Reusable clamp

Abstract

The clamp (5) includes a first gland member (10) and a second gland member (20) having a first joint portion (11) and a second joint portion (21), a first locking portion (12) and a second locking portion (22), and a first clamping portion (13) and a second clamping portion (23) provided between the joint portions and the locking portions. The first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected for movement of the first gland member and the second gland member between an open position and at least one clamping position. The first locking portion is configured to interlock with the second locking portion to secure the first gland member and the second gland member in the at least one clamping position. The first locking part and the second locking part further comprise a first user-operable release part (15) and a second user-operable release part (25) which correspond to each other; the corresponding first user-operable release part and second user-operable release part can be independently operated so as to separate the corresponding one of the first locking part and the second locking part from the other one of the first locking part and the second locking part; thus, the first gland member and the second gland member are allowed to move to the open position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 380,992, filed on October 26, 2022, and entitled “REUSABLE CLAMP,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 494,098, filed on April 4, 2023, and entitled “REUSABLE CLAMP,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to clamps used when connecting together conduit sections and fittings, such as sanitary fittings that convey fluids, for a manufacturing process, and methods of using such clamps to connect conduit sections. Background Art

[0003] Maintaining sterility during manufacturing is often a problem. In one particular example applied in a conventional manufacturing setting, a socket with an outlet provided by a sanitary fitting is often required to interconnect with other sanitary fittings. In order to transfer the contents (usually fluid) from one socket to another, these sanitary fittings are often connected to a length of conduit, such as a fluid delivery tube. In order to ensure that the fluid transfer occurs under sterile conditions, the sanitary fitting at the end of the fluid delivery tube is clamped together with a seal or gasket so that the fluid can be transferred between sections of the tube without leakage or other such exposure to the external environment.

[0004] Several types of clamps and clamping mechanisms for use with conduit segments and fittings are known.For example, the clamp may be molded from a rigid plastic material and formed as a single piece or as two separate pieces connected together by a coupling mechanism. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamp includes a first gland member and a second gland member, the first gland member having a first joint portion, a first locking portion and a first clamping portion arranged between the first joint portion and the first locking portion, and the second gland member having a second joint portion, a second locking portion and a second clamping portion arranged between the second joint portion and the second locking portion. The first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected for pivotable movement of the first gland member and the second gland member between an open position and at least one clamping position. The first locking portion is configured to interlock with the second locking portion to fix the first gland member and the second gland member in the at least one clamping position. The first locking portion and the second locking portion also include a corresponding first user-operable release portion and a second user-operable release portion, and the corresponding first user-operable release portion and the second user-operable release portion can be independently operated to disengage a corresponding one of the first locking portion and the second locking portion from another locking portion in the first locking portion and the second locking portion, thereby allowing the first gland member and the second gland member to move to the open position.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamp includes: a first gland member having a first hinge portion, a first locking portion, and a first clamping portion disposed between the first hinge portion and the first locking portion; and a second gland member having a second hinge portion, a second locking portion, and a second clamping portion disposed between the second hinge portion and the second locking portion. The first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are connected for pivotable movement of the first gland member and the second gland member between an open position and at least one clamping position. The first hinge portion includes a first pin portion disposed on a first lateral side of the clamp and a first socket portion disposed on a second lateral side of the clamp, and the second hinge portion includes a second socket portion disposed on the first lateral side of the clamp and receiving the first pin portion and a second pin portion disposed on the second lateral side of the clamp and received in the first socket portion. The locking portion of each of the first gland member and the second gland member is configured to interlock with the locking portion of the other of the first gland member and the second gland member to fix the first gland member and the second gland member in the at least one clamping position.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamp includes: a first gland member having a first joint portion, a first locking portion, and a first clamping portion extending longitudinally between the first joint portion and the first locking portion; and a second gland member including a second joint portion, a second locking portion, and a second clamping portion extending longitudinally between the second joint portion and the second locking portion. The first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected for pivotable movement of the first gland member and the second gland member between an open position and at least one clamping position. When the first gland member and the second gland member move to the at least one clamping position, the interlocking feature of the first locking portion interlocks with the interlocking feature of the second locking portion to fix the first gland member and the second gland member in the at least one clamping position, and the longitudinally extending protrusion of the first locking portion is slidably received in the longitudinally extending cavity of the second locking portion to fix the first locking portion to prevent radial movement relative to the second locking portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1A is a schematic front view of a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a closed state;

[0010] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A schematic rear view of the fixture;

[0011] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A schematic front view of a fixture;

[0012] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure shown in an open state;

[0013] Figure 3 Shown in closed or clamped state Figure 2 A front perspective view of a fixture;

[0014] Figure 4 is in a closed state Figure 2 A rear perspective view of the fixture;

[0015] Figure 5 is in a closed state Figure 2 A side view of the fixture;

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of one of the gland members of the clamp;

[0017] Figure 7 is in a closed state Figure 2 An end cross-sectional view of the fixture;

[0018] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of another clamp according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in an open state;

[0019] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A front perspective view of the clamp of , shown in a closed or clamped state;

[0020] Fig.10 is in a closed state Figure 8 A rear perspective view of the fixture;

[0021] Fig.11 is in a closed state Figure 8 A side view of the fixture;

[0022] Fig.12 is in a closed state Figure 8 An enlarged partial side perspective view of the interlocking locking end of the clamp;

[0023] Fig.13 yes Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of the fixture;

[0024] Fig.14 is a front perspective view of another clamp according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in an open state;

[0025] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A front perspective view of the clamp of , shown in a closed or clamped state;

[0026] Fig.16 is in a closed state Fig.14 A rear perspective view of the fixture;

[0027] Fig.17 is in a closed state Fig.14 A side view of the fixture;

[0028] Fig.18 yes Fig.14 A perspective view of one of the gland members of the clamp;

[0029] Fig.19 is a front perspective view of another clamp according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in an open state;

[0030] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 A front perspective view of the clamp of , shown in a closed or clamped state;

[0031] Fig.21is in a closed state Fig.19 A rear perspective view of the fixture;

[0032] Fig. 22 is in a closed state Fig.19 A side view of the fixture;

[0033] Fig.23 yes Fig.19 A perspective view of one of the first gland member and the second gland member of the clamp; and

[0034] Fig.24 yes Fig.19 A perspective view of the third gland member of the clamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] This detailed description describes only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. In fact, the claimed invention is broader than the described embodiments and is not limited by the described embodiments, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meanings.

[0036] Although various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the present invention may be described and illustrated herein as being embodied in exemplary embodiments in combination, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein, all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. In addition, although various alternative embodiments of various aspects, concepts and features of the present invention may be described herein, such as alternative materials, structures, constructions, methods, loops, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic, alternatives to formation, adaptation and function, etc., such descriptions are not intended to be complete or exhaustive lists of available alternative embodiments, whether currently known or developed later. Those skilled in the art may easily adopt one or more inventive aspects, concepts or features to additional embodiments and use them within the scope of the present invention, even if these embodiments are not explicitly disclosed herein. In addition, even if some features, concepts or aspects of the present invention may be described herein as preferred arrangements or methods, such descriptions are not intended to imply that such features are necessary or essential, unless expressly stated as such. Further, exemplary or representative values ​​and ranges may be included to aid in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values ​​and ranges should not be interpreted as limiting and are intended to be critical values ​​or ranges only where so expressly stated. Unless otherwise expressly stated, parameters identified as "about" or "approximately" a specified value are intended to include values ​​within 10% of the specified value and the specified value. In addition, it should be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure may, but need not, be drawn to scale, and thus may be understood to teach various ratios and proportions apparent in the drawings. In addition, while various aspects, features, and concepts may be expressly identified herein as inventive or forming part of the present invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but there may be inventive aspects, concepts, and features fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a particular invention, the present invention being instead set forth in the appended claims. The description of an exemplary method or process is not limited to including all steps required in all cases, nor is the order of these steps to be interpreted as required or necessary unless expressly stated.

[0037] A clamp formed of two or more coupled gland members may include a user-manipulatable (e.g., hand-graspable, tool-engageable) release portion that can be pressed or otherwise moved by a user to disengage a locking portion (e.g., a flexible detent portion) of a first gland member from a locking portion (e.g., a substantially rigid mating interlocking portion) of a second gland member. One such exemplary clamp including a flexible detent portion that is disengageable from a rigid interlocking portion is shown and described in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 10,859,192, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0038] According to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, a clamp may be configured to include a first gland member and a second gland member, each of which has a user-operable release portion that is operable to disengage a locking portion of the corresponding gland member from a locking portion of the other gland member. In some such arrangements, manipulating only one of the release portions may be sufficient to disengage the interlocking portions of the first gland member and the second gland member to open the clamp, resulting in easier operation of the clamp. In other arrangements, it may be necessary for the user to simultaneously manipulate both release portions for disengaging the locking portions and moving the clamp to an open state, thereby providing a more secure or robust hold of the clamp on the catheter segment.

[0039] Figures 1A to 1C An exemplary clamp 5 is schematically shown, which includes a first gland member 10 and a second gland member 20, each of which includes a joint portion 11, a joint portion 21, a locking portion 12, a locking portion 22, and a clamping portion 13, a clamping portion 23 located between the joint portion and the locking portion. The clamping portion 13, the clamping portion 23 defines an inner peripheral recess for receiving and retaining the flange portion of the conduit segment engaged by the clamp 5. The joint portions 11, 21 of the gland members 10, 20 are connected for the gland members to move relative to each other between an open position and a closed or clamped position (e.g., pivotable, cam action, sliding, or some combination of these movements). The locking portion 12, 22 of each of the first gland member 10 and the second gland member 20 is configured to interlock with the locking portion of the other of the first gland member and the second gland member to fix the first gland member and the second gland member in the clamped position. The locking portion 12, 22 of each of the first and second gland members 10, 20 further includes a user-operable release portion 15, 25 operable for disengagement of the locking portion 12, 22 to allow the first and second gland members to pivotally move to the open position.

