LOCKING SLIDE CLAMP

A clamp is provided. The clamp includes a flexible uniform body. The flexible uniform body includes an aperture configured to allow a tubing to pass through the flexible uniform body. The aperture is configured to allow unrestricted flow of a fluid within the tubing when the tubing is at a first position of the aperture and restrict the flow of the fluid within the tubing when the tubing is at a second position of the aperture. The flexible uniform body includes an engageable coupling mechanism disposed at a first portion of the flexible uniform body. The coupling mechanism is configured to, when engaged, cover at least a portion of the release point of the aperture such that the tubing is locked in place within the pinch point of the aperture.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to an intravenous (IV) set or infusion pump flow restriction device, and in particular a clamp with a locking mechanism.

BACKGROUND

Medical treatments often include the infusion of a medical fluid (e.g., a saline solution or a liquid medication) to patients using an intravenous (IV) catheter that is connected though an arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings, commonly referred to as an “IV set,” to a source of fluid, for example, an IV bag. Often, the flow rate through the tubing is occluded by pinching the tubing to prevent additional medical fluid from being infused to the patient. This allows medical practitioners to change medications, adjust the infusion of the medications, and stop infusing medication. However, existing clamps can be intentionally or inadvertently moved by unauthorized personnel or medical practitioners.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a reliable flow restrictor that provides a secure locking mechanism that can easily be adjusted by medical practitioners as needed.

SUMMARY

Various implementations of systems, methods, and devices within the scope of the appended claims each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the attributes described herein. Without limiting the scope of the appended claims, after considering this disclosure, and particularly after considering the section entitled “Detailed Description” one will understand how the aspects of some implementations are used to provide a secure locking mechanism that can easily be adjusted by medical practitioners as needed. One or more implementations provide a locking slide clamp for restricting the flow of a fluid within an IV tube. The locking slide clamp includes a flexible uniform body including one or more features, all as disclosed in the drawings and specification.

In one aspect, locking slide clamp includes a flexible body including an aperture configured to allow a tubing to pass through the flexible body. A first end of the aperture includes a release point configured to allow unrestricted flow of a fluid within the tubing when the tubing is position at the first end of the aperture, and a second end of the aperture includes a pinch point configured to restrict the flow of the fluid within the tubing when the tubing is position at the second end of the aperture. The flexible body further includes an engageable coupling mechanism disposed at a first portion of the flexible body. The coupling mechanism is configured to, when engaged, cover at least a portion of the release point of the aperture such that the tubing is locked in place within the pinch point of the aperture.

In some implementations, the coupling mechanism, when engaged, couples to a second portion of the flexible body opposite the first portion such that (i) the first portion of the flexible body is folded, at least in part, over the second portion of the flexible body and (ii) the first end of the aperture is covered. In some implementations, the coupling mechanism is a clasp configured to attach to the second portion of the flexible body. In some implementations, the second portion of the flexible body includes a mating hole and the coupling mechanism is configured to couple to the mating hole. In some implementations, the first portion of the flexible body includes a hinge such that when the engageable coupling mechanism is engaged a portion of the flexible body rotates about a hinge folding over the flexible body. In some implementations, the first portion of the flexible body and the second portion of the flexible body are individual components coupled together via the hinge.

In some implementations, the flexible body includes an opening extending from an outer edge of the flexible body to the aperture, the opening configured to receive the tubing. In some implementations, the pinch point is configured to receive IV tubes of at least three different sizes. In some implementations, the pinch point is a flexible pinch point configured to receive IV tubes of at least six different sizes. In some implementations, the flexible body is molded. In some implementations, the flexible body is flexible uniform body. In some implementations, the flexible body is formed on the tubing.

