Hose and pipe coupling

In a hose and pipe coupling having a coupling head and a nozzle which can be inserted into said coupling head, and which is lockable therewith by a locking element, wherein the locking element comprises a spring-elastic ring having a slit and onto which are formed two oppositely-directed, arcuate spring arms which surround and embrace the coupling head and wherein the coupling head has a slot-like circumferential opening and an internal annular groove for the partial reception of the spring-elastic ring, the nozzle at its coupling side being provided with an annular groove for at least partially receiving the spring-elastic ring in the inserted position of the nozzle, the improvement comprising:

• a protective cap displaceably arranged on said coupling head and over said elastic ring after said nozzle and said coupling head are coupled together, wherein said elastic ring includes a gripping knob formed at the outermost end of each of the spring arms thereof, and wherein said protective cap is provided with radially-outwardly-protruding internal chambers for receiving said knobs, said protective cap also having formed therein an internal annular groove on an end portion thereof distal to said nozzle which is engageable with an annular shoulder provided on said coupling head, when said cap is fully retained on said coupling head so that said internal chambers will be in proper position for receipt thereon of said gripping knobs.