Collet type connector

A tubular connector for joining the ends of tubular members having external grooves comprising:

• a plurality of latching segments positioned around the ends of the tubular members to be joined and having internal projections for engaging within the external grooves in each of the tubular members,
• said latching segments having upper and lower external surfaces,
• an upper cam ring having internal surfaces for engaging the upper external surfaces of the latching segments,
• a lower cam ring having internal surfaces for engaging the lower external surfaces of the latching segments,
• means biasing said latching segments outwardly,
• means for interconnecting said cam rings to cause said rings to move toward each other while in engagement with the external surfaces of the latching segments, and
• a taper on at least one of said upper and said lower portion of said external surfaces of the latching segments,
• said cam ring internal surfaces mating with the external latching segment surfaces with which they engage whereby movement of the cam rings cams the latching segments into locking engagement with the exterior of the tubular members.