Pipe connector and related tool

Abstract

A tube connector 20 comprises a body 21 having an open proximal end to receive a tube T. An O-ring 26 seals against the wall of the tube T. The ferrule 25 comprises a ferrule ring 27 at a distal end thereof. A plurality of resilient ferrule legs 28 extend proximally from the ring 27, the legs having teeth 31 to grip the tube T. The cover 23 is fitted to the main body 21 to hold the ferrule 25. The cap 23 has an opening to allow the tube T to enter and has a cap corner 33 to urge the teeth 31 into engagement with the tube upon proximal movement of the tube. A release tool 40 for the connector 20 may be inserted distally into the connector to deflect the ferrule leg 28 away from the tube T.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pipe connector for receiving and securing a pipe. The connector is primarily designed as a plumbing connector, but can also be used in any situation where it is necessary to hold a pipe, such as for air / gas or cables. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a pipe connector such as Figure 1 An improvement of the known Speedfit (RTM) connector is shown. Background Art

[0002] Figure 1 A connector is shown having a hollow body 1 with an axial through hole or passage 2. On at least one proximal end of the body 1 there is a cap 3 screwed onto the body 1 by means of a complementary thread 4. A collet 5 passes through the end cap 3 so as to emerge at an open end 6 of the connector. The collet 5 comprises a ferrule ring 7 emerging at the open end 6 and a plurality of resilient legs 8 extending into the cap 3, in which each resilient leg terminates with an enlarged head 9, the inner surface of which has gripping teeth 10. A spacer ring 11 is provided at the distal end of the ferrule 6 to hold an O-ring 12 in place, thereby separating the O-ring from the ferrule 5.

[0003] When the tube is placed in the connector, the end cap 3 is Figure 1 The end cap 3 is screwed down from the position shown until the end cap 3 abuts against or is otherwise adjacent to a shoulder 13 on the body 1. In this position, the cap inhibits axial movement of the ferrule in at least one direction, such as the axial direction. In this configuration, any attempt to remove the tube from the connector will cause the teeth 10 to bite into the tube, and this forces the head 9 of the ferrule against the cap corner 14 in the cap 3, causing the teeth 10 to bite gradually more into the tube. This helps reduce the possibility of inadvertent removal of the tube.

[0004] To loosen the tube, the cap 3 must be screwed into Figure 1 The user can then hold the ferrule 5 in the inward position by applying proximal axial pressure to the ferrule ring 7. This will prevent the teeth 10 from gripping the tube, allowing the tube to be withdrawn from the connector.

[0005] A simpler version of this design is known in which the cover is fixed relative to the body. In this case, in order to remove the pipe, it is only necessary to hold the ferrule as previously described to remove the pipe.

[0006] These connectors have been very successful, primarily because of the simplicity of engaging, gripping and releasing the tube as described above.

[0007] However, the simplicity of the connector does prevent its use in certain situations, as some plumbers or installers do not trust the easy removal operation. Instead, they may prefer a connector that requires a tool to disengage the connector. The requirement for a tool also has a safety benefit, as it prevents the connection from being released unless the person doing the releasing has the proper tool.

[0008] CN105972359 discloses a connector that uses a split ring collar instead of a ferrule having a ferrule ring with a plurality of resilient legs to clamp a tube. Thus, the clamping of the tube is accomplished by a pair of axially spaced split annular teeth.

[0009] FR2590648 discloses a connector with a clamp, wherein the clamp's jaws abut against an inclined surface on a body to force the jaws to clamp a tube in the connector. A cover is mounted on the body and has an inclined surface that pushes the jaws away from the tube to release the tube when the cover is moved into the connector.

[0010] A product produced by Hepworth as part of the BiTite range uses a ferrule in an inverted configuration. The product has an end cap that is screwed onto a body that holds the O-ring and ferrule in place. In order to unlock the connector, the cap must be completely unscrewed. This is difficult to do in practice. Once the cap is removed, there is nothing to hold the O-ring and ferrule in place, so that the O-ring and ferrule may fall out of the connector or become misaligned within the connector.

