Quick-disconnect ball and socket joint

A method of using a ball and socket joint system, comprising:

• providing the ball and socket joint system in a closed position underwater, wherein the ball and socket joint system includes:
• a substantially spherical strain relief node;
• a cable coupled to the substantially spherical strain relief node;
• an end cap configured to achieve a captured state of the substantially spherical strain relief node, the end cap comprising a frustoconical sidewall having an inner cavity, the end cap comprising a substantially circular aperture at one end thereof with a diameter that permits the substantially spherical strain relief node to pass therethrough when the ball and socket joint system is in an open position the end cap includes an annular groove within the inner cavity on an inner surface of the sidewall, and a through hole extending through the sidewall of the end cap and communicating with the annular groove;
• and
• a retaining ring configured to retain the substantially spherical strain relief node in the end cap, wherein the retaining ring is attached to the end cap when the ball and socket joint system is in a closed position, the retaining ring disposed within the annular groove of the inner cavity in the end cap between the substantially spherical strain relief node and the substantially circular aperture in the end cap, wherein the retaining ring prevents the substantially spherical strain relief node from being removed from the captured state by the end cap when the ball and socket joint system is in the closed position, wherein distal ends of the retaining ring extend out of the through hole;
• and
• opening the ball and socket joint system underwater by pulling the distal ends of the retaining ring apart in opposite directions within the through hole, thus permitting the substantially spherical strain relief node to be removed from the captured state by passing the substantially spherical strain relief node through the substantially circular aperture of the end cap;
• and
• wherein the end cap is coupled to a subsea surface of a ship such that the ball and socket joint system allows for natural movement of the cable due to tidal, wind, or wave action.