[0040] Many different types of locking parts can be utilized, including, for example, locking strap / tie arrangements, bolt and clamping nut arrangements, and flexible pawl arrangements. As an example, Figures 1A to 1CThe locking portions 12, 22 of the schematically illustrated clamp 10 may include flexible wall portions 17, 27 carrying at least one interlocking feature (e.g., a detent) 18, 28 configured to interlock with the locking portion of the other of the first and second gland members to secure the first and second gland members in a clamped position. In such an arrangement, the user-operable release portions 15, 25 may be operable (e.g., by user grasping / squeezing, by using a second tool) for movement of the corresponding flexible wall portions 17, 27 for flexing the at least one detent 18, 28 out of the locking portion of the other of the first and second gland members to allow the first and second gland members to pivotally move to an open position.

[0041] A clamp formed by two or more connected gland members typically includes different structurally distinguishable gland members having different and complementary joint portions and locking portions for connecting, coupling or otherwise engaging the joint portions and locking portions of the mating gland members. The use of different structurally different first and second gland members can result in increased manufacturing and inventory costs associated with having to manufacture and store two different components. According to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the clamp can be configured to include the same or substantially the same first and second gland members, for example, having the same or substantially the same joints, locking and clamping portions, so that only one type of gland member needs to be manufactured and stored for assembly of the clamp.

[0042] exist Figures 1A to 1C In the schematically shown embodiment, the joint portions 11, 21 of the first gland member 10 and the second gland member 20 may be identical or substantially identically formed with a first portion 11a, 21a ( Figure 1B ) and a second portion disposed on a second lateral side of the gland member, so that the mating joint portion has a non-polar configuration. In this configuration, when the gland members 10, 20 are assembled with the joint portions 11, 21, the locking portions 12, 22 and the clamping portions 13, 23 in an orientation facing each other (i.e., the first lateral side of the first gland member is aligned with the second lateral side of the second gland member), the first joint portion 11a of the first gland member 10 is laterally aligned and coupled with the second joint portion 21a of the second gland member 20, and the second joint portion 11b of the first gland member is laterally aligned and pivotally coupled with the first joint portion 21a of the second gland member.

[0043] Similarly, the locking portions 12, 22 of the first gland member 10 and the second gland member 20 can be formed identically or substantially identically with an interlocking feature (e.g., a pawl supporting a flexible wall portion) 17 of the first gland member 10 and an interlocking feature (e.g., a pawl supporting a flexible wall portion) 27 of the second gland member, and when the gland members are assembled in a facing orientation, the interlocking feature 17 is aligned with the interlocking pawl 29 of the second gland member 20 and the interlocking feature 27 is aligned with the interlocking portion of the first gland member for interlocking engagement of the pawls 18, 28, so that the mating locking portions have a non-polar structure.

[0044] The locking portion configuration of the flexible wall portion and the interlocking detents can take a variety of forms. In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible wall portion can be disposed on a first lateral side of the gland member with the detents extending laterally toward a second lateral side of the gland member. In some such configurations, when the gland members are assembled in a facing orientation (i.e., the first lateral side of the first gland member is aligned with the second lateral side of the second gland member), the laterally extending detents on the flexible wall portion interlock with each other when the gland members are pivoted to the closed position.

[0045] Figures 2 to 7 A method for connecting two conduit sections C (eg, flanged sanitary fittings such as Figure 71) is an exemplary embodiment of a clamp 100 that is engaged with a plurality of conduit segments C. The exemplary clamp 100 includes a first gland member 110 and a second gland member 120 having pivotally connected joints or hinge portions 111, 121, releasably engaged locking portions 112, 122, and intermediate arcuate clamping portions 113, 123, which are configured to form a circular closure around a circular structure (e.g., a flange end of a sanitary fitting) when the locking portions 112, 122 are fixed together in a closed or clamped state of the clamp 100, for example to provide a substantially uniform sealing pressure around the entire circular structure. In other embodiments, the clamp can be used to provide a clamping engagement with other fittings or components, including, for example, components having a non-circular shape. Advantageously, the clamp 100 can be reopened and reused with different groups of conduit segments C, which is desirable for an end user. In the illustrated embodiment, the two gland members 110, 120 of the clamp 100 include user-operable (e.g., hand-graspable, tool-engageable) latch release arms or levers 115, 125 that can achieve simplified disengagement of the gland member locking portions 112, 122 and / or more robust interlocking engagement of the gland member locking portions, as discussed in more detail below. The clamp 100 can be configured so that no additional tools and / or special equipment are required to operate the clamp between the open position and the closed position, and the clamp and the catheter section C will not be damaged or destroyed by the process of moving the clamp back to the open position. In some embodiments, the clamp 100 can be used as a disposable clamp or a reusable clamp. Further advantages are demonstrated in the detailed discussion of this and other embodiments herein.

[0046] Special References Figure 2 and Figure 3 to Figure 4, the clamp 100 is shown in an open position and a closed position, respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second gland members 110, 120 of the clamp 100 are generally arcuate between the first end hinge portions 111, 121 and the second end locking portions 112, 122 opposite the first end. The corresponding hinge portions 111, 121 of the first and second gland members 110, 120 can be detachably engaged, for example, by a hinge arrangement 101. Although many suitable hinge arrangements may be used to pivotally connect the hinge portions 111, 121 of the gland members 110, 120, in the illustrated embodiment, each hinge portion 111, 121 includes a pin portion 111a, 121a and an arcuate socket or recess or socket portion 111b, 121b, wherein the pin portion of each of the first gland member and the second gland member is received in the socket portion of the other of the first gland member and the second gland member for pivotably connecting the first gland member and the second gland member. As shown, the first gland member 110 and the second gland member 120 may be identically or substantially identically formed with the pin portion 111a, 111b disposed on the first lateral side of the gland member and the socket portion 111b, 121b disposed on the second lateral side of the gland member, so that the mating hinge portions have a non-polar configuration. In this configuration, when the gland members 110, 120 are assembled in an orientation facing each other at the hinge portions 111, 121, the locking portions 112, 122, and the clamping portions 113, 123 (i.e., the first lateral side of the first gland member is aligned with the second lateral side of the second gland member), the pin portion 111a of the first gland member is laterally aligned with and received in the socket portion 121b of the second gland member, and the pin portion 121a of the second gland member is laterally aligned with and received in the socket portion 111b of the first gland member. The arcuate or cylindrical socket portions 111b, 121b may include an open end having a width slightly smaller than the diameter of the pin portions 111a, 121a to retain the pin portions in the socket portions once the pin portions are pressed through the open ends. The open ends of the socket portions 111b, 121b may also be oriented to be misaligned with each other when the clamp is in a closed state to further prevent separation of the hinge portions in the closed state. In other embodiments (not shown), the clamp may utilize other hinge arrangements, including for example Figures 8 to 13 The clamp 200 has an apertured hasp and pivot pin hinge arrangement, which will be described in more detail below.

[0047] Between the hinge ends 111, 121 and the locking ends 112, 122, the gland members 110, 120 each define a generally semicircular or arcuate clamping portion 113, 123, which includes an outer periphery 113a, 123a and an inner periphery 113b, 123b. Positioned along the inner periphery 113b, 123b is an arcuate channel or inner periphery recess 114, 124, which is sized to receive the circular flange F of the catheter section C when the flange is inserted into the clamp 100. As shown, when the catheter section C is located in the clamp 100 and the clamp is in a closed or clamped state, the exemplary inner periphery recesses 114, 124 combine to form a substantially complete (e.g., 350 to 360 degrees) circumference around the circular flange F. The inner periphery recesses 114, 124 can be provided with any suitable shape or contour. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate inner peripheral recesses 114, 124 are configured to Figure 5 In the illustrated state, the circular flanges F are wedged toward each other and toward the gasket G to form a sealing relationship. In other embodiments, the inner surface of the arcuate inner peripheral recess may include, for example, a toothed, notched or hollow structure to save material when molding the first and second gland components 110, 120.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the arcuate inner peripheral recesses 114, 124 can be exposed in the open state of the clamp 100. In this regard, the clamp 100 can be pivoted open at least to an extent that allows the circular flange F of the conduit segment C to be placed in or withdrawn from the arcuate inner peripheral recesses 114, 124 of one of the first and second gland members 110, 120. The first and second gland members 110, 120 can then be pivoted relative to each other about the hinge arrangement 101 to move to the closed state of the clamp 100 so that the arcuate inner peripheral recesses 114, 124 engage the outer periphery of the circular flange F. Therefore, this arrangement enables the conduit segment C to be securely held within the interior of the clamp 100 in the closed state ( Figure 7 ).

[0049] The example gland members 110, 120 also include a handle portion 116, 126 that projects radially outward from the locking portion 112, 122 of the gland members, thereby providing a grippable or graspable portion for a user to move the gland members between the open and closed conditions.

[0050] To securely close the clamp 100 on the catheter segment C, the user may grasp the first handle 116 and the second handle 126 and squeeze them toward each other to pivot the first gland member 110 and the second gland member 120 at the hinge arrangement 101 until the end wall portions 112a, 122a of the locking portions 112, 122 abut (e.g., contact or closely face alignment) in the closed state, as shown in FIG. Figures 3 to 5 Once in the closed position, the exemplary first handle 116 and the second handle 126 extend in substantially the same direction, such that the first handle and the second handle may be substantially parallel to each other in the closed state of the clamp 100. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the specific positioning and angles of the first handle and the second handle may vary.

