Clamp assembly for clamping pipe and controlling fluid flow

Abstract

A clamp assembly for clamping a flexible pipe includes a base member including a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls. The at least one sidewall includes a clip latch feature extending inwardly from an inner surface of the at least one sidewall. The locking lever is located between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position such that the locking lever pivots relative to the base member. The locking lever includes a lever engagement feature that is configured to cooperatively mate with the clip latch feature.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 388,458, filed on July 12, 2022, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present description relates generally to clamp assemblies and, more particularly, to clamp assemblies for clamping tubulars and controlling the flow of fluids through the tubulars. Background Art

[0003] Many laboratory systems utilize flexible tubing to direct or transfer fluids from one system to another. Corning's HYPERStack TM HYPERStack is one such system that utilizes flexible pipes. TM The system consists of multiple modules formed by individual stacked layers that can be interconnected by flexible pipes connected to pipe connectors. The modules are interconnected for filling and emptying the HYPERStack TM Valves and other devices, such as clamps, can be used to control the flow of fluids into and out of the HYPERStack using flexible tubing. TM For example, in HYPERStack TM During the filling and emptying process, it may be necessary to slow down or stop the flow of fluid through the pipes into and out of the system.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a clamp assembly suitable for clamping a flexible tubing to control the flow of a fluid through the tubing. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one embodiment, a clamp assembly for clamping a flexible tubing includes a base member including a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls. At least one of the side walls includes a clamp latch feature extending inwardly from an inner surface of at least one of the side walls. A locking lever is located between the side walls and is pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position so that the locking lever pivots relative to the base member. The locking lever includes a lever snap feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a clamp assembly for clamping a flexible tubing includes a base member including a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls. At least one of the side walls includes a clamp latch feature. A locking lever is located between the side walls and is pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position so that the locking lever pivots relative to the base member. The locking lever includes a lever engagement feature configured to cooperatively cooperate with the clamp latch feature. The disengagement clamp feature is configured to move inwardly and act on the tubing located in the base member.

[0007] Additional features and advantages of the clamp assembly and method will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art from these descriptions or be learned by practice of the embodiments described in the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0008] It should be understood that the foregoing general embodiments and the following detailed descriptions describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and the accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments described herein and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a clamp assembly for clamping and holding a flexible tubular in an open configuration according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0010] Figure 2 According to one or more embodiments shown and described herein Figure 1 An isolated top perspective view of a base member of the clamp assembly;

[0011] Figure 3 According to one or more embodiments shown and described herein Figure 1 An isolated top perspective view of a locking rod of the clamp assembly;

[0012] Figure 4 is a clamp assembly in an open configuration according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4;

[0013] Figure 5 A clamp assembly in a fully closed configuration according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of ; and

[0014] Figure 6A clamp assembly in a partially closed configuration according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line 4-4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Embodiments described herein generally relate to a clamp assembly for clamping a flexible tubing, thereby reducing the inner diameter of the tubing to reduce or prevent flow through the tubing. The clamp assembly includes a base member, the base member including a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls. At least one side wall has at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from each other along the inner surface of the at least one side wall, so that the clamp latch features are at different distances from the bottom. A locking rod is pivotally connected to the side wall at a pivot position so that the locking rod pivots relative to the base member. The locking rod includes a rod snap feature, which is configured to cooperate with the clamp latch feature. The rod snap feature cooperates with one of the clamp latch features at a first angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking rod in the first angular position, and cooperates with another clamp latch feature at a different second angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking rod in the second angular position. At least one of the side walls may include a tube disengagement feature that is movable inwardly toward the other side wall to act on the tube and apply pressure thereto.

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this description and in which several specific embodiments of the apparatus, system and method are illustrated by way of illustration. It should be understood that other embodiments may be conceived and made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered restrictive.

[0017] All scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate the understanding of some terms frequently used herein and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include embodiments having plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] As used herein, the words “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” “comprising,” and the like are used in their open-ended sense and generally mean “including, but not limited to.”

[0020] refer to Figure 1 , the clamp assembly 10 includes a base member 12 and a locking lever 14. The base member 12 and the locking lever 14 may be separate components connected together at a pivot location 15 so that the locking lever 14 can pivot relative to the base member 12. It should be noted that the features of the clamp assembly 10 including the base member 12 and the locking lever 14 may be the same on opposite sides of the geometric centerline of the clamp assembly 10.

