Connectors and methods for making and using the same

A dual-sided connector, comprising:

• a connector body comprising a first dual connector body portion having a first inlet end and a first leading edge portion and a second dual connector body portion having a second inlet end and a second leading edge portion, wherein the connector body further comprises a bore extending therethrough;
• a first generally annular bearing case having a first tapered surface positioned in the first leading end portion of the connector body, the first bearing case formed with at least one recess and includes a first bearing case axis;
• a second generally annular bearing case having a second tapered surface positioned in the second leading end portion of the connector body, the second bearing case formed with at least one recess and wherein the second tapered surface has a hollow portion therein and includes a second bearing case axis;
• at least one first locking element positioned in the at least one recess of the first bearing case and movable along the first bearing case axis;
• and
• at least one second locking element positioned in the at least one recess of the second bearing case and movable along the second bearing case axis.

A method of making a connector, comprising:

• forming a connector body comprising an inlet end and an outlet end with a bore extending therethrough, the connector body further comprising a leading end portion positioned at the inlet end and a threaded portion at the outlet end of the connector body and a connector main body portion positioned between the leading end portion and the threaded portion;
• providing a generally annular bearing case having a tapered surface and formed with at least one recess formed therein and includes a bearing case axis;
• inserting at least one locking element in the at least one recess of the bearing case and movable along the bearing case axis;
• and
• inserting the generally annular bearing case having a tapered surface into the leading end portion of the connector body.