CONNECTOR COUPLING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Couplers are described herein. A coupler includes a coupler body, a plurality of first retaining fingers, and a plurality of second retaining fingers. The coupler body includes a first end and a second end and defines a cavity. The cavity is configured to receive a first connector and a second connector. The plurality of first retaining fingers is configured to engage against a collar of the first connector to prevent axial movement of the first connector relative to the coupler. The plurality of second retaining fingers is configured to engage against a projection of the second connector with a retaining force and release the second connector by expanding radially in response to a pulling force applied to the second connector that exceeds the retaining force.

Description

CONNECTOR COUPLING ASSEMBLY Field of Invention This description refers, in general, to connectors, and, in particular, to connector couplings. Background of the Invention Medical treatments often involve infusing a medical fluid (such as saline or liquid medication) into patients using an intravenous (IV) catheter. This catheter is connected via a flexible tubing and fittings, commonly referred to as an IV set, to a fluid source, such as an IV bag. The tubing or catheters are often coupled or secured together to allow for smooth communication between different sections of the tubing or catheters. In some applications, this tubing or catheters could loosen or become dislodged due to improper securing and / or when the coupling is subjected to forces greater than the forces the coupling is designed to withstand. Summary of the Invention The subject matter described refers to connector couplers. In certain modalities, a coupler is described that Ref. 341325 comprises a coupler body comprising a first end and a second end and defining a cavity, the cavity being configured to receive a first connector and a second connector; a plurality of first retaining fingers located adjacent to the first end and extending radially inward into the cavity, wherein the plurality of first retaining fingers is radially deflected inward into the cavity and configured to engage against a collar of the first connector to prevent axial movement of the first connector relative to the coupler; a plurality of second retaining fingers located at the second end and extending radially inward into the cavity, wherein the plurality of second retaining fingers is radially deflected inward into the cavity and configured to engage against a projection of the second connector with a retaining force;and release the second connector by expanding radially in response to a pulling force applied to the second connector that exceeds the holding force. In certain embodiments, a coupler assembly is described comprising a first connector, which in turn comprises: a first connector body with a first inlet configured to couple with a first pipe portion and a first outlet in fluid communication with the first inlet; and a collar located between the first inlet and the first outlet, wherein the collar extends radially from the first connector body; a second connector, which comprises: a second connector body with a second inlet configured to releasably couple with the first outlet of the first connector and a second outlet configured to couple with a second pipe portion and in fluid communication with the second inlet; and a projection located between the second inlet and the second outlet, wherein the projection extends radially from the second connector body;and a coupler, comprising: a coupler body comprising a first end and a second end and defining a cavity, wherein the first connector and the second connector are located, at least partially, within the cavity; a plurality of first retaining fingers located adjacent to the first end and extending radially inward into the cavity, wherein the plurality of first retaining fingers is radially deflected inward to engage against the collar of the first connector to prevent axial movement of the first connector relative to the second connector;and a plurality of second retaining fingers located at the second end and extending radially inward into the cavity, wherein the plurality of second retaining fingers is radially deflected inward to engage against the projection of the second connector with a retaining force and zone Ln / zznz / E / YiAi the plurality of second retaining fingers is configured to release the second connector by expanding radially in response to a pulling force applied to the second connector that exceeds the retaining force.; In certain embodiments, a method is described comprising inserting a portion of a first connector into a cavity of a coupler, wherein the first connector is coupled to a first pipe portion; deflecting a plurality of first retaining fingers radially inward to engage against a collar of the first connector; inserting a portion of a second connector into the cavity at an opposite end of the coupler, wherein the second connector is coupled to a second pipe portion; coupling an outlet of the first connector to an inlet of the second connector, permitting fluid communication between the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion; and deflecting a plurality of second retaining fingers radially inward to engage against a projection of the second connector with a retaining force. It is understood that various configurations of current technology will be more easily understood by those proficient in the technique through the description, where several configurations of current technology are shown and described by means of illustrations. As will be realized, current technology is capable of these and other different configurations, and its various details can modify other different aspects, all without deviating from the scope of current technology. Consequently, the summary, figures, and detailed description should be considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Brief Description of the Figures The accompanying figures, which are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated into and form part of this description, illustrate the modalities described and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the modalities described. In the figures: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a coupler assembly, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the coupler assembly of Figure 1, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the coupler assembly of Figure 1 with the second connector omitted, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the coupler assembly of Figure 1, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. zone Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Detailed Description of the Invention The described coupler incorporates a plurality of first retaining fingers and a plurality of second retaining fingers. The plurality of first retaining fingers can be configured to engage against a collar of the first connector to prevent axial movement of the first connector. The plurality of second retaining fingers can be configured to engage against a projection of the second connector, preventing axial movement of the second connector. By preventing axial movement of the first and second connectors, the coupler can prevent unintentional or accidental dislodgement of the first and second connectors. In addition, the plurality of second retaining fingers can be configured to release the second connector in response to a pulling force. By allowing the second connector to be removed in response to a pulling force, the second connector can be removed, if necessary, by applying an increment or increase in pulling force.The detailed description provided below is intended to illustrate various configurations of the current technology and is not intended to represent only the configurations in which the current technology could be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the current technology. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the current technology could be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid confusion regarding the concepts of the current technology. The same components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding.Reference numbers may have letter suffixes attached to indicate separate instances of a common item, while they are generally referred to by the same number without a suffix letter. While the following description is directed to or applied to the connection of medical fittings for the administration of a medical fluid using the described coupler, it is understood that this description is only an example of use and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the described coupler could be used in any application where it is desirable to secure the connection of various pipes and fittings. The described coupler overcomes several challenges encountered with certain conventional couplers. One challenge with some conventional couplers is that they may become inadequately secured. Additionally, during use, some conventional couplers may be designed to release or disengage in response to relatively low pulling forces. For example, some conventional couplers may release or disengage in response to pulling forces experienced when patients are rolled in a bed, when patients catch tubing or lines on bed rails, when patients are moved to a different bed, with the repetitive and often unconscious movements of pediatric patients, and / or with disoriented adult patients pulling on their lines.Of course, the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) Annual Scientific Meeting in 2017 reported a dislodgement rate of 10% per 1,000 patients with peripheral IV catheters, which translates to approximately 33 million dislodgements per year in the United States alone. Because accidental or unintentional dislodgement of tubing, catheters, or fittings could interrupt the administration of medical fluids, the use of certain conventional couplers is undesirable. Therefore, according to the present description, it is advantageous to provide a coupler as described herein that allows for improved securing of fittings or connectors. The described coupler provides a plurality of first retaining fingers and a plurality of second retaining fingers that allow for the secure retention of the connectors, while permitting intentional removal of the connector as required. The following describes examples of couplers that allow for the secure retention of connectors. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a coupler assembly 100, according to various aspects of the present description. Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the coupler assembly 100 of Figure 1, according to various aspects of the present description. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the coupler assembly 100 allows the flow of a fluid, such as a medical fluid, from a fluid source to a patient by releasably coupling one portion of pipe or line to another portion of pipe or line in fluid communication. In the example shown, the pipe sections can be terminated with connectors, such as a 110 top connector and / or a 130 bottom connector. The 110 top connector and / or the 130 bottom connector can allow the connection and / or disconnection of pipe to enable smooth selective communication between them. As illustrated, a first portion of pipe can be terminated by the upper connector 110 to allow the first portion of pipe to be connected and / or disconnected with a coupling connector, such as the lower connector 130. zone Ln / zznz / E / YiAi In some embodiments, a portion of tubing may be coupled, or engaged, with an inlet 112 of the upper connector 110. The inlet 112 may be in fluid communication with the tubing to allow fluid to pass through the upper connector 110. In some embodiments, the inlet 112 