[0051] In order to reliably maintain the clamp 100 in a closed state, the gland components 110, 120 each include at least one interlocking feature (e.g., a pawl) 118, 128 disposed on the flexible wall portion 117, 127 of the gland locking end 112, 122, for releasably interlocking engagement with the locking portion of the other gland component when the clamp is in a closed or clamped state. In various embodiments, the at least one pawl can be configured to interlock with various structures on the locking end of the other gland component. Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one detent 118 of the first gland member 110 is positioned (e.g., the flexible wall portion 117 extends from the base of the first handle 116) for interlocking engagement with the at least one detent 128 of the second gland member 120 (e.g., the flexible wall portion 127 extends from the base of the second handle 126).

[0052] The user may depress the lever portion 115, 125 extending from each of the flexible wall portions 117, 127 for flexing the at least one pawl 118, 128 out of the pawl 128, 118 of the other locking portion 122, 112 to allow the first gland member 110 and the second gland member 120 to move to the open position. Depending on the degree of flexibility of the flexible wall portions 117, 127, in some embodiments, it may be sufficient for the user to depress only one of the lever portions 115, 125 to disengage the locking portions 112, 122 and move the clamp 100 to the open state, thereby making it easier for the user to remove the clamp. In other embodiments, it may be necessary for the user to depress both of the lever portions 115, 125 simultaneously for disengagement of the locking portions 112, 122 and movement of the clamp 100 to the open state, thereby providing a more secure or robust hold of the clamp 100 on the catheter segment C. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever portions 115, 125 are shaped to extend toward the clamping portions 113, 123 of the corresponding gland members 110, 120 (e.g., parallel to the flexible wall portions 117, 127) and extend laterally outward, so that a compressive force applied to the lever portions 115, 125 and the corresponding handles 116, 126 flexes the flexible wall portions 117, 127 laterally outward to disengage the pawls 118, 128. In other embodiments, the lever portions may be disposed in a different orientation (e.g., coplanar with the flexible wall portions).

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the flexible wall portions 117, 127 includes three detents 118, 128, for example to provide multiple attachment points for a more robust interlocking engagement, or to provide multiple ratcheting closure states. In other embodiments, fewer or more detents may be provided on either or both of the flexible wall portions.

[0054] Each of the detents 118, 128 can protrude laterally from the corresponding flexible wall portion 117, 127 as a stepped ridge or tooth. More specifically, each of the detents 118, 128 includes an angled front surface facing the distal end of the flexible wall and a lateral rear surface facing the proximal end of the flexible wall. These front and rear surfaces enable a snap or ratchet effect engagement of the first and second gland detents 118, 128. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the specific angles of the angled front and rear surfaces can be modified while still achieving an interlocking engagement.

[0055] The exemplary gland members 110, 120 are each integrally molded or otherwise formed as a unitary piece of plastic material, such as nylon. In such an embodiment, the hinge portions 111, 121, locking portions 112, 122, clamping portions 113, 123, handles 116, 126, flexible wall portions 117, 127, and lever portions 115, 125 of each gland 110, 120 are a unitary piece of material that is sufficiently flexible to allow flexing or pivoting movement of the flexible wall portions 117, 127 relative to the locking portions 112, 122, but sufficiently rigid to maintain the circular flange F of the conduit segment C in a secure sealing engagement when the clamp 100 is in the closed position. The specific materials and manufacturing methods used for the first and second gland members 110, 120 can be modified to accommodate the needs and preferences of the end user.

[0056] Although the gland member can be formed as structurally distinct components, Figures 2 to 7 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary gland members 110, 120 are molded or otherwise formed as identical or substantially identical gland components, for example, to allow a single mold to be used to form both gland members, and to allow a single type of gland member to be stocked for production of the clamp 100. As described above, when the gland members are oriented for assembly (with the hinge portions 111, 121 and the locking portions 112, 122 facing each other), the pin portion 111a of the first gland member 110 is aligned with and received in the socket portion 121b of the second gland member 120, and the pin portion 121a of the second gland member is aligned with and received in the socket portion 111b of the first gland member. Likewise, the pawl 118 of the first gland member 110 is laterally aligned with the pawl 128 of the second gland member 120 for flexure and ratcheting interlocking engagement of the pawls 118, 128 when the gland members are pivoted to the closed state of the clamp.

[0057] When in use, a user can move the clamp 100 to a closed position by grasping the handle portions 116, 126 and drawing (e.g., pushing, pulling, squeezing) the handle portions toward each other. Due to the pivotal connection at the hinge arrangement 101, this movement of the handle portions 116, 126 causes the locking ends 112, 122 of the first and second gland members 110, 120 to move relative to each other. During this pivotal movement, the first gland member pawl 118 begins to snap onto the second gland member pawl 128. To this end, when the first and second gland members 110, 120 are moved from Figure 2 The open position moves towards each other Figure 3 In the closed latched position, the first locking pawl 118 and the second locking pawl 128 can slide along and past each other until abutment engagement between the end wall portions 112a, 122a of the locking portions 112, 122, or until sufficient clamping force is applied to the flange end F and the gasket G (which can but need not correspond to contact abutment of the end wall portions). This clamped state can also correspond to when the proximal end of the first locking pawl 118 on the first flexible wall portion 117 is engaged with the proximal end of the second locking pawl 128 on the second flexible wall portion 127. Due to the close abutment or contact between the end wall portions 112a, 122a in this closed state, a substantially full (e.g., 350 to 360 degrees) circumferential engagement of the circular flange F can be provided. After the first handle 116 and the second handle 126 are squeezed together to abut the end wall portions 112a, 122a of the first pressure cover member 110 and the second pressure cover member 120 in the closed position, the first locking pawl 118 and the second locking pawl 128 are fully engaged with each other so that the corresponding lateral rear surfaces of the toothed pawls engage to hold the clamp 100 in the closed position.

[0058] In order to loosen or remove the clamp 100 from the catheter segment C (for example, to separate the catheter segments, or to replace one or more of the catheter segments and the gasket G), either or both of the lever portions 115, 125 are depressed to flex the at least one pawl 118, 128 away from the pawl 128, 118 of the other locking portion 122, 112 to allow the first and second gland members 110, 120 to move toward an open position.

[0059] In another exemplary embodiment, the flexible wall portion may extend laterally across the gland member with detents extending radially toward or away from the center portion of the clamp. In some such configurations, when the gland members are assembled in a facing orientation (i.e., a first lateral side of a first gland member is aligned with a second lateral side of a second gland member), the radially extending detents on the laterally extending flexible wall portion interlock with each other when the gland members are pivoted to a closed position.

[0060] Figures 8 to 13 Another exemplary embodiment of a clamp 200 for joining two conduit segments (e.g., flanged sanitary fittings) together is shown. The exemplary clamp 200 includes a first gland member 210 and a second gland member 220 having pivotally connected joints or hinge portions 211, 221, releasably engaged locking portions 212, 222, and intermediate arcuate clamping portions 213, 223, which are configured to form a circular closure around a circular structure (e.g., a flanged end of a sanitary fitting) when the locking portions 212, 222 are fixed together in a closed or clamped state of the clamp 200, for example to provide a substantially uniform sealing pressure around the entire circular structure. In other embodiments, the clamp can be used to provide a clamping engagement with other fittings or components (including, for example, components having a non-circular shape). Advantageously, the clamp 200 can be reopened and reused with different sets of conduit segments, which is desirable for end users. In the illustrated embodiment, the two gland members 210, 220 of the clamp 200 include user-operable (e.g., hand-graspable, tool-engageable) latch release arms or levers 215, 225 that can achieve simplified disengagement of the gland member locking portions 212, 222 and / or more robust interlocking engagement of the gland member locking portions, as discussed in more detail below. The clamp 200 can be configured so that no additional tools and / or special equipment are required to operate the clamp between the open position and the closed position, and the clamp and the catheter section will not be damaged or destroyed due to the process of moving the clamp back to the open position. In some embodiments, the clamp 200 can be used as a disposable clamp or a reusable clamp. Further advantages are demonstrated in the detailed discussion of this and other embodiments herein.

[0061] Specific reference Figure 8 and Figures 9 to 12, showing the clamp 200 in an open position and a closed position, respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second gland members 210, 220 of the clamp 200 are generally arcuate between a first end hinge portion 211, 221 and a second end locking portion 213, 223 opposite the first end. The corresponding hinge portions 211, 221 of the first and second gland members 210, 220 can be detachably engaged, for example, by a hinge arrangement 201. Although many suitable hinge arrangement structures can be used to pivotally connect the hinge portions 211, 221 of the gland members 210, 220, in the illustrated embodiment, each hinge portion 211, 221 is identically or substantially identically formed with an open-hole snap portion 211a, 221a disposed on a first lateral side of the gland member. In this configuration, when the gland members 210, 220 are assembled with the hinge portions 211, 221, the locking portions 212, 222, and the clamping portions 213, 223 in a facing orientation (i.e., the first lateral side of the first gland member is aligned with the second lateral side of the second gland member), the aperture snap portions 211a, 221a are aligned with each other to receive the pivot pin 230 therethrough, thereby securing the hinge portions 211, 221 together as a pivotable hinge arrangement 201. Although many suitable pivot pins may be used, the illustrated pivot pin 230 includes a resilient finger 231 that is deformable for inserting the pivot pin through the aligned aperture. In other embodiments (not shown), similar to Figures 8 to 13 The fixture 200 may alternatively utilize a fixture similar to Figures 2 to 7 The hinge arrangement of the clamp 100 is the hinge arrangement of 101.

