Patent Publication Number: US-11384872-B1

Title: Conduit coupling apparatus and method

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/470,728 filed on Mar. 27, 2017 and entitled Conduit Coupling Apparatus and Method, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/479,515 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,604,404) filed on May 24, 2012 and entitled CONDUIT COUPLING APPARATUS AND METHOD, which is a non-provisional application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 61/489,624 that was filed on May 24, 2011, entitled CONDUIT COUPLING APPARATUS AND METHOD. The foregoing applications are incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosed subject matter relates to couplings for fluid systems. More specifically, the disclosed subject matter relates to couplings that may be used to easily retain or release flexible plastic or rigid tubing or pipes such as are typically used in irrigation systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many types of systems have components between which fluid is conveyed through conduits. Such fluid systems include irrigation systems, household plumbing, air conditioning systems, heater humidifiers, misting systems, and garden hoses. Typically, the conduits of the fluid system must be coupled to components in such a manner that a fluid-tight seal is maintained. Thus, the process of connecting the conduits to their respective components can be somewhat time-consuming. 
     For example, in a standard residential irrigation system, lengths of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe are typically buried to act as conduits. The lengths of pipe must be attached to components of the system such as manifolds, electric valves, stop and waste valves, backflow prevention devices, sprinkler heads, and drip irrigation tubes. In some cases, other conduits such as conduit (e.g., “flexi-pipe”) may be used to couple a PVC pipe to an irrigation component. 
     More precisely, the lengths of PVC pipe or conduit must often be attached to each other or to irrigation components via application of primer and plastic cement. Such a process is somewhat time consuming and messy, and provides a relatively unreliable connection. To the extent that threaded or barbed fittings can be used, a connection may be formed more rapidly than with primer and glue, but the integrity of the connection is still uncertain. 
     Various types of couplings are available to attach irrigation components, PVC pipe, and/or flexible tubing together. However, known couplings have a number of inherent disadvantages. Often, such couplings require primer and glue, threaded attachment, or barbed attachment, and therefore add significantly to the required installation time. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosed embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosed embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     A coupling for attachment to a conduit having an insertion end is disclosed. An outer surface of the insertion end of the conduit may be smooth and free of grooves, flanges and beads. 
     The coupling may include a first member having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the first member may define a first passageway through the first member. The first passageway may extend from an entry end to a proximal end of the first member. 
     The coupling may also include a second member in spin weld engagement with the first member. The second member may have an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the second member may define a second passageway through the second member. The second passageway may extend from an attachment end to an opposite end of the second member. The interior surface of the second member may define a first recessed region having a first region width and a second recessed region having a second region width. In one embodiment, the first region width is greater than the second region width. 
     In one configuration, the interior surface of the second member defining the second recessed region may comprise a ledge. The ledge may comprise a raised inner lip and a recessed outer portion. The raised inner lip may be closer to the attachment end of the second member than the recessed outer portion. 
     The coupling may comprise a gripping ring having an inner edge defining a series of teeth. The gripping ring may be disposed within the first recessed region. 
     One embodiment of the coupling may also comprise a support ring. The support ring may be rotatably disposed within the first and second recessed regions of the second member. The support ring may have a proximal face that abuts the gripping ring. The support ring may further comprise an angled face adjacent to the proximal face. The angled face may be disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the proximal face. 
     The coupling may further comprise an O-ring disposed within the second recessed region. The recessed outer portion may be sized to receive the O-ring. 
     The interior surface of the second member may further define a third recessed region having a third region width. The third region width may be greater than the first region width. The first recessed region may be disposed intermediate the third recessed region and the second recessed region. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first member is disposed within the third recessed region. 
     The gripping ring may comprise an outer body having a body width. The proximal face of the support ring may further comprise a face width. The face width may be less than the body width. In another embodiment, the face width is less than one-half, one-quarter, or one-eighth of the body width. 
     The exterior surface of the first member may comprise an outer perimeter surface that abuts the interior surface of the second member. The exterior surface of the first member may further comprise a beveled edge adjacent to the outer perimeter surface. The beveled edge may extend away from the interior surface of the second member. The beveled edge may be disposed within the first recessed region of the second member. 
     The support ring may also comprise an inward ledged recess sized to mate with a ledge defined by the interior surface of the second member. 
     Another embodiment of a coupling for attachment to a conduit is disclosed. Again, the conduit may have an insertion end. The outer surface of the insertion end of the conduit may be smooth and free of grooves, flanges and beads. 
     The coupling may include a first member having an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the first member may define a first passageway through the first member. The first passageway may extend from an entry end to a proximal end of the first member. 
     The coupling may further comprise a second member in spin weld engagement with the first member. The second member may have an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the second member may define a second passageway through the second member. The second passageway may extend from an attachment end to an opposite end of the second member. The interior surface of the second member may define a first recessed region having a first region width, and a second recessed region having a second region width. The first region width may be greater than the second region width. 
     The coupling may further comprise a gripping ring having an inner edge defining a series of teeth. The gripping ring may be disposed within the first recessed region. 
     The coupling may also comprise a support ring disposed within the first and second recessed regions. The support ring may have a proximal face that abuts or is proximate the gripping ring. 
     The coupling may also comprise an O-ring disposed within the second recessed region. 
     In one embodiment, the interior surface of the first member may define a plurality of tool receiving recesses. 
     The gripping ring may comprise an outer body having a body width. The proximal face of the support ring may further comprise a face width. In various embodiments, the face width may be less than one-half, one-quarter, or one-eighth of the body width. 
     The exterior surface of the first member may comprise an outer perimeter surface that abuts the interior surface of the second member. The exterior surface of the first member may further comprise a beveled edge adjacent to the outer perimeter surface. The beveled edge may extend inwardly away from the interior surface of the second member. 
     The support ring may comprise an inward ledged recess sized to mate with a ledge defined by the interior surface of the second member. 
     A method of manufacturing a coupling is also disclosed. The method may comprise the following steps: 
     positioning an O-ring within a second recessed region of the second member; 
     positioning a support ring within a second recessed region of the second member adjacent to the O-ring; 
     positioning a gripping ring adjacent to the support ring such that the outer body of the gripping ring abuts a proximal face of the support ring; and 
     securing a first member to a second member utilizing a spin welding technique to form the spin weld engagement such that the first member securely retains the O-ring, the support ring, and the gripping ring within the second member. 
     Such a method may further comprise the following step: 
     positioning at least a portion of the first member within a third recessed region and the first recessed region defined by the second member while the first member is secured to the second member utilizing the spin welding technique. 
     In such a method, the interior surface of the second member may define the third recessed region. The third recessed region may have a third region width. The third region width may be greater than the first region width, and the first recessed region may be disposed intermediate the third recessed region and the second recessed region. 
     Another method of manufacturing the coupling is also disclosed. This method may include the following steps: 
     positioning an O-ring within a second recessed region of a second member; 
     positioning a support ring within at least a first recessed region of the second member; 
     positioning a gripping ring adjacent to the support ring such that an outer body of the gripping ring abuts a proximal face of the support ring; and 
     securing the first member to the second member utilizing a spin welding technique to form the spin weld engagement such that the first member securely retains the O-ring, the support ring, and the gripping ring within the second member. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed embodiments. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various embodiments may be employed. Further, the disclosed embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of the disclosed subject matter&#39;s scope, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a portion of a generalized fluid system having a component and a conduit interconnected by a first embodiment of a coupling incorporating teachings of the disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the fluid system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of the coupling of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in the engaged configuration thereof, wherein the coupling captures the end of any conduit inserted into the coupling; 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of a spring washer disposed within the coupling of  FIGS. 1-3   
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of the coupling of  FIGS. 1-3  in the disengaged configuration thereof, wherein the end of any conduit captured in the coupling is released therefrom; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a coupling; 
         FIG. 7A  is a top view of one embodiment of a gripping ring of the embodiment of the coupling of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of the gripping ring shown in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cutaway and a partially exploded view of the coupling shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cutaway view of the coupling of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the coupling of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a coupling; 
         FIG. 12  comprises a cross-sectional view of the coupling of  FIG. 11  in an unassembled condition; 
         FIGS. 13-15  comprise cross-sectional views of the coupling of  FIG. 11  shown in various partially assembled conditions; 
         FIG. 16  comprises a cross-sectional view of the coupling of  FIG. 11  shown in an assembled condition; 
         FIG. 17  comprises a cross-sectional view of the coupling of  FIG. 11  shown with a conduit disposed therein; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a coupling; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a coupling; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a coupling; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a support ring for a coupling; 
         FIG. 22  comprises a table illustrating burst or failure pressures for a coupling formed using sonic welding; and 
         FIG. 23  comprises a table illustrating burst or failure pressures for a coupling formed using spin welding. 
