Patent Publication Number: US-2012031515-A1

Title: Shutoff Valves for Fluid Conduit Connectors

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional patent application No. 61/371,415, which was filed on Aug. 6, 2010, and entitled “Shutoff Valves for Fluid Conduit Connectors,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Inline fluid conduit connectors may include valves configured to stop the flow of fluid when the connectors are disconnected. Such connectors may be referred to as shutoff connectors or couplers and they generally contain poppet or shutoff valves. Generally, shutoff couplers may include several independent parts configured to open and close of the shutoff or poppet valves contained therein. In particular, the valves typically may include a conduit, a spring member, a sealing member, and an interface member. The sealing member is coupled to the spring member. The spring member holds the sealing member in an extended position so that the valve is normally closed. The sealing member moves relative to the conduit so that the valve may be opened when coupled with another conduit. 
     The interface member generally provides a contact point for causing displacement of the sealing member when coupling conduits together. In one-sided shutoff connectors, a single shutoff valve may be implemented, while two-sided shutoff connectors include opposing shutoff valves configured with interface members that contact to compress the spring members and open the valves. When shutoff connectors are uncoupled, the spring member(s) return the sealing member(s) to a position that closes the valve(s). Conventionally, each of the conduit, the interface member, the sealing member, and the spring member are distinct components adding cost and additional labor to the construction of a shutoff connector. 
     The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound. 
     SUMMARY 
     Implementations of fluid connectors having shutoff valves disclosed herein have an integrally formed valve component. For example, in some embodiments, the integrally formed valve component includes a spring portion that defines at least one fluid pathway. Additionally, the integrated valve component may include a sealing member and/or an interface member. 
     In some embodiments, the interface member may be formed as a single, integral component with the spring portion. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments the sealing member may be part of the integrally formed valve component. In particular, when the integrally formed valve component is made of an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber) the sealing member may be formed as part of the spring member. In some embodiments, the sealing member may include surfaces of the spring member that are configured to form a seal. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, the integrally formed valve component may include the spring portion and the sealing member without the interface member. In some embodiments, a plunger is provided separately from the integrated valve component and, in some respects, functions as an interface member. 
     A housing defining a cavity encapsulates the integral valve component to form one-half of a fluid conduit connector device. The housing and the valve component together form a portion of the flow pathway of the fluid connector. The cavity is external to a volume defined by the interior surfaces of the integral valve component. The housing may be sealed together with the integrally formed valve component in several different ways. For example, in one embodiment, the housing may be sealed to the integrally formed valve component using ultrasonic welding, hot-plate welding, chemical bonding, or by bolting the cover to the integrally formed component. 
     In some embodiments, the integral valve component is formed as a spring member. The spring member may be tapered, or may have other external surface shapes such as corrugations, fluted features, or the like. The spring member may be integrally formed with either or both of an interface member and a barbed end. The spring portion of the integral valve component may be shaped as a single helix, a double helix (or more), a stent (e.g., tube with apertures or fenestrations in the sidewalls), or other suitable shape. The apertures may have various different shapes, e.g., circles, squares, diamonds, and so forth. In some embodiments, the spring member tapers from a larger circumference near the barb to a smaller circumference near the interface member. The interior of the spring member forms a portion of a flow pathway with a lumen formed in the barbed end. 
     In some embodiments, a locking mechanism is provided to lock male and female connectors together. When the locking member is engaged, one or more integrally formed valves are open to form a fluid pathway therethrough. The locking member may be disengaged by depression of an actuator to allow for decoupling of male and female connectors. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is side elevation view of a female integrated valve component. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a male integrated valve component 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section view of the male and female integrated valve components of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each having a housing for coupling and shown in an uncoupled and closed state. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 3  detailing a sealing interface between the integral valve component and the housing of the female connector component. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section view of the male and female fluid conduit connectors including integrated valve components of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in a coupled and open state. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 5  detailing an interface between the female and male integrated valve components opening the valve members. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a second exemplary embodiment of a fenestrated, tapered, integrally-formed valve component for use in a shutoff valve of a fluid connector. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a third exemplary embodiment of a fenestrated, tapered, integrally-formed valve component for use in a shutoff valve of a fluid connector. 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a fenestrated, tapered, integrally-formed valve component for use in a shutoff valve of a fluid connector. 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a fenestrated, tapered, integrally-formed valve component for use in a shutoff valve of a fluid connector. 
         FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of a plunger that may be used with the integrally-formed valves of  FIGS. 7-10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of the plunger of  FIG. 11  integrally-formed with the fenestrated valve of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of a fluid conduit connector with integrally formed valve components of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-section view of the fluid conduit connector of  FIG. 13  taken along line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged, isometric, cross-section view of a portion of the connector of  FIG. 13  when assembled. 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a multiple lumen connector. 
         FIG. 17  is an elevation view of the multiple lumen connector of  FIG. 16  illustrating a connection structure for holding male and female components of the multiple lumen connector together. 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric, cross-section view of the multiple lumen connector of  FIG. 16  taken along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view of a single lumen, pushbutton connector connected to a male bayonet connector. 
         FIG. 20  is an isometric view of the male bayonet connector with an integrated plunger that couples with the female pushbutton connector of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric, cross-section view of a portion of the male bayonet connector of  FIG. 20  and a portion of the female pushbutton connector of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  is an isometric, cross-section view depicting the male bayonet connector entering the female pushbutton connector. 
         FIG. 23  is an enlarged, isometric, cross-section view depicting the plunger of the male bayonet connector interfacing with the female pushbutton connector. 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged, elevation, cross-section view depicting the male bayonet connector locked within the female pushbutton connector and displacing the integrated valve to allow fluid flow. 
         FIG. 25  is an isometric view of an inline connector system having a male connector and a female connector. 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-section view of the inline connector system of  FIG. 25  taken along line  26 - 26  in  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is an enlarged, isometric, cross-section view of the inline connector system depicting the male connector partially inserted within the female connector and the plunger of the female connector interfacing with the male connector. 
         FIG. 28  is an enlarged, isometric, cross-section view of the inline connector system with a depicting the male connector locked within the female connector and displacing the integrated valves to allow fluid flow. 
         FIG. 29  is an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a fenestrated, straight, integrally-formed valve component for use in a shutoff valve of a fluid connector. 
         FIG. 30  is an elevation view of an exemplary alternate embodiment of a fenestrated, straight, integrally-formed valve component for use in a shutoff valve of a fluid connector. 
         FIG. 31  is a cross-section view of an alternate embodiment of male and female fluid conduit connectors including integrated valve components of  FIGS. 30 and 31  in a coupled and open state. 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-section view of the male fluid conduit connector of  FIG. 31  taken along line  32 - 32  in  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-section view of the male fluid conduit connector of  FIG. 31  taken along line  33 - 33  in  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 34  is an isometric view of the male fluid conduit connector of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 35  is a graph showing the change in length of an elastomeric tubular member (of 3 different materials) as disclosed herein over time. 
