Field ofthe Invention The present invention relates generally to coupling structures for dispensing fluids. More particularly, the present invention relates to valve assemblies for dispensing fluid to or from a container.

Background ofthe Invention Disposable containers are routinely used in commercial and industrial applications to transport and dispense a variety of fluids such as food products, cleaning solutions, detergents, and other products. Some containers are constructed of semi-rigid plastic while others are constructed of flexible plastic and are often supported within a protective box.

It is common for such containers to be equipped with valve structures that facilitate dispensing fluids to or from the containers. The valve structures are preferably designed to be quickly coupling with exterior coupling members. Additionally, because the valves are typically disposable, cost is an important factor that must be considered in designing the valves.

Known valves typically include outer closures or housings that define longitudinal flow paths extending therethrough. Poppet members are generally telescopically mounted within the housings and are telescopically moveable between open and closed positions. Conventional poppet members typically include face seals for forming a seal with the housing. The poppet members are typically mounted in the housings by inserting the poppet members through the back sides ofthe housings and then using separate retaining members or collars to retain the poppet members within the housings. Consequently, a conventional valve typically has at least three separate parts which include the housing, the poppet member, and the retaining collar.

What is needed is a more cost effective valve. What is also needed is a valve having a minimal number of parts. Furthermore, what is needed is a valve that can be assembled rapidly. Moreover, what is needed is a valve assembly method that is conducive for automation.

Summary ofthe Invention The present invention relates to a valve for dispensing fluid to and from a container. The valve includes a housing defining a flow passage extending longitudinally therethrough. A poppet member is telescopically mounted in the flow passage ofthe housing and is telescopically movable between an open position and a closed position. The poppet member has a proximal end portion that includes a second retaining structure that cooperates with a first retaining structure ofthe housing to provide a snap fit connection for retaining the poppet member in the housing. The first retaining structure is preferably integrally or unitarily formed as a single piece with the housing. Similarly, the second retaining structure is preferably integrally or unitarily formed as a single piece with the poppet member.

The snap fit connection provides the advantage of allowing the poppet member to be mounted in the housing by inserting the poppet member through a front end ofthe housing member and snapping the poppet member into place. Such a simple assembly process is ideally suited for automation. Consequently, the cost of manm%cturing the valve can be minimized.

The snap fit connection also provides the advantage of minimizing the total number of parts required to retain the poppet member within the housing. No separate retaining collar is required to hold the poppet within the housing. Instead, all ofthe structure necessary to retain the poppet member within the housing is incorporated as part ofthe housing or the poppet member.

Another aspect ofthe present invention relates to a method for assembling the above-described valve. The method includes the step of inserting the proximal end ofthe poppet member into the front end ofthe housing. Next, the poppet member is pushed toward the back end ofthe housing thereby causing the second retaining structure on the proximal end portion ofthe poppet member to snap past the first retaining structure ofthe housing. Once the second retaining structure is snapped past the first retaining structure, interference between the first and second retaining structures prevents the poppet member from disengaging from the housing. The present invention also relates to a coupling assembly that incorporates the above-described valve. The coupling assembly includes a female coupling structure suitable for connection to the front end ofthe valve. The coupling

structure defines a flow passage extending longitudinally therethrough and also defines a slot oriented generally transversely with respect to the coupling structure. A clip member is mounted in the slot and is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the clip member is adapted for retaining the valve within the coupling member. In the second position, the clip member is adapted for receiving the front end ofthe valve into the coupling structure or for releasing the valve from the coupling structure. A sealing member for forming a fluid tight seal between the coupling structure and the valve is mounted within the flow passage ofthe coupling structure. The sealing member is retained within the coupling structure by the clip member.

It will be appreciated that the valve is typically disposable with the container. In contrast, the female coupling member is not typically a disposable item. Consequently, by mounting the sealing member within the female coupling, the cost of the disposable portion ofthe coupling assembly is minimized. Furthermore, the use of a clip to retain the sealing member within the female coupling eliminates the need for any grooves or undercuts to be formed in the female coupling structure or in the valve for retaining the sealing member. As a result, portions ofthe valve and female coupling structure can be manufactured by a seamless or part-line-free molding process. The present invention also relates to a female coupling including a housing having a front end positioned opposite from a back end. The front end is configured to receive a male coupling member. The housing defines a flow passageway extending longitudinally between the front and back ends. A poppet member is fixedly mounted within the flow passageway via a snap fit connection. A sleeve is telescopically mounted on the poppet member. The sleeve is telescopically moveable between a first position in which the flow passageway is open and a second position in which the flow passageway is closed. The snap fit connection utilized by the coupling minimized the number of separate parts required by the coupling and facilitates the assembly process. A variety of additional advantages ofthe invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice ofthe invention. The advantages ofthe invention will

be realized and attained by means ofthe elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive ofthe invention as claimed.

