Release adapter for end fitting and subsea connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a release adapter assembly for releasably connecting a series of tubing to a male connector assembly. The release adapter includes a tubular base member having a tubular housing extending along a central axis operably connectable to an end of a series of tubes; at least one first engagement member rotatably movable about a first axis of rotation between a first engagement position where the first engagement member protrudes radially outward from an outer wall of the tubular housing and a first release position where the first engagement member is fully retracted within the tubular housing; at least one second engagement member disposed below the first engagement member, the second engagement member being slidably movable, in use, between a second engagement position where the second engagement member protrudes radially outward from the outer wall and a second release position where the second engagement member is fully retracted within the tubular housing; and at least one locking mechanism operably connected to the first engagement member and operable to selectively lock and unlock the first engagement member when in the first engagement position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of subsea tubing and manifolds, and more particularly to the field of subsea tubing connections of flexible supply pipelines (e.g., cables) to fixed structures including devices for limiting bending of the flexible tubing or supply pipeline. Specifically, the present invention relates to an improved release adapter suitable for end fittings of a series of tubing (e.g., cables) for releasably connecting to a male connector (BSC) for engagement with a female connector of a subsea connector assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Subsea operations often require the use of a series of tubes, also called "risers," to connect equipment on the seabed to a fixed structure above, such as, for example, an offshore floating dock (e.g., FOW, floating offshore wind) or a vessel. The series of tubes or risers may include a conduit or conduits used for the safe transportation of raw materials, or a subsea cable (e.g., a solid multi-copper core cable for electrical connection between renewable energy generating devices, such as wind turbines at a wind farm). The series of tubes or risers may also include cables or control lines to allow remote control of any equipment from the surface structure (i.e., platform or vessel).

[0003] FIG. 1 shows a typical example setup for subsea operations, which may be production fluid being transported from at least one subsea well 10 to a floating production, storage, and offloading facility 20, also referred to as an FPSO 20, or a power cable 92 connecting a wind turbine 95 on the FOW. In this prior art example, a flexible riser 30 (a series of tubes) is used to transport the production fluid from the well 10, or from a subsea production site in the case of multiple wells, to the FPSO 20 via a turret 40 installed on the FPSO 20. To protect the flexible riser 30 or cable 97 from excessive cyclic bending due to movement that may be caused, for example, by waves, currents, or wind, or simply by the movement of the FPSO 20, one or more bend stiffeners 50 (only one connection is shown in FIG. 1 ) are typically used at the junction where the flexible riser 30 enters a fixed structure (i.e., through an “I” or “J” tube 60).

[0004] In many cases, the bend stiffener 50 is installed on the "I" or "J" tube 60 via a detachable connector assembly 70. The detachable connector assembly 70 may include a male connector member 72 that fits onto the bend stiffener 50 and a female connector member 74 that fits onto the "I" or "J" tube 60. During installation, the male connector member 72 is attached to the bend stiffener 50, and the end fittings 32 of the risers 30 are positioned within and attached to the male connector member 72. Specifically, the end fittings 32 of the risers 30 pass through the bend stiffener 50 and into the through-holes of the male connector member 72 and are secured in place by, for example, a cam device, a simple clamping mechanism 78, a latching mechanism, or any other suitable interlocking mechanism (not shown). The end fittings 32 of the series of tubes 30 are typically attached to the male connector member 72 in a workshop.

[0005] The assembly (i.e., riser 30, end fitting 32, bend stiffener 50, and male connector member 72) is then transported to the desired subsea location and pulled toward and coupled with the female connector member 74 using wire lines 80 attached to the end fitting 32 of the riser 30. Once the male connector member 72 is properly positioned within the female connector member 74, it is fixedly interlocked with the female connector member 74 to form a secure connection between the bend stiffener 50 and the "I" or "J" tubing 60. After securing the male connector member 72 within the female connector member 74, the end fitting 32 is released from engagement with the male connector member 72 and the riser 30 is pulled up and through the bend stiffener 50, securing the "I" or "J" tubing in place on the FWO or FPSO 20.

[0006] Additionally, locking and unlocking of the male and female connector members 72, 74, and disengagement of the riser end fitting 32 from the male connector member 72, are accomplished through external intervention, such as, for example, a subsea diver 90 or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 92. To at least minimize the time and / or expense and potential risks of using a subsea diver 90 or ROV 92 (hydraulic use), currently available connector assemblies continue to be improved to also use remotely operable latching and / or end fitting release mechanisms, for example, through hydraulic or pneumatic systems controlled from the upper deck of the FOW facility.

