Preloaded connector has grooves for applying axial force on one of cooperating pin and box members after engagement to modify axial length of portion of members, wherein preload subsists on load-bearing surfaces after release of axial force

摘要

The connector has male and female ends (4, 3) with traction and compressive rings for transmitting tensile stress and axial compressive stress. Jaws are engaged in grooves (7) for exerting an axial force on the periphery of the female end, after placing the rings against each other, to plastically reduce the length of the female end such that the rings are pre-loaded after application of the force. An independent claim is also included for a method for tightly connecting two sections of a pipe.