Brief Description ofthe Drawings The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments ofthe invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention. A brief description ofthe drawings is as follows:

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a valve constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention, the valve housing and valve cap are partially cut away to show the inner components ofthe valve;

Figure 2 shows an assembled perspective view ofthe valve illustrated in Figure 1 , the valve housing and valve cap are partially cut away to show the inner components ofthe valve;

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a female coupling structure suitable for connection to the valve of Figures 1 and 2, portions ofthe coupling assembly are cut away to better illustrate the inner components ofthe coupling assembly;

Figure 4 shows an assembled perspective view ofthe female coupling structure shown in Figure 3, portions ofthe coupling assembly are cut away to better illustrate the inner components ofthe coupling assembly;

Figure 5 shows a schematic cross sectional view illustrating the valve of Figures 1 and 2 and the female coupling assembly of Figures 3 and 4 prior to connection;

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross sectional view ofthe valve of Figures 1 and 2 and the female coupling assembly of Figures 3 and 4 being coupled together; Figure 7 shows an exploded view of an exemplary female coupling constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention;

Figure 8 is partial cross-sectional view ofthe female coupling of Figure 7 in an assembled configuration;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view ofthe female coupling of Figure 7 shown in axial alignment with a corresponding male coupling;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view ofthe female coupling of Figure 7, the female coupling is shown with its corresponding male coupling partially inserted therein; and

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view ofthe female coupling of Figure 7, the female coupling is shown with its corresponding male coupling inserted completely therein.

Detailed Description ofthe Invention

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a valve 20 constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention. The valve 20 includes a housing 22 defining a flow passage 24 extending longitudinally therethrough. A poppet member 26 is telescopically mounted in the flow passage 24 ofthe housing 26 and is telescopically movable between an open position (as shown in Figure 6) and a closed position (as shown in Figure 5).

The housing 22 has a front end 28 positioned opposite from a back end 30. The front end 28 is shaped to form a male coupling portion suitable for connection to a female coupling. The back end 30 ofthe housing 22 is adapted for connection to a conventional fluid container. For example, the back end 30 is shown having a set of threads designed for threadingly engaging a threaded spout of a container. It will be appreciated that the back end 30 could have a variety of other configurations. For example, the back end 30 could provide a snap fit connection with a container or could be heat fused or adhesively bonded to a container.

The housing 22 also includes a first retaining structure for retaining the poppet member 26 within the flow passage 24. The first retaining structure is preferably, but not necessarily, integrally formed as a single piece unit with the housing 22. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first retaining structure comprises a

mounting/containment ring 32 that is mounted within the flow passage 24 and is preferably constructed of a plastic material. The containment ring 32 includes a central aperture 34 that is centered generally along a central longitudinal axis ofthe housing 22. The containment ring 32 includes a back surface 36 that is aligned generally transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe housing 22 and a front surface 38 that defines a generally frustral conical shaped void.

It will be appreciated that the containment ring 32 can be mounted in the flow passage 24 ofthe housing 22 by a variety of mounting techniques. For example, Figures 1 and 2 show the containment ring 32 mounted in the flow passage 24 by a mounting cage. The mounting cage is designed to allow large flow volumes through the flow passage 24. The mounting cage includes a plurality of legs 40 that extend axially through the flow passage 24 in spaced relation from the inner radial surface ofthe housing 22. The legs 40 are spaced from the interior surface ofthe housing in order to prevent sink marks from appearing on the exterior ofthe housing 22 at the time the housing 22 is formed.

