Pipe connections and methods for connecting pipes

A method for interlocking an end of a cylindrical pipe of given external diameter within a connector formed with an internal bore for receiving the pipe end and an open-ended channel extending in a direction substantially tangential to the internal bore by use of a lock pin having a tapered end portion and a length, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) inserting the end of the pipe within the internal bore so that a surface of the open-ended channel and a surface of the pipe end together form a wedge-shaped crevice;
• (b) positioning the lock pin with its tapered end portion lodged within the wedge-shaped crevice so that the length of the lock pin is non-parallel to the extensional direction of the open-ended channel;
• and
• (c) applying force to the lock pin so as to advance the lock pin through a combined linear and rotational displacement so as to cause local inward deformation of the pipe end until the lock pin reaches a locking position in which the length of the lock pin lies parallel to the extensional direction of the open-ended channel, thereby locking the pipe end within the connector.