     
    
    
     In accordance with common practice the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or method. Finally, like reference numerals may (but not in all cases) be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects of the disclosure are described below. It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function, or both being disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings herein, one skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such an apparatus may be implemented or such a method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than one or more of the aspects set forth herein. Furthermore, an aspect may comprise at least one element of a claim. 
     The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. 
     The presently preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts may (but not in all cases) be designated by like numerals. It will be readily understood that the components of the disclosed subject matter, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the disclosed subject matter, as represented in the accompanying figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter, as claimed, but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. 
     For this application, the phrases “connected to,” “coupled to,” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, and thermal interaction. The phrase “attached to” refers to a form of mechanical coupling that restricts relative translation or rotation between the attached objects. The phrases “pivotally attached to” and “slidably attached to” refer to forms of mechanical coupling that permit relative rotation or relative translation, respectively, while restricting other relative motion. 
     The phrase “attached directly to” refers to a form of attachment by which the attached items are either in direct contact, or are only separated by a single fastener, adhesive, or other attachment mechanism. The term “abut” refers to items that are in direct physical contact with each other, although the items may be attached, secured, fused, or welded together. The terms “integrally formed” refer to a body that is manufactured integrally, i.e., as a single piece, without requiring the assembly of multiple pieces. Multiple parts may be integrally formed with each other if they are formed from a single workpiece. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a side elevation view illustrates a portion of a generalized fluid system  10  according to one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. A “fluid system” refers to any type of system that contains and/or moves fluid (including liquids, gases, and liquid/gas mixtures) through any type of conduit. The fluid system  10  may be of a wide variety of types, including but not limited to, irrigation systems, heater humidification systems, air conditioning systems, evaporative cooling systems, misting systems for outdoor comfort, and the like. For convenience in this discussion, the fluid system  10  is assumed to be an irrigation system for distributing water onto soil. 
     The fluid system  10  has a longitudinal direction  12 , a lateral direction  14 , and a transverse direction  16 . As shown, the fluid system  10  includes a coupling  20 , which is designed to be attached to a length of conduit  7 . The conduit  7  may include any of a variety of conduit types, including metal tubing, PVC pipe, or plastic “flexi-pipe” of a type commonly used in residential sprinkler systems. The conduit  7  has an insertion end  8 , designed to be captured by the coupling  20 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the outer surface  9  of the insertion end  8  of the conduit  7  is smooth and is free of grooves, flanges, and beads. 
     The coupling  20  provides fluid communication between the conduit  7  and a component  26 , which may be any of a variety of fluid implements. “Fluid communication” refers to the existence of a generally enclosed fluid flow pathway between two articles. In the fluid system  10  of  FIG. 1 , the component  26  is designed for irrigation, and may thus include implements such as sprinkler heads, perforated water distribution tubes, electrically operated valves, stop and waste valves, backflow preventers, sprinkler risers, spray nozzles, garden hoses, and conduits. Since the disclosed subject matter includes a wide variety of fluid systems aside from irrigation systems, the term “component” contemplates the use of a wide variety of other types of fluid implements. 
     A “spray nozzle” may be any of a variety of nozzles such as hand sprayers for irrigation or household cleaning, misting nozzles designed to provide a comfortable mist in warm weather, internal furnace humidifier nozzles, and the like. A “perforated water distribution tube” may include drip irrigation lines, water distribution lines for evaporative coolers, and the like. A “valve” includes many different types of valves, including check valves, electrically operated valves, manually operated valves, and the like. A stop and waste valve for irrigation systems is included within the term “valve.” 
     In one embodiment, the component  26  is a sprinkler designed to be seated in the ground in a vertical orientation and fed by fluid flowing generally horizontally through the conduit  7 . Thus, the coupling  20  is shaped to form a ninety-degree angle. The coupling  20  may thus be termed an “elbow fitting.” In other embodiments, similar couplings could be made straight, U-shaped, or with any other desirable angle. The component  26  has a fitting such as a threaded end  28  designed to engage the coupling  20 . A “fitting” need not be a separate fastening device, but may simply be an attachment interface integrally formed with a component. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an exploded, perspective view illustrates a portion of the fluid system  10  of  FIG. 1  in greater detail. As shown, the threaded end  28  of the component  26  has been cut away to reveal that the threaded end  28  has threads disposed on an inside diameter thereof. The threads  30  thus act as female threads to attach the coupling  20  to the component  26 . Of course, in an alternative embodiment, the component  26  could have male threads and the coupling  20  could have female threads. 
     In the embodiment shown, the coupling  20  has a body  40  and a release mechanism  42  that is slidable with respect to the body  40  along the longitudinal direction  12 . “Slidable” refers to the ability for two objects to move relative to and in contact with each other. “Sliding” encompasses linear motion, rotary motion, and combinations thereof. In the embodiment shown, the release mechanism  42  is generally ring-shaped, and may thus be termed a release ring  42 . The body  40  has a first end  44  designed to be connected to the threaded end  28  of the component  26 . The first end  44  thus has threads  46  sized to mate with the threads  30  of the threaded end  28 . Additionally, the first end  44  may have a hexagonal lip  48  that facilitates rotational coupling and tightening of the first end  44  with the threaded end  28  of the component  26 . 
     In alternative embodiments, a wide variety of fitting types may be used in place of the threads  30  of the first end  44 . For example, a female threaded fitting, quick-connect coupling, swage lock, snap-in fitting, or the like may be used to connect to a wide variety of corresponding fittings. 
     The body  40  also has a second end  50  in which a shoulder  51  is formed. The shoulder  51  is generally tubular in shape. The second end  50  and the first end  44  are separated by a bend  52  that provides the ninety-degree angle. The bend  52  is structurally supported by a gusset  54  that extends generally from the first end  44  to the second end  50 . 
     The second end  50  has a pair of retention features  56  displaced from each other in the lateral direction  14 , and thus positioned on opposite sides of the shoulder  51 . The retention features  56  are designed to slidably retain the release ring  42 . Each retention feature  56  has a plateau  58  that limits relative motion between the release ring  42  and the body  40 , and a ramp  60  adjoining the plateau  58  to facilitate assembly of the release ring  42  and the body  40 . 
     The release ring  42  has an exterior sleeve  70 . The exterior sleeve  70  is sized just larger than the shoulder  51  so that the exterior sleeve  70  is able to act as a dirt shield, thereby preventing entry of dirt or other particles into the space between the release ring  42  and the second end  50 . The exterior sleeve  70  extends a sufficient distance in the longitudinal direction  12  to provide a relatively snug fit between the release ring  42  and the second end  50  and to enhance protection from contamination. The operation of the exterior sleeve  70  as a dirt shield will be discussed in greater detail subsequently. The dimensions of the exterior sleeve  70  also facilitate longitudinal motion of the release ring  42  with respect to the body  40  by maintaining the concentricity of the release ring  42  with the second end  50 . 
     A pair of retention slots  72  is formed in the exterior sleeve  70  and positioned such that the retention features  56  extend into the retention slots  72 . Each of the retention slots  72  is generally rectangular in shape, and is slightly longer in the longitudinal direction  12  than the combined longitudinal dimensions of the plateau  58  and the ramp  60  of the corresponding retention feature  56 . Thus, the exterior sleeve  70  is able to move a limited distance in the longitudinal direction  12  with respect to the second end  50  of the body  40 . 
     Disposition of the retention slots  72  and the retention features  56  on the outside of the coupling  20  is advantageous because they are relatively easy to manufacture and manipulate, and they do not interfere with insertion of the conduit  7  into the coupling  20 . The retention slots  72  and the retention features  56  also operate in such a manner that no rotation of the release ring  42  is required to move between engaged and disengaged configurations. In alternative embodiments, a release mechanism may be rotatable or translatable and rotatable. 
     When the release ring  42  is extended from the second end  50 , to the furthest extent permitted by the interlocking of the retention features  56  with the retention slots  72 , the coupling  20  is in the engaged configuration, in which the end  8  of the conduit  7  may be retained within the coupling  20 . When the release ring  42  is pressed toward the second end  50 , the coupling  20  is in the disengaged configuration to permit removal of the end  8  from the coupling  20 . 
     As shown, the release ring  42  also has a pair of release grips  74  extending in the transverse direction  16 . The release grips  74  may be easily gripped and/or pressed in the longitudinal direction  12  to press the release ring  42  toward the second end  50  of the body  40 . The release grips  74  facilitate movement of the release ring  42  in the longitudinal direction  12  by providing contact surfaces  75  that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction  12 . The contact surfaces  75  are easily and comfortably pressed by a user&#39;s fingers and/or thumb to exert the necessary pressure on the release ring  42 . The release grips  74  may also facilitate one-handed actuation of the coupling  20  between the engaged and disengaged configurations. 
