A locking clamp is provided that is used for securing at least one tube. The locking clamp has a first and second end axially opposed end pieces and a plurality of locking members extending between the first and second end pieces. Living hinges connect the first and second end pieces to the locking members and allow selective movement of the locking members between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the locked position, the locking members can extend in overlying partially coextensive relation to each other, and the one set of locking members can be defined in a substantially axially opposed, coplanar parallel relationship to the second set of locking members. The clamp may be used during high pressure applications to secure one tube in relationship to another tube.
1. A clamp for securing at least one tube, comprising:
a first end piece and a second end piece, wherein each end piece has a top portion and a bottom portion, and wherein the first and second end pieces are positioned in axially opposed relationship to each other;
a first set of locking members comprising a first locking member rotatably coupled to and extending from the top portion of the first end piece and a second locking member rotatably coupled to and extending from the top portion of the second end piece;
a second set of locking members comprising a first locking member rotatably coupled to and extending from the bottom portion of the first end piece and a second locking member rotatably coupled to and extending from the bottom portion of the second end piece;
a first means for rotatably coupling the first locking member and the second locking member of the first set of locking members;
a second means for rotatably coupling the first locking member and the second locking member of the second set of locking members;
an outer tube mounted to and extending therebetween the respective first and second end pieces;
wherein, the first and second sets of locking members are configured for selective axial movement between a locked position, in which the respective first and second end pieces are positioned axially apart at a maximum distance, and an unlocked position, in which the respective first and second end pieces are positioned axially apart at a distance less than the maximum distance, and wherein, in the locked position, the outer tube has an inner diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the outer tube in the unlocked position.
2. The clamp of claim 1 , wherein the outer tube is an elastomeric tube.
3. The clamp of claim 1 , further comprising a luer lock adjacent the first end piece.
4. The clamp of claim 1 , wherein the first means for rotatably coupling the first locking member and the second locking member of the first set of locking members comprises a living hinge.
5. The clamp of claim 1 , wherein the second means for rotatably coupling the first locking member and the second locking member of the second set of locking members comprises a living hinge.
6. The clamp of claim 1 , wherein the at least one tube comprises a catheter tube.
7. The clamp of claim 1 , wherein, in the unlocked position, the first locking member and the second locking member of the first set of locking members are positioned at an acute angle relative to each other.
8. The clamp of claim 1 , wherein, in the locked position, a forward facing surface of the first locking member of the first set of locking members and a forward facing surface of the second locking member of the first set of locking members are adjacent and substantially parallel to each other.
9. A clamp for securing at least one tube, comprising:
a first end piece and a second end piece, wherein the first and second end pieces are positioned in axially opposed relationship to each other;
a pair of opposed first locking members hingeably coupled to and extending from the first end piece;
a pair of opposed second locking members hingeably coupled to and extending from the second end piece, wherein first locking members are hingeably coupled to respective second locking members, and wherein the respective first and second locking members are moveable about and between a locked position, in which the respective first and second end pieces are positioned axially apart at a maximum distance, and an unlocked position, in which the respective first and second end pieces are positioned axially apart at a distance less than the maximum distance.
an outer tube mounted to and extending therebetween the respective first and second end pieces, wherein, in the locked position, the outer tube has an inner diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the outer tube in the unlocked position.