CN106618667B

CN106618667B - Spring clip

Info

Publication number: CN106618667B
Application number: CN201610959331.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·L·桑德雷格; J·K·伯克霍兹; W·F·哈丁; 胡秋霞; B·D·彼得森
Original assignee: Becton Dickinson and Co
Current assignee: Becton Dickinson and Co
Priority date: 2015-10-28
Filing date: 2016-10-28
Publication date: 2022-09-16
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-28
Also published as: CN106618667A; CN206896368U

Abstract

A spring clip for occluding an intravenous or other similar tube can include features for patient comfort and/or features to prevent lateral detachment. These features can also be designed in a manner that allows the spring clip to be more easily manufactured. The spring clip can include a first arm coupled to a second arm by a hinge. The first and second arms can each be formed with a clamping surface that is aligned when the first arm is positioned over the second arm. The first arm can include opposing openings and the second arm can include opposing tabs that are inserted through the openings when the first arm is positioned over the second arm. The retaining tab interfaces with the opening to prevent the first arm from separating from the second arm. A method for assembling the spring clip is also disclosed.

Description

Spring clip

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/296,390, filed on 2016, month 2, day 17 and incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Spring clips (ping clips) are a well-known type of one-piece plastic clip used to close intravenous tubing. The spring clip typically comprises a smooth and stiff plastic material that is resilient and controllably bendable to enable engagement and disengagement of the clamping surfaces.

The molding or extrusion process used to make the spring clip typically results in sharp edges on the clip that can scratch or irritate the patient using the clip. In addition, the hard and slippery nature of the plastic of the clip can create difficulty in grasping and manipulating the clip during use, particularly when the clip becomes wet. In some instances, the hard and slippery nature of the plastic of the clip can also cause the clip to inadvertently separate when a lateral force (i.e., a force in a direction perpendicular to the length of the tube) is applied to the interlocking arms of the clip.

Thus, while methods and devices currently exist for clamping a portion of a pipe using spring clips, difficulties remain. Accordingly, the features of the present invention address and overcome these difficulties.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to spring clips designed to grip or occlude an intravenous tube. More particularly, spring clips according to embodiments of the present invention can include features that are comfortable to the patient and/or features that prevent lateral disengagement. These features can also be designed in a manner that allows the spring clip to be more easily manufactured and assembled.

In one embodiment, the invention is embodied as a spring clip that includes a first arm coupled to a second arm by a hinge. The first and second arms can each be formed with a clamping surface that is aligned when the first arm is positioned over the second arm. The first arm can include opposing openings and the second arm can include opposing retention tabs that are inserted through the openings when the first arm is positioned over the second arm. The retaining tab interfaces with the opening to prevent the first arm from separating from the second arm.

In another embodiment, the invention can be embodied as a spring clip including a first arm having a circular shape including opposing openings. The first arm is formed with a first clamping surface. The spring clip can also include a second arm having a circular shape that includes opposing retention tabs. The second arm can further be formed with a second clamping surface. The spring clip can also include opposing hinges that couple the first arm to the second arm such that when the first arm is positioned over the second arm, the retention tab is inserted into the opening and secures the first arm to the second arm.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

Drawings

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a spring clip according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, wherein the spring clip is oriented in a pre-assembly position;

FIG. 1B shows the spring clip of FIG. 1A in an assembled, disengaged position;

FIG. 1C shows a side cross-sectional view of the spring clip of FIG. 1A in an assembled, disengaged position;

FIG. 1D shows the spring clip of FIG. 1A in an assembled, engaged position;

FIG. 1E illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the spring clip of FIG. 1A in an assembled, engaged position;

FIG. 2A shows a spring clip according to one or more further embodiments of the invention, wherein the spring clip is oriented in a pre-assembled position;

FIG. 2B shows the spring clip of FIG. 2A in an assembled, disengaged position;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the spring clip of FIG. 2A in an assembled, disengaged position;

FIG. 2D shows the spring clip of FIG. 2A in an assembled, engaged position;

FIG. 2E illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the spring clip of FIG. 2A in an assembled, engaged position;

FIG. 3 shows a spring clip according to one or more further embodiments of the present invention, wherein the spring clip is oriented in a pre-assembly position;

fig. 4A-4C illustrate an assembly sequence that can be performed to assemble the spring clip of the present invention.

