Coupling device with retained actuating members

A quick-release plug-in coupling device for the breakaway connection of hoses, particularly hoses for the distribution of fluids, said device comprising:

• a female member to be connected to one hose and including a body, a valve seat internally of said body, and at least one opening through said body;
• a male member to be connected to another hose and including a body sealingly fittable into said body of said female member, said male member body having formed therein at least one recess;
• a valve member positioned within said female member for movement between a closed position, whereat said valve member seals against said valve seat, and an open position, whereat said valve member is spaced from said valve seat;
• at least one actuating member positioned outwardly of said female member and having an integrally formed elastic member extending inwardly through said opening in said body of said female member, said elastic member having an inner end fittable into said recess in said body of said male member, said actuating member being selectively manually movable axially of said female member between a locking position, whereat said inner end of said elastic member fits into said recess to thereby retain said male member within said female member, and a release position, whereat said inner end of said elastic member is withdrawn from said recess to thereby enable said male member to be withdrawn from said female member;
• and
• said actuating member including means for preventing said actuating member from being separated from said female member when said actuating member is in said release position and for preventing unintentional axial displacement of said actuating member relative to said female member when said actuating member is in said locking position.