may have a flat surface to allow physicians to easily clean and disinfect it. Fluid may exit or flow through the upper connector 110 by means of an outlet 114 located opposite the inlet 112. The flow path through the upper connector 110 may have a straight fluid path to facilitate flushing and reduce the risk of hemolysis. Optionally, the upper connector 110 may include raised configurations 122 located on its surface to allow a physician to more easily handle or manipulate it.Some versions of the 110 top connector may provide connectors that are compatible with connectors from other parts of fluid delivery systems. Examples of the 110 top connector may include the SmartSite™ connector, the Max Zero connector, and the MaxPlus connector. Similarly, a second pipe section can be terminated by the lower connector 130 to allow the second pipe section to be connected and / or disconnected with a coupling connector, such as the upper connector 110. In some embodiments, a pipe section can be coupled, or clutched, to an outlet 134 of the lower connector 130. In some embodiments, the outlet 134 may include a threaded luer connection 138 to facilitate coupling to the pipe. The tubing may be in fluid communication with outlet 134 to allow the tubing to receive the flow passing through the lower connector 130. The lower connector 130 may receive fluid flow from inlet 132 located opposite outlet 134. In some embodiments, the lower connector 130 may include a drip-free configuration to prevent leakage or surface contamination. The lower connector may also include a luer lock to prevent accidental discharges. Optionally, the lower connector 130 may include raised configurations 140 located on its surface to allow a physician to handle or manipulate the lower connector 130 more easily. Examples of the lower connector 130 may include the Texium® connector. In some embodiments, outlet 114 of the upper connector 110 and / or inlet 132 of the lower connector 130 may include configurations that allow outlet 114 to be coupled with inlet 132. For example, outlet 114 may be fitted together or otherwise engaged with inlet 132 to allow seamless communication between the upper connector 110 and the lower connector 130 and the pipe sections coupled to them. As can be seen, the upper connector 110 and the lower connector 130 can be coupled and uncoupled to allow seamless communication as desired. As illustrated, outlet 114 may include an outer portion that is smooth and otherwise free of threads. Outlet 114 may include an outer portion with threads to facilitate coupling with the lower connector 130. As can be seen, the upper connector 110 can be coupled with the lower connector 130 to provide needle-free connections.Advantageously, the upper 110 connector can be synchronized or paired with a lower connector to form a leak-free, closed system, enabling the delivery of hazardous drugs. For example, a SmartSite™ connector can be connected to a Texium® connector to provide a closed system that prevents hazardous drugs from escaping or leaking. In some embodiments, the upper connector 110 may include a shut-off valve to allow flow through when outlet 114 is coupled with a coupling connector and to prevent or restrict flow when the upper connector 110 is disconnected from a coupling connector. In some embodiments, the upper connector 110 may include a shut-off valve to seal the flow path between inlet 112 and outlet 114 when the outlet 114 is disconnected from a coupling connector. The sealing valve can move to an open position when a coupling connector is coupled to outlet 114, allowing flow between inlet 112, outlet 114 and into the coupling connector. Similarly, the lower connector 130 may include a sealing valve to allow flow through when the inlet 132 is coupled to a coupling connector and to prevent or restrict flow when the lower connector 130 is disconnected from a coupling connector. The lower connector 130 could include a sealing valve to seal the flow path between the inlet 132 and the outlet 134 when the inlet 132 is uncoupled from a coupling connector. Furthermore, the sealing valve may move to an open position when a coupling connector is coupled to the inlet 132, allowing flow into the lower connector 130 and between the inlet 132 and the outlet 134. Some embodiments provide that portions of the sealing valve may be formed from silicone. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the coupler assembly 100 of Figure 1 with the lower connector 130 omitted, in accordance with several aspects of this description. With reference to Figures 1-3, the coupler 150 can secure the upper connector 110 and the lower connector 130 in a coupled position to allow seamless communication between them that cannot be interrupted accidentally or unintentionally. In the example shown, the coupler 150 can retain or secure the upper connector 110 and / or the lower connector 130 by means of a clutch with the configurations of the upper connector 110 and / or the lower connector 130. As illustrated, the coupler 150 may have a generally tubular body, extending between a first end configured to receive the upper connector 110 and a second end configured to receive the lower connector 130. The coupler 150 may define a cavity therein, allowing portions of the upper connector 110 and / or the lower connector 130 to be positioned within the coupler 150. In the example shown, the upper connector 110 can be inserted into the cavity of the coupler 150 to engage with the coupler 150 and can prevent unwanted dislodgement of the upper connector 110. As illustrated, the outlet end 114 of the upper connector 110 is guided into the cavity through a first end of the coupler 150 to a desired axial position relative to the coupler 150. For example, the upper connector 110 can be positioned axially within the coupler 150 to allow the outlet 114 to engage with the inlet 132 of the lower connector 130 when the lower connector 130 is inserted. Advantageously, the upper connector 110 can be positioned axially within the coupler. 