Fluid handling couplings

Abstract

Fluid couplings described herein are designed be assembled efficiently and economically. In example embodiments, the fluid couplings are designed with minimal component parts so that the fluid couplings are additionally economical to produce. A main body of the fluid coupling defines an opening through a side wall. A valve member and a conical spring are insertable into an internal space defined by the main body. The maximum outer diameter of the conical spring is smaller than the opening through the side wall. Accordingly, the conical spring can be inserted through the opening.

Description

FLUID HANDLING COUPLINGSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 535,008 filed August 28, 2023. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This document relates to fluid handling devices. For example, this document relates to fluid handling couplings that are designed to be assembled efficiently.BACKGROUND

[0003] Fluid handling components such as fluid couplings allow fluid communication between two or more components. Some fluid couplings include features that allow male and female components to be quickly connected or disconnected, and may include one or more internal valve components that selectively block or allow flow of fluid through the fluid couplings.

[0004] Fluid couplings with internal valve components typically have multiple component parts that are assembled into a fully completed and functional fluid coupling. The assembly process can be a significant aspect of the manufacturing cost structure of some fluid couplings.SUMMARY

[0005] This document describes fluid handling components. For example, this document describes fluid couplings that are designed to be assembled efficiently and economically. Some such fluid couplings are designed to prevent spillage of fluid when connecting and disconnecting the couplings. In some embodiments, the fluid couplings described herein include internal valve components. In example embodiments, the fluid couplings are designed with minimal component parts so that the fluid couplings are economical to produce.

[0006] The fluid coupling devices described herein may also be referred to as male couplings, “coupling halves,” and / or “connectors.” The male couplings may also be referred to as “inserts” that are designed to be used in engagement with female couplings that may be referred to as “bodies.”

[0007] In one aspect, this disclosure is directed to a fluid coupling that includes a main body, a conical spring, and a valve member. The main body includes a side wall and a valve seat. The main body defines: (i) an open internal space having a central longitudinal axis and (ii) an opening through the side wall. The conical spring is disposed within the internal space and includes a first end portion having a first outer diameter, and a second end portion opposite of the first end portion and having a second outer diameter that is larger than the first outer diameter. The valve member is disposed within the internal space and coupled with the first end portion of the conical spring. The valve member is movable along the central longitudinal axis between a closed position in which the valve member seals against the valve seat and an open position in which a fluid flow path is open through the fluid coupling. The second outer diameter of the conical spring is smaller than the opening through the side wall.

[0008] Such a fluid coupling may optionally include one or more of the following features. The second end portion of the conical spring may be engaged against the main body. The conical spring may bias the valve member to the closed position. Adjacent coils of the conical spring may nest inside of each other when the conical spring is longitudinally compressed. The conical spring may be made of a wound wire having a wire diameter, and a solid height of the conical spring may be between two to six times the wire diameter. The conical spring may be a cone-shaped compression spring. The main body may define an end opening, and the second end portion of the conical spring may be larger than the end opening. The first end portion of the conical spring may be smaller than the end opening. The main body may include two protrusions that engage with the second end portion of the conical spring to keep the conical spring centered on the central longitudinal axis. The main body may also include a front face and may define an annular recess concentrically around the front face. The main body may also include a portion configured to couple with a bottle or a bag.

[0009] In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to a method of assembling a fluid coupling. The method includes: (i) inserting a valve member of the fluid coupling into an internal space defined by main body of the fluid coupling, the main body comprising a side wall and a valve seat, the main body defining an opening through the side wall and a central longitudinal axis; (ii) inserting a conical spring through the opening through the side wall and into the internal space defined by the main body; (iii) engaging a first end portion of the conicalspring with the valve member; and (iv) engaging a second end portion of the conical spring against the main body. The first end portion has a first outer diameter, and the second end portion has a second outer diameter that is larger than the first outer diameter.

