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Title:
GENDERLESS COUPLING DEVICES
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2015/138906
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A coupling assembly includes: a first coupling device including: an insert configured to be coupled to a source or a destination of a fluid; a seal coupled to the insert to create a seal with a mating seal; and a sleeve coupled to the insert, the sleeve including a locking structure; and a second coupling device that is substantially identical to the first coupling device. The first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device by rotating the second coupling device relative to the first coupling device and moving the second coupling device axially towards the first coupling device to allow the locking structure on the first coupling device to engage the locking structure on the second coupling device and seals of the first and second coupling devices to form an axial seal so that fluid can flow from the line and through the first and second coupling devices.

Inventors:
QUICK ANDREW MORGAN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2015/020457
Publication Date:
September 17, 2015
Filing Date:
March 13, 2015
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
COLDER PROD CO (US)
International Classes:
F16L37/252
Foreign References:
US3877731A1975-04-15
US20130099489A12013-04-25
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BRUESS, Steven C. (P.O. Box 2903Minneapolis, Minnesota, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
What is claimed is:

1. A coupling assembly, comprising:

a first coupling device including:

an insert configured to be coupled to a source or a destination of a fluid; a seal coupled to the insert to create a seal with a mating seal; and a sleeve coupled to the insert, the sleeve including a locking structure; and a second coupling device that is substantially identical to the first coupling device; wherein the first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device by rotating the second coupling device relative to the first coupling device and moving the second coupling device axially towards the first coupling device to allow the locking structure on the first coupling device to engage the locking structure on the second coupling device and the seals of the first and second coupling devices to form an axia l seal so that the fluid can flow through the first and second coupling devices.

2. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the second coupling device is rotated ninety degrees relative to the first coupling device.

3. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the second coupling device is rotated 180 degrees relative to the first coupling device.

4. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking structure includes opposing first members defining grooves and opposing second members including tabs, and the first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device by allowing the tabs of the first coupling device to engage the grooves of the second coupling device.

5. The coupling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the locking structure includes a tab and an opening, and the first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device by allowing the tab of the first coupling device to engage the opening of the second coupling device.

6. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal is molded onto the insert.

7. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal is molded using a two-shot molding process.

8. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherem the seal is an integral portion of the sleeve.

9. The coupling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the insert and the sleeve are integral.

10. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert is separate from the slee ve.

1 1. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherem the insert rotates relative to the sleeve.

12. The coupling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the insert defines a pocket to hold the sleeve.

13. The coupling assembly of claim 12, wherein the insert defines a groove sized to receive at l east a portion of the seal to couple the seal to the insert within the pocket.

14. A coupling assembly, comprising:

a first coupling device including:

an insert configured to be coupled to a source or a destination of a fluid; a sleeve coupled to the insert, the sleeve including a locking structure having opposing members and opposing grooves, and the sleeve defining a pocket; and

a seal coupled to the insert within the pocket to create a seal with a mating seal; and

a second coupling device that is substantially identical to the first coupling device; wherein the first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device by orienting the second coupling device ninety degrees relative to the first coupling device and moving the second coupling device axially towards the first coupling device to allo the opposing members on the first coupling device to engage the opposing grooves on the second coupling device and the seals of the first and second coupling devices to form an axial seal so that the fluid can flow through the first and second coupling devices.

15. The coupling assembly of claim 14, wherein the opposing members pivot away from one another to allow the opposing members on the first coupling device to disengage the opposing grooves on the second coupling device to uncouple the first coupling device from the second coupling device.

16. The coupling assembly of claim 14, wherein the second coupling device is rotated 180 degrees relative to the first coupling device.

17. The coupling assembly of claim 14, wherein the opposing members on the first coupling device include tabs that are received in the opposing grooves on the second coupling device.

