Reusable clamp

Abstract

A clamp includes arcuate first and second gland members each extending from a joint portion to a locking portion and including an inner peripheral portion defining a clamping surface and an outer peripheral portion including a base wall extending between first and second outer lateral side walls, together defining a circumferentially extending recess. The joint portions are connected for movement of the first and second gland members between an open position and at least one clamping position. A latch is secured to the locking portion of the first gland member. The latch is operable to a latched position to interlock with a detent defined by the base wall of the second gland member to secure the first and second gland members in the at least one clamping position, with the latch being disposed substantially within the circumferentially extending recesses of the first and second gland members.

Description

REUSABLE CLAMPCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 634,004, filed April 15, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 723,728, filed November 22, 2024, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to clamps used when connecting together conduit sections and fittings, such as sanitary fittings that transfer fluids for a manufacturing process, and methods for using such clamps to connect conduit sections.BACKGROUND

[0003] Maintaining sterility in manufacturing processes is often a concern. In one particular example applied in conventional manufacturing settings, receptacles with outlets provided by sanitary fittings are often required to interconnect with other sanitary fittings. These sanitary fittings are typically connected to lengths of conduit sections such as fluid transport tubing, for purposes of transferring contents (typically fluid) from one receptacle to another. To ensure the fluid transfer occurs under sterile conditions, the sanitary fittings at the terminal ends of the fluid transport tubing are clamped together along with a seal or gasket so that the fluid can be transferred between sections of tubing without leakage or other such exposure to the external environment.

[0004] Several types of clamps and clamping mechanisms for use with conduit sections and fittings are known. For example, clamps may be molded of a rigid plastic material and formed as a unitary piece or as two separate pieces connected together by coupling mechanisms.SUMMARY

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamp includes arcuate first and second gland members each extending from a joint portion to a locking portion and including an inner peripheral portion defining a clamping surface and an outer peripheral portion including a base wall extending between first and second outer lateral side walls, together defining a circumferentially extending recess. The joint portions areconnected for movement of the first and second gland members between an open position and at least one clamping position. A latch is secured to the locking portion of the first gland member. The latch is operable to a latched position to interlock with a detent defined by the base wall of the second gland member to secure the first and second gland members in the at least one clamping position, with the latch being disposed substantially within the circumferentially extending recesses of the first and second gland members.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a clamp includes arcuate first and second gland members each extending from a hinge portion to a locking portion and including an inner peripheral portion defining a clamping surface and an outer peripheral portion including first and second outer lateral side walls defining a circumferentially extending recess, and a third gland member having a first end portion directly hingedly connected to the first gland member hinge portion and a second end portion directly hingedly connected to the second gland member hinge portion for movement of the first and second gland members between an open position and at least one clamping position. When the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position, the first and second hinge portions and the first and second end portions of the third gland member do not extend beyond a substantially circular outer periphery of the clamp.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Further advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following description and appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a clamp in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in a closed condition;

[0009] FIG. IB is a schematic end view of the clamp of FIG. 1A;

[0010] FIG. 1C is a schematic end cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 1 A;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a clamp in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in an open condition;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 2, shown in a closed or clamping condition;

[0013] FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 2, shown in the closed condition;

[0014] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional perspective side view of the clamp of FIG. 2, shown in the closed condition;

[0015] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional end view of the clamp of FIG. 2, shown in the closed condition;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a clamp in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in an open condition;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 5, shown in a closed or clamping condition;

[0018] FIG. 7 is an end perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 5, shown in the closed condition;

[0019] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional perspective side view of the clamp of FIG. 5, shown in the closed condition; and

[0020] FIGS. 8 - 10A illustrate various views of a clamp in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] This Detailed Description merely describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention as claimed is broader than and unlimited by the described embodiments, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning.

[0022] While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either 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 inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions— such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on— may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if suchembodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Parameters identified as “approximate” or “about” a specified value are intended to include both the specified value and values within 10% of the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.

[0023] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp may be configured to include a releasable latch for securing first and second gland members of the clamp in at least one clamping position. In many clamp configurations, such as sanitary clamps, the clamp securing latch protrudes radially outward from an outer periphery of the closed clamp, enlarging the overall size of the clamp and / or presenting irregular or sharp protruding portions of the clamp that can damage packaging or interfere with other components or portions of the fluid system with which the clamp is utilized.