In another aspect, a locking slide clamp, includes a flexible uniform body that includes an aperture configured to allow a tubing to pass through the flexible uniform body. The aperture includes a first end and a second end. The first end is a release point configured to allow unrestricted flow of a fluid within the tubing when the tubing is position at the first end of the aperture, and the second end is a pinch point configured to restrict the flow of the fluid within the tubing when the tubing is position at the second end of the aperture. The flexible uniform body further includes a coupling mechanism disposed at a first portion of the flexible uniform body. The coupling mechanism is configured to couple to a second portion of the flexible uniform body opposite the first portion such that when the first portion of the flexible uniform body is extended, at least in part, towards the second portion of the flexible uniform body the first portion of the aperture is covered and the tubing is locked in place at the second end of the aperture.

In another aspect, a method of controlling a flow of fluid within a tubing is provided. The method includes, at a flexible body coupled to the tubing, the flexible body including an aperture configured to allow a tubing to pass through the flexible body and an engageable coupling mechanism, positioning the flexible body such that the tubing is at a first end of the aperture. The first end of the aperture is a release point configured to allow unrestricted flow of a fluid within the tubing. The method further includes adjusting a position of the flexible body such that the tubing is at a second end of the aperture. The second end of the aperture includes a pinch point configured to restrict the flow of the fluid within the tubing. The method further includes engaging the engageable coupling mechanism such that the tubing is locked in place within the pinch point of the aperture. The engageable coupling mechanism is disposed at a first portion of the flexible body and is configured to, when engaged, cover at least a portion of the release point of the aperture.

In some implementations, the method further includes disengaging the engageable coupling mechanism and adjusting the position of the flexible body such that the tubing is at the first end of the aperture such that fluid within the tubing is allowed to flow.

In another aspect, a clamp for controlling a flow of fluid within a tubing a provided. The clamp includes a flexible body having a first area (e.g., first end of an aperture described below in reference toFIGS.1-6), a second area (second end of the aperture described below in reference toFIGS.1-6), and a transition area (e.g., connecting portion of the aperture), and an engageable coupling mechanism (described below in reference toFIGS.1-6). The first area has a first width equal to at least a diameter of the tubing to allow unrestricted flow. The second area has a second width substantially less (e.g., at least 60% or more) than the diameter of the tubing to restrict the flow. The transition area connects the first area and the second area whereby a width of the transition area decreases from the first width to the second width. The engageable coupling mechanism is disposed at a first portion of the flexible body. The coupling mechanism is configured to, when engaged, cover at least a portion of the first area such that the tubing is locked in place within the first or second area (e.g., as discussed below in reference toFIGS.5and6).

In some implementations, the coupling mechanism, when engaged, increases the rigidity of the flexible body such that the second width of the second area does not increase when the tubing is disposed in the second area. In some implementations, the clamp further includes an opening extending from an outer edge of the flexible body to the first area, the opening configured to receive the tubing. In some implementations, the coupling mechanism is a clasp configured to attach to a second portion of the flexible body. In some implementations, the second portion of the flexible body includes a mating hole and the coupling mechanism is configured to couple to the mating hole.

The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed implementations will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed locking slide clamp incorporates a flexible uniform body including a coupling mechanism that locks an IV set in place occluding the flow of a medical fluid within the IV set. The locking slide clamp can be single-handedly engaged to occlude flow or released to allow for the fluid to flow. The coupling mechanism prevents the unintended release of the locking slide clamp such that the medical fluid is not accidentally or unexpected infused to a patient. By preventing unintended release of the locking slide clamp, the flow rate for infusion can be safely and efficiently controlled.

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. Like components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding. Reference numbers may have letter suffixes appended to indicate separate instances of a common element while being referred to generically by the same number without a suffix letter.

While the following description is directed to controlling and maintaining a flow rate during the administration of medical fluid using the disclosed locking slide clamp, it is to be understood that this description is only an example of usage and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed locking slide clamp may be used in any application where it is desirable to control a fluid flow rate without permitting unintended or unauthorized changes to the flow rate.

The disclosed locking slide clamp overcomes several challenges discovered with respect to certain conventional slide clamps. One challenge with certain conventional slide clamps is that slide clamps may be inadvertently adjusted by incidental contact from patients and/or clinicians. Further, slide clamps may be intentionally adjusted by unauthorized personnel, including patients. Because the inadvertent or the unauthorized adjustment of slide clamps can alter the flow rate of the administered medical fluid, thereby potentially harming the patient, the use of conventional slide clamps is undesirable.

Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is advantageous to provide a locking slide clamp as described herein that eliminates or substantially reduces potential accidental or unauthorized adjustment of the slide clamp. The disclosed locking slide clamp provides a coupling mechanism that operates as an additional hurdle that reduces or eliminates inadvertent or unauthorized adjustment of the flow rate.

An example of a locking slide clamp that prevents inadvertent or unauthorized adjustment of the medical fluid flow rate is now described.

FIG.1illustrates a first implementation of a locking slide clamp, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The first implementation100of the locking slide clamp includes a flexible uniform body115. In some implementations, the flexible uniform body115is molded. In some implementations, the flexible uniform body115is molded in polypropylene. Example measurements of the flexible uniform body115are provided below in reference toFIG.3B. The flexible uniform body115includes an aperture117configured to allow a tubing205(FIG.2) to pass through the flexible uniform body115. The aperture117includes a first end117aand a second end117b.The first end117aincludes a release point configured to allow unrestricted flow of a fluid within the tubing205when the tubing is positioned at the first end117aof the aperture117. The second end117bincludes a pinch point configured to restrict the flow of the fluid within the tubing205when the tubing is positioned at the second end117bof the aperture117.

In some implementations, the flexible uniform body115includes a coupling mechanism123disposed at a first portion121aof the flexible uniform body115. In some implementations, the flexible uniform body115includes a mating hole125disposed at a second portion121bof the flexible uniform body115. The first portion121aof the flexible uniform body115is opposite the second portion121bof the flexible uniform body115. The first portion121aand the second portion121bof the flexible uniform body115are perpendicular to a portion of the aperture117(e.g., the first end117a). The coupling mechanism123is an engageable coupling mechanism disposed at a first portion of the flexible uniform body115. The coupling mechanism is configured to, when engaged, cover at least a portion of the release point of the aperture such that the tubing is locked in place within the pinch point (e.g., the second end117b) of the aperture. In some implementations, the coupling mechanism123, when engaged, couples to the second portion121bof the flexible uniform body115such that the first portion121aof the flexible uniform body115is folded, at least in part, over the second portion121bof the flexible uniform body115and the first end117aof the aperture117is covered. For example, the coupling mechanism123is configured to couple to the mating hole125. Use of the first implementation100of the locking slide clamp is described below in reference toFIGS.2A-2D.

FIGS.2A-2Dillustrate operational use of a first implementation of a locking slide clamp, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. A first operational view200shows the first implementation100(FIG.1) of the locking slide clamp with a tubing205passing through the flexible uniform body115, via aperture117. In the first operational view200, the tubing205is positioned at a first end117aof the aperture117. As described above in reference toFIG.1, the first end117aincludes a release point configured to allow unrestricted flow of a fluid within the tubing205. Further, the first operational view200shows the coupling mechanism123and the mating hole125not yet coupled.

A second operational view225shows the first implementation100of the locking slide clamp with the tubing205positioned at the second end117bof the aperture117of the flexible uniform body115. As described above in reference toFIG.1, the second end117bincludes a pinch point configured to restrict the flow of the fluid within the tubing205. More specifically, the second end117bis configured to stop the flow of the fluid (represented by the pinched tubing205). In some implementations, the second end117bis configured receive tubing205of varying sizes while still restricting the flow of the fluid within the tubing205. In some implementation, the varying tube sizes received for the second end117bof the aperture117include adjacent sizes of a first tube size. For example, the second end117bof the aperture117can be configured to receive a first tubing size and at least one larger tubing size and at least one smaller tubing size. In some implementations, the second end117b(e.g., the pinch point) is configured to receive at least three different sized tubes.