Fig. 5A-5C illustrate a spring clip according to one or more additional embodiments of the present invention, wherein the retaining tabs include separate gripping and retaining surfaces.

Fig. 6A-6C illustrate a spring clip according to one or more further embodiments of the present invention, wherein the spring clip includes a gripping tab that is separate from a retention tab.

Fig. 7A-7E illustrate spring clips according to one or more additional embodiments of the present invention, wherein the spring clips include separable hinges.

Figures 8A-8C illustrate a spring clip according to one or more further embodiments of the present invention, wherein the spring clip includes separable hinges that allow the arms of the spring clip to be assembled in a linear fashion.

Fig. 9A and 9B illustrate how a spring clip according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can include a clamping face that provides positive displacement of fluid contained within an intravenous tube.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A-1E illustrate a spring clip 100 constructed according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 1A, the spring clip 100 is shown in a pre-assembled position. Fig. 1B and 1C show spring clip 100 in an assembled, disengaged position, while fig. 1D and 1E show spring clip 100 in an assembled, engaged position. The spring clip 100 generally includes a first arm 101 and a second arm 102 interconnected by a living hinge 103. Living hinge 103 comprises a thin flexible segment of the same material from which first arm 101 and second arm 102 are made. In other words, the spring clip 100 can be molded from one material.

The living hinges 103 can be located on opposite sides of the spring clip 100, thereby forming hinge openings 103a between the living hinges. The hinge opening 103a can serve as a passage for the intravenous tube 150 to extend through the spring clip 100. The second arm 102 can include an end wall 107 having a wall opening 107a, the wall opening 107a forming an opposing channel through which the intravenous tube 150 also extends. The living hinge 103 allows the first arm 101 to be positioned over the second arm 102 in an assembled position, and as will be described further below, the living hinge 103 allows the first arm 101 to repeatedly engage the second arm 102. The length of living hinge 103 can be sufficient to cause it to assume a circular shape when the spring clip 100 is in an assembled position. In other words, living hinge 103 bends but does not bend.

The first and

second arms

101, 102 have a generally circular shape such that when assembled, the spring clip 100 forms a cylindrical shape. Each of the first and

second arms

101, 102 includes a corresponding

gripping surface

104a, 104b, respectively, and as shown in fig. 1C and 1E, the gripping

surfaces

104a, 104b align when the spring clip 100 is assembled. The first arm 101 further comprises

openings

105a, 105b located at opposite sides of the arm. The

openings

105a, 105b correspond to retaining

tabs

106a, 106b formed on opposite sides of the second arm 102. When assembled, the retention tabs 106a, 106B are inserted through the openings 105a, 105B, respectively, to retain the spring clip 100 in the assembled, disengaged position shown in fig. 1B and 1C. More specifically, the retaining

tabs

106a, 106b can include raised edges 106a1, 106b1, respectively, the raised edges 106a1, 106b1 catching the retaining surface 105a1 of the opening 105a and the retaining surface 105b1 of the opening 105b, respectively, to prevent the first arm 101 from separating from the second arm 102.

When in the assembled, disengaged position, as shown in fig. 1C, the gripping

surfaces

104a, 104b do not occlude the tube 150. To orient the spring clip 100 in the engaged position, the first arm 101 can be pushed toward the second arm 102 until the engagement surface 108a formed at the end of the first arm 101 is below the engagement ledge 108b extending inwardly from the end wall 107 as shown in FIG. 1E. In this engaged position, the clamping

surfaces

104a, 104b occlude the tube 150, thereby restricting fluid flow.

One drawback of many prior art spring clips is that the spring clip may be separated by applying a lateral force between the first and second arms. Referring to FIG. 1E, the lateral force is in the direction that faces inward or outward in the figure. In essence, the lateral force may cause the first arm to move laterally relative to the second arm to a point where the first arm disengages from the second arm.

