Mounting bracket and ground bar for a connector block

Abstract

A hinged mounting bracket and attachable ground bar used in conjunction with a telephone wire termination block. The mounting bracket is adapted to accept modular connectors in order to form any size connecting block. The hinged bracket consists of two pieces, a bracket base and a front flap which receives the modular connectors. In a preferred embodiment, the front flap is coupled to the base by a hinge which enables the bracket to rotate open so that rear terminals of the modular connectors may be easily accessed. The ground bar is attachable to the front or rear of the mounting bracket in order to provide a ground for gas tube circuit protectors that may be inserted into the modular connectors. The ability to secure the ground bar to the mounting bracket in a variety of orientations provides additional flexibility for all types of wiring schemes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ground bar couples to support posts on the mounting bracket utilizing a force fit insertion. A tab on the ground bar creates a bias against the support posts to retain the ground bar in a fixed position. Individual circuit protection modules are adapted to be received on the ground bar which establishes a positive seat connection.