Pipe coupler with split ring chuck

A pipe coupler for connecting a flexible tube to a fluid line connection port, the pipe coupler having a distal side generally facing the flexible tube and a proximal side, the pipe coupler comprising:

• a main body having a mounting recess for receiving the flexible tube that opens at a distal side of the main body, the mounting recess having a longitudinally extending centerline;
• a sealing ring disposed within the mounting recess;
• a substantially annular split ring chuck disposed within the mounting recess, the split in the chuck forming a longitudinally extending slit that extends the entire length of the chuck, the chuck further including a substantially annular reaction member at the distal end of the chuck, the reaction member having inner and outer reaction surfaces, the outer reaction surface being tapered towards the distal side and the centerline of the mounting recess and the inner reaction surface being tapered toward the proximal side and the centerline of the mounting recess, the innermost periphery of the reaction member defining a substantially annular claw having a free diameter that is slightly less than an outer diameter of the flexible tube, the annular claw being engageable with the tube to expand the slit in the chuck when the tube is inserted into the mounting recess;
• a substantially cylindrical portion at the proximal end of the chuck, the cylindrical portion being arranged to receive the distal end of the sealing ring such that the reaction member is positioned adjacent to and surrounds at least a portion of the sealing ring;
• and
• a release ring inserted into the mounting recess at a generally distal position relative to the annular chuck, the release ring having a contact surface engageable with the inner reaction surface of the split ring chuck to release the tube from the chuck when the release ring is pressed toward the chuck.