A third operational view250shows the first implementation100of the locking slide clamp with the coupling mechanism123coupled to the mating hole125. As described above in reference toFIG.1, the coupling mechanism123is disposed at a first portion121aof the flexible uniform body115, and the mating hole125is disposed at a second portion121bof the flexible uniform body115. In some implementation, the first portion121aof the flexible uniform body115is configured to cover a portion of the aperture117(e.g., the first end117a) when the coupling mechanism123couples to the mating hole125. In particular, the first portion121aof the flexible uniform body115is pulled, extended, or folded, at least in part, over the second portion121bof the flexible uniform body115such that the tubing205is locked in place at the second end117bof the aperture117. While the coupling mechanism123and the mating hole125are coupled, the tubing205cannot be accidentally or unexpected moved.

A fourth operational view275shows a bottom view of the first implementation100of the locking slide clamp when the coupling mechanism123is coupled to the mating hole125. As shown in the fourth operational view275, the coupling mechanism123extends, in part, through mating hole125. The coupling mechanism123prevents the first portion121aof the flexible uniform body115from returning to its original position (uncovering the first end117aof the aperture117) until it is manually removed by a user.

FIGS.3A and3Billustrate a second implementation of a locking slide clamp, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. A first view300of the second implementation of the locking slide clamp includes a second flexible uniform body315including a second aperture317. The second aperture317includes a first end317aand a second end317b.The second flexible uniform body315and the second aperture317are similar to and include one or more features as the flexible uniform body115and the aperture117described above in reference toFIG.1. In some implementations, the second end317bof the second aperture317is a flexible pinch point319configured to receive different tubing sizes. The flexible pinch point319is an instance of the pinch point described above in reference toFIGS.1-2D. The flexible pinch point319includes a plurality of gaps325adjacent to the second end317bof the second aperture317such that large tubing sizes can fit within the second end317bof the second aperture317and still have their flow restricted. Further, the flexible pinch point319can be configured to be narrower than the pinch point described above in reference toFIG.1such that smaller tubing sizes can be accommodated. The tubing sizes that can be received by the flexible pinch point319are discussed below in reference toFIGS.4A and4B.

The second flexible uniform body315further includes a second coupling mechanism323disposed at a first portion321aof the flexible uniform body315. In some implementations, the second coupling mechanism323is a clasp configured to attach to the second portion321bof the second flexible uniform body315(e.g., at an edge of the second flexible uniform body315). The first portion321aof the flexible uniform body315is opposite the second portion321bof the flexible uniform body315, and the first portion321aand the second portion321bof the flexible uniform body315are perpendicular to a portion of the aperture317(e.g., the first end317a). In some implementations, the second flexible uniform body315is molded. Use of the second implementation of the locking slide clamp is described below in reference toFIGS.4A and4B.

A second view350of the second implementation of the locking slide clamp shows a sample width and length of the flexible uniform body315. In some implementations, the flexible uniform body315has a length of three quarters (¾) of an inch to one (1) inch, and a width of one (1) inch to one and a half (1.5) inches. When the flexible uniform body315is folded (or coupled to the second portion321bof the flexible uniform body315) the width is approximately a half (½) of an inch to three quarters (¾) of an inch. In some implementations, the thickness of the flexible uniform body315approximately is 300 thousandths of an inch. For purposes of this disclosure, approximately means, in some implementations, +/−five (5) percent. The sample measurements described above for the flexible uniform body315can be used for each implementation described herein. Further, the sample measurements are non-limiting and different measurements can be used based on the application.

FIGS.4A and4Billustrate operational use of a second implementation of a locking slide clamp, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. A first operational view400shows the second implementation of the locking slide clamp with the tubing205positioned at the second end317bof the aperture317of the second flexible uniform body315. As described above in reference toFIGS.3A and3B, the second end317bincludes a flexible pinch point319configured to restrict the flow of the fluid within the tubing205. More specifically, the second end317bis configured to stop the flow of the fluid (represented by the pinched tubing205). In some implementations, the second end317bis configured receive tubing205of varying sizes while still restricting the flow of the fluid within the tubing205. In particular, the flexible pinch point319is configured to receive greater variations in tubing size than the pinch point described above in reference toFIGS.2A-2D. In some implementation, the varying tube sizes received for the second end317bof the aperture317include adjacent sizes of a first tube size. For example, the second end317bof the aperture317can be configured to receive a first tubing size and at least two larger tubing sizes and at least two smaller tubing sizes. In some implementations, the second end317b(e.g., the flexible pinch point) is configured to receive at least six different sized tubes.