         FIG. 36  is a graph showing the percent change in length of an elastomeric tubular member (of 3 different materials) as disclosed herein over time. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Implementations of a shutoff valve for use in inline fluid conduit connectors having integrally formed component parts to simplify the manufacturing process are disclosed herein. In particular, a shutoff valve is disclosed that integrates two or more traditionally separate component parts of the shutoff valve into a single integrated part. One integral component of the shutoff valve may be a spring portion provided to hold the shutoff valve closed. The shutoff valve may define a lumen and a fenestrated outer wall through which fluid may flow when the valve is opened. The spring portion may be configured to be compressed when two halves of the fluid connector are coupled together to open respective valves in each of the halves of the fluid connector and return to an extended position to close the valve when the two halves of the fluid connector are decoupled. 
     The spring portion may take multiple forms and may be integrally formed with one or more other parts of the shutoff valve. In one embodiment, the spring may be formed as a tapered helical feature with one or more spiral members. In some embodiments, the spring may be formed as a fenestrated tube. In some embodiments, the spring may take the form of a hollowed integrally formed valve with apertures extending through the walls of the integrally formed valve. The apertures may be shaped in one or more geometric shapes such as circles, ovals, triangles, parallelograms, and so forth. These, and other features, are described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings. 
     In some embodiments, the spring portion may extend between an interface member and a barb end. Additionally, in some embodiments, the spring portion may be rigidly attached to or integral with one or more of the interface members and the barb end, while in other embodiments, the spring portion may not be rigidly attached to or integral with one or more of the interface member and/or barb end. For example, if the spring portion is compression or cast molded, it may not be rigidly attached. However, if the spring portion is injection molded, it may be rigidly attached to or integrally molded with the barb and/or the interface member. 
     Implementations of shutoff valves may be formed of plastic (e.g., semi-rigid material such as acetyl), thermoplastic elastomers, or rubber. The shutoff valve may be molded by injection molding (e.g., if a plastic), reaction injection molding (e.g. if a thermoplastic), or by compression or cast molding (e.g., if a rubber), and/or other appropriate molding processes depending upon the material used. In one exemplary implementation using a plastic material, the entire barb and interface member can be molded as a single part. To make a seal, an O-ring may be seated adjacent the interface portion. The opposite end adjacent the barb may be sealed several ways when assembled into a connector such as sonic welding, hot plate, chemical bonding or even bolting it on with another elastomeric seal. 
     In an alternate implementation of a shutoff valve of made of an elastomer (e.g., rubber), all sealing surfaces are formed integrally into the part. For example, the interface portion may have a feature that resembles an O-ring that will seal in as a poppet. Similarly, a section adjacent the barbed end may be formed as a sealing surface. If a rubber seal is not rigidly attached to a barb, then the barb may be designed to seal onto the rear of the rubber valve. An interface may be formed from a separate hard plastic material forming the barb that attaches to and end of the rubber valve. 
     By integrally forming various component parts of the shutoff valves, the manufacturing process is improved. In particular, the integrated parts reduce the amount of time and money required for manufacture, as there are fewer overall parts and fewer steps required in the process. 
     Turning to the figures and referring initially to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a female integrated shutoff valve  10  is illustrated. As its name suggests, the female integrated shutoff valve integrates several component parts of a standard shutoff valve and may be formed through a single process as a unitary member. The female integrated shutoff valve includes a tapered helical feature  14  that extends between a barbed end  16  and an interface member  18 , functions as a spring member, and allows for fluid to flow therethrough and around. 
     The tapered helical feature  14  may include one or more helical structures  20  connected to interface member  18  and the barbed end  16 . In one embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the tapered helical feature  14  may include two tapered helical members  20 . The tapered helical members  20  may have a pitch and length such that they complete a desired number of rotations between interface member  18  and the barbed end  16 . For example, each tapered helical member  20  may complete one or more turns. 
     The helical structures  20  maintain the interface member  18  at a distance from the barbed end  16  and may be compressed longitudinally when pressure is applied to the interface member  18 . The helical structures  20  have a spring characteristic resulting from compression of the helical structures  20  and the elastic properties of the material from which the helical structures  20  are made. As such, when pressure is removed from the interface member  18 , the compressed helical structures  20  longitudinally extend to return the interface member  18  to the original distance from the barbed end  16 . As discussed in greater detail below, an integrally formed shutoff valve is closed when helical structures  20  are fully extended and open when they are compressed. 
     The tapered helical feature  14  tapers from a maximum diameter near the barbed end  16  to a minimum diameter near the interface member  18 . In other embodiments, the helical structures  20  may be uniform in diameter (e.g., not tapered) between the barbed end  16  and the interface member  18 . In still other embodiments, the helical structures may taper smaller from the interface member  18  to the barbed end  16 . 
     The tapering of the tapered helical feature  14  may be achieved in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the size of the helical structures  20  may be tapered such that the outer diameter of the helical feature  14  tapers. That is, the cross-sectional area of the helical structures  20  may be smaller near the interface member  18  than near the barbed end  16 . In some embodiments, a volume  22  defined by the interior surfaces  24  of the helical structures  20  does not taper. Rather, the diameter of the volume  22  remains constant along the length of the helical feature  14 . In another embodiment, the volume  22  may taper from the barbed end  16  longitudinally to the interface member  18 . In such an embodiment (not shown), the size of the helical structures  20  may or may not also be tapered to provide for tapering of the tapered helical feature  14 . For example, in one embodiment (not shown), the size of the helical structures  20  and the volume  22  defined by the structures  20  may both taper. 
     The barbed end  16  defines a lumen so that it may function as a conduit for fluids that flow through the integrally formed shutoff valve. The helical structures  20  are integrally formed with a lip  26  of the barbed end  16 . The barbed end  16  may define one or more barb(s)  30  on its outer diameter that are tapered toward the terminal end  32  of the barbed end  16 . The barb  30  allows for a rubberized hose, plastic tube, or other conduit suitable for fluid transport to be attached. Specifically, the tapered shape of the barb  30  allows for a conduit (not shown) to fit tightly over the barbed end  16  of the integrated shutoff valve  10  and holds the conduit in place or increases the difficulty of removing the conduit relative to installing the conduit on the female integrated shutoff valve. In some embodiments, the conduits may have interior barbs (i.e., barbs on the interior surface of the conduit) that interlock with the barb  30  of the female integrated shutoff valve and/or the conduits may be configured to shrink, for example, when heat is applied to prevent the conduit from easily being removed from the barbed end  16  of the female integrated shutoff valve. 
     The interface member  18  of the female integrated shutoff valve  10  has a contact surface  33  configured to contact a corresponding interface member of an opposing integrated valve member in a complementary or reciprocal connector component resulting in displacement of interface member  18  longitudinally towards the barbed end  16 . The contact surface  33  may be concave or recessed to receive a male tip and prevent it from slipping off when coupled. 