     The release ring  42  also has an interior sleeve  76  that defines a bore  78  into which the end  8  of the conduit  7  is inserted. A countersink  80  of the release ring  42  is disposed outside of and adjacent to the bore  78  to facilitate insertion of the end  8  into the bore  78 . The release ring  42  has an annular wall  82  that extends from the interior sleeve  76  to the exterior sleeve  70 . The shoulder  51  has an axis  84  extending along the longitudinal direction  12 . The axis  84  is shared by the exterior sleeve  70 , the interior sleeve  76 , the annular wall  82 , and a bore (not shown) of the body within the shoulder  51 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the release ring  42  may simply be omitted. The corresponding coupling (not shown) may then be designed to permanently (i.e., non-releasably) retain the end of a conduit. Alternatively, such a coupling may release the end of the conduit in response to pressure from an external implement, such as a collar (not shown) slidable around the conduit. Such a collar may have two halves that are hinged or otherwise separable to permit removal of the collar from the conduit so that a single collar can be used to trigger release of a plurality of couplings. 
     Returning to the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the conduit  7  has an indicator  86  disposed on its outside diameter. The indicator  86  indicates the size of the conduit  7 , and may more particularly relate to the magnitude of the outside diameter of the conduit  7 . Different manufacturers make flexible irrigation tubing in similar, and yet significantly different sizes. Consequently, a user may find it difficult to determine which irrigation implements are attachable to a given length of flexi-pipe. The indicator  86  is easily visible to the user to indicate the size of the conduit  7 . 
     In this application, “indicating the size” does not necessarily require conveying the numerical size to a user; rather, only the category within which the size falls need be conveyed. Thus, the indicator  86  need not include letters or numbers, but may simply be a color. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the indicator  86  is the color blue. The color blue may be useful because there is very little structure underground, whether natural or man-made, that is blue. The entire conduit  7  may have a blue color, which may be provided by injection molding the conduit  7  from blue plastic. Consequently, the indicator  86  may be easily visible, even when the conduit  7  is partially buried. Apart from use of the indicator  86  to indicate the size of the conduit  7 , such a feature makes the conduit  7  easier to see and distinguish from other subterranean objects. Other colors besides blue may, of course, alternatively be used for the indicator  86 . 
     The coupling  20 , or more specifically, the body  40 , may also have an indicator  88 . The indicator  88  indicates the size of the conduit receivable by the coupling  20  to provide a fluid-tight connection. The indicator  86  may thus correspond to the indicator  88  to show that the coupling  20  is compatible with the conduit  7 . The indicator  86  may even be substantially the same as the indicator  88 . Indicators that are “substantially the same” are indicators that would be visually recognized as pertaining to compatible or corresponding parts. If desired, the body  40  (and/or the remainder of the coupling  20 ) may be formed of blue plastic, and the conduit  7  may similarly be formed of plastic of the same blue color to indicate that they are connectable to each other. In alternative embodiments, the indicator  88  may be disposed on the release ring  42  in addition to or instead of on the body  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a side elevation, section view illustrates the coupling  20 , in isolation from the remainder of the fluid system  10 . The coupling  20  is shown in the engaged configuration, as in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Features of the interior of the coupling  20  will now be described, in connection with  FIG. 3 . 
     As shown, the exterior sleeve  70  of the release ring  42  has a countersink  92 , which is oriented generally inward. The interior sleeve  76  also has a countersink  94 , which is oriented generally outward. The countersinks  92 ,  94  are thus both oriented toward the corresponding surfaces of the shoulder  51  to facilitate assembly of the release ring  42  and the body  40 . 
     An annular gap  95  exists between the exterior sleeve  70  and the shoulder  51 . The annular gap  95  is dimensioned such that a clearance  96  exists between the exterior sleeve  70  and the shoulder  51 . The clearance  96 , when applied to both sides of the second end  50  (i.e., the top and bottom sides, with reference to the view of  FIG. 3 ), results in the existence of an overall doubling of the clearance  96 . In order to prevent dirt entry into the annular gap  95 , the clearance  96  may advantageously be less than about 0.02 inches. Furthermore, the clearance  96  may advantageously be less than about 0.01 inches, or even less than about 0.005 inches. 
     If desired, the clearance  96  may be the minimum clearance that still permits installation of the release ring  42  and the body  40 . The clearance  96  may alternatively be the maximum clearance that generally keeps dirt from entering the annular gap  95  when the coupling  20  is buried. The tightness of the clearance  96  not only keeps dirt from the annular gap  95 , but it also keeps dirt from entering the space inward of the annular wall  82 . Thus, the clearance  96  helps to prevent dirt from increasing frictional resistance or direct physical interference with longitudinal motion of the release ring  42  toward the second end  50 . 
     According to one embodiment, the diameter of the shoulder  51  and the inside diameter of the exterior sleeve  70  may have the same nominal value. When the release ring  42  and the body  40  are assembled, the exterior sleeve  70  may be stretched somewhat as the retention features  56  wedge apart opposite sides of the exterior sleeve  70  to slide into the retention slots  72  of the exterior sleeve  70 . Thus, the inside diameter of the exterior sleeve  70  may enlarge somewhat to provide the clearance  96 . The clearance  96  is then sufficient to permit the release ring  42  to slide with respect to the second end  50 , but small enough to restrict dirt entry into the annular gap  95 . 
     The clearance  96  extends for a length  98  of the second end  50  sufficient to avoid dirt entry, and more particularly, to keep dirt from passing through the annular gap  95  to interfere with the sliding motion of the release ring  42 . The length  98  may advantageously be over one-quarter inch. In alternative embodiments, the length  98  may be as small as one-eighth of an inch or three-sixteenths of an inch, or as great as one-half inch or three-eighths of an inch. The length  98  shown is when the release ring  42  is positioned to retain the end  8  of the conduit  7 , which is the position in which the release ring  42  is normally disposed. 
     The coupling  20  has a retainer ring  100  in addition to the body  40  and the release ring  42 . The retainer ring  100  has a lip  102  that extends outward (i.e., in the lateral and transverse directions  14 ,  16 ) adjacent to the edge of the shoulder  51 . The retainer ring  100  also has a sleeve  104  extending generally within the second end  50 . A countersink  106  is disposed at the juncture of the sleeve  104  with the lip  102  to facilitate assembly of the release ring  42  with the retainer ring  100 . 
     As shown, the body  40  has a bore  108  that extends from the first end  44  to the second end  50 . The bore  108  curves along with the bend  52  and, as it passes through the second end  50 , shares the axis  84 . The bore  108  has a retention portion  110  sized to receive the end  8  of the conduit  7 . The retention portion  110  may be sized to press inward against the end  8  in such a manner that the retention portion  110  grips the end  8  to keep the conduit  7  in place. The bore  108  also has a flat step  112  at which the diameter of the bore  108  steps up from that of the retention portion  110 . Furthermore, the bore  108  has a lipped step  114  at which the diameter of the bore  108  steps up from that of the region between the flat step  112  and the lipped step  114 . 
     A seal ring  120  is seated against the flat step  112 . The seal ring  120  is formed of a resilient material such as rubber. The seal ring  120  has a generally annular shape, with a countersink  122  facing inward and toward the release ring  42 . A spring washer  130  is seated against the lipped step  114 . The spring washer  130  has a plurality of fingers  132  that extend inward. The spring washer  130  also has a peripheral lip  134  that curls over the lipped step  114  so that the peripheral lip  134  is unable to contract excessively during deflection of the spring washer  130 . The configuration of the spring washer  130  will be shown and described with greater clarity in connection with  FIG. 4 . 
     The coupling  20  may be fabricated in a variety of ways. According to one method, the body  40 , the release ring  42 , and the retainer ring  100  are all formed of plastic via injection molding. Blow molding, stamping, or other methods may alternatively be used. The seal ring  120  may be injection molded of an elastomer such as rubber, and the spring washer  130  may be stamped of a metal such as steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. 
     The seal ring  120  may first be inserted into the bore  108  of the body  40  along the longitudinal direction  12  and seated against the flat step  112  of the bore  108 . The spring washer  130  may then be inserted into the bore  108  along the longitudinal direction  12  and seated against the lipped step  114  in such a manner that the peripheral lip  134  of the spring washer  130  engages the lipped step  114 . 
     After the seal ring  120  and the spring washer  130  have been installed, the retainer ring  100  may be inserted into the bore  108  of the body  108  along the longitudinal direction  12  in such a manner that the sleeve  104  of the retainer ring  100  rests directly within the second end  50 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The sleeve  104  may then abut or be disposed directly adjacent to the peripheral lip  134  of the spring washer  130  so that the retainer ring  100  keeps the spring washer  130  in place. The spring washer  130 , in turn, keeps the seal ring  120  in place. 
     When the retainer ring  100  has been disposed in the position illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the retainer ring  100  may be ultrasonically welded, thermally welded, adhesive bonded, or otherwise attached to the second end  50 . If desired, an annular bead (not shown) may be formed on the lip  102  of the retainer ring  100  at a position such that the annular bead is sandwiched between the lip  102  and the second end  50  when the retainer ring  100  is installed. The annular bead may then fuse with the second end  50  during ultrasonic welding to secure the lip  102  to the second end  50 . 