The spring clip 100 is designed to minimize the possibility of this type of lateral separation. In particular, in addition to holding the spring clip 100 in the assembled position, the

retention tabs

106a, 106b limit lateral separation of the first arm 101. In the engaged position, the retaining

tabs

106a, 106b are located just inside the side walls of the first arm 101, as shown in fig. 1D. If a lateral force is applied between the first arm 101 and the second arm 102, the retaining

tabs

106a, 106b will contact the first arm 101 to limit lateral movement of the first arm 101 relative to the second arm 102. As a result, the engagement surface 108a cannot be disengaged from the engagement ledge 108b by laterally moving the first arm 101, at least without a large, intentional force that would break or damage the

retention tabs

106a, 106 b. In some embodiments, such as depicted in fig. 1A-1E, the first arm 101 may include an extension 101A located below the

openings

105a, 105b, the extension 101A locating the point of contact between the

retention tabs

106a, 106b and the first arm 101 near the base of the retention tabs. By locating the contact point near the base, the

retention tabs

106a, 106b will be less likely to bend in response to lateral forces. Thus, the design of the spring clip 100 ensures that the clips will intentionally separate by merely applying a force to pivot the end wall 107 away from the first arm 101.

Another advantage of the design of the spring clip 100 is that it allows the spring clip to be molded using a two-piece mold. As shown in FIG. 1A, the spring clip 100 can be manufactured in a flat position and then assembled into the position shown in FIG. 1B. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that due to this, and due to the configuration of the various components, a two-piece mold can be employed, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.

Additionally, as indicated above, the spring clip 100 can have a generally cylindrical shape when assembled. The cylindrical shape has no sharp edges, which may enhance patient comfort as well as clinician comfort during use.

In some embodiments, the spring clip 100 can be optionally configured to include retaining

tabs

106a, 106b on the first arm 101 and

openings

105a, 105b on the second arm 102. In this case, the spring clip 100 can function in the same manner as described above. In some embodiments, the spring clip may be configured with retention tabs and openings on only one side of the arm, as opposed to the opposing retention tabs and opposing openings depicted in the figures.

In addition, many different types of clamping

surfaces

104a, 104b may be employed in addition to the clamping surfaces 104a, 104b depicted in the figures. For example, the figures depict the following examples: the clamping faces 104a, 104b form a generally aligned and symmetrical clamping structure. However, in some embodiments, the clamping faces 104a, 104b can be configured to provide positive displacement of fluid during the clamping process. In this context, positive displacement refers to fluid flow in a direction toward the end wall 107 (assumed to be in a direction toward the patient) when the clamping surfaces 104a, 104b occlude the tube 150. To achieve this positive displacement, the clamping

surfaces

104a, 104b can be shaped such that the tube 150 is gradually blocked in a direction towards the end wall 107. For example, one or both of the clamping surfaces 104a, 104b may include an inclined surface. Optionally, one or both of the clamping surfaces 104a, 104b may include a plurality of clamping structures. A number of suitable clamping face configurations that enable positive displacement of fluid are disclosed in U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/247,615 filed on 28/10/2015 and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/296,372 filed on 17/2/2016.

Fig. 2A-2E illustrate another spring clip 200 constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Spring clip 200 is constructed and functions in substantially the same manner as spring clip 100. However, the spring clip 200 includes a living hinge 203 that bends rather than bends. The living hinge 203 can include a relatively short segment of material joining the first and second arms of the spring clip 200 and forming a hinge opening 203 a. The short length of material causes living hinge 203 to assume a bent shape when spring clip 200 is assembled.

FIG. 3 illustrates another spring clip 300 constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Spring clip 300 is similar to spring clip 100 except that spring clip 300 does not have a generally circular shape. Accordingly, fig. 3 includes like reference numerals to those in fig. 1 to refer to like components. Most notably, the spring clip 300 illustrates the following embodiments: retaining

tabs

306a, 306b are formed on the first arm 301 and

openings

305a, 305b are formed on the second arm 302. In all respects, the spring clip 300 can function in the same manner as described above.

