Fluid couplings with canted coil spring latching mechanisms

Abstract

Fluid coupling systems can include a latching mechanism to releasably latch together a female coupling and a male coupling in an operative arrangement. In some cases, such fluid coupling systems can include a canted coil spring latching mechanism. In some cases, female coupling includes a canted coil spring.

Description

[0001] FLUID COUPLINGS WITH CANTED COIL SPRING LATCHING MECHANISMS

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 546.675 filed October 31. 2023. The disclosure of the prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is incorporated in its entirety into this application.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] 1. Technical Field

[0006] This document relates to fluid couplings with canted coil spring latching mechanisms.

[0007] 2. Background Information

[0008] In typical fluid couplings, various types of quick latching mechanisms have been utilized. For example, some types of fluid couplings use a collar and ball lock or a ball-in-groove latching mechanism. Other types of fluid couplings use a thumblatch style of latching mechanism that includes a tongue in groove arrangement.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] This document describes fluid couplings with canted coil spring latching mechanisms.

[0011] In one aspect, this disclosure is directed to a male fluid coupling that includes: a main body defining a longitudinal axis and an internal space; a valve member disposed within the internal space and movable along the longitudinal axis between a closed position and an open position; and a spring disposed within the internal space and arranged to bias the valve member to the closed position. An outer diameter of the main body comprises: (i) an annular beveled surface; (ii) a first groove having at least one wall that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and (iii) a second groove having at least one wall that is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0012] Such a male fluid coupling may optionally include one or more of the following optional features. The first groove may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The second groove may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The first groove may be located between the annular beveled surface and the second groove. A depth of the first groove may be less than a depth of the second groove.

[0013] In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to a female fluid coupling that includes: a main body defining a longitudinal axis and an internal space; a valve stem disposed within the internal space and attached at one end to the main body; a valve sleeve disposed within the internal space around the valve stem, the valve sleeve being movable along the longitudinal axis between a closed position and an open position; a valve spring disposed within the internal space and arranged to bias the valve sleeve to the closed position; and a coil spring seated within a groove defined by an internal diameter of the main body, wherein the coil spring has an oblong cross- sectional shape and defines a major axis and a minor axis. A width of the groove along the longitudinal axis is wider than a width of the coil spring along the minor axis to allow the coil spring to pivot within the groove betw een tilted configurations in which the major axis slants in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0014] Such a female coupling may optionally include one or more of the following optional features. The oblong cross-sectional shape of the coil spring may be an oval. The groove may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. A first portion of the coil spring may project from the groove into the internal space and a second portion of the coil spring may be in the groove. A thickness of the coil spring along the major axis of the coil spring may be greater than the width of the groove.

[0015] In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to another female fluid coupling that includes: a main body defining a longitudinal axis and an internal space; a valve stem disposed within the internal space and attached at one end to the main body; a valve sleeve disposed within the internal space around the valve stem, the valve sleeve being movable along the longitudinal axis betw een a closed position and an open position; and a valve spring disposed within the internal space and arranged to bias the valve sleeve to the closed position. An inner diameter of the main body comprises: an annular beveled surface; a first groove having at least one wall that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a second groove having at least one wall that is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] Such a female fluid coupling may optionally include one or more of the following optional features. The first groove may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The second groove may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The first groove may be located between the annular beveled surface and the second groove. A depth of the first groove may be less than a depth of the second groove.

[0017] In another aspect, this disclosure is directed to another male fluid coupling that includes: a main body defining a longitudinal axis and an internal space; a valve member disposed within the internal space and movable along the longitudinal axis between a closed position and an open position; a valve spring disposed within the internal space and arranged to bias the valve member to the closed position; and a coil spring seated within a groove defined by an outer diameter of the main body. The coil spring has an oblong cross-sectional shape and defines a major axis and a minor axis. A width of the groove along the longitudinal axis is wider than a width of the coil spring along the minor axis to allow the coil spring to pivot within the groove between tilted configurations in which the major axis slants in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Such a male fluid coupling may optionally include one or more of the following optional features. The oblong cross-sectional shape of the coil spring may be an oval. The groove may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. A first portion of the coil spring may proj ect from the groove beyond the outer diameter of the main body and a second portion of the coil spring may be in the groove. A thickness of the coil spring along the major axis of the coil spring may be greater than the width of the groove.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the invention, suitable methods and materials are described herein. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0020] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description herein. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example fluid coupling system that includes a canted coil spring latching mechanism in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1 taken along the cut plane 3 — 3 indicated in FIG. 2.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an expanded view of a portion of FIG. 3.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1 as the male and female fluid couplings are in the process of being coupled together.