[0010] Such a method of assembling a fluid coupling may optionally include one or more of the following features. The main body may define an end opening, and the second end portion of the conical spring may have a second outer diameter that is larger than the end opening. The second outer diameter may be smaller than the opening through the side wall of the main body. The first end portion of the conical spring may have a first outer diameter that is smaller than the end opening. Inserting the valve member of the fluid coupling into the internal space may comprise inserting the valve member through the end opening.

[0011] Some embodiments of the devices, systems and techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following advantages. First, some embodiments of the fluid couplings described herein are designed with minimal component parts and are designed for easy assembly so that the fluid couplings are relatively economical to produce. Such constructions may provide advantages such as manufacturing flexibility and succinct assembly processes that can be automated in some cases.

[0012] Second, in some embodiments the fluid couplings described herein are designed to prevent spillage or escape of fluid when initially connecting the couplings and when disconnecting the couplings after use. In some embodiments, the fluid couplings described herein include internal shut-off valves to prevent fluid spillage. By preventing spillage, material loss, soiling, contamination and costs associated with spillage may be reduced.

[0013] Third, in some embodiments the fluid couplings described herein are designed to prevent the inclusion of air into the fluid, as can often result during the process of joining male and female couplings together. By preventing air inclusion, the fluid is maintained in its most desired state.

[0014] Fourth, the fluid couplings described herein may include a robust latching system that is also convenient for decoupling the male and female couplings from each other. For example, a latch component of the female coupling may simply be depressed, and the male and female couplings can then be separated from each other.

[0015] Fifth, the fluid couplings described herein may be designed to provide tactile feedback when the male and female portions of the fluid coupling are snapped together in the coupled configuration.

[0016] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The present description is further provided with reference to the appended Figures, wherein like structure is referred to by like numerals throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 is perspective view of an example fluid coupling in accordance with some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 2 is longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example fluid coupling. The depicted fluid coupling is configured to couple with the fluid coupling of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 4 is longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling of FIG. 3.

[0022] FIG. 5 is perspective view of the fluid couplings of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 in a coupled arrangement.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid couplings of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 in a coupled arrangement.

[0024] FIG. 7 is an end view of the fluid coupling of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling taken along the cutplane line 8 — 8 shown in FIG. 7.

[0026] FIG. 9 is another longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling taken along the cut-plane line 9 — 9 shown in FIG. 7.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a side view of the fluid coupling of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a transverse cross-section view of the fluid coupling taken along the cutplane line 11 — 11 shown in FIG. 10.

[0029] FIG. 12 is perspective view of a main body of the fluid coupling of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the main body of the fluid coupling ofFIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a spring of the fluid coupling of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 15 is an end view of the spring of FIG. 14.

[0033] FIG. 16 is longitudinal cross-section view of the spring taken along the cut-plane line16 — 16 shown in FIG. 15.

[0034] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a valve member of the fluid coupling of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 18 is an end view of the valve member of FIG. 17.

[0036] FIG. 19 is cross-sectional view of the valve member taken along the cut-plane line19 — 19 shown in FIG. 18.

[0037] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another example fluid coupling in accordance with some embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 21 is longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling of FIG. 20.

[0039] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another example valve member in accordance with some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the valve member of FIG. 22.

[0041] FIG. 24 is a side view of another example fluid coupling in accordance with some embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling of FIG. 24.

[0043] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 25.

[0044] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another example valve member in accordance with some embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 28 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the valve member of FIG. 27.

[0046] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another example fluid coupling in accordance with some embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 30 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling of FIG. 29.

[0048] FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 30.

[0049] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another example valve member in accordance with some embodiments.

[0050] FIG. 33 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the valve member of FIG. 32.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0051] This document describes fluid handling components. For example, this document describes fluid couplings that are designed to be assembled efficiently and economically. In example embodiments, the fluid couplings are designed with minimal component parts so that the fluid couplings are additionally economical to produce. In some embodiments, the fluid couplings described herein include internal valve components. Some such fluid couplings are designed to prevent spillage of fluid when connecting and disconnecting the couplings.