     The interface member  18  may include a boss  34  to which the helical structures are integrally formed. Additionally, the interface member  18  includes a circumferential recess  36  for retention of sealing members. The recess  36  about the circumference of the interface member  18  allows for positioning of a sealing member for sealing when coupling integrally formed shutoff valves together. The recess  36  may be located about the interface members between the boss  34  and contact surface  33 . The recess  36  holds the sealing member in place when coupling of the connector brings the integrally formed shutoff valves together and prevents the sealing member from being removed from the interface member  18  when decoupling connector and the integrally formed shutoff valves. 
     The female integrated shutoff valve  10 , and other components described herein, may be made of a suitable material with a low yield such as acetyl, acetal, polyoxymethylene (POM), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and similar materials, or elastomeric rubbers (e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile rubber, styrene block copolymers, and so forth). The durometer of the elastomeric rubber materials may be tested and selected according to empirical analysis to achieve a desired resistance to force the spring quickly to make a seal but to allow for a relatively easy connection. Additionally, the tapered helical feature  14  and the other spring members described herein, e.g., the barbed end  16  and the interface member  18  of the integrated shutoff valve  10 , may be created integrally through a suitable process. For example, the integrated shutoff valve  10  may be created through a molding process such as compression molding, casting, reaction injection molding, liquid silicone rubber molding for rubber materials, injection molding (e.g., two and three shot processes for both plastic and rubber). Additionally, a milling process may be implemented such as computer numerical control (CNC) milling or rapid prototyping. 
     Additionally, while the tapered helical feature  14 , the barbed end  16 , and the interface member  18  of the female integrated shutoff valve  10  may be created integrally in a single process, in other embodiments, they may be created in separate processes. Further, in other embodiments, the tapered helical feature  14  may be created integrally with one of the barbed end  16  or with the interface member  18 , but not both. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a male integrated shutoff valve  12 . The male integrated shutoff valve includes a tapered helical feature  14 , a barbed end  16 , and an interface member  18 , similar to the female integrated shutoff valve  10  of  FIG. 1 . A contact surface  38  of the interface member  18  on the male integrated shutoff valve  12  may extend or protrude further from the interface member  18  than the contact surface  33  of the female integrated shutoff valve  10 . In one embodiment, the contact surface  33  of the female integrated shutoff valve ( FIG. 1 ) may be concave to receive the contact surface  38  of the male integrated shutoff valve  12 . In other embodiments, the contact surfaces  33  and  38  may have the same form. For example, in one embodiment, the contact surfaces  33  and  38  may each be flat. 
     It should be appreciated that although the integrated shutoff valves  10  and  12  have been illustrated and described as fully integral components, in other embodiments one or more of the barbed end  16 , the tapered helical feature  14 , and/or the interface member  18  may be separately created and subsequently coupled to the other parts. Additionally, in some embodiments the tapered helical feature  14  may be made of a material providing different elastomeric properties as compared to the materials used for the other parts. The elastomeric properties allow the tapered helical feature  14  to function as a spring. Additionally, the integrated shutoff valves may be formed separately but joined together using adhesives or other processes such as solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, and so forth. Generally, a low compression rubber set may be implemented for the spring portions. In some embodiments, for example where the application calls for a quick (i.e., short duration) connection and release of the connector, a low yield plastic may be implemented for the spring portions. 
     A cross-section view of an exemplary fluid connector  39  with integrally formed shutoff valves  10  and  12  is presented in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . As illustrated, female and male housings  40  and  42 , respectively, cover portions of the integrated shutoff valves  10  and  12  to complete male and female halves of the fluid connector  39 . The housings  40  and  42  may be made of a plastic material formed through a molding or etching process and the integrated shutoff valves  10  and  12  fit within the cavities defined by the housings  40  and  42 . In other embodiments, the housings  40  and  42  may be formed directly over the integrated shutoff valves  10 ,  12  through an overmold process. The housings  40  and  42  are configured to couple together to engage the male and female integrated shutoff valves  10  and  12 . The female housing  40  may define a receiving cavity  44  for receiving a protruding member  46  of the male housing  42  when coupling the fluid connector  39  together. 
     As noted, the female and male housings  40  and  42  each define interior cavities  48  that encapsulate the tapered helical features  14 . The tapered helical features  14  press sealing members  50  against inner surface  52  of the cavities  48 . The sealing members  50  are positioned about the interface members  18  of the female and male integrated valve members  10  and  12 . In one embodiment, the sealing members  50  are rubber O-rings. In some embodiments, the sealing members  50  may be assembled onto the end of the tapered helical features  14 . In other embodiments, the sealing members  50  may be molded into the end of the tapered helical features  14  (for example, using a 2 and/or 3 shot molding process) or may be integral features of the tapered helical features  14 . 
     Pressure supplied by the spring force of the tapered helical features  14  and, in some embodiments, fluid within the cavities  48 , holds the tapered helical features  14  and the sealing members  50  against the inner surfaces of the cavities  48  to prevent the flow of fluid out of the cavities  48 . In another embodiment, the sealing members  50  are elastomer overmolds on the interface members  18 . In yet another embodiment, an elastomer/rubber cap or molded material having a more elastic durometer than the interface members  18  covers the interface members  18 . Such elastomer overmolds and caps may have a durometer such that they deform when pressed by the spring force of the helical features  14  against the inner surface  52  of the cavities  48  to create a seal. 
     In some embodiments, one or more additional sealing and/or coupling members may be provided to secure the two halves of the fluid connector  39  together and/or to prevent fluid from escaping the fluid connector  39 . For example, as illustrated, an additional sealing member  60  may be provided about the protruding member  46  of the male housing  42 . The additional sealing member  60  creates a seal between the female and male housings  40  and  42  and provides an interface fit between the two halves of the fluid connector  39  to hold the two halves together. More specifically, the sealing member  60  provides a seal between the cavity  44  of the female housing  40  and the protruding member  46  of the male housing  42  to prevent leakage of fluid from the fluid connector  39  when the integrated components  10  and  13  are in open positions and may provide sufficient friction to hold the fluid connector  39  together. Other mechanical latch features (not shown) may further be used to hold the male and female halves of the fluid connector  39  together. 
     In other embodiments, sealing and coupling members may include one or more ridges (not shown) integral with the interior surface of the cavity  44  of the female housing  40  and the outer surface of the protruding member  46  of the male housing  42 . The ridges may be concentric and have a size that prevents easy uncoupling of the two halves of the shutoff valve without making it difficult to couple them together. In yet another alternative embodiment, the protruding member  46  of the male housing  42  may be slightly tapered such that as it is inserted into the receiving cavity  44  of the female housing  40 , the friction increases to hold the two halves of the fluid connector  39  together. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the female and male integrated shutoff valves  10  and  12  in an interfaced position contracting the tapered helical features  14  longitudinally to open the integrated shutoff valves  10 ,  12  within the fluid connector  39 . When the integrated shutoff valves are opened, fluid may flow through the fluid connector  39  in either direction (i.e., flow may proceed from the male integrated shutoff valve  12  to the female integrated shutoff valve  10 , or vice-versa). Specifically, fluid may flow through the interior of the barbed end  16  of the female integrated shutoff valve  10  into and through the tapered helical feature  14 , into the cavity  48  of the female housing  40 , through the interface  70  of the male and female integrated shutoff valves  10  and  12 , into the cavity  48  of the male housing  42 , through and into the tapered helical feature  14  and out the barbed end  16  of the male integrated shutoff valve  12 . 