[0011] A similar connector with an inverted ferrule is shown in EP0863356. This connector also has a removable end cap that must be removed to unlock the connector. This connector has a spacer ring extending into the body to support the O-ring. The ferrule is then received within the spacer ring. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a tube connector for receiving and fixing a tube, the connector comprising: a main body having a channel with an open proximal end for receiving the tube; an O-ring located in the channel for sealing on the tube; a ferrule, the ferrule comprising a ferrule ring at the distal end of the ferrule and a plurality of elastic ferrule legs extending from the ferrule ring toward the proximal end, the legs having teeth for clamping the tube in the connector during use; a cover assembled to the main body to hold the ferrule, the cover having an opening at the open end to allow the tube to enter, and the cover having a cover corner, the cover corner being configured to cooperate with the ferrule legs to push the teeth into engagement with the tube when the tube moves proximally during use; wherein the opening in the cover has at least one recess to allow a release tool to be inserted between the tube and the cover in a distal direction during use, thereby deflecting the ferrule legs away from the tube.

[0013] Compared to conventional connectors, the ferrule is in the opposite orientation. Therefore, it is not possible to keep the ferrule teeth away from the tube by pressing the exposed portion of the ferrule as described above.

[0014] The connector has a fundamentally different clamping arrangement from CN105972359 by using a ferrule having a ferrule ring with multiple resilient legs to clamp the tube.

[0015] By providing cover corners on the cover to push the teeth towards the tube, the connector differs fundamentally from FR2590648 which uses the cover to provide the release mechanism.

[0016] Unlike the Hepworth connector and the connector in EP0863356, the tube can be released by inserting a release tool. This means that the tube can be removed without actually disassembling the connector. This is a much simpler operation and eliminates the possibility of internal parts being lost, damaged or displaced.

[0017] Therefore, to release the connector, it is not a matter of simply pushing the end of the connector. Instead, a separate tool needs to be inserted into the connector. This provides the benefit of tamper resistance, since a special tool is required to disconnect the connector. This also allows the design of the connector to be simplified. In fact, the connectors of the prior art require that each connector is permanently provided with its own release mechanism. In this example, the release mechanism is not integrated into the connector. Instead, the release mechanism is provided by a separate tool, and a single tool can be used to disengage multiple connectors.

[0018] The cover can be constrained to the body. This means that by applying normal operating forces, the cover will not be removed from the body. In addition, the connector is intended to be operated at all times with the cover in place on the body. There is no need to remove the cover from the body to release the tube. The cover can still be removed from the body, but this requires a force that greatly exceeds the normal operating force, and normal operation does not require the cover to be removed from the body. This prevents the cover from being removed during normal operation, thereby avoiding the problem of the connector being accidentally disassembled.

[0019] The connector can be provided with a prior art spacer ring in order to support the O-ring. However, one benefit of reversing the orientation of the conventional ferrule is that the ferrule ring is now located at the end facing the O-ring. In this way, the ferrule ring can limit the movement of the O-ring. This allows one component of the prior art to be eliminated.

[0020] As described above, the locking mechanism of the prior art first requires rotation of the cover in order to allow the ferrule to be held away from the tube. This provides some protection against accidental release of the tube. However, since the ferrule is not configured to be released by external axial pressure, it is impossible for the ferrule to be accidentally removed. In this way, there is no need for the cover to provide a rotatable locking sleeve. Therefore, in one example, the cover is axially fixed relative to the body. Similarly, since the threaded connection between the cover and the body can be eliminated, this simplifies the structure of the connector. This allows the connector to have a lower profile design. In other examples, the rotatable cover can be retained, particularly allowing the present disclosure to be used in combination with an existing body.

[0021] When the cap is axially fixed relative to the body, there is usually not enough room for the tool to hold the teeth in a position away from the tube. This can be achieved by providing a relatively large radial clearance between the ferrule and the cap corner. However, this will impair the ability of the cap corner to perform its function. Therefore, when the ferrule receives the tube in use and is in a fully engaged position, the ferrule can move axially. In this case, when the tube moves proximally, the engagement between the teeth and the tube will pick up the ferrule and move it proximally so as to enable the cap corner to function. When the tool is inserted, in addition to deflecting the ferrule legs radially outward, this can also push the ferrule in the distal direction, thereby keeping the legs away from the cap corner and allowing sufficient clearance for radially outward deflection of the ferrule legs.

[0022] The ferrule may extend proximally of the cover. However, if the cover extends proximally beyond the ferrule, the ferrule may be completely contained within the cover. This provides protection against accidental movement of the ferrule.

