Patent ID: 7299882

Claim:
A system for forming an annular isolator between tubing and a borehole, comprising: a section of tubing, an elastomeric sleeve carried on the outer surface of said tubing, said sleeve having a first radial dimension when free of external forces, and a second radial dimension when subject to external forces, said first radial dimension being greater than said second radial dimension, and restraining means for applying an external force to said sleeve, wherein: said tubing is expandable tubing, said sleeve has a first end and a second end, and said restraining means comprises; a first ring coupled to said sleeve first end and to said tubing, and a second ring coupled to said second end of said sleeve and releasably coupled to said tubing, and said first and second rings spaced apart to apply an axial stretching force to said sleeve to reduce its radial dimension to said second radial dimension, whereby said tubing may be installed in a borehole with said sleeve having a reduced radial dimension.