An arrangement for connecting tubular articles, particularly piles and pile
sleeves, in which a first tube (4) fits into a second tube (2), the first
tube having a first circumferential recess (10) and a second
circumferential recess (12), and the second tube has a first set of
latches (8) and a second set of latches (8') which are resiliently biased
to engage in the first and second recesses respectively. When the latches
and the recesses are mutually engaged, axial movement is prevented by
abutments in the recesses and the latches by one set of latches in one
direction and the other set of latches in the opposite axial direction.
Latching engagement is only possible when the first set of latches is
opposite the first recess and the second set opposite the second recess.
This ensures positive connection and the use of preferred elements (30)
which extend from one set of latches through the outer casing of the
second tube. A mechanism can be provided to readily unlatch the tubes. In
another arrangement, a similar unlatching arrangement is used, comprising
a set of latches (118) which locate in a recess (117') bounded by a
circumferential abutment surface (117). The latches (118) are retracted by
bolts (123) which extend to the outside of tube (110).