CN118284451A - Fluid coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

This document describes a fluid handling coupling. For example, this document describes a no-split female and male fluid treatment coupler that includes a manually openable valve and is configured for single use, sterile fluid treatment use.

Description

Fluid coupling

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/256,957 filed on 10/18 of 2021 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/344,209 filed on 5/20 of 2022. The disclosure of the prior application is considered to be part of the disclosure of the present application (and is incorporated by reference).

Technical Field

This document relates to fluid handling couplings.

Background

Fluid handling components such as fluid couplers allow fluid communication between two or more components. Some fluid couplings include features that allow quick connection of male and female parts (or two split female and male fluid couplings) and may include one or more internal valve components that selectively block or allow fluid flow through the coupling.

Disclosure of Invention

Described herein are a plurality of fluid coupling devices for use in fluid systems and methods. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device may be implemented as a single use sterile fluid coupling connection device. In the context of the present disclosure, the term "fluid" refers to any substance that can flow, including but not limited to liquids, gases, granular or powdered solids, mixtures or emulsions of two or more fluids, suspensions of solids in liquids or gases, gels, vapors, mist, and the like.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a fluid coupling device that includes a body defining a longitudinal axis. The body has a front face. The fluid coupling device further includes a post and a post receiver extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fluid coupling device also includes a seal coupled to the body about the longitudinal axis. A portion of the seal projects from the front face of the body. The fluid coupling device further includes a removable membrane releasably attached to the front face of the body and covering a portion of the seal protruding from the front face of the body. The fluid coupling device further includes a protective cap releasably engaged with the post and post receiver of the body. Two layers of removable film are captured between the protective cover and the front face of the body.

Such a fluid coupling device may optionally include one or more of the following features. The seal may have a lobe having a triangular cross-sectional shape. The lobe may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. The seal may include two annular recesses defined by an outer surface of the seal. The seal may include a portion having an hourglass cross-sectional shape. The fluid coupling may be non-separately female and male such that two fluid coupling devices may be coupled to each other. The protective cover may include a pull ring. The pull ring may define an opening configured to receive the finger. The protective cover may include a film receiver portion that retains and protects a portion of the removable film.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a fluid coupling device that includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and including a front face, a post extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a post receiver. The fluid coupling device also includes a seal coupled to the body about the longitudinal axis. A portion of the seal projects from the front face of the body. The fluid coupling device further includes a lever valve movably coupled to the body. The lever valve is reconfigurable between a first position in which the lever valve is engaged with the seal and a second position in which the lever valve is spaced apart from the seal. The fluid coupling device further includes a removable membrane releasably attached to the front face of the body and covering a portion of the seal protruding from the front face of the body.

Such a fluid coupling device may optionally include one or more of the following features. The fluid coupling device may further include a protective cap releasably engaged with the post and post receiver of the body. In some embodiments, two layers of removable film are captured between the protective cover and the front face of the body. The lever valve is pivotable relative to the body about a longitudinal axis to reconfigure the lever valve between a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, pivoting the lever valve causes the lever valve to translate along the longitudinal axis between the first position and the second position. The seal may include a portion having an hourglass cross-sectional shape. The fluid coupling devices may be non-separately female and male such that two fluid coupling devices may be coupled to each other. In some embodiments, the protective cover includes a pull ring. The pull ring may define an opening configured to receive the finger. In some embodiments, the protective cover includes a film receiver portion that retains and protects a portion of the removable film.

In certain embodiments, the fluid coupling devices described herein are single-use devices in that after the two portions of the coupling (also referred to herein as "coupling halves" and/or "connectors") are connected to each other, the coupling portions are designed to resist separation. For example, such disposable coupling devices are equipped with one or more mechanical components that operate like a lock to hold the two parts of the coupling in the coupled state. Thus, in these particular embodiments, the fluid coupling devices provided herein are structurally configured as single-use connection devices such that they cannot be operably disconnected from each other (thus, maintaining sterility or biological integrity of the system/flow path/etc.) after the single-use coupling halves have been connected to each other.

Additionally, in such single-use embodiments or in other embodiments, the fluid coupling device may be configured as a "sterile" coupling device in that they may be connected to one another while inhibiting migration of biological contaminants into the flow path. Such a "sterile" coupling would also serve to limit the exposure of the fluid to the surrounding environment.