[0023] The ferrule may extend into the cap. This helps to allow the ferrule ring to restrict the movement of the O-ring.

[0024] The ferrule ring may be a continuous ring. The cap may have only a single cap corner. The only teeth may be at the proximal end of the ferrule. Each ferrule leg may have an enlarged head which engages with the cap corner in use.

[0025] The ferrule ring may project radially outward relative to the ferrule legs. This provides a feature that allows the ferrule to maintain a right angle within the body while allowing the legs to be thinner and therefore more able to deflect to allow release of the tube.

[0026] The present disclosure also extends to a combined assembly of a tube connector and a release tool insertable into the connector in a distal direction between the tube and the cap to deflect the ferrule legs away from the tube.

[0027] The release tool may be a single part that fits into one side of the connector, or may be made of several parts that fit into the connector separately. In one example, the release tool may have a split ring configuration that is sufficiently resilient to allow the tool to fit radially onto the tube prior to axial movement into the connector. This allows the tool to be a single part and fit transversely onto the tube extending from the connector and then fit axially into the connector in a manner that the tool extends around a large portion of the connector and can therefore engage with multiple portions of the ferrule.

[0028] The release tool may have a radially extending flange portion and an engagement portion, the flange portion being provided with a bearing surface via which the user can push the tool axially into the connector in use, the engagement portion extending axially from the flange to enter the connector. This allows the tool to be easily manipulated. As the flange is not a permanent part of the connector, it can be much larger than the exposed portion of the ferrule that needs to be depressed to release a conventional connector.

[0029] The engagement portion may include a plurality of engagement elements or features, such as engagement forks, etc., arranged circumferentially, and wherein the connector requires insertion of each engagement element in order to allow release of the tube. This provides a connector that cannot be released simply by placing a single blade or some other suitable component into one side of the connector.

[0030] In one exemplary configuration, the tool, in an unstressed state and at its maximum or outermost circumferential extent, can extend through an angle of at least 270 degrees. In additional or alternative configurations, the angle can be at least 280 degrees, at least 290 degrees, at least 300 degrees, at least 310 degrees, at least 320 degrees, at least 330 degrees. This helps the tool to encompass a significant portion of the connector.

[0031] The tool may have a chamfered end face that is complementary to the chamfered end face of the ferrule leg. This helps the tool fit into the ferrule.

[0032] The present disclosure also extends to a release tool for a connector, the tool having a split ring configuration around a central opening, wherein the tool, in an unstressed state and at its maximum circumferential extent, extends through an angle of at least 270 degrees, thereby defining a gap in the split ring, the tool having sufficient elasticity so that the gap can be widened to at least the diameter of the central opening; wherein the release tool has a radially extending flange portion and an engagement portion, the flange portion being provided with a bearing surface via which a user can axially push the tool in use, and the engagement portion comprising a plurality of engagement elements circumferentially arranged and extending axially from the flange. In additional or alternative embodiments, the angle may be at least 280 degrees, at least 290 degrees, at least 300 degrees, at least 310 degrees, at least 320 degrees, at least 330 degrees.

[0033] The flange may have a plurality of through slots positioned circumferentially between the engagement elements and extending radially outwardly from the inner periphery of the flange. This helps to make the tool more flexible so that the tool can be deformed to fit on the pipe.

[0034] The diameter of the flange may be at least twice the diameter of the central opening. This provides a large engagement surface for the user to push on.

[0035] The tool may have a chamfered end face that is complementary to the chamfered end face of the ferrule leg. This helps the tool fit into the ferrule. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Examples of connectors and tools according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a cross section through a prior art connector;

[0038] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector;

[0039] Figure 3 is an assembled cross-sectional perspective view of the first connector in an unlocked configuration;

[0040] Figure 4 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of a first connector and a tool;

[0041] Figure 5 is a partial section through the first connector in an unlocked configuration and also showing the tube;

[0042] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 5 A view of the tube with the tube inserted in the connector;

[0043] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 A view in a locked configuration;

[0044] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the first connector with the tube inserted therein and showing the tool in a pre-engagement position;

[0045] Fig. 9 is similar to Figure 8 ' view showing a partially engaged tool;

[0046] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of the arrangement shown;

[0047] Fig.11 is similar to Fig.10 , wherein the tool is shown fully inserted into the connector;

[0048] Fig.12 is similar to Fig.11 a view with the tube partially removed from the connector;

[0049] Fig.13 is a second connector and tube similar to Figure 5 's view;

[0050] Fig.14 The second connector is similar to Figure 7 's view;

[0051] Fig.15 The second connector is similar to Fig.10 's view;

[0052] Fig.16 The second connector is similar to Fig.11 's view;

[0053] Fig.17 The second connector is similar to Fig.12 a view of

[0054] Fig.18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the third connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Now refer to Figures 2 to 12 A first example of a connector is described.

