Abstract

A clamping device is provided for use in applying radial compressive loading on a deformable tube to retain the tube on a fixed tubular element. The device includes a central portion and first and second interengaged end portions with the first end portion having parallel side pieces and a pair of outwardly extending legs dependent one from each of the side pieces. The legs are spaced apart and a bridge extends between the legs outwardly of the legs. The second end portion has a central piece extending between the legs of the first end portion and including a radial projection extending outwardly from the end of the central piece and defining an outwardly facing step. A claw is integrally attached to one of the legs and extends generally in parallel with the side pieces and a tooth on the claw projects radially inwards for engagement over the step on the radial projection to hold the clamp in an expanded prestressed position ready for release by dislodging the tooth radially outwards relative to the radial projection so that energy stored in the clamp is then available to cause the clamp to embrace the tube in a deployed position to apply the radial compressive stress to the tube.