Further, in such single-use or other embodiments, the fluid coupling device may be configured as a male and female-less coupling. That is, the two coupling portions may be designed to be completely similar (or substantially similar) such that there are no female or male coupling halves as in many conventional fluid coupling designs.

Unless defined otherwise, 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 belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present 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.

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.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fluid coupling according to some embodiments provided herein.

Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the fluid coupling of fig. 1 with the protective cover separated.

Fig. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the two fluid couplers of fig. 1 in a first coupling arrangement.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the two fluid couplers of fig. 4 in a second coupling arrangement.

Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the two fluid couplers of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the two fluid couplers of fig. 5 in a third coupling arrangement.

Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the two fluid couplers of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another example fluid coupling according to some embodiments provided herein.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a variation of the fluid coupler of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the two fluid couplers of fig. 9 or 10 in a pre-coupled configuration.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the two fluid couplers of fig. 9 or 10 in an operatively coupled configuration.

Fig. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the two fluid couplers shown in fig. 12 in a coupled configuration.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a seal of the fluid coupling of fig. 9 or 10.

Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of another example fluid coupling according to some embodiments provided herein.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the two fluid couplers of fig. 15 in a coupled configuration.

Fig. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of two fluid couplers in a coupled configuration as shown in fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of another example fluid coupling according to some embodiments provided herein.

Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a variation of the fluid coupling of fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the two fluid couplers of fig. 18 in a pre-coupled configuration.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the two fluid couplers of fig. 18 in an operatively coupled configuration.

Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout.

Detailed Description

This document describes a fluid handling coupling. For example, this document describes a no-split female and male fluid treatment coupling that optionally includes a manually openable valve and is configured for a single use, sterile fluid treatment use environment.

As used herein, the term "sterilization" refers to the process of destroying a surface or volume from a microorganism to a specified degree. In exemplary embodiments, sterility of the various components may be achieved using one or more sterilization techniques including gamma radiation, electron beam, ethylene oxide (EtO), and/or autoclaving techniques. As used herein, the term "sterile" refers to any process that maintains a sterile surface or volume.

Fig. 1 illustrates a fluid coupling device 100 that includes a protective cover 190 engaged with a body 110 of the fluid coupling device 100. The fluid coupling device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 101. The protective cover 190 is manually removable and separable from the main body 110, as shown in fig. 2. The protective cover 190 provides protection for the removable film member 120 that is adhered (e.g., heat welded/sealed, ultrasonic welded, adhered using an adhesive, etc.) to the front of the body 110. In some embodiments, the removable membrane member 120 is made of a porous material that allows passage of gaseous materials (e.g., for sterilization) while preventing passage of larger materials such as biological contaminants and/or particulate matter. In some embodiments, the removable film member 120 (and other removable film members described herein) is made of foil or other suitable flexible material. Removable membrane member 120 may provide a sterile barrier to prevent contamination of the internal fluid contact surfaces of body 110. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling 100 may be provided to an end user under sterile conditions or under conditions ready for sterilization.

Materials from which one or more components of fluid coupling device 100 (and other fluid couplings described herein) may be fabricated include thermoplastics. In particular embodiments, the materials from which the components of fluid coupling device 100 are made are thermoplastics such as, but not limited to, acetals, polycarbonates, polysulfones, polyetheretherketones, polysulfides, polyesters, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polyethylenes, polyphenylsulfones (PPSU; e.g.,) Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polyetherimide (PEI; for example, the number of the cells to be processed,) Polypropylene, polyphenylene, polyaryletherketone, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic may include one or more fillers such as, but not limited to, glass fibers, glass beads, carbon fibers, talc, and the like.

In some embodiments, the material from which one or more components of fluid coupling device 100 are made includes a metal, such as, but not limited to, copper, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, plated steel, zinc alloy, and the like. In certain embodiments, the fluid coupling device 100 is free of metal.