     When the retainer ring  100  has been secured, the release ring  42  may be inserted into engagement with the second end  50  along the longitudinal direction  12 . The release ring  42  is inserted such that the interior sleeve  76  passes through the countersink  106  and into the sleeve  104  of the retainer ring  100 . The countersinks  106 ,  94  cooperate to facilitate insertion and centering of the interior sleeve  76  of the release ring  42  within the sleeve  104  of the retainer ring  100 . Simultaneously, the exterior sleeve  70  of the release ring  42  passes around the lip  102  of the retainer ring  100  and around a portion of the shoulder  51 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The countersink  92  of the exterior sleeve  70  aids insertion and centering of the exterior sleeve  70  around the lip  102  and the second end  50 . 
     As the sleeves  70 ,  76  engage the retainer ring  100  and the second end  50 , the exterior sleeve  70  expands in the lateral direction  14  to pass around the retention feature  56 , as described previously. The ramps  60  are positioned such that the release ring  42  is able to be inserted longitudinally over the second end  50  so that the ramps  60  cause the exterior sleeve  70  to expand in the lateral direction  14 , thereby permitting continued motion of the release ring  42  in the longitudinal direction  12 . The exterior sleeve  70  extends around the retention features  56  until the retention features  56  are captured within the retention slots  72  of the exterior sleeve  70 . If desired, the exterior sleeve  70  may have interior grooves (not shown) extending from the retention slots  72  to the countersink  92  to facilitate passage of the exterior sleeve  70  over the retention features  56 . 
     Once the retention slots  72  have moved far enough to capture the retention features  56 , the coupling  20  is fully assembled and ready for use. The spring washer  130  exerts pressure on the countersink  94  of the interior sleeve  76  of the release ring  42  to urge the release ring  42  to remain positioned as in  FIG. 3 , so that the coupling  20  remains in the engaged configuration. The engagement of the retention features  56  with the retention slots  72  keeps the release ring  42  from moving further from the body  40  and the retainer ring  100 . 
     The end  8  of the conduit  7  may be easily engaged within the coupling  20 . More precisely, the end  8  may be inserted into the bore  78  of the interior sleeve  76  along the longitudinal direction  12 . The end  8  may be pushed deeper into the coupling  20  so that the end  8  passes through the spring washer  130 , thereby causing the fingers  132  of the spring washer  130  to deflect outward (i.e., in the lateral and transverse directions  14 ,  16 ), and toward the retention portion  110  of the bore  108  of the body  40 . The end  8  then passes through the seal ring  120  and may optionally be pushed into the retention portion  110  until the outer wall of the end  8  abuts the retention portion  110 . 
     Alignment of the end  8  with the seal ring  120  during insertion is facilitated by the countersink  122  of the seal ring  120 . The seal ring  120  presses against the end  8  to form a substantially fluid-tight seal (i.e., a watertight seal in the context of an irrigation system). The seal keeps fluid from leaking out of the coupling  20  through the second end  50  at pressure differentials up to the maximum operating pressure of the fluid system  10 . Accordingly, fluid loss can be avoided without complicating the process of attaching the end  8  to the coupling  20 . 
     When the end  8  is disposed within the retention portion  110 , the spring washer  130  is deflected in such a manner that, if the conduit  7  is drawn longitudinally outward, the fingers  132  seat themselves in the conduit  7  to prevent withdrawal of the end  8  from the coupling  20 . Hence, the end  8  cannot be withdrawn from within the coupling  20  without moving the coupling  20  to the disengaged configuration, which will be shown and described subsequently, in connection with  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a front elevation view illustrates the spring washer  130  in isolation, in substantially undeflected form. As shown, the fingers  132  extend inward from the peripheral lip  134 . The peripheral lip  134  extends in the longitudinal direction  12 , i.e., toward the retention portion  110  of the bore  108  of the body  40  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In this application, “finger” does not denote any specific shape or length-to-width ratio. Rather, a “finger” is simply an extension. In alternative embodiments, a spring washer may have fewer fingers, each of which extends around a substantial portion of the diameter of the end  8 . For example, only two fingers, each of which has a near-semicircular profile, may be disposed on either side of such a spring washer to retain the end  8 . 
     Returning to the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the spring washer  130  has a plurality of interior slots  140  that separate the fingers  132  from each other. The interior slots  140  are arrayed in generally radial fashion. The spring washer  130  also has a plurality of exterior slots  142  that facilitate flexing of the fingers  132  in the longitudinal direction  12  and enable the peripheral lip  134  to maintain its size and engagement with the lipped step  114  during flexing of the fingers  132 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a side elevation, section view illustrates the coupling  20  in the disengaged configuration. The release ring  42  is simply actuated longitudinally toward the retainer ring  100  by, for example, holding the body  40  and pressing the release grips  74  of the release ring  42  toward the body  40 . The interior sleeve  76  of the release ring  42  moves further into the bore  108  and the countersink  94  of the interior sleeve  76  presses against the spring washer  130 . 
     The release ring  42  may move longitudinally until the annular wall  82  of the release ring  42  abuts the lip  102  of the retainer ring  100 . At this point, the retention slots  72  have moved such that the retention features  56  are disposed at the opposite end of the retention slots  72  from their position in the engaged configuration. 
     In response to pressure from the countersink  94  of the interior sleeve  76 , the fingers  132  deflect toward the retention portion  110  of the bore  108 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The fingers  132  simultaneously bend outward to define a diameter larger than the outside diameter of the conduit  7 . Thus, the fingers  132  no longer seat in the conduit  7 , and the end  8  of the conduit  7  can be freely withdrawn along the longitudinal direction  12  from the bore  108 . 
     The release ring  42  may then be released to permit the coupling  20  to return to the disengaged configuration. Then, the conduit  7  or a different conduit may then be coupled or re-coupled via insertion into the bore  108 , as described previously. 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a coupling  600 . The illustrated coupling  600  includes a first member  610 , a gripping ring  612 , a support ring  614 , an O-ring  616 , and a second member  618 . The components  610 - 618  of the coupling  600  may be embodied in various ways within the scope of the disclosed subject matter and, as such, the components  610 - 618  are provided only for illustrative purposes. 
       FIG. 7A  is a top view of one embodiment of a gripping ring  612 , and  FIG. 7B  is a side view of this embodiment of the gripping ring  612 . An inner edge  664  of the gripping ring  612  defines a series of teeth  622 . The teeth  622  project inwardly toward the center  613  of the gripping ring  612 . As illustrated, the teeth  622  have a square inward tooth edge  623 . Alternatively, for example, the teeth  622  may have a rounded inward tooth edge or a serrated inward tooth edge with multiple inward projections (not illustrated). 
     The teeth  622  may engage a conduit  7  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) when the conduit  7  is disposed within the coupling  600 . In particular, the teeth  622  may engage the outer surface  9  of the insertion end  8  of the conduit  7  (illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). As explained previously, the outer surface  9  of the insertion end  8  of the conduit  7  may be smooth and free of grooves, flanges, and beads. 
     The teeth  622 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , are disposed at an angle with respect to an outer body  620  of the gripping ring  612 . The angle of the teeth  622  relative to the outer body  620  enables the teeth  622  to better engage the conduit  7 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the outer body  620  has a generally annular shape with a rounded outer edge  625 . The outer body  620  provides support for the teeth  622  and enables engagement between the gripping ring  612  and the first member  610 . 
       FIG. 8  is a partially exploded and partially cutaway view of the coupling  600 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the gripping ring  612  and the support ring  614  may be sized to be rotatably disposed within the first member  610 . In particular, the gripping ring  612  and the support ring  614  may be disposed within the circular recess  636  of the first member  610 . Use of a separate support ring  614  reduces the cost of manufacturing the coupling  600 . Also, rotation of the support ring  614  independent of the first and second members  610 ,  618  facilitates enhanced engagement between the coupling  600  and conduit  7 . 
     The circular recess  636  may be defined by the recess defining portion  634  of an interior surface  626  of the first member  610 . The recess defining portion  634  may comprise a J-shaped cross-sectional perimeter  638  (generally identified by dashed lines in  FIG. 8 ). The J-shaped cross-shaped perimeter  638  may be generally in the shape of a hook or “J” and may comprise a first angled face  640  (generally identified by a dashed line in  FIG. 8 ), a short face  642  (generally identified by a dashed line in  FIG. 8 ), and a long face  644  (generally identified by a dashed line in  FIG. 8 ). The first angled face  640 , a short face  642 , and the long face  644  may be linear, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , or may be nonlinear. The short face  642  is disposed adjacent to the entry end  630  of the first member  610  and thus may be referred to as an adjacent face  642 , while the long face  644  is disposed toward the outside or exterior of the first member  610  and thus may be referred to as an outside face  644 . In one embodiment, the short face  642  may be longer than the long face  644 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the first angled face  640  may be disposed at an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the short face  642 . In contrast, the short face  642  may be disposed at approximately a 90° angle relative to the long face  644 . 