A second operational view450shows the second implementation of the locking slide clamp with the coupling mechanism323coupled to the second portion321bof the flexible uniform body315. In particular, the coupling mechanism323(e.g., a clasp, hook, latch, etc.) is configured to attach to the second portion321bof the flexible uniform body315. As described above in reference toFIGS.3A and3B, the coupling mechanism323is disposed at a first portion321aof the flexible uniform body315opposite the second portion321bof the flexible uniform body315. In some implementation, the first portion321aof the flexible uniform body315is configured to cover a portion of the aperture317(e.g., the first end317a) when the coupling mechanism323couples to the second portion321bof the flexible uniform body315. In particular, the first portion321aof the flexible uniform body315extends, at least in part, towards the second portion321bof the flexible uniform body315such that the tubing205is locked in place at the second end317bof the aperture117.

While the coupling mechanism323is coupled to the second portion321bof the flexible uniform body315, the tubing205cannot be accidentally or unexpected moved. In particular, the coupling mechanism323prevents the first portion321aof the flexible uniform body315from returning to its original position (uncovering the first end317aof the aperture317) until it is manually removed by a user.

FIG.5illustrates a third implementation of a locking slide clamp, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The third implementation500of the locking slide clamp includes features similar to those described above in reference toFIGS.1-4B. For example, the third implementation500of the locking slide clamp includes a third flexible body515including an aperture117configured to allow a tubing205(FIG.2) to pass through the third flexible body515. Additionally, the third flexible body515includes a coupling mechanism123disposed at a first portion521aof the third flexible body515and a mating hole125disposed at a second portion521bof the third flexible body515.

In some implementations, the third flexible body515includes a hinge519(or a pin, a hook, or other mechanism) that attaches the first portion521aof the third flexible body515to the second portion521bof the third flexible body515(forming a single flexible body). The hinge519is configured to allow the first portion521aof the third flexible body515to rotate about an axis and couple to the second portion521bof the third flexible body515. The hinge519is configured such that when the engageable coupling mechanism is engaged a portion of the flexible body rotates about a hinge folding (or extending) over a portion of the third flexible body515. The hinge allows the use of a slightly more rigid flexible body that does not require the first portion521aof the third flexible body515to be pulled toward the second portion521aof the third flexible body515.

FIG.6illustrates a fourth implementation of a locking slide clamp, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The fourth implementation600of the locking slide clamp includes features similar to those described above in reference toFIGS.1-5. For example, the third implementation600of the locking slide clamp includes a fourth flexible body615including an aperture617configured to allow a tubing205(FIG.2) to pass through the fourth flexible body615. Additionally, the fourth flexible body615includes a coupling mechanism123(FIG.5) disposed at a first portion521aof the fourth flexible body615, a mating hole125(FIG.5) disposed at a second portion621bof the fourth flexible body615, and a hinge519configured to allow the first portion521aof the fourth flexible body615to rotate about an axis and couple to the second portion621of the fourth flexible body615. In some implementations, the first portion of the flexible body521aand the second portion of the flexible body621are individual components (i.e., individual bodies) coupled together by the hinge519to form a single flexible body (e.g., fourth flexible body615).

The coupling mechanism123is configured to lock the tubing205in place as described above in reference toFIGS.1-5.

