with said pivot means on said side members, said support member pivotal through approximately 180° forwardly and upwardly from a position presenting said front face in a forward facing direction and said support member between said side members, to a position presenting said back face in a forward facing direction; and   a plurality of terminal clips extending through said support member, said clips having front ends extending through the front face of the support member for the connection of conductor wires thereto and back ends extending through the back face of the support member for the connection of further conductor wires thereof. .Iaddend.