18. The coupling assembly of claim 14, wherein the seal is molded onto the insert.

19. The coupling assembly of claim 14, wherein the seal has an hourglass shape.

20. A coupling assembly, comprising:

a first coupling device including:

an insert configured to be coupled to a source or a destination of a fluid; a sleeve coupled to the insert, the sleeve including a locking structure having opposing members and opposing grooves, and the sleeve defining a pocket; and

a seal coupled to the insert within the pocket to create a seal with a mating seal, wherein the seal has an hourglass shape; and

a second coupling device that is substantially identical to the first coupling device; wherein the first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device by orienting the second coupling device ninety degrees relative to the first coupling device and moving the second coupling device axially towards the first coupling device to allow the opposing members on the first coupling device to engage the opposing grooves on the second coupling device and the seals of the first and second coupling devices to form an axial seal so that the fluid can flow through the first and second coupling devices; and wherein the opposing members pivot away from one another to allow the opposing members on the first coupling device to disengage the opposing grooves on the second coupling device to uncouple the first coupling device from the second coupling device.

Description:
GENDERLESS COUPLING DEVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION (S)

[0001] This application is being filed on March 13, 2015, as a PCX International Patent application and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/953,272 filed on March 14, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[03)82] Coupling assemblies can include two coupling devices that are connected to create a fluid flow path therebetween. Such coupling assemblies typically include a male coupling device and a female coupling device that are joined to form the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly can be used in various applications, including biomedical applications, beverage dispensing, instrument connections, photochemical handling, and others. When making such couplings, it can be desirable to make the connections easy to accomplish while being robust,

SUMMARY

[0003] In one non-limiting aspect, a coupling assembly includes: a first coupling device including: an insert configured to be coupled to a source or a destination of a fluid; a seal coupled to the insert to create a seal with a mating seal; and a sleeve coupled to the insert, the sleeve including a locking structure; and a second coupling device that is substantially identical to the first coupling device; wherein the first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device by rotating the second coupling device relative to the first coupling device and moving the second coupling device axially towards the first coupling device to allow the locking structure on the first coupling device to engage the locking structure on the second coupling device and the seals of the first and second coupling devices to form an axial seal so that fluid can flow from the tubing and through the first and second coupling devices. The insert and the sleeve can be separate or integral.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0005] Figure 1 is perspective view of an example couplmg device.

[0006] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 1. [0087] Figure 3 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 1.

[0088] Figure 4 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure L

[0009] Figure 5 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 1 ,

[0010] F gure 6 is a perspective view of an example coupling assembly including two substantially identical coupling devices of Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional vie of the coupling assembly of Figure 6.

[0012] Figure 8 is perspective view of another example coupling device.

[0013] Figure 9 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 8.

[0014] Figure 10 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 8.

[0015] Figure 1 1 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure 8.

[0016] F gure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 8.

[0017] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an example coupling assembly including two substantially identical coupling devices of Figure 8.

[0018] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly of Figure 13.

[0019] Figure 15 is perspective view of another example coupling device.

[0020] Figure 16 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 15.

[0021] Figure 17 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure 15.

[0022] Figure 18 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 15.

[0023] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 15.

[0024] Figure 20 is a perspective view of an example coupling assembly including two substantially identical coupling devices of Figure 15,

[0025] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly of Figure 20.

[0026] Figure 22 is perspective view of another example coupling de vice.

[0027] Figure 23 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 22.

[0028] Figure 24 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure 22.

[0029] Figure 25 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 22.

[0030] Figure 26 is a cross -sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 22.

[0031] Figure 27 is a perspective view of an example coupling assembly including two substantially identical coupling devices of Figure 22.

[0032] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly of Figure 27.

[0033] Figure 29 is perspective view of another example coupling de vice.

[0034] Figure 30 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 29.

[0035] Figure 31 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure 29.

[0036] Figure 32 is a top vie of the coupling device of Figure 29. Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 29.

[0038] Figure 34 is a perspective view of an example coupling assembly including two substantially identical coupling devices of Figure 29.

Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly of Figure 34. Figure 36 is perspective view of another example coupling device.

Figure 37 is a side vie of the coupling device of Figure 36.

Figure 38 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure 36.

Figure 39 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 36.

Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 36.

Figure 41 is a perspective view of an example coupling assembly including two substantially identical coupling devices of Figure 36.

Figure 42 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly of Figure 41. Figure 43 is a perspective view of another example coupling device.

