Abstract: A coupler for a fluid system includes: a coupling device made of an inflexible polymeric material, the coupling device including a body defining a fluid passage therethrough that is connected to an aperture sized to receive a mating coupling device, the coupling device including a latch configured to move between an uncoupled state and a coupled state to couple the mating coupling device thereto; and a base made of a flexible polymeric material, the base including a flange member sized to be coupled to a bladder of the fluid hydration system, and the base including a receiving member sized to receive at least a portion of the coupling device. The base is overmolded over the coupling device to form the coupler, the coupler being fluid-tight.

Abstract: A valved insert for insertion into a coupling body is disclosed. In one embodiment, the valved insert includes a housing and an internal valve slidably disposed within an internal passage of the housing. The housing can be configured to have a sidewall defining an internal flow passage, a first open end and a retaining clip recess. The sidewall has a first thickness at the first open end and a second thickness adjacent to the clip recess. In one embodiment, the retaining clip recess has a height that is greater than one half the first thickness and less than or equal to one half the second thickness. The internal valve and the housing can also be provided with corresponding stop surfaces to limit the inward motion of the internal valve into the housing. In one embodiment, the stop surfaces are angled to form ramped surfaces.

Abstract: A valved insert for insertion into a coupling body is disclosed. In one embodiment, the valved insert includes a housing and an internal valve slidably disposed within an internal passage of the housing. The housing can be configured to have a sidewall defining an internal flow passage, a first open end and a retaining clip recess. The sidewall has a first thickness at the first open end and a second thickness adjacent to the clip recess. In one embodiment, the retaining clip recess has a height that is greater than one half the first thickness and less than or equal to one half the second thickness. The internal valve and the housing can also be provided with corresponding stop surfaces to limit the inward motion of the internal valve into the housing. In one embodiment, the stop surfaces are angled to form ramped surfaces.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.