     Should the two halves of the fluid connector  39  become decoupled, the tapered helical features  14  extend in their respective, opposing directions of bias to close the integrated shutoff valves  10 ,  12  within the cavities of the respective female and male housings  40 ,  42  of the fluid connector  39 . Thus, the shutoff valve  39  is only open when pressure is applied to the interface members  18  to displace them longitudinally and thus remove the seal between the sealing members  50  and the covers  40  and  42 . 
       FIGS. 7-10  illustrate various different designs of integrally formed valves  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  that may be implemented as an integrated valve component or part of an integrated valve component of a shutoff valve of a fluid connector in accordance with exemplary embodiments. Specifically, the integrally formed valves  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  each are a fenestrated tubular member. The fenestrated tubular members provide the functionality of multiple component parts of a tradition shutoff valve. For example, the fenestrated tubes define apertures to allow the fenestrated tubular member to be compressed to a shorter length and resiliently return to longer length than when compressed and to provide a fluid flow pathway, as discussed in greater detail below. This type of valve may be used with different housing structures than are shown herein. Also, the integrally formed valve members used in a connector structure need not be identical to one another in both halves of the housing. 
     Each integrally formed valve  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  may have molded into it, a rear sealing feature  110 , a spring body for flex  112 , a fluid passage  114  to allow flow therethrough, a front sealing surface  116 , and an alignment tip  118  with a front pocket  120 . The rear sealing feature  110  may be a circumferential protrusion in the surface of the integrally formed valve that forms a seal at the rear of a connector in which the integrally formed valve is implemented. In some embodiments, the integrally formed valve  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  may be overmolded onto a barb end such that the barb end may be considered part of an integrated component. In other embodiments, the barb end is independent from the integrated valve component. The barb may be coupled to a connector in a suitable manner and the rear seal  110  may help prevent fluid leakage from occurring around the outside of the barb. 
     The spring body  112  may include apertures  122  formed in a radial orientation in the sidewalls of the integrally formed valves  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  and placed or positioned around the body  112  to allow the integrally formed valves  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  to compress, for example axially compress, to provide low stress and minimal fatigue when compressed. The apertures may be arranged longitudinally in staggered positions with respect to circumferentially adjacent apertures  122 , or alternately arranged along common latitudinal circumferences. The geometry of the apertures  122  may take different forms such as squares, circles, diamonds, or other shapes. 
     In addition to providing spring functionality, the apertures  122  provide a fluid flow pathway. For example, fluid may enter through an inner diameter of the rear sealing surface  110  and pass through the apertures  122  as the flow moves towards and around the front sealing surface  116 . 
     The front sealing surface  116  may be a surface along a curved portion of the integrally formed valves that when in a resting or closed state inside the connector abuts a portion of the housing to provide a seal to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve. In other embodiments, the front sealing surface  116  may be a circumferential protrusion similar to the rear sealing feature. The seal provided by the front sealing surface prevents fluid from leaking out of the valve when the valve is closed. 
     The alignment tip  118  with the front pocket  120  serves to hold and align a plunger and/or an opposing integrally formed valve. In one embodiment the pocket  120  may be a reversed tapered blind hole to hold a plunger. Having a reverse taper on the plunger and the pocket allows for the plunger to serve the purpose of pulling the darts into the sealing surface during decoupling. In other embodiments, the pocket  120  may have a generally cylindrical shape or other suitable shape to receive a plunger. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an exemplary plunger  124 . The plunger  124  may be implemented as a separate component in embodiments where the spring body  112  (and/or integrated valve) is made of a soft elastomeric material, such as materials having approximately 80 Shore A hardness range and below. In other embodiments, with elastomeric materials of approximately 80-90 Shore A hardness, the plunger may be molded integrally with the tip of an integrated valve, as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , the plunger  124  may have a generally hourglass shape to create a dovetail connection in the pocket  120  of the alignment tip  118 . In particular, the hourglass shape may include a first end  128  that tapers larger outwardly from a center of the plunger. In some embodiments, the plunger  124  may include a second end  129  that does not taper as sharply outwardly from the center of the plunger. In some embodiments, both ends may be substantially cylindrical in shape or may be formed with any other desirable cross-sectional shape (e.g., square, hexagonal, etc.). 
     In embodiments where the first end  128  has a larger taper than the second end  129 , the first end may be configured to be permanently installed within the pocket  120 . That is, the first end  128  may be installed in the pocket  120  and not removed through use, whereas the second end  129  is removeably installed during use. In some embodiments, the first end  128  is permanently installed in a female side. This keeps the connector hidden inside the female orifice so that in the event the connector is placed face down a on a hard surface the flow will not be opened. (See  FIGS. 14 and 15 .) That is, the plunger is protected from contact with the hard surface and potential displacement from the female connector housing which could open the seal. 
     The plunger  124  may include a flow path and centering section that may include one or more fins  127  extending longitudinally and outwardly therefrom. The flow path and centering section allows fluid to flow when the connector is connected. The one or more fins  127  help to align the integrated valves and aids in keeping an opposing integrated valve centered to the orifice. In some embodiments, the alignment is achieved by the one or more fins  127  abutting a portion of a housing. In some embodiments a receiving feature may be provided in the housing to receive the on or more fins  127 , thereby helping to align opposing integrated valves. 
     An exterior surface  126  around the pocket  120  may be tapered slightly inward so that the plunger  124  may be guided and centered into the pocket. The pocket  120  and plunger  124  may also be configured to pull the integrally formed valves  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  into a position to close the valve and center the integrally formed valve when the connector is being disconnected. That is, the shape of the pocket  120  and the plunger  124  on one end of the connector may be such that when pulling the connector apart, the pocket  120  holds onto the plunger  124  for a short distance thereby pulling the spring member  112  and front-sealing surface  116  into a closed position before the plunger  124  releases from the pocket  120 . 
