Irreversibly closable flow control clamp

Abstract

A flow control clamp ( 30 ) having first and second legs ( 36, 38 ) disposed in a generally facing relationahip. The clamp includes apertures ( 40, 44 ) for receiving a flexible tube therethrough. The first and second legs include surfaces disposed to irreversibly secure the legs together in the closed position.

1 . A flow control clamp comprising: 
 a flexible body having a first leg and a second leg disposed in a general facing relationship and movable between a first spaced apart position and a second closed position;    a pair of apertures in said body for receiving a flexible tube therethrough and between said legs;    at least one tube contacting member carried by one of said legs for clamping a tube when said legs are in the closed position;    said first and second legs including surfaces disposed to irreversibly secure said legs together in said closed position.    
   
   
       2 . The flow control clamp of  claim 1  wherein said first leg includes a pair of spaced apart walls defining a slot, and said second leg includes an extension, whereby movement of said legs from said spaced apart position to said closed position introduces said extension into said slot.  
   
   
       3 . The flow control clamp of  claim 2  wherein said first leg comprises a pair of inwardly projecting, spaced apart walls defining said slot, and said second leg comprises an inwardly projecting extension.  
   
   
       4 . The flow control clamp of  claim 1  wherein said first and second legs include surfaces disposed to irreversibly interlock said legs together.  
   
   
       5 . The flow control clamp of  claim 4  wherein one of said legs comprises a lip and said other leg comprises a hook for engaging said lip in said closed position.  
   
   
       6 . The flow control clamp of  claim 1  wherein one of said legs comprises a socket and the other of said legs comprises a ball for engaging said socket in said closed position.  
   
   
       7 . The flow control clamp of  claim 4  wherein one of said legs comprises a notch and the other of said legs comprises a peg for engaging said notch in said closed position.  
   
   
       8 . The flow control clamp of  claim 1  wherein said body is made of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyoxymethylene and polypropylene.  
   
   
       9 . The flow control clamp of  claim 1  further comprising a tube contacting member carried by said other of said legs for clamping said tube between said contacting members when said legs are in the closed position.  
   
   
       10 . The flow control clamp of  claim 1  wherein the outer surface of said body is substantially free of sharp ends and corners.  
   
   
       11 . The flow control clamp of  claim 1  wherein; said, apertures are adapted to completely surround a tube at the point where the tube extends through said aperture.  
   
   
       12 . The flow control clamp of  claim 2  wherein one of said spaced-apart walls is more rigid than said other of said spaced-apart walls.