[0024] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp may be provided with a releasable latch that is maintained within the outer periphery (e.g., a substantially circular outer periphery) of the clamp when the clamp is in a closed or clamping position and the latch is in a latched position. FIGS. 1A - 1C schematically illustrate an exemplary clamp 5 including first and second gland members 10, 20 each including a first end joint portion 11, 21 and a second end locking portion 12, 22. The joint portions 11, 21 of the gland members 10, 20 are connected for movement (e.g., pivotable, camming, sliding, or some combinationof these movements) of the gland members, relative to each other, between an open position and a closed or clamping position.

[0025] An inner peripheral portion of each gland member 10, 20 defines a clamping surface 13, 23, which may form an inner peripheral recess for receiving and retaining edge portions of outer radial flanges F of first and second mating flanged connectors (e.g., sanitary flanges) of conduit sections C joined by the clamp 5 (FIG. 1 C). As shown, the clamping surfaces 13, 23 may be configured to wedge the circular flanges F towards one another and against a gasket seal G to form a sealed relationship.

[0026] An outer peripheral portion of each gland member 10, 20 includes first and second outer lateral side walls 14, 24, 15, 25 defining a circumferentially extending recess 16, 26 therebetween. The locking portions 12, 22 are configured to be secured together in the clamping position by a latch 30, which is operable between a latched position securing the first and second gland members 10, 20 in the at least one clamping position, and a releasing position permitting movement of the first and second gland members to the open position. In the clamping position, end faces 18, 28 of the gland member locking portions 12, 22 may be in abutment (e.g., in contact or closely spaced) with each other, for example, to maximize the uniform clamping engagement between the clamping surfaces 13, 23 and the retained flange portions.

[0027] Many different latching arrangements may be utilized. As one example, the latch 30 of the schematically illustrated clamp 5 of FIGS. 1A - 1C may be secured (e.g., pivotably attached) with the locking portion 12 of the first gland member 10. When the first and second gland members 10, 20 are in the at least one clamping position, the latch 30 is operable (e.g., pivotable) to a latched position to interlock with a detent or latch point 27 (e.g., tooth, socket, etc.) in the circumferentially extending recess 26 of the second gland member 20 to secure the first and second gland members in the at least one clamping position, with the latch being disposed within the circumferentially extending recesses 16, 26 of the first and second gland members. In such an arrangement, the latch 30 is maintained within the outer periphery (e.g., a substantially circular outer periphery) of the clamp when the clamp 5 is in the clamping position and the latch is in the latched position. In some embodiments (not shown), multiple detents may be provided (e.g., multiple rows of detent teeth) to provide multiple clamping positions, for example to account for variations in connector sizes or adjustable clamping force.

[0028] Many different types of joint connections may be utilized. In some embodiments, first and second gland members are directly hingedly connected to each other, for example byhinge portions including laterally extending pins or posts of one gland member retained in arcuate cutouts or apertures of the other gland member. In other embodiments, a clamp may utilize, as a hinge arrangement, a third or middle gland member hingedly connected between the hinge portions of the first and second gland members, which may, for example, allow for use of shorter arcuate channel segments in the gland members, which may provide for better dimensional controls of these features and improved manufacturability. An exemplary three gland hinged clamp configuration is shown and described in co-owned PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US23 / 77819 (the ‘“819 Application”), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] According to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp may be provided with one or more joint portions that are maintained within the outer periphery (e.g., a substantially circular outer periphery) of the clamp when the clamp is in a closed or clamping position. In some embodiments, the joint connections may be similar to the joint connections described and shown in the above incorporated ‘819 Application, except with arcuate cutout or socket portions of the hinge arrangements being configured such that the hinge portions do not extend beyond a substantially circular outer periphery of the clamp when the clamp is in the closed or clamping position.

[0030] Many different types of latches may be utilized. In some embodiments, the latch may be a draw latch, with a lever pivotably attached to the locking portion of the first gland member, and a latch arm having a proximal end pivotably attached to the lever and a distal end including an interlocking portion or latch blade configured to interlock with the detent on the second gland member locking portion.