     The integrally formed valves  100 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106  may be injection molded or compression molded of an elastomeric material, as discussed above. The integrally formed valves are not limited in size or shape or cross-sectional geometry and may be used in a connector in which one side may have a shutoff valve and the other side does not. As such, the integrally formed valves are designed to function in a variety of connector applications. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate male and female connectors implementing the integrated valve  100 .  FIG. 14  illustrates, in cross-section, a connector  130  implementing integrally formed valves  132 . The integrally formed valves  132  have been coupled to barbed ends  134  to help enable coupling of the connector  130  into a fluid pathway. Female and male housings  136  and  138  are provided to encompass the integrally formed valves  132 . In some embodiments, the barbed ends  134  may include a threaded region  135  for coupling of the barbed ends to their respective housing  136  and  138 . Additionally, a hexagonal (or other shaped) head may be provided to facilitate the attachment of the barbed ends to the housing  136 ,  138 . In other embodiments, other features may be provided to facilitate the attachment of other components. For example, concentric ridges may be provided for attachment of the barbed ends and the housings in one embodiment, while in other embodiments, the barbed ends and housings may be coupled together through different modes. The rear-sealing feature  110  engages the housing to form a seal region  137  at the rear of the housing near the barbed end  134 . A front-sealing feature  116  engages the housing to form seal region  139  at the front of the housing near the interconnection portion of each housing member. These seal regions of each integrally formed valve  132  create a seal with their respective housings  136 ,  138 . An additional sealing member  140 , e.g., an O-ring, is provided to form a seal between the two housings  136  and  138  when the housings are coupled together. The housings  136  and  138  may be configured to fit together and be held together. As such, latches, ridges, barbs, hooks, indentations, or other interlocking features  141  may be provided to couple the housings together in a complementary manner. Additionally, as illustrated, a plunger  142  is provided with one of the integrally formed valves. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an enlarged section of the connector  130  of  FIG. 11  when assembled. Specifically, the interlocking features  141  of the housings  136  and  138  are shown interlocked and the plunger  124  is coupled with and causing contraction of both integrally formed valves  132  thereby causing the front-sealing surfaces  139  to displace and open the valves  132  for fluid flow. 
     Multiple pathway connectors may be created by creating housings configured to house multiple integrally formed valves and barbed ends.  FIGS. 16 ,  17  and  18  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a multiple pathway connector  150  having housings  152  and  154  configured to house three unique fluid pathways. It should be appreciated that housings may be provided for any number of fluid pathways and that the embodiment described herein is an example.  FIG. 16  is an isometric view,  FIG. 17  is a bottom view and  FIG. 18  is a cross-section view of the multiple pathway connector  150 . Each fluid pathway includes a pair of integrally formed valves and barbed ends  156  as well as a plunger and a sealing member. Each of the various parts performs the same functions as describe above. As illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , a hexagonal (or other shaped) head  158  may be provided to facilitate attachment of barbed ends  156  to the housings  152  and  154  via threads on the barbed ends, as discussed above. 
     Additionally, the housings  152  and  154  may be coupled together in multiple different ways. For example, the housings  152  and  154  may be configured to snap together using hooks, barbs, ridges, indentations, or other complementary interlocking features integrally formed within the housings, as described above. Alternatively, an external coupling device, for example, a screw, bolt, and/or a latching mechanism may be provided to hold the housings  152  and  154  together.  FIG. 17  illustrates the use of a bolt  160  to secure the housings  152  and  154  together. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more sealing members may provide a seal between the housings  152  and  154  (e.g., similar to sealing member  140  in  FIGS. 14 and 15 ) and may be configured to provide an interference coupling between the housings  152 ,  154 . 
     The integrated valves may be implemented in connectors with that provide for attachment and detachment using a push button or other actuator type device. In particular,  FIGS. 19-24  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a pushbutton, inline fluid connector  200  that has a single valve. The pushbutton connector  200  includes a housing  202  having a pushbutton  204 . The housing  202  may be configured with an integral or detachable first barbed fitting  206  on one end. The housing  202  may also be configured to receive a male bayonet connector  208 . The bayonet connector  208  may include features to displace an integrated valve  210  housed within the housing  202  to open the valve  210  and create a fluid pathway that extends through the bayonet connector  208  and the pushbutton connector  200 , including the barbed fitting  206 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates the male bayonet connector  208 . The bayonet connector  208  includes a sealing member  214 , which in some embodiments may take the form of an O-ring. Additionally, the bayonet connector  208  includes an interference member  216  that extends outward from a proximal or insertion end and is configured to enter into the housing  202  and interface with the integrated valve  210  to displace and thereby open the integrated valve  210 . In particular, the interface member  216  may be configured to be positioned within a pocket  218  of the integrated valve  210 . In some embodiments the interface member  216  and the pocket  218  may be reversed tapered so that the pocket  218  holds the interface member  216  and, during decoupling, the interference member pulls the integrated valve  210  into a position that seals the cavity  214 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the interface member  216  may be tapered to facilitate the entry into the pocket  218  and also to aid in aligning the bayonet connector  208  within the housing  202 . The interface member  216  may be coupled to, or integrally formed with, the bayonet connector  208  to while providing for a fluid pathway into the lumen of the bayonet connector  208 . In particular, apertures  211  may be provided between the interface member  216  and the bayonet connector  208  through which fluid may flow. The apertures  211  may be located between the sealing member  214  and the interface member  216 . 
     The bayonet connector  208  may also define a locking channel  217  that circumscribes the outer surface  219  of the bayonet connector  208 . In particular, in some embodiments, the locking channel  217  may have a tapered wall  221  and a squared wall  223 . In other embodiments, both walls may be squared or tapered. The bayonet connector  208  may also include a grip feature  225  that may serve as a stop to prevent further insertion of the bayonet connector  208  into the housing  202 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the grip feature  225  may be used as a finger grip to aid a user when coupling and/or decoupling the bayonet connector  208  from the pushbutton connector  200 . 
     The pushbutton  204  may generally be a displaceable portion of the housing  202  that is linked to or integral with a locking member  203 . The locking member  203  may be configured to secure the bayonet connector  208  within the housing  202 . Generally, the locking channel  217  may have a shape that corresponds to and interfaces with the locking member  203 . In particular, the locking member  203  may be configured with a receiving side  205  that may be tapered to allow insertion of the bayonet connector  208  and a locking side  207  that may be squared or more acutely tapered than the receiving side  205  to interface with the channel  217  and prevent the male bayonet connector  208  from being easily removed. The locking member  203  and the button  204  may be spring loaded or otherwise biased to a locking position from which they may be displaced to facilitate the receiving and removing of the bayonet connector  208  into the housing  202 . 
       FIG. 21  is a cross-section view of the pushbutton connector  200  with the bayonet connector  208  decoupled from the housing  202 . As shown, the housing  202  encapsulates an integrated valve  210 . The integrated valve  210  may take the form of one of the embodiments described above (e.g., integrally formed valve  102 ). A front sealing member  118  of the integrated valve presses against an interior wall  212  of the housing  202  to seal a front portion of an interior cavity  213  of the housing. A rear sealing member  216  of the integrated valve  210  seals the rear portion of the interior cavity  214 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates the bayonet connector  208  partially inserted within the pushbutton connector  200 , but not in a locked position. The locking member  203  and button  204  are displaced downward by the force of the bayonet connector  208  as it enters the housing  202 . The interface member  216  is not pressing against the integrated valve  210  so the valve  210  remains sealed.  FIG. 23  illustrates an intermediate step in the coupling and decoupling of the bayonet connector  208  into the housing  202 . As shown, the interface member  216  is positioned within the pocket  218  of the integrated valve  210 . The sealing member  214  of the bayonet connector  208  is in contact with a sealing surface  230  of the housing  202  thus creating a seal between the bayonet connector  208  and the pushbutton connector  200 . The button  204  and locking member  203  are displaced to allow for further insertion of the bayonet connector  208  into the pushbutton connector  200 . Additionally, the front sealing member  116  of the integrated valve  210  is in contact with the wall  212  of the housing  202  to seal the cavity  214  of the housing  202 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates the bayonet connector  208  in a locked position within the pushbutton connector  200 . In the locked position, the bayonet connector  208  is fully inserted into the housing  202  and is held in place by the locking member  203 . That is, the locking member  203  has engaged at least a portion of the locking channel  217  of the bayonet connector  208 . Additionally, in the locked position, the integrated valve  210  is displaced and the front sealing member  118  is removed from the wall  212  such that the valve  210  is open, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the fluid pathway from the bayonet connector  208 , through the pushbutton connector  200 , to exit the barbed fitting  206 , or in the opposite direction. In order to disconnect the bayonet connector  208  from the pushbutton connector  200 , the button  204  may be depressed to remove the locking member  203  from the locking channel  217  and the bayonet connector  208  may be pulled out of the housing  202 . As the bayonet connector  208  is withdrawn, the interface member  216  pulls the integrated valve  210  to close the valve  210  and the spring characteristics of the integrated valve  210  hold the valve  210  closed. 
