Abstract:
A fluid conduit coupling assembly has a depressible latch mechanism that secures a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit via a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler connects to the first fluid conduit and the second coupler connects to the second fluid conduit. The depressible latch mechanism is formed by a pair of cantilevered buttons disposed in symmetrically opposed positions on one of the couplers. The cantilevered buttons have engagement lips that extend distally with catches that extend radially outward to engage a ridge formed on an interior wall of the opposing coupler. Fluid ports within the couplers interface when the couplers connect to provide fluid flow between the first and second conduits. Valves may be disposed in each of the couplers to arrest fluid flow when the couplers are detached and automatically open to allow fluid to flow when the couplers are connected.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/336,587 filed 20 Jan. 2006 entitled “Fluid conduit coupling assembly having male and female couplers with integral valves,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The technology disclosed herein is related to latch mechanisms that connect male and female couplers that connect the ends of two fluid lines together. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Quick connect/disconnect coupling assemblies for small flexible tube applications are known in the art. Such coupling assemblies are utilized for bio-medical applications, convenience handling, beverage dispensing, pneumatic instrument connections, photochemical handling, and many others. Despite the existence of such coupling assemblies, there is a need in the art for a coupling assembly that offers higher flow rates, improved coupling security, simplified operation, positive fluid shut-off when detached, and decreased manufacturing costs. 
         [0004]    The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The invention disclosed herein is directed to fluid conduit coupling assembly has a depressible latch mechanism that secures a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit via a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler connects to the first fluid conduit and the second coupler connects to the second fluid conduit. The depressible latch mechanism may be formed by a pair of cantilevered buttons, which may be disposed in symmetrically opposed positions on one of the couplers. The cantilevered buttons may have engagement lips that extend distally and may have catches that extend radially outward to engage an engagement feature formed on an interior wall of the opposing coupler. Fluid ports within the couplers interface when the couplers connect to provide fluid flow between the first and second conduits. Valves may be disposed in each of the couplers to arrest fluid flow when the couplers are detached and automatically open to allow fluid to flow when the couplers are connected. 
         [0006]    In one implementation, a fluid conduit coupling assembly may be composed of a first coupler and a second coupler that connect fluid conduits together. The first coupler may have a first attachment end that defines a first fluid lumen and that is configured for attaching to a first fluid conduit. The second coupler may similarly have a second attachment end that defines a second fluid lumen and that is configured for attaching to a second fluid conduit. The first coupler has a first housing that defines a pair of cantilevered buttons. Each of the cantilevered buttons may be attached at a proximal end to the first housing. The cantilevered buttons may be separated from the first housing by slots on lateral sides of each cantilevered button. The cantilevered buttons may further extend to a distal end congruent with a seam face of the first housing. The cantilevered buttons may each further have an engagement lip that extends distally from the distal end and that has a catch directed radially outward with respect to the first couple. The first coupler may also have a first barrel substantially encompassed by the first housing and that defines a first fluid path in fluid communication with the first fluid lumen in the first attachment end. The second coupler may have a second housing that defines a ridge on an interior wall of the second housing for interfacing with the catch on the engagement lip on each of the cantilevered buttons. The second coupler may further have a second barrel substantially encompassed by the second housing and that defines a second fluid path in fluid communication with the second fluid lumen in the second attachment end. When the first and second couplers are mated together, the pair of engagement lips operably connect with the ridge on the second housing and the first fluid path of the first barrel is fluidly coupled with the second fluid path in the second barrel. 
         [0007]    In another implementation, a fluid conduit coupling assembly may be composed of a male coupler and a female coupler that connect fluid conduits together. The male coupler may have a first barbed fitting configured for attachment with a first fluid conduit and the female coupler may have a second barbed fitting for attachment with a second fluid conduit. The male coupler may have a male housing attached to the first barbed fitting. Similarly, the female coupler may have a female housing attached to the second barbed fitting. An elongated male fluid port may extend from within the male housing past a mating end of the male housing and be in fluid communication with the first barbed fitting. Similarly, an elongated female fluid port may extend from within the female housing and be in fluid communication with the second barbed fitting. The male housing may further define a pair of depressible latch mechanisms disposed at the mating end of the male coupler. The female housing may define an engagement feature on an interior wall adjacent a mating end of the female housing. When the male coupler is connected to the female coupler, the depressible latch mechanism enters the female housing and operably connects with the engagement feature on the interior wall thereof to hold the male and female couplers together. Further, the elongated male fluid port is received within the elongated female fluid port to create a fluid pathway from the first barbed fitting, through the elongated male and female ports, and through the second barbed fitting. 
         [0008]    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 to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the quick disconnect coupling assembly, wherein the male coupler and female coupler are connected. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top plan of the coupling assembly in the same connected state as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation of the coupling assembly in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an end elevation of the coupling assembly in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 1  and as viewed from the male coupler end. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the male coupler as viewed from the joining side of the male coupler. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is the same view of the male coupler depicted in  FIG. 5 , except the male coupler housing has been removed from the male coupler to reveal the male barrel. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is the same view of the male barrel depicted in  FIG. 6 , except the barbed end has been removed from the male barrel. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the female coupler as viewed from the joining side of the female coupler. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is the same view of the female coupler depicted in  FIG. 8 , except the female coupler housing has been removed from the female coupler to reveal the female barrel. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is the same view of the female barrel depicted in  FIG. 8 , except the barbed end has been removed from the female barrel. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the male barrel as viewed from the fluid conduit connecting side of the male barrel. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is the same view of the male barrel depicted in  FIG. 11 , except the valve has been removed from the male barrel. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the female barrel as viewed from the fluid conduit connecting side of the female barrel. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is the same view of the female barrel depicted in  FIG. 13 , except the valve has been removed from the female barrel. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of a valve and its biasing mechanism or spring as it would appear in  FIG. 11  or  13  were the rest of the barrel removed from about the valve. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is the same view of the valve depicted in  FIG. 15 , except the spring has been removed from the valve. 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is the same top plan of the coupling assembly as depicted in  FIG. 2  and wherein the coupling assembly is in a connected state, except the housings and barbed ends have been removed to show the barrels. 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is a side elevation of the barrels in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the barrels in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional top plan of the coupling assembly in a connected state as taken along section line  20 - 20  in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  is an isometric view of the quick disconnect coupling assembly, wherein the male coupler and female coupler are connected. 
           [0030]      FIG. 22  is a top plan of the coupling assembly in the same connected state as depicted in  FIG. 21 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 23  is a side elevation of the coupling assembly in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 21 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 24  is an end elevation of the coupling assembly in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 21  and as viewed from the male coupler end. 
           [0033]      FIG. 25  is an end elevation of the coupling assembly in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 21  and as viewed from the female coupler end. 
           [0034]      FIG. 26  is an isometric view of the male coupler as viewed from the joining side of the male coupler and indicating how a valve actuator of the male coupler would appear relative to a barrel of the male coupler when the male coupler is connected to the female coupler as illustrated in  FIGS. 21-23 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 27  is the same view of the male coupler depicted in  FIG. 26 , except the male coupler has been rotated about its longitudinal axis approximately 180 degrees to better depict its features and the male coupler housing has been removed from the male coupler to more fully reveal the male barrel. 
           [0036]      FIG. 28  is the same view of the male barrel depicted in  FIG. 27 , except the male valve actuator and the male valve have been removed from the male barrel to better illustrate its features. 
           [0037]      FIG. 29  is an isometric view of the female coupler as viewed from the joining side of the female coupler and indicating how a valve actuator of the female coupler would appear relative to a barrel of the female coupler when the female coupler is connected to the male coupler as illustrated in  FIGS. 21-23 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 30  is the same view of the female coupler depicted in  FIG. 29 , except the female coupler housing has been removed from the female coupler to more fully reveal the female barrel. 
           [0039]      FIG. 31  is the same view of the female barrel depicted in  FIG. 30 , except the female valve actuator and the female valve have been removed from the female barrel to better illustrate its features. 
           [0040]      FIG. 32  is an isometric view of a valve actuator as employed in the male and female couplers. 
           [0041]      FIG. 32A  is an isometric view of a second version of a valve actuator that is similar to the valve actuator depicted in  FIG. 32 , except the second version employs a latch ring with a plurality of latch fingers. 
           [0042]      FIG. 33  is an isometric view of a valve as employed in the male and female couplers. 
           [0043]      FIG. 34  is an isometric view of the male coupler as viewed from the joining side of the male coupler and indicating how a valve actuator of the male coupler would appear relative to a barrel of the male coupler when the male coupler is not connected to the female coupler. 
