Patent ID: 6902144

Claim:
A connector apparatus, comprising: a coupler being telescopically engageable with a mating valve; said coupler and said mating valve each including an inlet extending longitudinally therein and each including an outlet disposed at a sidewall thereof; said outlets extending in a direction transverse to said inlets; said coupler and said mating valve being in fluid communication with one another and said mating valve being telescopically insertable into said coupler such that said connector apparatus is actuatable from a closed position to an open position; said inlets and outlets defining a flow passage therethrough where said inlets correspond with each other and said outlets correspond with each other when said connector apparatus is in said open position; a sealing member is disposed about said sidewall and proximate said outlet of said mating valve so as to provide a fluid tight seal between said mating valve and said coupler when telescopically engaged; and a seal protector is connected with said coupler and is disposed at a side defined by said outlet of said coupler; said seal protector is a planar member extending in a direction that is coaxial with said inlets and in a direction transverse to said outlets; wherein said seal protector is engageable with said seal member during actuation of said connector apparatus into said open position and protects said seal member during actuation into said open position.