Tube clamp and piercing device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION This invention is illustrated in two embodiments, one for piercing lines such as used in hospitals for injecting fluid into the human body and the other in industrial applications such as piercing lines carrying maple sucrose or the like.
In both embodiments, the basic principles are the same, namely, the clamp has a pair of clamping jaws which are hinged at one end and have locking tabs at the other end.
Intermediate the ends of the jaws there are semi-circular depressions forming a cradle for tubular member to be pierced and one of the jaws carries the means for piercing such as a hollow needle.
The jaws are readily opened and closed about the hinge and locked by the locking tabs.
Because at least one of the the locking tabs is flexible and integral with the end of the jaws, the lock may be finger operated to allow ready opening and closing of the clamp.
Appropriate seals are provided as necessary to prevent leaking of the fluid and the parts are configured to prevent relative movement of the clamped tube and the clamping and piercing device.