           [0044]      FIG. 35  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the male coupler as taken along section line  35 - 35  in  FIG. 34 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 36  is an isometric view of the female coupler as viewed from the joining side of the female coupler and indicating how a valve actuator of the female coupler would appear relative to a barrel of the female coupler when the female coupler is not connected to the male coupler. 
           [0046]      FIG. 37  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the female coupler as taken along section line  37 - 37  in  FIG. 36 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 38  is an isometric view of the male coupler being aligned for engagement with the female coupler, wherein the leading end faces of the valve actuators have abutted and the latch fingers have engaged the grooves on the valve actuators to maintain the valve actuators in an abutting alignment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 38A  is similar to  FIG. 38 , except only the valve actuators are illustrated and the valve actuator depicted in  FIG. 32A  is employed such that the plurality of latch fingers of a latch ring have engaged the groove of the opposing actuator when the actuators are in abutting contact. 
           [0049]      FIG. 39  is a side elevation of the male and female couplers as depicted in  FIG. 38 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 40  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the male and female couplers as taken along section line  40 - 40  in  FIG. 38 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 41  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the male coupler as taken along section line  41 - 41  in  FIG. 26 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 42  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the female coupler as taken along section line  42 - 42  in  FIG. 29 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 43  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the male and female couplers as taken along section line  43 - 43  in  FIG. 21 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 44  is an isometric view of the quick disconnect coupling assembly, wherein the male coupler and female coupler are connected. 
           [0055]      FIG. 45  is a top plan of the coupling assembly in the same connected state as depicted in  FIG. 44 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 46  is a side elevation of the coupling assembly in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 44 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 47  is an end elevation of the coupling assembly in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 44  and as viewed from the male coupler end. 
           [0058]      FIG. 48  is an end elevation of the coupling assembly in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 44  and as viewed from the female coupler end. 
           [0059]      FIG. 49  is a side view of the male coupler with the male housing and the female coupler hidden to illustrate the engagement mechanism employed in the second version of the second embodiment of the coupling assembly. 
           [0060]      FIG. 50  is a side view of the coupling assembly that is generally similar to the side view depicted in  FIG. 46 , except the male and female housings are hidden to illustrate the engagement mechanism employed in the second version of the second embodiment of the coupling assembly. 
           [0061]      FIG. 51  is a schematic diagram of a fluid conduit coupling assembly of the subject invention being employed as part of a medical system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     a. Overview of Coupling Assemblies 
       [0062]    A quick disconnect coupling assembly for connecting the ends of two fluid conduits such as the small flexible tubing utilized in bio-medical applications, convenience handling, beverage dispensing, instrument connections, photochemical handling, and others. Such a quick disconnect coupling assembly is particularly useful in connecting two fluid conduits in a bio-medical environment. The coupling assembly of the present invention is ergonomically designed, easily and securely connected, and yet easily intentionally disconnected. The coupling assembly of the subject invention has a male coupler with an integral valve and a female coupler with an integral valve. Each valve is biased closed via a biasing mechanism, but opens automatically by simply connecting the male and female couplers together. Upon the male and female couplers being disconnected from each other, each valve closes automatically via its integral biasing mechanism. 
         [0063]    In a first embodiment of a coupling assembly according to the present invention, the male and female couplers each have a structural member. When the male and female couplers are being connected, their respective structural members enter the other coupler to cause the valve of the other coupler to open. When the male and female couplers are disengaged from each other, their respective structural members exit the other coupler and the valve of the other coupler is allowed to bias closed. 
         [0064]    In a second embodiment of a coupling assembly according to the present invention, the male and female couplers each have a body that is displaceable within its respective coupler. When the male and female couplers are being connected, their respective bodies contact each other. This contact causes each body to displace within its respective coupler, which causes the valve of the respective coupler to open. When the male and female couplers are disengaged from each other, their respective bodies cease contacting each other and the valves are allowed to bias closed. 
       b. First Embodiment of the Quick Disconnect Coupling Assembly 
       [0065]    For a discussion of the first embodiment of the quick disconnect coupling assembly  10  of the present invention, reference is made to  FIGS. 1-4 .  FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the quick disconnect coupling assembly  10 , wherein the male coupler  15  and female coupler  20  are connected.  FIG. 2  is a top plan of the coupling assembly  10  in the same connected state as depicted in  FIG. 1 . While a bottom plan of the coupling assembly  10  is not provided, it should be understood that it would appear identical to the view depicted in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 3  is a side elevation of the coupling assembly  10  in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 1 . While a view of the opposite side of the coupling assembly  10  is not provided, it should be understood that it would appear identical to the view depicted in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 4  is an end elevation of the coupling assembly  10  in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 1  and as viewed from the male coupler end. While a view of the coupling assembly  10  as viewed from the female coupler end is not provided, it should be understood that it would appear identical to the view depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 1-3 , the quick disconnect coupling assembly  10  includes a male coupler  15  and a female coupler  20 . Each coupler  15 ,  20  includes a barbed end  25 ,  30  for insertion into, and connection with, a fluid conduit  35 ,  40  such as medical grade flexible tubing. Each coupler  15 ,  20  includes a housing or shroud  45 ,  50  that forms the exterior shell of each coupler  15 ,  20 . When the couplers  15 ,  20  are connected, as depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , the housings  45 ,  50  form a body that is semi-elliptical or egg-shaped as viewed from above or below, as shown in  FIG. 2 . When the couplers  15 ,  20  are connected, the joining ends of the housings  45 ,  50  of each coupler  15 ,  20  abut along a seam  55  that arcuately transitions as the seam  55  circumferentially latitudinally extends about the exterior shell of the coupling assembly  10  such that the male coupler housing  45  arcuately extends past the mid-point of the coupling assembly  10  at the top and bottom of the coupling assembly  10 , and the female coupler housing  50  arcuately extends past the mid-point of the coupling assembly  10  at the sides of the coupling assembly  10 . The male coupling housing  45  includes a group of latitudinally extending slots  60  that provide friction contact points for a user&#39;s fingers when disengaging an engagement mechanism (shown in later described figures) that hold the couplers  15 ,  20  together. 
         [0067]    As can be understood from  FIGS. 1 and 4 , a fluid flow path  65  extends through the coupler assembly  10  from the male coupler barbed end  25  to the female coupler barbed end  30 . In one embodiment, as indicated in  FIG. 4 , and as will be described with greater detail later in this Detailed Description, the fluid flow path  65  transitions from a circular cross-section  65   a  to a rectangular cross-section  65   b  and back to a circular cross-section  65   a  as the fluid flow path  65  extends through the coupler assembly  10 . 
         [0068]    For a detailed discussion of the male coupler  15  and female coupler  20  as each coupler  15 ,  20  appears when disconnected from the other coupler  15 ,  20 , reference is made to  FIGS. 5-10 .  FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the male coupler  15  as viewed from the joining side of the male coupler  15 .  FIG. 6  is the same view of the male coupler  15  depicted in  FIG. 5 , except the male coupler housing  45  has been removed from the male coupler  15  to reveal the male barrel  66 .  FIG. 7  is the same view of the male barrel  66  depicted in  FIG. 6 , except the barbed end  25  has been removed from the male barrel  66 .  FIG. 8  is an isometric view of the female coupler  20  as viewed from the joining side of the female coupler  20 .  FIG. 9  is the same view of the female coupler  20  depicted in  FIG. 8 , except the female coupler housing  50  has been removed from the female coupler  20  to reveal the female barrel  67 .  FIG. 10  is the same view of the female barrel  67  depicted in  FIG. 6 , except the barbed end  30  has been removed from the female barrel  67 . 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , the male and female couplers  15 ,  20  each have joining ends  70 ,  75  that mate with, and couple to, the joining end  70 ,  75  of the other coupler  15 ,  20 . Each joining end  70 ,  75  includes a seam face  80 ,  85  that forms a leading surface of each housing  45 ,  50 . When the couplers  15 ,  20  are connected together, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the seam faces  80 ,  85  abut to form the seam  55 . 
         [0070]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , the male housing  45  includes upper and lower engagement lips  90   a ,  90   b  that extend forwardly from the male housing  45  to engage with upper and lower engagement ridges  95   a ,  95   b  formed in the inner surface of the female housing  50 . When the joining ends  70 ,  75  are pushed together in order connect the couplers  15 ,  20 , the lips  90  and ridges  95  engage to maintain the couplers  15 ,  20  in a connected state. The lips  90  and ridges  95  form the previously mentioned engagement mechanism. The lips  90  are disengaged from the ridges  95  by pressing inward on the slots  60  and pulling the couplers  15 ,  20  longitudinally away from each other. 
