REUSABLE CLAMP WITH LATCH RELEASE ARM FOR CONNECTING CONDUIT SECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

摘要

A reusable clamp for retaining conduit sections or sanitary fittings having circular flanges together includes two gland members movable between open and closed positions. The gland members include two handles projecting outwardly from the gland members and two sets of locking detents formed on a latch finger connected to one gland member and the outer periphery of the other gland member. The locking detents engage to prevent movement of the gland members away from the closed position until a latch release arm coupled to the latch finger is depressed towards one of the handles, which causes the locking detents to disengage from one another and enables re-opening of the clamp when desired. The latch release arm and one or more of the handles also include tie-receiving loops to prevent accidental opening of the clamp unless desired by the end user.

主权项

1. A reusable clamp for retaining conduit sections having circular flanges together, the clamp comprising:
first and second gland members, each including opposing first and second ends and an arcuate internal channel extending between said first and second ends and configured to receive the circular flanges, said first ends being operatively coupled together to enable relative rotation of said first and second gland members; first and second handles projecting outwardly from said first and second gland members and defining gripping surfaces for moving between an open position and a closed position; a latch finger including a proximal end operatively coupled to said first gland member, a distal end extending beyond said second end of said first gland member, and first locking detents adjacent said distal end and projecting inwardly towards said second gland member; a retention section including second locking detents projecting outwardly from said second gland member adjacent said corresponding second end, such that said first and second locking detents engage each other in the closed position to prevent movement back to the open position; and a latch release arm operatively coupled to said latch finger at said distal end and extending to a free end located between said first and second handles, said latch release arm configured to be depressed towards said first handle to force said latch finger to pivot away from said retention section so that said first locking detents disengage from said second locking detents.