In some implementations, the fourth implementation600of the locking slide clamp includes an opening605extending from an outer edge of the fourth flexible body615to the aperture617. The opening605is configured to receive the tubing205or allow the tubing to be removed from the aperture617. In some implementations, the opening605is narrower than the smallest tube size configured to be received by the second end (or pinch point)617b. In some implementations, the opening605is slanted from the aperture617axis (e.g., at an angle from the first end617aand second end617bof the aperture617such that the opening605is not coincident with the first end617aand second end617bof the aperture617) so that tubing205positioned at a first end617aof the aperture617cannot be removed easily through the opening605. In this way, the tubing205does not unintentionally come loose from the aperture617(e.g., a user is required to push in or pull out the tubing via the opening605). One or both sides of opening605may flex to allow the tubing205to be received through the aperture605. Once the tubing205received, into the aperture617and then into the second end (or pinch point)617b,the aperture617is configured to restrict or allow flow as described above in reference toFIGS.1-5. Further, coupling the first portion521aand the second portion621of the fourth flexible body615together (via the coupling mechanism123and mating hole125) adds additional rigidity to the fourth flexible body615such that the second end617bof the aperture617is not able to expand. This additional rigidity prevents the second end617bfrom decreasing the pressure applied to the tubing205further ensuring that the flow within the tubing205is restricted.

Additionally, the third and fourth flexible bodies515and615allow the tubing205to be locked in place at the first end of the aperture517and617by coupling mechanism123. This prevents the flow within the tubing205from unintentionally being restricted. For example, the tubing205can be positioned at the first end617aof the aperture617and the coupling mechanism123can be engaged such that the tubing205cannot be positioned at the second end617bof the aperture617until the coupling mechanism123is disengaged and the tubing205is repositioned. More specifically, the third and fourth flexible bodies515and615allow the tubing205to be locked in place at either the first end or the second end of the aperture517and617. This additional functionality operates as an additional hurdle that reduces or eliminates inadvertent or unauthorized adjustment of the flow rate.

As the skilled artisan will appreciate upon reading the descriptions provided herein, the coupling mechanisms123and323are interchangeable between the different implementations described above. For example, the coupling mechanism123shown inFIGS.5and6can be coupling mechanism323and couple with a respective portion of their flexible body (e.g., clasping to an edge instead of coupling to a mating hole (e.g., mating hole125;FIG.1)). Additionally, while the above examples show the position of the coupling mechanisms123and323at a respective first portion of the flexible body, the position of the coupling mechanisms123and323can be positioned at a respective second portion of the flexible body or any other portion of the flexible body that allows the tubing205to be locked in place at a pinch point or flexible pinch point of the flexible body. For example, the mating hole125disposed at the second portion521bof the third flexible body515can be disposed at the first portion521aof the third flexible body515and the coupling mechanisms123disposed at the first portion521aof the third flexible body515can be disposed at the second portion521bof the third flexible body515.

FIG.7illustrates a flow diagram of a method for controlling a flow of fluid through a tubing, in accordance with some implementations. The method can be performed using any flexible body described above in reference toFIGS.1-6.

The method700includes positioning (702) the flexible body such that the tubing is at a first end of the aperture. The first end of the aperture is a release point configured to allow unrestricted flow of a fluid within the tubing. The method700also includes adjusting (704) a position of the flexible body such that the tubing is at a second end of the aperture.

The second end of the aperture includes a pinch point configured to restrict the flow of the fluid within the tubing. The method700further includes engaging (706) the engageable coupling mechanism such that the tubing is locked in place within the pinch point of the aperture. The engageable coupling mechanism is disposed at a first portion of the flexible body and is configured to, when engaged, cover at least a portion of the release point of the aperture.

In some implementations, the method700further includes disengaging (708-a) the engageable coupling mechanism, and adjusting (708-b) the position of the flexible body such that the tubing is at the first end of the aperture such that fluid within the tubing is allowed to flow.

Illustration of Subject Technology as Clauses:

Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology. Identifications of the figures and reference numbers are provided below merely as examples and for illustrative purposes, and the clauses are not limited by those identifications.