         [0071]    As indicated in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the male and female couplers  15 ,  20  respectively include male and female barrels  66 ,  67  within the housings  45 ,  50 . Each joining end  70 ,  75  of the male and female barrels  66 ,  67  includes a faceplate  100 ,  105 , an arm or structural member  110 ,  115 , and a neck  120 ,  125 . Each neck  120 ,  125  protrudes forwardly from its respective faceplate  100 ,  105 . The rectangular cross-sectioned fluid flow path  65   b  extends through the longitudinal center of each neck  120 ,  125 . The fluid flow path  65   b  extends through the female neck  125  via a longitudinally extending orifice  130  that is sufficiently oversized to receive the outer circumferential surface  135  of the male neck  120  when the male neck  120  is plugged into the orifice  130  of the female neck  125 . In one embodiment, the outer circumferential surface  135  of the male neck  120  and the orifice  130  of the female neck  125  are sufficiently close in size to form a fluid tight fit when the male neck  120  is plugged into the female neck  125 . In one embodiment, an o-ring extends about the outer circumferential surface  135  of the male neck  120  to provide a fluid tight fit when the male neck  120  is received within the orifice  130  of the female neck  125 . 
         [0072]    As depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , each structural member  110 ,  115  extends forwardly from its respective faceplate  100 ,  105 . In one embodiment, each structural member  110 ,  115  includes an arcuate portion  140 ,  145  that arcuately sweeps from the faceplate  100 ,  105  to a point near the tip  150 ,  155  of the structural member  110 ,  115 . Each arcuate portion  140 ,  145  acts as an alignment key to achieve proper alignment between the male and female couplers  15 ,  20  when being coupled together. In one embodiment, each tip  150 ,  155  of a structural member  110 ,  115  includes a groove or slot  160 ,  165  for mating with a slot or groove on an extreme end of a lever arm of a valve as described later in this Detailed Description. 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , each barrel  66 ,  67  includes a valve  170 ,  175  located along the fluid flow path  65  between the barbed end  25 ,  30  and the neck  120 ,  125  of each barrel  66 ,  67 . The valves  170 ,  175  will be discussed in greater detail later in this Detailed Description. 
         [0074]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , each faceplate  100 ,  105  includes an opening  180 ,  185 . Each opening  180 ,  185  serves as a passage by which the structural member  110 ,  115  of the other barrel  66 ,  67  encounters a valve lever arm, as discussed in greater detail later in this Detailed Description. 
         [0075]    As can be understood from a comparison between  FIGS. 6 ,  9 ,  7  and  10 , in one embodiment, the barbed ends  25 ,  30  are rotatable relative to the barrels  66 ,  67 , yet sealable. The barbed ends  25 ,  30  friction fit onto sub-ends  190 ,  195 . In one embodiment, each barbed end  25 ,  30  is formed from a generally hard and rigid material such as polycarbonate, polycarbonate blend, or other similar polymers, and each sub-end  190 ,  195  is formed from a generally soft, pliable and resilient material such as high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), acetale, or other similar polymers. This arrangement eliminates the need for an o-ring to form fluid tight connections between the barbed ends  25 ,  30  and the sub-ends  190 ,  195 . In other embodiments, the barbed ends  25 ,  30  and sub-ends  190 ,  195  are formed from the same hard and rigid material such as polycarbonate, polycarbonate blend, or other similar polymers and are provided with one or more o-rings to create fluid tight connections between the barbed ends  25 ,  30  and the sub-ends  190 ,  195 . In either case, having a configuration with barbed ends  25 ,  30  that are rotatable relative to the sub-ends  190 ,  195 , yet sealable with the sub-ends  190 ,  195 , allows a fluid conduit  35 ,  40  to pivot/rotate about the longitudinal axis of a sub-end  190 ,  195  without jeopardizing the sealed connection between the fluid conduit  35 ,  40  and its respective coupler  15 ,  20 . 
         [0076]    In one embodiment, the barbed ends  25 ,  30  are an integral formed as part of the barrels  66 ,  67  such that there are no sub-ends  190 ,  195 . As a result, the barbed ends  25 ,  30  are not removable from the barrels  66 ,  67 . 
         [0077]    For a better understanding of the valve configuration of each barrel  66 ,  67 , reference is made to  FIGS. 11-16 .  FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the male barrel  66  as viewed from the fluid conduit connecting side of the male barrel  66 .  FIG. 12  is the same view of the male barrel  66  depicted in  FIG. 11 , except the valve  170  has been removed from the male barrel  66 .  FIG. 13  is an isometric view of the female barrel  67  as viewed from the fluid conduit connecting side of the female barrel  67 .  FIG. 14  is the same view of the female barrel  67  depicted in  FIG. 13 , except the valve  175  has been removed from the female barrel  67 .  FIG. 15  is an isometric view of a valve  170 ,  175  and its biasing mechanism or spring  200 ,  205  as it would appear in  FIG. 11  or  13  were the rest of the barrel  66 ,  67  removed from about the valve  170 ,  175 .  FIG. 16  is the same view of the valve  170 ,  175  depicted in  FIG. 15 , except the spring  200 ,  205  has been removed from the valve  170 ,  175 . 
         [0078]    As indicated in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , each barrel  66 ,  67  includes a valve  170 ,  175  that is located between the back surface of the faceplate  100 ,  105  and the sub-end  190 ,  195 . As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , each valve  170 ,  175  has a cylindrical or barrel shaped body and includes a non-circular shaped orifice  207  that extends through the body of the valve  170 ,  175  perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body of the valve  170 ,  175 . In one embodiment, the orifice  207  is rectangular and oriented such that its longitudinal axis coincides with the longitudinal axis of the body of the valve  170 ,  175 . The orifice  207  serves as part of the rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  65   b  in each barrel  66 ,  67 . 
         [0079]    As shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  13 ,  15  and  16 , each valve  170 ,  175  includes a lever arm  210 ,  215  and a biasing mechanism or spring  200 ,  205 . Each lever arm  210 ,  215  radially extends outward from the valve  170 ,  175  and includes a groove or slot  220 ,  225  that mates with the groove or slot  160 ,  165  in the tip  150 ,  155  of the structural member  110 ,  115  of the other barrel  66 ,  67 , as will be discussed more fully later in this Detailed Description. Each biasing mechanism or spring  200 ,  205  acts between structural features of the valve  170 ,  175  and structural features of the barrel  66 ,  67  to bias the lever arm  210 ,  215  towards the opening  180 ,  185  in the faceplate  100 ,  105  immediately adjacent the valve  170 ,  175 . In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism  200 ,  205  is a helical spring  200 ,  205  that resides within a cylindrical recess  230  in an end of the valve  170 ,  175 . 
         [0080]    As indicated in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , each barrel  66 ,  67  includes a cylindrical opening  235 ,  240  that receives therein the body of the valve  170 ,  175  and serves as a valve seat for the valve  170 ,  175 . The rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  65   b  penetrates each cylindrical opening  235 ,  240  to form a pair of rectangular openings  65   b  in the inner circumferential surface  235   a ,  240   a  of the cylindrical opening  235 ,  240 . Each valve  170 ,  175  is pivotally displaceable about its longitudinal axis within its cylindrical opening or valve seat  235 ,  240  of a barrel  66 ,  67 . 
         [0081]    As can be understood from  FIGS. 11-16 , when the valve  170 ,  175  pivotally is displaced within the valve seat  235 ,  240  of a barrel  66 ,  67  such that the valve&#39;s lever arm  210 ,  215  is displaced away from the faceplate  100 ,  105  of the barrel  66 ,  67 , the rectangular orifice  207  extending through each valve  170 ,  175  aligns with the rectangular openings  65   b  in the inner circumferential surface  235   a ,  240   a  of the valve seat  235 ,  240 . As a result, the fluid flow path  65  extends uninterrupted through the barrel  66 ,  67  from the sub-end  190 ,  195  to the neck  120 ,  125 . Conversely, when the valve  170 ,  175  pivotally displaced within the valve seat  235 ,  240  of a barrel  66 ,  67  such that the valve&#39;s lever arm  210 ,  215  is displaced towards the faceplate  100 ,  105  of the barrel  66 ,  67 , the rectangular orifice  207  extending through each valve  170 ,  175  does not coincide to any extent with the rectangular openings  65   b  in the inner circumferential surface  235   a ,  240   a  of the valve seat  235 ,  240 . As a result, the fluid flow path  65  is sealed off or interrupted at the location of the valve  170 ,  175 . 