[0031] FIGS. 2 - 4B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a clamp 100 used to join together two conduit sections C (FIG. 4B), such as, for example, flanged sanitary fittings. The exemplary clamp 100 includes first and second gland members 110, 120 having first end joint or hinge portions 111, 121 pivotably connected by a third, middle gland member 140 (described in greater detail below), second end locking portions 112, 122, inner peripheral portions defining a clamping surface 113, 123, and outer peripheral portions including first and second base walls 119, 129 extending between outer lateral side walls 114, 124, 115, 125 to define circumferentially extending recesses 116, 126. The clamping surfaces 113, 123 are configured to form (with a clamping surface 143 of the third gland member 140) a circular closure around a circular structure (e.g., flanged ends of sanitary fittings) when the locking portions 112, 122 are secured together in at least one closed or clamping condition of the clamp 100, for example, to provide substantially uniform sealing pressure around the entirecircular structure. In other embodiments, the clamp may be used to provide clamping engagement with other fittings or components, including, for example, components having a non-circular shape. In the clamping position, end faces 118, 128 of the gland member locking portions 12, 22 may be in abutment (in contact or closely spaced) with each other, for example, to maximize the uniform clamping engagement between the clamping surfaces 113, 123, 143 and the retained flange portions.

[0032] With particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3-4B, the clamp 100 is shown in an open position and in 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 portion 111, 121 and the second end locking portion 112, 122. The corresponding hinge portions 111, 121 of the first and second gland members 110, 120 may be detachably joined, for example, by a hinge arrangement that includes the third gland member 140.

[0033] While many suitable hinge arrangement structures may be used for pivotably connecting the hinge portions 111, 121 of the first and second gland members 110, 120, in the illustrated embodiment, each hinge portion 111, 121 includes laterally extending pin portions I l la, 121a received in corresponding arcuate cutout portions (e.g., receptacle, socket, or hook portions) 141a, 142a on end portions 141, 142 of the third gland member 140. As shown, the cutout portions 141a, 142a may be configured such that when the first and second gland members 110, 120 are in the closed or clamping position, the cutout portions and hinge portions 111, 121 do not extend beyond a substantially circular outer periphery outer periphery of the clamp. Additionally, the first and second outer lateral side walls 114, 115, 124, 125 of the first and second gland members may include arcuate end surfaces 114c, 115c, 124c, 125c shaped to slidingly abut (e.g., in contact or closely spaced) arcuate outer surfaces of the laterally opposed hook shaped receptacles 141a, 142a of the third gland member when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position

[0034] In other embodiments (not shown), the clamp may utilize other hinge arrangements, including, for example, first and second gland members having laterally opposed receptacles (e.g., sockets or hook shaped portions) receiving laterally extending pin portions of a third middle gland, or apertured hasp and pivot pin hinge arrangements, for example, similar to the apertured hasp and pivot pin hinge arrangement of the clamp of FIGS. 8-13 of the aboveincorporated ‘819 Application.

[0035] Between their end portions 111, 112, 121, 122, 141, 142, the first, second and third gland members 110, 120, 140 each define inner peripheral arcuate shaped clamping surfaces 113, 123, 143, which may form an inner peripheral recess 113a, 123a, 143a that is sized toreceive the circular flanges F of the conduit sections C upon insertion of those flanges into the clamp 100. As shown, the exemplary inner peripheral recesses 113a, 123a, 143a combine to form a substantially full (e.g., 350 to 360 degree) peripheral channel around the circular flanges when the conduit sections are located in the clamp 100 and the clamp is in the closed or clamping condition. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner peripheral recesses 113a, 123a, 143a of each of the first, second, and third gland members 110, 120, 140 may each form approximately one third (e.g., about 115 to 120 degrees) of the full peripheral channel. In other embodiments, the inner peripheral recess 143a of the third gland member 140 may form more or less than one third of the full peripheral channel, with the inner peripheral recesses 113a, 123a of the first and second gland members 110, 120 combining to account for the rest of the full peripheral channel.

[0036] The inner peripheral recesses 113a, 123a, 143a may be provided with any suitable shape or contour. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the arcuate inner peripheral recesses 113a, 123a, 143a are configured to wedge the circular flanges F towards one another and against a gasket seal G to form a sealed relationship. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the arcuate inner peripheral recesses may include toothed, notched, or hollow structures, for example, so as to save material when molding the gland members 110, 120, 140.

