Abstract: The telephone (1) comprises a base (2) adapted to be connected to a telephone line, a first handset (4) connected to the base (2) by a flexible cord (5) and a second handset (6) connected to the base (2) by a radio link. To reduce the size of the base (2), the latter is formed with a cavity (11) in which the second handset (6) can be fully inserted, or at least substantially so. This cavity (11) communicates with the exterior of the base through an opening (11b) formed in one of the walls (2c) of the base's casing, such that the microphone and the earpiece of the second handset (6) are acoustically linked with the exterior of the base (2) and hence enable the second handset (6) to be used even when it is lodged in its cavity (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to telephones that have a base and two handsets or one handset and a base acting as a second handset and which are adapted to be connected to two or more telephone lines. Unlike known telephones designed to be connected to a set number of lines and to no other, the telephone according to the invention comprises an adapter that enables it to be connected equally well to a single line as to two lines or more, depending on the maximum number of lines for which it has been designed, and to provide in each case the same scope for communication between parties as a known telephone connected to the same number of lines. The adapter preferably includes change-over switches that can be operated by acting on a control device that is accessible from outside the telephone, but it may also include change-over switches or wire connections located inside the telephone.