[0007] Removable connections between the end fittings and male connector members of a series of tubes can be achieved using an adapter device (not shown in FIG. 1 ), which is typically attached to the underside of the end fitting and configured for releasable mating engagement with the male connector such that the male connector can be pulled (e.g., using a cable or wire attached to the end fitting) into engagement with the female connector.

[0008] However, currently known adapter systems or devices that automatically disconnect and reconnect from a male connector are relatively complex; for example, initial mating contact between the female connector and an actuator on the male connector may first require "priming" the male connector for disconnection and then initiating final disconnection through another downward movement of a series of fragile tubing end fittings through the male connector. The complexity of the connection / disconnection process makes these release adapter systems vulnerable to damage (e.g., increased wear) or failure.

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved release adapter for a series of tubing end fittings in a subsea connector assembly that addresses any of the shortcomings of the prior art. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a release adapter assembly with improved features to simplify and speed the connection / disconnection process, thus increasing its reliability and durability and subsequently reducing the potential costs for repair or replacement of damaged component parts. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claim(s). The dependent claims describe optional features.

[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a release adapter assembly for releasably connecting a series of tubing to a male connector assembly, comprising: a tubular base member having a tubular housing extending along a central axis operably connectable to the ends of the series of tubes; at least one first engagement member rotatably movable about a first axis of rotation between a first engaged position, in which the first engagement member projects radially outward from an outer wall of the tubular housing, and a first released position, in which the first engagement member is fully retracted within the tubular housing; at least one second engagement member disposed below the first engagement member, the second engagement member being slidably movable, in use, between a second engaged position in which the second engagement member projects radially outward from the outer wall and a second released position in which the second engagement member is fully retracted within the tubular housing; at least one locking mechanism operably coupled to the first engagement member and operable to selectively lock and unlock the first engagement member when in the first engagement position; Includes:

[0012] The release adapter of the present invention offers the advantages of a selectively lockable collet, latch, or pawl matingly engageable with a retaining member of a male connector that is automatically actuable through contact engagement with an actuator on the male connector by simply moving the male connector through the central passage of the female connector. Specifically, the release adapter enables automatic release of the end fitting from the male connector while moving in a single direction (i.e., upward), which simultaneously unlocks the collet, pawl, or latch (i.e., first engaging member), disengages the now rotatable latch from engagement with the retaining member (e.g., groove) of the male connector, and drops the male connector into mating engagement with the latching mechanism of the female connector, all in a single motion. Furthermore, the bias sliding collet (i.e., the second engagement member) provides a simple automatic interlocking engagement between the end fitting (together with the series of tubing) moving downward and the male connector still coupled with the female connector latching mechanism, so that the male connector can be lifted out of engagement with the female connector's latching mechanism, which can then be actuated to retract, allowing the male connector to exit the central passage of the female connector. Moreover, the release adapter assembly provides the advantage of a more secure and reliable connection between the end fitting and the male connector.

[0013] Conveniently, the at least one locking mechanism includes a locking pin slidable radially within the tubular housing and a locking link rotatably movable at its proximal end about a second axis of rotation, the locking pin operably coupled to the locking link to convert sliding movement of the locking pin into rotational movement of the locking link. Preferably, the locking link is movable between a first rotational position in which the locking link is locked into engagement with the first engagement member when in the first engagement position, and a second rotational position in which the locking link is unlocked from the first engagement member. Even more preferably, the locking pin is movable between a first sliding position in which the locking pin projects radially outward from the outer wall, and a second sliding position in which the locking pin is fully retracted within the tubular housing.

[0014] Conveniently, said locking pin is adapted to be indexed to either one of said first and second sliding positions via a first indexing mechanism.

[0015] Advantageously, when the locking link is in the second rotational position, the first engagement member is free to rotate relative to the base member.

[0016] Conveniently, said second axis of rotation is aligned in a direction parallel to said first axis of rotation.

[0017] Conveniently, said first engagement member is adapted to be indexed to either one of said first engaged position and said first released position via a second indexing mechanism.

[0018] Conveniently, said second engagement member is biased towards said second engagement position. Preferably, said second engagement member is lockable when in said second release position.

