US Patent 7766394 Breakaway connectors and systems

A breakaway connector for use with a medical (e.g., catheter) or other fluid system. The connector may include two couplers that engage one another via a substantially frictionless retention device. In one embodiment, the retention device includes a biased cylindrical roller attached to one coupler that contacts an outer surface of the other coupler. The outer surface may include a grooved surface to receive the roller when the couplers are fully attached.