In addition to ease of manufacture, the flat unassembled orientation of the spring clip of the present invention facilitates assembly. Fig. 4A-4C illustrate a sequence of steps that can be taken to assemble the spring clip in the assembled, disengaged position. Allowing fig. 4A-4C to depict this assembly process on spring clip 100, the same process may be employed to assemble spring clip 200 or spring clip 300.

Spring clip 100 may be formed and machined by any compatible manufacturing means or method. Referring to fig. 4A, the spring clip 100 is shown in a flat unassembled orientation over two fixed

rollers

401a, 401b with the

retention tabs

106a, 106b pointing upward. In some examples, the spring clip 100 is optionally positioned over a slot formed by two securing surfaces. In this orientation, two

moveable pins

402a, 402b can be placed over the living hinge 103, and the tube 150 can be inserted upward through the hinge opening 103 a. Then, as shown in fig. 4B showing a sectional view, the pins 402a, 402B can be moved downward toward the fixed bars 401a, 401B. This downward movement will cause the living hinge 103 to bend inward, thereby closing the first arm 101 over the second arm 102. Fig. 4C shows that this downward movement of the

pins

402a, 402b can continue to the point where the ledges 106a1, 106b1 of the retaining

tabs

106a, 106b have cleared the retaining surfaces 105a1, 105b1 of the

openings

105a, 105b, thereby interconnecting the first and

second arms

101, 102. In addition, the tube 150 can be inserted further through the hinge opening 103a and out through the wall opening 107a to a desired distance. In some embodiments, such as shown in fig. 4C, the spacing between the clamping

surfaces

104a, 104b can be small enough so that the tube 150 is slightly secured but not obstructed when the spring clip 100 is in the assembled, disengaged position, thereby preventing the spring clip 100 from sliding along the tube 150. Once the first arm 101 has been interconnected with the second arm 102, the

pins

402a, 402b can be removed, thus completing the assembly process.

Fig. 5A-5C illustrate another spring clip 500 constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 5A-5C depict spring clip 500 in an unassembled position, an assembled and disengaged position, and an engaged position, respectively. Spring clip 500 has many similar components to spring

clips

100 and 200, which are designated with similar reference numerals. Unlike the spring clips 100, 200, the spring clip 500 includes

tabs

506a, 506b instead of retaining

tabs

106a, 106 b. In addition, in the spring clip 500, the end wall 107 is divided between the first arm 101 and the second arm 102 and does not include the engaging ledge 108b for reasons that will become apparent hereinafter.

The

tabs

506a, 506b can each include a gripping protrusion 508 and one or more retention protrusions 507 (two of the retention protrusions 507 are shown). The retaining protrusion 507 can be formed with a retaining ledge 507a, and the retaining ledge 507a can serve a similar purpose as the ledges 106a1, 106a2 described above, i.e., to retain the spring clip 500 in the assembled position. The gripping protrusion 508 can also be formed with a gripping ledge 508a, the gripping ledge 508a serving to secure the spring clip 500 in the engaged position, thus replacing the engagement ledge 108b for this purpose.

Both the retention ledge 507a and the gripping ledge 508a can be configured to interface with the retention surfaces 105a1, 105a 2. For example, in fig. 5B, the first arm 101 has been bent over the second arm 102 to the following point:

tabs

106a, 106b are inserted through

openings

106a, 106b until retaining ledge 507a abuts retaining surfaces 105a1, 105b 1. The

tabs

506a, 506b can be biased outwardly so that the first arm 101 will remain in the assembled, disengaged position in the absence of an external force. The inclined upper surface of the retaining protrusion 507 can also facilitate the sliding of the first arm 101 into this position.

Fig. 5C shows how spring clip 500 can be moved to the engaged position. In particular, when the first arm 101 is pushed towards the second arm 102, the gripping ledge 508a will leave the holding surfaces 105a1, 105b1, thereby pivoting the

tabs

105a, 105b slightly outward. At this point, the clamping ledge 508a will contact the retaining surfaces 105a1, 105b1 to retain the spring clip 500 in the engaged position. For this reason, the engagement ledge 108b on the end wall 107 is not required, thereby allowing the end wall 107 to be split between the two arms as illustrated. One benefit of segmenting the end wall 107 and thus the wall opening 107a is that the intravenous tube 150 will not need to pass through the wall opening 107a during assembly.