[0021] Also refer to Figure 2 , the base member 12 includes opposing side walls 16, 18 and a bottom 20 extending between the side walls 16 and 18, which is formed in a U-shape in cross-section. Each side wall 16, 18 includes an outer surface 22, 24 and an inner surface 26, 28. An opening 30, 32 is provided through the side walls 16, 18 at the pivot location 15. The size and position of the opening 30, 32 are designed to receive the pivot projection 34 ( Figure 1 In some embodiments, guide recesses 37, 39 intersecting the openings 30, 32 may be provided. Figure 2 ) to guide and facilitate the insertion of the pivot projection 34 into the openings 30 , 32 .

[0022] The two side walls 16, 18 may include a disengagement clamping feature 36, 38 formed as a cantilevered tab connected to the side walls 16, 18 at the mounting ends 40, 42 and extending to opposite free ends 44, 46. At the free ends 44, 46 are projections 48, 50 extending inwardly toward each other. As used herein, the term "inwardly" refers to the geometric centerline of the base member 12. The disengagement clamping features 36, 38 are configured to be resiliently bent so that the projections 48, 50 can be manually moved toward each other for a tubular disengagement clamping operation. The disengagement clamping features 36, 38 can return to their initial unbent position when they are released. Finger receiving openings 52, 54 can be provided around the free ends 44, 46, the size of the finger receiving openings being designed to receive fingers that push the free ends 44, 46 and facilitate the movement of the disengagement clamping features 36, 38. The disengagement features 36 , 38 are configured to act on the sides of a tubing passing through the base member 12 to help the tubing return to closer to its original inner diameter and increase flow therethrough.

[0023] Each side wall 16, 18 also includes a clamp latch feature 56, 58. Figure 1 and Figure 2Only the clamp latch features 56, 58 of the side wall 18 can be seen in the figure, but the other side wall 16 may include clamp latch features 56, 58 that form opposing clamp latch features 56, 58. The clamp latch features 56, 58 can be formed as inner wall posts that protrude outward from the inner surfaces 26, 28 of the side walls 16, 18, thereby providing a point-type latching position on the interior of the side walls 16, 18. As shown, the clamp latch features 56, 58 are spaced apart from each other along the inner surfaces 26, 28, so that the clamp latch features 56, 58 are at different distances from the bottom 20. The clamp latch feature 56 is farthest from the bottom 20 and provides the locking bar 14 with a first locking position farthest from the bottom 20. The clamp latch feature 58 is closest to the bottom 20 and provides the locking bar 14 with a second locking position closest to the bottom 20.

[0024] Each side wall 16, 18 also includes a wall separation feature 60. Figure 2 Only the wall separation feature 60 of the side wall 18 can be seen, but the other side wall 16 may include a wall separation feature 60 forming an opposing wall separation feature 60. Each wall separation feature 60 includes a cam surface 62, a driven separation arm 64 ( Figure 3 ) travels against the cam surface 62. As will be described in greater detail, when it is desired to disengage the locking bar 14 from the clamp latch features 56, 58, the cam surface 62 and the driven separation arm 64 can cooperate to provide greater separation between the side walls 16 and 18.

[0025] The base member 12 also includes end walls 66, 68. The end walls 66, 68 can be part of the bottom 20, or they can extend outward from the bottom 20. When the pipe enters / leaves the base member 12, the end walls 66, 68 are located at the entrance and exit positions of the pipe. The thickness of the end walls 66, 68 tapers from each side wall 16, 18 to the center line of the base member 12. In this regard, the height of the end walls 66, 68 is reduced at its center 70 than at the side walls 16, 18. If necessary, this tapered arrangement can allow for increased space for the pipe hardware to pass through. The bottom 20 can also be provided with corrugations 72, which are peaks and valleys to fit the user's fingers and can provide comfort and stability during the clamping operation.

[0026] refer to Figure 3 , the locking lever 14 is shown alone and includes a clamping portion 74 and a lever portion 76. The lever portion 76 and the clamping portion 74 extend at an angle to each other to form a slight V-shape. The clamping portion 74 includes opposing sides 78, 80 and a clamping edge 82 extending between the sides 78 and 80. A pivoting projection 34 is located at each side 78, 80 and is sized to be received by the openings 30, 32 that provide the pivot location 15.