[0026] FIG. 6 is an expanded view of a portion of FIG. 5.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1 with the fluid coupling system in its coupled or operative arrangement.

[0028] FIG. 8 is an expanded view of a portion of FIG. 7.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1 with the fluid coupling system in an arrangement that prepares the male and female fluid couplings for uncoupling.

[0030] FIG. 10 is an expanded view of a portion of FIG. 9.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1 as the male and female fluid couplings are in the process of being uncoupled from each other.

[0032] FIG. 12 is an expanded view of a portion of FIG. 11.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a valve stem of the female fluid coupling of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a valve sleeve of the female fluid coupling of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the valve sleeve of FIG. 14.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a valve member of the male fluid coupling of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another example fluid coupling system that includes a canted coil spring latching mechanism in accordance with some embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a side view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 17 taken along the cut plane 19 — 19 indicated in FIG. 18.

[0039] FIG. 20 is an expanded view of a portion of FIG. 19.

[0040] FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 17 as the male and female fluid couplings are in the process of being coupled together.

[0041] FIG. 22 is an expanded view of a portion of FIG. 21.

[0042] FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 17 with the fluid coupling system in its coupled or operative arrangement.

[0043] FIG. 24 is an expanded view of a portion of FIG. 23.

[0044] FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 17 with the fluid coupling system in an arrangement that prepares the male and female fluid couplings for uncoupling.

[0045] FIG. 26 is an expanded view of a portion of FIG. 25.

[0046] FIG. 27 is a longitudinal cross-section view of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 17 as the male and female fluid couplings are in the process of being uncoupled from each other.

[0047] FIG. 28 is an expanded view of a portion of FIG. 27.

[0048] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a main body of the male fluid coupling of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 17.

[0049] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a main body of the female fluid coupling of the fluid coupling system of FIG. 17.

[0050] Like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, an example fluid coupling system 10 includes a female coupling 100 (or body 100) and a male coupling 200 (or insert 200). In the depicted embodiment of the fluid coupling system 10, the female coupling 100 includes a main body 110 and an outlet 120 or termination 120. In some embodiments, the female coupling 100 includes multiple terminations. The male coupling 200 includes a main body 210 and a termination 220.

[0053] While the termination 120 is depicted as a barbed connection and the termination 220 is depicted as a threaded connection, it should be understood that the fluid couplings 100 and 200 (and other fluid couplings described herein) can have any ty pe of terminations or connections such as, but not limited to, barbed fitings, threaded connections (e.g.. straight thread or pipe thread), sanitary’ fitings, compression fittings, aseptic connections, quick connects, quick disconnects, hydraulic connections, luer fitings, solder connections, welded connections, and the like, and combinations thereof. Such connections can be straight (as depicted) or in another arrangement such as, but not limited to, a 90° elbow arrangement, a 45° elbow, a straight fiting, a Tee fiting, a Y-fiting, and so on. In some embodiments, the couplings 100 and / or 200 can be configured to be fluidly coupled wi th a fluid conduit such as, but not limited to, a tube, pipe, a manifold, and the like, without limitation.

[0054] The materials from which one or more of the components of the fluid couplings 100 and / or 200 (and other fluid couplings described herein) are made of include thermoplastics or thermosets. In particular embodiments, the materials from which the components of the fluid couplings 100 and / or 200 (and other fluid couplings described herein) are made of are thermoplastics, such as, but not limited to, acetal. ABS, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyether ether ketone, polysulphide, polyester, poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene, Perfluoropolymers (PFA, PTFE, PCTFE and the like), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU; e.g., Radel®), poly etherimide (PEI; e.g., Ultem®), polypropylene, polyphenylene, polyaryletherketone, Perfluoropolymers (PFA, PTFE. PCTFE and the like) 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 fluid coupling system 10 are made of include metals such as, but not limited to stainless steel, brass, aluminum, plated steel, zinc, and the like. In particular embodiments, one or both of the fluid couplings 100 and / or 200 is / are metallic-free.