The legs 40 ofthe mounting cage include first ends 42 that are integrally formed with the front end 28 ofthe housing and second ends 44 that are integrally formed with the containment ring 32. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the legs could extend radially outward from the containment ring 32 and connect directly to the interior surface ofthe housing 22. Also, it is preferred for the mounting cage to have four legs 40 (only three are shown in Figures 1 and 2). However, it will be appreciated that the number of legs can be varied without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

As previously described, the poppet member 26 ofthe valve 20 is telescopically mounted in the flow passage 24 ofthe housing 22. The poppet member 26 includes a distal end portion 46 that is positioned opposite from a proximal end portion 48. The proximal end portion 48 includes a second retaining structure that cooperates with the first retaining structure ofthe housing 22 to provide a snap fit connection for retaining the poppet member 26 in the housing 22. The second retaining member is preferably, but not necessarily, integrally formed as a single piece unit with the poppet member 26. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second retaining structure comprises a pair of projections such as barbs 50 (only one shown in Figures 1

and 2) that extend radially outward from opposite sides ofthe proximal end portion 48 ofthe poppet member 26. The barbs 50 cooperate with the containment ring 32 to retain the poppet member 26 in the housing 22.

As best shown in Figures 5 and 6, the barbs 50 have outer edges 56 that taper radially outward from the proximal end 48 ofthe poppet member 26. The barbs 50 also define retaining surfaces 52 or shoulders that are generally transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis ofthe poppet member 26 and are adapted to engage the back surface 36 ofthe containment ring 32 to retain the poppet member 26 within the housing. At least portions ofthe barbs 50 define a width that is larger than the diameter ofthe central aperture 34 ofthe containment ring 32. The barbs 50 are preferably made of an elastic/resilient material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

The distal end portion 46 ofthe poppet member 26 includes an enlarged disk-shaped head member 58 having an outer radial surface defining a circumferential groove 60 that surrounds the head member 58. A resilient annular sealing member 62 such as an O-ring is mounted within the circumferential groove 60. When the poppet member 26 is in the closed position, the sealing member 62 provides a fluid tight seal between the outer radial surface ofthe enlarged head member 58 and an interior radial sealing surface 64 ofthe housing 22.

Unlike conventional face seals, the outer radial sealing structure ofthe poppet member 26 allows the poppet member 26 to be inserted through the front end 28 ofthe housing 22. Furthermore, the sealing member 62 maintains a sealing engagement with the interior radial sealing surface 64 ofthe housing 22 even if the enlarged head member 58 is moved slightly with respect to the sealing surface 64 thereby helping to prevent inadvertent leaks. The enlarge head member 58 is also equipped with a substantially flat outer face 68. When the poppet member 26 is in the closed position, the flat outer face 68 is recessed from the front end ofthe housing 22 to prevent the valve 20 from being inadvertently opened.

The poppet member 26 further includes a stop member 66 positioned between the distal and proximal end portions 46 and 48 ofthe poppet member 26. The stop member 66 is generally frustral conical shaped and engages the front surface 38 of

the containment ring 32 to limit the axial movement ofthe poppet member 26 within the housing 22.

The valve 20 also includes a spring member 70 mounted on the poppet member 26. One end ofthe spring member 70 extends over the containment ring 32 and engages the second ends 44 ofthe legs 40. The other end ofthe spring member 70 engages a back surface ofthe enlarged head member 58. In this manner, the spring member is captured within the flow passage 24 ofthe housing 22.

The spring member preferably exerts a spring force of one to ten pounds (more preferably three to five pounds) upon the poppet member 26 such that the poppet member 26 is biased toward the closed position. When the poppet member 26 is in the closed position, the spring member 70 exerts a force on the containment ring 32 that is opposed by a generally equal and opposite resultant force exerted on the containment ring 32 by the retaining surfaces 52 of the barbs 50. In this manner, the containment ring 32 is forced balanced. The substantial force balancing ofthe containment ring 32 minimizes tension on the legs 40 ofthe mounting cage while the poppet member 26 is in the closed position. By minimizing stress on the legs 40, potential deformation or stretching ofthe legs 40 can be minimized or prevented.

The valve 20 further includes an outer cap 72 that is typically mounted on the front end 28 ofthe housing 22 when the valve is not in use. The cap 72 is preferably constructed of a resilient plastic material such as polyurethane or polyethylene. The cap 72 includes opposing tabs 74 (only one shown) or undercut portions that engage an annular outer shoulder 76 ofthe housing 22 to retain the cap 72 between the tabs 74 on the front end ofthe housing 22. By squeezing opposing sides ofthe cap 72, the cap can be moved between a compressed orientation and a non- compressed orientation. In the compressed orientation, the width between the opposing tabs 74 is larger than the outer diameter ofthe outer shoulder 76 ofthe housing 22 such that the cap 72 can be inserted over the outer shoulder 76. In contrast, when the cap 72 is in the non-compressed orientation, the width between the opposing tabs 74 is smaller than the outer diameter ofthe outer shoulder 76. Consequently, by squeezing the cap 72, inserting the squeezed cap 72 over the outer shoulder 76, and releasing the cap 72 such that it returns to the non-compressed position, the cap 72 can be mounted on the front end 28 ofthe housing 22.