         [0082]    For a better understanding of the interaction of the various components of the quick disconnect coupling assembly  10  when the male and female couplers  15 ,  20  are connected as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , reference is made to  FIGS. 17-19 .  FIG. 17  is the same top plan of the coupling assembly  10  as depicted in  FIG. 2  and wherein the coupling assembly  10  is in a connected state, except the housings  45 ,  50  and barbed ends  25 ,  30  have been removed to show the barrels  66 ,  67 .  FIG. 18  is a side elevation of the barrels  66 ,  67  in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the barrels  66 ,  67  in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional top plan of the coupling assembly  10  in a connected state as taken along section line  20 - 20  in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0083]    As can be understood from  FIGS. 1-3 ,  5 ,  8  and  17 - 20 , when the joining ends  70 ,  75  of the male and female couplers  15 ,  20  are pressed together, the male neck  120  is received within the orifice  130  of the female neck  125  to place the rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  65   b  of the male coupler  15  into fluid communication with the rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  65   b  of the female coupler. At the same time, the structural member  110  of the male barrel  66  passes through the faceplate opening  185  of the female barrel  67  to push the valve lever arm  215  of the female barrel  67  away from the faceplate  105  of the female barrel  67 , and the structural member  115  of the female barrel  67  passes through the faceplate opening  180  of the male barrel  66  to push the valve lever arm  210  of the male barrel  66  away from the faceplate  100  of the male barrel  66 . As a result, each valve  170 ,  175  pivots within its respective valve seat  235 ,  240  such that each rectangular valve orifice  207  aligns with the rectangular fluid flow paths  65   b  extending through the barrels  66 ,  67 . In other words, each valve  170 ,  175  pivots from a closed position to an open position wherein the fluid flow path  65  extends in an uninterrupted path through the coupling assembly  10 . As the structural members  110 ,  115  displace the valve lever arms  210 ,  215  such that the valves  170 ,  175  pivot towards the valve open position, the slot or groove  220 ,  225  on the end of each lever arm  210 ,  215  mates with the slot or groove  160 ,  165  on the tip  150 ,  155  of each structural member  110 ,  115 . The mating of the slots or grooves  160 ,  165 ,  220 ,  225  locks the lever arms  210 ,  215  to the structural members  110 ,  115 , thereby locking the valves  170 ,  175  pivotally in the open position. As previously discussed, the engagement mechanism  90 ,  95  on the male and female housings  45 ,  50  engage to maintain the couplers  15 ,  20  in the connected state depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  5 ,  8  and  17 - 20 . 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIG. 20 , when the couplers  15 ,  20  are connected together as depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  and  17 - 19 , the fluid flow path  65  extends uninterrupted through the coupling assembly  10  from the male barbed end  25  to the female barbed end  30 . In one embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 20 , the fluid flow path  65  transitions from a circular cross-section fluid flow path  65   a  to a rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  65   b  at fluid flow path transitions  235 ,  240  located at the following locations: (1) between the male barbed end  25  and the male valve  170 ; and between the female barbed end  30  and the female valve  175 . As a result, in one embodiment, the rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  65   b  extends in a continuous non-varying path through the orifices  207  of each valve and the distance between the transitions  235 ,  240  including the necks  120 ,  125  of the male and female barrels  66 ,  67 . 
         [0085]    As can be understood from  FIGS. 1-3 ,  5 ,  8  and  17 - 20 , by pressing on the slots  60  on the outer surface of the male housing  45 , the engagement mechanism  90 ,  95  is disengaged. With the engagement mechanism  90 ,  95  disengaged, the couplers  15 ,  20  are longitudinally displaced away from each other, which causes the male neck  120  to withdraw from within the orifice  130  of the female neck  125  and the structural members  110 ,  115  to pull away from the lever arms  210 ,  215  and withdraw from the faceplate openings  180 ,  185 . As a result, each valve  170 ,  175  is biased via its respective spring  200 ,  205  to pivot to the closed position wherein the end of each valve lever arm  210 ,  215  resides near the faceplate  100 ,  105  and no portion of the each valve orifice  207  coincides with the rectangular fluid flow path  65   b  extending through each barrel  66 ,  67 . Consequently, the valves  170 ,  175  automatically seal closed the fluid flow path  65  in each coupler  15 ,  20 . 
       c. Second Embodiment of the Quick Disconnect Coupling Assembly 
       [0086]    For a discussion of the second embodiment of the quick disconnect coupling assembly  310  of the present invention, reference is made to  FIGS. 21-25 .  FIG. 21  is an isometric view of the quick disconnect coupling assembly  310 , wherein the male coupler  315  and female coupler  320  are connected.  FIG. 22  is a top plan of the coupling assembly  310  in the same connected state as depicted in  FIG. 21 . While a bottom plan of the coupling assembly  310  is not provided, it should be understood that it would appear identical to the view depicted in  FIG. 22 .  FIG. 23  is a side elevation of the coupling assembly  310  in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 21 . While a view of the opposite side of the coupling assembly  310  is not provided, it should be understood that it would appear identical to the view depicted in  FIG. 23 .  FIG. 24  is an end elevation of the coupling assembly  310  in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 21  and as viewed from the male coupler end.  FIG. 25  is an end elevation of the coupling assembly  310  in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 21  and as viewed from the female coupler end. 
         [0087]    As shown in  FIG. 21-23 , the quick disconnect coupling assembly  310  includes a male coupler  315  and a female coupler  320 . Each coupler  315 ,  320  includes a barbed end  325 ,  330  for insertion into, and connection with, a fluid conduit  335 ,  340  such as medical grade flexible tubing. Each coupler  315 ,  320  includes a housing or shroud  345 ,  350  that forms the exterior shell of each coupler  315 ,  320 . When the couplers  315 ,  320  are connected, as depicted in  FIGS. 21-23 , the housings  345 ,  350  form a body that is semi-elliptical or egg-shaped as viewed from above, below or from the sides, as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . 
         [0088]    When the couplers  315 ,  320  are connected, the joining ends of the housings  345 ,  350  of the coupler  315 ,  320  abut along a seam  355  that circumferentially latitudinally extends about the exterior shell of the coupling assembly  310 . The male coupling housing  345  includes a pair of buttons  346  that are pressed inward to disengage an engagement mechanism (shown in later figures) that holds the couplers  315 ,  320  together. A group of latitudinal extending slots  360  are located on each button  346  to provide friction contact points for a user&#39;s fingers when pressing on the button to disengage the engagement mechanism. Additional groups of latitudinal slots  361  are also located on the female housing  350  to facilitate a user&#39;s grasp of the female coupler  320  when longitudinally pulling the couplers  315 ,  320  apart after having disengaged the engagement mechanism. 
         [0089]    As can be understood from  FIGS. 21 ,  24  and  25 , a fluid flow path  365  extends through the coupler assembly  310  from the male coupler barbed end  325  to the female coupler barbed end  330 . In one embodiment, as indicated in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , and as will be described with greater detail later in this Detailed Description, the fluid flow path  365  makes the following transitions as it extends through the coupler assembly from the male barbed end  325  to the female barbed end  330 : circular cross-section  365   a  to a rectangular cross-section  365   b  to a circular cross-section  365   a  to a rectangular cross-section to a circular cross-section  365   a.    
         [0090]    For a detailed discussion of the elements of the male coupler  315  and female coupler  320 , reference is made to  FIGS. 26-33 .  FIG. 26  is an isometric view of the male coupler  315  as viewed from the joining side of the male coupler  315  and indicating how a valve actuator  366  of the male coupler  315  would appear relative to a barrel  367  of the male coupler  315  when the male coupler  315  is connected to the female coupler  320  as illustrated in  FIGS. 21-23 .  FIG. 27  is the same view of the male coupler  315  depicted in  FIG. 26 , except the male coupler  315  has been rotated about its longitudinal axis approximately 180 degrees to better depict its features and the male coupler housing  345  has been removed from the male coupler  315  to more fully reveal the male barrel  367 .  FIG. 28  is the same view of the male barrel  367  depicted in  FIG. 27 , except the male valve actuator  366  and the male valve  370  have been removed from the male barrel  367  to better illustrate its features. 
         [0091]      FIG. 29  is an isometric view of the female coupler  320  as viewed from the joining side of the female coupler  320  and indicating how a valve actuator  371  of the female coupler  320  would appear relative to a barrel  372  of the female coupler  320  when the female coupler  320  is connected to the male coupler  315  as illustrated in  FIGS. 21-23 .  FIG. 30  is the same view of the female coupler  320  depicted in  FIG. 29 , except the female coupler housing  350  has been removed from the female coupler  320  to more fully reveal the female barrel  372 .  FIG. 31  is the same view of the female barrel  372  depicted in  FIG. 30 , except the female valve actuator  371  and the female valve  373  have been removed from the female barrel  372  to better illustrate its features. 
