Rapid coupling and uncoupling joint for flexible pipes

Abstract

A rapid coupling and uncoupling joint includes a male part having an outer surface with an annular groove, and a female part having an inner surface dimensioned to receive the male part. The female part has radially extending therethrough a plurality of holes. A control ring includes an annular element positioned externally of and surrounding the female part and displaceable axially only with respect thereto. The annular element has integral with an inner surface thereof, at positions adjacent a first end thereof facing the male part, a plurality of flexible tangs including radially inwardly extending first portions and second portions extending axially from the first portions away from the male part. The tangs have integral therewith a plurality of locking elements positioned to extend through the holes in the female part and into the annular groove in the male part when the male part is inserted into the female part, to thereby lock the male part in the female part. The annular element has integral with the inner surface thereof elastic members positioned to elastically abut the female part when the male part is locked therein and to urge the annular element in a first axial direction toward the male part. The annular element, the tangs, the locking elements and the elastic members are formed as a single integral piece of molded plastic material.