MXPA06011170A - Pipe joint including improved locking mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

A pipe joint (20) is provided that includes a first length of pipe having a first flange (28) and a second length of pipe having a second flange (36). The first flange (28) includes a ramp (52) extending outwardly and away from a leading exterior surface (46) and a first locking surface (56) extending inwardly and away from the ramp (52). The second flange (36) includes an interior portion sized to receive the first flange (28). The interior portion includes a second locking surface (64) and an inwardly facing annular groove (62) adapted to receive a resiliently expandable locking member (72). The second locking surface (64) is positioned within the interior portion such that, upon insertion of the first flange (28) into the second flange (36), the resiliently expandable locking member (72) expands as it travels up the ramp (52) and then contracts to become positioned between the first locking surface (56) and the second locking surface (64) to prevent withdrawal of the first flange (28) from the second flange (36).

Description

PIPE JOINT INCLUDING AN IMPROVED CLOSURE MECHANISM BACKGROUND The present invention relates generally to a pipe joint used to connect a first length of pipe to a second length of pipe. The use of pipe is well known for transporting many types of fluids and solids divided finely. As it is impractical to manufacture specific pipe for each use, the pipe is often produced in common lengths and diameters. Typically, a joint between two pieces of pipe is required and is known as a pipe joint. Some pipe joints may be exposed to relatively high pressures in their use and, therefore, include closure mechanisms operated by means of tools, such as nut and bolt combinations, threaded bolt and flange combinations, or male and female threaded tubular members. female, which are sturdy enough to handle the internal pressure load. Pipe joints found in compact areas, difficult to see and / or difficult to reach, are difficult or impossible to assemble with operator closing mechanisms by means of tools. For at least this reason, new pipe joint configurations are desired which improve the connection capacity of the pipe. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A pipe joint is provided which includes a first length of pipe having a first flange and a second length of pipe having a second flange. In one embodiment, the first flange includes a ramp extending outwardly and away from a guiding exterior surface and a first sealing surface extending in and away from the ramp. The second flange includes an inner portion dimensioned to receive the first flange. The inner portion includes a second closure surface and an inwardly facing annular groove adapted to receive an elastically expandable closure member. The second closure surface is positioned within the interior portion such that, when the first flange is inserted into the second flange, the resilient closure member expands as it moves up the ramp and then contracts to become placed between the first surface. of closure and the second closure surface to prevent removal of the first flange of the second flange. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The characteristics and the inventive aspects of the present invention will become more evident from the reading of the following detailed description, the claims and the drawings, of which the following is a brief description: the figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tubular assembly including a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A is a detailed view of the pipe joint of Figure 2, shown in a connected state; Figure 2B is a detailed view of the pipe joint of Figure 2, shown during disconnection; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a closure member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 'is a perspective view of a release member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 12 is an exploded view of a release assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, for use with a pipe joint of Fig. 11; Figure 13 is an end view, in elevation, of a sleeve for use in the release assembly of Figure 12; Figure 14 is an end view, in elevation, of a release member for use in the release assembly of Figure 12; Figure 15 is an undeployed view of an inner surface of the sleeve of Figure 13; Figure 16 is an undeployed view of an external surface of the release member of Figure 14; Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the pipe joint of Fig. 11, shown during disconnection; and Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe joint according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description Referring now to the drawings, various embodiments of the present invention are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent some embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain aspects may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the present invention. In addition, the embodiments set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit or otherwise restrict the invention to the precise shapes and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. Figure 1 illustrates a pipe joint 20 according to an embodiment of the invention which is suitable for use in a tubular assembly 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipe joint 20 includes a