Importance

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Abstract

A connecting device for connecting together tubular members is comprised of a resilient sheet member in the form of a coil having at least partially overlapping surfaces. The inner diameter of the sheet member coil is less than the outer diameter of the members to be joined. A layer of heat sensitive adhesive bonding material is provided over the inner surface and subsequently after the formation of the connection on the outer surface of the sheet member coil. The sheet member coil is expanded to a larger diameter against the resiliently inwardly directed force of the sheet member and held in the expanded condition by heat sensitive adhesive bonding material. The expanded larger diameter is of a sufficient diameter to receive the ends of the members to be joined. Once the members to be joined are inserted into the coil, the sheet member coil may be heated whereby the heat sensitive adhesive bonding material melts allowing the sheet member to contract inwardly forming a tight bond between the inner surface of the sheet member and the members being joined. The connecting device may be utilized to connect a tubular member and an expandable tubular member. The connection formed by heating in such case results in the sheet member coil assuming a minimal degree of frustro-conical shape with a limited flow of the adhesive bonding material from the area over the expandable unit to the area over the tubular member. After application of the second layer of heat sensitive adhesive bonding material on the outer surface of the sheet member coil, the joined expandable unit to the tubular member is provided as an assembled unit ready for field application.

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First Claim