Clamping assemblies for clamping tubing to control fluid flow

Abstract

A clamping assembly for clamping flexible tubing includes a base member having a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls. At least one of the side walls includes a clamp latch feature extending inwardly from an inner surface thereof. A locking lever is disposed between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position to pivot relative to the base member. The locking lever includes a lever engaging feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 388,458, filed July 12, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates generally to clamping assemblies, and more particularly to clamping assemblies for clamping tubing to control fluid flow through the tubing. [Background technology]

[0003] Many laboratory systems utilize flexible tubing to deliver or transfer fluids between systems. One such system utilizing flexible tubing is Corning's HYPERStack™. The HYPERStack system includes multiple modules formed from multiple individual stackette layers. These modules are interconnected by flexible tubing connected to tubing connections. This interconnection of modules allows for filling and draining of the HYPERStack system. Valves and other devices (e.g., clamps) can be used to control the flow of fluids into and out of the HYPERStack system utilizing flexible tubing. For example, when filling or draining the HYPERStack, it may be desirable to slow or stop the flow of fluids into or out of the system via the tubing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, a need exists for a clamping assembly suitable for clamping flexible tubing to control the flow of fluid through the flexible tubing. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0006] According to another embodiment, a clamping assembly for clamping flexible tubing includes a base member having a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls. At least one of the side walls includes a clamp latch feature. A locking lever is disposed between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position to pivot relative to the base member. The locking lever includes a lever engagement feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature. The clamp release feature is configured to move inwardly against a tube located within the base member.

[0007] Additional features and advantages of the clamping assemblies and methods are set forth in the detailed description that follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments described herein, including the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate by way of example various embodiments described herein and, together with the following detailed description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a clamping assembly for clamping and compressing flexible tubing in an open position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the clamping assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the base member removed, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the clamping assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the locking lever removed, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 showing the clamp assembly in an open state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 showing the clamp assembly in a fully closed state according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 showing a clamp assembly in a semi-closed state according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiments described herein are generally directed to a clamping assembly used to clamp flexible tubing to reduce the inner diameter of the tubing and reduce or stop flow through the tubing. The clamping assembly includes a base member having a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls. At least one of the side walls includes at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along an inner surface of the at least one side wall at different distances from the bottom. A locking lever is pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position to pivot relative to the base member. The locking lever includes a lever hooking feature configured to cooperatively mate with one of the clamp latch features at a first angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking lever at the first angular position and another one of the clamp latch features at a second angular position relative to the base member, different from the first angular position, to lock the locking lever at the second angular position. At least one of the side walls may include a tube pinch relief feature configured to move inwardly toward the other side wall to impinge on and apply pressure to the tube.

[0011] The following detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and which show, by way of example, certain specific embodiments of devices, systems, and methods. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0012] All technical and scientific terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are intended to aid in understanding certain terms used multiple times herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include plural embodiments unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein and in the appended claims, the term "or" is intended to generally include "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0014] In this specification, the words "have," "having," "include," "including," "comprise," "comprising," etc. are used in an open-ended sense, generally meaning "including, but not limited to."

[0015] 1, clamp assembly 10 includes a base member 12 and a locking lever 14. Base member 12 and locking lever 14 may be separate components connected to one another at a pivot point 15 to allow locking lever 14 to pivot relative to base member 12. It should be noted that clamp assembly 10, including base member 12 and locking lever 14, may be configured to have identical features on either side of the geometric centerline of clamp assembly 10.

[0016] 2, base member 12 includes opposing sidewalls 16, 18 and a bottom 20. Bottom 20 extends from sidewall 16 to sidewall 18, forming a U-shaped cross-section. Sidewall 16 includes an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 26, and sidewall 18 includes an outer surface 24 and an inner surface 28. Pivot location 15 includes an opening 30 through sidewall 16 and an opening 32 through sidewall 18. Openings 30, 32 are sized and positioned to accommodate pivot protrusion 34 (FIG. 1) of locking lever 14. In some embodiments, a guide recess 37 (FIG. 2) intersecting opening 30 and a guide recess 39 (FIG. 2) intersecting opening 32 can be provided to guide and facilitate insertion of pivot protrusion 34 into openings 30, 32.