         [0092]      FIG. 32  is an isometric view of a valve actuator  366 ,  371  as employed in the male and female couplers  315 ,  320 .  FIG. 32A  is an isometric view of a second version of a valve actuator  366 ,  371  that is similar to the valve actuator depicted in  FIG. 32 , except the second version employs a latch ring  375  with a plurality of latch fingers  410 .  FIG. 33  is an isometric view of a valve  370 ,  373  as employed in the male and female couplers  315 ,  320 . 
         [0093]    As shown in  FIGS. 26 and 29 , the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  each have joining ends  380 ,  385  that mate with, and couple to, the joining end  380 ,  385  of the other coupler  315 ,  320 . Each joining end  380 ,  385  includes a seam face  390 ,  395  that forms a leading surface of each housing  345 ,  350 . When the couplers  315 ,  320  are connected together, as illustrated in  FIGS. 21-23 , the seam faces  390 ,  395  abut to form the seam  355 . 
         [0094]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 26 and 29 , the male housing  345  includes upper and lower buttons  360  with engagement lips  400   a ,  400   b  that extend forwardly from the male housing  345  to engage with upper and lower engagement ridges or ring portions  405   a ,  405   b  formed in the inner surface of the female housing  350 . As indicated in  FIGS. 26 ,  29  and  32 , in one version of the second embodiment, the leading end of each male and female valve actuator  366 ,  371  includes a latch finger  410 ,  411  that engages a groove  412 ,  413  that circumferentially extends about the outer circumferential surface of the leading tip of each barrel  366 ,  371 . In another version of the second embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 32A , one of the valve actuators  366 ,  371  will have latch ring  375  with a plurality of latch fingers  410 , and the other valve actuator  366 ,  371  will have a groove  413  for engagement by the plurality of latch fingers  410 . 
         [0095]    As will be discussed in greater detail later in this Detailed Description, when initially aligning the couplers  315 ,  320  in preparation for being connected to each other, but prior to pushing the joining ends  380 ,  385  together such that the housings  345 ,  350  engage each other, the latch fingers  410 ,  411  engage the grooves  412 ,  413 . When the joining ends  380 ,  385  are then pushed together in order to cause the housings  345 ,  350  to engage such that the couplers  315 ,  320  fully engage, the lips  400  and ridges  405  engage to maintain the couplers  315 ,  320  in a connected state. The lips  400  and ridges  405  form the previously mentioned engagement mechanism. The lips  400  are disengaged from the ridges  405  by pressing inward on the buttons  360  and pulling the couplers  315 ,  320  longitudinally away from each other. 
         [0096]    As indicated in  FIGS. 28 and 31 , the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  respectively include male and female barrels  367 ,  372  within the housings  345 ,  350 . Each male and female barrel  367 ,  372  includes a faceplate  415 ,  420 , an outer cylindrical wall  425 ,  430 , a cylindrical neck  435 ,  440  coaxially centered within the cylindrical volume defined by the outer cylindrical wall  425 ,  430 , and a cylindrical or ring shaped gap  445 ,  450  defined between the outer circumferential surface of the neck  435 ,  440  and the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall  425 ,  430 . 
         [0097]    Each neck  435 ,  440  protrudes forwardly relative to its respective faceplate  415 ,  420 . The circular cross-sectioned fluid flow path  365   a  extends through the longitudinal center of each neck  435 ,  440 . The fluid flow path  365   a  extends through the female neck  440  via a longitudinally extending orifice  455  that is sufficiently oversized to receive the outer circumferential surface  460  of the male neck  435  when the male neck  435  is plugged into the orifice  455  of the female neck  440 . In one embodiment, the outer circumferential surface  460  of the male neck  435  and the orifice  455  of the female neck  440  are sufficiently close in size to form a fluid tight fit when the male neck  435  is plugged into the female neck  440 . In one embodiment, an o-ring  465  extends in a groove about the outer circumferential surface  460  of the male neck  435  to provide a fluid tight fit when the male neck  435  is received within the orifice  455  of the female neck  440 . 
         [0098]    As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 31 , each barrel  367 ,  372  includes a barbed end  325 ,  330  on the end opposite from the joining ends  380 ,  385 , a cylindrical opening or valve seat  466 ,  470  for receiving the valve  370 ,  373 , and a longitudinally extending slot  475 ,  480  in the outer cylindrical wall  425 ,  430 . The fluid flow path  365  extends through each barrel  367 ,  372  from the leading tip of each neck  435 ,  440  to the extreme tip of the barb end  325 ,  330 . 
         [0099]    As illustrated in  FIG. 32 , each valve actuator  366 ,  371  has a cylindrically shaped body  485 , guides  490 , a latch finger  410 ,  411 , a groove  412 ,  413 , a leading end face  492 ,  493 , and an arm  495 ,  500 . Alternatively, as depicted in  FIG. 32A , one of the valve actuators  366 ,  371  will have a latch ring  375  with a plurality of latch fingers  410 , and the other valve actuator  366 ,  371  will not have a latch ring  375  or latch fingers  410 ,  411 , but will instead have only a groove  413  for engagement by the plurality of latch fingers  410  extending from the latch ring  375 . 
         [0100]    As shown in  FIGS. 32 and 32A , each arm  495 ,  500  radially extends from the outer circumferential surface of the body  485  near the rear portion of the body  485 . Each arm  495 ,  500  includes a slot or hole  505  that, as indicated in  FIGS. 27 and 30 , pivotally receives a pivot pin  510 ,  511  that extends from a lever arm  515 ,  516  of the valve  370 ,  373 . As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 31 , the guides  490  radially extend from the outer circumferential surface of the body  485  to engage slots in the barrel  367 ,  372  to prevent the valve actuator  366 ,  371  from rotating within the barrel  367 ,  372 . 
         [0101]    As can be understood from  FIGS. 27 and 30 , the valve actuators  366 ,  371  are longitudinally displaceable about the necks  435 ,  440  of the barrels  367 ,  372  within the ring-like voids  445 ,  450  defined between the outer circumferential surfaces of the necks  435 ,  440  and the inner circumferential surfaces of the outer cylindrical walls  425 ,  430  of the barrels  367 ,  372 . When the valve actuators  366 ,  371  longitudinally displace within the voids  445 ,  450 , the arms  495 ,  500  displace within the longitudinally extending slots  475 ,  480  in the outer cylindrical walls  425 ,  430 , which causes the valves  370 ,  373  to pivot within the valve seats  466 ,  470 . 
         [0102]    When the couplers  315 ,  320  are initially aligned for connection, the leading end faces  492 ,  493  are aligned and abutted against each other. At this time, each latch finger  410 ,  411  engages the groove  412 ,  413  of the other valve actuator  366 ,  371  to maintain the leading edge faces  482 ,  493  in alignment. When the couplers  315 ,  320  are then forced towards each other to cause the housings  345 ,  350  to become engaged via the coupling mechanism  400 ,  405 , the valve actuators  366 ,  371  telescopically retreat against a biasing force about their respective necks  367 ,  372  into the ring-shaped voids  445 ,  450  in the barrels  367 ,  372 . Each valve actuator  366 ,  371  is biased via a biasing mechanism (shown in later figures) towards the leading tip  520 ,  521  of each neck  435 ,  440 . In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism is a helical spring (shown in later figures) extending about the outer circumferential surface of each neck  435 ,  440  between the neck  435 ,  440  and the inner circumferential surface of the valve actuator  367 ,  372 . 
         [0103]    As indicated in  FIGS. 27 and 30 , each barrel  367 ,  372  includes a valve  370 ,  373  that is located along the fluid flow path  365  between the back edge of the outer cylindrical wall  425 ,  430  and the barbed end  325 ,  330 . As shown in  FIG. 33 , each valve  370 ,  373  has a cylindrical or barrel shaped body and includes a non-circular shaped orifice  520  that extends through the body of the valve  370 ,  373  perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body of the valve  370 ,  373 . In one embodiment, the orifice  520  is rectangular and oriented such that its longitudinal axis coincides with the longitudinal axis of the body of the valve  370 ,  373 . The orifice  520  serves as part of the rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  365   b  in each barrel  367 ,  372 . 
         [0104]    As shown in  FIG. 33 , each valve  370 ,  373  includes a lever arm  515 ,  516  that radially extends outward from the valve  370 ,  373 . Each lever arm  515 ,  516  includes a pivot pin  510 ,  511  that extends downward from the lever arm  515 ,  516  generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body of the valve  370 ,  373 . As indicated in  FIGS. 27 and 30 , each pivot pin  510 ,  511  is pivotally received in the slot or hole  505  (see  FIG. 32 ) in the end of the arm  495 ,  500  of a valve actuator  366 ,  371 . 
