Patent ID: 7887274

Claim:
An internally threaded connector, comprising: a generally tubular cylindrical sleeve having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end and second end defining a length therebetween, the sleeve being internally threaded along at least a portion of the length thereof, the sleeve defining a thin wall, the first end and the second end of the sleeve each having a bearing surface flat thereon, wherein said sleeve includes a first internally threaded portion adjacent the first end thereof, a second internally threaded portion substantially medially disposed within said sleeve, the second internally threaded portion having a smaller internal diameter than the first internally threaded portion, and a smooth, unthreaded portion adjacent the second end of said sleeve, the unthreaded portion having a larger internal diameter than the first internally threaded portion; and a plurality of wrench flats disposed in a polygonal circumferential array about a minor portion of the sleeve.