| 摘要 |
1. A connector assembly (20) for connecting expandable slotted tubing (EST) (10) comprises tubular first and second parts (22, 24) adapted to be connected with one another, characterized in that the free end of the first part defining a male portion (28) and the free end of the second part defining a female portion (30) such that the free ends of the parts are adapted to engage with one another and to permit expansion of the coupled parts maintaining the engagement after expansion. 2. The connector assembly of Claim 1, characterized in that the parts (22, 24) are slotted so as to provide an alignment of the corresponding open slots (26) at the ends of tubing with similar slots in the tube itself. 3. The connector assembly of Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the female portion has an inner screw thread, and the male portion has corresponding outer thread, such that the parts may be connected by relative rotation. 4. The connector assembly of any of the preceding Claim, characterized in that the parts are provided with holes for mechanical fasteners. 5. The connector assembly of Claim 4, characterized in that the mechanical fasteners are releasable. 6. The connector assembly of Claim 5, characterized in that the mechanical fasteners are screws. 7. The connector assembly of any of the preceding Claim, characterized in that the holes on the female portion are spaced between the end tubing and the screw thread. 8. The connector assembly of any of the preceding Claim, characterized in that the female portion defines a back angle to engage with a lip on the male portion thus providing the engagement the coupled parts and maintaining the engagement after expansion. |
