Abstract: Integrated joining system in tubular fluid distribution elements includes a tubular element having a first enlarged cup-shaped end and a second opposite end with a radial protuberance, the first end equipped with a flange having an external concentric edge and an inside cavity capable of receiving and retaining an elastomeric gasket, the first end having a concentric radial groove adjacent to the edge, and having an end edge protruding from the tubular element, the assembly of the tubular elements occurs by inserting the second end of a tubular element inside the cup-shaped end of a similar tubular element up to a shoulder of the cup-shaped end with the edge of the second end having passed the gasket, a junction block including two semicircles placed around the tubular element at this concentric edge and end edge which, by tightening by clamping elements, crimps the two tubular elements.

Abstract: A system for mounting an adapter on a main flexible pipe for connecting a branch pipe is described, including a fitting having an externally threaded shank and a widened base which can be inserted in a hole of the pipe and can be fixed by a first ring nut screwed on the threaded shank, wherein the system includes a tool for inserting the fitting in the hole and for tightening the first ring nut, and wherein on the adapter a second ring nut is provided for fixing the adapter to the fitting.

Abstract: A control valve assembly is provided for a fluid treatment system, including a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion secured to the top portion, the housing including an inlet and an outlet. At least two modular chambers are secured in the housing. A first chamber is configured to receive fluid from the inlet and a second chamber is configured to provide fluid to the outlet. A piston is also provided which includes a shaft with a plurality of sealing rings. The piston extends through the housing and through the first chamber and the second chamber. The piston is configured to reciprocate in an axial direction to control the flow of fluid in the control valve assembly.

Abstract: A dryer appliance or ventilation assembly, as provided herein, may include an impeller, a housing, a front duct, and a sealing gasket. The impeller may be rotatable about an axial direction to urge a flow of air. The housing may enclose the impeller within a cabinet. The housing may define an entrance upstream of the impeller to permit air into the housing. The front duct may include an attachment collar defining a duct outlet. The attachment collar may be received within the entrance. The sealing gasket may be radially positioned between the attachment collar and the entrance.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe assembly that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe.

Abstract: A rivet nut tool has a primary gear driven by a motor and a gear assembly coupled to the primary gear for rotation for moving a pull screw by a movement distance to achieve a stroke. The tool has a selection button for selecting a stroke value and a pull-riveting force. A control processor receives the selected stroke value and pull-riveting force. A count sensor is used to measure the rotational movement of a primary gear in terms of signal counts for determining the stroke achieved by the pull screw. The selected stroke value is presentable as a preset count value. When the signal count reaches the preset count value, or the motor current exceeds the current needed for the selected pull-riveting force, the control processor is configured to reverse the rotation direction of the motor so as to return the pull screw to its start position.

Abstract: Pipe joints and more particularly cylindrical push-on type pipe joint fittings with earthquake resistant functions.

Abstract: A pipe coupling includes an annular clamp housing that has ends which are provided with two opposing clamp members. One or more tightening elements are provided for tightening the clamp members towards each other in a direction transverse to an axial length of the annular clamp housing so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on a pipe being clamped in the annular clamp housing. An annular seal is mounted in the annular clamp housing. The annular clamp housing includes one or more enhanced circumferential stiffening elements.

Abstract: A union coupling having a removable screen is disclosed. The union coupling includes a pipe joint, a fitting that receives the screen, and a collar which clamps the fitting to the pipe joint. In one form, the fitting has an inner surface that defines a passage through the fitting and a pocket formed in the inner surface. The screen has a transverse extension that is received at least in part in the pocket with engagement of the transverse extension and pocket restricting passage of the screen past a predetermined position in the passage. A union coupling having a fitting comprising a fitting body with an outward flange and a shoulder element with an outward flange is also provided. The shoulder element is connected to the fitting body to captivate a collar between the outward flanges of the fitting so that the collar does not become separated from the fitting body. A method of assembling a union coupling is also provided.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe coupler can engage an open end of an irrigation pipe with its forward end. The coupler has a nipple and an outer collar. The nipple has an outwardly projecting barb and the collar surrounds the nipple and has an inwardly projecting bulge. The collar is slidably moved along the nipple between forward and rear terminal positions while being kept spaced radially outwardly from the nipple via a peripheral gap that is re-defined for each new position of the collar along the nipple. At each such new position, the gap has a narrow region measured in the radial direction where the collar is closest to the nipple and the narrow region gets smaller at least during at least part of the forward movement of the collar along the nipple. A window formed in the collar allows an operator to see an irrigation hose inserted into the gap.

