Patent ID: 9650845
Date: 2017-05-16
CPC Classifications: E21B,F16L

Claim:
1. A connector assembly comprising a first pipe section ( 1 ), a second pipe section ( 2 ) and a connector ( 10 ) for connecting the first pipe section ( 1 ) to the second pipe section ( 2 ), the connector ( 10 ) comprising a sleeve ( 4 ) comprising engagement means ( 20 ) for engaging with the first pipe section ( 1 ), the connector ( 10 ) further comprising a retaining member ( 5 ) comprising engagement means ( 24 ) for engaging with the second pipe section ( 2 ), the sleeve ( 4 ) being operable between a rest configuration and a tensioned configuration and the retaining member ( 5 ) being movable to retain the sleeve ( 4 ) in the tensioned configuration characterised in that the sleeve ( 4 ) is mounted to the retaining member ( 5 ) and the second pipe section ( 2 ) prior to the connection to the first pipe section ( 1 ) and the retaining member ( 5 ) comprises an annular collar which locates concentrically between the sleeve ( 4 ) and the second pipe section ( 2 ) and wherein the sleeve ( 4 ) comprises tool engagement means which enables a tensioning tool to stretch the sleeve ( 4 ) and to create a gap ( 300 ) between the retaining member ( 5 ) and the sleeve ( 4 ) and the retaining member ( 5 ) is then manoeuvred in order to close the gap ( 300 ) and abut the sleeve ( 4 ) to retain the sleeve ( 4 ) in this tensioned state after the release of the tensioning tool.