Slab-like jack module

Abstract

A jack module having a relatively thin substantially rectangular dielectric housing having collared plug receiving apertures on one end thereof. The housing has a mounting bar parallel with said end, and the mounting bar has a plurality of slots perpendicular with the end. A plurality of metal strips each having tabs extending from opposing edges are secured in a predetermined substantially parallel arrangement by inserting the tabs on one edge into said mounting bar and engaging a dielectric retaining bar with slots corresponding to the tabs on the opposite edges over the metal strips. Lifters having one end rotatably engaging the housing have opposite ends extending between metal strips to hold them in a predetermined alignment. Upon insertion or removal of plugs from said plug receiving apertures, the metal strips are permitted to move laterally with the lifters. At least some of the metal strips are pretensioned and have curves for electrically contacting each other in a predetermined arrangement, the arrangement being changed by inserting plugs through the plug receiving apertures to move predetermined ones of said metal strips in the lateral direction. The opposite ends of the metal strips extend beyond the housing and having terminals adapted for connecting to an electrical circuit. A metal plate engages the housing and attaches over the metal strips. The metal plate not only shields the metal strips but also has extensions which ground to plugs inserted through said plug receiving apertures.