Abstract: A polymeric riser cap member includes a central tubular section defining a generally cylindrical bore for receiving a sprinkler riser, the central tubular section having open top and bottom ends, and an annular skirt coaxial with the central tubular section and having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the central tubular section. The annular skirt has an inner surface having internal threads threadably connectable with the externally threaded surface of a tubular riser adapter member of a tubular coupler. The bottom end of the central tubular section has an annular projection disposed opposite and spaced from a portion of the annular skirt. The riser cap member includes an annular recess adapted to receive a seal located in a wall extending laterally between the annular skirt and the annular projection.

Abstract: A polymeric riser cap member includes a central tubular section defining a generally cylindrical bore for receiving a sprinkler riser, the central tubular section having open top and bottom ends, and an annular skirt coaxial with the central tubular section and having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the central tubular section. The annular skirt has an inner surface having internal threads threadably connectable with the externally threaded surface of a tubular riser adapter member of a tubular coupler. The bottom end of the central tubular section has an annular projection disposed opposite and spaced from a portion of the annular skirt. The riser cap member includes an annular recess adapted to receive a seal located in a wall extending laterally between the annular skirt and the annular projection.

Abstract: A drip irrigation device for distributing a portion of the water flowing in an irrigation pipe to a plant, the device comprising: a housing formed from a relatively soft plastic; and a connector for coupling the housing to the irrigation pipe comprising a bayonet for puncturing the irrigation pipe formed from a relatively hard material over-molded onto a feature of the housing made from the soft plastic.

Abstract: This utility model relates to a diversion conduit, comprising of a water intake connector, a water output connector and a conduit body. The said water intake connector and water output connector each include a detachably connected external cap and internal calipers. The end of the conduit body is clamped between the external cap and internal calipers. This utility model makes only slight improvement to the prior art, being structurally simple and convenient to use. The connections between the conduit body and connectors are detachable. Use can be restored once the conduit body is fractured, greatly avoiding waste, which, consistent with cost effectiveness, is suitable to be promoted to wide application.

Abstract: A Y-shaped plumbing fitting comprises three generally radially extending tubes connected together for transmission of fluid therebetween. The radially outward end of each tube is terminated by a pipe connector. The axes of the three tubes extend radially in a common plane and intersect at a single point, subtending angles of 120° with each other. A further connector is provided extending substantially perpendicularly to the common plane of the three tubes to connect a fitting to the three tubes. An irrigation system, using the Y-shaped plumbing fitting comprises a network of pipes connected by the “Y” shaped fittings. Each pipe in the network is connected at each end to a leg of a respective Y-shaped fitting such that the pipes each form one side in a hexagonal shaped pipe network formation. Alternate “Y” shaped plumbing fittings are fitted with watering outlets.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for converting channels manufactured for connection together to produce a straight conduit into channels that may be connected together to produce an effectively curved conduit. A link is described that permits the connection between two channels to be connected with an axial offset, which cumulatively allows a plurality of channels to produce a curved conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved barbed fitting for use with low density polyethylene irrigation pipe and the like. A combination barbed fitting is provided with a drive cap for cooperating with a compatible tool, such as a socket or nut driver. The drive cap may be configured as a hexagonal cap, square cap, star cap or other common driver shapes. The drive cap is positioned on a fitting opposite the opening to the barbed end, but aligned coaxially with the barb. Common fitting types include ells (90° or 45°) and Tees. Alternatively, combination barbed fitting is provided with a drive recess for cooperating with a compatible driver. The drive recess may be configured as a hexagonal recess, slotted recess, cross point recess, square recess, star recess or other common driver shapes.

