Hygienic process coupling assembly

1 . A hygienic process coupling assembly comprising:

a retainer having a ring-shaped retainer wall with a first end configured for permanent securement to at least one of a process pipe or portion of process equipment, and a second end that includes a flange protruding radially therefrom;

a plurality of guide rails with slots therebetween extending along the flange, the plurality of guide rails including a guide surface extending from a beveled guide step to a stop wall, the beveled guide step including a first ramp and a second ramp opposite the first ramp;

an end cap comprising:

a head portion with a top surface and a bottom surface;

a cylindrical neck portion extending down from the bottom surface;

a cylindrical plug portion extending down from the neck portion;

an actuation element situated along the top surface;

a plurality of latching arms extending downward; and

a plurality of latching fingers extending inward from the plurality of latching arms, positioned to securably engage the plurality of guide rails of the retainer during a twisting motion imparted on the actuation element; and

a seal positioned in abutment with the bottom surface of the head portion and extending radially from the neck portion.

2 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the end cap includes four latching arms and the retainer includes four guide rails.

3 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 2 , wherein the end cap is comprised of plastic.

4 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of drain holes extending through the retainer wall of the retainer.

5 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first end of the retainer wall is permanently connected to a strainer.

6 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the seal is a solid synthetic rubber seal.

7 . A hygienic process coupling assembly comprising:

a retainer having a ring-shaped retainer wall with a first end and a second end, the second end including a flange protruding radially therefrom;

a plurality of guide rails extending along the flange, the plurality of guide rails including a guide surface extending from a beveled guide step to a stop wall; and

an end cap comprising:

a head portion comprising a solid transverse wall with a top surface, a bottom surface, and an actuation element engaged with the top surface;

a plurality of latching arms extending downward; and

a plurality of latching fingers extending inward from the plurality of latching arms, positioned to securably engage the plurality of guide rails of the retainer during a twisting motion imparted on the actuation element.

8 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 7 , further comprising a seal positioned in abutment with the bottom surface of the head portion.

9 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 8 , wherein the end cap includes four latching arms and the retainer includes four guide rails.

10 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 8 , wherein the seal is a solid synthetic rubber seal.

11 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 8 , wherein the end cap is comprised of plastic.

12 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 11 , wherein the beveled guide step of the retainer includes a first ramp and a second ramp, the second ramp positioned opposite the first ramp.

13 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 7 , wherein the end cap includes two latching arms and the retainer includes two guide rails.

14 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 7 , wherein the end cap includes three latching arms and the retainer includes three guide rails.

15 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 7 , wherein the first end of the retainer wall is permanently connected to a strainer.

16 . The hygienic process coupling assembly of claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of drain holes extending through the retainer wall of the retainer.

17 . A hygienic process coupling assembly comprising:

a retainer having a ring-shaped retainer wall with a first end and a second end, the second end including a flange protruding radially therefrom;

a plurality of guide rails extending along the flange, with slots therebetween, the plurality of guide rails including a guide surface extending from a beveled guide step to a stop wall; and

an end cap comprising:

a head portion with a top surface, a bottom surface, and an actuation element;

a plurality of latching arms extending downward; and

a plurality of latching fingers extending inward from the plurality of latching arms, positioned to securably engage the plurality of guide rails of the retainer during a twisting motion imparted on the actuation element.

18 . A hygienic process coupling assembly comprising:

a retainer having a ring-shaped retainer wall with a first end and a second end, the second end including a flange protruding radially therefrom;

a plurality of guide rails extending along the flange, the plurality of guide rails including a guide surface from a beveled guide step to a stop wall, wherein the beveled guide step of the retainer includes a first ramp and a second ramp, the second ramp positioned opposite the first ramp; and

an end cap comprising:

a head portion with a top surface, a bottom surface, and an actuation element;

a plurality of latching arms extending downward; and

a plurality of latching fingers extending inward from the plurality of latching arms, positioned to securably engage the plurality of guide rails of the retainer during a twisting motion imparted on the actuation element.