         [0105]    As indicated in  FIGS. 27 ,  28 ,  30  and  31 , each barrel  367 ,  372  includes a cylindrical opening  466 ,  470  that receives therein the body of the valve  370 ,  373  and serves as a valve seat for the valve  370 ,  373 . In a manner similar to that previously discussed regarding  FIGS. 12 and 14  with respect to the first embodiment, the rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  365   b  penetrates each cylindrical opening  466 ,  470  to form a pair of rectangular openings  365   b  in the inner circumferential surface  466   a ,  470   a  of the cylindrical opening  466 ,  470 . Each valve  370 ,  373  is pivotally displaceable about its longitudinal axis within its cylindrical opening or valve seat  466 ,  470  of a barrel  367 ,  372 . 
         [0106]    As can be understood from  FIGS. 27 and 30 , when the valve  370 ,  373  is pivotally displaced within the valve seat  466 ,  470  of a barrel  367 ,  372  such that the valve&#39;s lever arm  495 ,  500  is displaced away from the faceplate  415 ,  420  of the barrel  367 ,  372 , the rectangular orifice  520  extending through each valve  370 ,  373  aligns with the rectangular openings  365   b  in the inner circumferential surface  466   a ,  470   a  of the valve seat  466 ,  470 . As a result, the fluid flow path  365  extends uninterrupted through the barrel  367 ,  372  from the extreme end of the barbed end  320 ,  330  to the leading tip  520 ,  521  of the neck  435 ,  440 . Conversely, when the valve  370 ,  373  is pivotally displaced within the valve seat  466 ,  470  of a barrel  367 ,  372  such that the valve&#39;s lever arm  495 ,  500  is displaced towards the faceplate  415 ,  420  of the barrel  367 ,  372 , the rectangular orifice  520  extending through each valve  370 ,  373  does not coincide to any extent with the rectangular openings  365   b  in the inner circumferential surface  466   a ,  470   a  of the valve seat  466 ,  470 . As a result, the fluid flow path  365  is sealed off or interrupted at the location of the valve  370 ,  373 . 
         [0107]    For a better understanding of the interaction of the various components of the quick disconnect coupling assembly  310  when the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  are connected as illustrated in  FIGS. 21-23 , reference is made to  FIGS. 21-23 ,  26 ,  27 ,  29 ,  30 , and  34 - 43 .  FIG. 34  is an isometric view of the male coupler  315  as viewed from the joining side of the male coupler  315  and indicating how a valve actuator  366  of the male coupler  315  would appear relative to a barrel  367  of the male coupler  315  when the male coupler  315  is not connected to the female coupler  320 .  FIG. 35  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the male coupler  315  as taken along section line  35 - 35  in  FIG. 34 .  FIG. 36  is an isometric view of the female coupler  320  as viewed from the joining side of the female coupler  320  and indicating how a valve actuator  371  of the female coupler  320  would appear relative to a barrel  372  of the female coupler  320  when the female coupler  320  is not connected to the male coupler  315 .  FIG. 37  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the female coupler  320  as taken along section line  37 - 37  in  FIG. 36 .  FIG. 38  is an isometric view of the male coupler  315  being aligned for engagement with the female coupler  320 , wherein the leading end faces  492 ,  493  of the valve actuators  366 ,  371  have abutted and the latch fingers  410 ,  411  have engaged the grooves  412 ,  413  on the valve actuators  366 ,  371  to maintain the valve actuators  366 ,  377  in an abutting alignment.  FIG. 38A  is similar to  FIG. 38 , except only the valve actuators  366 ,  371  are illustrated and the valve actuator depicted in  FIG. 32A  is employed such that the plurality of latch fingers  410  of a latch ring  375  have engaged the groove  413  of the opposing actuator  371  when the actuators  366 ,  371  are in abutting contact.  FIG. 39  is a side elevation of the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  as depicted in  FIG. 38 .  FIG. 40  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  as taken along section line  40 - 40  in  FIG. 38 .  FIG. 41  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the male coupler  315  as taken along section line  41 - 41  in  FIG. 26 .  FIG. 42  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the female coupler  320  as taken along section line  42 - 42  in  FIG. 29 .  FIG. 43  is an isometric cross-sectional view of the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  as taken along section line  43 - 43  in  FIG. 21 . 
         [0108]    As shown in  FIGS. 34-37 , when the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  are disconnected from each other, their respective valve actuators  366 ,  371  are biased by a biasing mechanism (e.g., a helical spring  550 ,  555 ) towards the leading tip  520 ,  521  of each neck  435 ,  440 . As can be understood from  FIGS. 27 and 30  and as indicated in  FIGS. 35 and 37 , because the valve actuators  366 ,  371  are biased in a position near the leading tips  520 ,  521  when the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  are not connected to each other, the valve actuator arms  495 ,  500  are positioned in the longitudinally extending barrel slots  475 ,  480  near the barrel faceplates  415 ,  420 . As a result, the valves  370 ,  373  are caused to pivot within the valve seats  466 ,  470  via the linkage between the valve actuator arms  495 ,  500  and the valve lever arms  515 ,  516  such that the valve orifices  520  do not coincide with any part of the fluid flow path  365 . Accordingly, the fluid flow path  365  is sealed at each valve  370 ,  373 . 
         [0109]    In aligning the couplers  315 ,  320  to facilitate their engagement, as depicted in  FIGS. 21-23 , the couplers  315 ,  320  are brought together such that the leading end faces  492 ,  493  of the valve actuators  366 ,  371  abut as shown in  FIGS. 38-40  and  38 A. When bringing the leading end faces  492 ,  493  into abutment, the latch fingers  410 ,  411  serve as guides to assist in achieving proper alignment between the couplers  315 ,  320 . Also, when the leading end faces  492 ,  493  abut against each other, the latch fingers  410 ,  411  engage the grooves  412 ,  413  on the valve actuators  366 ,  371  to maintain the valve actuators  366 ,  377  in proper abutting alignment. 
         [0110]    As indicated in  FIG. 40 , when the leading end faces  492 ,  493  of the valve actuators  366 ,  371  are in proper abutting alignment, the leading tip  520  of the male neck  435  is received in the orifice  455  of the leading tip  521  of the female neck  440 . However, the valves  370 ,  373  remain pivoted in the closed positions because the valve actuators  366 ,  371  have not been caused to telescopically retreat against their respective biasing forces. The o-ring  465  provides a seal between the outer circumferential surface of the male neck  435  and the circumferential surface of the orifice  455 . 
         [0111]    After being properly abuttingly aligned as depicted in  FIGS. 38-40  and  38 A, the couplers  315 ,  320  can be fully engaged, as depicted in  FIGS. 21-23  and  43 , by pressing the couplers  315 ,  320  together with sufficient force to overcome the biasing force provided by the helical springs  550 ,  555  of the respective couplers  315 ,  320 . In doing so, the valve actuators  366 ,  371  are caused to telescopically displace about the necks  435 ,  440  as the valve actuators  366 ,  371  retreat into the ring-like voids  445 ,  450  defined between the outer circumferential surfaces of the necks  435 ,  440  and the inner circumferential surfaces of the outer cylindrical walls  425 ,  430  of the barrels  367 ,  372 . 
         [0112]    As can be understood from  FIGS. 27 and 30  and as indicated in  FIGS. 41-43 , because the valve actuators  366 ,  371  are forced away from the leading tips  520 ,  521  and well into the ring-like voids  445 ,  450  when the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  are connected to each other, the valve actuator arms  495 ,  500  are positioned in the longitudinally extending barrel slots  475 ,  480  near the valve seats  466 ,  470 . As a result, the valves  370 ,  373  are caused to pivot within the valve seats  466 ,  470  via the linkage between the valve actuator arms  495 ,  500  and the valve lever arms  515 ,  516  such that the valve orifices  520  fully coincide with the fluid flow path  365 . Accordingly, the fluid flow path  365  extends uninterrupted through the entire coupling assembly  10 , including through each valve  370 ,  373 . 
         [0113]    As shown in  FIG. 43 , when the couplers  315 ,  320  are fully engaged, the engagement lips  400   a ,  400   b  of the male housing  345  attach to the ring portions  405   a ,  405   b  of the female housing  350  such that the seam face  390  (see  FIG. 41 ) of the male housing  345  abuts against the seam face  395  (see  FIG. 42 ) of the female housing  350  to form the seam  355  (see  FIGS. 21-23 ). Also, as indicated in  FIG. 43 , when the couplers  315 ,  320  are fully engaged, the male neck  435  is fully inserted into the orifice  455  of the female neck  440 . 