[0056] The specification refers to proximal and distal ends and directions. The proximal end is the open end of the connector, and the distal end is the end farthest from the open end. The proximal direction is the direction from the distal end toward the proximal end, i.e., the direction out of the connector. The distal direction is the direction from the proximal end toward the distal end, i.e., the direction into the connector.

[0057] The connector 20 shown has only one connection. Similar arrangements may be provided at opposite ends of the connector. Alternatively, the connector may include an elbow, a tee, an end stop or end, a manifold with branches, or any other suitable shape or fitting configuration. In other cases, the connector 20 may be provided for one joint, and different types of connectors may be used for other joints. As another alternative, the connector 20 may be part of a larger component and provide a means for connecting the larger component to a pipe, such as a valve or other plumbing facility or equipment.

[0058] The connector 20 comprises a body 21 having an axial through hole 22. A cover 23 is screwed onto the body 21 via complementary threads 24 and is retained on the body by engagement of a flange 21' on the body with a groove 20' on the cover 20 (see Figure 5). The ferrule 25 is held within the body 21 and the cover 23, and is provided with an O-ring 26 to seal with the outer wall of the tube T inserted into the connector.

[0059] The ferrule 25 comprises a ferrule ring 27 from which a plurality of flexible ferrule legs 28 extend towards an open end 29 of the connector. Each ferrule leg 28 has an enlarged head 30 provided with inwardly facing angled teeth 31 .

[0060] The O-ring 26 is retained between the ferrule ring 27 and a shoulder 32 formed as part of the through hole 22 .

[0061] and Figure 1 Compared to the conventional connector shown, it can be understood that the ferrule 25 is positioned in the opposite manner and the ferrule ring 27 is located innermost. This allows the O-ring 26 to be supported by the ferrule ring without the need for a separate spacer ring.

[0062] The cover 23 extends proximally beyond the ferrule head 30 so as to completely surround the ferrule head. The inner surface of the cover 23 is provided with a cover corner 33 as described below.

[0063] The inner surface of the cover 23 at the open end 29 is provided with a plurality of recesses 34 arranged circumferentially around a central opening 35 for inserting a release tool 40 as described below.

[0064] Now refer to Figures 5 to 7 The manner in which the connector 20 is connected to the tube T is described.

[0065] To insert the tube, the cap 23 must be Figures 5 to 7 The right side shown is moved to its fully open position. In this position, the sleeve 25 has considerable space to move axially and deflect radially outward. Figure 5 As shown, when the connector is in this position, the tube T is then inserted through the opening 35.

[0066] The tube T then enters the ferrule 25, thereby deflecting the legs 28 outward to allow the tube T to be inserted through the O-ring 26 until the tube T reaches the end stop 36. This position is Figure 6 Now screw the cover 23 onto the body 21 to Figure 7 As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be understood from the comparison of the above, the process moves the end cap 23 axially relative to the ferrule 25 into the Figure 7 The position shown is one in which the movement of the ferrule is restricted both in the axial and in the radial direction.

[0067] In this configuration, any attempt to remove the tube T by pulling it proximally will result in the angled teeth 31 gripping the wall of the tube. Outward deflection of the ferrule legs 28 is prevented by the engagement of the head 30 with the cap corners 33, which ensures that the greater the force applied to the tube T, the greater the degree to which the teeth 31 grip the tube.

[0068] Before describing the release of the tube T, reference will be made to Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The release tool 40 is described.

[0069] The release tool 40 is a single injection molded component. The release tool includes a flange 41 having a generally annular configuration and a plurality of engagement portions 42 extending axially from the inner edge of the flange 41. Each engagement portion 42 has a generally arcuate cross-section and is complementary to the recess 34 on the opening 35 in the cover 23. A plurality of radially extending grooves 43 extend from the innermost edge of the flange 41 through a majority of the flange 31. The grooves 43 coincide with the gaps 44 between adjacent engagement portions 42. An open gap 45 is provided through both the flange 41 and the engagement portion 42 so that the tool 40 has an open ring configuration.