[0052] As used herein, the term “fluid” means any substance that can be made to flow including, but is not limited to, liquids, gases, granular or powdered solids, mixtures or emulsions of two or more fluids, suspensions of solids within liquids or gases, gels, vapors, steam, mists, etc., without limitation.

[0053] FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate an example fluid coupling 100. The fluid coupling 100 can be considered to be an insert 100 or a male fluid coupling 100. As shown in FIGs. 5 and 6, the fluid coupling 100 can be connected with another fluid coupling (e g., an example female coupling 200 as shown in FIGs. 3 and 4) to establish a fluid flow path extending through the fluid coupling 100 and the connected fluid coupling 200. Thereafter, the fluid couplings 100 and 200 can be disconnected to close the fluid flow path (with valve members of one or both of the fluid coupling 100 and the female coupling 200 closing the fluid flow path when uncoupled). Hence, it can be said that the male coupling 100 and the compatible female coupling 200 are designed and configured to be releasably coupleable with each other.

[0054] The materials from which one or more of the components of the male fluid coupling 100 (and other fluid couplings described herein) can be made of include thermoplastics. In particular embodiments, the materials from which the components of the male fluid coupling 100 is made of are thermoplastics, such as, but not limited to, acetal, ABS, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polysulfone, polyether ether ketone, polysulphide, polyester, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene, polyphenyl sulfone (PPSU; e.g., Radel®), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyetherimide (PEI; e.g., Ultem®), polypropylene, polyphenylene, polyaryletherketone, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thermoplastics can include one or more fillers such as, but not limited to, glass fiber, glass bead, carbon fiber, talc, etc.

[0055] In some embodiments, the materials from which one or more of the components of the male fluid coupling 100 (and other fluid couplings described herein) are made of include metals such as, but not limited to copper, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, plated steel, zinc alloys, Hastelloy®, beryllium copper, and the like. In particular embodiments, the male fluid coupling 100 is metallic-free.

[0056] In some embodiments, one or both of the male fluid coupling 100 and the female fluid coupling 200 (and other fluid couplings described herein) include(s) one or more metallic spring members (such as the conical spring 120). Such spring members can be made of materials such as, but not limited to, spring steel, stainless steel such as 316L, piano / music wire, beryllium copper, titanium, and the like. In some embodiments, such spring members can be made of elastomeric material.

[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the female fluid coupling 200 (or the male fluid coupling 100 in some embodiments) can include one or more seal members. In some embodiments, the seal members can comprise materials such as, but not limited to, silicone, fluoroelastomers (FKM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), buna, buna-N, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), and the like. The cross-sectional shape of such seal members can be circular, oval, D-shaped, X-shaped, square, rectangular, U-shaped, multi-lobed, L-shaped, V-shaped, and the like, or any other suitable shape, without limitation. The seal members may be externally lubricated (such as with an oil or grease) or internally lubricated.

[0058] In the depicted embodiments, no latch is included to maintain the male fluid coupling 100 and female fluid coupling 200 in the coupled arrangement (as shown in FIGs. 5 and 6). In such a case, the male fluid coupling 100 and the female coupling 200 can be mechanically forced toward each other and then held in that arrangement to put / keep them in the coupled, operable configuration. In some embodiments, a latch is included (e.g., as described in reference to FIGs. 20 and 21).

[0059] In the depicted embodiment, the fluid coupling 100 includes a main body 110, a conical spring 120, and a valve member 130. The main body 110 defines an internal space and a central longitudinal axis. The conical spring 120 and the valve member 130 are disposed within the internal space. A first end portion 122 of the conical spring 120 is coupled with the valve member 130. A second end portion 124 of the conical spring 120 is abutted or engaged against the main body 110.