Abstract: A drip irrigation device for distributing a portion of the water flowing in an irrigation pipe to a plant, the device comprising: a housing formed from a relatively soft plastic; and a connector for coupling the housing to the irrigation pipe comprising a bayonet for puncturing the irrigation pipe formed from a relatively hard material over-molded onto a feature of the housing made from the soft plastic.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe with a plurality of connector elements adapted for attachment of lateral branches thereto, where the connector elements are integrally fitted to the pipe's wall during the manufacture. Connector elements may be fitted open and be adapted for closing after manufacture if not intended for use, or may be fitted closed and be adapted for opening after manufacture to enable the attachment. A method of production of such irrigation pipe from a strip of flexible weldable or bondable material includes fitting integrally the connector elements to predetermined locations on the strip, with or without punching the strip; bending or twisting the strip so as to juxtapose or overlap lateral edges thereof; and welding or bonding integrally the edges so as to obtain a closed pipe section.

Abstract: A pipe saddle having a pipe compression pad suitable for sealing engagement with any of a range of different diameter irrigation pipes with the pipe saddle having pliable pipe straps integrally formed to the compression pad to provide a continuous surface for compressive engagement of an external surface of an irrigation pipe thereto to thereby hold an irrigation pipe in position within the pipe saddle while a pipe tap is inserted into the irrigation pipe.

Abstract: An agricultural irrigation assembly includes an irrigation hose, a drip tape, and a fluid fitting interconnecting the irrigation hose with the drip tape. The fluid fitting includes a tab fitting and a swivel fitting. The tab fitting has a tab and a threaded collar. The tab is insertable into an opening formed in the irrigation hose and held in place using the collar. The swivel fitting is fluidly coupled to the tab fitting. The swivel fitting includes a threaded fitting defining a longitudinal axis. The threaded fitting is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and substantially immovable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A composite tube having alternating porous and non-porous sections for the purpose of conserving water and fertilizer. An easily-manufactured drip irrigation mat incorporating this composite tube so as to provide an irrigated, weed-free, highly-supportive growing environment for both commercial and residential plants as single units, or as one-dimensional rows. A patchwork assembly of multiple drip irrigation mats and non-irrigating mulch to treat two-dimensional beds.

Abstract: An Irrigation pipe having a wall comprising: a core layer formed from a biodegradable material; and at least one relatively non-biodegradable protective layer formed on the core layer.

Abstract: A pipe adapter fitting that can be installed onto any pre-existing conduit such as an underground irrigation line for installation of an additional water outlet for attaching a sprinkler head or the like. The pipe adapter fitting is extremely simplified, requires only two parts and eliminates the need for any screws, bolts, brackets, clamps, etc. Furthermore, there are no moving parts and no need for specialized tools as only a drill is used for installation.

Abstract: A fluid coupling that attaches to a threaded component. The body portion of the fluid coupling has an end that defines a flow path along an axis and includes a first seal groove. An extension of the fluid coupling is mounted onto the end. The extension rotates about the axis and moves axially relative to the body portion. The extension includes a threaded tip for threadably coupling the threaded component. The extension also has a radially extending face adjacent the tip that includes a second seal groove. A first seal of the fluid coupling is positioned in the first seal groove and is adapted to provide a seal between the body portion and the extension. A second seal of the fluid coupling is positioned in the second seal groove and is adapted to provide a seal between the extension and the threaded component.

Abstract: An adapter to couple irrigation system components having differently sized and shaped connection points is provided. The adapter defines a throughbore, a first connection device on one end, and a second connection device on the other end. The first and second connection devices preferably have different sizes or shapes.

Abstract: A bulkhead fitting which may be used on either six inch or eight inch diameter irrigation pipes through the use of an interchangeable base ring. The fitting includes a stem fitting having an interchangeable base ring mounted thereon which is extended upwardly through an outlet opening in an irrigation pipe. An upper washer is mounted on the stem portion of the stem fitting and is maintained thereon through the use of a nut which is threadably mounted on the upper end of the stem fitting. A locking mechanism is provided which prevents the inadvertent loosening of the nut with respect to the stem fitting.

