Clamp assembly for an external fixation system

A clamp assembly of an external fixation system for connecting first and second elongated members, the clamp assembly comprising:

• a first clamp member for engaging the first elongated member, the first clamp member including a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion, the first and second jaw portions at least partially defining a laterally extending channel for receiving the first elongated member, the first and second jaw portions connected by a first hinge portion, the first law portion including a free end normally spaced apart from a free end of the second jaw a distance less than a diameter of the first elongated member;
• a second clamp member having first and second law portions at least partially defining a laterally extending channel for receiving a second elongated rod;
• a fastener connecting the first and second clamp members, wherein rotation of the fastener in a first direction draws the first and second clamp members together, and wherein cooperating serrations on the first and second clamp members prevent relative rotation between the first and second clamp members;
• and
• a washer matingly received in an aperture of the first jaw portion of the first clamp member, such that the washer does not rotate relative to the first clamp member, wherein the washer includes a lip preventing rotation of first elongated rod upon tightening of the clamp assembly.

A clamp assembly of an external fixation system for connecting first and second elongated members, the clamp assembly comprising:

• a first clamp member for engaging the first elongated member, the first clamp member including a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion, the first and second jaw portions at least partially defining a laterally extending channel for receiving the first elongated member, the first and second jaw portions connected by a hinge portion, the first jaw portion including a free end normally spaced apart from a free end of the second jaw a distance less than a diameter of the first elongated member;
• a second clamp member having first and second jaw portions at least partially defining a laterally extending channel for receiving a second elongated rod;
• a fastener connecting the first and second clamp members, wherein rotation of the fastener in a first direction draws the first and second clamp members together;
• and
• a nut engaged to the fastener and matingly received in a countersunk portion of the first jaw portion of the second clamp member, such that the nut does not rotate relative to the second clamp member, wherein the nut includes a lip which prevents rotation of the second elongated rod upon tightening of the clamp assembly.

A clamp assembly of an external fixation system for connecting first and second elongated members, the clamp assembly comprising:

• a first clamp member for engaging the first elongated member, the first clamp member including a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion, the first and second jaw portions at least partially defining a laterally extending channel for receiving the first elongated member, the first and second jaw portions connected by a hinge portion, the first jaw portion including a free end normally spaced apart from a free end of the second jaw a distance less than a diameter of the first elongated member;
• a second clamp member having first and second jaw portions at least partially defining a laterally extending channel for receiving a second elongated rod;
• a fastener connecting the first and second clamp members, wherein rotation of the fastener in a first direction draws the first and second clamp members together, and
• a washer matingly received in an aperture of the first jaw portion of the first clamp member, such that the washer does not rotate relative to the first clamp member, wherein the washer includes a lip preventing rotation of first elongated rod upon tightening of the clamp assembly.