A connector for forming a fluid flow pathway by connection with a reciprocal connector. Both the connector and reciprocal connector include a fluid flow blockage part sheathed within an axially compressible sheath part. A first bearing surface receives an urging force to retract the blockage part axially along the sheath part. A terminal end of the sheath part defines a second bearing surface containing a fluid flow opening with the fluid flow blockage part retractably therein. A first chassis part includes a first catch part. A second chassis part includes a second catch part and a third bearing surface spaced from the second catch part along the second chassis part. Retraction of the blockage part forms a fluid flow pathway not sooner than immediately when the openings meet to allow fluid transfer the openings avoiding fluid leakage between connected connectors.

A valve interconnector, suitable for use in combination with a receiver interconnector to couple a first hollow body to a second hollow body, is disclosed. The valve interconnector comprises a neck (7) to be secured to the first hollow body and further comprises a base cap (8) comprising an exterior tube portion (85) covering at least a portion of the external surface (7s) of the neck (7). The exterior tube portion and the neck are secured to each other with ability of relative rotation about a central axis. The valve interconnector is provided with a selector (44, 48) operative between the neck (7) and the exterior tube portion of the base cap (8) and configured for assuming at least a first position and a second position, in the first position the base cap being prevented from being axially released from the neck, in the second position the base cap being enabled to be axially released from the neck.

A valve interconnector, suitable for use in combination with a receiver interconnector to couple a first hollow body to a second hollow body, is disclosed. The valve interconnector comprises a neck (7) to be secured to the first hollow body and further comprises a base cap (8) comprising an exterior tube portion (85) covering at least a portion of the external surface (7s) of the neck (7). The exterior tube portion and the neck are secured to each other with ability of relative rotation about a central axis. The valve interconnector is provided with a selector (44, 48) operative between the neck (7) and the exterior tube portion of the base cap (8) and configured for assuming at least a first position and a second position, in the first position the base cap being prevented from being axially released from the neck, in the second position the base cap being enabled to be axially released from the neck.

An air valve assembly includes a housing defining an internal channel, a plunger member positioned in the internal channel and configured to slide relative to the housing, a biasing member positioned in the internal channel and configured to apply a biasing force onto the plunger member, a sealing member defining a first inflation aperture, the plunger member slidably received by the first inflation aperture, a second deflation aperture defined by the housing and in fluid communication with the internal channel, and a deflation control member slidably connected to the housing, the deflation control member configured to selectively seal the second deflation aperture.

A connector for forming a fluid flow pathway by connection with a reciprocal connector. Both the connector and reciprocal connector include a fluid flow blockage partsheathed within an axially compressible sheath part. A first bearing surface receives an urging force to retract the blockage part axially along the sheath part. A terminal end of the sheath part defines a second bearing surface containing a fluid flow opening with the fluid flow blockage part retractably therein. A first chassis part includes a first catch part. A second chassis part includes a second catch part and a third bearing surface spaced from the second catch part along the second chassis part. Retraction of the blockage part forms a fluid flow pathway not sooner than immediately when the openings meet to allow fluid transfer the openings avoiding fluid leakage between connected connectors.

A connector for forming a fluid flow pathway by connection with a reciprocal connector. Both the connector and reciprocal connector include a fluid flow blockage partsheathed within an axially compressible sheath part. A first bearing surface receives an urging force to retract the blockage part axially along the sheath part. A terminal end of the sheath part defines a second bearing surface containing a fluid flow opening with the fluid flow blockage part retractably therein. A first chassis part includes a first catch part. A second chassis part includes a second catch part and a third bearing surface spaced from the second catch part along the second chassis part. Retraction of the blockage part forms a fluid flow pathway not sooner than immediately when the openings meet to allow fluid transfer the openings avoiding fluid leakage between connected connectors.

A quick disconnect system includes a housing and a first connector of a quick disconnect configured to complementarily mate with a second connector of the quick disconnect. A pre-loaded biasing element is configured to provide a biasing force between the first connector and the housing. A method for mating a quick disconnect is also described. The method includes receiving a connecting force to mate a first connector of a quick disconnect in a housing with a second connector of the quick disconnect. When the connecting force is at least equal to or greater than a mating force value, the first connector is mated with the second connector. When the connecting force is greater than a pre-load value of a biasing element in the housing, the mated quick disconnect is moved relative to the housing while maintaining the connection of the mated quick disconnect.

A coupling for providing a connection and establishing fluid communication between fluid lines is provided. The coupling includes a housing defining an internal cavity with an open end, and a male component engageable within the internal cavity through the open end. The male component has a shank portion adapted to engage a fluid line. The coupling also has a nut securable to the housing and adapted to surround a portion of the shank portion and radially and axially restrain the shank portion within the internal cavity. The nut is further adapted to allow the male component to rotate with respect to the housing and the nut about a longitudinal axis of the shank portion. The coupling further includes a sealing ring provided about the shank portion which is adapted to at least partially block axial and radial movement of the male component relative to the nut and the housing.

Male or female fluid coupling element and fluid coupling including such an element This coupling element has a body and a nozzle. The body delimits a housing for partially receiving the nozzle. The nozzle has a tubular part and a flange received in the housing. Two sealing barriers formed by at least one sealing joint are interposed between a rear surface of the flange and a front face of the body, between a front surface of the flange and a rear face of the body, respectively. A plug caps an inner conduit. Portions of the inner conduit communicate through at least one passage opening into an inner volume of the nozzle, forward of the plug, and on an outer peripheral surface of the flange. An inner chamber is separated from the inner conduit by the body, the flange, the plug and the first sealing barrier.

Male or female fluid coupling element and fluid coupling including such an element This coupling element has a body and a nozzle. The body delimits a housing for partially receiving the nozzle. The nozzle has a tubular part and a flange received in the housing. Two sealing barriers formed by at least one sealing joint are interposed between a rear surface of the flange and a front face of the body, between a front surface of the flange and a rear face of the body, respectively. A plug caps an inner conduit. Portions of the inner conduit communicate through at least one passage opening into an inner volume of the nozzle, forward of the plug, and on an outer peripheral surface of the flange. An inner chamber is separated from the inner conduit by the body, the flange, the plug and the first sealing barrier.