[0060] As shown in FIGs. 10 and 11, in the depicted embodiment the main body 110 includes two protrusions 9 that engage with the second end portion 124 of the conical spring 120 to keep the conical spring 120 centered on the central longitudinal axis of the main body 110.

[0061] The valve member 130 is movable along the central longitudinal axis of the main body 110 between a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 1, 2, and 7-9) in which the valve member 130 seals against the valve seat 1 12 (e.g., see FIG. 13) of the main body 110 and an open position (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 5 and 6) in which a fluid flow path is open through the fluid coupling 100. The conical spring 120 biases the valve member 130 to the closed position.

[0062] The main body 110 is shown in isolation in FIGs. 12 and 13. The main body 110 defines the central longitudinal axis 111 and the internal space 115. The main body 110 includes the valve seat 112 (which is cylindrical in this embodiment, but can be frustoconical in other embodiments), the two protrusions 113 and 114, and a frustoconical valve stop surface 116. The main body 110 also defines an annular recess 117, an end opening 118, and one or more side wall openings 119. There are two side wall openings 119 in the depicted embodiment of the fluid coupling 100.

[0063] The annular recess 117 is configured to releasably receive a portion of the female coupling 200 when the male coupling 100 and the female coupling 200 are coupled together as shown, for example, in FIG. 6.

[0064] The end opening 118 serves as a portion of the open fluid flow path when the valve member 130 is in its open position. The one or more side wall openings 119 also serve as portions of the open fluid flow path.

[0065] The one or more side wall openings 119 as also passageways that allow for the conical spring 120 and the valve member 130 to be placed into the internal space 115 during the assembly of the fluid coupling 100.

[0066] The main body 110 can be configured for attachment to a fluid handling means such as, but not limited to, a vessel, container, or a tube. In the depicted embodiment, the main body 110 includes a threaded collar for releasable attachment to a bottle or a bag. In some embodiments, a snap-in coupler or welded coupler can be included on the main body 110 instead of the threaded collar.

[0067] The conical spring 120 is shown in isolation in FIGs. 14—16. The conical spring 120 is a cone-shaped, tapered compression spring made of a wire that has a particular wire diameter. In the depicted embodiment, the conical spring 120 has closed, ground ends. The conical spring 120 has the first end portion 122 which has a first outer diameter. The conical spring 120 also has the second end portion 124 which has a second outer diameter. The second outer diameter of the second end portion 124 is larger than the first outer diameter of the first end portion 122.

[0068] In the depicted embodiment, the conical spring 120 is tapered to the extent that the adjacent coils can nest inside of each other when the conical spring 120 is compressed (e.g., see FIG. 15). Accordingly, the solid height of the conical spring 120 is minimized (e.g., to approximately one to two times the diameter of the wire). In other embodiments, the taper is not as pronounced. Accordingly, in such embodiments the solid height of the conical spring 120 can be approximately two to six times the diameter of the wire.

[0069] As visible in FIGs. 10 and 11, for example, the second outer diameter of the second end portion 124 is smaller than the height of the one or more side wall openings 119 (wherein the height is taken orthogonally relative to the central longitudinal axis 111). Accordingly, theconical spring 120 (when longitudinally compressed) can be passed through the one or more side wall openings 119 and into the internal space 115. In contrast, the second outer diameter of the second end portion 124 is larger than the diameter of the end opening 118. However, the first outer diameter of the first end portion 122 is smaller than the diameter of the end opening 118.

[0070] FIGs. 17-19 show the valve member 130 in isolation. The valve member 130 includes an annular sealing surface 132, a post 134, and tapered stop surfaces 136. In this embodiment, the annular sealing surface 132 is frustoconical in shape. However, as shown in FIG. 13, the valve seat 112 of the main body 110 is cylindrical. Accordingly, the valve member 130 can be made of a material that is softer than the main body 110 so that the annular sealing surface 132 will conform to the shape of the valve seat 112 and provide a good fluid seal. For example, in some embodiments the valve member 130 can be made of materials such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyurethane. In some embodiments, the valve seat 112 of the main body 110 is frustoconical to more closely match the shape of the annular sealing surface 132.