[0017] Each of the side walls 16, 18 may include a pinch-relief feature 36, 38. The pinch-relief features 36, 38 are connected to the side walls 16, 18 at attachment ends 40, 42 and are formed as cantilevered tabs extending to opposite free ends 44, 46. The free ends 44, 46 have projections 48, 50, respectively, that extend inward toward each other. As used herein, the terms "inward" and "inward" refer to the geometric centerline of the base member 12. The pinch-relief features 36, 38 are configured to resiliently deflect, allowing the projections 48, 50 to be manually moved toward each other to release the tube. When the pinch-relief features 36, 38 are released, they can return to their initial, undeflected position. Finger openings 52, 54 are provided around the free ends 44, 46 and are sized to allow fingers to be inserted to easily press the free ends 44, 46 and move the pinch release features 36, 38. The pinch release features 36, 38 are configured to abut against the side of the tube passing through the base member 12, thereby returning the inner diameter of the tube to near its original diameter and increasing the flow rate through the tube.

[0018] Each side wall 16, 18 also includes a clamp latching feature 56, 58. While FIGS. 1 and 2 only show the clamp latching feature 56, 58 of side wall 18, the other side wall 16 may also include a clamp latching feature 56, 58 at opposing locations. The clamp latching features 56, 58 may be formed as interior wall support posts that protrude from the interior surfaces 26, 28 of the side walls 16, 18, providing point-like latch locations on the interior sides of the side walls 16, 18. As shown, the clamp latching features 56, 58 are spaced apart along the interior surfaces 26, 28 such that the clamp latching features 56, 58 are at different distances from the bottom 20. The clamp latch feature 56 is furthest from the bottom 20 and provides a first locked position for the locking lever 14 that is furthest from the bottom 20. The clamp latch feature 58 is furthest from the bottom 20 and provides a second locked position for the locking lever 14 that is furthest from the bottom 20.

[0019] Each side wall 16, 18 also includes a wall release feature 60. While FIG. 2 only shows the wall release feature 60 of side wall 18, a wall release feature 60 can also be provided on the other side wall 16 so that an opposing wall release feature 60 is formed. Each wall release feature 60 includes a cam surface 62 along which a follower release arm 64 (FIG. 3) moves. As will be described in more detail below, the cam surface 62 and the follower release arm 64 cooperate to increase the distance between side wall 16 and side wall 18 when it is desired to disengage locking lever 14 from clamp latch features 56, 58.

[0020] The base member 12 also includes end walls 66, 68. The end walls 66, 68 may be part of the bottom portion 20 or may extend from the bottom portion 20. The end walls 66, 68 are positioned to allow the tube to enter and exit the base member 12. The thickness of the end walls 66, 68 tapers from each side wall 16, 18 toward the centerline of the base member 12. The height of the end walls 66, 68 is also reduced at a center portion 70 compared to the sidewalls 16, 18. This tapered shape provides additional space for accommodating the need for tube fittings. The bottom portion 20 may also include contoured reliefs 72 that fit the user's fingers, providing a comfortable and stable tightening operation.

[0021] Referring to Figure 3, the locking lever 14 is shown in a removed state and includes a pinching portion 74 and a lever portion 76. The lever portion 76 and the pinching portion 74 extend at an angle relative to each other, forming a V-like shape. The pinching portion 74 includes opposite side surfaces 78, 80 and a pinching edge 82 extending from side surface 78 to side surface 80. Each side surface 78, 80 includes a pivot protrusion 34 sized to fit within the openings 30, 32 that define the pivot location 15.

[0022] Lever portion 76 extends at an oblique angle from clamping portion 74 and includes an outwardly facing surface 84 facing away from bottom 20 of base member 12 and an inwardly facing surface 86 facing toward bottom 20 of base member 12. Opposite sides 88, 90 of lever portion 76 are provided with latch catch features 92, 94 (FIG. 1), respectively. Each latch catch feature 92, 94 includes a recessed area 95 sized and positioned to receive clamp latch features 56, 58 upon rotation of locking lever 14.