[0037] In the exemplary clamp of FIGS. 2-4, the locking portions 112, 122 of the first and second gland members 110, 120 include longitudinally extending, mating projection (e.g., tab) and cavity (e.g., notch) portions 112a, 122a, 112b, 122b engageable with the projection and cavity portions of the other gland member, for example, to facilitate adequate radial alignment of the locking portions in the clamp’s closed condition. As shown, the tabs 112a, 122a and notches 112b, 122b may be longitudinally tapered to facilitate engagement and alignment of the tabs and notches as the gland members are pivoted to the clamping position. Similar reinforcing portions are shown and described in the above incorporated ‘819 Application.

[0038] A latch 130 is secured to the locking portion 112 of the first gland member 110. When the first and second gland members 110, 120 are in the at least one clamping position, the latch 130 is operable to a latched position to interlock with a detent 127 in the circumferentially extending recess 126 of the second gland member 120 to secure the first and second gland members in the at least one clamping position, with the latch 130 being disposed substantially within (e.g., entirely within or nearly entirely within) the circumferentially extending recesses 116, 126 of the first and second gland members. Insome embodiments (not shown), multiple detents may be provided (e.g., multiple rows of detent teeth) to provide multiple clamping positions, for example to account for variations in connector sizes or adjustable clamping force.

[0039] The exemplary latch 130 is a draw latch type latch arrangement, with a lever 131 pivotably attached to the first gland member locking portion 112, and a latch arm 132 having a proximal end 133 pivotably attached to the lever by laterally extending and a distal end 134 including an interlocking portion or latch blade 137 configured to interlock with the detent 127 on the second gland member locking portion 122. Many different pivotable attachment arrangements may be used for the lever 131 and latch arm 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 131 includes laterally extending posts 131a retained (e.g., snap fit retention) in arcuate cutouts or socket portions 114a, 115a in the outer lateral side walls 114, 115 of the first gland member 110, and the latch arm 132 includes laterally extending posts 132a retained (e.g., snap fit retention) in arcuate cutouts or socket portions 138a, 139a in side wall portions 138, 139 of the lever 131.

[0040] Advantageously, the clamp 100 may be able to be re-opened and reused with different sets of conduit sections, should that be desirable for the end user. In some embodiments, the clamp 100 may be functional as a single-use clamp or as a reusable clamp. Further advantages are evidenced in the detailed discussion of this and other embodiments herein.

[0041] When in use, a user can move the clamp 100 to the closed position by grasping the gland members 110, 120, 140 and pivoting the gland members about their hinge portions 112, 122, 142 to receive the outer circumference of a conduit connection (not shown) in the inner peripheral recesses 113a, 123a, 143a of the gland members. In this closed configuration, the lever 131 is pivoted circumferentially forward and radially outward from the circumferentially extending recess 116 of the first gland member 110, thereby advancing the latch arm 132 circumferentially forward to advance the latch blade 137 over the detent 127 of the second gland member 120. The lever 131 is then pivoted rearward and radially inward toward the first gland member recess 116, thereby pulling the latch arm 132 circumferentially rearward to interlock the latch blade 137 with the detent 127. In this latched position, elastic tension between the latch arm 132 and the detent 127 may provide sufficient resistance to disengagement of the latch blade 137 from the detent. Further, as shown, the lever 131 and latch arm proximal end 133 may be fully received in the first gland member recess 116, and the latch arm distal end 134 may be fully received in the second gland member recess 126, thereby preventing inadvertent bumping or moving of the lever radially outward (and resulting disengagement of the latch blade 137 from the detent 127).

[0042] In some embodiments, at least two of the lever 131, the first outer lateral side wall 114 of the first gland member 110, and the second outer lateral side wall 115 of the first gland member may include lockout apertures 131c, 114b, 115b that align at least when the latch 130 is in the latched position, such that insertion of a lockout element (e.g. zip tie, or other such element) through the lockout apertures secures the latch 130 in the latched position.

[0043] To loosen or disassemble the clamp 100 from the conduit sections (e.g., to separate the conduit sections, or to replace one or more of the conduit sections and the gasket), the lever 131 is grasped (e.g., at an end tab portion 131b) and pivoted circumferentially forward and radially outward from the circumferentially extending recess 116 of the first gland member 110 to advance the latch arm 132 circumferentially forward for disengagement of latch blade 137 from the detent 127. The latch arm 132 can then be pivoted radially outward of the second gland member recess 126 for free outward pivoting of the first and second gland members 110, 120 to the open configuration.

