Screw clamp for flexible tubing

Claim 1

A screw clamp for use in an intravenous set having a screw clamp for clamping the flexible tubing for transporting parenteral fluid from the parenteral fluid container to the patient, the improvement comprising a screw clamp having a handle of suitabl size and shape for being gripped by the middle, ring and small fingers of the hand, said handle including a relatively flat plate having a generally rectangularly shaped portion adapted to being gripped by said hand; a screw housing attached to said handle and comprising a rectangular prism having a base with a flat surface adapted to support one surface of said tubing, apertures formed in opposed side walls of said prism adjacent the flat surface of said base through which said flexible tubing can be passed, and a bore spaced from the flat surface of said base having internal screw threads in a wall portion thereof; and a thumbscrew threaded in said bore and defining a variable opening with said base, said thumbscrew having a cylindrical portion adapted to being grasped by said thumb and forefinger, a shaft having a threaded portion for engaging the internally threaded portion of said screw housing and an unthreaded end portion having a substantially flat bottom surface for contacting and clamping said flexible tubing, said thumbscrew adapted to being rotated with the thumb and forefinger of the hand gripping said handle to clamp the flexible tube against the flat surface of said base and vary the flow rate of fluid flowing therethrough, said handle, said screw housing, and said thumbscrew being formed from moldable plastic and said handle and said screw housing being of unitary construction.