first tubular member or male member 24 and a second tubular member or female member 26. The first tubular member 24 and the second tubular member 26 extend generally along an axis AA when the first tubular member 24 is coupled to the second tubular member 26. In the form of As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first tubular member 24 includes a first flange 28 extending from a front end 30 towards a rear end 32 and having a first passageway 34 extending therethrough. The first flange 28 is adapted for insertion into a second flange 36 of the second tubular member 26. The second flange 36 extends from a guide end 38, having a receiving portion adapted to receive the forward end 30 of the first flange 28, towards a remote end 40 and has a second passageway 42 extending therethrough. Each of the first and second flanges 28, 36 can be adapted to receive a length of pipe 44, as shown in Figure 2, which can be fastened using various techniques including, without limitation, welding, brazing, bonding and the like . Alternatively, the first and second flanges 28, 36 can be integrally formed with a length of pipe 44 using a variety of techniques including, for example, compression molding and the like. The pipe 44 may include, without limitation, metal and polymer pipe, such as steel pipe or PVC pipe, and generally tubular structures and conduits for transporting various media such as fluids and solids finely divided. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the first flange 28 includes an outer guide surface 46 and a generally cylindrical outer surface 48 that is separated from the outer guide surface 46 by a rib 50. In one embodiment, the rib 50 includes a tapered ramp 52 extending generally outwardly and away from the guide outer surface 46. The ramp 52 terminates at an apex 54, which may include, without limitation, a generally cylindrical surface that is essentially parallel to the axis AA, or alternatively a point. In one embodiment, the ramp 52 extends at an angle ß which, for example, may be in the range of about 10 to 25 ° relative to the apex 54 and / or the A-A axis. The rib 50 also includes a first closure surface 56 that tapers back and inward from the apex 54 to join the outer surface 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the first closure surface 56 tapers at an angle T in the range of about 35 to 55 ° relative to the cylindrical outer surface 48 and / or the AA axis, such as at an angle of about 45 °, although the angle T should not be considered limited to this value. The configuration of the rib 50 shown in Figures 2 and 2A is given by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, the ramp 52 and / or the first closure surface 56 may exhibit a non-linear profile instead of the generally linear profile shown in the drawings.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the second flange 36 includes a first generally cylindrical and inwardly facing wall 60 adjacent the guide end 38 and an inwardly facing annular groove 62 extending outwardly from the first cylindrical wall. which faces inwardly 60. A second closure surface 64 is disposed between the annular groove 62 and the cylindrical wall facing inwardly 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the second closure surface 64 extends outward and away from the cylindrical wall facing inwardly 60 at an angle O of about 10 to 30 ° relative to the cylindrical wall facing inwardly 60 and / or the axis AA, such as at an angle of about 20 °, although the angle Or it should not be considered limited to this value. As the first closure surface 56, the configuration of the second closure surface 64 shown in the drawings is given by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, the second closure surface 64 may exhibit a non-linear profile instead of the generally linear profile shown in the drawings or may be configured as a combination of linear or non-linear surface portions forming a cavity or slit. In one embodiment, the second flange 36 also includes a second cylindrical wall facing inwardly 66 and a third inwardly facing cylindrical wall 68 positioned towards the remote end 40 relative to an annular slit 62. A portion of intermediate wall 70 is disposed between second and third inwardly facing cylindrical walls 66, 68. Second inwardly facing cylindrical wall 66, intermediate wall portion 70 and third inwardly facing cylindrical wall 68 are sized to receive the ramp 52 and the apex 54 to allow a certain degree of axial movement of the first flange 28 relative to the second flange 36, as shown in Figure 2B. Retained within the receiving portion of the second flange 36 is the elastically expandable closure member 72, such as a split closure ring or a spring of ligatures, which may be formed, among other materials, from a spring-hardened phosphoric brass, a tempered stainless steel for spring, or a polymer, such as a plastic. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, for example, the closure member 72 is a split closure ring that includes a first end 74 and a second end 76, which may be in abutment relationship or have a light space between them. In one embodiment, the closure member 72 has an internal diameter substantially equal to or slightly less than that of the outer cylindrical surface -48 on the first flange 28 to loosely bond the outer surface 48 when the first flange 28 is connected. to the second flange 36. The internal diameter of the closure member 72, therefore, is smaller than the diameter of the apex 54. The closure member 72, by virtue of its dimensions, is therefore smaller than the diameter of the apex 54. The closing member 72, by virtue of its dimensions, will be retained in the annular groove 62 when the first flange 28 is disconnected from the second flange 36. When the first flange 28 is inserted into the second flange 36, the outer guide surface 46 will pass through the closure member 72 until the ramp 52 reaches the closure member 72. The continued movement inward of the first flange 28 will cause the ramp 52 to expand and The closure member 72, which in the embodiment of the closure member 72 illustrated in FIG. 3, opens the free space between the first end 74 and the second end 76 in amounts that increase as the closure member moves upwardly. the ramp 52. As the closure member 72 moves on the apex 54, on continued axial movement of the first flange 28 toward the second flange 36 occurs, the closure member 72 will contract to a size that approaches its original size and, in doing so, will be positioned to prevent removal of the first flange 28 of the second flange 36 by virtue of the closure member 72 being placed between the first and second closure surfaces 56, 64. As will be appreciated from observing Figure 2A, the first closure surface 56 and the second closure surface 64 may be disposed at converging angles in the direction toward the annular groove. 62 to inhibit movement of the closure member 72 towards the annular groove 62 when the first and second flanges 28, 36 are connected and subjected to an axial force of separation due to the fluid under pressure within the tubular assembly 22. This convergence results from the fact that the angle T of the first closing surface 52 is greater than the angle O of the second closing surface 74 relative to the axis AA, or vice versa. However, the gasket 20 is not intended to be limited to those configurations in which the first and second closure surfaces 56, 64 converge. To inhibit the leakage of fluid from the gasket 20 when the first and second flanges 28 are connected, 36, the second flange 36 may include a sealing member 80. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2-2B, the outer guide surface 46 of the first flange 28 sealingly bonds the sealing member 80 by axially compressing the member. of seal 80 against the second flange 36. During the engagement of the first and second flanges 28 and 36, the force required to push the first flange 28 toward the second flange 36 increases when the sealing member 80 is compressed. Therefore, a Easily compressible sealing member that facilitates a low pushing force is ideal to assist the connection of the flanges 28, 36, although it is not required. The sealing member 80 can be made of a polymeric and / or metallic material and can be secured to the first flange 28 or the second flange 36, if desired. Referring to Figures 2-2B, the first flange 28 may also include an axially movable release member portion 82. In one embodiment, the release member 82 includes a generally cylindrical, split wall 84 extending from a guide edge 86 to an optional tapered wall portion 88, and a flange 90 extending radially outwardly from the tapered wall portion 88. A single slot or partition 92 extends through the release member 82 from the guide edge 86 through the cylindrical wall portion 84, the tapered wall portion 88 and the flange 90. The slot 92 allows the release member 82 to expand when assembled in the first flange 28 and when moved to a release position shown in FIG. Figure 2B. The presence of grooves 94 prevents an accumulation of stress in the flange 90 and the tapered wall portion 88 as the release member 82 expands. When the release member 82 is movably retained on the first flange 28, the rear cylindrical surface 48 may include a stop 96 extending radially outwardly (Figure 2) to inhibit the removal of the release member 82 of the first flange 28. Referring to Figure 2B, when it is desired to disconnect the first flange 28 of the second flange 36, the first flange 28 is moved axially further towards the second flange 36 and the release member 82 is moved axially towards the first sealing surface 56 on the first flange 28, such that the guiding edge 86 of the release member 82 links the closing member 12. As the release member 82 continues to move forward, the guiding edge 86 forces the closure member 72 to engage and move the first closure surface 56 and / or expand above the apex 54 and toward the annular groove 62 of the second. tab 36. Once the closure member 72 has been removed from its closing position between the first closure surface 56 and the second closure surface 64., the first flange 28 is disconnected from the second flange 36 and the first tubular member 24 can be separated from the second tubular member 26. Referring to Figure 5, a pipe joint 120 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. present invention. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, except that the flange 190 of a release member 182 includes a radially inwardly extending portion extending toward the first flange 128 in addition or in place of the radially outwardly extending portion shown in Figures 4 and 5. When the release member 182 is movably retained in the first flange 128, the first flange 128 may include a stop extending radially outwardly. to inhibit the 'removal of the release member 182 from the first flange 128.