[0044] The exemplary gland members 110, 120, 140 are each integrally molded or otherwise formed to be a unitary piece of plastic material, such as, for example, nylon. In such an embodiment, the hinge portion 111, 121 and the locking portion 112, 122 of the first and second glands 110, 120 are each one unitary piece of material with enough flexibility for snap fit hinge and detent engagement but with sufficient rigidity to hold the circular flanges of the conduit sections in reliable sealed engagement when the clamp 100 is in the closed position. The end portions 141, 142 and the clamping surface 143 of the third gland are likewise one unitary piece of material. The specific materials and method of manufacturing for the gland members 110, 120, 140 may be modified to suit the needs and preferences of end users.

[0045] In other embodiments, the first and second gland members may be molded or otherwise formed as identical or substantially identical gland components, for example, to allow for use of a single mold to form both of the first and second gland members, and to allow for storage of a single type of end gland member for production of the clamp, in combination with the different third gland member. FIGS. 5 - 7A illustrate an exemplary clamp 200, with first, second, and third gland members 210, 220, 240 similar to the gland members 110, 120, 140 of the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, but further adapted for use of identical first and second gland members 210, 220. For example, as shown, the outer lateral side walls 214, 215, 224, 225 of both gland members 210, 220 may be provided with arcuate cutouts or socket portions 214a, 215a, 224a, 225a for receiving the laterally extending posts 231a of the latch lever 231, and the circumferentially extending recesses 216, 226 of bothgland members may be provided with detents 217, 227, such that either gland member 210, 220 may carry the latch or interlock with the latch. The hinge portions 211, 221 and aligning tabs and notches 212a, 222a, 212b, 222b may similarly be identical (for example, as described in the above incorporated ‘819 Application), for use of identical or genderless first and second gland members 210, 220.

[0046] The clamps described in the present disclosure may be adapted for use with a range of conduit and conduit fitting sizes. For example, the clamps 100, 200 of FIGS. 2 - 4 and 5 - 7A may be adapted for use with a larger (e.g., 1 ’A inch nominal) sanitary connection, and the clamp 300 of FIGS. 8 - 10A (which may have similar components and arrangements to either of the clamps 100, 200 of FIGS. 2-7A) may be adapted for use with a smaller (e.g., % inch nominal) sanitary connection.

[0047] The inventive aspects have been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments. Modification and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

We claim:

1. A clamp comprising: arcuate first and second gland members each extending from a joint portion to a locking portion and including an inner peripheral portion defining a clamping surface and an outer peripheral portion including a base wall extending between first and second outer lateral side walls, together defining a circumferentially extending recess, wherein the joint portions of the first and second gland members are connected for movement of the first and second gland members between an open position and at least one clamping position; and a latch secured to the locking portion of the first gland member, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position, the latch is operable to a latched position to interlock with a detent defined by the base wall of the second gland member to secure the first and second gland members in the at least one clamping position, with the latch being disposed substantially within the circumferentially extending recesses of the first and second gland members.

2. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the joint portions of the first and second gland members are substantially identical.

3. The clamp of any of claims 1-2, wherein the locking portions of the first and second gland members are substantially identical.

4. The clamp of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first and second gland members are substantially identical.

5. The clamp of any of claims 1-4, wherein the clamping surfaces of the first and second gland members include inner peripheral recesses for receiving edge portions of outer radial flanges of first and second mating flanged connectors when the clamp is assembled with the outer radial flanges of the first and second mating flanged connectors.

6. The clamp of claim 5, wherein the inner peripheral recesses are shaped to accommodate circular outer radial flanges.

7. The clamp of any of claims 1-6, wherein the joint portion of the first gland member comprises a first hinge portion and the joint portion of the second gland member comprises a second hinge portion, the first and second hinge portions being connected for pivotable movement of the first and second gland members between the open position and the at least one clamping position.

8. The clamp of claim 7, further comprising a third gland member having a first end portion hingedly connected to the first hinge portion and a second end portion hingedly connected to the second hinge portion.