To ensure that the grip protrusions 508 will not interfere with the engagement of the retention protrusions 507 with the retention surfaces 105a1, 105b1, the retention protrusions 507 can extend further than the grip protrusions. In particular, the gripping protrusions 508 will typically be located just inside the structure of the first arm 101 forming the

openings

105a, 105b and may therefore pivot the

tabs

506a, 506b slightly inward. To ensure that this slight inward pivoting does not separate the spring clip 500, the retaining protrusions 507 can extend outward sufficiently to remain in contact with the retaining surfaces 105a1, 105b1 even as the gripping protrusions 508 push the

tabs

506a, 506b inward.

To facilitate transitioning of the spring clip 500 from the engaged position to the disengaged position or from the disengaged position to the unassembled position, the

tabs

506a, 506b can include a pressing surface 509 located above the retention protrusion 507. The squeezing surfaces 509 can be generally configured as relatively flat extensions of the

tabs

506a, 506b that are sized to receive the fingers and thumb of the clinician. When an inward force (or squeezing force) is applied to the squeezing surfaces 509, the

tabs

506a, 506b will pivot inward to allow the retaining surfaces 105a1, 105b1 to pass over the gripping ledge 508a and/or the retaining ledge 507 a. In this manner, spring clip 500 can be more easily manipulated.

Fig. 6A-6C illustrate another spring clip 600 constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 6A-6C depict the spring clip 600 in an unassembled position, an assembled and disengaged position, and an engaged position, respectively. Spring clip 600 also has many similar components to spring

clips

100 and 200, which are designated with similar reference numerals.

Like spring clips 100 and 200, spring clip 600 also includes

openings

105a, 105b and retaining

tabs

106a, 106b that provide the same function of retaining spring clip 600 in the assembled position. However, unlike spring clips 100 and 200, spring clip 600 includes

separate clip openings

605a, 605b and

clip tabs

606a, 606 b. The

gripping tabs

606a, 606b are formed with gripping ledges 606a1, 606b1, respectively, that function similarly to the gripping ledge 508 a.

Fig. 6B shows how the spring clip 600 can be held in the assembled position in the same manner as described above due to the interface between the ledges 106a1, 106B1 and the retaining surfaces 105a1, 105B 1. When in the assembled position, the clamping ledges 606a1, 606b1 will be located below the clamping surfaces 605a1, 605b1, respectively. Then, when the first arm 101 is pressed towards the second arm 102, the clamping

tabs

606a, 606b will pivot inwardly to allow the clamping ledges 606a1, 606b1 to slide over the clamping

surfaces

605a, 605b 1. The clamping

tabs

606a, 606b can be biased outwardly such that the clamping ledges 606a1, 606b1 will remain above the clamping surfaces 605a1, 605b1, thereby securing the spring clip in the engaged position.

Because the

clamping tabs

606a, 606b hold the spring clip 600 in the engaged position, the engagement ledge 108b need not be formed on the end wall 107. Thus, as described above, the end wall 107 can be divided between the two arms. Additionally, the

gripping tabs

606a, 606b can include a pressing surface 609 to facilitate pivoting the

gripping tabs

606a, 606b inward to transition the spring clip 600 from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

Fig. 7A-7D illustrate another spring clip 700 constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 7A-7E illustrate spring clip 700 in a disengaged position, a disengaged and disengaged position, an assembled and disengaged position, and an engaged position, respectively. Spring clip 700 is similar to

spring clips

100 and 200, except that spring clip 700 employs a separable hinge. The separable hinge can be formed by opposing hinge pins 703a and corresponding hinge knuckles 703 b. The length of the hinge pin 703a can be cut off so as not to block the opening through which the intravenous tube passes. The hinge joint 703b can include a cutout (i.e., the hinge joint 703b has a C-shape), which allows the first arm 101 to be coupled to the second arm 102 by pressing the hinge pin 703a into the hinge joint 703 b.