Referring to Figure 6, a pipe joint 220 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, an outer guide surface 246 of the first flange 228 is generally perpendicular to the axis A-A and a receiving inner surface 247 of the second flange 236 'is also generally perpendicular to the axis A-A. When in this configuration, a generally rectangular annular seal 280, such as a seal that complies with the AS-1895 standard, can be received in the second flange 236 and sealed in a sealed manner by the first flange 228 when the flanges are connected first and second 228, 236. Depending on the thickness of the seal 280, the outer guide surface 246 and / or the receiving inner surface 247 may include a recess or slot (as shown in FIG. 6) to accommodate the seal 280 without excessive compression. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a pipe joint 320 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a second inwardly facing cylindrical wall 366 of a second flange 336 includes an inwardly facing annular groove 367 in which an annular seal 380 is positioned. To facilitate sealed engagement with the first flange 328, the first flange 328 includes an outer cylindrical surface 347 extending generally parallel to the second cylindrical wall facing inward 366 between an outer guide surface 346 and a ramp 352. The annular seal 380 may be a "ring in 0" (see , e.g., Figure 7), a "C-ring" (see, e.g., Figure 8), for example, and may be made of rubber, plastic, metal or other elastically flexible material. When the first flange 328 is inserted into the second flange 336, the outer cylindrical surface 347 passes through the closure member 372 and, upon the connection of. the flanges 328, 336 radially and sealingly link the annular seal 380. Referring to Figure 9, a pipe joint 420 is shown according to another form of. embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a guide outer surface 446 of a first flange 428 includes a first cavity 449 and a receiving interior surface 447 of a second flange 436 includes a second cavity 451. A "S-seal" type elastic seal member 480 is received in the first and second cavities 449, 451. When the first flange 428 is connected to the second flange 436, the sealing member 480 is sealedly attached to the first and second flanges 428, 436 within the first and second cavities. second 449, 451, respectively, creating an axial and / or radial seal to prevent leakage of fluid from the pipe joint 420. Referring to Figure 10, a pipe joint 20 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. the present invention. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 10 is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, with at least one exception, namely, the pipe joint 20 does not include a release member 82. When configured in this manner, the first flange 28 may not be disconnected from the second flange 36 without the use of a separate release member 82 '(shown in phantom lines in Figure 10), which may be similar to the release member 82 in shape. and in function, but removably secured to the first flange 28. This embodiment can be applied in installations where an easily connectable and relatively permanent pipe joint is desired. However, if disengagement of the first and second flanges 28, 36 is desired, the release member 82 'may be employed to separate the tubular members, as described above. Referring to Figure 11, a pipe joint 520 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipe joint 520 includes a first flange 528, a second flange 536 and a release assembly 537. The first flange 528 is substantially similar to the first flange 28 described above, except that the stop 96 is removed and the cylindrical outer surface 48 includes a saw serrated edge 539. The second flange 536 is substantially similar to the second flange 36 described above, except for the inclusion of several radially outwardly extending tabs 543 located near a guide end 538.

In one embodiment, the release assembly 537 includes a generally cylindrical sleeve 545, a generally annular release member 547, and a generally annular ratchet ring 549. As shown in Figures 12-16, the sleeve 545 includes a first internal cylindrical surface 551 having several sleeve slits 553 (FIG. 15) for receiving the tabs 543 on the second flange 536. The sleeve 545 also includes several first holes 555 within which a first generally cylindrical pin 557 is received (FIG. 11) to movably connect the sleeve 545 to the release member 547. Referring specifically to FIGS. 11 and 12, the sleeve 545 also includes an internal wall 559 that abuts a cylindrical stop 561 on the first flange 528 when the release assembly 537 is in a fully closed position (see, e.g., Figure 11). The inner wall 559 of the sleeve 545 may include an annular hole 563 sized to receive an elastic biasing member 565, such as a wave spring and the like. As shown in Figures 14 and 16, the release member 547 includes a first cylindrical external surface 567 having release slits 569 for receiving first pins 557. The release member 547 also includes several second holes 571 that receive a second pin. generally cylindrical 573 for connecting the release member 547 to the ratchet member 549. A guide edge 575 of the release ring 547 is adapted to engage a closure member 577 during disconnection of the first and second flanges 528, 536. Referring again to Figures 11 and 12, the ratchet member 549 provides support for the release member 547 by sliding the release member 547 relative to the ratchet ring 549. The ratchet member 549 includes a serrated front edge 579 and an inwardly extending portion 583 that rotates at the stop 561. The ratchet member 549 also includes slots 585 adapted to receive second pins 573. During the connection of the first and second flanges 528, 536, the release assembly 537 is rotated in the first flange 528 until the tabs 543 in the second flange 536 are aligned with and are received in the slots 553 in the sleeve 545. By rotating the sleeve 545 around the first flange 528, such as in a clockwise direction, the tabs 543 move through a first portion 553a of the sleeve slits 553, carrying the first flange 528 to the second flange 536 through the camming action produced by the sleeve / tab recess interface. The tongues 543 continue to move through a first angled portion 553a of the sleeve grooves 553 until the