[0056] In some embodiments, one or both of the fluid couplings 100 and / or 200 (and other fluid couplings described herein) include(s) one or more plastic (e.g., PEEK, PPS, etc.) or metallic spring members (e.g., spring steel, stainless steel such as 316L, piano / music wire, beryllium copper, titanium, Hastelloy®, Inconel®, and the like).

[0057] In certain embodiments, the fluid couplings 100 and / or 200 (and other fluid couplings described herein) include(s) one or more gaskets or seals that are made of materials such as, but not limited to, silicone, fluoroelastomers (FKM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), perfluoroelastomers (e.g., FFKM, Kalrez®, Chemraz® and the like), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), buna, buna-N, thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), and the like. In some embodiments, the gaskets or seals can have a cross-sectional shape that is an hourglass-shape, an oval shape, a circular shape, D- shaped, X-shaped, square, rectangular, U-shaped, L-shaped, V-shaped, a polygonal shape, a multi-lobe shape, or any other suitable shape, without limitation.

[0058] Referring also to FIGs. 3 and 4, in the depicted embodiment both of the fluid couplings 100 and 200 include internal valve members that block fluid flow through the fluid couplings 100 and 200 when they are uncoupled from each other. For example, the female coupling 100 includes a valve stem 130 and a valve sleeve 140. A valve spring 150 biases the valve sleeve 140 to its closed position (as shown in FIG. 3). The male coupling 200 includes a valve member 230 and a spring 240 that biases the valve member 230 to its closed position (as shown in FIG. 3). When the female coupling 100 and the male coupling 200 are coupled in engagement with each other, the valves open because the main body 210 of the male coupling 200 pushes the valve sleeve 140 to the left (referring to FIG. 3) and the valve stem 130 of the female coupling 100 pushes the valve member 230 to the right (referring to FIG. 3). The open or operable configuration is shown in FIG. 7, for example.

[0059] Still referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, the female coupling 100 also includes a canted coil spring 160. The canted coil spring 160 is disposed within an internal groove defined by the main body 110 of the female coupling 100. The internal groove is wider than a width of the canted coil spring 160. The canted coil spring 160 may also be referred to as a slanted or slanting coil spring. In this embodiment, the canted coil spring 160 is advantageously used as a detent mechanism or latching mechanism to releasably couple the female coupling 100 and the male coupling 200, as described further below'. The canted coil spring 160 is very useful where a reusable latch / lock is required betw een two moving components such as the female coupling 100 and the male coupling 200.

[0060] As best seen in FIG. 4, the canted coil spring 160 has an oblong cross- sectional shape (e g., oval shaped, egg shaped, elliptical, etc.) so as to define a major axis 161 that is transverse to the central longitudinal axis 11 of the fluid coupling system 10. The coil spring 160 also defines a minor axis 162. While, as described further below, the major axis 161 of the canted coil spring 160 can be forced to pivot within the groove to become canted or tilted in either direction relative to the longitudinal axis 11, the natural orientation of the canted coil spring 160 is as shown in FIG. 4 (with the major axis 161 passing through a center of the canted coil spring 160 and perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis 11 of the fluid coupling system 10).

[0061] FIGs. 5 and 6 show the male coupling 200 being inserted into the female coupling 100. As best seen in FIG. 6, the canted coil spring 160 makes first contact with an annular beveled surface 211 of the main body 210 of the male coupling 200. The beveled surface of the annular beveled surface 211 causes the canted coil spring 160 to become canted as shown in FIG. 6. This configuration can be called a precoupled configuration. In this pre-coupled configuration, the female coupling 100 and the male coupling 200 are not yet latched together. Further insertion of the male coupling 200 into the female coupling 100 is needed to latch them together in an operative configuration.

[0062] FIGs. 7 and 8 show the female coupling 100 and the male coupling 200 in their coupled or operative arrangement. An open fluid flow path is defined through the fluid coupling system 10 in this arrangement.