The cap 72 is equipped with a first sealing ring 78 or flange for providing a first seal with the front end 28 ofthe housing 22. When the cap 72 is mounted on the front 28 ofthe housing, the first sealing ring 78 is compressed against a recessed radial portion 80 ofthe housing 22 to provide a seal. The recessed radial portion inclines axially inward from the front end 28 ofthe housing 22 toward the back end 30 ofthe housing.

The cap 72 is also equipped with a second sealing ring 82 or flange. When the cap 72 is mounted on the front end ofthe housing 22, the second sealing ring 82 engages an outer edge or lip 84 ofthe housing 22 to form a secondary seal. The design ofthe valve 20 provides numerous advantages. One important advantage relates to the ease in which the valve 20 can be assembled. The valve 20 is assembled by placing the spring member 70 over the proximal end portion 48 ofthe poppet member 26. Alternatively, the spring 70 could be first placed in the housing 22 such that the proximal end portion 48 ofthe poppet member 26 can be subsequently inserted therethrough. The proximal end portion 48 ofthe poppet member 26 is then inserted into the flow passage 24 through the front end 28 ofthe housing 22. As the proximal end portion 48 is inserted into the housing 22, the barbs 50 are not required to be in any particular orientation. The poppet member 26 is then pushed toward the back end 30 of the housing thereby causing the barbs 50 to be compressed within the central aperture 34 ofthe containment ring 32 and/or the containment ring 32 to be expanded radially outward to allow passage ofthe barbs 50 through the containment ring 32. The poppet member 26 is continued to be pushed toward the back end 30 ofthe housing 22 until the barbs 50 snap past the back surface 36 ofthe containment ring 32. Once the poppet member 26 is snapped in place, interference between the retaining surfaces 52 ofthe barbs 50 and the back surface 36 ofthe containment ring 32 prevents the poppet member 26 from being completely withdrawn from the housing 22.

As assembled, the poppet member 26 is free to slide telescopically between the closed position shown in Figure 5 and the open position shown in Figure 6. The range of telescopic motion ofthe poppet member 26 with respect to the housing 22 is limited by the barbs 50 and also by the stop member 62.

After the poppet member 26 is snapped within the housing 22, the cap 72 is squeezed and inserted over the front end 28 ofthe housing 22. Once the cap 72 is positioned over the front end 28 ofthe housing 22, the cap is released such that the tabs 74 engage the outer shoulder 76 ofthe housing 22 to retain the cap 72 on the front end 28 of the housing 22.

It will be appreciated that the valve 20 is preferably constructed of a plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene and is also preferably formed by a conventional molding process. It is preferred for the valve 20 to be used in low pressure situations under 120 psi. It is more preferred for the valve 20 to be used in low pressure situations under 60 psi. It is most preferred for the valve to be used in low pressure situations under 10 psi.

It will also be appreciated that the configuration ofthe front end 28 of the housing 22 can be varied by conventionally known keying techniques such that the valve 20 can only be connected to a designated female coupling. One conventional keying technique is to vary the outer diameter ofthe front end 28 ofthe housing 22. It is desirable to key the valve in order to prevent the valve from being inadvertently connected to an inappropriate coupling. This is especially important if the valve is being used to dispense hazardous or non-biocompatible fluids.