tongues 543 reach a residence portion 553b of the sleeve grooves 553. In the residence portion 553b, the first flange 528 is completely connected to the second flange 536. The sleeve 545 may continue to rotate about the first flange 328 and the second flange 536 through the residence portion 553b and toward the second angled portion 553c of the sleeve grooves 553. When the tabs 543 reach one end of the second angled portion 553c, the tabs 543 are considered to be in a closed position in the sleeve grooves 553. During connection of the pipe joint 520 and while the sleeve 545 rotates around the tabs 543, the first pins 557 are traveling through the release slits 569 in the release ring 547. In one embodiment, the slits 569 include a first straight portion 569a, an angled portion 569b, and a second straight portion 569c. The first pins 557 move through the release slits 569 to position the release member 547 relative to the closure member 577, depending on whether the pipe joint 520 is being connected or disconnected. When the pipe joint 520 is being connected, the first pins 557 are generally located within the first straight portion 569a of the release slot 569. As the sleeve 545 rotates, the first pins 557 travel through the first straight portion. 569a. When the tabs 543 are moving through the residence portion 553b of the slits 553, the first pins 557 are traveling through an angled portion 569b, causing the release ring 547 to move axially away from the closure member 577. This action ensures that the guide edge 575 of the release ring 547 does not link the closure member 577 when the first flange 528 is connected to the second flange 536. When the tabs 543 are in the closed position in the second angled portion 553c of the slots 553, the first pins 557 are also in a closed position in the second straight portion 569c of the slits 569. As will be appreciated, the first pins 557 may not always link the release slits 569 in the same place. For example, when the sleeve slits 553 link the tabs 543, the first pins 557 may be located in the release slits 569 in the second straight portion 569c. In this example, the release ring 547 can rotate together with the sleeve 545 before the tabs 543 are received in the slots 553. The serrated front edge 579 of the ratchet ring 549, by virtue of the connection of the ratchet ring to the releasing member 547 via the second pins 573, will link the serrated rear edge 539 of the first flange 528 and allow the ratchet member 549 and the release member 547 to move with the sleeve 545 until the final bonding of the tabs 543. The bonding of the serrated edges 539, 579 allows the ratchet member 549 to rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) and prevents rotation of the ratchet member in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation. The elastic bias member 565 ensures that pressure is applied to the ratchet ring 549 by the sleeve 545 to maintain the bonding of the serrated edges 539, 579. Referring again to FIG. 11, when the first flange 528 is connected to a second flange 536, the first flange 528 compresses a seal 591 against the second flange 536 to prevent leakage of fluids therebetween. Additionally, the sleeve 545 may be adapted to sealingly link the second flange 536, preventing dust or contaminants from entering the area around the closure member 577 and the release assembly 537. Referring to Figure 17 , when the pipe joint 520 is disconnected, the sleeve 545 is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation during the connection (e.g., counterclockwise) around the second flange 536 and the first flange 528. As the sleeve 545 rotates, the tabs 543 move through the second angled portion 553c and toward the residence portion 553b. Almost simultaneously, the first pins 557 travel through the second straight portion 569c of the release slits 569 toward the angled portion 569b. This action will force the release member 547 to move axially forward and in contact with the closure member 577. The residence portion 553b of the sleeve grooves 553 allows the sleeve 545 to maintain its axial location on the first flange 528 while the sleeve 545 is rotated about the tabs 543 and the release ring 547 is moved axially forward, in contact with the closure member 577. As the first pins 557 continue to travel through the first straight portion 569c of the release slits 569, the guide edge 575 of the release ring 547 forces the closure member 577 to expand outwardly, as described above. Even after the closure member 577 is removed from its closed position, the sleeve 545 continues to rotate until the tabs 543 exit the sleeve grooves 553 and the first flange 528 is separated from the second flange 536. The embodiment shown in Figures 11-17 can be used in applications where the manual connection of the joint 520 is made difficult or impossible due to the relative compression inability of the sealing member 591. For example, in applications where the 591 seal requires a Relatively high compression force for sealing, the camming action of the release assembly 537 can be employed to bring the first flange 528 to the second flange 536 with a relatively small input force to rotate the sleeve 545. Referring to FIG. 18 , a pipe joint 620 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 18 is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 17, with at least one exception, namely, a sleeve assembly 637 does not contain a ratchet member or second pins associated with the member. of ratchet. When configured in this manner, a release ring 647 can include an extension 683 extending radially inwardly to travel in a cylindrical stop 661 of the first flange 628 and allows the release ring 647 to be rotated and moved axially around the cylindrical stop 661 more than a ratchet ring. The operation of the release assembly 637, without the functionality associated with the ratchet ring 549, is substantially similar to the release assembly 637 described above. The present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, which are merely illustrative of the best modes for carrying out the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the method and apparatus within the scope of these claims and their equivalents are covered by them. This description of the invention should be understood to include all combinations of novel and non-obvious elements described herein, and claims may be presented in this application or a subsequent request directed to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements. Moreover, the foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no aspect or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this application or a subsequent application.