US Patent 6916051 Coupler for a flexible tube

A coupler for a flexible tube is disclosed. The coupler includes a first channeled member having a generally semicircular cross-section and a first longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a second channeled member having a generally semicircular cross-section and a second longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The first longitudinal axis is generally parallel to the second longitudinal axis. A hinge connects a first length of the first channeled member to a first length of the second channeled member. A lateral axis generally bifurcates the first length of the first channeled member and the first length of the second channeled member. A plurality of barbs are disposed in each of the first and second channeled members, wherein each barb extends generally toward an intersection of the longitudinal axis of its respective channeled member and the lateral axis. A lock secures a second length of the first channeled member to a second length of the second channeled member.