Coupling assembly having a coupling member removably securable in an apparatus

A port coupling member configured to be secured in a port defined in an apparatus, the port including an interior surface and a receiving groove extending outwardly from the interior surface, the port also including a retaining surface and a resilient locking member being receivable in the receiving groove, the port coupling member defining one half of a releasable coupling assembly that includes the port coupling member and a mating coupling member, the port coupling member comprising:

• a body having a central longitudinal channel and an inner and outer surface, the body extending along an axis from a leading portion having an internal end to a trailing portion having an external end, the leading portion of the body configured for receipt within the port of the apparatus, the trailing portion of the body configured to releasably connect the port coupling member to the mating coupling member by axial movement of one of the port and mating coupling members into the other;
• the body including a rib that extends outwardly from the outer surface, the rib including a ramp tapering outwardly in a direction way from the internal end and away from the axis, the rib further including a shoulder tapering away from the internal end and inwardly toward the axis;
• and
• wherein the port coupling member and the port are sized such that upon insertion of the port coupling member into the port, the resilient locking member travels up the ramp and then contracts becoming trapped between the shoulder and the retaining surface in the port to secure the coupling member in the apparatus.

A combination apparatus and first coupling member removeably secured in the apparatus, the first coupling member defining one half of a releasable coupling assembly that includes the first coupling member and a second coupling member, the combination comprising:

• a port defined in the apparatus, the port including an interior surface and a receiving groove extending outwardly from the interior surface, the port also including a retaining surface;
• a resilient locking member having a first end and a second end, the resilient locking member being receivable in the receiving groove;
• the first coupling member including a body having a central longitudinal channel and an inner and outer surface, the body extending along an axis from a leading portion having an internal end to a trailing portion having an external end, the leading portion of the body configured for receipt within the port of the apparatus, the trailing portion of the body configured to releasably connect the first coupling member to the second coupling member by axial movement of one of the first and second coupling members into the other;
• the coupling member and the port being sized such that upon insertion of the coupling member into the port, the resilient locking member travels up the ramp and then contracts to engage the shoulder becoming trapped between the shoulder and the retaining surface in the port to retain the coupling member in the apparatus.