[0063] In this coupled or operative arrangement, the canted coil spring 160 is engaged within a first groove 212 defined in the outer diameter of the main body 210 of the male coupling 200. In the depicted embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the first groove 212 is rectangular (with both of its side walls being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 11). In some embodiments, a single side wall of the first groove 212 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 11. The major axis 161 of the canted coil spring 160 is still in the same angular orientation as in the pre-coupled state (as shown in FIG. 6). In this configuration, the canted coil spring 160 is oriented to resist the withdrawal of the male coupling 200 out of its engagement with the female coupling 100. Hence, it can be said that the female coupling 100 and the male coupling 200 are latched together in the operative arrangement by the engagement of the canted coil spring 160 in the first groove 212.

[0064] However, the orientation of the canted coil spring 160 (with its major axis 161 angled relative to the main body 200) still allows farther penetration of the male coupling 200 into the female coupling 100. Hence, to uncouple the male coupling 200 from the female coupling 100, the male coupling 200 can be pushed farther into the female coupling 100. FIGs. 9 and 10 show the female coupling 100 and the male coupling 200 in a staged arrangement in preparation for uncoupling (after the male coupling 200 has been pushed farther into the female coupling 100 from the operative arrangement shown in FIGs. 7 and 8). As best seen in FIG. 10, the canted coil spring 160 is now engaged within a second groove 214 defined in the outer diameter of the main body 210 of the male coupling 200. In the depicted embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the second groove 214 is trapezoidal (with both of its side walls being nonperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 11). In some embodiments, a single side wall of the second groove 214 is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 11. In addition, the major axis 161 of the canted coil spring 160 is returned to its natural configuration (with its major axis 161 being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 11). Accordingly, the canted coil spring 160 is configured to now allow the male coupling 200 to be pulled out of the female coupling 100 to their uncoupled arrangement.

[0065] In the depicted embodiment, the depth of the first groove 212 is less than the depth of the second groove 214. Said another way, the minimum diameter of 214 is smaller than the minimum diameter of 212.

[0066] FIGs. 11 and 12 show the male coupling 200 being pulled out of the female coupling 100. For the canted coil spring 160 to be moved out of the second groove 214, the canted coil spring 160 becomes canted such that the major axis 161 is nonperpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis 11. As best seen in FIG. 12, the canted coil spring 160 is canted in the opposite direction of the canted coil spring 160 in the pre-coupled configuration (FIGs. 5 and 6) and the operative configuration (FIGs. 7 and 8).

[0067] FIG. 13 shows the valve stem 130 of the female coupling 100 in isolation so more details of its structure are readily visible.

[0068] FIGs. 14 and 15 show the valve sleeve 140 of the female coupling 100 in isolation so more details of its structure are readily visible.

[0069] FIG. 16 shows the valve member 230 of the male coupling 200 in isolation so more details of its structure are readily visible.

[0070] Referring to FIGs. 17 and 18, another example fluid coupling system 10' includes a female coupling 100' (or body 100') and a male coupling 200' (or insert 200'). In the depicted embodiment of the fluid coupling system 10', the female coupling 100' includes a main body 110' and an outlet 120' or termination 120'. In some embodiments, the female coupling 100' includes multiple terminations. The male coupling 200' includes a main body 210' and a termination 220'.

[0071] In some embodiments, the fluid coupling system 10' is functionally similar to the fluid coupling system 10. For example, the female coupling 100' and / or the male coupling 200' can include internal valve members that block fluid flow through the fluid couplings 100' and 200' when they are uncoupled from each other and that open to allow fluid flow through the fluid couplings 100' and 200' when they are coupled to each other. The valve members of the fluid couplings 100' and 200' are illustrated in FIGs. 19, 21, 23, 25, and 27.

[0072] In addition, the fluid coupling system 10' includes a canted coil spring latching mechanism that is functionally equivalent to the canted coil spring latching mechanism of the fluid coupling system 10. However, the physical arrangement of the components of the canted coil spring latching mechanism of the fluid coupling system 10' is different than the physical arrangement of the components of the canted coil spring latching mechanism of the fluid coupling system 10.

[0073] It can be said that the physical arrangement of the components of the canted coil spring latching mechanism of the fluid coupling system 10' is reversed in comparison to the physical arrangement of the components of the canted coil spring latching mechanism of the fluid coupling system 10. For example, while the canted coil spring 160 of the fluid coupling system 10 is coupled within an internal groove defined by the inner diameter of the female coupling 100, instead the canted coil spring 160 of the fluid coupling system 10' is coupled within an external groove defined by the outer diameter of the male coupling 200'. In addition, while the beveled surfaces and grooves that are used in conjunction with the canted coil spring 160 of the fluid coupling system 10, to cause the canted coil spring 160 to tilt as desired, are external grooves defined by the outer diameter of the male coupling 200, instead the beveled surfaces and grooves that are used in conjunction with the canted coil spring 160 of the fluid coupling system 10' are internal beveled surfaces and grooves defined by the inner diameter of the female coupling 100'.