150, so that outlet 114 is fitted or recessed within the cavity, preventing contamination of outlet 114 by patients, doctors, etc., when the upper connector 110 is not coupled with the lower connector 130. In some embodiments, configurations within the coupler 150 can position the upper connector 110 within the coupler 150 cavity. Optionally, the coupler 150 may include a tapered alignment configuration 162 to radially align the outlet 114 and / or the upper connector 110, generally, within the coupler 150 cavity. The tapered alignment configuration 162 may extend from the coupler 150 walls into the cavity and may have a generally tapered shape that converges radially. Therefore, as the upper connector 110 is inserted or advanced into the coupler 150, the tapered alignment configuration 162 can radially guide the upper connector 110 into the cavity. In some embodiments, the upper connector 110 may include a conical or tapered portion 120 for engaging or interconnecting with the tapered alignment configuration 162 of the coupler 150. The tapered portion 120 can slide along the tapered alignment configuration 162 to radially align the upper connector 110 within the coupler 150. The tapered portion 120 can be positioned between the inlet 112 and the outlet 114 of the upper connector 110. In some embodiments, the tapered portion 120 can be positioned adjacent to the outlet 114 of the upper connector 110. As the upper connector 110 is inserted into the coupler 150, the coupler 150 configurations can retain the upper connector 110 in the inserted portion. In some embodiments, the coupler 150 can retain the upper connector 110 axially while allowing it to rotate relative to the coupler 150. Optionally, the coupler 150 can retain the upper connector 110 rotationally relative to the coupler 150. In the example shown, the coupler 150 may include a plurality of retaining first fingers 152 for engaging or retaining the upper connector 110 in the axially inserted or engaged position. In some embodiments, the plurality of retaining first fingers 152 may be movable in a radial direction to allow the upper connector 110 to be inserted into the coupler 150. The plurality of retaining first fingers 152 may be movable in and out of the cavity defined by the coupler 150. As illustrated, the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 can be articulated with respect to the coupler body 150. In some embodiments, the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 is integrally formed with the coupler 150. Optionally, the slots or windows in zone Ln / zznz / E / YiAi 160 are cut around the coupler material 150 to form the plurality of first retaining fingers 152. The plurality of first retaining fingers 152 can be separated circumferentially around the coupler 150. Optionally, the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 can be arranged in groups or sets around the coupler 150. In some embodiments, the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 can be separated from the end of the coupler 150 that receives the upper connector 110. In the example shown, the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 can deflect radially inward to engage or retain the upper connector 110 within the coupler 150. The plurality of first retaining fingers 152 can apply a radial elastic force against the upper connector 110 to retain it within the coupler 150. As can be seen, the elastic force of the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 can correspond to the retaining force applied to the upper connector 110. The plurality of first retaining fingers 152 can deform elastically to engage against the upper connector 110. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 may include a protruding lug configuration 153 for engaging with the configurations of the upper connector 110. The protruding Ln / zznz / E / YiAi zone configuration 153 may extend radially inward to make contact with the upper connector 110. For example, the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 and / or the protruding lug configuration 153 may engage against a collar 116 of the upper connector 110. Optionally, the upper connector 110 may include a collar 116, which may be a radially raised portion extending from the upper connector 110. The collar 116 may be located between the inlet 112 and the outlet 114. As illustrated, the collar 116 may be positioned toward the outlet 114. Optionally, the collar 116 may include a groove or recess 118 located within the collar 116. In the example shown, the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 and / or the protruding feature 153 can engage against the collar 116 to prevent axial movement of the upper connector 110 relative to the coupler 150. During insertion, once the collar 116 moves through the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 and / or the protruding feature 153, the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 can move radially inward, bearing axially against the axial surface of the collar 116 and thereby retaining the upper connector 110. In some embodiments, the protruding feature 153 of each of the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 can engage against the collar 116.Optionally, the protruding configuration zone 153 may have an axially oriented or generally square surface that rests against the collar 116, preventing radial expansion of the plurality of first retaining fingers 152 in response to the axial force (traction) applied against the upper connector 110. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the coupler assembly 100 of Figure 1, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. With reference to Figures 1-4, in the example shown, the lower connector 130 can be inserted into the cavity of the coupler 150 to engage with the coupler 150 and the upper connector 110 and to prevent or resist unwanted disengagement with the upper connector 110. As illustrated, the inlet end 132 of the lower connector 130 is guided into the cavity through a second end of the coupler 150 to a desired axial position relative to the coupler 150. For example, the lower connector 130 can be positioned axially within the coupler 150 to allow the inlet 132 to engage or couple with the outlet 114 of the upper connector 110. In some embodiments, the configurations within the coupler 150 can position the lower connector 130 inside the cavity of the coupler 150. As the lower connector 130 is inserted into the coupler 150, the coupler 150 configurations can retain the lower connector 130 in the inserted position. In some embodiments, the coupler 150 can retain the lower connector 130 axially, while allowing the lower connector 130 to rotate relative to the coupler 150 and the upper connector 110. Optionally, the coupler 150 can retain the lower connector 130 rotationally relative to the coupler 150. In the example shown, the coupler 150 may include a plurality of second retaining fingers 154 for engaging or retaining the lower connector 130 in the axially inserted or engaged position. In some embodiments, the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 may be movable in a radial direction to allow the lower connector 130 to be inserted into the coupler 150. The plurality of second retaining fingers 154 may be movable in and out of the cavity defined by the coupler 150. As illustrated, the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 can be articulated with respect to the coupler body 150. In some embodiments, the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 is integrally formed with the coupler 150. Slits or windows 158 could be cut in the coupler material 150 to form the plurality of second retaining fingers 154. The plurality of second retaining fingers 154 can be circumferentially separated around the coupler 150. The plurality of second retaining fingers 154 can be positioned in groups or zones around the coupler 150. In some embodiments, the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 can be positioned at the end of the coupler 150 that receives the lower connector 130. In the example shown, the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 can deflect radially inward to engage or retain the lower connector 130 within the coupler 150. The plurality of second retaining fingers 154 can apply a radial elastic force against the lower connector 130 to retain it within the coupler 150. As can be seen, the elastic force of the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 can correspond to the retaining force applied to the lower connector 130. The plurality of second retaining fingers 154 can deform elastically to engage against the lower connector 130. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 may include a protruding feature 156 for engaging with the features of the lower connector 130. The protruding feature 156 may extend radially inward to make contact with the lower connector 130. For example, the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 and / or the protruding feature 156 may engage against a protruding area. 136 of the lower connector 130. Optionally, the lower connector 130 may include a protrusion 136, which may be a radially raised portion extending from the lower connector 130. The protrusion 136 may be located between the inlet 132 and the outlet 134. As illustrated, the protrusion 136 may be located toward the outlet 134. In the example shown, the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 and / or the protruding configuration 156 can engage against the protrusion 136 to prevent or restrict axial movement of the lower connector 130 relative to the coupler 150. During insertion, once the protrusion 136 moves through the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 and / or the protruding configuration 156, the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 can move radially inward, bearing axially against the axial surface of the protrusion 136 and thereby retaining the lower connector 130. In some embodiments, the protruding configuration 156 of each of the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 can engage against the protrusion 136. Optionally, the protruding configuration 156 may have a ramped surface that rests against the protruding section 136, allowing radial expansion of the plurality of second retaining fingers 154 in response to axial force (pull) applied against the lower connector 130. In some embodiments, the coupler 150 may be configured to allow the lower connector 130 to be removed in response to a selected or predetermined pull force. The lower connector 130 could be removed from the coupler 150 with a pull force of 0.454, 0.9071, 1.814, 2.268, 4.54 kg-f (1, 2, 4, 5, 10 lb), etc. As can be seen, the pull force can be selected to prevent inadvertent release while avoiding damage to the tubing or harm to patients. Optionally, coupler 150 can be configured to allow the upper connector 110 to remain retained when the lower connector 130 is removed. In other words, coupler 150 can be configured to allow the lower connector 130 to be released with less pulling force compared to the upper connector 110. After removal, the lower connector 130 can be reinserted into coupler 150 to reconnect it to the upper connector 110. This description is provided to enable anyone skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The description provides several examples of current technology, and current technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will quickly become clear to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein could be applied to other aspects. Reference to a singular item is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically indicated as such, but rather one or more. Unless otherwise specifically indicated, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his / her) include feminine and