9. The clamp of claim 8, wherein the first end portion of the third gland member is directly hingedly connected to the first gland member hinge portion and the second end portion of the third gland member is directly hingedly connected to the second gland member hinge portion.

10. The clamp of any of claims 8-9, wherein the third gland member includes an inner peripheral portion defining a clamping surface.

11. The clamp of claim 10, wherein each of the clamping surfaces of the first, second, and third gland members forms approximately one third of a substantially full peripheral channel.

12. The clamp of any of claims 8-11, wherein the first and second end portions of the third gland member each include one of laterally opposed arcuate receptacles and laterally extending pin portions, and the first and second hinge portions each include the other of the laterally opposed arcuate receptacles and laterally extending pin portions, wherein the laterally extending pin portions are received in the laterally opposed arcuate receptacles for hinged connection therebetween.

13. The clamp of claim 12, wherein the laterally extending pin portions are retained in the laterally opposed arcuate receptacles by snap fit retention.

14. The clamp of any of claims 8-13, wherein when the clamp is in the closed position, the first and second hinge portions and the first and second end portions of the third gland member do not extend beyond a substantially circular outer periphery of the clamp.

15. The clamp of any of claims 1-14, wherein the latch comprises a lever pivotably attached to the locking portion of the first gland member and a latch arm having a proximal end pivotably attached to the lever and a distal end including a latch blade configured to interlock with the detent when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position.

16. The clamp of claim 15, wherein the lever includes outer lateral posts retained in arcuate cutouts in the first and second outer lateral side walls of the first gland member.

17. The clamp of claim 16, wherein the outer lateral posts are retained in the arcuate cutouts by snap fit retention.

18. The clamp of any of claims 15-17, wherein the latch arm includes outer lateral posts retained in arcuate cutouts in outer lateral side walls of the lever.

19. The clamp of claim 18, wherein the outer lateral posts are retained in the arcuate cutouts by snap fit retention.

20. The clamp of any of claims 15-19, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position, the lever and the proximal end of the latch arm are disposed in the circumferentially extending recess of the first gland member, and the distal end of the latch arm is disposed in the circumferentially extending recess of the second gland member.

21. The clamp of any of claims 15-20, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position and the latch is in the latched position, the lever is pivotable out of the circumferentially extending recess of the first gland member to disengage the latch blade from the detent.

22. The clamp of any of claims 15-21, wherein at least two of the lever, the first outer lateral side wall of the first gland member, and the second outer lateral side wall of the first gland member include lockout apertures, such that insertion of a lockout element through the lockout apertures secures the latch in the latched position.

23. The clamp of any of claims 1-22, wherein when the first and second gland members are moved to the at least one clamping position, a longitudinally extending projection of the first gland member locking portion is slidingly received into a longitudinally extending cavity of the second gland member locking portion to secure the first gland member locking portion against radial movement with respect to the second gland member locking portion.

24. The clamp of any of claims 1-23, wherein when the first and second gland members are moved to the at least one clamping position, a longitudinally extending projection of the second gland member locking portion is slidingly received into a longitudinally extending cavity of the first gland member locking portion to secure the first gland member locking portion against radial movement with respect to the second gland member locking portion.

25. The clamp of any of claims 1-24, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position and the latch is in the latched position, the clamp defines a substantially circular outer periphery, wherein the latch does not extend beyond the substantially circular outer periphery.

26. The clamp of any of claims 1-24, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position, an end face of the first gland member locking portion abuts an end face of the second gland member locking portion.

27. A clamp comprising: arcuate first and second gland members each extending from a hinge portion to a locking portion and including an inner peripheral portion defining a clamping surface and an outer peripheral portion including first and second outer lateral side walls defining a circumferentially extending recess; and a third gland member having a first end portion directly hingedly connected to the first gland member hinge portion and a second end portion directly hingedly connected to the second gland member hinge portion for movement of the first and second gland members between an open position and at least one clamping position; wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position, the first and second hinge portions and the first and second end portions of the third gland member do not extend beyond a substantially circular outer periphery of the clamp.

28. The clamp of claim 27, wherein the first and second hinge portions of the first and second gland members comprise one of laterally opposed hook shaped receptacles and laterally extending pin portions, and the first and second end portions of the third gland member comprises the other of the laterally opposed hook shaped receptacles and the laterally extending pin portions, wherein the laterally extending pin portions are received in the laterally opposed arcuate receptacles for hinged connection therebetween.