Clause 1. A clamp, comprising: a flexible body including: an aperture configured to allow a tubing to pass through the flexible body, wherein: a first end of the aperture comprises a release point configured to allow unrestricted flow of a fluid within the tubing when the tubing is positioned at the first end of the aperture, and a second end of the aperture comprises a pinch point configured to restrict the flow of the fluid within the tubing when the tubing is positioned at the second end of the aperture; and an engageable coupling mechanism disposed at a first portion of the flexible body, the coupling mechanism configured to, when engaged, cover at least a portion of the release point of the aperture such that the tubing is locked in place within the pinch point of the aperture.

Clause 2. The clamp of Clause 1, wherein the coupling mechanism, when engaged, couples to a second portion of the flexible body opposite the first portion such that (i) the first portion of the flexible body is folded, at least in part, over the second portion of the flexible body and (ii) the first end of the aperture is covered.

Clause 3. The clamp of Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the coupling mechanism is a clasp configured to attach to a second portion of the flexible body.

Clause 4. The clamp of claim 3, wherein the second portion of the flexible body includes a mating hole and the coupling mechanism is configured to couple to the mating hole.

Clause 5. The clamp of any one of Clauses 1 through 4, wherein the pinch point is configured to receive at least three different sized intravenous tubes.

Clause 6. The clamp of Clause 5, wherein the pinch point is a flexible pinch point configured to receive at least six different sized intravenous tubes.

Clause 7. The clamp of any one of Clauses 1 through 6, wherein the first portion of the flexible body includes a hinge such that when the engageable coupling mechanism is engaged a portion of the flexible body rotates about a hinge folding over the flexible body.

Clause 8. The clamp of Clause 7, wherein the first portion of the flexible body and the second portion of the flexible body are individual components coupled together via the hinge.

Clause 9. The clamp of any one of Clauses 1 through 8, wherein the flexible body includes an opening extending from an outer edge of the flexible body to the aperture, the opening configured to receive the tubing.

Clause 10. The clamp of any one of Clauses 1 through 9, wherein the flexible body is molded.

Clause 11. The clamp of any one of Clauses 1 through 10, wherein the flexible body is flexible uniform body.

Clause 12. The clamp of any one of Clauses 1 through 8, wherein the flexible body is formed on the tubing.

Clause 13. A clamp, comprising: a flexible body including: a first area having a first width equal to at least a diameter of the tubing to allow unrestricted flow; a second area having a second width substantially less than the diameter of the tubing to restrict the flow; a transition area connecting the first area and the second area whereby a width of the transition area decreases from the first width to the second width; and an engageable coupling mechanism disposed at a first portion of the flexible body, the coupling mechanism configured to, when engaged, cover at least a portion of the first area such that the tubing is locked in place within the first or second area.

Clause 14. The clamp of Clause 13, wherein the coupling mechanism, when engaged, increases the rigidity of the flexible body such that the second width of the second area does not increase when the tubing is disposed in the second area.

Clause 15. The clamp of Clause 13 or Clause 14, further comprising an opening extending from an outer edge of the flexible body to the first area, the opening configured to receive the tubing.

Clause 16. The clamp of any one of Clauses 13 through 15, wherein the coupling mechanism is a clasp configured to attach to a second portion of the flexible body.

Clause 17. The clamp of Clause 16, wherein the second portion of the flexible body includes a mating hole and the coupling mechanism is configured to couple to the mating hole.

Clause 18. The clamp of any one of Clauses 13 through 17, wherein the flexible body is molded.

Clause 19. The clamp of any one of Clauses 13 through 18, wherein the flexible body is flexible uniform body.

Clause 20. The clamp of any one of Clauses 13 through 18, wherein the flexible body is formed on the tubing.

In some embodiments, any of the clauses herein may depend from any one of the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In one aspect, any of the clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses) may be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clauses). In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, operations, means or components) recited in a clause, a sentence, a phrase or a paragraph. In one aspect, a claim may include some or all of the words recited in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the words in each of the clauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs may be removed. In one aspect, additional words or elements may be added to a clause, a sentence, a phrase or a paragraph. In one aspect, the subject technology may be implemented without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology may be implemented utilizing additional components, elements, functions or operations.

In one aspect, the term “coupled,” or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, the term “coupled,” or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear” and the like if used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.