[0071] The first end portion 122 of the spring 120 engages on (e.g., wraps around) the post 134. The tapered stop surfaces 136 abut against the valve stop surface 116 of the main body 110 to limit the longitudinal travel of the valve member 130 when the valve member 130 is in its closed position.

[0072] FIGs. 20 and 21 provide views of another example male fluid coupling 300. The fluid coupling 300 can be connected with another fluid coupling (e.g., a female coupling, not shown; see e.g., U.S. Patent 7,547,047) to establish a fluid flow path extending through the fluid coupling 300 and the connected fluid coupling. Thereafter, the fluid couplings can be disconnected to close the fluid flow path (with valve members of one or both of the fluid coupling 300 and the female coupling closing the fluid flow path when uncoupled). Hence, it can be said that the male coupling 300 and a compatible female coupling are designed and configured to be releasably coupleable with each other.

[0073] In some embodiments, the female coupling (not shown; see e.g., U.S. Patent 7,547,047) can include an actuatable latch that is engageable within a latch groove 312 defined by a main body 310 of the male fluid coupling 300 to releasably detain the male fluid coupling 300 and the female coupling in a coupled, operable configuration. In some embodiments, nosuch latch is included and no latch groove 312 is included on the male fluid coupling 300. In such a case, the male fluid coupling 300 and the female coupling can be mechanically forced toward each other and then held in that arrangement to put / keep them in the coupled, operable configuration.

[0074] Similar to the fluid coupling 100 described above, the fluid coupling 300 includes a conical spring 320 that is sized to be inserted through a sidewall opening 319 of the main body 310. The conical spring 320 is disposed between an end of the main body 310 and a valve member 330. Accordingly, the conical spring 320 biases the valve member 330 to its closed position until the male fluid coupling 300 is engaged with a compatible female fluid coupling.

[0075] FIGs. 22 and 23 illustrate another example valve member 430 that can be used with embodiments of the fluid couplings described herein. For example, the valve member 430 can be used in the fluid coupling 400 shown in FIGs. 24-26. As best seen in the enlarged view of FIG. 26, the small end portion of the spring 420 can be seated within an annular recess defined by the annular sealing surface 432 (which is a flexible frusto conical surface in this example embodiment). The spring 420 provides reinforcement to the flexible annular sealing surface 432. This can provide a good seal and can serve to facilitate a good seal even as the annular sealing surface 432 wears.

[0076] The valve member 430 includes an annular forward-facing surface 434. As best seen in FIG. 26, the forward-facing surface 434 abuts against an annular lip 411 of the main body 410 when the valve member 430 is in its closed position. Accordingly, the closed position of the valve member 430 is defined by the abutment between the annular lip 411 and the forwardfacing surface 434.

[0077] FIGs. 27 and 28 illustrate another example valve member 530 that can be used with embodiments of the fluid couplings described herein. The valve member 530 defines a seal groove 531. The seal groove 531 can receive an elastomeric or metallic seal member such as, but not limited to, an O-ring, X-ring, square-ring, D-ring, and any other suitable type of seal member (e.g., as described above). The valve member 530 includes two tapered stop surfaces 536 that abut against corresponding surfaces of a main body to limit the travel of the valve member 530 and to define the closed position of the valve member 530.

[0078] FIGs. 29-31 illustrate another example fluid coupling 600. The fluid coupling 600 includes a valve member 630. As best seen in the enlarged view of FIG. 31, the valve member 630 includes a first frustoconical surface 631 (which may be cylindrical in some embodiments) and a second frustoconical surface 632. There is also an annular protuberance 633 on the second frustoconical surface 633. The annular protuberance 633 can serve as a seal when it abuts against the frustoconical valve stop surface 616 of the main body 610. In some embodiments, the abutment of the annular protuberance 633 against the frustoconical valve stop surface 616 can also serve as a travel limiter to define the closed position of the valve member 630.

