Connector for tubular members

Claim 1

In an underwater connector for pipe, the combination comprising: a housing arranged for slidable positioning over the end of a pipe to which connection is to be made; said housing having a first annular bowl formed therein, said first bowl having a tapered surface facing generally in a first axial direction; a second annular bowl positioned within said housing and arranged for axially sliding movement toward said first bowl upon actuation thereof, said second bowl having a tapered surface facing generally in the opposite axial direction toward said first bowl; a slip assembly slidably positioned in said housing intermediate said bowls, said slip assembly having segments which are longitudinally aligned, and each of said segments having outwardly facing surfaces at each end thereof arranged to matingly engage the tapered surfaces of said bowls, and said segments each having a gripping surface on the radially inward side thereof arranged to engage said pipe when said segments are cammed inwardly by the tapeRed surfaces of said bowls; and means for moving said slidable second bowl toward said first bowl to thereby cam said slip segments radially inward into engagement with said pipe, whereby said slip segments each resist axial forces in tension and compression that may be exerted on said connection, said moving means including a plurality of hydraulically actuated pistons longitudinally aligned and circumferentially spaced about in said housing and arranged to provide a movement force to said slidable second bowl upon actuation thereof.