Abstract: A flow-through joint in an irrigation machine between the main pipeline section and a swing span, such as a corner span, permits a limited amount of generally linear displacement of the swing span within the joint for speed control or other purposes. A turret that rotates freely on the upright outlet port of the main pipeline section has a pair of coupling assemblies on opposite sides of the upright pivot axis through the outlet port, one of such coupling assemblies having a ball joint and the other being provided with relatively displaceable components. The arms of a connecting yoke on the inner end of the swing span are coupled with the ball joint on the one hand and the displaceable components on the other so as to provide the necessary swinging and pivoting motions while at the same time allowing displacing movement as necessary for control purposes.

Abstract: A watering system for a poultry house comprises a watering line which is suspended from a stabilizing bar by means of a clip. The watering line is comprised of a plurality of pipe segments connected together by a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes a keying element or portion which is formed in the pipe segment at a predetermined location relative to the drinker opening in the pipe segment. The coupling mechanism thus rotationally fixes adjacent pipe segments relative to each other such that the drinker openings of the pipes segments in the watering line are rotationally aligned and fixed relative to each other. The clip includes a boot which engages a projection on the pipe segment (preferably the drinker saddle) to key the pipe segments relative to the stabilizing bar.

Abstract: A service tee forming part of a main fluid line has a laterally extending female fitting with threads and a gasket spaced axially from the distal end of the threads. A male fitting having a series of male threads and a cylindrical extension terminating in the distal end of the male fitting is threadedly coupled to the female fitting. The threads are non-tapered and cylindrical. A mechanical connection between the male and female fittings is provided by the engagement of the threads, while the seal is formed between the gasket and the extension, thereby enabling orientation about the common axes of the fittings relative to one another for a full 360°.

Abstract: A saddle tee and saddle tee tap combination for making fluid connections with an irrigation line. The saddle tee comprises a body having first and second ends, and a passage therethrough, and a clamp on the second end of the body engaging the irrigation line in alignment with the passage, the clamp being larger than the irrigation line. In one embodiment the clamp defines first and second cross sectional areas for receiving the irrigation line, and an insert separating the first and second areas and confining the irrigation line to the first area. In another embodiment, the tap for making a fluid connection has a flange thereon engaging the exterior of the irrigation line in the clamp. In another embodiment the saddle tee includes a resilient member in the clamp for resiliently engaging an irrigation line in the clamp.

Abstract: A roof mounted evaporative cooling system utilizing a plurality of elongate deflectors that are supported and secured a short distance above the ridge of a gable roof by a plurality of spaced apart support bracket connectors. Each support bracket connector has a central longitudinal portion with a hose barb at each end, and a vertical portion in which a spray nozzle is mounted. The support bracket connectors are joined together by a plurality of sections of flexible tubing having opposed ends engaged on the hose barb of the connectors and secured by hose clamps. Water is supplied to the connectors and adjoined sections of flexible tubing by conduit connected through a battery operated timer to an outdoor water faucet or to the cold water supply pipe in the attic of the building. In operation, the fine mist of water, under standard domestic water pressure impinges and spreads evenly along the underside of the deflectors and drips off of lateral side portions of the deflectors and runs onto the roof.

Abstract: A fitting for lawn sprinkler systems which have pipes of rigid, plastic such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). The fitting includes a main body with a tubular section affixed to it at about a 30 degree angle. The tubular section has an outer surface with at least a pair of posts extending outwardly from it in opposite directions. In use, the main body of the fitting can be mounted onto the outer surface of the pipe and portions of a coring tool can then be positioned substantially about the opposing posts to anchor the tool to the fitting and aid the tool in coring the pipe.