It will further be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the snap fit connection specifically shown in Figures 1 and 2. A variety of other configurations could be used to provide a snap fit connection between housing and a poppet member. For example, a poppet member could have a plurality of legs having radially extending tabs that engage a shoulder defined by the inner radial surface ofthe housing. This is but one example of an alternative snap fit connection that is included within the scope ofthe present invention. It will also be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the barbs specifically shown in the present invention. For example, a variety of other projections, tabs, or shoulders having components transverse to a longitudinal axis ofthe poppet member could also be used.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a female coupling member 120 constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention that is suitable for connection to the front end 28 ofthe valve 20. The female coupling member 120 includes a coupling housing 122 that defines a fluid passage 124 extending longitudinally

therethrough. A sealing plunger 126 is telescopically mounted within the fluid passage 124 ofthe coupling housing 122. The sealing plunger 126 is telescopically movable between an open position (as shown in Figure 6) and a closed position (as shown in Figure 5). The coupling housing 122 includes a first end 128 that is opposite from a second end 130. The first end 128 defines an opening 132 in fluid communication with the fluid passage 124 that is sized to receive the front end 28 ofthe valve 20. The second end 130 ofthe coupling housing 122 is enclosed by end cap 134 that includes a plurality of barbs 136 for connecting the second end 130 to a hose. The coupling housing 122 also preferably defines a slot 138 located adjacent to the first end 128 ofthe housing 122. The slot 138 extends generally transversely through the housing 122 and is adapted to receive a clip member 140 therein. The clip member 140 is movable within the slot 138 between a retaining position and a connect/disconnect position. In the retaining position, a bottom portion of the clip member 140 projects into the flow passage 124 such that clip member 140 is adapted for retaining the front end 28 ofthe valve 20 within the female coupling member 120. In the connect/disconnect position, the bottom portion ofthe clip member 140 is recessed within the slot 138 such that sufficient clearance is provided to allow the front end 28 of the valve 20 to be inserted within or withdrawn from the female coupling structure 120. A spring 129 biases the clip member 140 toward the retaining position.

The clip member 140 includes a tab portion 142 that is interconnected with a plate portion 144. The tab portion 142 provides a surface for a user to press down on the clip member 140 so as to move the clip member transversely with respect to the coupling member 120 from the retaining position toward the connect/disconnect position.

The plate portion 144 ofthe clip member 140 defines an aperture 146 that is sufficiently large to allow the front end 28 ofthe valve 20 to extend therethrough and is generally alignable with the fluid passage 124 ofthe coupling housing 122. When the clip member 140 is moved to the connect/disconnect position, there is sufficient clearance for the front end 28 ofthe valve 20 to be inserted through the aperture 146 and into the fluid passage 124 ofthe coupling housing 122. When the

clip member 140 is moved to the retaining position, a lip or shoulder 147 at the bottom ofthe plate portion 144 ofthe clip member 140 engages the outer shoulder 76 ofthe valve 20 to retain the valve 20 within the female coupling member 120 (as shown in Figure 6). The plate portion 144 also preferably includes barbs 145 (one shown) that cooperate with shoulders (not shown) within the slot 138 to retain the clip 140 in within the slot 138. A more detailed description of a similar clip member is described in United States Patent No. 5,052,725 that is hereby incoφorated by reference.

An annular sealing member 148 such as a rubber or elastomeric O-ring is mounted within the fluid passage 124 ofthe coupling housing 122. The sealing member 148 is captured between a radial shoulder 150 defined by the coupling housing 122 and a retaining ring 152 mounted in the fluid passage 124 ofthe coupling housing 122. The retaining ring 152 is held within the coupling housing 122 by the plate portion 144 of the clip member 140 which overlaps the retaining ring 152 at predetermined locations. The retaining ring 152 includes a first flat surface 154 that engages the sealing member 148 and an opposing second flat surface 156 that is overlapped by and engages the plate portion 144 ofthe clip member 140. The retaining ring 152 also includes an inclined inner radial surface 158 that is configured to engage the outer shoulder 76 ofthe valve 20 when the valve is inserted in the female coupling member 120. The retaining ring 152 further includes an outer radial shoulder 160 that mates with a second radial shoulder 162 defined by the coupling housing 122. A curved portion ofthe outer radial shoulder 160 fits within a corresponding curved portion defined by the coupling housing 122.

As previously described, the sealing plunger 126 ofthe female coupling member 120 is telescopically mounted in the fluid passage 124. The sealing plunger 126 includes a head portion 168 defining a circumferential groove 170 and including an axial projection member 180. An O-ring 172 is mounted in the circumferential groove 170. The sealing plunger 126 also includes a cylindrical tube portion 174 that surrounds a spring member 176. The spring member 176 is captured between the end cap 134 and the sealing plunger 126 and functions to bias a sealing plunger 126 toward the closed position as shown in Figure 5. When in the closed position, the O-ring 172 engages a sealing ring 178 that is integrally formed with the

inner radial surface ofthe coupling housing 122. In this manner, the O-ring 172 provides a fluid tight seal.

