Patent ID: 8728078

Claim:
A clamp assembly for an external fixation system, comprising: a first jaw comprising a clamping portion and a rear portion opposite the clamping portion; a second jaw comprising a clamping portion and a rear portion opposite the clamping portion, the clamping portions of the first and second jaws together forming a passage for receiving a first fixation element of the external fixation system; a first link pivotally connected to the rear portion of the first jaw; and a second link pivotally connected to the rear portion of the second jaw and to the first link, the first link comprising a first portion pivotally connected to the rear portion of the first jaw and a second portion pivotally connected to the second link, and the first and second links being pivotable between a first position and a second position, wherein: in the first position, the first portion of the first link is received in a seat in the rear portion of the first jaw and the second portion of the first link is offset from the rear portion of the second jaw such that the first and second jaws can assume an open position; and in the second position, the first portion of the first link is received in the seat in the rear portion of the first jaw and the second portion of the first link is received in a seat in the rear portion of the second jaw such that the first and second jaws can assume a closed position and the first and second portions of the first link resist separation of the jaws.