Abstract: An irrigation hose splice and method of making the same that permits used irrigation hose to be reinstalled and retrieved in the same manner as new irrigation hose. The method of splicing includes providing two segments of unjoined irrigation hose. Inserting a heat shield into a first segment to prevent its inner circumferential surface from fusing together when the first hose segment is later fused with a second hose segment. Inserting the first hose segment into the second hose segment, creating an area where the two segments overlap. Appyling heat and compression simultaneously at the overlapping area to fuse together the first and second hose segments, creating an irrigation hose splice which is composed of material from the first hose segment and the second hose segment that have been fused together.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided for irrigation systems such as automated sprinkler systems. A pre-assembled housing or valve box includes an inlet for receiving water and one or more outlets for distribution of water to other components in the irrigation system, and also includes manifolding and power and valve means for selectively controlling the flow of water from the outlets. Many of the manifold components are integrally molded with each other and provided in modular form so that the system can be relatively compact and can be customized into a variety of configurations. The manifold can consist of or include integrally formed or interconnected valve bases. The electrical power system includes a main terminal box with power lines leading to connectors adjacent each outlet, so that solenoid valves may be readily connected thereto and replaced as necessary. O-rings, non-conducting gel, and similar mechanisms are provided to ensure the water-tightness of the electrical connections.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe system including a tubular coupler member releasably connectable to fluid transport pipes. The tubular coupler member includes wing-like lateral projections for stabilizing and minimizing impact upon the tubular coupler member as it is drawn along a ground surface. Structure is provided for enabling a sprinkler riser to be connected to and disconnected from the tubular member by rotating the sprinkler riser less than about one rotation. A seal is also provided for preventing fluid leakage between the tubular coupler member and the sprinkler riser.

Abstract: Conduit coupling apparatus has a first conduit with an annular gasket in an outlet portion to receive a second conduit member sealingly and rotatably to retain the lugs on one member engaging flange portions on the other. Lateral conduits are securable about the outlet of the first member by flange portions secured by threaded fasteners, and quick-connect fittings are utilized.

Abstract: A flexible swivel coupling includes a a first elbow, a second elbow, and a flexible nipple connected between the two elbows. The first and second elbows are threaded on the interior surface of at least one of the legs of each elbow, and the flexible nipple is threaded at both ends, for connection between the two elbows. The outside diameter of the nipple, at least at the threaded ends, is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the threaded legs of the two elbows, so that the nipple threads are slightly compressed when the nipple is threaded into the elbows and forms a water tight seal without the need for o-rings or other additional sealing means.

Abstract: An improved air diffuser and mounting arrangement for mounting diffusers on submerged air laterals in a wastewater treatment system. The diffuser is formed form a cylindrical pipe which is flattened on most of its length but left partially cylindrical for convenient mounting. The mounting arrangement includes a removable saddle on the air lateral and a Tee fitting for mounting the diffusers. The saddle has an outlet spout which fits directly against and is connected directly to an inlet leg of the Tee fitting. The saddle construction in one form accommodates either standard U.S. or metric pipe fittings and in another form accommodates two different sizes of pipe fittings.

Abstract: The invention relates to the sector of fast-action couplings for domestic irrigation system. The fixed central body has mounted on the outside, integral therewith, a; fastening element on the outside of which an external body (5) is able to slide longitudinally. The fastening element has a plurality of lugs each of which is provide with tooth and a protuberance which can be inserted into the corresponding slits and formed in the thickness of the external body. An extension spring is arranged between the external body and the fasting element and a ring made of elastic material or a plurality of teeth act as elements for gripping the male connector.

Abstract: A one-piece saddle tee for installation on a fluid line such as an irrigation line. The saddle tee has a clamp includes a pair of opposing clamp segments having upper, lower and intermediate portions with at least one of the segments being hinged along its intermediate portion to one end of the base. The other of the segments is attached to the other end of the base. Each of the segments has a locking part at its lower end portion cooperating with a locking part of the other of the segments, the locking parts interconnecting the clamp segments when the clamp is pressed onto the line. A coupling tap may be used for punching a hole in the line. Coupling tap is secured to the line with saddle tee.

Abstract: A conventional plastic cap is provided incorporating a longitudinally tapering, generally cylindrical hollow body having opposite large and small diameter ends with the large diameter end being open and including a first diametrically outwardly projecting flange extending circumferentially thereabout and the small diameter end being closed and including a second diametrically outwardly projecting circumferential flange of greater outside diameter than the outside diameter of the large diameter end of the body independent of the first flange supported therefrom.

Abstract: Mechanically locking sprinkler fittings are provided by this invention for making a fluid connection between irrigation pipes. The sprinkler fittings contain a tubular fitting member having first and second open ends for mating with a pair of irrigation pipes. The tubular fitting member contains a laterally facing orifice for receiving a sprinkler riser and an annular recess located along its surface which corresponds with a mating annular recess on at least a first of the irrigation pipes to form an annular cavity. The fitting also includes a flexible spline inserted into the annular cavity to form a mechanical lock between the first pipe and the tubular fitting member. The sprinkler fittings of this invention are convenient to use, and can be made of lightweight polymeric materials.