In the depicted embodiment, the hinge pins 703a are oriented inward. However, in other embodiments, the hinge pins 703a can be outwardly oriented. One way in which this can be accomplished is to form hinge pins 703a and hinge knuckles 703b on the two opposing arms as shown in fig. 7A-7D.

The primary benefit of using a separable hinge is that the spring clip 700 can be assembled by passing a tube through the wall opening before joining the two arms together. Then, the other arm can be coupled and rotated to the assembled position with the tube passed through. Although spring clip 700 is shown as having end walls similar to those in spring clips 100 and 200, spring clip 700 may alternatively be configured to include features of spring clip 500 or spring clip 600 such that the end walls may be split between the two arms. This allows the spring clip 700 to be assembled without passing a tube through any of the openings.

Fig. 8A-8C illustrate another spring clip 800 constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 8A-8C illustrate spring clip 800 in a disengaged position, an assembled and disengaged position, and an engaged position, respectively. Similar to spring clip 700, spring clip 800 includes a separable hinge. However, the separable hinge of the spring clip 800 is configured to allow the spring clip to be assembled in a linear fashion (i.e., without having to join the arms when they are positioned in a row and rotate one arm 180 ° to an assembled position).

The separable hinge of the spring clip 800 is formed by a hinge knuckle 803b and an opposing hinge pin 803a, the hinge pin 803a being oriented outward on one arm, the hinge knuckle 803b being configured as an elongated opening on the other arm. To assemble the spring clip 800, the two arms can be placed on top of each other and the hinge pin 803a can be pushed into the hinge knuckle 803b by squeezing the two arms together (i.e., using a linear force). Because hinge knuckle 803b is formed as an opening in the body of the arm itself, the arm can flex outward enough to allow the two arms to be snapped together with this linear force. In other words, the same pressing force enables both the coupling of the hinge and the assembly of the spring clip in the disengaged position.

Like spring clip 700, the primary benefit of the separable hinge of spring clip 800 is the ability to pass an intravenous tube through a wall opening without first having to join the two arms together and thus without having to pass the tube through the hinge opening. Additionally, the spring clip 800 may be configured with features of the

spring clip

500 or 600 such that a tube need not be passed through the wall opening. In this case, the tube may be placed over one arm, and then the other arm may be placed over and pressed together to assemble the spring clip.

Any of the various embodiments of the spring clamp described herein can be configured to include a clamping face that provides positive displacement of fluid when a tubular is clamped. Fig. 9A and 9B provide examples of how the clamping faces 104a, 104B may be configured to provide this positive displacement. As illustrated, the clamping faces 104a, 104b include proximal protrusions 104a1 protruding from the distal face 104a2 and proximal protrusions 104b1 protruding from the distal face 104b2, respectively. In this context, distal end refers to the end of the spring clip that is to be oriented closer to the patient.

Due to this configuration, during the engagement movement, the proximal protrusion 104a1, 104b1 will first occlude the tube. Then, as the distal faces 104a2, 104b2 come closer together, they will compress the downstream portion of the tube, thereby forcing the fluid (e.g., saline) contained in the tube to flow distally. This distal flow of fluid will in turn surge blood that may have entered the downstream catheter into the patient's vasculature. It is believed that this type of surge will extend the safe residence time of the catheter.

While the generally circular shape of the spring clip of some embodiments of the present invention can improve patient comfort, it can also increase the difficulty of engaging and disengaging the clip. To this end, in some embodiments, the spring clip can include one or more textured surfaces to enhance a clinician's grip of the spring clip. For example, referring to fig. 1B and 2B, the top surface of the first arm 101 and the bottom surface of the second arm 102 can include texturing to prevent the clinician's fingers from slipping when attempting to engage the spring clip. In some embodiments, the texture may be positioned toward the end wall 107. Additionally, in some embodiments, the texturing can be provided in a soft material that is different from the material forming the remainder of the spring clip. Examples of suitable textures, soft materials, and placement thereof are described in U.S. provisional patent application nos. 62/247,615, filed on 28/10/2015, which is incorporated herein by reference. As a specific example and with reference to the design of the spring clip 100, a soft material may be employed along the top interior surface of the end wall 107 against which the clinician may press to separate the spring clip.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A spring clip, comprising:

a first arm coupled to a second arm by a hinge;

wherein each of the first and second arms extends along a longitudinal axis and each includes a clamping face transverse to the longitudinal axis; and is