In some embodiments, as described further below, the fluid coupling device 100 may include one or more sealing members. In some embodiments, the sealing member of the fluid coupling device 100 (and other fluid couplings described herein) may include materials such as, but not limited to, silicone, fluoroelastomer (FKM), ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ding Najiao, ding Najiao-N, thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and the like. The cross-sectional shape of such a sealing member may be circular, D-shaped, X-shaped, hourglass-shaped, square, rectangular, U-shaped, multi-lobed, L-shaped, V-shaped, etc., or any other suitable shape, but is not limited thereto.

Fig. 3 and 4 show two fluid coupling devices 100 in a coupled arrangement, wherein the removable membrane member 120 is still attached to the body 110. In this embodiment, the fluid coupling device 100 (and other fluid couplings described herein) is not sub-female and male (meaning that two fluid coupling devices 100 can be coupled to each other and there are no "female" and "male" coupling devices). In this configuration, the bodies 110 are latched together, but the membrane 120 remains attached to the respective front faces of the bodies 110. In this arrangement, there is slight compression between the membranes 120. As shown in fig. 4, the free ends (trailing ends) of the membranes 120 may be positioned to overlap one another in preparation for removal of the membranes 120.

In fig. 4, it can be seen that the fluid coupling device 100 includes a termination member 130. The terminal member (termination member) 130 includes a terminal 132, a lever 134, and a valve member 136 (e.g., visible in fig. 6 and 8). The terminal member 130 is movably coupled to the body 110. While in the depicted configuration, the terminal 132 is a hose barb, any other suitable type of terminal may be used, such as, but not limited to, a compression fitting, a quick disconnect, a sanitary fitting, a hydraulic quick connect, a luer fitting, a solder connection, a welded connection, a threaded connection (e.g., straight threads or tubular threads), and the like. Such a connection may be straight (as shown) or another arrangement such as, but not limited to, a 90 elbow arrangement, a 45 elbow, a straight fitting, a tee fitting, a Y fitting, etc. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device 100 may be configured to fluidly couple with a fluid conduit such as, but not limited to, a tube, a pipe, a manifold, and the like. In some embodiments, the fluid coupling device 100 may be configured to fluidly couple with a bag or other type of container.

Fig. 5 shows the membrane 120 removed from the body 110. Such removal may be performed by a user manually pulling the membrane 120 laterally away from the body 110. In some embodiments, the film 120 is folded and when the film 120 is pulled, the fold may roll/advance to peel the front of the film 120 or the body 110.

Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the front end portions of the two couplers 100 after removal of the membrane 120 (shown in fig. 5). It can be seen that each coupler 100 includes a seal 140 coupled with the body 110 and slightly protruding from the front of the body 110. The two seals 140 contact each other (after removal of the membrane 120). Thus, the internal fluid contact surface of the body 110 is still prevented from being contaminated due to the seal between the two seals 140.

It can also be seen that in this configuration, the seals 140 at the front face of the body 110 are each blocked by the valve member 136. A valve member 136 is located at the end of the terminal member 130. The valve member 136 extends into the inner diameter of the seal 140 to prevent fluid flow through the coupling 100. Thus, in this configuration, no fluid flow path is opened through the fluid coupling 100.

Fig. 7 illustrates the fluid coupler 100 in yet another coupled configuration. In this configuration, the lever 134 of the terminal member 130 has been manually rotated or pivoted relative to the body 110 (as compared to the configuration of fig. 5). Rotation of the terminal member 130 via the lever 134 causes the terminal member 130 to not only rotate relative to the body 110, but also translate longitudinally relative to the body 110. This is because the cam surface 112 drives the terminal member 130 axially away from the front of the body 110, with the arms of the lever 134 extending along the angled cam surface 112 defined by the body 110.

Fig. 8 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the front end portions of the two couplers 100 after the lever 134 of the terminal member 130 has been rotated or pivoted (as shown in fig. 7). It can be seen that in this configuration, the seals 140 at the front face of the body 110 are each no longer blocked by the valve member 136, as the terminal member 130 has translated axially away from the front face of the body 110 as the stem 134 rotates. Thus, in this configuration, the fluid flow path is opened by the two engaged fluid couplers 100. The fluid flow path is a sterile fluid flow path.