[0023] The lever portion 76 also includes an access opening 96 extending therethrough, exposing the follower-side release arm 64. The follower-side release arm 64 is cantilevered at an attachment end 98 relative to the lever portion 76, such that when the follower-side release arm 64 is depressed, the follower-side release arm 64 moves relative to the lever portion 76. The follower-side release arm 64 also includes a follower member 100 having a follower surface 102 that follows and follows the cam surface 62 of the wall-side release feature 60 on each side wall 16, 18. When the follower release arm 64 is pushed inwardly from the lever portion 76 while the clamp latch features 56, 58 are engaged with the latching feature 92, the cam surface 62 and / or follower surface 102 are angled obliquely relative to the plane of the inner surfaces 26, 28 of the side walls 16, 18, exerting opposing forces on the side walls 16, 18. The side walls 16, 18 are formed of a material that is sufficiently resiliently flexible to flex in response to the forces, thereby releasing the detent connections between the clamp latch features 56, 58 and the latching features 92, 94.

[0024] 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the clamp assembly 10 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, illustrating its operation. FIG. 4 shows the clamp assembly 10 in an open position. In the open position, the latching features 92, 94 (FIG. 3) are disengaged from the clamp latching features 56, 58, and the locking lever 14 is free to rotate to the open position shown. In this position, the pinching edge 82 of the locking lever 14 is extended from the bottom 20 to provide space for the insertion of a flexible tube 110. The flexible tube 110 may be fluidly connected to a system, such as a Corning HYPERStack system, for supplying and evacuating fluids from the system. The end walls 66, 68 (FIG. 2) have a reduced height at the center 70 to facilitate insertion of the tube 110.

[0025] 5, because the pivot point 15 is located on the clamping portion 74 of the locking lever 14, movement of the locking lever 14 can result in the clamping portion 74 rotating about the pivot point 15, causing the lever portion 76 to pivot around the pivot point 15. A manual force F1 can be applied to the lever portion 76, which, when applied, rotates the entire locking lever 14, causing the clamping portion 74 to rotate in the direction of arrow 112 toward the tube 110 and the bottom 20. As the locking lever 14 rotates, the clamping edge 82 moves toward the bottom 20, narrowing the distance between the clamping edge 82 and the bottom 20.

[0026] As the locking lever 14 continues to rotate, the clamping edge 82 abuts against the tube 110. Referring also to FIG. 6, when the latching features 92, 94 (FIG. 3) reach the clamping features 56, the latching features 92, 94 slide over the clamping features 56 on each side wall 16, 18, causing the clamping features 56 to enter the recessed areas 95 (FIG. 3) and engage with the clamping features 56 furthest from the bottom 20. In this first angular position shown in FIG. 6, the locking lever 14 is in a partially closed state. In this partially closed state, the inner diameter of the tube 110 is narrowed, but depending on the wall thickness and size of the tube 110, the inner diameter of the tube 110 may not be completely closed.

[0027] If further tightening and a reduction in flow rate is desired, for example, to close off the tube 110 and stop the flow of fluid, the follower release arm 64 can be pressed in the direction of arrow F2, moving the follower release arm 64 relative to the lever portion 76. This exerts a force between the cam surface 62 and the follower surface 102, sufficiently widening the gap between the side walls 16 and 18 to rotate the locking lever to the next clamp latch feature 58, which is closer to the base 20, and to reach the second angular position (FIG. 5). As can be seen, the latching features 92, 94 and the clamp latch features 56, 58 cooperate to lock the locking lever at two different angular positions. The follower release arm 64 can then be actuated to separate the side walls 16 and 18, releasing the locking lever 14 and moving it to the open position shown in FIG. 4.

[0028] The locking lever 14 can be locked in a closed or semi-closed state for a selected period of time. The tube 110 can be made of various materials with varying levels of elasticity. Therefore, moving the locking lever 14 to the open position may prevent the tube 110 from returning completely to its initial, unpressurized position. The pressure release features 36, 38 are provided for such situations. The pressure release feature 36 is located adjacent to the area where the locking lever 14 presses against the tube 110. This pressure is applied when the locking lever 14 is in a first angular position, a second angular position, or both. The pressure release features 36, 38 are configured to be elastically flexible, and the tube can be released by manually moving the protrusions 48, 50 (FIGS. 1 and 2) toward each other. The protrusions 48, 50 are arranged and configured to abut against the sides of the tube 110 passing through the base member 12 from both sides, returning the inner diameter of the tube 110 to near its original inner diameter and increasing the flow rate within the tube 110.

[0029] The above-described apparatus and method provide a clamping assembly incorporating multiple positionable clamping positions that allow a user to select a flow rate. The clamping assembly also includes a clamp release feature that allows the user to expand the inner diameter of a tube that has been clamped closed for a period of time. The end wall of the base member is shaped to facilitate threading of a tube fitting through the base member without snagging.