         [0114]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 41-43 , the fluid flow path  365  has four transition points  560  where the fluid flow path  365  changes between circular and rectangular cross-sections. Following the fluid flow path  365  from the male barb end  325  towards the female barb end  330 , the fluid flow path  365  begins as a circular cross-section fluid flow path  365   a  and transitions at a first transition point  560   a  to a rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  365   b  just prior to reaching the male valve  370 . Shortly after passing through the male valve  370 , the rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  365   b  transitions at a second transition point  560   b  to a circular cross-section fluid flow path  365   a , which continues through the male neck  435 . Shortly before reaching the female valve  373 , the circular cross-section fluid flow path  365   a  transitions at a third transition point  560   c  to a rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  365   b . Shortly after passing through the female valve  373 , the rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  365   b  transitions at a fourth transition point  560   d  to a circular cross-section fluid flow path  365   a , which continues to the female barbed end  330 . 
         [0115]    As can be understood from  FIG. 33 , transitioning from a circular to a rectangular cross-section fluid flow path  365  prior to passing through the orifice  520  of the valves  370 ,  373  allows the use of small diameter valve bodies and seats without having to settle for valve orifices  520  that have small fluid flow path cross-sections. As a result of using the generally rectangular valve orifices  520 , the couplers  315 ,  320  of the present invention can have relatively thin housings  345 ,  350  without having valves  370 ,  373  with significant fluid flow constrictions that result in large pressure drops, as typically found in the art. 
         [0116]    The couplers  315 ,  320  are disengaged from each other by first pressing inward the buttons  346  on the male housing  345  to cause the engagement lips  400   a ,  400   b  to detach from the ring portions  405   a ,  405   b  of the female housing  350 . The couplers  315 ,  320  are then pulled longitudinally away from each other while continuing to press inward on the buttons  346 . As the couplers  315 ,  320  are withdrawn from each other, the valve actuators  366 ,  371  are allowed to bias back towards the leading tip  520 ,  521  of the necks  435 ,  440 , thereby causing the valves  370 ,  373  to pivot back to the closed position depicted in  FIGS. 35 ,  37  and  40 . 
         [0117]    As can be understood from a review of  FIGS. 11-16 ,  28 ,  31 ,  33 ,  35 ,  37  and  41 - 43 , in one embodiment, the cylindrical or barrel shaped bodies of the valves  170 ,  175 ,  370 ,  373  are conically shaped such that they taper slightly when traveling along the longitudinal axis of the valve body away from the lever arm end. The conically shaped bodies of the valves are received in conically shaped cylindrical openings  235 ,  240 ,  466 ,  470  in the barrels  66 ,  67 ,  367 ,  372 . The conically shaped cylindrical openings taper in a manner similar to the conically shaped cylindrical bodies of the valves. 
         [0118]    For each of the disclosed embodiments of the fluid coupling assembly  10 ,  310 , the various parts comprising the fluid coupling assembly are formed from polymer materials. In one embodiment, the housings  15 ,  20 ,  315 ,  320  are made from copolyester, nylon, CYROLITE®, or other similar polymers. In one embodiment, the actuators  366 ,  371  are made from copolyester, polycarbonate, polycarbonate blend, or other similar polymers. In one embodiment, the barrels  66 ,  67 ,  367 ,  372 , including their cylindrical openings  235 ,  240 ,  466 ,  470 , are formed from generally rigid types of polymer materials (e.g., hard polycarbonates, Teflon® impregnated polycarbonates, nylon 66, high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), etc.), and the cylindrical or barrel shaped bodies of the valves  170 ,  175 ,  370 ,  373  are formed from less rigid polymer materials (e.g., Delrin®, polyethylene, nylon 66, etc.). 
         [0119]    In one embodiment, the barrels  66 ,  67 ,  367 ,  372  will be formed from a polymer material (e.g., hard polycarbonates, Teflon® impregnated polycarbonates, nylon 66, etc.) having a durometer range of approximately 118 to approximately 122 Rockwell R Scale, and the cylindrical or barrel shaped bodies of the valves  170 ,  175 ,  370 ,  373  will be formed from a polymer material (e.g., Delrin®, polyethylene, nylon 66, acetale, etc.) having a durometer range of approximately 107 to approximately 120 Rockwell R Scale. 
         [0120]    In one embodiment, the barrels  66 ,  67 ,  367 ,  372  will be formed from a polymer material (e.g., hard polycarbonates, Teflon® impregnated polycarbonates, nylon 66, etc.) having a durometer range of approximately 118 to approximately 122 Rockwell R Scale, and the cylindrical or barrel shaped bodies of the valves  170 ,  175 ,  370 ,  373  will be formed from a polymer material (e.g., HDPE, nylon 66, Kynar®, etc.) having a durometer range of approximately 60 to approximately 65 Rockwell R Scale. 
         [0121]    In one exemplary embodiment, where the diameter D, of the cylindrical body of the valve  170 ,  175 ,  370 ,  373  (see  FIGS. 15 and 33 ) ranges between approximately 0.2 inch and approximately 0.5 inch and the length L v  of the cylindrical body  1000  ranges between approximately 0.5 inch to 1.0 inch, a hard polycarbonate cylindrical opening  235 ,  240 ,  466 ,  470  is combined with a Delrin® or HDPE cylindrical valve body, and both the opening and valve body  1000  are conically shaped. In such a valve arrangement, the valve will be able to provide leak-free shutoff with a gas or liquid at a pressure of up to 60 psi and a fluid flow path  65 ,  365  through the valve that has a diameter (in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical valve body) of approximately 10% to 75% (in one preferable embodiment, 60%) of the diameter D v  of the cylindrical body of the valve. Thus, in one embodiment, where the diameter D v  of the cylindrical body of the valve is 0.27 inch, the fluid flow path may be as large as approximately 0.20 inch in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical valve body. 
         [0122]    Despite having fluid flow paths with diameters that are nearly as large as the diameters D v  of the valve bodies, valves of the aforementioned sizes, configurations and materials are advantageous because they are able to provide the aforementioned leak-free shutoff performance without employing o-rings or other separate sealing elements between the surfaces of the cylindrical openings  235 ,  240 ,  466 ,  470  and the cylindrical bodies of the valves  170 ,  175 ,  370 ,  373 . 
         [0123]    During assembly, the conical valve bodies  1000  are forced into the conical openings  235 ,  240 ,  466 ,  470  in the barrels to seat the valve bodies  1000  in said openings. For example, in one embodiment, conical valve bodies  1000  are forced into the conical openings in the barrels via a valve body insertion force of between approximately 5 pounds and approximately 10 pounds of force. As each valve body  1000  is forced into its respective opening  235 ,  240 ,  466 ,  470  in a barrel  66 ,  67 ,  367 ,  372 , a retaining rim  1001  (see  FIG. 33 ) snaps into place within a groove  1002  (see  FIG. 28 ) in the opening. As a result, the valve body  1000  is retained in the opening  235 ,  240 ,  466 ,  470  via a press fit (i.e., the engagement between the rim  1001  and groove  1002 ). The press fit maintains a press fit force between the conical valve body  1000  and conical opening  235 ,  240 ,  466 ,  470  that provides a pressure between the abutting surfaces of the conical valve body  1000  and the conical opening  235 ,  240 ,  466 ,  470  that is between approximately 2.0 psi and approximately 45.0 psi. 
         [0124]    Because of the aforementioned material combinations and the wedging effect of the conical surfaces when the valve bodies are forced into and maintained within the openings, the surface irregularities common to polymer parts are eliminated, thereby providing the fit between the valve bodies and valve seats that is necessary to provide the aforementioned leak-free performance without the use of o-rings or other separate sealing elements between the surfaces of the valve bodies and valve seats. In other words, the pressure between the abutting surfaces of the valve bodies and valve seats, as maintained via the press fit, forms or flattens away the surface irregularities that plague polymer parts. Because of the elimination of the surface irregularities, the diameter of the fluid flow path through the valve body can be a substantially larger percentage of the diameter D v  of the valve body than would otherwise be possible, especially considering no o-rings are utilized. Thus, the valve arrangement of the subject invention provides for substantially greater flow rates as compared to similarly sized valve arrangements in the art. 