Figure 44 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure 43.

Figure 45 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 43.

Figure 46 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 43.

Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 43.

Figure 48 is a perspective view of another example coupling device.

0Θ53] Figure 49 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure 48.

0Θ54] Figure 50 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 48.

0Θ55] Figure 51 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 48.

Figure 52 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 48.

Figure 53 is a perspective view of another example coupling device.

Figure 54 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure 43.

Figure 55 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 43.

Figure 56 is a side vie of the coupling device of Figure 43.

Figure 57 is a cross -sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 43.

Figure 58 is a perspective view of another coupling device mated with the coupling device of Figure 53.

Figure 59 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling devices of Figure 58.

Figure 60 is a perspective view of another example coupling device.

Figure 61 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure 60.

Figure 62 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 60.

Figure 63 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 60. [0068] Figure 64 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of Figure 60.

[0069] Figure 65 is a perspective view of another coupling device mated with the coupling device of Figure 60.

[0070] Figure 66 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling devices of Figure 65.

[0071] Figure 67 is a perspective view of another example coupling device.

[0072] Figure 68 is a front view of the coupling device of Figure 67,

[0073] Figure 69 is a top view of the coupling device of Figure 67.

[0074] Figure 70 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 67.

[0075] Figure 71 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling de vice of Figure 67.

[0076] Figure 72 is a perspective view of another coupling device mated with the coupling device of Figure 67.

[0077] Figure 73 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling devices of Figure 72.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] The present disclosure relates to a coupling assembly including two coupling devices. In the examples described, each of the coupling devices that form the coupling assembly is substantially identical. In such a configuration, the first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device to form the coupling assembly. Additional details are provided below.

[0079] Referring now to Figures 1-7, an example coupling assembly 100 is shown. The coupling assembly 100 can be used to provide a passageway 102 for a fluid that is transferred between two points. The coupling assembly 100 includes a first coupling device 1 10 and a second coupling device 150.

[0080] In this example, the first and second coupling devices 1 10, 150 are substantially identical in configuration. Each of the first and second coupling devices 1 10, 150 includes a insert 1 12 including a termination 1 14 that is coupled to a fluid line, tubing or other similar structure. The insert 1 12 also includes a front portion 116 with an elastomer seal 1 18 coupled thereto. The elastomer seal 1 18 can be coupled to the front portion 1 16 using various techniques. For example, an adhesive or overmolding technique can be used. In other examples, a compression pocket or mechanical coupling like a protrusion is used. When connected, the elastomer seal 1 18 of the first coupling device 1 10 seals against the elastomer seal 1 18 of the second coupling device 150 to form the fluid passage.

[0081] In example embodiments, the seal 1 18 is formed in a general hourglass shape. This shape includes a mid-portion of the seal that is smaller in cross -section from the outer sides of the seal. This allows for a more uniform compression of the seal as the seal engages the seal of the mating coupling device.

[0082] A. sleeve 120 is positioned about the front portion 1 16 of the insert 1 12. In some examples, the sleeve 120 is positioned on the insert 1 12 such that the sleeve 120 can rotate independently from the insert 1 12. In other configurations, the sleeve 120 is fixedly attached to the insert 1 12,

[0083] A main body 124 of the sleeve 120 includes a tab 122 that is captured in a groove formed by the insert 1 12 to connect the sleeve 120 to the insert 1 12. Flange portions 126 extend from the main body 124 and form opposing grooves 128. In addition, portions 130 extend from the main body 12.4 and form tabs 132.

[0084] To connect the first and second coupling devices 1 10, 150, the first coupling device 1 10 is rotated ninety degrees relative to the second coupling device 150 so that the flange portions 126 of the first coupling device 1 10 engage the portions 130 of the second coupling device 150.

[0085] As shown in Figure 7, as the first coupling device 1 10 is moved towards the second coupling de vice 150, the elastomer seal 1 18 of the first coupling device 1 10 engages the elastomer seal 118 of the second coupling device 150 to form an axial (or face) seal therebetween. In addition, in this position, tabs 132 of the portions 130 are positioned in the opposing grooves 128 of the flange portions 126 so that the first coupling device 1 10 is connected to the second coupling device 150. This creates a substantially leak- free passageway 102 between the first and second coupling devices 1 10, 150.