       FIGS. 25-28  illustrate an embodiment of a inline fluid connector system  300 . In  FIG. 25 , the connector system  300  is illustrated as having a male connector  302  and a female connector  304 .  FIG. 26  is a cross-section view of the connector system  300 . Each of the male and female connectors  302 ,  304  includes an integrally formed valve  306 , such as integrally formed valve  100 . The integrally formed valves  306  each include a front sealing member  308  and a rear sealing member  310  to seal the interior cavities  312  of the male and female connectors  302 ,  304 . Additionally each of the male and female connectors  302 ,  304  includes a barbed end  313  that forms a portion of a fluid pathway for the connector system  300  and is designed to connect with an end of a length of fluid tubing. 
     A plunger  314  may be coupled to the integrally formed valve  306  of the female connector  304 . The plunger  314  may be reversed tapered and may be positioned within a pocket  315  of the integrally formed valve  306  of the female connector  304 . A housing  316  of the female connector  304  generally protects the plunger from incidental contact to prevent accidental opening of the valve. 
     Additionally, the female connector  304  includes a locking mechanism  320 . The locking mechanism  320  includes an externally accessible actuator  322  and a locking member  324 . The actuator  322  and the locking member  324  may be integrally formed or may otherwise be coupled together so that the locking member  324  is displaced by movement of the actuator  322 . In the embodiment shown, the locking member  324  is a guillotine latch plate that interfaces with a corresponding structure on the male connector  302 . 
     An engagement portion  328  of a housing  330  of the male connector  302  may be configured to be received by the female connector  304 .  FIG. 27  illustrates the engagement portion  328  of the male connector  302  entering the female connector  304 . The engagement portion  328  of the male connector  302  may include one or more channels that circumscribe the housing  330 . For example, in some embodiments a sealing channel  332  may be provided into which a sealing member, such as an O-ring (not shown) may be positioned. In another embodiment, the engagement portion  328  inserted into the female connector  304  may create an interference seal such that fluid does cannot pass through the interface between the male and female connectors  302 ,  304 . 
     Additionally, a locking channel  334  may be provided. The locking channel  334  may be shaped to receive a portion of the locking member  324 . As such, the locking member  324  and the locking channel  334  may have complimentary shapes. For example, the locking channel  334  may be a relief cut that coincides with the shape of the locking member  324 . In some embodiments, the locking channel and locking member may each have squared or nearly squared edges. In another embodiment, one or more edges may be beveled or tapered. 
     As shown in  FIG. 27 , the plunger  314  is received into a pocket  340  of the integrally formed valve  306  of the male connector  302 . In the intermediate position illustrated in  FIG. 27 , the actuator  322  is pushed downward, as is the locking member  324  to allow the male connector  302  to enter the female connector  304 . The front sealing members  308  of the integrally formed valves  306  keep the valves  306  sealed closed. 
     In  FIG. 28 , the engagement portion  328  of the male connector  302  is fully inserted into the female connector  304 , thereby displacing the front sealing members  308  and opening the valves  306  and creating a fluid pathway that is continuous between the barbed ends  313 . Additionally, the locking member  324  engages the locking channel  334  to secure the male and female connectors  302 ,  304  together. In order to decouple the male and female connectors  302 ,  304 , the actuator  322  is depressed to disengage the locking member  324  from the locking channel  334 . 
       FIGS. 28 and 29  illustrate exemplary alternative designs of integrally formed valves  400 ,  400 ′ that may be implemented as an integrated valve component or part of an integrated valve component of a shutoff valve of a fluid connector. The integrally formed valves  400 ,  400 ′ are each a fenestrated tubular member. The fenestrated tubular members provide the functionality of multiple component parts of a tradition shutoff valve. For example, the fenestrated tubes define apertures to allow the fenestrated tubular member to be compressed and return to its original shape and to provide a fluid flow pathway, as previously discussed above. 
     Each integrally formed valve  400 ,  400 ′ has molded into it, a rear sealing feature  426 ,  426 ′, a spring body  420 ,  420 ′ for flex, apertures  424 ,  424 ′ forming part of a fluid passage  422 ,  422 ′ to allow flow therethrough, a front sealing surface  434 ,  434 ′, and an interface tip  433 ,  433 ′. The rear sealing feature  426 ,  426 ′ may be a circumferential protrusion in the surface of the integrally formed valve that seals at the rear of a connector in which the integrally formed valve is implemented. In this exemplary implementation, the body  420 ,  420 ′ of the valve  400 ,  400 ′ has a straight, tubular design from the base end  416 ,  416 ′ to the tip end  418 ,  418 ′, although the rear sealing feature  426 ,  426 ′ is of a larger diameter than the intermediate section  414 ,  414 ′ of the spring body  420 ,  420 ′ and the tip end  418 ,  418 ′ is of a smaller diameter than the intermediate section  414 ,  414 ′. 
     In some embodiments, the integrally formed valve  400 ,  400 ′ may be overmolded onto a barb end such that the barb end may be considered part of an integrated component. In other embodiments, the barb end is independent from the integrated valve component. The barb may be coupled to a connector in a suitable manner and the rear seal  426 ,  426 ′ may help prevent fluid leakage from occurring around the outside of the barb. 