[0019] Conveniently, the tubular housing includes an access opening adapted to allow access to the first engagement member for manually moving the first engagement member from the first released position to the first engaged position.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a subsea connector assembly for automatically connecting and disconnecting a movable mobile subsea structure to a tubular fixed subsea structure, comprising: a male connector assembly removably attachable to a mobile undersea structure, the male connector assembly including a through hole, at least one actuator member, a first retainer member disposed above the actuator member, and a second retainer member disposed below the actuator member; 10. A release adapter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, connectable to an end fitting of a series of tubes. Includes:

[0021] Conveniently, the first retainer member is adapted for retaining engagement with a first engagement member of the first release adapter assembly when locked in the first engaged position by a locking mechanism.

[0022] Conveniently, when unlocked from the locking mechanism, the first engaging member is operable to be acted upon by the first retaining member to release its locking engagement with the male connector assembly to allow the release adapter assembly to move through the through hole of the male connector assembly. Preferably, the first retaining member is a circumferential groove on the inner wall of the through hole shaped to allow mating engagement with the first engaging member.

[0023] Conveniently, the second retainer member is adapted for retaining engagement with a second engagement member of the release adapter assembly when in the second engaged position. Preferably, the second retainer member is a circumferential shoulder on the inner wall of the through bore adapted to allow contacting engagement with the second engagement member.

[0024] Conveniently, the actuator member is operable by mating interlocking the male connector assembly with a corresponding female connector.

[0025] Conveniently, the actuator member is a pin slidably disposed within an opening through the male connector assembly, the opening being positioned to mate with the locking mechanism of the release adapter assembly when retainingly connected to the male connector assembly.

[0026] Advantageously, the actuator member is adapted to move between a first pin position in which at least a portion of its proximal end protrudes from the opening and its distal end is spaced from the inner wall of the through hole, and a second pin position in which the distal end is flush with the inner wall of the through hole.

[0027] Conveniently, said actuator member is adapted to be indexed to either one of said first pin position and said second pin position via a third indexing mechanism.

[0028] Preferably, the male connector assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed actuator members each operatively alignable with a corresponding locking mechanism of the release adapter assembly, in use.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] A simplified illustration of a typical offshore setup for producing hydrocarbons from a subsea well and transporting the fluids to and from an FPSO via a flexible riser, where the riser is protected by bend stiffeners at the point where it enters the FPSO's "I" or "J" bend. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B show a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view, respectively, of a release adapter assembly (detached from an end fitting) of the present invention. [Figure 3]1A and 1B are perspective top and bottom views, respectively, of an axially exploded release adapter assembly; [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exploded perspective top view of the release adapter assembly with the flip latch or collet and locking lever assembly and bias collet disassembled out of their respective housings. [Figure 5] 3 shows a cross-sectional perspective side view of the release adapter assembly of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 1A-1C show a series of cross-sectional side views of the release adapter assembly with the flip collet or latch and lock lever assembly in (a) a locked and engaged position, (b) an unlocked but engaged position, and (c) an unlocked and released position. [Figure 7] 10A-10C illustrate a series of cross-sectional side views of the release adapter assembly with the bias collet in (a) a locked and retracted position and (b) an unlocked and biased retracted position. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B show side views of an end fitting and a length of tubing (a) before and (b) after installation of a release adapter assembly. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B show side views of an end fitting and a series of tubing with a release adapter assembly attached (a) before entering the male connector, and (b) after entering the male connector and mating engagement. [Figure 10] 10A-10C show a series of cross-sectional side views of interlocking engagement of a tool with a male connector of an end fitting. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B show perspective top views of an end fitting and a series of tubing coupled to a male connector (a) before entering the female connector and (b) after entering the female connector and coupling engagement. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows a perspective cross-sectional side view of a subsea connector assembly with a male connector coupled to a latching mechanism of a female connector. [Figure 13]10(a)-10(d) show the coupling sequence of the male connector to the female connector, simultaneously releasing the end fittings from the male connector to pull up to the "I" tube, including a close-up view of the interaction between the release adapter assembly and the male connector. [Figure 14] 10(a)-(d) show the sequence for separating the male connector from the female connector with the previous engagement of the end fitting to the male connector. [Figure 15] (a)-(k) show the complete sequence of the coupling and decoupling process between a male connector with an attached bend stiffener and a series of engaged tubes and a female connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The example embodiment described relates to a release adapter assembly for an end fitting for use with a subsea connector assembly, however, the invention is not limited to subsea applications and may be used with any other type of fitting that uses wire or cable to connect two tubular components.