Abstract: An improved supply line fitting, installation method and technique for direct installation in the supply lines of a distribution system. An angularly flanged, resilient insert barb being force fitted into an opening in a supply line, seals the opening at three points upon being compressed by an external sealing washer and locking assembly. The locking assembly utilizes an intermediate pressure plate for smooth, distortion free compression, providing a positive internal and external seal of the supply line, and locks the fitting at any point along it's 360 degree rotational axis in preparation for interconnection to a final output device.

Abstract: Adapter pipe fittings for sprinkler or drip-type irrigation systems are improved by providing a two piece pipe fitting, a manifold piece that snaps into a body piece and swivels therein. Such adapter pipe fittings are often required to be installed adjacent to a sidewalk, wall, fence, or other like obstruction whereby there is restricted clearance especially if the pipe fittings has laterally projecting offtake connector members extending therefrom. The fitting is especially well adapted for installation at sites where there is restricted clearance because the body piece can swivel about the manifold piece and the manifold piece is therefore not required to turn while the adapter pipe fitting body piece is being screwed onto an underground piping system.

Abstract: Adapter pipe fittings for sprinkler or drip-type irrigation systems are improved by providing take-off fittings that snap into offtake connector members of the pipe body of such an adapter pipe fitting and swivels therein. The offtake portion of such a take-off swivel fitting preferably includes a screw threaded tip backed by a barb for enhancing holding of attached offtake tubing during the swivel action and for enabling selected take-off swivel fittings in manifold type units to be closed off by screwing plugs onto the threaded terminal ends thereof.

Abstract: Irrigation apparatus comprising, in combination, a main water feed pipe made of elastically deformable material and at least one branch including a needle having a sharp end and sufficiently stiff to be capable of being connected to the main pipe by being forced through the wall thereof, wherein a portion of the inside surface of the wall of the main pipe includes an extra thickness of a resiliently deformable rubber material of hardness which is much less than that of the material constituting the wall of the pipe and which is suitable for sealing orifices formed through its bulk.

Abstract: A tubular arthroscopic sheath having improved irrigating fluid flow characteristics and having a quick coupling socket adapted to quickly connect to and disconnect from an associated arthroscopic tool provided with a mateable, generally cylindrical plug member. The fluid flow is enhanced by centering projections on the sheath interior and by turbulence minimizing fluid ports. The socket comprises an open ended cylindrical housing provided with a plurality of annularly spaced, cylindrical locking pins slidable within throughbores in the housing wall, the throughbores extending radially from the housing axis and axially skewed with respect thereto. Each pin is provided with a notch in its cylindrical surface adjacent the most radially outward end of the pin. A pair of slidable coaxial cylindrical actuating members is adapted to engage all the notches and capture the pins. Moving the slidable actuating members away from the open end of the housing causes the pins to slide radially outwardly in the throughbores.

Abstract: A quick-connect pressurizable coupling assembly having mating male and female head parts each integrally attached to an outwardly flared pipe end by being cast around the pipe. The male head part is provided at its forward end with an angled sealing surface having an adjacent annular radial outward projection. The female part is provided at its forward end with an annular shaped inner recess for retaining a resilient sealing ring and it also has an annular outer curved surface. A clamping unit encircles the female part curved surface, and is equipped with an annular clamping ring having at least one short hook and at least one long hook having a handle grip and pivotally attached to the clamping ring. The two hooks are adapted for attachment to the annular radial projection of the male part, thereby providing for the male and female head parts to be conveniently connected together to provide a pressurizable joint for the pipes.

Abstract: An articulated connector comprises two pipe pieces (1), (5), which are in constant mutual communication and are partly inserted one into the other by way of respective curved portions (4, 6) under fluid-tight engagement, said curved portions (4, 6) being arranged for swivelling about a common axis (12) situated external to the connector and containing the common center of curvature of said curved portions (4, 6). Means (13, 14, 15) are provided for locking/releasing the pipe pieces (1, 5).