[0027] The stem portion 76 extends outwardly at an oblique angle from the clamp portion 74 and includes an outwardly facing side 84 facing away from the bottom 20 of the base member 12 and an inwardly facing side 86 facing the bottom 20 of the base member 12. The stem portion 76 has opposing sides 88, 90, each of which includes a latch engagement feature 92, 94 ( Figure 1 Each latch engagement feature 92 has a recessed area 95 that is sized and positioned to receive the clamp latch features 56 , 58 when the locking bar 14 is rotated.

[0028] The rod portion 76 also includes an access opening 96 extending through the rod portion 76. The access opening 96 exposes the driven separation arm 64. The driven separation arm 64 is cantileveredly connected to the rod portion 76 at the mounting end 98 so that when the driven separation arm 64 is pressed, it moves relative to the rod portion 76. The driven separation arm 64 also includes a driven member 100 having a driven surface 102 along the cam surface 62 of the wall separation feature 60 of each side wall 16, 18. When the driven separation arm 64 is pushed inwardly relative to the rod portion 76, the clamp latch features 56, 58 are received by the latch engagement features 92, and one or both of the cam surface 62 and the driven surface 102 are angled relative to the plane of the inner surface 26, 28 of the side walls 16, 18 to apply force to the side walls 16, 18 in opposite directions. The side walls 16 , 18 are formed of a sufficiently resilient, flexible material so that they flex in response to force and release the snap-fit ​​connection provided by the clamp latch features 56 , 58 and the latch snap-fit ​​features 92 , 94 .

[0029] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The operation of the clamp assembly 10 is shown and is along the Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line 4-4. Figure 4 The clamp assembly 10 is shown in an open configuration. In the open configuration, the latch engagement features 92, 94 ( Figure 3 ) is removed from the clamp latch features 56, 58, and the locking bar 14 can be freely rotated to the open position shown. The gripping edge 82 of the locking bar 14 is farther away from the base 20, which can provide space for the insertion of the flexible tubing 110. The flexible tubing 110 can be in fluid communication with a system for conveying fluid to and / or from the system, such as Corning's HYPERStack TM System. End walls 66, 68 ( Figure 2 ) has a reduced height at the center 70 to facilitate the insertion of the pipe 110.

[0030] Also refer to Figure 5, because the pivot location 15 is on the clamping portion 74 of the locking lever 14, the movement of the locking lever 14 can be a rotation of the clamping portion 74 about the pivot location 15, and the lever portion 76 moves about the pivot location 15. Manual force F1 can be applied to the lever portion 76, which causes the entire locking lever 14 to rotate as the clamping portion 74 rotates toward the tube 110 and the base 20 in the direction of arrow 112. As the locking lever 14 rotates, the clamping edge 82 moves toward the base 20, thereby reducing the distance therebetween.

[0031] As the locking lever 14 continues to rotate, the gripping edge 82 acts on the tubular member 110. Figure 6 , when the latch engagement features 92, 94 ( Figure 3 ) reaches the clamp latch feature 56, the latch engagement features 92, 94 slide over the clamp latch feature 56 associated with each side wall 16, 18, and the recessed area 95 ( Figure 3 ) receives and engages the clamp latch feature 56 farthest from the bottom 20. Figure 6 In the first angular position shown, the locking bar 14 is in a partially closed configuration that reduces the inner diameter of the tubular 110 but may not close the inner diameter of the tubular 110 depending on the wall thickness and size of the tubular 110 .

[0032] If further clamping and flow reduction is desired, such as closing the tubing 110 to stop fluid flow, the follower arm 64 can be pressed in the direction of arrow F2 to move relative to the rod portion 76. This pressure exerts a force between the cam surface 62 and the follower surface 102, forcing the side walls 16, 18 apart enough so that the locking bar can rotate to the next clamp latch feature 58 located closer to the bottom 20 to reach the second angular position ( Figure 5 ). As can be appreciated, the latch engagement features 92, 94 and the clamp latch features 56, 58 cooperate to lock the locking bar in two different angular positions. The driven separation arm 64 can then be actuated to separate the side walls 16, 18 and release the locking bar 14 so that the locking bar 14 can be moved to Figure 4 Open configuration shown.

[0033] The locking rod 14 can be locked in a closed configuration or a partially closed configuration for a selected period of time. Different pipes 110 can be formed of different materials with different levels of elasticity. When the locking rod 14 is moved to the open configuration, it may be the case that the pipe 110 does not fully return to its initial, disengaged position. If this occurs, a disengagement clamping feature 36, 38 is provided. The disengagement clamping feature 36 is located near the area where the pipe 110 is clamped by the locking rod 14 in one or both of the first angular position and the second angular position. The disengagement clamping features 36, 38 are configured to be resiliently bent so that the protrusions 48, 50 can be manually moved toward each other to perform a pipe disengagement clamping operation. The disengagement clamping features 48, 50 are arranged and configured to act on the opposite side of the pipe passing through the base member 12 to help the pipe 110 return to a position closer to its original inner diameter and increase the flow through it.