The female coupling member 120 is assembled by first inserting the sealing member 148 in the first end 128 ofthe coupling housing 122. Next, the retaining ring 152 is inserted into the first end 128 ofthe coupling housing 122 so as to engage the sealing member 148. The clip member 140 is then snapped within the slot 138 such that the sealing member 148 and the retaining ring 152 are captured within the coupling housing 122. The sealing plunger 126 and the spring 176 are then inserted into the fluid passage 124 through the second end 130 ofthe coupling housing 122. The sealing plunger 126 and the spring 176 are held within the fluid passage 124 by the end cap 134 that is preferably snapped, screwed or bonded to the second end 130 of the coupling housing 122.

Figures 5 and 6 show a coupling assembly incoφorating the valve 20 and the female coupling structure 120. Figure 5 shows the valve 20 and the female coupling member 120 before being coupled together. The female coupling member 120 is connected to the valve 20 by inserting the first end 128 ofthe coupling member 120 over the front end 128 of the valve 20. As the coupling member 120 is moved toward the valve 20, the O-ring 172 forms a fluid tight seal between the inner radial surface ofthe female coupling member 120 and the outer radial surface ofthe front end 28 ofthe valve 20. As the coupling member 120 continues to be pressed toward the valve 20, the axial projection 180 ofthe coupling member 120 engages the face 68 ofthe valve poppet member 26 causing both the poppet member 26 and the sealing plunger 126 to be moved from the closed positions to the open positions. Concurrently, the bottom portion ofthe clip member 140 engages the outer shoulder 76 ofthe valve 20 causing the clip member 140 to slide downward from the retaining position toward the connect/disconnect position. After the clip member 140 is pushed past the outer shoulder 76 ofthe valve 20, the clip member 140 snaps back to the retaining position such that the outer shoulder 76 is captured between the bottom shoulder 147 ofthe clip member 140 and the retaining ring 152. While the valve 20 and the coupling member 120 are coupled together, the poppet member 26 and the sealing plunger 126 are retained in the open positions such that there is open fluid communication between the valve 20 and the coupling member 120.

To disconnect the coupling member 120 from the valve 20, a user depresses the tab portion 142 ofthe clip member 140 to move the clip member 140 to the connect/disconnect position such that the bottom shoulder 147 ofthe plate portion 144 no longer interferes with the outer shoulder 76 ofthe valve 20. The valve 20 can then be axially removed from the fluid passage 124 ofthe coupling member 120. As the coupling member 120 is disconnected from the valve 20, the spring members 70 and 176 respectively move the poppet member 26 and the sealing plunger 126 from the open positions to the closed positions.

It will be appreciated that the term annular sealing member as used throughout the specification is not limited to an O-ring or other type of elastomeric seal. For example, the term annular sealing member includes sealing structures such as semi-rigid parts that engage each other in an interference fit to form a seal as well as other conventionally known sealing techniques.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative female coupling 220 constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention. Generally, the female coupling 220 includes a housing 222 including a front end 224 positioned opposite from a back end 226. A flow passageway 228 extends longitudinally between the front and back ends 224 and 226. The back end 226 is configured for connection to a conventional connecting structure such as an elbow connector 230. The front end 224 is configured to axially receive a corresponding male coupling. The coupling unit 220 is also equipped with the same clip member 140 described with respect to the female coupling of Figures 3 and 4. It will be appreciated that the clip member 140 functions to selectively interlock the female coupling 220 with the corresponding male coupling. The female coupling 220 also includes a stationary poppet member 232 configured to be fixedly mounted within the flow passageway 228 ofthe housing 222 and a sleeve member 234 configured to be movably/slidably mounted on the stationary poppet member 232. When the female coupling is assembled, the sleeve 234 is axially movable with respect to the stationary poppet member 232 and the housing 222 and functions to open and close the flow passage 228 ofthe female coupling 220. For example, Figure 9 shows the female coupling 220 in a first orientation in which the sleeve 234 circumferentially engages both the stationary poppet member 232 and the

interior ofthe housing 222 such that the fluid passage way 228 ofthe housing 222 is closed. In contrast, Figure 11 shows the female coupling 220 in a second orientation in which the sleeve 234 is pushed axially within the housing 222 such that the fluid passage way 228 ofthe housing 222 is open. The housing 222 ofthe coupling 220 includes a first retaining structure for fixedly retaining the stationary poppet member 232 within the flow passageway 228. The first retaining structure is shown as an annular retaining/containment member 236 having a central aperture 238 aligned along the longitudinal axis ofthe housing 222. The annular member 236 has a recessed front face 240 that tapers/ramps radially inward toward the aperture 238. The annular containment structure 236 is connected to the housing 222 via a plurality of circumferentially spaced legs 242 that extend radially between the containment member 236 and the interior surface ofthe housing 222.

