US 6,488,664 B1 · Easily releasable clamp

Abstract

A clamp for a tube having particular application to a nose trumpet for use with a transnasal TEE probe. The clamp includes a generally circular band for encircling the tube and a tongue disposed on one end of the band and a pair of jaws disposed on the other end. The tongue is adapted to penetrate the space between the pair of jaws. Teeth disposed on the upper surface of the tongue are adapted to mesh with teeth disposed on the lower surface of the upper jaw to prevent withdrawal of the tongue. A pair of handles extend outwardly away from the interior of the band and are adapted to be pushed toward one another to cause penetration of the tongue and into the jaws. An arm hinged to the band is affixed to the upper jaw and upon pivoting of the arm, the upper jaw is lifted away from the tongue to disengage the teeth.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A device for clamping comprising:

a circular band having an interior;
a pair of spaced jaws disposed on one end of the band and including an upper jaw and a lower jaw, the lower jaw being disposed between the upper jaw and the interior of the band, the upper jaw having a distal end and an end opposite the distal end;
angled teeth disposed on a lower surface of the upper jaw facing the interior of the band;
a tongue disposed on an other end of the band and adapted to be inserted between the pair of jaws;
angled teeth disposed on an upper surface of the tongue for meshing with the angled teeth disposed on the lower surface of the upper jaw;
an arm extending outwardly away from the interior of the band, the arm being connected to the upper jaw near the end opposite the distal end;
and
a hinge connecting the arm to the band to allow pivoting of the arm with respect to the band and pivoting of the upper jaw with respect to the lower jaw.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Easily releasable clamp

Life of this patent

Easily releasable clamp

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12