     An acute extension  676  of the first member  610  may define the first angled face  640 . The first angled face  640  may be disposed at an acute angle  674  (generally identified by dashed lines in  FIG. 8 ) with respect to a mouth region  672  of the first member  610  to form the acute extension  676 . When the gripping ring  612  is disposed within the circular recess  636 , the outer body  620  of the gripping ring  612  may abut the short face  642  of the J-shaped cross-sectional perimeter  638 . 
     In one embodiment (as illustrated in  FIG. 8 ), the teeth  622  of the gripping ring  612  may abut the first angled face  640  of the J-shaped cross-sectional perimeter  638  when the coupling  600  is in an unengaged position (i.e., not engaged with a conduit  7 ). When the teeth  622  engage a conduit  7 , the teeth  622  may be drawn away from the first angled face  640  such that there is a space between at least a portion of each tooth  622  and the first angled face  640  depending on the direction of forces applied to the conduit  7  and the coupling  600 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the support ring  614  may also be disposed within the circular recess  636 . In one embodiment, the support ring  614  may include a proximal face  656 , an exterior surface  654 , an outward extension  648  defined by the exterior surface  654 , a distal face  658 , and a second angled face  660 . The proximal face  656  and distal face  658  may be generally parallel. In contrast, the second angled face  660  may be nonparallel with respect to the exterior surface  654  (when seen from the cross-sectional view illustrated in  FIG. 8 ) such that the support ring  614  generally increases in width from the proximal face  656  to the distal face  658 . As a result, in one embodiment, the distal face  658  may be wider than the proximal face  656 . The outward extension  648  may be generally annular in shape such that the outward extension  648  generally extends outwardly from the remaining portion of the exterior surface  654  of the support ring  614 . Thus, the outward extension  648  is of a greater diameter than the remaining portions of the support ring  614  defined by the exterior surface  654 . 
     When the support ring  614  is positioned within the first member  610 , the outward extension  648  of the support ring  614  may engage and mate with a recessed region  646  of the first member  610 . In such a condition, the proximal face  656  of the support ring  614  may abut the outer body  620  of the gripping ring  612 , and the exterior surface  654  of the support ring  614  may abut the long face  644  of the J-shaped cross-sectional perimeter  638 . As illustrated, the second angled face  660  of the support ring  614  may be disposed at an acute angle  662  (generally identified by dashed lines in  FIG. 8 ) relative to the first angled face  640  of the J-shaped cross-sectional perimeter  638  when the coupling  600  is in an unengaged position. In an engaged position, pressures on an engaged conduit  7  and on the coupling  600  may push the first angled face  640  and the second angled face  660  closer or farther apart than illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     The illustrated first member  610  includes an exterior surface  624  and an interior surface  626 . The interior surface  626  defines a first passageway  628  into which a conduit  7  may be inserted via an entry opening  668  and the mouth region  672  of the first member  610 . The first passageway  628  may extend from an entry end  630  to a securing end  632  of the first member  610 . The first member also includes an entry face  666 . The entry face  666  may optionally include a raised portion  670  that surrounds the entry opening  668 . The raised portion  670  increases the stability of a conduit  7  inserted within the coupling  600  thereby enhancing the seal between the conduit  7  and the coupling  600 . 
     The first member  610  may also include an entry end  630  and the securing end  632 . A conduit  7  is inserted through the entry end  630 , while the securing end  632  is used to secure the first member  610  to the second member  618 . Accordingly, when the first member  610  is secured to the second member  618 , the securing end  632  may be disposed closer to the second member  618  than the entry end  630 . 
     The first member  610  may also include a recessed engaging region  653  and an inward extension  650  that includes an engaging inward edge  652 . These components enable a snap-fit engagement between the first member  610  and the second member  618 . In particular, an outward annular extension  694  of the second member  618  is received into the recessed engaging region  653  of the first member  610 . The outward engaging edge  696  of the second member  618  engages the engaging inward edge  652  of the first member  610  to maintain the first member  610  and the second member  618  in an interlocked state. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the O-ring  616  is disposed within the second member  618 . In particular, the O-ring  616  is disposed within the annular recess  688  of the second member  618 . The annular recess  688 , as illustrated, is disposed at an attachment end  684  of the second member  618 . 
     The O-ring  616  may be embodied in various ways. For example, the O-ring  616  may have a round cross-sectional shape, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Alternatively, the O-ring  616  could have an oval, square, or rectangular cross-sectional shape. 
     The second member  618  includes an attachment end  684  and an opposite end  686 . The attachment end  684  is received within the securing end  632  of the first member  610 . In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the securing end  632  of the first member  610  is received within the attachment end  684  of the second member  618 . 
     The second member  618  also includes an exterior surface  678  and an interior surface  680 . The outward annular extension  694  and outward engaging edge  696 , as mentioned above, are defined by the exterior surface  678  of the second member  618 . In addition, the exterior surface  678  defines a threaded region  692 . As illustrated, the threaded region  692  includes outward extending threads. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the threaded region  692  may include inwardly extending threads or other securing mechanisms (such as features for facilitating a snap engagement with another component). In addition, adhesives or clamps may be used to secure the second member  618  to another component if, for example, the threaded region  692  is replaced with a smooth outer surface. 
     The interior surface  680  may define a series of tapered inward protrusions  690 . The tapered inward protrusions  690  increase in depth, at least in certain portions, from the attachment end  684  to the opposite end  686 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , each of the tapered inward protrusions  690  may include an inclined region  690   a , which increases in depth relative to adjacent areas of the interior surface  680 , and a flat region  690   b , which maintains a generally constant depth relative to adjacent areas of the interior surface  680 . The tapered inward protrusions  690  aid in centering a conduit  7  received within the coupling  600  and thus enhances a seal between the coupling  600  and a conduit  7  (i.e., enhances a seal between the conduit  7  and the O-ring  616 ). The tapered inward protrusions  690  may also serve to keep dirt and debris off the conduit  7  to further enhance the seal between the coupling  600  and conduit  7 . 
     In addition, the interior surface  680  may also define a second passageway  682  within the second member  618 . The second passageway  682  may extend from an attachment end  684  to an opposite end  686  of the second member  618 . The second passageway  682  includes a stop surface  698 . The stop surface  698  abuts a conduit  7  position within the coupling  600 . The stop surface  698 , like the tapered inward protrusions  690 , aids in maintaining the conduit  7  properly positioned within the coupling  600  to further enhance the seal between the conduit  7  and the O-ring  616 . 
       FIG. 9  is a partial cutaway view of the coupling  600  shown in  FIG. 8 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the first member  610  is secured to the second member  618 . In this state, the first passageway  628  of the first member  610  is in fluid communication with the second passageway  682  of the second member  618  and thus form a coupling passageway  611 . 
     The coupling  600  may further comprise a longitudinal axis  621 . As illustrated, the tapered inward protrusion  690  may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  621 . In contrast, the stop surface  698  may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  621 . The coupling passageway  611  may extend along a longitudinal axis  621  of the coupling  600 . 
     As illustrated, the second member  618  encloses only a first and a second quadrant  613 ,  615  (generally identified by dashed lines in  FIG. 9 ) of the annular recess  688 . A third quadrant  617  (generally identified by a dashed line in  FIG. 9 ) of the annular recess  688  is enclosed by the distal face  658  of the support ring  614 . The fourth quadrant  619  (generally identified by a dashed line in  FIG. 9 ) of the annular recess  688  is left exposed to enable free engagement of the O-ring  616  with a conduit  7  disposed within the coupling  600 . 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the coupling  600  shown in  FIG. 9 . In this figure, the first member  610  is secured to the second member  618 . This figure also illustrates the threaded region  692  and the raised portion  670  of the coupling  600 .  FIG. 10  further illustrates ribs  623  that may provide added strength to the coupling  600  and also facilitate gripping and rotation of the coupling  600  by a user. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6-10 , the coupling  600  may be manufactured in a number of different ways. For example, such a method may comprise: 
     positioning the O-ring  616  within the annular recess  688  of the second member  618  such that the second member  618  encloses two  613 ,  615  of the four quadrants  613 ,  615 ,  617 ,  619  of the annular recess  688 , as illustrated  FIG. 9 ; 
     positioning the gripping ring  612  within the circular  636  recess of the first member  610 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
     positioning the support ring  614  within the circular recess  636  of the first member  610  such that the proximal face  656  of the support ring  614  abuts the gripping ring  612 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; and 
     placing the first member  610  in snap fit engagement with the second member  618  such that the distal face  658  of the support ring  614  encloses the third of the four quadrants  617  of the annular recess  688 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     Positioning the gripping ring  612  within the circular recess  636  of the first member  610  may comprise positioning the outer body  620  of the gripping ring  612  such that the outer body  620  of the gripping ring  612  abuts the short face  642  and the series of teeth  622  of the gripping ring  612  abut the first angled face  640  of the generally J-shaped cross-sectional perimeter  638 . 
