Abstract: Liquid crystal display (LCD) devices are becoming more widespread in use because of low power requirements, but such devices are expensive to mount singly at present, being restricted for economy reasons to strips of devices. Elastomeric members are also becoming more widespread in use as a switching member in telephone key pads. The present invention provides a simple and inexpensive mounting of LCD devices individually, in association with switching keys. The key is formed by one protrusion on the elastomeric member. The LCD device is mounted in a recess on the top of another protrusion associated with the key protrusion. Conductive paths through the device mounting protrusion connect at their bottom ends with conductive paths and at the top ends with contacts on the LCD device.

Abstract: Communications terminals, such as telephone sets and additional terminals for particular services, are connected together by a connecting member which is attached to each terminal. Conveniently a recess is formed in each side wall of a terminal, the recesses being contiguous when two terminals are positioned side-by-side. A connecting member is positioned in the contiguous recesses, with hook-shaped members extending up through apertures in a top wall of the recesses and extending over, and preferably in close contact with the top wall. The connecting member is attached by pushing the hook-shaped members through the apertures and then sliding it relative to the terminals. The recesses can be wedge-shaped, the connecting member having a similar shape to fit in the recesses.

Abstract: A faceplate assembly for a telecommunications terminal is of sandwich structure, having top and bottom members. A plurality of apertures through the members permit passage of pushbuttons and other activating members. Channels open at one end are associated with at least some of the apertures for the introduction of cards, having indicia relating to the associated activating member. The top surface of the top member has a non-glare finish. An opaque background color can be applied to the back surface of the top member, having clear windows aligned with the channels. Indicator areas can be provided adjacent to at least some of the apertures, for provision of lighted indication. These indicator areas can have translucent colored ink applied, on the back surface of the top member, to enhance the lighted indication.