[0062] Between the hinge ends 211, 221 and the locking ends 212, 222, the gland members 210, 220 each define a generally semicircular or arcuate clamping portion 213, 223, which includes an outer periphery 213a, 223a and an inner periphery 213b, 223b. Located along the inner periphery 213b, 223b is an arcuate channel or inner periphery recess 214, 224, which is sized to receive the circular flanges of the catheter section when the flanges are inserted into the fixture 200. As shown, when the catheter section is located in the fixture 200 and the fixture is in a closed or clamped state, the exemplary inner periphery recesses 214, 224 combine to form a substantially complete (e.g., 350 to 360 degrees) circumference around the circular flange. The inner periphery recesses 214, 224 can be provided with any suitable shape or contour. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate inner peripheral recesses 214, 224 are configured to wedge the circular flanges toward each other and toward the gasket to form a sealing relationship, similar to Figure 7In other embodiments, the inner surface of the arcuate inner peripheral recess may include, for example, a toothed, notched, or hollow structure to save material when molding the first and second gland members 210 and 220 .

[0063] The example gland members 210, 220 also include a handle portion 216, 226 that projects radially outward from the locking portion 212, 222 of the gland members, thereby providing a graspable or grippable portion for a user to move the gland members between the open and closed conditions.

[0064] To securely close the clamp 200 on the catheter segment, the user can grasp the first handle 216 and the second handle 226 and squeeze the first handle 216 and the second handle 226 toward each other to pivot the first gland member 210 and the second gland member 220 at the hinge arrangement 201 until the end wall portions 212a, 222a of the locking portions 212, 222 abut (e.g., contact or closely face alignment) in the closed state, as shown. Figures 9 to 12 Once in the closed position, the exemplary first handle 216 and the second handle 226 are substantially overlapped with each other, wherein the L-shaped cross-sectional walls of the handles abut against each other to form a single handle arrangement. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the specific positioning and angles of the first handle and the second handle may vary.

[0065] In order to reliably maintain the clamp 200 in a closed state, the gland components 210, 220 each include at least one radially extending interlocking feature (e.g., a pawl) 218, 228 disposed on the transversely extending flexible wall portion 217, 227 of the gland locking end 212, 222, for releasably interlocking engagement with the locking portion of the other gland component when the clamp is in a closed or clamped state. In various embodiments, the at least one pawl can be configured to interlock with various structures on the locking end of the other gland component. Figures 8 to 13 In the illustrated embodiment of the clamp 200, the at least one pawl 218 of the first gland member 210 is positioned (e.g., where the flexible wall portion 217 extends from the base of the first handle 216) for interlocking engagement with the at least one pawl 228 of the second gland member 220 (e.g., where the flexible wall portion 227 extends from the base of the second handle 226). As an example, the at least one pawl 218 of the first gland member 210 extends radially outward from the first flexible wall portion 217, and the at least one pawl 228 of the second gland member 220 extends radially inward from the second flexible wall portion 227, so that in the closed state of the clamp 200, the first flexible wall portion bends radially inwardly and the second flexible wall portion bends radially outwardly for ratcheting interlocking engagement of the facing pawls.

[0066] The user may depress the lever portion 215, 225 extending from each of the flexible wall portions 217, 227 for flexing the at least one pawl 218, 228 out of the pawl 228, 218 of the other locking portion 222, 212 to allow the first gland member 210 and the second gland member 220 to move to the open position. Depending on the degree of flexibility of the flexible wall portions 217, 227, in some embodiments, it may be sufficient for the user to depress only one of the lever portions 215, 225 to disengage the locking portions 212, 222 and move the clamp 200 to the open state, thereby making it easier for the user to remove the clamp. In other embodiments, it may be necessary for the user to depress both of the lever portions 215, 225 simultaneously for disengagement of the locking portions 212, 222 and movement of the clamp 200 to the open state, thereby providing a more secure or robust hold of the clamp 200 on the catheter segment. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever portions 215, 225 extend laterally outward from the flexible wall portions 217, 227 through the cutouts 216a, 226a in the handles 216, 226 and may be substantially coplanar with the flexible wall portions, as shown. A radial compressive force applied to one or both of the lever portions 215, 225 flexes the flexible wall portions 217, 227 radially apart from each other to disengage the detents 218, 228. In other embodiments, the lever portions may be disposed in different orientations.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the flexible wall portions 217, 227 includes three detents 218, 228, for example to provide multiple attachment points for a more robust interlocking engagement, or to provide multiple ratcheting closure states. In other embodiments, fewer or more detents may be provided on either or both of the flexible wall portions.

[0068] While the first gland member 210 may be provided with only radially outwardly extending detents 218, and the second gland member 220 may be provided with only radially inwardly extending detents 228, in the illustrated embodiment, the first gland member further includes detents 218 extending radially inwardly from opposite sides of the first flexible wall portion 217, and the second gland member further includes detents 228 extending radially outwardly from opposite sides of the second flexible wall portion 227. By using this arrangement, the gland member locking portions 212, 222 may also be interlocked by radially outward bending of the first flexible wall portion 217 and radially inward bending of the second flexible wall portion 227. By providing relatively thin leading edge portions for the flexible wall portions 217, 227, the inherent slight radial misalignment of these leading edge portions during clamp closing may cause either of the flexible wall portions 217, 227 to bend radially outwardly, and the other of the flexible wall portions to bend radially inwardly, depending on the direction of the radial misalignment. In the absence of any radial misalignment of the flexible wall portions 217 , 227 , a user force applied to one of the lever portions 215 , 225 can produce sufficient radial alignment during closing for radial flexure of the flexible wall portion and ratcheting interlocking engagement of the corresponding pawl 218 , 228 .

[0069] Each of the detents 218, 228 can protrude radially from the corresponding flexible wall portion 217, 227 as a stepped ridge or tooth. More specifically, each of the illustrated detents 218, 228 includes an angled front surface facing the distal end of the flexible wall and a transverse rear surface facing the proximal end of the flexible wall. These front and rear surfaces enable a snap or ratchet effect engagement of the first gland detent 218 and the second gland detent 228. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the specific angles of the angled front and transverse rear surfaces can be modified while still achieving an interlocking engagement.

[0070] The exemplary gland members 210, 220 are each integrally molded or otherwise formed as a unitary piece of plastic material, such as nylon. In such an embodiment, the hinge portion 211, 221, the locking portion 212, 222, the clamping portion 213, 223, the handle 216, 226, the flexible wall portion 217, 227 and the lever portion 215, 225 of each gland 210, 220 are a unitary piece of material that is sufficiently flexible to enable flexing or pivoting movement of the flexible wall portion 217, 227 relative to the locking portion 212, 222, but sufficiently rigid to maintain the circular flange of the catheter segment in a reliable sealing engagement when the clamp 200 is in the closed position. The specific materials and manufacturing methods used for the first gland member 210 and the second gland member 220 can be modified to accommodate the needs and preferences of the end user.

[0071] Additionally, the exemplary gland members 210, 220 may be molded or otherwise formed as identical or substantially identical gland components, for example, to allow a single mold to be used to form both gland members, and to allow a single type of gland member to be stocked for production of the clamp 200. As described above, when the gland members are oriented for assembly (with the hinge portions 211, 221 and the locking portions 212, 222 facing each other), the apertured snap portions 211a, 221a of the first and second gland members 210, 220 are aligned to receive the pivot pin 230. Likewise, the detents 218 of the first gland member 210 are laterally aligned with the detents 228 of the second gland member 220 for flexing and ratcheting interlockingly engaging the detents 218, 228 when the gland members are pivoted to the closed state of the clamp.

[0072] According to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the locking portions of the first and second gland members of the clamp may include reinforcement portions that engage with each other when the locking portions abut in the clamping position of the clamp, for example, to facilitate alignment of interlocking features (e.g., toothed pawls) and / or to reinforce the locking portions to prevent damage or accidental disengagement due to dropping or other such impacts. For example, when the first and second gland members are moved to the clamping position, a protrusion extending longitudinally from the locking portion of one of the first and second gland members is slidably received in a longitudinally extending cavity in the locking portion of the other of the first and second gland members. In exemplary embodiments using the same or substantially the same first and second gland members, each of the first and second gland members may include a protrusion extending longitudinally from the locking portion that is slidably received in a longitudinally extending cavity in the locking portion of the other of the first and second gland members.

[0073] exist Figures 8 to 13 In an exemplary fixture, such as Figure 8 and Fig.13 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the locking portion 212, 222 of each gland member 210, 220 includes a longitudinally extending mating protrusion (e.g., pin) portion 212b, 222b that can engage with a cavity (e.g., socket) portion 222c, 212c of the other gland member, e.g., to facilitate sufficient radial alignment of the locking portion in the clamp closed state. Similar reinforcement portions may be provided in other clamp embodiments shown and described herein.

[0074] When in use, a user can move the clamp 200 to a closed position by grasping the handle portions 216, 226 and drawing (e.g., pushing, pulling, squeezing) the handle portions toward each other. Due to the pivotal connection at the hinge arrangement 201, this movement of the handle portions 216, 226 causes the locking ends 212, 222 of the first and second gland members 210, 220 to move relative to each other. During this pivotal movement, the reinforcing protrusions 212b, 222b of each locking portion 212, 222 are received in the reinforcing cavities 222c, 212c of the other locking portion, and the first gland member pawl 218 begins to snap onto the second gland member pawl 228. To this end, when the first and second gland members 210, 220 are moved from Figure 8 The open position moves towards each other Figures 9 to 12 In the closed latched position, the first locking pawl 218 and the second locking pawl 228 can slide along and past each other until abutment engagement between the end wall portions 212a, 222a of the locking portions 212, 222, or until sufficient clamping force is applied to the flange end and the gasket (which can but need not correspond to contact abutment of the end wall portions). This clamped state can also correspond to when the proximal end of the first locking pawl 218 on the first flexible wall portion 217 is engaged with the proximal end of the second locking pawl 228 on the second flexible wall portion 227. Due to the close abutment or contact between the end wall portions 212a, 222a in this closed state, a substantially full (e.g., 350 to 360 degrees) circumferential engagement of the circular flange can be provided. After the first handle 216 and the second handle 226 are squeezed together to abut the end wall portions 212a, 222a of the first pressure cover member 210 and the second pressure cover member 220 in the closed position, the first locking pawl 218 and the second locking pawl 228 are fully engaged with each other so that the corresponding lateral rear surfaces of the toothed pawls engage to hold the clamp 200 in the closed position.

