Tamper-evident, self-locking cover for mechanical connections and related objects

Abstract

A tamper-evident, self-locking cover for mechanical and electrical connections includes a unitary, molded plastic member including two generally semi-cylindrical pockets connected by a first living hinge and including snap-fit, self-locking, tamper-evident means of connection. Integrally therewith and extending from one pocket half are a pair of generally cylindrical receptacles arranged so as to provide three gripping fingers. Integrally therewith and extending from the other enclosing portion are a pair of stem members which are initially oriented in a non-engaging orientation and which are connected by means of a second living hinge. As the enclosing portions are flexed and closed around the object to be encased and protected, the stem members are flexed into a controlled engaging orientation so as to be brought into alignment with the female receptacles. Once the two stem members are inserted into the receptacles, the receptacle fingers grip the back portion of the frustoconical head of each stem preventing disassembly or disconnection without damaging or destroying one or more of the self-locking components. The locking components are covered by an extension of one of the two molded pockets preventing access to release the locking fingers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.