Fig. 8 also shows an optional retainer 150 between the seal 140 and the valve member 136. The retainer 150 is not required in all embodiments. When including the retainer 150, the retainer 150 may be advantageous, particularly during assembly of the fluid coupling 100. That is, after the removable film 120 is adhered to the front of the body 110, the retainer 150 may then be pushed forward to push the sealing member 140 forward and into contact with the film 120. By waiting until after the film 120 adheres to the front before pushing the seal 140 forward, the film 120 has no stress from the seal 140 when the adhesion process is performed. Thus, attachment of the membrane 120 is not hindered by the seal 140 (which extends slightly beyond the front face of the body 110).

Fig. 9 illustrates another example fluid coupling device 200. The fluid coupling device 200 is similar in function/operation to the fluid coupling device 100, except that the fluid coupling device 200 does not include a valve as the fluid coupling device 100.

The fluid coupling device 200 includes a body 210, a removable membrane 220, a terminal member 230, a seal 240, and a protective cover 290. The terminal member 230 and the seal 240 are fixedly coupled with the body 210. The seal 240 is coupled to the body 210, and a portion of the seal 240 protrudes from the front of the body 210. The removable membrane 220 and the protective cover 290 are removably coupled with the body 210.

In the depicted embodiment, the seal 240 is assembled into the body 210 from the front face 212 of the body 210. Instead, the termination member 230 is assembled into the body 210 from an end of the body 210 opposite the front face 212. In some embodiments, the termination member 230 snaps into engagement with the body 210. The act of snapping the termination member 230 into engagement with the body 210 may advantageously be accompanied by audible and tactile feedback. In some embodiments, the terminal member 230 may be rotatable relative to the body 210. In some embodiments, the terminal member 230 cannot rotate relative to the body 210.

Fig. 10 illustrates an example device 200' as a variation of the fluid coupling device 200. The fluid coupling device 200 'differs from the fluid coupling device 200 in that it includes a different type of protective cover 290'. The protective cover 290' includes a post 292, a post receiver 294, a tab 296, and a membrane receiver 298. The post 292 is releasably coupled with the post receiver 214 of the body 210. The post receiver 294 is releasably coupled to the post 216 of the body 210. When the protective cover 290' is engaged with the body 210, the film receiver 298 retains and protects a portion of the removable film 220.

In preparation for use (i.e., in preparation for coupling the two fluid coupling devices 200/200 'together in an operable configuration), the protective cover 290/290' is removed from the body 210. This may be accomplished by manually clamping the handles 292 toward each other and then pulling the protective cover 290 away from the body 210 to disengage the two from each other. In the alternative device 200', the pull tab 296 is used to simply pull the protective cover 290' away from the body 210.

With the protective caps 290/290' of the two fluid coupling devices 200/200' removed, the two fluid coupling devices 200/200' may then be engaged with one another (with the membrane 220 pushing against one another between the front faces of the bodies 210). The two fluid coupling devices 200/200' will snap together and latch to each other. The action of snapping the two fluid coupling devices 200 may advantageously be accompanied by audible and tactile feedback.

FIG. 11 shows two fluid coupling devices 200/200 '(with the protective cover 290/290' removed) in a pre-coupling configuration. In the pre-coupling configuration, the removable membranes 220 are pressed against each other between the seals 240. The body 210 is latched together because the post 292 of the first fluid coupling device 200/200 'is coupled with the post receiver 294 of the second fluid coupling device 200/200', and the post 292 of the second fluid coupling device 200/200 'is coupled with the post receiver 294 of the first fluid coupling device 200/200'. The coupling between the two fluid coupling devices 200/200' compresses the removable membrane 220 between the seals 240. There are actually four (4) layers of removable film 220 between seals 240.

Removable films 220 may be peeled away by simply pulling them away from body 210 as indicated by arrows 222. When the removable film 220 is pulled apart, the folds of the removable film 220 roll along the front face 212.

With the two fluid coupling devices 200/200' latched together, the membrane 220 is then removed. This results in the operating configuration shown in fig. 12. An open fluid flow path is formed between the terminal ends 232. An open fluid flow path 201 is shown in fig. 13.

Fig. 14 shows the seal 240 in its static position relative to the body 210. It can be seen that the seal 240 protrudes slightly beyond the front face 212 of the body. This protrusion of the seals 240 ensures that there is a slight compression fit between the two seals 240 when the two fluid coupling devices 200 are latched together.