[0075] In order to loosen or remove the clamp 200 from the catheter segment (e.g., to separate the catheter segment, or replace one or more of the catheter segment and the gasket), either or both of the lever portions 215, 225 are depressed to flex the at least one interlocking feature (e.g., a pawl) 218, 228 away from the pawl 228, 218 of the other locking portion 222, 212 to allow the first gland member 210 and the second gland member 220 to move toward an open position.

[0076] In another exemplary embodiment, each gland member may include a flexible wall portion having a radially extending detent extending transversely across a first transverse side of the gland member and an interlocking wall portion having an opposing radially extending detent extending transversely across a second transverse side of the gland member. In some such configurations, when the gland members are assembled in a facing orientation (i.e., the first transverse side of the first gland member is aligned with the second transverse side of the second gland member), when the gland members are pivoted to a closed position, the radially extending detent on the transversely extending flexible wall portion of each gland member interlocks with the radially extending detent on the interlocking wall portion of the other gland member.

[0077] Figures 14 to 18 Another exemplary embodiment of a clamp 300 is shown for joining two conduit portions (e.g., flanged sanitary fittings) together. The exemplary clamp 300 includes a first gland member 310 and a second gland member 320 having pivotally connected joints or hinge portions 311, 321, releasably engaged locking portions 312, 322, and intermediate arcuate clamping portions 313, 323 configured to form a circular closure around a circular structure (e.g., a flanged end of a sanitary fitting) when the locking portions 312, 322 are secured together in a closed or clamped state of the clamp 300, e.g., to provide a substantially uniform sealing pressure around the entire circular structure. In other embodiments, the clamp can be used to provide a clamping engagement with other fittings or components (including, for example, components having a non-circular shape). Advantageously, the clamp 300 can be reopened and reused with different groups of catheter segments, which is desirable for end users. In the illustrated embodiment, the two gland members 310, 320 of the clamp 300 include user-operable (e.g., hand-graspable, tool-engageable) latch release arms or levers 315, 325 that can achieve simplified disengagement of the gland member locking portions 312, 322 and / or more robust interlocking engagement of the gland member locking portions. The clamp 300 can be configured so that no additional tools and / or special equipment are required to operate the clamp between the open position and the closed position, and the clamp and the catheter segments will not be damaged or destroyed due to the process of moving the clamp back to the open position. In some embodiments, the clamp 300 can be used as a disposable clamp or a reusable clamp. Further advantages are demonstrated in the detailed discussion of this and other embodiments herein.

[0078] Specific reference Fig.14 and Figures 15 to 17, showing the clamp 300 in an open position and a closed position, respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second gland members 310, 320 of the clamp 300 are generally arcuate between a first end hinge portion 311, 321 and a second end locking portion 312, 322 opposite the first end. The corresponding hinge portions 311, 321 of the first and second gland members 310, 320 may be detachably engaged, for example, by a hinge arrangement 301. Although many suitable hinge arrangement structures may be used to pivotally connect the hinge portions 311, 321 of the gland members 310, 320, in the illustrated embodiment, each hinge portion 311, 321 includes a pin portion 311a, 321a and an arcuate socket or socket portion 311b, 321b, similar to that described in more detail above. Figures 2 to 7 The hinge arrangement 101 of the clamp 100. In other embodiments (not shown), the clamp may utilize other hinge arrangements, including, for example, those described in more detail above. Figures 8 to 13 The clamp 200 has an apertured hasp and pivot pin hinge arrangement.

[0079] In other embodiments, the clamp may utilize a third gland member or an intermediate gland member hingedly connected between the hinge portions of the first and second gland members as a hinge arrangement, which may, for example, allow for the use of shorter arcuate channel segments in the gland members, which may provide better dimensional control and improved manufacturability of these features. One such exemplary three gland clamp 400 is shown in FIG. Figures 19 to 24 and described in more detail below.

[0080] Between the hinge ends 311, 321 and the locking ends 312, 322, the gland members 310, 320 each define a substantially semicircular or arcuate clamping portion 313, 323, which includes an outer periphery 313a, 323a and an inner periphery 313b, 323b. Located along the inner periphery 313b, 323b is an arcuate channel or inner peripheral recess 314, 324, which is sized to receive the circular flanges of the catheter section when the flanges are inserted into the fixture 300. As shown, when the catheter section is located in the fixture 300 and the fixture is in a closed or clamped state, the exemplary inner peripheral recesses 314, 324 combine to form a substantially complete (e.g., 350 to 360 degrees) circumference around the circular flange. The inner peripheral recesses 314, 324 can be provided with any suitable shape or contour. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate inner peripheral recesses 314, 324 are configured to wedge the circular flanges toward each other and toward the gasket to form a sealing relationship, similar to Figure 7 In other embodiments, the inner surface of the arcuate inner peripheral recess may include, for example, a toothed, notched, or hollow structure to save material when molding the first and second gland members 310, 320.

[0081] The exemplary gland members 310, 320 also include a handle portion 316, 326 that projects radially outward from the locking portion 312, 322 of the gland members, thereby providing a graspable or grippable portion for a user to move the gland members between the open and closed states.

[0082] To securely close the clamp 300 on the catheter segment, the user can grasp the first handle 316 and the second handle 326 and squeeze the first handle 316 and the second handle 326 toward each other to pivot the first gland member 310 and the second gland member 320 at the hinge arrangement 301 until the end wall portions 312a, 322a of the locking portions 312, 322 abut (e.g., contact or closely face alignment) in the closed state, as shown in FIG. Figures 15 to 17 Once in the closed position, the exemplary first handle 316 and the second handle 326 extend in substantially the same direction, such that the first handle and the second handle may be substantially parallel to each other in the closed state of the clamp 300. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the specific positioning and angles of the first handle and the second handle may vary.

[0083] In order to reliably maintain the clamp 300 in a closed state, the gland members 310, 320 each include at least one interlocking feature (e.g., a pawl) 318, 328 disposed on the flexible wall portion 317, 327 of the gland locking end 312, 322, for releasably interlocking engagement with the locking portion of the other gland member when the clamp is in a closed or clamped state. In various embodiments, the at least one pawl can be configured to interlock with various structures on the locking end of the other gland member. Figures 14 to 18 In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one pawl 318 of the first gland member 310 is positioned (e.g., with the flexible wall portion 317 extending from the base of the first handle 316) for interlocking engagement with the pawl support interlocking wall portion 329 of the second gland member 320. Similarly, the at least one pawl 328 of the second gland member 320 is positioned (e.g., with the flexible wall portion 327 extending from the base of the second handle 326) for interlocking engagement with the pawl support interlocking wall portion 319 of the first gland member 310.

[0084] The user can depress the lever portion 315, 325 extending from each of the flexible wall portions 317, 327 to flex the at least one pawl 318, 328 out of the pawl support interlocking wall portion 329, 319 of the other gland member 320, 310 to allow the first gland member and the second gland member to move to the open position. In some embodiments, it may be necessary for the user to depress both the lever portions 315, 325 at the same time for the disengagement of the locking portions 312, 322 and the movement of the clamp 300 to the open state, thereby providing a more secure or robust hold of the clamp 300 on the catheter segment. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever portions 315, 325 are shaped to extend radially outward toward the clamping portions 313, 323 of the corresponding gland members 310, 320 (e.g., parallel to the flexible wall portions 317, 327), so that a squeezing force applied to the lever portions 315, 325 and the corresponding handles 316, 326 causes the flexible wall portions 317, 327 to flex radially outward to disengage the pawls 318, 328 from the corresponding interlocking wall portions 319, 329. In other embodiments, the lever portions may be disposed in a different orientation (e.g., coplanar with the flexible wall portions).

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the flexible wall portions 317, 327 includes two detents 318, 328, for example to provide multiple attachment points for a more robust interlocking engagement, or to provide multiple ratcheting closure states. In other embodiments, fewer or more detents may be provided on either or both of the flexible wall portions.

[0086] Each of the detents 318, 328 may protrude radially from the corresponding flexible wall portion 317, 327 as a stepped ridge or tooth. More specifically, each of the detents 318, 328 includes an angled front surface facing the distal end of the flexible wall and a transverse rear surface facing the proximal end of the flexible wall. These front and rear surfaces enable the first and second gland detents 318, 328 to snap or ratchet engage with the corresponding interlocking wall portion, which may include similarly shaped detent portions 319a, 329a. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the specific angles of the angled front and transverse rear surfaces may be modified while still achieving interlocking engagement.

[0087] The lever portions 315, 325 may include additional elements to help ensure that the lever portions are not accidentally depressed before the clamp 300 should be reopened. To this end, the lever portions 315, 325 may be provided with lace receiving loops 315a, 325a extending toward each other (e.g., a U-shaped structure as shown). When a zipper tie or other such lace element is wound through the first and second lace receiving loops 315a, 325a and tightened, the lever portions 315, 325 are held in tension to resist user depression and the resulting flexural movement of the flexible wall portions 317, 327, thereby preventing accidental or undesired disengagement of the pawls 318, 329a, 328, 329a and release of the clamp 300. As a result, the lace receiving loops 315a, 325a can be used to further enhance the retention of the clamp 300 in the closed position until it is desired to reopen the clamp 300, at which time the zipper tie can be cut and then the lever portions 315, 325 can be depressed as described above. The specific location and shape of the first and second lace receiving loops may be modified in other embodiments without departing from the functionality or scope of clamp 300.