         [0125]    In one version of each of the disclosed embodiments of the fluid coupling assembly  10 ,  310 , the fluid flow path  65 ,  365  extending through the assembly will have a circular cross-section. In another version of each of the disclosed embodiments of the fluid coupling assembly, the fluid flow path  65 ,  365  will transition between circular cross-sections and non-circular cross-sections, as previously described in this Detailed Description. 
       d. Third Embodiment of the Quick Disconnect Coupling Assembly 
       [0126]    A third embodiment of the quick disconnect coupling assembly  310  of the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 44-50 .  FIG. 44  is an isometric view of the quick disconnect coupling assembly  310 , wherein the male coupler  315  and female coupler  320  are connected.  FIG. 45  is a top plan of the coupling assembly  310  in the same connected state as depicted in  FIG. 44 . While a bottom plan of the coupling assembly  310  is not provided, it should be understood that it would appear identical to the view depicted in  FIG. 44 .  FIG. 46  is a side elevation of the coupling assembly  310  in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 44 . While a view of the opposite side of the coupling assembly  310  is not provided, it should be understood that it would appear identical to the view depicted in  FIG. 46 .  FIG. 47  is an end elevation of the coupling assembly  310  in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 44  and as viewed from the male coupler end.  FIG. 48  is an end elevation of the coupling assembly  310  in the same connected state depicted in  FIG. 44  and as viewed from the female coupler end.  FIG. 49  is a side view of the male coupler  315  with the male housing  345  and the female coupler  320  hidden to illustrate the engagement mechanism employed in the second version of the second embodiment of the coupling assembly  310 .  FIG. 50  is a side view of the coupling assembly that is generally similar to the side view depicted in  FIG. 46 , except the male and female housings  345 ,  350  are hidden to illustrate the engagement mechanism employed in the second version of the second embodiment of the coupling assembly  310 . 
         [0127]    With the exception of the appearance of the male and female housings  345 ,  350  and the engagement mechanism illustrated in  FIGS. 49 and 50 , the second version of the second embodiment of the coupling assembly  310  has the same features and operation (including with respect to the valves  370 ,  373  and the valve actuators  366 ,  371 ) as the first version of the second embodiment of the coupling assembly  310  depicted in  FIGS. 21-43 . Accordingly, the preceding discussion of the features and operation of the first version of the second embodiment of the coupling assembly  310 , as depicted in  FIGS. 21-43 , should be considered equally applicable to the second version of the second embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 44-50 , except as noted in the following discussion pertaining to the engagement mechanism and overall appearance of the male and female housings  345 ,  350 . 
         [0128]    As shown in  FIG. 44-46 , the quick disconnect coupling assembly  310  includes a male coupler  315  and a female coupler  320 . Each coupler  315 ,  320  includes a barbed end  325 ,  330  for insertion into, and connection with, a fluid conduit  335 ,  340  such as medical grade flexible tubing. Each coupler  315 ,  320  includes a housing or shroud  345 ,  350  that forms the exterior shell of each coupler  315 ,  320 . When the couplers  315 ,  320  are connected, as depicted in  FIGS. 44-46 , the housings  345 ,  350  form a body that is semi-elliptical or egg-shaped as viewed from above, below or from the sides, as shown in  FIGS. 45 and 46 . 
         [0129]    When the couplers  315 ,  320  are connected via the engagement mechanism described in the following discussion, the joining ends of the housings  345 ,  350  of the coupler  315 ,  320  abut along a seam  355  that circumferentially latitudinally extends about the exterior shell of the coupling assembly  310 . The male coupling housing  345  includes a pair of holes  600  on opposite sides of the housing  345 . A button  346  extends through each hole  600  in the male housing  345 . 
         [0130]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 49 and 50 , the male and female barrels  367 ,  372  have the same general configuration and appearance as the male and female barrels  367 ,  372  illustrated in  FIGS. 27 ,  28 ,  30  and  31 , except the male barrel  367  includes a pair of resilient latching fingers  602  that are positioned on opposite sides of the male barrel  367  and are pivotal about a pivot  604  that integrally extends from the male barrel  367  in the vicinity of the face plate  415 . Each latching finger  602  includes a button  346  at its proximal end and an engagement or hook end  606  at its distal end. 
         [0131]    As illustrated in  FIG. 49 , the latching fingers  602  are biased so the hook ends  606  are biased towards each other and the buttons  346  are biased away from each other. As indicated in  FIG. 50 , when the male and female barrels  367 ,  372  are pushed together in mating engagement, the hook ends  606  engage the faceplate  420  or groove feature  608  on the exterior of the female barrel  372 . Thus, the engagement mechanism used to couple the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  to each other for the second version of the second embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 44-50  are elements of the barrels  367 ,  372  that engage each other. This is unlike the engagement mechanism utilized in the first version of the second embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 21-43 , wherein elements of the male and female housings  345 ,  350  engage each other (see  FIGS. 21-23 ,  26 ,  29 ,  39 ,  40  and  43 ). 
         [0132]    As indicated in  FIGS. 44-48 , because of the bias of the latching fingers  602 , the buttons  346  protrude from their respective holes  600  until depressed by a user&#39;s finger when trying to disengage the male and female couplers  315 ,  320 . When the buttons  346  are depressed, the hook ends  606  are caused to pivot out of engagement with the faceplate  420  or groove feature  608  on the exterior of the female barrel  372 , and the male and female couplers  315 ,  320  and be withdrawn from each other. 
         [0133]    As can be understood from  FIGS. 44 ,  47  and  48 , a fluid flow path  365  extends through the coupler assembly  310  from the male coupler barbed end  325  to the female coupler barbed end  330 . In one embodiment, the fluid flow path  365  of the coupler assembly  310  depicted in  FIGS. 44-50  will be similar to the fluid flow path  365  depicted in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , wherein the fluid flow path  365  makes the following transitions as it extends through the coupler assembly from the male barbed end  325  to the female barbed end  330 : circular cross-section  365   a  to a rectangular cross-section  365   b  to a circular cross-section  365   a  to a rectangular cross-section to a circular cross-section  365   a . In another embodiment, the fluid flow path of the coupler assembly  310  depicted in  FIGS. 44-50  will have a circular cross-section along the entire length of the coupler assembly  310 . 
         [0134]    In summary, the present invention, as disclosed in the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1-20  and  21 - 43 , is a fluid conduit coupling assembly  10 ,  310  comprising a first coupler  15 ,  315  and a second coupler  20 ,  320 . The couplers  15 ,  315 ,  20 ,  320  are adapted to couple to each other. Each coupler  15 ,  315 ,  20 ,  320  includes a valve  170 ,  175 ,  370 ,  373  that is automatically caused to pivot from a closed position to an open position via the act of coupling together the couplers  15 ,  315 ,  20 ,  320 . Decoupling the couplers  15 ,  315 ,  20 ,  320  results in the valves  170 ,  175 ,  370 ,  373  automatically pivoting closed, thereby providing a positive shutoff for each coupler  170 ,  175 ,  370 ,  373  when decoupled. 
         [0135]    As indicated in  FIG. 51 , in one embodiment the fluid conduit coupling assembly  10 ,  310  of the subject invention is utilized as part of a medical system  700  comprising the coupling assembly  10 ,  310 , first and second fluid conduits  705 ,  710 , a fluid origination point  715 , and a fluid destination point  720 . The coupling assembly  10 ,  310  joins the first fluid conduit  705  to the second fluid conduit  710 . The first fluid conduit  705  extends between the coupling assembly  10 ,  310  and the fluid origination point  715 . The second fluid conduit  710  extends between the coupling assembly  10 ,  310  and the fluid destination location  720 . In one embodiment, the first and second fluid conduits  705 ,  710  are medical grade tubing. In one embodiment, the fluid origination point  715  is a first medical device or a first medical fluid reservoir  715 . For example, in one embodiment, the fluid originating point  715  is an I.V. drip bag or other liquid reservoir whether the reservoir employs a rigid or flexible container, a blood pressure device, a medicament supplying device (e.g., insulin pump, etc.), a compressed gas source (e.g., compressed air system, oxygen system, carbon dioxide system, etc.), a medical treatment machine/device (e.g., a dialysis machine, etc.), a patient, or etc. In one embodiment, the fluid destination point  720  is a second medical treatment machine/device, a second medical fluid reservoir, or a patient  720 . In one embodiment the fluid destination point  720  is a blood pressure cuff, a bladder or package, a reservoir for recirculation, collection vessels of all types, or etc. 
         [0136]    The coupling assembly  10 ,  310  allows the fluid origination point  715  to be decoupled from the fluid destination point  720  with automatic positive shutoff. The coupling assembly  10 ,  310  also allows the fluid origination point  715  to be coupled with the fluid destination point  720  while automatically causing the two points  715 ,  720  to be placed in fluid communication. 
         [0137]    All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary. 
         [0138]    The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Although various embodiments of the invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.