neuter genders (e.g., her / her and her) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The term "example" used herein means that it serves as an example or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as exemplary shall not necessarily be interpreted as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one respect, several alternative configurations and operations described herein could be considered at least equivalent. A phrase such as "an aspect" does not imply that this aspect is essential to current technology or that it applies to all configurations of current technology. The description referring to an aspect could apply to all configurations or to one or more configurations. An aspect could provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "an aspect" could refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as "a modality" does not imply that this modality is essential to current technology or that it applies to all configurations of current technology. The description referring to a modality could apply to all modalities or to one or more modalities. A modality could provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "a modality" could refer to one or more modalities and vice versa.A phrase such as "a configuration" does not imply that this configuration is essential to current technology or that this configuration applies to all configurations of current technology. The description referring to a configuration could apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration could provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "the configuration" could refer to one or more configurations and vice versa. In one respect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, classifications, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other configurations stated in this description, including in the following claims, are approximate and not exact. In one respect, it is intended that these have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they belong. In one sense, the term coupled or similar could refer to something being directly coupled. In another sense, the term coupled or similar could refer to something being indirectly coupled. Terms such as upper, lower, front, rear, and the like, if used in this description, should be understood to refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than an ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, and rear surface could extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. Several articles could be arranged differently (for example, they could be arranged in a different order, or they could be divided in a different way), all without departing from the scope of current technology. All structural and functional equivalents for the elements of the various aspects described herein that are known or may hereafter become known to persons of ordinary experience in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included by the claims. Furthermore, nothing described herein is intended to be made public without regard to whether or not such description is explicitly indicated in the claims. No element of a claim shall be construed in accordance with the provisions of section 35 U.S.C.§112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly indicated by using the phrase "means" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is indicated by using the phrase "step of." Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "include," "have," or similar terms are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprise," since the term "comprise" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. The title, background, summary, brief figure descriptions, and abstract are incorporated herein into the description and are provided as illustrative examples, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that these shall not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it can be observed that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in several ways for the purpose of outlining the description. This method of description shall not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly indicated in section Ln / zznz / E / YiAi of each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter consists of less than all the features of a single described configuration or operation.Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed matter. The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are intended to be in full scope consistent with the language claims and to include all legal equivalents. However, none of the claims are intended to include, nor should they be construed as including, subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §101, 102, or 103. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A coupler, characterized in that it comprises: a coupler body comprising a first end and a second end and defining a cavity, the cavity being configured to receive a first connector and a second connector; a plurality of first retaining fingers located adjacent to the first end and extending radially inward into the cavity, wherein the plurality of first retaining fingers is radially deflected inward into the cavity and configured to engage against a collar of the first connector to prevent axial movement of the first connector relative to the coupler; a plurality of second retaining fingers located at the second end and extending radially inward into the cavity, wherein the plurality of second retaining fingers is radially deflected inward into the cavity and configured to engage against a projection of the second connector with a retaining force;and release the second connector by radially expanding zone ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ in response to a pulling force applied to the second connector that exceeds the retention force.; 2. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupler body comprises a tubular shape.

3. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of first retaining fingers is separated from the first end.

4. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of first retaining fingers is circumferentially separated.

5. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of first retaining fingers is configured to allow rotational movement of the first connector relative to the coupler.

6. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the plurality of first retaining fingers comprises a protrusion extending radially inwards.

7. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of first retaining fingers extends from a respective plurality of first windows defined in the coupler body.

8. The coupler according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a conical portion zone ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ within the cavity, wherein the conical portion is configured to radially align the first connector within the cavity.

9. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the plurality of second retaining fingers comprises a ramp protrusion that extends radially inwards.

10. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of second retaining fingers defines a respective plurality of second windows between them.

11. A coupler assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a first connector, comprising: a first connector body with a first inlet configured to couple with a first pipe portion and a first outlet in fluid communication with the first inlet; and a collar located between the first inlet and the first outlet, wherein the collar extends radially from the first connector body; a second connector, comprising: a second connector body with a second inlet configured to couple, in a releasable manner, with the first outlet of the first connector and a second outlet configured to couple with a second pipe portion and in fluid communication with the second inlet; and a projection located between the second inlet and the second outlet, wherein the projection extends radially from the second connector body;and a coupler, comprising: a coupler body comprising a first end and a second end and defining a cavity, wherein the first connector and the second connector are located, at least partially, within the cavity; a plurality of first retaining fingers located adjacent to the first end and extending radially inward into the cavity, wherein the plurality of first retaining fingers is radially deflected inward to engage against the collar of the first connector to prevent axial movement of the first connector relative to the second connector;and a plurality of second retaining fingers located at the second end and extending radially inward into the cavity, wherein the plurality of second retaining fingers is radially deflected inward to engage against the projection of the second connector with a retaining force, and the plurality of second retaining fingers is configured to release the second connector by expanding radially in response to a pulling force applied in zone ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ the second connector that exceeds the retaining force.; 12. The coupler assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one of the first connector and the second connector comprises a sealing valve configured to prevent fluid flow in an uncoupled state.

13. The coupler assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the collar defines a recess that extends radially inwards.

14. The coupler assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the first connector body comprises a frustoconic portion located between the first inlet and the collar and the coupler further comprises a conical portion within the cavity, wherein the conical portion is configured to engage with the frustoconic portion to radially align the first connector within the cavity.

15. The coupler assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the second outlet of the second connector is threaded into the second portion of pipe.

16. The coupler assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that each of the plurality of second retaining fingers comprises a ramp protrusion extending radially into zone ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ.

17. A method, characterized in that it comprises: inserting a portion of a first connector into a cavity of a coupler, wherein the first connector is coupled with a first pipe portion; deflecting a plurality of first retaining fingers radially inward to engage against a collar of the first connector; inserting a portion of a second connector into the cavity at an opposite end of the coupler, wherein the second connector is coupled with a second pipe portion; coupling an outlet of the first connector with an inlet of the second connector, allowing fluid communication between the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion; and deflecting a plurality of second retaining fingers radially inward to engage against a projection of the second connector with a retaining force.

18. The method according to claim 17, further characterized in that it comprises: applying a pulling force on the second connector in excess of the retaining force; and releasing the second connector from the coupler in response to the pulling force in excess of the retaining force.

19. The method according to claim 18, further characterized in that it comprises: radially expanding the plurality of second retaining fingers in response to the pull force in excess of the retaining force.

20. The method according to claim 17, further characterized in that it comprises: radially aligning the portion of the first connector within the cavity of the coupler.

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