Patent ID: 8205315

Claim:
A method for forming a composite tube assembly comprising: obtaining a composite tube comprising an end, wherein said composite tube is formed from fibers and a resin; obtaining a fitting comprising a first end opposite a second end, said fitting comprising a first constant diameter outer surface section extending from the first end and comprising a first outer diameter, wherein said fitting comprises a second constant diameter outer surface section between said first and second ends having a second outer surface diameter greater than the first outer diameter, and a flange extending from the fitting, the flange having an annular surface extending radially from said first constant diameter outer surface section and a peripheral surface extending transversely from the annular surface; inserting the fitting second end and said second constant diameter outer surface section first into the composite tube through the composite tube end followed by at least a portion of the first constant diameter outer surface section, wherein an end portion of said tube surrounds said second constant diameter outer surface section and at least a portion of said first constant diameter outer surface section; heating said tube end portion to soften the resin; radially compressing said tube end portion onto said second constant diameter outer surface section and onto at least a portion of said first constant diameter outer surface section; surrounding said compressed tube end portion with a bolstering structure extending axially from the annular surface and; placing a collar over the bolstering structure and engaging the peripheral surface of the flange.