     The spring body  420 ,  420 ′ may include apertures  424 ,  424 ′ formed in a radial orientation in the sidewalls of the intermediate section  414 ,  414 ′ of the integrally formed valves  400 ,  400 ′ and placed around the spring body  420 ,  420 ′ to allow the integrally formed valves  400 ,  400 ′ to compress axially (for example, similar to a “Z”-type spring) to provide low stress and low or minimal fatigue when compressed. The apertures  424 ,  424 ′ may be arranged longitudinally in staggered positions with respect to circumferentially adjacent apertures  424 ,  424 ′, or alternately arranged along common latitudinal circumferences. The geometry of the apertures  424 ,  424 ′ may take different forms such as squares, circles, diamonds, or other shapes. Additionally, a length of the fenestrated tube adjacent the base end  416  in  FIG. 29  may be formed having sidewalls extending along the length of the tube that do not taper from the base end towards the mid-point of the length of the tube. For example, peaks of each curved sidewall feature form a line  428  parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tube. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 30 , a length of the fenestrated tube adjacent the base end  416 ′ may be formed with a taper at the rear end (represented by line  428 ′). For example, the peaks of each curved sidewall feature form a line  428 ′ angling relative to the longitudinal axis from the base  416 ′ towards the mid-point of the length of the tube. This taper may extend along a variety of lengths of the tube, and typically does not extend beyond the mid-point of the length of the tube. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 30  the taper extends to the second peak from the base  416 ′, and may extend less. The length of the tube beyond the taper may have parallel sidewalls as in  FIG. 29 , or may have tapered sidewalls opposite those near base end  416 ′. The taper provides a structural benefit to strengthen the portion of the fenestrated tubular member that is tapered and reduce possible lateral movement when compressed, and thus lessen the chance of the body binding with or contacting the inner surface of the housing in which it is placed. 
     In addition to providing spring functionality, the apertures  422 ,  422 ′ provide a fluid flow pathway  422 ,  422 ′ in communication with a central lumen of the spring body  420 ,  420 ′. For example, fluid may enter through an inner diameter of the rear sealing surface  426 ,  426 ′ and pass through the apertures  424 ,  424 ′ as the flow moves towards and around the front sealing surface  434 ,  434 ′. 
     The front sealing surface  434 ,  434 ′ may be a surface along a curved portion at the tip end  418 ,  418 ′ of the integrally formed valves  400 ,  400 ′ that when in a resting or closed state inside the connector abuts a portion of the housing to provide a seal to prevent the flow of fluid through the valve  400 ,  400 ′. In one embodiment, the front sealing surface  434 ,  434 ′ abuts against and outflow orifice in the connector housing to prevent fluids from leaking or escaping from the housing. In other embodiments, the front sealing surface  434 ,  434 ′ may be a circumferential protrusion similar to the rear sealing feature  426 ,  426 ′. The seal provided by the front sealing surface  434 ,  434 ′ prevents fluid from leaking out of the valve  400 ,  400 ′ when the valve  400 ,  400 ′ is closed. The front sealing surface  434 ,  434 ′ should be rigid enough to resist warping or collapsing, but flexible or soft enough to maintain a seal. 
     The interface tip  433 ,  433 ′ in this exemplary implementation is preferably rigid. In this way all (or most of) of the deflection of the valves  400 ,  400 ′ can be transferred to and concentrated within the spring body  420 ,  420 ′. The interface tip  433 ,  433 ′ may be formed with longitudinal ribs  436 ,  436 ′ spaced circumferentially about the interface tip  433 ,  433 ′ in order to provide additional structural rigidity. Depending upon the length of the interface tip  433 ,  433 ′ and corresponding properties of the spring body  420 ,  420 ′, an appropriate compression set for the interface tip  433 ,  433 ′ can be designed. 
       FIG. 31  depicts an exemplary implementation of a fluid connector system composed of a female connector  440  and a male connector  442 .  FIGS. 32-34  additionally depict the features of the male connector  442  in greater detail. Note, however, that many of the features shown only with respect to the male connector  442  can likewise be incorporated into the female connector  440 . 
     Each of the female connector  440  and the male connector  442  is generally formed as a cylindrical housing and each defines a generally cylindrical lumen  448 ,  449 , respectively. The male connector  442  has a hose connector end  452  and a coupling end  460 . The female connector  440  similarly has a hose-connector end  450  and a coupling end  454 . The hose-connector ends  450 ,  452  of each of the female and male connectors  440 ,  442  may each define a cylindrical cavity with threaded sidewalls  446 ,  447 . Each of the hose-connector ends  450 ,  452  may also be formed as keyed flanges  470 ,  488 , for example, as hexagonal flanges with six facets forming exterior sidewalls. The coupling end  454  of the female connector  440  may be formed as a positive stop flange  490  about the outer diameter that further defines a receiver orifice  456  with threading  458  on an inner diameter of the receiver orifice  456 . The coupling end  460  of the male connector  442  may be formed as a combination of a positive stop flange  472  and a threaded nipple  462  extending longitudinally from the positive stop flange  472 . A sidewall section  468  forming part of the lumen  449  may separate the keyed flange  470  from the positive stop flange  472 . Similarly, a sidewall section  469  housing part of the lumen  448  may separate the keyed flange  488  from the positive stop flange  490  on the female connector  440 . 
     An inner end wall  480  forms the end of the lumen  449  in the threaded nipple  462  of the male connector  442 . The inner end wall  480  may be formed as a flange with a chamfered edge extending radially inward to decrease the diameter of the lumen  449 . Opposite the inner end wall  480 , an outer end wall  482  forms a chamfered edge sloping radially outward until it intersects with the threaded outer surface of the threaded nipple  462 . Similarly, an inner end wall  486  forms the end of the lumen  448  within the sidewall section  469  of the female connector  440  as it transitions to the positive stop flange  490  at the coupling end  454 . The inner end wall  486  may be formed as a flange with a chamfered edge extending radially inward to decrease the diameter of the lumen  448 . Contrastingly, opposite the inner end wall  486 , an outer end wall  484  forms a reverse chamfered edge sloping radially outward, but backward, until it intersects with the threaded inner surface  456  of the receiving orifice  456 . The reverse chamfer of the outer end wall  484  of the female connector  440  may be formed at the same angle as the chamfer of the outer end wall  482  of the male connector  442 . 
     An integrally formed valve, for example, one of the integrally formed valves  400 ,  400 ′ of  FIGS. 29 and 30 , may be placed within the lumen  448 ,  449  of each of the female connector  440  and the male connector  442 . In one implementation, the valve  400 ′ of  FIG. 30  with the longer interface tip  433 ′ may be placed within the female connector  440  such that the interface tip  433 ′ extends further into the receiver orifice  456 . In this implementation, the valve  400  of  FIG. 29  with the shorter interface tip  433  may be placed within the male connector  442  so that it does not extend beyond the position of the interface between the outer end wall  482  and the side wall of the threaded nipple  462 . In other implementations, the same integrally formed valve, e.g., either valve  400 , valve  400 ′, or any other valve embodiment, may be positioned within both of the male connector  442  and the female connector  440 . 
     A separate barb fitting  432  may be connected with the hose-connector ends  450 ,  452  of each of the female connector  440  and male connector  442 . The barb fitting  432  may define a central longitudinal lumen  438  that is generally cylindrical in form. The barb lumen  438  may be of constant diameter throughout the barb fitting  432  or it may vary in diameter along the length of the barb fitting  432 . The outer surface of a first end of the barb fitting  432  may be formed with a barb  430  for creating a fluid-tight seal with an elastomeric hose (not shown) placed on the barb fitting  432  over the barb  430 . A second end of the barb fitting  432  may be formed as a threaded nipple  444  to interface with and engage in a fluid-tight connection with each of the female connector  440  and the male connector  442 . A keyed flange  410  may be provided between the barb  430  and the threaded nipple  444 . The keyed flange  410  may be formed, for example, as having hexagonal flanges with six facets forming exterior sidewalls. 