[0086] To disconnect the first coupling device 1 10 from the second coupling device 150, a force 162 is applied to each opposing surface 160 of the main body 12.4 of each of the first and second coupling devices 1 10, 150. This causes the flange portions 126 to bow slightly towards one another and to allow the tabs 132 of the portions 130 to clear the grooves 128 of the flange portions 126. In this configuration, the first coupling device 1 10 can be moved away from the second coupling device 150 to accomplish disconnection. Reconnection and disconnection can be done multiple times as noted above.

[0087] Because the first and second coupling devices 110, 150 are substantially similar, the two sides are genderless in that there are no separate male and female coupling devices. In other words, any first coupling device 1 10 can be coupled to any second coupling device 150 by simply orienting the two devices in the proper manner. Such a configuration can be advantageous in that the connections are flexible and can be made efficiently. [0088] The first and second coupling devices 1 10, 150 can be made of a variety of materiais. Example materials include polycarbonate, polysulfone, polypropylene, PVDF, Nylon, ABS, and Acetal. In other examples, two or more materials can be combined to form the devices.

[0089] The elastomer seals 1 18 can also be made of a variety of materials, such as a thermoset rubber. Examples of such materials include silicone, EPDM, FKM, BUNA, and/or a perfiuoroeiastromer. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) could also be used.

[0090] Referring now to Figures 8-14, another example coupling assembly 180 is shown. The coupling assembly 180 is substantially the same as the coupling assembly 100 described above. However, the insert 1 12 includes an overmolded elastomer seal 182 that is formed on the insert 1 12 using, for example, a two-shot molding process. A detent 186 formed on the interior surface 188 of the insert 1 12 captures the overmolded elastomer seal 182. The seals 182 of each of the coupling devices 1 10, 150 form an axial or face seal as described above when coupled.

[0091] Referring now to Figures 15-21, another example coupling assembly 200 is shown. The coupling assembly 200 is similar to the coupling assembly 100 described above.

[0092] However, the coupling assembly 200 includes first and second coupling devices 210, 250 with opposing members 222 having tabs 224. In addition, the devices 210, 250 include flange portions 232. with grooves 234 formed thereon.

[0093] To couple the fsrst coupling device 210 to the second coupling device 250 to form the axial seal between the elastomer seals 1 18, the first coupling device 210 is rotated ninety degrees relative to the second coupling device 250 so that the flange portions 232 of the first coupling device 210 engage the opposing members 222 of the second coupling device 250.

[0094] As shown in Figure 21, as the first coupling device 210 is moved towards the second coupling device 250, the elastomer seal 1 18 of the first coupling device 2.10 engages the elastomer seal 1 18 of the second coupling device 250 to form an axial seal therebetween. In addition, in this position, tabs 224 of the opposing members 222 are positioned in the opposing grooves 234 of the flange portions 232 so that the first coupling device 2.10 is connected to the second coupling device 250,

[0095] To disconnect the first coupling device 210 from the second coupling device 150, a force 262 is applied to an end 226 of each opposing member 222 of the first and second coupling devices 210, 250. This causes the opposing members 222 to move in a direction 264 and allows the tabs 224 of the opposing members 222 to clear the grooves 234 of the flange portions 232, In this configuration, the first coupling device 210 can be moved away from the second coupling device 2.50 to accomplish disconnection.

Reconnection and disconnection can be done multiple times as noted above.

[0096] Referring now to Figures 22-28, another example coupling assembly 300 is shown. The coupling assembly 300 is similar to the coupling assemblies 100, 200 described above.

[0097] However, the coupling assembly 300 includes first and second coupling devices 310, 350 with members 32.2, 323. The member 322 includes a tab 324, and the member 232 includes an opening 326. In addition, the devices 310, 350 include flange portions 332.

