Clamp fixture

Abstract

An improved clamp fixture is provided for supporting a medical instrument or the like in a selected orientation relative to a variety of different support structures, such as an upright pole, a tabletop edge, a bed rail, etc. The clamp fixture comprises an open-sided base bracket for receiving the selected support structure to extend through the base bracket along a first axis. A clamp screw is carried by the base bracket and is adjustable to securely retain the support structure against an inner support surface of the base bracket. A frame member is mounted on the base bracket for rotation generally about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, with a spring-loaded lock pin releasably securing the frame member in one of several preset rotational positions. At least one frame arm extends outwardly from the frame member for connection to the medical instrument or the like in a manner permitting rotation of the medical instrument about a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes. A detent lock mechanism cooperates between the instrument and the frame arm to releasably lock the instrument in a selected position of rotational adjustment. In addition, the preferred clamp fixture includes an adjustable clutch mechanism for controlling the clamping force which can be applied by the clamp screw to a support structure, wherein this clutch mechanism can be adjusted by a specialized tool after engaging the support structure to prevent unauthorized removal or theft.