     Continuing with the example of  FIG. 31 , the valve  400 ′ within the lumen  448  of the female connector  440  may be placed such that the interface tip  433 ′ interfaces with the inner end wall  486 . The opening in the inner end wall  486  may be large enough for interface tip  433 ′ to protrude therefrom, but narrow enough to engage with the front sealing surface  434 ′ of the valve  400 ′. The valve  400 ′ is held within the lumen  448  by the barb fitting  432 , which is screwed into the threading  446  of the hose-connector end  450  of the female connector  440 . The threading  444  of the barb fitting  432  interfaces with the threading  446  of the hose-connector end  450 . The keyed flange  410  of the barb fitting  432  and the keyed flange  488  of the female connector  440  may be rotated with respect to each other before or until the two flanges  410 ,  488  interface, to the point that the interior face  412  of the barb fitting  432  interfaces with the rear sealing feature  426 ′ of the valve  400 ′. In this position, the valve  400 ′ seals against the inner end wall  486  on one end of the female connector  440  and against the interior face  412  of the hose barb  432  on the other end of the female connector  440 . 
     Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 31 , the valve  400  within the lumen  449  of the male connector  442  may be placed such that the interface tip  433  interfaces with the inner end wall  480 . The opening in the inner end wall  480  may be large enough for interface tip  433  to protrude therefrom, but narrow enough to engage with the front sealing surface  434  of the valve  400 . The valve  400  is held within the lumen  449  by the barb fitting  432 , which is screwed into the threading  447  of the hose-connector end  452  of the male connector  442 . The threading  444  of the barb fitting  432  interfaces with the threading  447  of the hose-connector end  452 . The keyed flange  410  of the barb fitting  432  and the keyed flange  470  of the male connector  442  may be rotated with respect to each other before or until the two flanges  410 ,  470  interface, to the point that the interior face  412  of the barb fitting  432  interfaces with the rear sealing feature  426  of the valve  400 . In this position, the valve  400  seals against the inner end wall  480  on one end of the male connector  442  and against the interior face  412  of the hose barb  432  on the other end of the male connector  442 . 
     The female connector  440  and the male connector  442  are configured to couple with each other at an interface  439  at which the threaded nipple  462  of the male connector  442  is engaged with the threading  458  in the inner sidewall surface of the receiver orifice  456  in the female connector  440 . In order to assist the coupling between the female and male connectors  440 ,  442 , the keyed flange  488  of the female connector  440  and the keyed flange  470  of the male connector  442  may be rotated with respect to each other in order to engage the female connector  440  with the male connector  442  using one or more tools, for example, a crescent wrench. The female connector  440  and the male connector  442  may be considered fully engaged when the positive stop flange  490  of the female connector  440  fully interfaces with the positive stop flange  472  of the male connector. Additionally, or alternatively, full engagement between the female connector  440  and the male connector  442  may be considered complete when the outer end wall  482  of the male connector  442  fully interfaces with the outer end wall  484  of the female connector  440 . 
     In operation, when the coupling end  454  of the female connector  440  is engaged with the coupling end  460  of the male connector  442  by screwing the two together, the interface tips  433 ,  433 ′ of each of the valves  400 ,  400 ′ interface with each other. As the female connector  440  and the male connector  442  are tightened together at the connection interface  439 , the tips  433 ,  433 ′ of the valves  440 ,  442  interact and the valves  440 ,  442  begin to longitudinally compress. In this way, the seal between the front sealing surface  434 ,  434 ′ of the valves  400 ,  400 ′ is removed by pushing the front sealing surfaces  434 ,  434 ′ away from their rest position against the inner end walls  480 ,  486 , this allows fluid to flow between the female and male connectors  440 ,  442  within the respective lumen  448 ,  449 , including within and about the fluid passages  422 ,  422 ′ defined by the apertures  424 ,  424 ′ within each of the bodies of the valves  440 ,  442 . 
     In one implementation, the female and male connectors  440 ,  442  may be formed with a plurality of longitudinal ribs  464  along the interior sidewall  466  forming the lumen  448 ,  449 , as shown with respect to the male connector  442  in  FIGS. 32-34 . The ribs  464  may be provided to keep the valves  400 ,  400 ′ straight when under compression so that the valves  400 ,  400 ′ compress only in a longitudinal direction. The ribs  464  thus counter possible twisting and related shear forces on the valves  400 ,  400 ′ as the female and male connectors  440 ,  442  are screwed together. In some embodiments the ribs  464  may be of a consistent cross-sectional form and area while in other embodiments, the ribs  464  may taper as they extend from the inner end walls  480 ,  486  toward the hose connector ends  452 ,  450 , respectively. 
     As described above, the elastomeric frenestrated tubular member (also referred to as a “dart”) may be a one-piece injection molded body that is used as the valve, or part of the valve, within the valve connectors. The material utilized for the dart has compression set characteristics that aid in insuring that the dart makes a seal as intended in the channel formed within the valve housings or bodies, as explained above, when the valve housings are disconnected from one another. Materials utilized may have particular or unique compression set variables. When the dart is placed in a compressed state, the compression set specific to that material will cause the dart to not return to its original length. Compression set of a given material can also be understood as related to yield stress in the area of strength of materials world. As an example, if a materials listed compression set is 10%, a simple calculation can be done to understand that if the dart is compressed more than 10% of its original length and held for a undetermined amount of time, it should always return to some length located between the original length and the new compression set length.  FIGS. 35 and 36  below show an example of  3  darts that have been placed in a compressed state beyond the calculated length and measured on a daily basis for a certain amount of time. In  FIG. 35 , the x-axis is the number of days and the y-axis is the length (for instance, in inches or centimeters). In  FIG. 36 , the x-axis is the number of days, and the y-axis is the percent (%) compression of the length. The materials used for these darts are made by Bayer, and are Desm 9370 P2, Texin T85 P2, and Texin 1209 P2. Once the new compressed length of the dart is established, the valve connector can be designed such that the dart will likely not get shorter in length than the new compressed length and will likely extend within the connector to create a seal within the orifice when the portions of the valve connector are separated. 
     While exemplary embodiments of shutoff valves and integrated components have been discussed herein, other implementations are possible and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, rather than a tapered, fenestrated tube, the fenestrated tube may be substantially cylindrical or have an inverted taper (i.e., tapering larger toward a front sealing member. Additionally, locking mechanisms other than pushbutton mechanisms may be implemented to secure a connection between two sides of a connector. Thus, while the present disclosure has been described in the context of specific embodiments, such descriptions are provided for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Indeed, it should be understood that the described shutoff valves within fluid connectors may include integrated valve components having spring and sealing characteristics as well as providing fluid pathways. Additionally, individual features of the specific embodiments may be combined and implemented with features of other embodiments to achieve a desired functionality. Further, the spring members may be used in a variety of other spring related applications not limited to shutoff valves. Thus, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.