| abstract |
A gel-filled closure (10) for environmentally protecting a connector (40) forming a connection between a cable (41) and at least one electrical component (which may be another cable) (42, 43) is disclosed. The closure includes first and second cavitied bodies (12a, 12b), each having two lateral sides (13) and two end sides (14); a hinge (15) joining the first and second cavitied bodies along a lateral side thereof, such that the cavitied bodies are capable of pivoting around the hinge and closing around the connector and immediately adjacent portions of the cable and the at least one electrical component. A gel (24) substantially fills each of the first and second cavitied bodies. At least one of the cavitied bodies has a flap (16a, 16b) disposed along the lateral edge thereof distal from the hinge, for directing gel flow in the lateral direction as the first and second cavitied bodies are closed. A locking mechanism (19, 20) for securing the cavitied bodies in a closed position is also provided. |