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS 1. A pipe joint (20), comprising: a first length of pipe including a first flange (28) having a ramp (52) extending outwardly and away from a guide outer surface (46) and a first closure surface (56) extending in and away from the ramp (52); an elastic expandable closure member (72); and a second length of pipe including a second flange (36) having an inner portion dimensioned to receive the first flange (28), the interior portion including a second closure surface (64) and an annular groove facing inwardly ( 62) adapted to receive the elastically expandable closure member (72), the second closure surface (64) positioned within the interior portion such that, upon insertion of the first flange (28) into the second flange (36), the elastically expandable closure member (72) expands as it moves up the ramp (52) and then contracts to become placed between the first closure surface (56) and the second closure surface (64) to prevent the removal of the first tab (28) of the second tab (36). The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein the first flange (28) includes a generally cylindrical surface (54) extending between the ramp (52) and the first closure surface (56). The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein the first closure surface (56) includes a generally linear surface disposed at a first angle T relative to an axis AA of the pipe joint (20) and a second surface of closure (64) includes a generally linear surface disposed at a second angle O relative to the axis AA of the pipe joint (20). The pipe joint of claim 3, wherein the first angle T is different from the second angle O. 5. The pipe joint of claim 3, wherein the first angle and the second angle T, O converge in a direction toward the annular groove (62). The pipe joint of claim 1, further including a release member (82) that is movable relative to the first flange (28) and positioned to selectively engage the closure member (72) to facilitate its expansion . The pipe joint of claim 6, wherein the release member (82) includes a generally cylindrical wall (84) extending from a guide edge (86) to a radially outwardly extending flange (90), and a slot or division (94) extending through the release member (82) from the guide edge (86) through the cylindrical wall (84) and the flange (90). 8. The pipe joint of claim 7, wherein the flange extending outwardly of the release member (182) includes a radially inwardly extending portion (190) extending toward the first flange (128). 9. The pipe joint of claim 1, further including a sealing member (80) positioned between the first and second flanges (28, 36). The pipe joint of claim 9, wherein the outer guide surface (246) of the first flange (228) includes a first recess or slit and an inner surface (247) of the second flange (236) includes a second recess or slit cooperating with the first recess or slit to contain the sealing member (280). The pipe joint of claim 9, wherein the sealing member (80) is positioned to be axially compressed. The pipe joint of claim 9, wherein the sealing member (380) is positioned to be radially compressed. The pipe joint of claim 9, wherein the sealing member is one selected from an O-ring, a C-ring, and a S-seal. The pipe joint of claim 1, further including a releasing assembly (537) having a sleeve (545) with a sleeve groove (553) adapted to receive a tongue (543) on the second flange (536), a release member (547) having a release slit (569) and a guide edge (575) adapted to engage the closure member (577), and a first pin (557) connected to the sleeve (545) and positioned into the release slit (569) to movably connect the sleeve (545) to the release member (547). 15. The pipe joint of claim 14, wherein the release assembly (537) further includes a ratchet member (549) adapted to hold the release member. (547), an elastic biasing member (565) adapted to urge the ratchet member (549) into engagement with the first flange (528), and a second pin (573) connected to the release member (547) and placed inside of a slot (585) in the ratchet member (549) for movably connecting the release member (547) to the ratchet member (549). The pipe joint of claim 15, wherein the ratchet member (549) includes a first edge (579) and the first flange (529) includes a second edge (539) adapted to allow rotation of the ratchet member ( 549) in a first direction of rotation and to prevent rotation of the ratchet member (549) in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation. The pipe joint of claim 9, further comprising: a release member (82) that is movable relative to the first flange (28) and is positioned to selectively engage the closure member (72) to facilitate its expansion. The pipe joint of claim 9, further comprising: a release assembly (537) having a sleeve (545) with a sleeve groove (553) adapted to receive a tongue (543) on the second flange (36) ), a release member (547) having a release slit (569) and a guide edge (575) adapted to attach the closure member (577), and a first pin (557) connected to the sleeve (545) and positioned within the release slot (569) to movably connect the sleeve (545) to the release member (547). The pipe joint of claim 18, wherein the release assembly (547) further includes a ratchet member (549) adapted to support the release member (547), an elastic biasing member (565) adapted to urge the ratchet member (549) in engagement with the first flange (28), and a second pin (573) connected to the release member (547) and placed within a slot (585) in the ratchet member (549) for movably connecting the release member (547) to the ratchet member (549). The pipe joint of claim 19, wherein the ratchet member (549) includes a first edge (579) and the first flange (28) includes a second edge (539) adapted to allow rotation of the ratchet member ( 549) in a first rotational direction and to prevent rotation of the ratchet member (549) in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.