[0070] Now refer to Figures 8 to 12 The manner of releasing the connector using the release tool 40 is described.

[0071] like Figure 8 As shown, the release tool 40 is delivered to the connector 20 by moving radially toward the tube T near the connector 20. The gap 45 is pushed against the tube T, and this expands the ring by means of the groove 43. Upon further pushing, the elasticity of the release tool 40 moves the tool back as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The release tool is shown in a position where it surrounds the tube T and the release tool is not stressed. If necessary, the release tool 40 can then be rotated so that the engagement portion 42 is aligned with the recess 34 in the cap 23. This position is Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Before or after the release tool 40 is attached, screw the cover 23 back into place. Fig.10 Shown in unlocked position.

[0072] Once both components are in the correct position, the user presses the flange 41, causing the engagement portion 42 to enter the recess 34. Fig.11 As shown, the end of the engagement portion 42 is provided with an inclined surface 46 that enters the ferrule 25 to push the head 30 radially outward, thereby disengaging the teeth 31 from the tube T. Fig.12 As shown, with the tool in this position, the tube T can now be pulled proximally out of the connector 20. As this happens, the tool 40 holds the teeth 31 away from the tube T. Once the tube T is removed, the release tool 40 can simply be pulled distally out of the connector 20.

[0073] Now refer to Figures 13 to 17 A second connector 50 is described. Most components are the same or similar and are indicated by the same reference numerals. The differences between the two examples are described below.

[0074] The main difference between the first and second examples is that the second connector 50 can be operated with the cap 23' in a "locked" position. In other words, the cap 23 does not need to be actuated or moved between different positions to insert or release the tube T.

[0075] This from Figure 5 and Fig.13 This can be clearly seen in the comparison of Figure 5 In the embodiment, the cap 23 is unscrewed to allow the tube to be inserted. Fig.13 In this embodiment, even if the cover 23 ′ is completely screwed onto the main body 21 , the tube T can be inserted.

[0076] To compensate for this, the cap 23' is provided with a longer cap corner 33'. This longer cap corner 33' means that even if the cap 23' is fully screwed onto the body 21, there is still enough clearance between the cap corner 33' and the ferrule head 30 so that the ferrule legs 28 deflect radially outwards, thereby allowing the tube to be inserted.

[0077] By comparison Figure 7 and Fig.14 , the difference in the configuration of the fully locked position in the two examples is obvious. Figure 7 In the fully locked position, there is no clearance to allow axial movement of the sleeve 25. Fig.14 As shown, the ferrule is free to move axially. Therefore, in fact, in the first example, in the fully locked position, axial movement of the tube T is almost impossible. On the contrary, in Fig.14 In the embodiment of the present invention, since the teeth 31 of the ferrule 25 grip the tube T, any attempt to remove the tube T from the connector proximally will result in a small amount of axial movement of the ferrule 25. After the small amount of axial movement, the head 30 of the ferrule 25 engages with the cap corner 33' and will more securely grip the tube T as previously described. The clearance provided by the enlarged cap corner 33' is also sufficient to allow the tube T to be removed without twisting the cap 23'.

[0078] like Fig.16 As shown, the insertion of the release tool 40 is completed in the same manner as in the first example. As previously described, the release tool 40 will deflect the head 30 radially outward and prevent the ferrule 25 from moving axially toward the proximal end, thereby ensuring that the cap corner 33' does not cause the legs 28 to deflect.

[0079] Fig.18 A third example of a connector is shown. Fig.18A double ended connector similar to the two connectors described previously is shown and like reference numerals are used to include like features.

[0080] As can be understood from the description of the second example, it is no longer necessary for the cover 23' to be movable relative to the body 21. Although the cover 23' does not need to move in the second example, the cover 23' is potentially still movable to provide greater freedom of movement for the ferrule during the insertion and removal operations described.