     Positioning the support ring  614  within the circular recess  636  of the first member  610  may comprise positioning the support ring  614  within the circular recess  636  such that the proximal face  656  of the support ring  614  abuts the outer body  620  of the gripping ring  612  and the exterior surface  654  of the support ring  614  abuts the long face  644  of the J-shaped cross-sectional perimeter  638 . 
       FIG. 11  comprises an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a coupling  1100 . The coupling  1100  may include a first member  1110 , a gripping ring  1112 , a support ring  1114 , an O-ring  1116 , and a second member  1118 . The embodiments of the first member  1110 , gripping ring  1112 , support ring  1114 , O-ring  1116  and second member  1118  are only illustrative. These components  1110 ,  1112 ,  1114 ,  1116 ,  1118  may be varied in shape and physical composition within the scope of the disclosed subject matter to achieve the purposes disclosed directly or inferentially herein. 
     The illustrated first member  1110  includes an exterior surface  1124  and an interior surface  1126 . The interior surface  1126  may define a first passageway  1128  that extends through the first member  1110  from an entry end  1130  to a proximal end  1132 . The entry end  1130  is the end of the first member  1110  through which a conduit  1107  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) will be inserted. The first member  1110  may also include a series of tool recesses  1141  with intervening tool recess protrusions  1139 . As illustrated, the recesses  1141  and protrusions  1139  are disposed on the interior surface  1126  of the first member  1110 . These recesses  1141  and protrusions  1139  enable the first member  1110  to interact with a tool. This tool may be utilized for rotation of the first member  1110  relative to the second member  1118  for purposes of, for example, spin welding the first member  1110  to the second member  1118 . In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), recesses  1141  and/or protrusions  1139  may be disposed on the exterior surface  1124  of the first member  1110 . In one embodiment, the first member is made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). 
     The gripping ring  1112  illustrated in  FIG. 11  includes an outer body  1120  and a series of inward projecting teeth  1122 . As illustrated, the teeth  1122  have rectangular ends. In an alternative embodiment, the teeth  1122  may have, for example, rounded or serrated ends. Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the teeth  1122  are disposed at an angle other than 180° with respect to the outer body  1120 . In an alternative embodiment, the teeth  1122  may be disposed at an 180° angle with respect to the outer body  1120 , i.e., the teeth  1122  may project directly inward with respect to the outer body  1120 . In one embodiment, the gripping ring  1112  is made from stainless steel. 
       FIG. 11  further illustrates one embodiment of a support ring  1114 . The support ring  1114  may include a proximal face  1156  and an angled face  1160 . When assembled, the proximal face  1156  abuts the outer body  1120  of the gripping ring  1112 . The proximal face  1156  is adjacent to the angled face  1160 . In one embodiment (as illustrated), the proximal face  1156  is disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the angled face  1160 . The support ring  1114  may be made from, for example, ABS. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates one embodiment of a seal, which, as illustrated, may comprise an O-ring  1116 . The O-ring  1116  engages with and forms a fluid-tight seal with an appropriately sized conduit  1107  (shown in  FIG. 17 ). The illustrated O-ring  1116  has a round cross-sectional shape. In an alternative embodiment, the O-ring  1116  may have, for example, an oval, hexagonal or octagonal cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, the O-ring  1116  is made from ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) (EPDM) rubber. 
     One embodiment of a second member  1118  is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . As shown, the second member  1118  may include an interior surface  1180  and an exterior surface  1178 . The interior surface  1180  may define a second passageway  1182  into which a conduit  1107  may be inserted when the coupling  1100  is assembled. The second member  1118  may include an attachment end  1184  and an opposite end  1186 . The attachment end  1184  may be secured to the proximal end  1132  of the first member  1110  using, for example, a spin weld engagement. The second member  1118  may be made from ABS. 
       FIGS. 12-16  comprise exploded and partially exploded cross-sectional views of the coupling  1100  illustrated in  FIG. 11 .  FIGS. 12-16  also illustrate one method of manufacturing the coupling of  1100 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 12-16 , the coupling  1100  includes a longitudinal dimension  1198   a , a lateral or radial dimension  1198   b , and a transverse direction  1198   c . With respect to  FIG. 12 , the first member  1110 , gripping ring  1112 , support ring  1114 , O-ring  1116  and the second member  1118  are shown separated from each other before the identified manufacturing steps take place. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the first member  1110 . As indicated above, the first member  1110  may comprise an exterior surface  1124  and an interior surface  1126 . The first member  1110  may further comprise an entry end  1130 , into which a conduit  1107  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) may be inserted, and a proximal end  1132 , which is closer to the second member  1118  following assembly. The interior surface  1126  may further define, in one embodiment, a series of tool receiving recesses  1141  and intervening tool receiving protrusions  1139 , as explained previously. The exterior surface  1124  of the first member  1110  may define, in order from the entry end  1130  to the proximal end  1132 , a first outer perimeter surface  1135 , one or more energy directors  1145 , a second outer perimeter surface  1137 , a first beveled edge  1133 , a perpendicular surface  1147 , and a second beveled edge  1143 . The energy director or directors  1145  provide a point or points of contact during welding of the first member  1110  to the second member  1118 . Accordingly, the energy of the sonic or spin weld is focused, at least initially, on the energy director or directors  1145 . When the coupling  1100  is assembled, the first outer perimeter surface  1135  and the second outer perimeter surface  1137  may contact or be welded to the interior surface  1180  of the second member  1118 . The energy director  1145  may be disposed intermediate the first outer perimeter surface  1135  and the second outer perimeter surface  1137 . The first outer perimeter surface  1135  and the second outer perimeter surface  1137  may be offset with respect to each other along a lateral or radial dimension  1198   b  of the coupling  1100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Further, the first outer perimeter surface  1135 , the energy director or directors  1145 , the second outer perimeter surface  1137 , the first beveled edge  1133 , the perpendicular surface  1147 , the second beveled edge  1143 , and the proximal end  1132  may be offset from each other along a longitudinal dimension  1198   a  of the coupling  1100 . The perpendicular surface  1147 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , may be generally perpendicular to the first outer perimeter surface  1135  and the second outer perimeter surface  1137 . In an alternative embodiment, the perpendicular surface  1147  is disposed at an angle other than 90° with respect to the first outer perimeter surface  1135  and the second outer perimeter surface  1137 . In addition, it should be noted that the angle of the first beveled edge  1133  and the second beveled edge  1143  shown in  FIG. 12  are only illustrative. These edges  1133 ,  1143  may be disposed at other angles with respect to the first and second outer perimeter surfaces  1135 ,  1137 . Also, in one embodiment, the perpendicular surface  1147  and second beveled edge  1143  are omitted. 
     The gripping ring  1112  shown in  FIG. 12  may include an inner edge  1123  that defines a series of teeth  1122 . The gripping ring  1112  may further comprise an outer edge  1201  that defines an outer body  1120 . The outer body  1120  may be disposed at an angle  1153  with respect to the teeth  1122 . The angle  1153  may be embodied in various ways within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, the angle  1153  may be obtuse (greater than 90°), such as a 120° angle or a 150° angle, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The outer body  1120  may further include a body width  1155 , which represents the width of the outer body  1120  in a lateral or radial dimension  1198   b . The teeth  1122  may engage a conduit  1107  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) when the conduit  1107  is disposed within the coupling  1100 . 
       FIG. 12  further illustrates one embodiment of the support ring  1114 . The support ring  1114  may include an exterior surface  1131  disposed on the exterior or outer region of the support ring  1114  in a lateral or radial dimension  1198   b . The support ring  1114  may further comprise an innermost surface  1165  disposed on the interior of the support ring  1114  in a lateral or radial dimension  1198   b.    
     The support ring  1114  may further comprise a proximal face  1156  and an angled face  1160 . A pivot edge  1157  may be disposed intermediate the proximal face  1156  and the angled face  1160 . The proximal face  1156  may comprise a face width  1161 , which represents the width of the proximal face  1156  in a lateral or radial dimension  1198   b . In one embodiment, the face width  1161  is less than one-eighth of the body width  1155 . In alternative embodiments, the face width  1161  may be less than one-quarter, one-half, or three-quarters of the body width  1155 . 
     The support ring  1114  may further comprise an inward ledged recess  1163 . The inward ledged recess  1163  may be generally configured in the shape of an inward step and may be disposed intermediate an O-ring recess  1167  and the exterior surface  1131 . The O-ring recess  1167  may be disposed intermediate the innermost surface  1165  and the inward ledged recess  1163  and may be shaped to receive and mate with the O-ring  1116 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the O-ring  1116  may have a circular cross-sectional shape, although other cross-sectional shapes may be employed. The O-ring  1116  may be, in one embodiment, generally annular in shape. 