One of the first arm or the second arm includes opposing openings disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis, the other of the first arm or the second arm includes a corresponding retention tab that is inserted through the openings to engage the first arm and the second arm when the first arm is positioned over the second arm, the retention tab interfacing with the openings to prevent separation of the first arm from the second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm form a generally cylindrical shape when engaged;

wherein each of the retention tabs includes a gripping ledge that interfaces with a corresponding opening to retain the spring clip in an engaged position in which the gripping face blocks a tube inserted through the spring clip, and one or more retention ledges that interface with a corresponding opening to prevent the first arm from separating from the second arm, wherein the one or more retention ledges extend further outward than the gripping ledges relative to the body of the retention tab.

2. The spring clip of claim 1, wherein the gripping ledge and the one or more retaining ledges of each retention tab capture the retention surface of the corresponding opening.

3. The spring clip of claim 2, wherein each retention tab is located inside the first arm, and the one or more retention ledges extend outwardly through the corresponding opening such that the retention tabs provide reinforcement against lateral displacement of the first arm.

4. The spring clip of claim 1, wherein the first arm includes an engagement surface at a distal end and the second arm includes an engagement ledge, the engagement surface being positionable under the engagement ledge to maintain the spring clip in an engaged position.

5. The spring clip of claim 1, wherein each retention tab includes a pressing surface.

6. The spring clip of claim 1, wherein one of the first or second arms includes at least one clip opening and the other of the first or second arms includes at least one corresponding clip tab, the clip tab being inserted through the clip opening when the first arm is positioned over the second arm, the clip tab interfacing with the clip opening to retain the spring clip in the engaged position.

7. The spring clip of claim 1, wherein the gripping surface is configured to grip a tube in a manner that positively displaces fluid.

8. The spring clip of claim 7, wherein at least one of the clamping surfaces is beveled.

9. The spring clip of claim 7, wherein at least one of the clamping faces comprises a plurality of clamping structures.

10. The spring clip of claim 1, wherein the hinge bends to form a circular shape when the first arm is positioned over the second arm.

11. The spring clip of claim 1, wherein the hinge bends at a top of itself when the first arm is positioned over the second arm.

12. The spring clip of claim 1, wherein the hinge is separable.

13. The spring clip of claim 1, wherein one or both of the first arm or the second arm includes a textured or soft material on one or more outer surfaces.

14. A spring clip, comprising:

a first arm extending along a longitudinal axis and having a circular shape including opposing openings disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis, the first arm further formed with a first clamping face transverse to the longitudinal axis;

a second arm extending along the longitudinal axis and having a circular shape including opposing retention tabs disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis, the second arm further formed with a second clamping face transverse to the longitudinal axis; and

an opposing hinge joining the first arm and the second arm, the retaining tab being inserted into the opening and securing the first arm to the second arm when the first arm is positioned over the second arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm form a generally cylindrical shape when engaged;

wherein each of the retention tabs includes a gripping ledge that interfaces with a corresponding opening to retain the spring clip in an engaged position in which the first and second gripping surfaces block a tube inserted through the spring clip, and one or more retention ledges that interface with a corresponding opening to prevent separation of the first and second arms, wherein the one or more retention ledges extend farther outward than the gripping ledges relative to a body of the retention tabs.

15. The spring clip of claim 14, wherein the second arm includes an end wall having a wall opening, the hinges being spaced apart to form a hinge opening such that a tube can be inserted through the hinge opening and the wall opening along the longitudinal axis.

16. The spring clip of claim 14, wherein the first arm further comprises opposing clip openings and the second arm comprises opposing clip tabs that interface with the clip openings to retain the spring clip in the engaged position.

17. The spring clip of claim 14, wherein the hinge is separable.