Patent ID: 7357425
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: A61M,B25B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A barb clamp for connecting a device and a tube with a barb fitting having a first end attachable to the device and a second end insertable into the tube, said barb clamp comprising: a single integral device having a collet portion and a sleeve portion, the sleeve portion defined by an upper elongate portion and said collet portion defined by a lower elongate portion, wherein the upper and lower elongate portions meet and are integrally joined along a common axis boundary, the sleeve portion having first and second opposing ends with first locking means thereon for locking the first end of the sleeve portion to the second end of the sleeve portion around the barb fitting and tube, and the collet portion having first and second opposing ends with second locking means thereon for locking the first end of the collet portion to the second end of the collet portion around the barb fitting and tube, wherein the upper elongate portion is offset from the lower elongate portion for overlapping a gap formed when winding around the barb fitting, and wherein the first locking means of the upper portion has a first tab extending from the first end of the sleeve portion, said first tab having exposed teeth traversing the width of the first tab and said first locking means having a first pocket formed in the second end with complementary teeth therein, said first pocket configured for receiving, encapsulating, and securing said first tab, wherein the second locking means of the lower portion has a second tab with exposed teeth extending from the second end of the collet portion at an opposing end from the first tab, and a second pocket having complementary teeth therein formed at the first end of the lower portion for receiving, encapsulating, and securing said second tab of the lower portion, and wherein the second pocket formed in the lower portion abuts the common axis boundary and the upper portion is disposed between the first tab and the first pocket.