Patent ID: 8328457

Claim:
A sanitary clamp for connection to a pair of barb connectors each having one end terminating at a funnel shaped portion, the sanitary clamp comprising: a first member having a first semi-circular center portion disposed between a first end and a second end; a second member having a second semi-circular center portion disposed between a first end and a second end, said first ends of the first and second members configured to pivotally connect to each other such that said first and second members are pivotable to form a circular aperture configured to receive the funnel shaped portions of the pair of connectors and maintain the funnel shaped portions in a fluid tight relationship, said second end of the first member having a ledge orthogonally extending from the first semi-circular portion, said ledge coupled to a projection with a plurality of external ratchet teeth, said second end of the second member having a housing extending from the second semi-circular center portion and including a plurality of side walls defining a well positioned for orientation toward the ledge and configured for receiving the projection therein, at least two of the plurality of side walls each having a rocker lock formed therein, each rocker lock having a first portion, an opposed second portion including an engaging member and a flange therebetween pivotally connecting the rocker lock to its respective wall such that the second portion travels outwardly when the first portion is inwardly depressed, and wherein the rocker lock is configured to: resiliently position the engaging member in the well to releasably lock the projection when received in the well by engaging the engaging member with at least one of the plurality of external ratchet teeth; and permit retraction of the en a in member from the well when the first ortion is depressed to unlock the projection by releasing the engaging member from engagement with the at least one of the plurality of external ratchet teeth.