The seal 240 has a plurality of sealing features. The seal 240 seals against the body 210 in two positions. The seal 240 seals against the terminal member 230 (shown in fig. 14) in four positions. For example, the face of the terminal member 230 seals against a lobe of the seal 240, which in this embodiment has a triangular cross section. In total, seal 240 has seven (7) seal zones/features (as shown in fig. 14). The largest portion of the seal 240 has an hourglass cross-sectional shape (with an outwardly facing annular groove and a corresponding inwardly facing annular groove). This shape helps to allow the seals 240 to compress longitudinally when the two seals 240 are pressed against each other (when the two fluid coupling devices 200 are coupled together).

Fig. 15 illustrates another example fluid coupling device 300. The fluid coupling device 300 is functionally/operationally similar to the fluid coupling device 100, except that the fluid coupling device 300 does not include a valve as the fluid coupling device 100.

The fluid coupling device 300 includes a body 310, a removable membrane 320, a termination member 330, a seal 340, and a protective cover 390. The terminal member 330 and the seal 340 are fixedly coupled with the body 310. Removable membrane 320 and protective cover 390 are removably coupled with body 310.

In the depicted embodiment, the seal 340 is assembled into the body 310 from the front face 312 of the body 310. Similarly, the terminal member 330 is also assembled into the body 310 from the front face 312 of the body 310. The terminal member 330 is installed first, and then the seal 340 is installed. In some embodiments, the terminal member 330 snaps into engagement with the body 310. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the termination member 330 may be bonded to the body 310 using ultrasonic welding, adhesives, and other suitable bonding techniques. In some embodiments, the terminal member 330 may be rotatable relative to the body 310. In some embodiments, the terminal member 330 is non-rotatable relative to the body 310.

The protective cover 390 is removed from the body 310 when ready for use (i.e., when ready to couple the two fluid coupling devices 300 together in an operable configuration). This may be accomplished by manually clamping handles 392 toward one another and then pulling protective cover 390 away from body 310 to disengage the two from one another.

With the protective caps 390 of the two fluid coupling devices 300 removed, the two fluid coupling devices 300 may then be engaged with one another (with the membrane 320 pushing against one another between the front faces of the bodies 310). The two fluid coupling devices 300 will snap together and latch to each other. The action of snapping the two fluid coupling devices 300 may advantageously be accompanied by audible and tactile feedback. Each fluid coupling device 300 includes a post and a post receiver. To couple the two fluid coupling devices 300 together (e.g., snap them into engagement with each other), the post of the first fluid coupling device 300 is inserted into the post receiver of the second fluid coupling device 300, and the post of the second fluid coupling device 300 is inserted into the post receiver of the first fluid coupling device 300. The post latches inside the post receiver.

With the two fluid coupling devices 300 latched together, the membrane 320 is then removed. This results in the operating configuration shown in fig. 16. An open fluid flow path is formed between the terminal ends 332. An open fluid flow path 301 is shown in fig. 17.

The seal 340 in its static position relative to the body 310 is identical to the seal 240 described above. The seal 340 protrudes slightly beyond the front face 312 of the body. This protrusion of the seals 340 ensures that there is a slight compression fit between the two seals 340 when the two fluid coupling devices 300 are latched together.

The seal 340 has a plurality of sealing features. The seal 340 seals against the body 310 in two positions. Seal 340 seals against terminal member 330 in four positions (as shown in fig. 14 with respect to seal 240). In total, the seal 340 has seven (7) seal zones/features.

Fig. 18-21 illustrate another exemplary fluid coupling device 400. From a functional perspective, the fluid coupling device 400 is a combination of the fluid coupling device 100 (with a manually actuatable valve) and the fluid coupling device 200 '(with a protective cover 290').

The fluid coupling device 400 includes a body 410, a removable membrane 420, a lever valve 430, a seal 440, a cap 450, a sleeve 460, and a protective cap 490. The fluid coupling device 400 defines a longitudinal axis 401 (fig. 20). The removable membrane 420 and the protective cover 490 are removably coupled with the body 410. The seal 440 is coupled to the body 410, and a portion of the seal 440 protrudes from the front of the body 410.