[0088] The exemplary gland members 310, 320 are each integrally molded or otherwise formed as a unitary piece of plastic material, such as nylon. In such an embodiment, the hinge portions 311, 321, locking portions 312, 322, clamping portions 313, 323, handles 316, 326, flexible wall portions 317, 327, and lever portions 315, 325 of each gland 310, 320 are a unitary piece of material that is sufficiently flexible to allow flexure or pivotal movement of the flexible wall portions 317, 327 relative to the locking portions 312, 322, but sufficiently rigid to maintain the circular flanges of the catheter segments in a reliable sealing engagement when the clamp 300 is in the closed position. The specific materials and manufacturing methods used for the first gland member 310 and the second gland member 320 can be modified to accommodate the needs and preferences of the end user.

[0089] Additionally, the exemplary gland members 310, 320 may be molded or otherwise formed as identical or substantially identical gland components, for example, to allow a single mold to be used to form both gland members, and to allow a single type of gland member to be stocked for use in producing the fixture 300. As described above, when the gland members are oriented for assembly (with the hinge portions 311, 321 and the locking portions 312, 322 facing each other), the pin portion 311a of the first gland member 310 is aligned with and received in the socket portion 321b of the second gland member 320, and the pin portion 321a of the second gland member is aligned with and received in the socket portion 311b of the first gland member. Likewise, the pawl 318, 328 of each gland member 310, 320 is laterally and radially aligned with the pawl 329a, 319a of the interlocking wall portion 329, 319 of the other gland member for interlocking engagement of the flexure and ratcheting effect of the pawls 318, 329a, 328, 319a when the gland member is pivoted to the clamp closed state.

[0090] When in use, a user can move the clamp 300 to a closed position by grasping the handle portions 316, 326 and pulling (e.g., pushing, pulling, squeezing) the handle portions toward each other. Due to the pivotal connection at the hinge arrangement 301, this movement of the handle portions 316, 326 causes the locking ends 312, 322 of the first and second gland members 310, 320 to move relative to each other. During this pivotal movement, the first gland member flexible wall pawl 318 begins to snap onto the second gland member interlocking wall pawl 329a, and the second gland member flexible wall pawl 328 begins to snap onto the first gland member interlocking wall pawl 319a. To this end, when the first and second gland members 310, 320 are moved from Fig.14 The open position moves towards each other Figures 15 to 17In the closed latched position, the interlocking detents 318, 329a and 328, 319a can slide along and past each other until abutment engagement between the end wall portions 312a, 322a of the locking portions 312, 322, or until sufficient clamping force is applied to the flange end and the gasket (which can but need not correspond to contact abutment of the end wall portions). This clamped state can also correspond to when the proximal ends of the flexible wall detents 318, 328 are engaged with the proximal ends of the interlocking wall detents 329a, 319a. Due to the close abutment or contact between the end wall portions 312a, 322a in this closed state, a substantially full (e.g., 350 to 360 degrees) circumferential engagement of the circular flange can be provided. After the first handle 316 and the second handle 326 are squeezed together to abut the end wall portions 312a, 322a of the first pressure cover member 110 and the second pressure cover member 120 in the closed state, the flexible wall pawls 318, 128 can be fully engaged with the interlocking wall pawls 329a, 319a so that the corresponding lateral rear surfaces of the toothed pawls engage to keep the clamp 300 in the closed state.

[0091] In order to loosen or remove the clamp 300 from the catheter segment (for example, to separate the catheter segment, or replace one or more of the catheter segment and the gasket), the lever portions 315, 325 are depressed to flex the flexible wall detents 318, 328 away from the interlocking wall detents 329a, 319a to allow the first and second gland members 310, 320 to move toward an open position.

[0092] Figures 19 to 24Another exemplary embodiment of a clamp 400 is shown for joining two conduit segments (e.g., flanged sanitary fittings) together. The exemplary clamp 400 includes a first gland member 410 and a second gland member 420 having joints or hinge portions 411, 421 pivotally connected by a third intermediate gland member 440 (described in more detail below), releasably engaged locking portions 412, 422, and intermediate arcuate clamping portions 413, 423 configured to form (with the third gland member 440) a circular closure around a circular structure (e.g., a flanged end of a sanitary fitting) when the locking portions 412, 422 are secured together in a closed or clamped state of the clamp 400, e.g., to provide a substantially uniform sealing pressure around the entire circular structure. In other embodiments, the clamp can be used to provide a clamping engagement with other accessories or components (including, for example, components with non-circular shapes). Advantageously, the clamp 400 can be reopened and reused with different groups of catheter segments, which is desirable for end users. In the illustrated embodiment, the first gland member 410 and the second gland member 420 of the clamp 400 each include a user-operable (e.g., hand-graspable, tool-engageable) latch release arm or lever 415, 425, which can achieve a simplified disengagement of the gland member locking portion 412, 422 and / or a more robust interlocking engagement of the gland member locking portion. The clamp 400 can be configured so that no additional tools and / or special equipment are required to operate the clamp between the open position and the closed position, and the clamp and the catheter segment will not be damaged or destroyed due to the process of moving the clamp back to the open position. In some embodiments, the clamp 400 can be used as a disposable clamp or a reusable clamp. Further advantages are demonstrated in the detailed discussion of this and other embodiments herein.

[0093] Specific reference Fig.19 and Figure 20 to Figure 22, the clamp 400 is shown in an open position and a closed position, respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second gland members 410, 420 of the clamp 400 are generally arcuate between the first end hinge portions 411, 421 and the second end locking portions 412, 422 opposite the first end. The corresponding hinge portions 411, 421 of the first and second gland members 410, 420 can be removably engaged, for example, by a hinge arrangement 401 including a third gland member 440. Although many suitable hinge arrangement structures can be used to pivotally connect the hinge portions 411, 421 of the first and second gland members 410, 420, in the illustrated embodiment, each hinge portion 411, 421 includes a transversely extending pin portion 411a, 421a, which is received in a corresponding arcuate socket or socket portion 441a, 442a on the end portions 441, 442 of the third gland member 440. In other embodiments (not shown), the clamp may utilize other hinge arrangements, including, for example, first and second gland members having laterally opposed arcuate receptacles that receive laterally extending pin portions of a third intermediate gland, or an apertured snap and pivot pin hinge arrangement, for example, similar to that described in more detail above. Figures 8 to 13 The clamp 200 has an apertured hasp and pivot pin hinge arrangement 201 .

[0094] Between the ends 411, 412, 421, 422, 441, 442 of the first, second, and third gland members 410, 420, 440, the first, second, and third gland members 410, 420, 440 each define an arcuate clamping portion 413, 423, 443, which includes an outer periphery 413a, 423a, 443a and an inner periphery 413b, 423b, 443b. Positioned along the inner periphery 413b, 423b, 443b is an arcuate channel or inner peripheral recess 414, 424, 444, which is sized to receive the circular flanges of the catheter segment when they are inserted into the clamp 400. As shown, when the conduit segment is located in the clamp 400 and the clamp is in a closed or clamped state, the exemplary inner peripheral recesses 414, 424, 444 combine to form a substantially complete (e.g., 350 to 360 degrees) circumferential channel around the circular flange. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner peripheral recesses 414, 424, 444 of each of the first gland member 410, the second gland member 420, and the third gland member 440 can each form approximately one-third of the full circumferential channel (e.g., about 115 to 120 degrees). In other embodiments, the inner peripheral recess 444 of the third gland member 440 can form more or less than one-third of the full circumferential channel, wherein the inner peripheral recesses 414, 424 of the first gland member 410 and the second gland member 420 combine to occupy the remainder of the full circumferential channel.

[0095] The inner peripheral recesses 414, 424, 444 may be provided with any suitable shape or profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate inner peripheral recesses 414, 424, 444 are configured to wedge the circular flanges toward each other and toward the gasket to form a sealing relationship, similar to Figure 7 In other embodiments, the inner surface of the arcuate inner peripheral recess may include, for example, a toothed, notched or hollow structure (such as Fig.23 and Fig.24 As shown), so as to save material when molding the cover components 410, 420, 440.

[0096] The exemplary first and second gland members 410, 420 also include handle portions 416, 426 projecting radially outward from the locking portions 412, 422 of the gland members, thereby providing a user with a graspable or grippable portion for the user to move the gland members between the open and closed states.

[0097] The ends 441, 442 of the third gland member 440 may include ribs or protrusions 445, which engage the rear edges 413c, 423c of the first gland clamping portion 413 and the second gland clamping portion 423 to resist movement of the first gland 410 and the second gland 420 toward the closed position, for example, to prevent loose pivotal movement of the gland members toward the closed position.

[0098] To securely close the clamp 400 on the catheter segment, the user can grasp the first handle 416 and the second handle 426 and squeeze the first handle 416 and the second handle 426 toward each other to pivot the first gland member 410 and the second gland member 420 at the hinge arrangement 401 until the end wall portions 412a, 422a of the locking portions 412, 422 abut (e.g., contact or closely face alignment) in the closed state, as shown. Figure 20 to Figure 22 Once in the closed position, the exemplary first handle 416 and second handle 426 extend in substantially the same direction, such that the first handle and second handle may be substantially parallel to each other in the closed state of the clamp 400. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the specific positioning and angles of the first handle and second handle may vary.