[0079] FIGs. 32 and 33 illustrate another example valve member 730 that can be used with embodiments of the fluid couplings defined herein. The valve member 730 includes an annular sealing surface 732. In this embodiment, the annular sealing surface 732 is frustoconical and has a relatively steep angle (e.g., 30° to 45°) relative to the central longitudinal axis of the valve member 730. The outermost portion of the annular sealing surface 732 is thin and therefore flexible. When the valve member 730 is traveling toward its stop position, the thin outermost portion will contact the stop surface of the main body first, and then deflect inwardly. Gradually the valve member 730 will stop traveling because the thicker, more rigid portions of the annular sealing surface 732 will also contact the stop surface of the main body. So, in this manner the annular sealing surface 732 serves both as a seal and a travel limiter for the valve member 730.

[0080] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment in part or in whole. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein as acting in certain combinations and / or initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0081] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Although a number of implementations have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. In addition, other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid coupling comprising: a main body comprising a side wall and a valve seat, the main body defining: (i) an open internal space having a central longitudinal axis and (ii) an opening through the side wall; a conical spring disposed within the internal space and comprising: a first end portion having a first outer diameter; and a second end portion opposite of the first end portion and having a second outer diameter that is larger than the first outer diameter; and a valve member disposed within the internal space and coupled with the first end portion of the conical spring, wherein the valve member is movable along the central longitudinal axis between a closed position in which the valve member seals against the valve seat and an open position in which a fluid flow path is open through the fluid coupling, wherein the second outer diameter of the conical spring is smaller than the opening through the side wall.

2. The fluid coupling of claim 1, wherein the second end portion of the conical spring is engaged against the main body.

3. The fluid coupling of claim 1, wherein the conical spring biases the valve member to the closed position.

4. The fluid coupling of claim 1, wherein adjacent coils of the conical spring nest inside of each other when the conical spring is longitudinally compressed.

5. The fluid coupling of claim 1, wherein the conical spring is made of a wound wire having a wire diameter, and wherein a solid height of the conical spring is between two to six times the wire diameter.

6. The fluid coupling of claim 1, wherein the conical spring is a cone-shaped compression spring.

7. The fluid coupling of any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the main body defines an end opening, and wherein the second end portion of the conical spring is larger than the end opening.

8. The fluid coupling of claim 7, wherein the first end portion of the conical spring is smaller than the end opening.

9. The fluid coupling of claim 7, wherein the main body includes two protrusions that engage with the second end portion of the conical spring to keep the conical spring centered on the central longitudinal axis.

10. The fluid coupling of claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises a front face and defines an annular recess concentrically around the front face.

11. The fluid coupling of claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises a portion configured to couple with a bottle or a bag.

12. A method of assembling a fluid coupling, the method comprising: inserting a valve member of the fluid coupling into an internal space defined by main body of the fluid coupling, the main body comprising a side wall and a valve seat, the main body defining an opening through the side wall and a central longitudinal axis; inserting a conical spring through the opening through the side wall and into the internal space defined by the main body; engaging a first end portion of the conical spring with the valve member; and engaging a second end portion of the conical spring against the main body, wherein the first end portion has a first outer diameter, and wherein the second end portion has a second outer diameter that is larger than the first outer diameter.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the main body defines an end opening, and wherein the second end portion of the conical spring has a second outer diameter that is larger than the end opening.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second outer diameter is smaller than the opening through the side wall of the main body.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first end portion of the conical spring has a first outer diameter that is smaller than the end opening.

16. The method of any one of claims 13 through 15, wherein inserting the valve member of the fluid coupling into the internal space comprises inserting the valve member through the end opening.

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