Importance

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Abstract

A coupling system for coupling flexible tubing between ports includes a port element provided with a barb, and a clamp which secures the tubing over the port element. A first end of the clamp is formed as a plurality of axially extending resilient, yet stiff, fingers having a barb at a tip. The fingers are biased slightly inward toward a center of the channel to define an inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the tubing. A diameter at the second end of the clamp is larger than a diameter of the tubing to allow for easier installation of the tubing through the channel of the clamp. A diameter of a portion of the channel between the first end and the second end is substantially the same or slightly smaller than the diameter of the tubing such that the clamp snugly grips the tubing without affecting the flow through the tubing. In use, the tubing is inserted through the second end of the clamp, and the tubing is then positioned over the barb of the port element. The clamp is then forcibly slid along the tubing such that the barbs ride over and then lock about the barb of the port element. This simple and quick operation creates a water-tight seal. In another embodiment, the second end of the clamp is provided with a plurality of alternating pegs and holes oriented parallel to the axis of the clamp which detachably couples two clamps in a back-to-back arrangement.

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First Claim