[0030] Several embodiments can be described by reference to the following numbered clauses, with preferred features being set out in the dependent claims.

[0031] Item 1. A clamp assembly for clamping flexible tubing, comprising: a base member having a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls, at least one of the side walls having a clamp latch feature extending inwardly from an inner surface thereof; and a locking lever disposed between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position thereby pivoting relative to the base member, the locking lever having a lever hooking feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature.

[0032] Clause 2. The clamp assembly of clause 1, comprising at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the at least one side wall at different distances from the bottom.

[0033] Item 3. The clamp assembly of item 2, wherein the lever hook feature engages with one of the at least two clamp latch features at a first angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking lever at the first angular position, and engages with another of the at least two clamp latch features at a second angular position relative to the base member that is different from the first angular position to lock the locking lever at the second angular position.

[0034] Clause 4. The clamp assembly of clause 3, wherein the at least two clamp latch features include a first clamp latch feature and a second clamp latch feature, the second clamp latch feature being closer to the bottom of the base member than the first clamp latch feature.

[0035] Clause 5: A clamp assembly according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the locking lever comprises a lever portion and a clamping portion configured to abut against a tube located within the base member, and the pivot position is located on the clamping portion.

[0036] Clause 6. The clamp assembly of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein each side wall includes at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the side wall at different distances from the bottom.

[0037] Clause 7. The clamp assembly of clause 6, wherein the at least two clamp latch features on each side wall include a first post and a second post spaced apart from the first post.

[0038] Clause 8. The clamp assembly of clause 7, wherein the lever engagement feature includes a recessed area sized and arranged to mate with the first post when the locking lever is in a first angular position and to mate with the second post when the locking lever is in a second angular position relative to the base member that is different from the first angular position.

[0039] Clause 9: The clamp assembly of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the base member includes a clamp release feature configured to move inward and abut against a tube located within the base member.

[0040] Clause 10. The clamp assembly of clause 9, wherein the pinch relief feature comprises a tab connected at an attachment end to one of the pair of side walls and extending to a free end.

[0041] Clause 11. The clamping assembly of clause 10, wherein the pinch relief feature comprises a protrusion extending inwardly from the free end.

[0042] Clause 12: A clamp assembly as described in any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the base member has an end wall extending between the pair of side walls at the end of the bottom located at the entrance / exit point of the tube, and the height of the end wall is lower at the center of the end wall than on the side of the pair of side walls.

[0043] Clause 13. A clamp assembly for clamping flexible tubing, comprising: a base member having a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls, at least one of the side walls comprising a clamp latch feature; a locking lever disposed between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position to pivot relative to the base member, the locking lever comprising a lever engagement feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature; and a clamp release feature configured to move inwardly against a tube located within the base member.

[0044] Clause 14. The clamp assembly of clause 13, wherein the pinch relief feature comprises a tab connected at an attachment end to one of the pair of side walls and extending to a free end.

[0045] Clause 15. The clamping assembly of clause 14, wherein the pinch relief feature comprises a protrusion extending inwardly from the free end.

[0046] Clause 16: A clamp assembly according to any one of clauses 13 to 15, wherein the base member has an end wall extending between the pair of side walls at the end of the bottom located at the entrance / exit point of the tube, and the height of the end wall is lower at the center of the end wall than on the side of the pair of side walls.

[0047] Clause 17. The clamp assembly of any one of clauses 13-16, wherein each side wall includes at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along an inner surface of the side wall at different distances from the bottom.

[0048] Clause 18. The clamp assembly of clause 17, wherein the at least two clamp latch features on each side wall include a first post and a second post spaced apart from the first post.

[0049] Clause 19. The clamp assembly of clause 18, wherein the lever engagement feature comprises a recessed area sized and arranged to mate with the first post when the locking lever is in a first angular position and to mate with the second post when the locking lever is in a second angular position relative to the base member, different from the first angular position.

[0050] Clause 20: The clamp assembly according to any one of clauses 13 to 19, wherein the locking lever comprises a lever portion and a clamping portion configured to abut against a tube located within the base member, and the pivot position is located on the clamping portion.

[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of this specification include modifications and variations to the various embodiments described herein, provided that they do not depart from the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.

