Color coding lock

A locking device for locking an object comprising:

• an inner cap having a first locking engagement device including one of threadings, fitted rings, flange rings and sealing rings, permitting a detachable engagement between the inner cap and a correspondingly matched second locking engagement device on the object being locked,
• an outer cap having a transparent portion that is situated so that at least a portion of the inner cap is visible through it, said inner cap and said outer cap being two substantially rigid locking components;
• and
• the inner cap and the outer cap being capable of assuming at least a first position and a second position relative to one another such that a movement required to open the locking device immediately moves the position of the inner cap relative to the outer cap from the first position to the second position, wherein the inner cap includes an indicator area that is permanently modified in at least one physically perceivable property, the permanent modification of the at least one physically perceivable property of said inner cap being affected by the movement to open the locking device and being at least partially viewable through the transparent portion of the outer cap,
• wherein at least one of said inner and outer caps includes at least one snap device that, after moving the inner cap into the second position relative to the outer cap, fixes the inner and outer caps substantially in relation to one another through the action of one of a non-positive connection, a positive connection or a resistance that is to be overcome such that the inner and outer caps remain in the second position relative to one another even when closing the locking device again.