[0099] In order to reliably maintain the clamp 400 in a closed state, the first and second gland members 410 and 420 may utilize various releasable interlocking pawl arrangements. Figures 14 to 18 In an embodiment (as described in more detail above), the gland locking ends 412, 422 each include at least one interlocking feature (e.g., a detent) 418, 428 disposed on the flexible wall portions 417, 427 for interlocking engagement with the detent-supporting interlocking wall portions 429, 419 of the locking ends 422, 412 of the other gland member 420, 410, wherein a user may depress the lever portions 415, 425 for flexing the at least one detent 418, 428 out of the detent-supporting interlocking wall portions 429, 429. Similarly similar to Figures 14 to 18 In other embodiments (not shown), the lever portion 415, 425 may include a lace receiving loop 415a, 425a to hold the lever portion taut to prevent accidental or undesired disengagement of the pawl 418, 429a, 428, 429a until the securing lace is removed (e.g., cut) from the loop. Figures 19 to 24 The three-piece clamp of the clamp 400 may utilize other interlocking, releasing and securing arrangements, for example, as described herein. Figures 2 to 7 and Figures 8 to 13 Interlocking and releasing arrangement of clamps 100, 200.

[0100] The exemplary gland members 410, 420, 440 are each integrally molded or otherwise formed as an integral piece of plastic material, such as nylon. In such an embodiment, the hinge portions 411, 421, locking portions 412, 422, clamping portions 413, 423, handles 416, 426, flexible wall portions 417, 427, and lever portions 415, 425 of the first gland 410 and the second gland 420 are each an integral piece of material, which has sufficient flexibility to achieve flexure or pivotal movement of the flexible wall portions 417, 427 relative to the locking portions 412, 422, but has sufficient rigidity to maintain the circular flange of the conduit section in a reliable sealing engagement when the fixture 400 is in the closed position. The end portions 441, 442 and the clamping portion 443 of the third gland of the third gland are also an integral piece of material. The specific materials and manufacturing methods used for the gland members 410, 420 can be modified to accommodate the needs and preferences of the end user.

[0101] Additionally, the exemplary first and second gland members 410, 420 may be molded or otherwise formed as identical or substantially identical gland components, for example, to allow a single mold to be used to form both the first and second gland members, and to allow a single type of end gland member to be stocked for production of the clamp 400, in combination with different third gland members 440. As described above, when the gland members are oriented for assembly (with the hinge portions 411, 421 facing the ends 441, 442 of the third gland member 440), the pin portion 411a of the first gland member 410 is aligned with and received in the socket portion 441a of the first end 441 of the third gland member, and the pin portion 421a of the second gland member 420 is aligned with and received in the socket portion 442a of the second end 442 of the third gland member. Similarly, the pawls 418, 428 of the first and second pressure cover members 410, 420 are laterally and radially aligned with the pawls 429a, 419a of the interlocking wall portions 429, 419 of the other pressure cover member to provide for interlocking engagement of the flexure and ratcheting effect of the pawls 418, 3429a, 428, 419a when the pressure cover members are pivoted to the clamp closed state.

[0102] According to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the locking portions of the first and second gland members of the clamp may include reinforcement portions that engage with each other when the locking portions abut in the clamping position of the clamp, for example, to facilitate alignment of interlocking features (e.g., toothed pawls) and / or to reinforce the locking portions to prevent damage or accidental disengagement due to dropping or other such impacts. For example, when the first and second gland members are moved to the clamping position, a protrusion extending longitudinally from the locking portion of one of the first and second gland members is slidably received in a longitudinally extending cavity in the locking portion of the other of the first and second gland members. This arrangement can secure the first locking portion to prevent radial movement relative to the second locking portion, for example, to maintain interlocking engagement of radially engageable interlocking features (e.g., toothed pawls). In an exemplary embodiment using the same or substantially identical first and second gland members, each of the first and second gland members may include a protrusion extending longitudinally from a locking portion that can be slidably received in a longitudinally extending cavity in the locking portion of the other of the first and second gland members.

[0103] exist Figures 19 to 24 In the exemplary clamp of , the locking portion 412, 422 of each gland member 410, 420 includes a longitudinally extending mating protrusion (e.g., tab) and cavity (e.g., notch) portion 412b, 422b, 412c, 422c, which can engage with the protrusion and cavity portion of another gland member, for example, to facilitate sufficient radial alignment of the locking portion in the closed state of the clamp. As shown, the tabs 412b, 422b and the notches 412c, 422c can be longitudinally tapered to facilitate engagement and alignment of the tabs and notches when the gland members are pivoted to the clamped position. Similar reinforcement portions can be provided in other clamp embodiments shown and described herein.

[0104] When in use, a user can move the clamp 400 to a closed position by grasping the handle portions 416, 426 and pulling (e.g., pushing, pulling, squeezing) the handle portions toward each other. Due to the pivotal connection at the hinge arrangement 401, this movement of the handle portions 416, 426 causes the locking ends 312, 322 of the first and second gland members 410, 420 to move relative to each other. During this pivotal movement, the reinforcing protrusions 412b, 422b of each locking portion 412, 422 are received in the reinforcing cavities 422c, 412c of the other locking portion, and the first gland member flexible wall pawl 418 begins to snap onto the second gland member interlocking wall pawl 429a, and the second gland member flexible wall pawl 428 begins to snap onto the first gland member interlocking wall pawl 419a. To this end, when the first gland member 410 and the second gland member 420 are moved from Fig.19 The open position moves towards each other Figure 20 to Figure 22 In the closed latched position, the interlocking detents 418, 429a and 428, 419a can slide along and past each other until abutment engagement between the end wall portions 412a, 422a of the locking portions 412, 422, or until sufficient clamping force is applied to the flange ends and the washers (which can but need not correspond to contact abutment of the end wall portions). This clamped state can also correspond to when the proximal ends of the flexible wall detents 418, 428 are engaged with the proximal ends of the interlocking wall detents 429a, 419a. Due to the close abutment or contact between the end wall portions 412a, 422a in this closed state, a substantially full (e.g., 350 to 360 degrees) circumferential engagement of the circular flange can be provided. After the first handle 416 and the second handle 426 are squeezed together to abut the end wall portions 412a, 422a of the first pressure cover member 410 and the second pressure cover member 420 in the closed state, the flexible wall pawls 418, 428 can be fully engaged with the interlocking wall pawls 429a, 419a so that the corresponding lateral rear surfaces of the toothed pawls engage to keep the clamp 400 in the closed state.

[0105] In order to loosen or remove the clamp 400 from the catheter segment (for example, to separate the catheter segment, or replace one or more of the catheter segment and the gasket), the lever portions 415, 425 are depressed to flex the flexible wall detents 418, 428 away from the interlocking wall detents 429a, 419a to allow the first and second gland members 410, 420 to move toward an open position.

[0106] Aspects of the present invention have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Modifications and changes will occur to others after reading and understanding this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and changes as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clamp, include: a first gland member, the first gland member comprising a first joint portion, a first locking portion, and a first clamping portion disposed between the first joint portion and the first locking portion; a second gland member, the second gland member comprising a second joint portion, a second locking portion, and a second clamping portion disposed between the second joint portion and the second locking portion; wherein the first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected for movement of the first gland member and the second gland member between an open position and at least one clamping position; wherein the first locking portion is configured to interlock with the second locking portion to fix the first gland member and the second gland member in the at least one clamping position; and Wherein, the first locking part and the second locking part also include corresponding first user-operable release parts and second user-operable release parts, and the first user-operable release parts and the second user-operable release parts can be independently operated to disengage a corresponding one of the first locking part and the second locking part from the other locking part of the first locking part and the second locking part, thereby allowing the first pressing cover member and the second pressing cover member to move to the open position.

2. The clamp according to claim 1, in, The first and second joint portions, the first and second locking portions, and the first and second clamping portions of the first and second gland members are substantially identical.

3. The clamp according to claim 1, in, The first gland member and the second gland member are substantially identical.

4. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The first and second clamping portions define first and second inner peripheral recesses for receiving an edge portion of the outer radial flange when the clamp is assembled with the outer radial flange.

5. The clamp according to claim 4, in, The first and second inner peripheral recesses are shaped to receive a circular outer radial flange.

6. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The first joint portion includes a first hinge portion and the second joint portion includes a second hinge portion, The first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are connected for pivotable movement of the first gland member and the second gland member between the open position and the at least one clamped position. 7 . The clamp according to claim 6 , further comprising a hinge pin assembled with the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion for pivotable connection of the first gland member and the second gland member.

8. The clamp according to claim 6, in, The first hinge part and the second hinge part each include a pin part and a socket part, wherein the pin part of each hinge part of the first hinge part and the second hinge part is received in the socket part of the other hinge part of the first hinge part and the second hinge part for pivotable connection of the first pressure cover member and the second pressure cover member.

9. The clamp according to claim 6, in, The first hinge portion includes a first pin portion disposed on a first lateral side of the clamp and a first socket portion disposed on a second lateral side of the clamp, and The second hinge portion includes a second socket portion disposed on the first lateral side of the clamp and receiving the first pin portion, and a second pin portion disposed on the second lateral side of the clamp and received in the first socket portion.

10. The clamp of claim 6, further comprising a third gland member having a first end hingedly connected to the first hinge portion and a second end hingedly connected to the second hinge portion.

11. The clamp according to claim 10, in, The third gland member includes a third clamping portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion.

12. The clamp according to claim 11, in, The first clamping portion, the second clamping portion, and the third clamping portion each form approximately one third of the full circumferential channel.

13. The clamp according to any one of claims 10 to 12, in, The first end and the second end of the third gland member each include one of a laterally opposed arcuate socket and a laterally extending pin portion, and The first hinge portion and the second hinge portion each include the other of the laterally opposed arcuate sockets and the laterally extending pin portions, Wherein, the laterally extending pin portion is received in the laterally opposite arcuate sockets for hinged connection therebetween.

14. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in, The first locking portion and the second locking portion each include a flexible wall portion carrying at least one detent configured to interlock with the other of the first locking portion and the second locking portion to secure the first gland member and the second gland member in the at least one clamping position, Wherein, each of the first release portion and the second release portion is operable for movement of the corresponding flexible wall portion so as to flex and disengage the at least one pawl from the locking portion of the other of the first and second pressure cover components to allow the first and second pressure cover components to move to the open position.

15. The clamp according to claim 14, in, The at least one pawl includes a plurality of pawls.

16. The clamp according to any one of claims 14 to 15, in, The at least one pawl includes a ratchet effect pawl that allows ratcheting urging of the first and second gland members toward tighter abutment of the first and second locking portions without requiring a user to actuate a corresponding one of the first and second release portions.

17. A clamp according to any one of claims 14 to 16, in, The at least one pawl includes tapered teeth.

18. A clamp according to any one of claims 14 to 17, in, The at least one detent of each of the first and second gland components is configured to interlock with the flexible wall portion of the other of the first and second gland components.

19. The clamp according to claim 18, in, The at least one detent of each of the first and second gland components is configured to interlock with the at least one detent of the other of the first and second gland components.

20. The clamp according to any one of claims 14 to 17, in, The at least one detent of each of the first and second gland components is configured to interlock with a rigid wall portion of the locking portion of the other of the first and second gland components.

21. A clamp according to any one of claims 14 to 20, in, The at least one pawl of each of the first and second gland members protrudes radially inwardly.

22. A clamp according to any one of claims 14 to 20, in, The at least one pawl of each of the first and second capping members protrudes in a lateral direction.

23. A clamp according to any one of claims 14 to 20, in, The at least one detent of the first gland member protrudes radially inwardly, and the at least one detent of the second gland member protrudes radially outwardly.

24. A clamp according to any one of claims 14 to 23, in, The first release portion and the second release portion each include a lever portion extending from a corresponding flexible wall portion.

25. The clamp according to claim 24, in, The lever portion of each of the first and second capping members protrudes radially outward.

26. A clamp according to any one of claims 24 to 25, in, The lever portion of each of the first and second capping members protrudes laterally outward.

27. A clamp according to any one of claims 24 to 26, in, The lever portion of the first gland member can be pressed radially outward to deflect the corresponding at least one pawl from the locking portion of the second gland member.

28. A clamp according to any one of claims 24 to 27, in, The lever portion of the second gland member can be pressed radially inwardly to flex and disengage the corresponding at least one pawl from the locking portion of the first gland member.

29. A clamp according to any one of claims 24 to 28, in, The lever portion of each of the first and second pressure cover members can be pressed down away from the locking portion of the other of the first and second pressure cover members to flex and disengage the corresponding at least one pawl from the locking portion of the other of the first and second pressure cover members.

30. A clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 29, in, When the first and second gland members move to the at least one clamping position, the longitudinally extending protrusion of the first locking portion is slidably received in the longitudinally extending cavity of the second locking portion to fix the first locking portion to prevent radial movement relative to the second locking portion.

31. A clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 30, in, When the first and second gland members move to the at least one clamping position, the longitudinally extending protrusion of the second locking portion is slidably received in the longitudinally extending cavity of the first locking portion to fix the first locking portion to prevent radial movement relative to the second locking portion.

32. A clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 31, in, User operation of either of the first and second user-manipulable releases enables the first and second capping members to move from the at least one clamped position to the open position.

33. A clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 31, in, User operation of both the first user-operable release and the second user-operable release is required to enable the first and second capping members to move from the at least one clamped position to the open position.

34. A clamp, include: a first gland member, the first gland member comprising a first hinge portion, a first locking portion, and a first clamping portion disposed between the first hinge portion and the first locking portion; a second gland member, the second gland member comprising a second hinge portion, a second locking portion, and a second clamping portion disposed between the second hinge portion and the second locking portion; wherein the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are connected for pivotable movement of the first gland member and the second gland member between an open position and at least one clamped position, wherein the first hinge portion includes a first pin portion disposed on a first lateral side of the clamp and a first socket portion disposed on a second lateral side of the clamp, and the second hinge portion includes a second socket portion disposed on the first lateral side of the clamp and receiving the first pin portion and a second pin portion disposed on the second lateral side of the clamp and received in the first socket portion; and Wherein, the locking portion of each of the first and second gland components is configured to interlock with the locking portion of the other of the first and second gland components to fix the first and second gland components in the at least one clamping position.

35. The clamp according to claim 34, in, The first and second hinge portions, the first and second locking portions, and the first and second clamping portions are substantially identical.

36. The clamp according to claim 34, in, The first gland member and the second gland member are substantially identical.

37. A clamp according to any one of claims 34 to 36, in, The first and second clamping portions define first and second inner peripheral recesses for receiving an edge portion of the outer radial flange when the clamp is assembled with the outer radial flange.

38. The clamp according to claim 37, in, The first and second inner peripheral recesses are shaped to receive a circular outer radial flange.

39. A clamp according to any one of claims 34 to 38, in, Each of the first locking portion and the second locking portion includes a user-operable release portion, which can be independently operated to disengage the corresponding locking portion from the other locking portion of the first locking portion and the second locking portion, thereby allowing the first pressure cover member and the second pressure cover member to move to the open position.

40. The clamp according to claim 39, in, Each of the first locking portion and the second locking portion includes a flexible wall portion, which carries at least one pawl, and the at least one pawl is configured to interlock with the other locking portion of the first locking portion and the second locking portion to fix the first gland member and the second gland member in the at least one clamping position.

41. The clamp according to claim 40, in, Each user-operable release portion is operable for movement of a corresponding flexible wall portion for flexing the at least one pawl out of the other of the first locking portion and the second locking portion to allow the first and second gland members to move to the open position.

42. A clamp according to any one of claims 34 to 41, in, When the first and second gland members move to the at least one clamping position, the longitudinally extending protrusion of the first locking portion is slidably received in the longitudinally extending cavity of the second locking portion to fix the first locking portion to prevent radial movement relative to the second locking portion.

43. A clamp according to any one of claims 34 to 42, in, When the first and second gland members move to the at least one clamping position, the longitudinally extending protrusion of the second locking portion is slidably received in the longitudinally extending cavity of the first locking portion to fix the first locking portion to prevent radial movement relative to the second locking portion.

44. A clamp, include: a first gland member, the first gland member comprising a first joint portion, a first locking portion, and a first clamping portion extending longitudinally between the first joint portion and the first locking portion; a second gland member, the second gland member comprising a second joint portion, a second locking portion, and a second clamping portion extending longitudinally between the second joint portion and the second locking portion; wherein the first joint portion and the second joint portion are connected for movement of the first gland member and the second gland member between an open position and at least one clamping position; Wherein, when the first gland member and the second gland member move to the at least one clamping position: The interlocking feature of the first locking portion interlocks with the interlocking feature of the second locking portion to secure the first gland member and the second gland member in the at least one clamping position; and The longitudinally extending projection of the first locking portion is slidably received in the longitudinally extending cavity of the second locking portion to secure the first locking portion against radial movement relative to the second locking portion.

45. The clamp according to claim 44, in, The first joint portion and the second joint portion, the first locking portion and the second locking portion, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion of the first and second gland members are substantially identical.

46. ​​The clamp according to claim 44, in, The first gland member and the second gland member are substantially identical.

47. A clamp according to any one of claims 44 to 46, in, The first and second clamping portions define first and second inner peripheral recesses for receiving an edge portion of the outer radial flange when the clamp is assembled with the outer radial flange.

48. The clamp according to claim 47, in, The first and second inner peripheral recesses are shaped to receive a circular outer radial flange.

49. A clamp according to any one of claims 44 to 48, in, The first joint portion includes a first hinge portion and the second joint portion includes a second hinge portion, the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion being connected for pivotable movement of the first gland member and the second gland member between the open position and the at least one clamped position.

50. The clamp of claim 49, further comprising a hinge pin assembled with the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion for pivotably connecting the first gland member and the second gland member.

51. The clamp according to claim 49, in, The first hinge part and the second hinge part each include a pin part and a socket part, wherein the pin part of each hinge part of the first hinge part and the second hinge part is received in the socket part of the other hinge part of the first hinge part and the second hinge part for pivotable connection of the first pressure cover member and the second pressure cover member.

52. The clamp according to claim 49, in, The first hinge portion includes a first pin portion disposed on a first lateral side of the clamp and a first socket portion disposed on a second lateral side of the clamp, and The second hinge portion includes a second socket portion disposed on a first lateral side of the clamp and receiving the first pin portion, and a second pin portion disposed on a second lateral side of the clamp and received in the first socket portion.

53. The clamp of claim 49, further comprising a third gland member having a first end hingedly connected to the hinge portion of the first gland member and a second end hingedly connected to the hinge portion of the second gland member.

54. The clamp according to claim 53, in, The third gland member includes a third clamping portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion.

55. The clamp according to claim 54, in, The first clamping portion, the second clamping portion, and the third clamping portion each form approximately one third of the full circumferential channel.

56. A clamp according to any one of claims 53 to 55, in, The first end and the second end of the third gland member each include one of a laterally opposed arcuate socket and a laterally extending pin portion, and The first hinge portion and the second hinge portion each include the other of the laterally opposed arcuate socket and the laterally extending pin portion, Wherein, the laterally extending pin portion is received in the laterally opposite arcuate sockets for hinged connection therebetween.

57. A clamp according to any one of claims 44 to 56, in, The longitudinally extending protrusion is longitudinally tapered.

58. A clamp according to any one of claims 44 to 57, in, When the first and second gland members move to the at least one clamping position, the longitudinally extending protrusion of the second locking portion is slidably received in the longitudinally extending cavity of the first locking portion to fix the first locking portion to prevent radial movement relative to the second locking portion.

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