[0074] 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. 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 even 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.

[0075] 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.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A male fluid coupling comprising: a main body defining a longitudinal axis and an internal space; a valve member disposed within the internal space and movable along the longitudinal axis between a closed position and an open position; and a spring disposed within the internal space and arranged to bias the valve member to the closed position, wherein an outer diameter of the main body comprises: an annular beveled surface; a first groove having at least one wall that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a second groove having at least one wall that is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

2. The male fluid coupling of claim 1, wherein the first groove has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

3. The male fluid coupling of claim 2, wherein the second groove has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

4. The male fluid coupling of claim 3, wherein the first groove is located betw een the annular beveled surface and the second groove.

5. The male fluid coupling of claim 4, w herein a depth of the first groove is less than a depth of the second groove.

6. A female fluid coupling comprising: a main body defining a longitudinal axis and an internal space; a valve stem disposed within the internal space and attached at one end to the main body; a valve sleeve disposed within the internal space around the valve stem, the valve sleeve being movable along the longitudinal axis between a closed position andan open position; a valve spring disposed within the internal space and arranged to bias the valve sleeve to the closed position; and a coil spring seated within a groove defined by an internal diameter of the main body, wherein the coil spring has an oblong cross-sectional shape and defines a major axis and a minor axis, wherein a width of the groove along the longitudinal axis is wider than a width of the coil spring along the minor axis to allow the coil spring to pivot within the groove between tilted configurations in which the major axis slants in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis.

7. The female fluid coupling of claim 6, w herein the oblong cross-sectional shape of the coil spring is an oval.

8. The female fluid coupling of claim 6, wherein the groove has a rectangular cross- sectional shape.

9. The female fluid coupling of claim 6, wherein a first portion of the coil spring projects from the groove into the internal space and a second portion of the coil spring is in the groove.

10. The female fluid coupling of claim 6, wherein a thickness of the coil spring along the major axis of the coil spring is greater than the width of the groove.

11. A female fluid coupling comprising: a main body defining a longitudinal axis and an internal space; a valve stem disposed within the internal space and attached at one end to the main body; a valve sleeve disposed within the internal space around the valve stem, the valve sleeve being movable along the longitudinal axis between a closed position and an open position; and a valve spring disposed within the internal space and arranged to bias the valve sleeve to the closed position, wherein an inner diameter of the main body comprises:an annular beveled surface; a first groove having at least one wall that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a second groove having at least one wall that is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

12. The female fluid coupling of claim 11. wherein the first groove has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

13. The female fluid coupling of claim 12, wherein the second groove has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

14. The female fluid coupling of claim 13, wherein the first groove is located between the annular beveled surface and the second groove.

15. The female fluid coupling of claim 14. wherein a depth of the first groove is less than a depth of the second groove.

16. A male fluid coupling comprising: a main body defining a longitudinal axis and an internal space; a valve member disposed within the internal space and movable along the longitudinal axis between a closed position and an open position; a valve spring disposed within the internal space and arranged to bias the valve member to the closed position; and a coil spring seated within a groove defined by an outer diameter of the main body, wherein the coil spring has an oblong cross-sectional shape and defines a major axis and a minor axis, wherein a width of the groove along the longitudinal axis is wider than a width of the coil spring along the minor axis to allow the coil spring to pivot within the groove between tilted configurations in which the major axis slants in opposite directions relative to the longitudinal axis.

17. The male fluid coupling of claim 16. wherein the oblong cross-sectional shape of the coil spring is an oval.

18. The male fluid coupling of claim 16. wherein the groove has a rectangular cross- sectional shape.

19. The male fluid coupling of claim 16, wherein a first portion of the coil spring projects from the groove beyond the outer diameter of the main body and a second portion of the coil spring is in the groove.

20. The male fluid coupling of claim 16, wherein a thickness of the coil spring along the major axis of the coil spring is greater than the width of the groove.

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