29. The clamp of claim 28, wherein the first and second hinge portions of the first and second gland members comprise the laterally extending pin portions, and the first and second end portions of the third gland member comprises the laterally opposed hook shaped receptacles.

30. The clamp of claim 29, wherein the first and second outer lateral side walls of the first and second gland members comprise arcuate end surfaces shaped to abut arcuate outer surfaces of the laterally opposed hook shaped receptacles of the third gland member when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position.

31. The clamp of any of claims 28-30, wherein the laterally extending pin portions are retained in the laterally opposed arcuate receptacles by snap fit retention.

32. The clamp of any of claims 27-31, wherein the joint portions of the first and second gland members are substantially identical.

33. The clamp of any of claims 27-32, wherein the locking portions of the first and second gland members are substantially identical.

34. The clamp of any of claims 27-33, wherein the first and second gland members are substantially identical.

35. The clamp of any of claims 27-34, wherein the clamping surfaces of the first and second gland members include inner peripheral recesses for receiving edge portions of outer radial flanges of first and second mating flanged connectors when the clamp is assembled with the outer radial flanges of the first and second mating flanged connectors.

36. The clamp of claim 35, wherein the inner peripheral recesses are shaped to accommodate circular outer radial flanges.

37. The clamp of any of claims 35-36, wherein the third gland member includes an inner peripheral portion defining a clamping surface.

38. The clamp of claim 37, wherein each of the clamping surfaces of the first, second, and third gland members forms approximately one third of a substantially full peripheral channel.

39. The clamp of any of claims 27-38, further comprising a latch secured to the locking portion of the first gland member, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position, the latch is operable to a latched position to interlock with a detent of the second gland member to secure the first and second gland members in the at least one clamping position, with the latch being disposed substantially within the circumferentially extending recesses of the first and second gland members.

40. The clamp of claim 39, wherein the latch comprises a lever pivotably attached to the locking portion of the first gland member and a latch arm having a proximal end pivotably attached to the lever and a distal end including a latch blade configured to interlock with the detent when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position.

41. The clamp of claim 40, wherein the lever includes outer lateral posts retained in arcuate cutouts in the first and second outer lateral side walls of the first gland member.

42. The clamp of claim 41, wherein the outer lateral posts are retained in the arcuate cutouts by snap fit retention.

43. The clamp of any of claims 40-42, wherein the latch arm includes outer lateral posts retained in arcuate cutouts in outer lateral side walls of the lever.

44. The clamp of claim 43, wherein the outer lateral posts are retained in the arcuate cutouts by snap fit retention.

45. The clamp of any of claims 40-44, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position, the lever and the proximal end of the latch arm are disposed in the circumferentially extending recess of the first gland member, and the distal end of the latch arm is disposed in the circumferentially extending recess of the second gland member.

46. The clamp of any of claims 40-45, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position and the latch is in the latched position, the lever is pivotable out of the circumferentially extending recess of the first gland member to disengage the latch blade from the detent.

47. The clamp of any of claims 40-46, wherein at least two of the lever, the first outer lateral side wall of the first gland member, and the second outer lateral side wall of the first gland member include lockout apertures, such that insertion of a lockout element through the lockout apertures secures the latch in the latched position.

48. The clamp of any of claims 40-47, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position and the latch is in the latched position, the clamp defines a substantially circular outer periphery, wherein the latch does not extend beyond the substantially circular outer periphery.

49. The clamp of any of claims 40-48, wherein the detent is defined by the base wall of the second gland member.

50. The clamp of any of claims 27-49, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position, a longitudinally extending projection of the first gland member locking portion is slidingly received into a longitudinally extending cavity of the second gland member locking portion to secure the first gland member locking portion against radial movement with respect to the second gland member locking portion.

51. The clamp of any of claims 27-50, wherein when the first and second gland members are moved to the at least one clamping position, a longitudinally extending projection of the second gland member locking portion is slidingly received into a longitudinally extendingcavity of the first gland member locking portion to secure the first gland member locking portion against radial movement with respect to the second gland member locking portion.

52. The clamp of any of claims 27-51, wherein when the first and second gland members are in the at least one clamping position, an end face of the first gland member locking portion abuts an end face of the second gland member locking portion.

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