The housing 222 also includes a tube portion 244 positioned within the flow passageway 228 adjacent the containment member 236. The tube portion 244 is preferably centered on the longitudinal axis ofthe housing 222 and is preferably spaced radially inward from the interior surface ofthe housing 222. An annular slot 246 is defined between the interior surface ofthe housing 222 and the outer surface of the tube portion 244. A rearward portion ofthe tube portion 244 interconnects with the interior surface ofthe housing 222 so as to define an annular shoulder 248.

It will be appreciated that the containment structure 236, the legs 240, the tube portion 244, and the housing 222 are preferably integrally formed as a one- piece unit.

The stationary poppet member 232 ofthe coupling 220 includes a second retaining structure constructed and arranged to cooperate with the first retaining structure ofthe housing 222 to fixedly retain the stationary poppet member 232 within the flow passageway 228. The second retaining structure includes one or more projections 250 (preferably four) extending radially outward from a first end 252 ofthe stationary poppet member 232. The distance between the outer edges ofthe projections 250 is larger than the diameter ofthe aperture 238 ofthe containment member 236. Each projection 250 includes a ramped outer surface 249 forming an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe poppet member 232 and a

retaining/shoulder surface 251 preferably aligned traversely with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe poppet member 232.

The poppet member 232 also includes an enlarged generally disk- shaped head 254 located at a second end 256 ofthe poppet member 232. The head 254 has an enlarged diameter as compared to the remainder ofthe poppet member 232. The enlarged head 254 defines a circumferential groove 255 about its exterior for retaining a first sealing member 258 such as a deformable O-ring. A plurality of circumferentially spaced rib members 260 project radially outward from the stationary poppet member 232 and extend generally longitudinally between the first and second ends 252 and 256 ofthe poppet member 232. Adjacent the first end 252 ofthe poppet member 232, the rib members 260 define a plurality of retaining shoulders 262 positioned in spaced opposing relation to the shoulders ofthe projection members 250. It will be appreciated that the distance between the shoulders 262 and the shoulders 251 is slightly larger than the longitudinal distance between the front and back sides of the containment member 236.

The sleeve 234 ofthe female coupling 220 has a generally tubular shape and includes a first end 264 opposite from a second end 266. Adjacent the first end 264, the sleeve 234 defines a circumferential groove 268 that opens radially outward. The circumferential groove 268 is configured to retain a second sealing member 270 preferably comprising a deformable ring structure. Adjacent the second end 266, the sleeve 234 defines a second circumferential groove 272 that also opens radially outward from the sleeve 234. The circumferential groove 272 is sized to retain a third sealing member 274 preferably comprising a ring of deformable material. Positioned at an intermediate location between the first and second ends 264 and 266 ofthe sleeve 234 is a circumferential flange member 276 that projects radially outward from the sleeve 234. The female coupling also includes a spring member 278 for biasing the sleeve 234 toward the closed position.

It will be appreciated that the individual components ofthe female coupling 220 are configured to facilitate assembly ofthe female coupling 220. The paragraphs that follow describe an exemplary assembly method. It will be appreciated that the sequence ofthe enumerated steps may be varied without departing from the principles ofthe present invention.

In assembling the coupling 220, the sealing rings 258, 270 and 274 are placed within their respective circumferential grooves 255, 268 and 272. The spring 278 is then inserted through the front end 224 ofthe housing 222 and placed over the exterior ofthe tube portion 244. Next, the first end 264 ofthe sleeve 234 is inserted through the front end 224 ofthe housing and passed through the inner opening ofthe spring 278. In such a configuration, it will be appreciated that the spring 278 is captured between the annular shoulder 248 ofthe housing 222 and the circumferential flange 276 ofthe sleeve 234. The sleeve 234 is then pressed within the housing 222 such that the spring 278 is compressed. With the sleeve 234 pressed within the housing 222, the clip member 140 is snapped within a slot in the housing 222 such that the sleeve 234 is captured and retained within the housing 222 by the clip 140.

