Patent ID: 8474784
Filing Date: 2013-07-02
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A tube clamp having: first and second opposed jaws joined by a first hinge, the jaws movable between open and closed positions, the tube clamp adapted to attach to a flexible plastic tube so that the tube passes between the jaws, whereby the flow of fluid through the tube is permitted when the jaws are open but is blocked when the jaws are brought together to the closed position to pinch closed the tube there-between, and locking mechanism to effect substantially permanent and irreversible locking of the jaws in the closed position, the locking mechanism comprising: a stud on the first jaw comprising a post and a head comprising two arms extending sideways from the post in opposite directions, and a corresponding aperture on the second jaw positioned and adapted to accept the stud, the aperture located in a first wall having a proximal side facing the first jaw, and being proportioned so that the head of the stud can be forced through the aperture from proximal side by deflecting, bending or folding the two arms inwards towards the post of the stud and so that, after passing through the aperture the two arms spring irreversibly outwards and overlay the distal side of the first wall to lock the jaws together.