     As explained above, the second member  1118  may include an exterior surface  1178  and an interior surface  1180  and an attachment end  1184  and an opposite end  1186 . The interior surface  1180  may define a first recessed region  1169 , a second recessed region  1173 , a third recessed region  1177 , and a fourth recessed region  1181 . Each of the recessed regions  1169 ,  1173 ,  1177 ,  1181  may be separated by an intervening ledge  1187 ,  1189 ,  1190 . In particular, a first ledge  1187  may be disposed intermediate the first recessed region  1169  and the second recessed region  1173 ; a second ledge  1189  may be disposed intermediate the second recessed region  1173  and the third recessed region  1177 ; and a third ledge  1190  may be disposed intermediate the third recessed region  1177  and the fourth recessed region  1181 . The recessed regions  1169 ,  1173 ,  1177 ,  1181  and each of the ledges  1187 ,  1189 ,  1190  may be, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , offset from each other in a longitudinal dimension  1198   a . The first recessed region  1169  includes a first region width  1171 , which represents a width of the first recessed region  1169  in a lateral dimension  1198   b . The second recessed region  1173  includes a second region width  1175 , which represents a width of the second recessed region  1173  in a lateral dimension  1198   b . The third recessed region  1177  includes a third region width  1179 , which represents a width of the third recessed region  1177  in a lateral dimension  1198   b . Finally, a fourth recessed region  1181  includes a fourth region width  1183 , which represents a width of the fourth recessed region  1181  in a lateral dimension  1198   b . Moving from the attachment end  1184  toward the opposite end  1186  in a longitudinal dimension  1198   a , the recessed regions  1169 ,  1173 ,  1177 ,  1181  may each be successively narrower in width  1171 ,  1175 ,  1179 ,  1183 . The ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, and fourth) of the recessed regions  1169 ,  1173 ,  1177 ,  1181 , intervening ledges  1187 ,  1189 ,  1190 , and other components in this application are used for convenience in distinguishing these features. In the claims, or other sections, different ordinal numbers may be applied to the particular components disclosed in this application based on, for example, the order in which these features are introduced into a particular discussion, claim or claim set. When desired, additional verbiage will be employed to identify a particular configuration or location of a region or feature, such as “a recessed region  1169  closest to an attachment end  1184  of the second member  1118 .” 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the interior surface  1180  of the second member  1118  defining the first recessed region  1169  comprises the first ledge  1187 . The interior surface  1180  of the second member  1118  defining the second recessed region  1173  comprises the second ledge  1189 , and the interior surface  1180  of the second member  1118  defining the third recessed region  1177  comprises the third ledge  1190 . 
     Each of the ledges  1187 ,  1189 ,  1190  may be configured in different ways. For example, the first and second ledges  1187 ,  1189 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , employee a 90° or right angle configuration, although different angles may be employed. Also, the ledges  1187 ,  1189 ,  1190  may have curved rather than flat and angled surfaces. In addition, the third ledge  1190 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , comprises a raised inner lip  1193  and a recessed outer portion  1197 , which includes an arcuate surface  1196  having an arcuate side, cross-sectional shape (i.e., a surface  1196  having an arcuate shape when seen in a side, cross-sectional view taken across the plane P defined by the corner portions C 1 , C 2  such that the plane P crosses the ledge  1190  only once and does not cross the ledge on the opposite side of the second member  1118 , which cross-sectional view is illustrated at reference numeral  1196  in  FIG. 12 ). The raised inner lip  1193  may be disposed inward, in a radial dimension  1198   b , relative to the recessed outer portion  1197 . The arcuate surface  1196  of the recessed outer portion  1197  is generally curved and is dimensioned to receive a portion of the O-ring  1116 . The third ledge  1190  is designed to minimize insertion force of a conduit  1107 . When the conduit  1107  is inserted into the coupling  1100 , the O-ring  1116  is displaced outwardly onto the arcuate surface  1196  of the recessed outer portion  1197  at least temporarily, thereby mitigating friction between the O-ring  1116  and the conduit  1107  and facilitating insertion of the conduit  1107  into the coupling  1100 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a further assembly step of the coupling  1100 . In the illustrated step, the O-ring  1116  is positioned within the second member  1118 . In particular, the O-ring  1116  is positioned within the third recessed region  1177  and is also positioned on the ledge  1190 . More specifically, the O-ring  1116  is disposed on the recessed outer portion  1197  and the raised inner lip  1193  of the third ledge  1190 . Depending on the size of the O-ring  1116 , the O-ring  1116  may be disposed at various positions in a radial dimension  1198   b  on the third ledge  1190  and lip  1193  in a resting uncoupled position (i.e., when a conduit  1107  is not disposed within the coupling  1100  and the O-ring  1116 ). As shown in  FIG. 13 , the first member  1110 , the gripping ring  1112  and the support ring  1114  have not been positioned within or secured to the second member  1118 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in a next manufacturing step, the support ring  1114  may be positioned within the second member  1118  and may be specifically positioned within the second and third recessed regions  1173 ,  1177  of the second member  1118 . As illustrated, the O-ring  1116  may be disposed within the O-ring recess  1167  of the support ring  1114 . Further, the second ledge  1189  of the second member  1118  may be dimensioned to mate with and contact the inward ledged recess  1163  of the support ring  1114 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the first member  1110  and gripping ring  1112  have not yet been positioned within or secured to the second member  1118  in the illustrated manufacturing step. 
     As illustrated, the O-ring  1116  is positioned or disposed in an annular recess  1188 , which is defined, in part, by the third ledge  1190 . The annular recess  1188  comprises four quadrants  1113 ,  1115 ,  1117 ,  1119 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second member  1118  encloses only the first and second quadrants  1113 ,  1115  of the annular recess  1188 . More specifically, the portion of the interior surface  1180  defining the third recessed region  1177  of the second member  1118  encloses only the first and second quadrants  1113 ,  1115  of the annular recess  1188 . A third quadrant  1117  of the annular recess  1188  is enclosed by the support ring  1114  and, more specifically, by the distal face  1158  of the support ring  1114 , the distal face  1158  being remote from the gripping ring  1112  when the coupling  1100  is assembled. In the illustrated embodiment, the O-ring recess  1167  is disposed on the distal face  1158  of the support ring  1114 . A fourth quadrant  1119  of the annular recess  1188  is exposed such that the O-ring  1116  can interact with a conduit  1107  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) within this quadrant  1119 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the gripping ring  1112  may be positioned within the second recessed region  1173  such that the outer body  1120  abuts the proximal face  1156  of the support ring  1114 . Because the face width  1161  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of the proximal face  1156  is less than the body width  1155  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of the outer body  1120  of the gripping ring  1112 , the gripping ring  1112  flexes downwardly toward the opposite end  1186  of the second member of  1118  with greater ease during insertion of a conduit  1107  into the coupling  1100 . This flexing action decreases the force required to insert the conduit  1107  into the coupling  1100 . This decreased force also mitigates the friction between the teeth  1122  of the gripping ring  1112  and the conduit  1107  and may reduce the abrasion or damage to the conduit  1107  during the insertion process. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates, in one embodiment, a final step of manufacturing the coupling  1100 . In this step, the first member  1110  is secured to the second member  1118  using, for example, adhesives, spin welding, or sonic welding. In the illustrated embodiment, a spin welding technique is employed resulting in a spin weld engagement  1149  between the first member  1110  and the second member  1118 . Spin welding is a friction welding technique in which, for example, the first member  1110  is rotated to cause friction with the second member  1118  until sufficient heat is generated to weld or join the first and second member  1110 ,  1118  together. In contrast, sonic welding, sometimes known as ultrasonic welding, employs high-frequency vibrations to friction weld components together. As illustrated, the first member  1110  is positioned within the first recessed region  1169  and the second recessed region  1173  of the second member  1118 . In such a condition, both the first outer perimeter surface  1135  and the second outer perimeter surface  1137  of the first member  1110  are positioned adjacent to and abut the interior surface  1126  of the second member  1118 . As explained above, the term “abut,” as used in this application, signifies physical contact with and/or being physically welded or bonded together. The first outer perimeter surface  1135  contacts the interior surface  1126  defining the first recessed region  1169 , while the second outer perimeter surface  1137  contacts the interior surface  1126  defining the second recessed region  1173 . The first beveled edge  1133 , perpendicular surface  1147 , second beveled edge  1143 , and proximal end  1132  extend inwardly away from the interior surface  1126  of the second member  1118 . 
