Quick disconnect coupler with selectively insertable valve assembly

In a quick disconnect coupler for releasably coupling pipes which includes a tubular female element having a principal member defining a bore therein and a rear member, the principal member having a front end in which a male element is receivable and a rear end, and the rear member being slidably receivable within the rear end of the principal member, the improvement comprising, an independent valve assembly selectively slidably receivable within the bore intermediate the front and rear ends of the principal member, said valve assembly including a sleeve having first and second ends and an open passageway therethrough, a ring surrounding said sleeve and having a first end extending towards said first end of said sleeve and a second end having a generally annular valve seat mounted thereto, and a spring means mounted to said valve assembly so as to normally urge said second end of said sleeve toward said valve seat, and said valve seat being deformable so as to engage the inner walls defining the bore of the principal member to thereby retain said valve assembly in the bore until the rear member is received within said rear end of the principal member.