[0053] Embodiment 1 1. A clamp assembly for clamping flexible tubing, comprising: a base member having a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls, at least one of the side walls including a clamp latch feature extending inwardly from an inner surface thereof; a locking lever disposed between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position to pivot relative to the base member, the locking lever including a lever hooking feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature; A clamp assembly comprising:

[0054] Embodiment 2 2. The clamp assembly of claim 1, comprising at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the at least one side wall at different distances from the bottom.

[0055] Embodiment 3 A clamp assembly as described in embodiment 2, wherein the lever hooking feature engages with one of the at least two clamp latch features at a first angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking lever at the first angular position, and engages with another of the at least two clamp latch features at a second angular position different from the first angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking lever at the second angular position.

[0056] Embodiment 4 4. The clamp assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least two clamp latch features include a first clamp latch feature and a second clamp latch feature, the second clamp latch feature being closer to the bottom of the base member than the first clamp latch feature.

[0057] Embodiment 5 A clamp assembly as described in embodiment 1, wherein the locking lever comprises a lever portion and a clamping portion configured to abut against a tube located within the base member, and the pivot position is located on the clamping portion.

[0058] Embodiment 6 2. A clamp assembly as described in embodiment 1, wherein each side wall comprises at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the side wall at different distances from the bottom.

[0059] Embodiment 7 7. The clamp assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least two clamp latch features on each side wall include a first post and a second post spaced apart from the first post.

[0060] Embodiment 8 A clamp assembly as described in embodiment 7, wherein the lever hooking feature includes a recessed area that is sized and positioned to engage with the first support post when the locking lever is in a first angular position and to engage with the second support post when the locking lever is in a second angular position relative to the base member that is different from the first angular position.

[0061] Embodiment 9 2. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a pinch release feature configured to move inward and abut against a tube located within the base member.

[0062] Embodiment 10 10. The clamp assembly of claim 9, wherein the pinch release feature comprises a tab connected at an attachment end to one of the pair of side walls and extending to a free end.

[0063] Embodiment 11 11. The clamp assembly of claim 10, wherein the pinch relief feature comprises a protrusion extending inwardly from the free end.

[0064] Embodiment 12 the base member has an end wall extending between the pair of side walls at an end of the bottom portion located at the entrance and exit of the tube; 2. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the height of the end wall is lower at the center of the end wall than at the pair of side walls.

[0065] Embodiment 13 1. A clamp assembly for clamping flexible tubing, comprising: a base member having a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls, at least one of the side walls including a clamp latch feature; a locking lever disposed between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position to pivot relative to the base member, the locking lever including a lever hooking feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature; a pinch release feature configured to move inwardly against a tube located within the base member; A clamp assembly comprising:

[0066] Embodiment 14 14. The clamp assembly of claim 13, wherein the pinch release feature comprises a tab connected at an attachment end to one of the pair of side walls and extending to a free end.

[0067] Embodiment 15 15. The clamping assembly of claim 14, wherein the pinch relief feature comprises a protrusion extending inwardly from the free end.

[0068] Embodiment 16 the base member has an end wall extending between the pair of side walls at an end of the bottom portion located at the entrance and exit of the tube; 14. The clamp assembly of claim 13, wherein the height of the end wall is lower at a central portion of the end wall than at the pair of side walls.

[0069] Embodiment 17 14. A clamp assembly as described in embodiment 13, wherein each side wall comprises at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the side wall at different distances from the bottom.

[0070] Embodiment 18 18. The clamp assembly of claim 17, wherein the at least two clamp latch features on each side wall include a first post and a second post spaced apart from the first post.

[0071] Embodiment 19 19. A clamp assembly as described in embodiment 18, wherein the lever hooking feature comprises a recessed area sized and positioned to engage with the first support post when the locking lever is in a first angular position and to engage with the second support post when the locking lever is in a second angular position relative to the base member that is different from the first angular position.