[0098] To couple the first coupling device 310 to the second coupling device 350 to form the axial seal between the elastomer seals 1 18, the first coupling device 310 is rotated 1 80 degrees relative to the second coupling device 350 so that tab 32.4 of the member 322 is positioned to engage the opening 326 of the member 323.

[0099] As shown in Figure 28, as the first coupling device 310 is moved towards the second coupling device 350, the elastomer seal 1 18 of the first coupling device 310 engages the elastomer seal 118 of the second coupling device 350 to form an axial seal therebetween. In addition, in this position, the tab 324 is positioned in the opening 326 so that the first coupling device 310 is connected to the second coupling device 350.

[00100] To disconnect the first coupling device 310 from the second coupling device 350, a force 362 is applied to the tab 324. This causes the member 322 to move towards the member 323 and allows the tab 32.4 to clear the opening 326. In this configuration, the first coupling device 310 can be moved away from the second coupling device 350 to accomplish disconnection. Reconnection and disconnection can be done multiple times as noted above.

[00101] Referring now to Figures 28-35, another example coupling assembly 400 is shown. The coupling assembly 400 is similar to the coupling assemblies 100, 200, 300 described above.

[00102] However, the coupling assembly 400 includes first and second coupling devices

410, 450 with members 42.2,430, The member 422 includes a tab 424 and a groove 426, and the member 430 includes a tab 432. In addition, the devices 410, 450 include flange portions 440. [00103] To couple the first coupling device 410 to the second coupling device 450 to form the axial seal between ihe elastomer seals 1 18, the first coupling device 410 is rotated 80 degrees relative to the second coupling device 450 so that tab 424 of the member 422 is positioned to engage the tab 432 of the member 430, and the tab 432 is positioned to be received into the groove 426 of the member 422.

[00104] As shown in Figure 35, as the first coupling device 410 is moved towards ihe second coupling device 450, the elastomer seal 1 18 of the first coupling device 410 engages the elastomer seal 18 of the second coupling device 450 to form an axial seal therebetween. In addition, in this position, the tab 432 is positioned in the groo ve 426 so that the first coupling device 410 is connected to the second coupling device 450.

[00105] To disconnect the first coupling device 4.10 from the second coupling device 450, a force 462 is applied to a portion 460 of each of the members 430. This causes the members 430 to move away from the members 422. and allows the iab 432. to clear the groove 426. In this configuration, the first coupling device 410 can be moved away from the second coupling device 450 to accomplish disconnection, Reconnection and disconnection can be done multiple times as noted above.

[00106] Referring now to Figures 36-42, another example coupling assembly 500 is shown. The coupling assembly 500 is similar to the coupling assemblies 100, 200, 300, 400 described above.

[00107] However, the coupling assembly 500 includes first and second coupling devices 510, 550 each with an insert 506 that is formed integrally with tubing 504 that extends from the source and/or destination of a fluid. In this example, the insert 506 is affixed to the tubing 504 using a process such as overmolding, welding, staking, or the like. The elastomer seal 118 is affixed to an opposite end of the sleeve 506 using an over mol ding process.

[00108] Each of the coupling devices 510, 500 also includes a sleeve 520 rotatably coupled to the insert 506 and having members 52.2, 430. The member 522 includes a iab 524, and the member 530 includes a groove 532.

[00109] To couple the first coupling device 510 to the second coupling device 550 to form the axial seal between the elastomer seals 1 18, the first coupling device 510 is rotated ninety degrees relative to the second coupling device 550 so that the tab 524 of the member 522 is positioned to engage the groove 532 of the member 530.

[00110] As shown in Figure 42, as the first coupling device 510 is moved towards the second coupling device 550, the elastomer seal 1 18 of the first coupling device 510 engages the elastomer seal 118 of the second coupling device 550 to form an axial seal therebetween. In addition, in this position, the tab 524 is positioned in the groo ve 532 so that the first coupling device 510 is connected to the second coupling device 550.

