Patent ID: 6338504
Filing Date: 2002-01-15
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A connector comprising a first and second body members for connection to respective first and second entities to be connected together such that in use of the connector when the first and second body members are connected to the first and second entities respectively, the connector forms a substantially rigid connection between the first and second entities and is capable of transmitting mechanical forces therebetween, the first and second body members being mutually coupled by a first coupling arrangement on the first body member and a second coupling arrangement on the second body member, said first coupling arrangement comprising a plurality of discrete segments having respective segment surfaces which together define a formation engageable with a formation of the second coupling arrangement, and support means to support the segments in respective connection positions on the first body member in which the respective segment surfaces collectively form the first coupling arrangement, and release means selectively operable to disable the support means to cause or allow the segments to be displaced from their respective connection positions and disengage from the second coupling arrangement thereby mutually disconnecting the first and second body members of the connector, wherein the connector further comprises a capture means to catch the support means after operation of the release means.