[0072] Embodiment 20 A clamp assembly as described in embodiment 13, wherein the locking lever comprises a lever portion and a clamping portion configured to abut against a tube located within the base member, and the pivot position is located on the clamping portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 Clamp Assembly 12 Base member 14 Locking lever 15 Pivot position 16, 18 Side walls of base member 20 Bottom of base member 22, 24 Outer surface of side wall of base member 26, 28 Inner surface of side wall of base member 30, 32 Openings in the side walls of the base member 34 Pivoting protrusion 36, 38 Clamp pressure release function part 37, 39 Guide recess 40, 42 Mounting end of clamp pressure release function part 44, 46 Free end of clamping pressure release function part 48, 50 Protrusion of clamp pressure release function part 52, 54 Finger opening 56, 58 Clamp latch function part 60 Wall-side separation function part 62 Cam surface 64 Follower side release arm 66, 68 End walls of base member 70 Center of end wall of base member 72 Undulation of the bottom of the base member 74 Clamping section 76 Lever part 78, 80 Side of clamping part 82 Clamping Edge 84 Outer surface of lever 86 Inner surface of lever 88, 90 Side of lever 92, 94 Latching function part 95 Recessed area of latching feature 96 Lever access opening 98 Follower side release arm attachment end 100 Follower member 102 Follower surface 110 tubes

Claims

1. 1. A clamp assembly for clamping flexible tubing, comprising: a base member having a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls, at least one of the side walls including a clamp latch feature extending inwardly from an inner surface thereof; a locking lever disposed between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position to pivot relative to the base member, the locking lever including a lever hooking feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature; A clamp assembly comprising:

2. The clamping assembly of claim 1 , comprising at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along the inner surface of the at least one side wall at different distances from the bottom.

3. 3. The clamp assembly of claim 2, wherein the lever engagement feature engages with one of the at least two clamp latch features at a first angular position relative to the base member to lock the locking lever at the first angular position, and engages with another of the at least two clamp latch features at a second angular position relative to the base member that is different from the first angular position to lock the locking lever at the second angular position.

4. The clamping assembly of claim 1 , wherein the locking lever comprises a lever portion and a clamping portion configured to abut a tube located within the base member, and the pivot point is located on the clamping portion.

5. The clamping assembly of claim 1 , wherein each side wall comprises at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along an inner surface of the side wall at different distances from the bottom.

6. the at least two clamp latch features on each side wall include a first post and a second post spaced apart from the first post; 6. The clamping assembly of claim 5, wherein the lever engagement feature comprises a recessed area sized and arranged to mate with the first post when the locking lever is in a first angular position and to mate with the second post when the locking lever is in a second angular position relative to the base member that is different from the first angular position.

7. the base member includes a pinch relief feature configured to move inwardly against a tube located within the base member; the clamp pressure release function portion is composed of a tab connected to one of the pair of side walls at an attachment end and extending to a free end, The clamping assembly of claim 1 , wherein the pinch relief feature comprises a protrusion extending inwardly from the free end.

8. the base member has an end wall extending between the pair of side walls at an end of the bottom portion located at the entrance and exit of the tube; 2. The clamping assembly of claim 1, wherein the height of said end wall is smaller at a central portion of said end wall than at said pair of side walls.

9. 1. A clamp assembly for clamping flexible tubing, comprising: a base member having a pair of side walls and a bottom extending between the side walls, at least one of the side walls including a clamp latch feature; a locking lever disposed between the side walls and pivotally connected to the side walls at a pivot position to pivot relative to the base member, the locking lever including a lever hooking feature configured to cooperatively mate with the clamp latch feature; a pinch release feature configured to move inwardly against a tube located within the base member; A clamp assembly comprising:

10. the clamp pressure release function portion is composed of a tab connected to one of the pair of side walls at an attachment end and extending to a free end, The clamping assembly of claim 9 , wherein the pinch relief feature comprises a protrusion extending inwardly from the free end.

11. the base member has an end wall extending between the pair of side walls at an end of the bottom portion located at the entrance and exit of the tube; 10. The clamping assembly of claim 9, wherein the height of the end wall is smaller at a center portion of the end wall than at the pair of side walls.

12. 10. The clamping assembly of claim 9, wherein each side wall comprises at least two clamp latch features spaced apart from one another along an inner surface of the side wall at different distances from the bottom.

13. The clamping assembly of claim 12 , wherein the at least two clamp latch features on each side wall include a first post and a second post spaced apart from the first post.

14. 14. The clamping assembly of claim 13, wherein the lever engagement feature comprises a recessed area sized and arranged to mate with the first post when the locking lever is in a first angular position and to mate with the second post when the locking lever is in a second angular position relative to the base member that is different from the first angular position.

15. 10. The clamping assembly of claim 9, wherein the locking lever comprises a lever portion and a clamping portion configured to abut a tube located within the base member, and the pivot location is located on the clamping portion.

Images