[00111 ] To disconnect the first coupling device 510 from the second coupling device 550, a force 562 is applied to a portion 560 of each of the members 530. This causes the members 522 to move away from one another and allows the tab 524 to clear the groove 532. In this configuration, the first coupling device 510 can be moved away from the second coupling device 550 to accomplish disconnection. Reconnection and disconnection can be done multiple times as noted above,

[00112] Referring now to Figures 43-47, another example coupling device 650 is shown. The coupling device 650 is similar to that of coupling devices 510, 550. However, the coupling device 650 includes a pocket 621. The pocket 621 is sized to receive and hold an elastomeric seal 618. In one example, the seal 618 is held in the pocket 621 using friction. In other examples, an adhesive or other structural elements can be used to retain the seal 618. One example of such a seal is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No,

13/693,720 filed on December 4, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[00113] Referring now to Figure 48-52, another example coupling device 750 is shown. The coupling device 750 is similar to that of coupling devices 1 10, 150. However, the coupling device 750 includes an insert 712. and sleeve 714 that are formed as an integral member 710. In such a configuration, the member 710 is used to terminate a fluid line, and it is not necessary for the insert 712 and sleeve 714 to be assembled separately.

[00114] Also, the insert 712 of the coupling device 750 includes a groove 720 formed therein. The groove 720 is sized to receive a portion 72.2 of the elastomer seal 1 18 to retain the elastomer seal 1 18 attached to the insert 712.

[00115] Referring now to Figures 53-59, another example coupling device 800 is shown. The coupling device 800 is similar to that of coupling de vices 650 and 750. Howe ver, the coupling device 800 includes a sleeve 802 forming an opening 812 into which a portion 814 of the seal 810 extends. See Figures 57 and 59. This portion 814 of the seal 810 is captured in the opening 812 to help retain the seal 810 within a pocket 820 formed by the sleeve 802 to hold the seal 810.

[0011 ] In some example, multiple portions or protrusions are formed by the seal 810 to be received in one or more openings formed in the pocket of the sleeve. For example, the portions can be formed on the outer circumference of the seal. Corresponding openings can be formed in the pocket of the sleeve to receive the portions when the seal is positioned in the pocket. This allows for an enhanced interface between the seal and the pocket to retain the seal within the pocket of the sleeve.

[00117] Referring now to Figures 60-66, another example coupling device 850 is shown. The coupling device 850 is similar to that of coupling devices 650, 750, and 800.

However, the coupling device 850 does not include a separate seal. Instead, a front portion 860 of the coupling device 850 is formed of a material with a sufficient softness to engage and seal against a front portion 860 on a mating coupling device 850 of identical configuration. See Figures 64 and 66. In this example, an entirety of the the sleeve 822 including the front portion 860 is formed of a deformable material. Whe mated, the front portion 860 deforms sufficiently to form a seal with a mating coupling device 850. In some examples, the coupling device 850 is formed in whole or part of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVDF, TPE, and/or polyurethane to accomplish the sealing at the front portion 860.

[00118] Referring now to Figure 67-73, another example coupling device 900 is shown. In this example, the coupling device 900 includes an insert 902 and a sleeve 904 positioned thereon. The sleeve 904 rotates about the insert 902 as the coupling device 900 is coupled to an identical mating coupling device 900, as shown in Figures 72-73.

[00119] In this example, the sleeve 904 is circular and includes members 906, 908 extending from the sleeve 904 and forming tabs 910 and openings 912. To couple the coupling device 900 to an identical mating coupling device 900, the members 906, 908 are oriented to fit between the members 906, 908 on the mating coupling device 900. In that position, the sleeve 904 is rotated (knurled portions 920 formed on the sleeve 904 can assist the user in grasping and rotating the sleeve 904) in a first direction until the tabs 910 are received in the openings 912 of the mating coupling device 900, and vice versa. A no tch 916 formed in each of the openings 912 receives a tip 918 of the mating tab 910 to lock the tab 910 within the opening 912.

[00120] In this position shown in Figures 72-73, the coupling device 900 is coupled to the mating coupling device 900 so that seals 930 in each of the coupling devices 900 forms a fluid-tight connection. To uncouple, the sleeve 904 is rotated in a second opposite direction until the tabs 910 clear the openings 912, which allows the coupling device 900 to be moved axially away from the mating coupling device 900 to accomplish

disconnection. [00121] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is io be undersiood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.