Next, the first end 252 ofthe stationary poppet member 232 is inserted into the front end 224 ofthe housing 222 and through the center ofthe sleeve 234. The first end 252 ofthe poppet member 232 is brought into contact with the front face 240 ofthe containment member 236. The poppet member 232 is then forced axially toward the back end 226 ofthe housing 222 causing the projection members 250 or the containment member 236 to elastically deform thereby enabling the projection members 250 to snap through the aperture 238 ofthe containment member 236. It will be appreciated that the ramped surfaces 249 ofthe projections 250 cooperate with the ramped front face 240 ofthe containment member 236 to facilitating forcing the first end 252 ofthe poppet 232 through the aperture 238.

Once the poppet member 232 has been snapped in place, interference between the projection members 250 and the back side ofthe containment structure 236, and interference between the shoulder members 262 and the front side ofthe containment structure 236, prevent the poppet member 232 from axially moving within the housing 222. In the assembled configuration, the third sealing member 270 forms a fluid tight seal between the sleeve 234 and the inner surface ofthe tube portion 244. Connecting structures, such as the elbow connector 230, can be connected to the back end 226 ofthe housing 22 at any time during the assembly process. Figures 9-11 show a male coupling or valve 320 configured to be interconnected with the female coupling 220. The valve 320 includes substantially the same components as the valve of Figures 1 and 2. For example, the valve 320 includes

a housing 322 defining a flow passage 324 extending longitudinally therethrough. A poppet member 326 is telescopically mounted in the flow passage 324 ofthe housing 322 and is telescopically movable between open and closed positions. The nose ofthe valve 320 defines a circumferential sealing surface 325. Directly adjacent to the sealing surface 325 is a ramped annular surface 327.

Figures 9-11 show the valve 320 and female coupling 220 in the process of being interconnected. In Figure 9, the valve 320 is axially aligned with the front opening ofthe female coupling 220. In Figure 10, the valve 320 is inserted within the front opening ofthe female coupling 220. As inserted, the sealing surface 325 engages the third sealing member 274 such that a fluid tight seal is formed between the sealing surface 325 and the exterior surface ofthe sleeve 234. Also, the ramped surface 327 engages a corresponding ramped surface 267 formed at the second end 266 ofthe sleeve 234.

As shown in Figure 10, both the female coupling 220 and the valve 320 are closed so that no fluid flow is permitted thereinbetween. Specifically, the female coupling 220 is closed through the cooperation ofthe sleeve 234 and the poppet member 232. More specifically, a fluid tight seal is provided by the first sealing member 258 between an interior surface ofthe sleeve 234 and an exterior surface of the poppet member 232. Similarly, the valve 320 is closed by the poppet member 326. Specifically, a sealing member 329 forms a fluid tight seal between an inner surface of the valve body 322 and an outer surface ofthe poppet member 326.

The female coupling 220 and the valve 320 are coupled by forcing the valve 320 and coupling 220 axially together with a sufficient force to overcome the resistance provided by the spring 278 ofthe coupling 220 and a spring 370 ofthe valve 320. As the valve 320 and coupling 220 are forced together, contact between the ramp surface 327 ofthe valve 320 and the ramp surface 267 ofthe sleeve 234 causes the sleeve 234 to retract within the coupling 220 from the closed position to the opened position. Concurrently, contact between the stationary poppet member 232 ofthe coupling 220 and the movable poppet member 326 ofthe valve 320 causes the movable poppet member 326 to retract within the valve 320 from the closed position to an opened position. Once the valve 320 is completely inserted within the coupling

220, the clip member 140 snaps into a slot defined by the outer surface ofthe valve 320 to interlock the two structures.

To uncouple the coupling 220 from the valve 320, the clip member 140 is pressed downward and the coupling 220 and valve 320 are pulled axially apart. As the coupling 220 and the valve 320 are separated, the spring 278 ofthe coupling 220 moves the sleeve 234 from the opened position to the closed position. Similarly, the valve 320 is closed by the spring 370 which moves the movable poppet member 326 from the opened position to the closed position.

With regard to the foregoing description, it is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters ofthe construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement ofthe parts without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. It is intended that the specification and depicted embodiment be considered exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit ofthe invention being indicated by the broad meaning ofthe following claims.