Fig. 20 shows two fluid coupling devices 400 in a pre-coupling configuration. With the protective caps 490 of the two fluid coupling devices 400 removed, the two fluid coupling devices 400 may then be engaged with one another (with the membrane 420 pushing against one another between the front faces of the bodies 410). The two fluid coupling devices 400 will snap together and latch to each other. The action of snapping the two fluid coupling devices 400 may advantageously be accompanied by audible and tactile feedback. Each fluid coupling device 400 includes a post and a post receiver. To couple two fluid coupling devices 400 together (e.g., snap them into engagement with each other), the post of a first fluid coupling device 400 is inserted into the post receiver of a second fluid coupling device 400, and the post of the second fluid coupling device 400 is inserted into the post receiver of the first fluid coupling device 400. The post latches inside the post receiver.

With the fluid coupling device 400 in the pre-coupling configuration as shown in fig. 20, the membrane 420 may then be pulled away from the body 410. When the membrane 420 is removed from between the seals 440, the seals 440 then abut each other by compression. After removal of membrane 420, lever valve 430 may be manually pivoted relative to body 410 to achieve the configuration shown in fig. 21. In this configuration, the valve is open and the fluid flow path is opened through both fluid coupling devices 400.

While this specification contains many specifics of embodiments, 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. Furthermore, 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.

Similarly, although 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. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Claims (19)

1. A fluid coupling device, comprising:

A body defining a longitudinal axis, the body including a front face, a post extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a post receiver;

A seal coupled to the body about the longitudinal axis, a portion of the seal protruding from the front face of the body;

A removable film releasably attached to the front face of the body and covering the portion of the seal protruding from the front face of the body; and

A protective cover releasably engaged with the post and the post receiver of the body, wherein two layers of the removable film are captured between the protective cover and the front face of the body.

2. The fluid coupling device of claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a rounded protrusion having a triangular cross-sectional shape, and wherein the rounded protrusion extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.

3. The fluid coupling device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the seal comprises two annular recesses defined by an outer surface of the seal.

4. A fluid coupling device according to claim 3, wherein the seal comprises a portion having an hourglass cross-sectional shape.

5. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fluid coupling device is split negative and positive such that two of the fluid coupling devices are capable of coupling with each other.

6. The fluid coupling device of claim 1, wherein the protective cover comprises a pull ring.

7. The fluid coupling device of claim 6, wherein the pull ring defines an opening configured to receive a finger.

8. The fluid coupling device of claim 7, wherein the protective cover comprises a membrane receiver portion that retains and protects a portion of the removable membrane.

9. The fluid coupling device of claim 1, wherein the protective cover comprises a membrane receiver portion that retains and protects a portion of the removable membrane.

10. A fluid coupling device, comprising:

A body defining a longitudinal axis, the body including a front face, a post extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a post receiver;

A seal coupled to the body about the longitudinal axis, a portion of the seal protruding from the front face of the body;

A lever valve movably coupled to the body, the lever valve being reconfigurable between a first position in which the lever valve is engaged with the seal and a second position in which the lever valve is spaced apart from the seal; and

A removable film releasably attached to the front face of the body and covering the portion of the seal protruding from the front face of the body.

11. The fluid coupling device of claim 10, further comprising a protective cover releasably engaged with the post and the post receiver of the body.

12. The fluid coupling device of claim 11, wherein two layers of the removable film are captured between the protective cover and the front face of the body.

13. The fluid coupling device of claim 10, wherein the lever valve is pivotable relative to the body about the longitudinal axis to reconfigure the lever valve between the first and second positions.

14. The fluid coupling device of claim 13, wherein pivoting the lever valve causes the lever valve to translate along the longitudinal axis between the first position and the second position.

15. The fluid coupling device of claim 10, wherein the seal comprises a portion having an hourglass cross-sectional shape.

16. The fluid coupling device of claim 10, wherein the fluid coupling device is non-split female and male such that two of the fluid coupling devices can be coupled to each other.

17. The fluid coupling device of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the protective cover comprises a pull ring.

18. The fluid coupling device of claim 17, wherein the pull ring defines an opening configured to receive a finger.

19. The fluid coupling device of claim 18, wherein the protective cover comprises a membrane receiver portion that retains and protects a portion of the removable membrane.