[0034] The apparatus and method provide a clamp assembly that includes indexable clamping positions that can be selected by the user for flow rate. The clamp assembly includes a breakaway clamp feature that can be used to open the inner diameter of the tubular after the tubular has been clamped for a period of time. The geometry of the end wall of the base member facilitates the passage of tubular hardware through the base member without capturing the hardware.

[0035] The embodiments may be described with reference to the following numbering scheme, with preferred features listed in the dependent schemes:

[0036] Technical Solution 1: A clamp assembly for clamping a flexible pipe, the clamp assembly comprising: a base member, the base member comprising a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls, at least one side wall comprising a clamp latch feature extending inward from an inner surface of the at least one side wall; a locking rod, the locking rod being located between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position so that the locking rod pivots relative to the base member, the locking rod comprising a rod snap-fit ​​feature, the rod snap-fit ​​feature being configured to cooperate with the clamp latch feature.

[0037] Technical Solution 2: The clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 1 includes at least two clamp latch features, which are spaced apart from each other along the inner surface of at least one side wall so that the distances between the clamp latch features and the bottom are different.

[0038] Technical Solution 3: A clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the rod snap-in feature cooperates with one of the clamp latch features at a first angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking rod at the first angular position, and cooperates with another clamp latch feature at a different second angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking rod at the second angular position.

[0039] Technical Solution 4: A clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 3, wherein the at least two clamp latch features include a first clamp latch feature and a second clamp latch feature, and the second clamp latch feature is closer to the bottom of the base member than the first clamp latch feature.

[0040] Technical Solution 5: A clamp assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-4, wherein the locking rod comprises a rod portion and a clamping portion, which is arranged and constructed to act on a tube located in the base member, and the pivot position is located on the clamping portion.

[0041] Technical Solution 6: A clamp assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-5, wherein each side wall has at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from each other along the inner surface of the side wall, so that the clamp latch features of each side wall are at different distances from the bottom.

[0042] Technical Solution 7: The clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 6, wherein the at least two clamp latch features of each side wall include a first column and a second column spaced apart from the first column.

[0043] Technical Solution 8: A clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 7, wherein the rod snap-on feature includes a recessed area whose size is designed and arranged to cooperate with the first column when the locking rod is in a first angular position, and to cooperate with the second column when the locking rod is in a second angular position different from the base member.

[0044] Technical Solution 9: A clamp assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 8, wherein the base member includes a disengagement clamping feature, and the disengagement clamping feature is configured to move inward and act on a pipe located in the base member.

[0045] Technical Solution 10: The clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 9, wherein the disengagement clamping feature includes a protrusion that is connected to one of a pair of side walls at the mounting end and extends to a free end.

[0046] Technical Solution 11: The clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 10, wherein the disengagement clamping feature includes a protrusion extending inwardly from the free end.

[0047] Technical Solution 12: A clamp assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-11, wherein the base member includes an end wall extending between a pair of side walls at the bottom end located at the inlet position and the outlet position of the pipe fitting, wherein the height of the end wall at the center of the end wall is smaller than that at the pair of side walls.

[0048] Technical Solution 13: A clamp assembly for clamping a flexible pipe, the clamp assembly comprising: a base member, the base member comprising a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls, at least one side wall comprising a clamp latching feature; and a locking rod, the locking rod being located between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position so that the locking rod pivots relative to the base member, the locking rod comprising a rod snap-fitting feature, the rod snap-fitting feature being configured to cooperate with the clamp latching feature; and a disengagement clamping feature, the configuration being configured to move inward and act on the pipe located in the base member.

[0049] Technical Solution 14: A clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the disengagement clamping feature includes a protrusion that is connected to one of a pair of side walls at the mounting end and extends to a free end.

[0050] Technical Solution 15: A clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 14, wherein the disengagement clamping feature includes a protrusion extending inwardly from the free end.

[0051] Technical Solution 16: A clamp assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 13-15, wherein the base member includes an end wall extending between a pair of side walls at the bottom end located at the inlet position and the outlet position of the pipe fitting, wherein the height of the end wall at the center of the end wall is smaller than that at the pair of side walls.