[0081] However, the third example is an example in which the threaded connection 24 has been removed. In this case, the modified body 21" is designed to snap fit with a modified cover 23". The body 23" is provided with a protrusion 61 having a proximal chamfer 62 and a distal shoulder 63. The cover 23 has a complementary shape and has a shoulder 64 that is complementary to the distal shoulder 63. The cover 23" is pushed onto the body 21" so that the chamfer 62 deflects the end of the cover 23" on the protrusion 61 until the cover 23" snaps into place. Fig.18 The shoulder 64 on the cover 23" is shown engaging at a position behind the distal shoulder 63 on the body 21". In this position, the cover 23" is axially fixed relative to the body 21". As an alternative to a snap-fit ​​connection, the cover may be welded to the body.

[0082] Assuming there is no axial movement between the two components, the internal geometry of the connector should be consistent with the second example. In particular, the cover 23" should have a longer cover corner 33' as described with respect to the second example.

[0083] The manner in which the tube T engages and disengages with the third example is the same as that of the second example and will not be described here.

Claims

1. A pipe connector for receiving and fixing a pipe, the connector comprising: a body having a passage with an open proximal end to receive the tube; an O-ring positioned within the passage to seal against a wall of the tube; a ferrule including a ferrule ring at a distal end of the ferrule and a plurality of resilient ferrule legs extending proximally from the ferrule ring, the legs having teeth for gripping a tube in the connector in use; as well as a cover assembled to the body to retain the ferrule, the cover having an opening at an open end to allow entry of the tube, and the cover having a cover corner configured to cooperate with the ferrule legs to urge the teeth into engagement with the tube when the tube is moved proximally in use; Wherein the opening in the cover has at least one recess to allow, in use, a release tool to be inserted in a distal direction between the tube and the cover to deflect the ferrule legs away from the tube.

2. The pipe connector according to claim 1, wherein: The cover is constrained to the body.

3. The pipe connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The ferrule ring limits the movement of the O-ring.

4. The pipe connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cover is axially fixed relative to the body.

5. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The ferrule is capable of axial movement when the connector receives the tube and is in a fully engaged position in use.

6. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover extends proximally beyond the ferrule.

7. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The ferrule extends into the body.

8. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The ferrule ring is a continuous ring.

9. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The ferrule ring projects radially outwardly relative to the ferrule legs.

10. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each ferrule leg has an enlarged head which engages with the cover corner in use.

11. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover has only a single cover corner.

12. A pipe connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The only teeth are at the proximal end of the ferrule.

13. A combined assembly of a tube connector and a release tool according to claim 1, said release tool being insertable into said connector in a distal direction between said tube and said cover to deflect said ferrule legs away from said tube.

14. The combination assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The release tool has a split ring configuration that is sufficiently resilient to allow the tool to fit radially onto the tube prior to axial movement into the connector.

15. The combination assembly according to claim 13 or 13, wherein: The release tool has a radially extending flange portion and an engagement portion, wherein the flange portion is provided with a support surface through which a user can push the tool axially into the connector during use, and the engagement portion extends axially from the flange to enter the connector.

16. A combination assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The engagement portion comprises a plurality of engagement elements arranged circumferentially, and wherein the connector requires insertion into each of the engagement elements to allow release of the tube.

17. A combination assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein: The tool, in an unstressed state and at its maximum circumferential extent, extends through an angle of at least 270 degrees.

18. A combination assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein: The tool has a chamfered end surface that is complementary to the chamfered end surface of the ferrule leg.

19. A release tool for a connector, the tool having a split ring configuration surrounding a central opening, wherein: the tool, in an unstressed state and at its maximum circumferential extent, extends through an angle of at least 270 degrees to define a gap in the split ring, the tool being sufficiently resilient to enable the gap to be widened to at least the diameter of the central opening; The release tool has a radially extending flange portion and an engagement portion, wherein the flange portion is provided with a support surface, via which a user can axially push the tool during use, and the engagement portion includes a plurality of engagement elements circumferentially arranged and axially extending from the flange.

20. The release tool of claim 19, wherein: The tool, in an unstressed state and at its maximum circumferential extent, extends through an angle of at least 280 degrees, at least 290 degrees, at least 300 degrees, at least 310 degrees, at least 320 degrees, or at least 330 degrees.

21. A release tool according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The flange has a plurality of through slots circumferentially positioned between the engagement elements and extending radially outward from an inner periphery of the flange.

22. A release tool according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The diameter of the flange is at least twice the diameter of the central opening.

23. A release tool according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: The tool has a chamfered end surface that is complementary to the chamfered end surface of the ferrule leg.

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