     As shown, the first beveled edge  1133 , perpendicular surface  1147 , second beveled edge  1143  and proximal end  1132  of the first member  1110  together with the gripping ring  1112  and support ring  1114  define a cavity  1151  within the second recessed region  1173 . This cavity  1151  may retain the flash weld deposits  1199  from a sonic weld such that these deposits  1199  do not attach to and interfere with the support ring  1114  and/or gripping ring  1112 . In one embodiment, the gripping ring  1112  and the support ring  1114  are sized to enable rotation of either both or one of these items  1112 ,  1114  within and relative to the second member  1118 . This rotation of the gripping ring  1112  and support ring  1114  enables the gripping ring  1112  to firmly adhere to the conduit  1107  (shown in  FIG. 17 ), while mitigating scoring, abrasion, or damage to the conduit  1107  should the conduit  1107  be rotated following insertion into the coupling  1100 . 
     As discussed previously, a pivot edge  1157  is disposed intermediate the proximal face  1156  and the angled face  1160  of the support ring  1114 . This pivot edge  1157  enables the gripping ring  1112  to pivot toward the opposite end  1186  of the second member  1118 , thus mitigating the insertion force required to insert a conduit  1107  into the coupling  1100 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a coupling  1100  with a conduit  1107  secured therein. In particular, the conduit  1107  is positioned within the first passageway  1128  of the first member  1110  and the second passageway  1182  of the second member  1118 , that is, the insertion end  1108  of the conduit  1107  has been moved through the first passageway  1128  and into the second passageway  1182 . In this condition, the teeth  1122  engage the conduit  1107  by penetrating the outer surface  1109  of the conduit  1107 . It should be noted that the outer surface  1109  of the conduit  1107  is free of grooves, flanges and beads, yet because of the engaging interaction of the teeth  1122  with the conduit  1107 , the coupling  1100  securely retains the conduit  1107  within the coupling  1100 . 
     It should be noted that, during insertion of the conduit  1107 , the angled face  1160  of the support ring  1114  may contact and support the teeth  1122  to prevent the teeth  1122  from becoming disposed in a parallel condition relative to the outer surface  1109  of the conduit  1107 . In such a parallel condition, the teeth  1122  may not penetrate the outer surface  1109  and engage the conduit  1107 . 
     It should also be noted that as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the O-ring  1116  engages or contacts the outer surface  1109  of the conduit  1107  such that there is a fluid-tight engagement between the O-ring  1116  and the conduit  1107 . The contact of the first member  1110  and the second member  1118  with the conduit  1107  helps to maintain the conduit  1107  in an engaged position  1106  (as illustrated in  FIG. 17 ) such that disruption of the fluid-tight engagement between the O-ring  1116  and the conduit  1107  is mitigated. In other words, the first member  1110  and second member  1118  mitigate twisting or rotation  1105  of the conduit  1107  relative to the coupling  1100  such that disruption of a fluid-tight engagement between the O-ring  1116  and the conduit  1107  is mitigated. 
     The conduit  1107  may be made from various types of metals or polymers, such as PVC. In addition, the conduit  1107  may be flexible or rigid. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the coupling  1800 . This embodiment of the coupling  1800  is generally similar to or identical to the embodiment of the coupling  1100  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 11-17  with the exception of the first member  1810  including both an exterior extension  1825  and an interior extension  1827 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first member  1810  comprises both an interior extension  1827  and an exterior extension  1825 . The interior extension  1827  is disposed within the second member  1818  while the exterior extension  1825  is disposed outside of the second member  1818  and abuts, is coupled to or is proximate to, the exterior surface  1878  of the second member  1818 . The addition of the exterior extension  1825  may, in certain embodiments, enhance the engagement between the first member  1810  and the second member  1818 . In one embodiment, the first member  1810  includes an exterior extension  1825  and omits an interior extension  1827 . 
     In one embodiment, energy directors  1145  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) may be positioned at various positions on both the interior extension  1827  and the exterior extension  1825  or on the second member  1818  such that both the interior extension  1827  and the exterior extension  1825  are securely welded (e.g., using either sonic or spin welded) to the second member  1818 . As illustrated, the outer beveled edge  1833  of the exterior extension  1825  may accumulate flash deposits  1899  generated during the welding process. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the coupling  1900 . This embodiment of the coupling  1900  is generally similar to or identical to the embodiment of the coupling  1100  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 11-17  with the exception of the external extension  1925 . As an exception, the first member  1910  includes an external extension  1925  that is disposed outside of the second member  1918  and extends away from the second member  1918 . The external extension  1925  of the first member  1910  provides additional support to a conduit  1107  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) disposed within the coupling  1900 . This additional support mitigates the possibility of the conduit  1107  becoming disposed at an angle (i.e., twisted or rotated  1105  from the engaged position  1106  illustrated in  FIG. 17 ) with respect to the coupling  1900  such that the fluid tight seal between the conduit  1107  and the coupling  1900  is disrupted, at least temporarily. The external extension  1925  may be configured in various ways. For example, the external extension  1925  may be tapered, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , or have a generally rectangular shape. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of a coupling  2000 . This embodiment illustrates that the features and components disclosed previously herein may be utilized with a number of different types of couplings  20 ,  1100 ,  2000 . For example, the coupling  1100  may be an end cap  1100 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 11-17 . Alternatively, the coupling  2000  may be T-shaped, as shown in  FIG. 20 . In this embodiment, each conduit receiving end  2021   a - c  includes a first member  2010   a - c , gripping ring  2012   a - c , support ring  2014   a - c , and O-ring  2016   a - c . Accordingly, a conduit  1107  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) may be disposed and secured within each conduit receiving end  2021   a - c  of the second member  2018 . As illustrated, the first member  2010   a - c  is secured to the second member  2018  at each conduit receiving end  2021   a - c  using, by way of example only, a spin welding technique. Couplings that utilize the features and components described herein, for example, may comprise elbows at various angles, end caps, tees, double tees, and/or linear or curved adapters for receiving different size conduits at each end. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a support ring  2114 . In this embodiment, the proximal face  2156  is disposed at an acute angle  2104  with respect to the exterior surface  2131  rather than being disposed at a 90° angle with respect to the exterior surface  2131 . The angled proximal face  2156 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , enables a support ring  2014  to more easily flex during insertion of the conduit  1107  into the coupling  2000 . Accordingly, the insertion force required to position the conduit  1107  within the coupling  2000  is reduced, thereby reducing potential abrasion to the conduit  1107  and increasing the likelihood that the conduit  1107  will be properly inserted within the coupling  2000 . It should be noted that the angled proximal face  2156  of a support ring  2114  may be used with a gripping ring  1112  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) having a body width  1155  (also shown in  FIG. 12 ) equal to, greater than, or less than the face width  1161  (also shown in  FIG. 12 ) of the support ring  2114 . It should further be noted that the proximal face  1156  of the support ring  1114  of  FIG. 12  may be used with a gripping ring  1112  having a body width  1155  equal to, greater than, or less than the face width  1161  of the support ring  1114 . 
       FIG. 22  comprises a table illustrating the burst or failure pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI) of 10 couplings (e.g.,  1100 ) utilizing a sonic weld between the first member and the second member (e.g.,  1110 ,  1118 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the average burst or failure pressure was 547.9 PSI. 
       FIG. 23  comprises a table illustrating the burst or failure pressure of 15 couplings (e.g.,  1100 ) in which the first and second members (e.g.,  1110 ,  1118 ) were secured to each other utilizing a spin weld technique. The 15 couplings referenced in  FIG. 23  were of the same design as the 10 couplings referenced in  FIG. 22  except that a spin weld was utilized in place of a sonic weld. The average burst pressure of these couplings was significantly improved, namely, the average burst pressure was 897.3 PSI. The results of these tests produced a surprising and unexpected result. The spin weld technique dramatically improved the performance of the couplings, increasing the average burst pressure by 349.4 PSI. This constitutes a 64% improvement over the sonic weld technique (349.4 PSI/547.9 PSI=0.6378). In various embodiments, the first and second members are each made from one or more types of plastics (e.g., polymers, monomers, ABS, polyvinyl chloride (PCV)) and the coupling has a burst pressure of at least, for example, 650, 700, 750, 800, 900, or 1000 PSI when the coupling (e.g.,  1100 ) is coupled to a conduit (e.g.,  1107 ) that is free of grooves, flanges and beads without the use of, for example, adhesives or threaded members to secure the coupling (e.g.,  1100 ) to the conduit (e.g.,  1107 ). 
     The disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the release mechanism  42  may be utilized in connection with other embodiments, such as embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 11-20 . Accordingly, features and components of disclosed embodiments may be used with other embodiments. In addition, the first and second members, gripping ring, support ring, and/or O-ring are illustrated as having a generally rounded outer shape. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second members, gripping ring, support ring, and/or O-ring may be, for example, square, octagonal or hexagonal in order to interface with a conduit having a corresponding shape. Further, the disclosed couplings may be used, for example, with both rigid and flexible types of conduits. The scope of the disclosed subject matter is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 
     It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in any disclosed process is an example of a sample approach. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying methods claim the present elements of the various steps is a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.