[0052] Technical Solution 17: A clamp assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 13-16, wherein each side wall has at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from each other along the inner surface of the side wall, so that the clamp latch features of each side wall are at different distances from the bottom.

[0053] Technical Solution 18: The clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 17, wherein the at least two clamp latch features of each side wall include a first column and a second column spaced apart from the first column.

[0054] Technical Solution 19: A clamp assembly according to Technical Solution 18, wherein the rod snap-on feature includes a recessed area whose size is designed and arranged to cooperate with the first column when the locking rod is in a first angular position, and to cooperate with the second column when the locking rod is in a second angular position different from the base member.

[0055] Technical Solution 20: A clamp assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 13-19, wherein the locking rod includes a rod portion and a clamping portion, which is arranged and constructed to act on a tube located in the base member, and the pivot position is located on the clamping portion.

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter claimed. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein, as long as these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clamp assembly for clamping a flexible pipe, the clamp assembly comprising: a base member including a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls, at least one of the side walls including a clamp latch feature extending inwardly from an inner surface thereof; as well as A locking lever is positioned between the side walls and is pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot location such that the locking lever pivots relative to the base member, the locking lever including a lever engagement feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature.

2. The clamp assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamp assembly includes at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along an inner surface of the at least one side wall such that the clamp latch features are at different distances from the base.

3. The clamp assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rod snap feature cooperates with one of the clamp latch features at a first angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking rod in the first angular position, and cooperates with another of the clamp latch features at a second, different angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking rod in the second angular position.

4. The clamp assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The at least two clamp latching features include a first clamp latching feature and a second clamp latching feature, the second clamp latching feature being closer to the bottom of the base member than the first clamp latching feature.

5. The clamp assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking lever comprises a lever portion and a clamping portion, which is arranged and configured to act on a tube located in the base member, the pivot position being located on the clamping portion.

6. The clamp assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the side walls has at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along an inner surface of the side wall such that the clamp latch features of each of the side walls are at a different distance from the bottom.

7. The clamp assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The at least two clamp latching features of each of the side walls include a first post and a second post spaced apart from the first post.

8. The clamp assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lever engagement feature includes a recessed area sized and arranged to engage a first post when the locking lever is in a first angular position and to engage a second post when the locking lever is in a second, different angular position relative to the base member.

9. The clamp assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base member includes a disengagement clamp feature configured to move inwardly and act on a tubular positioned in the base member.

10. The clamp assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that The disengagement clamp feature includes a tab connected to one of the pair of side walls at a mounting end and extending to a free end.

11. The clamp assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that The disengagement clamp feature includes a projection extending inwardly from the free end.

12. The clamp assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The base member includes an end wall extending between the pair of side walls at the ends of the bottom at the pipe inlet and outlet locations, wherein the end wall has a reduced height at a center of the end wall than at the pair of side walls.

13. A clamp assembly for clamping a flexible pipe, the clamp assembly comprising: a base member including a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls, at least one of the side walls including a clamp latch feature; a locking lever positioned between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot location such that the locking lever pivots relative to the base member, the locking lever including a lever engagement feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature; as well as A disengagement grip feature is configured to move inwardly and act upon a tubular positioned in the base member.

14. The clamp assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that The disengagement clamp feature includes a tab connected to one of the pair of side walls at a mounting end and extending to a free end.

15. The clamp assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that The disengagement clamp feature includes a projection extending inwardly from the free end.

16. The clamp assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that The base member includes an end wall extending between the pair of side walls at the ends of the bottom at the pipe inlet and outlet locations, wherein the end wall has a reduced height at a center of the end wall than at the pair of side walls.

17. The clamp assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that Each of the side walls has at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along an inner surface of the side wall such that the clamp latch features of each of the side walls are at a different distance from the bottom.

18. The clamp assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that The at least two clamp latching features of each of the side walls include a first post and a second post spaced apart from the first post.

19. The clamp assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that The lever engagement feature includes a recessed area sized and arranged to engage a first post when the locking lever is in a first angular position and to engage a second post when the locking lever is in a second, different angular position relative to the base member.

20. The clamp assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The locking lever comprises a lever portion and a clamping portion, which is arranged and configured to act on a tube located in the base member, the pivot position being located on the clamping portion.

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