[0032] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "right," "left," "bottom," "up," "front," "back," "upward," "downward," "downward," "up," "downward," "uphole," and "downhole" designate directions within the referenced drawings and relate to the described components when assembled and installed (e.g., in situ). Specifically, the designated directions used within the description relate to equipment installed within the facility to provide connections between the FPSO and subsea wells / reservoirs. Specifically, the terms "top," "upward," and "uphole" refer to the side of the equipment, in situ, that faces toward the water surface, and the terms "seabed," "down," and "downhole" refer to the side of the equipment, in situ, that faces toward the seabed or ocean floor. The words "inner," "inwardly," and "outer," "outwardly" refer to directions toward or away from, respectively, a designated centerline or geometric center (e.g., central axis) of the described element, with the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

[0033] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "coupled," "attached," "connected," and "mounted" are intended to include a direct connection between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, and an indirect connection between members where one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terms include the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words of similar import.

[0034] Also, as used herein, the term "latching dog" or "dog" may be understood to mean a mechanical device suitable for holding, grasping, and / or securing, including a spike, bar, hook, deadbolt, pin, or the like. The term "bend stiffener" may refer to any one of a bend stiffener, a bend restrictor, or a bend limiter. The terms "fixed structure," "turret," "I-tube," and "J-tube" may be used interchangeably. A "riser" is understood to mean any series of tubing or supply pipeline suitable for operatively connecting a subsea well or any other subsea equipment to a fixed structure, for example, an FPSO vessel. The term "interventionless" is understood to mean no intervention from an ROV, subsea diver, or any other device operated subsea to install the equipment. The terms "connector assembly" / "connector" and "adapter assembly" / "adapter" / "adapter ring" may be used interchangeably.

[0035] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first," "second," "third," etc., is intended only to indicate that different instances of similar objects are being referred to and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given order, either temporally or spatially, in ranking or in any other way.

[0036] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the terms "comprise" and "include," and variations thereof, are intended to mean "including but not limited to," and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, adjuncts, components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the content requires otherwise. Specifically, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to contemplate the plural as well as the singular unless the content requires otherwise.

[0037] It should be understood that any feature, integer, property, compound, chemical moiety, or group described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention is applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, except where incompatible therewith. All features disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims, summaries, and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one or any novel combination of the features disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims, summaries, or drawings), or any novel one or any novel combination of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0038] 2, the example embodiment of release adapter 100 includes three coaxially arranged and assembled ring-shaped main component parts. The main component parts include an interface ring 102 attached to the top end of a mounting ring 104 that forms respective first housings 108 (three in this particular example) for flip-or-pivotable latch and lock lever assemblies 110. A release ring 106 is attached to the bottom of mounting ring 104 that contains respective second housings 112 for biased sliding collets 114.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows exploded views of the release adapter assembly 100 from the top ( FIG. 3(a) ) and bottom ( FIG. 3(b) ). As seen in FIG. 3 , the three rings 102, 104, 106 are connected by three tightening bolts 116 that extend from the joining ring 102, through the mounting ring 104, and into the release ring 106 to securely fasten the three rings together. Six mounting bolts 118 are provided for attaching the assembled release adapter 100 to the lower surface 202 (see FIG. 8 ) of the end fitting 200. Each ring 102, 104, 106 of the release adapter 100 includes an axially aligned through-hole 120 adapted to receive a mounting bolt 118. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any number of bolts and / or any suitable tightening means may be used to secure the rings 102, 104, 106 as well as to attach the assembled release adapter 100 to the end fitting 200.

[0040] Additionally, the mating ring 102 and the mounting ring 104 each include respective portions that, when combined, form a first housing 108 configured to house the latch and lock lever assembly 110 .

[0041] 4 shows another exploded view of the release adapter assembly into its separate rings, mating ring 102, mounting ring 104, and release ring 106, but without the clamping bolt 116 and mounting bolt 118. Also, for illustrative purposes, one of the three latch and lock lever assemblies 110 is disassembled out of its first housing 108, and one of the three bias slide collets 114 is disassembled out of its second housing 112. Specifically, the latch and lock lever assembly 110 includes a flip latch member 122, which may also be referred to as a pivot latch member 122, a lock lever 124, a hinge pin 126, and an actuator pin 128. The bias slide collet 114 further includes two parallel-arranged bias members 130, such as two coil springs 130.

[0042] 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled release adapter 100. When assembled, the flip latch member 122 is rotatably coupled to the hinge pin 126 within the first housing 108, thereby allowing the flip latch member 122 to rotate about the hinge pin 126 between an engaged position, i.e., allowing mating engagement with the retainer member of the male connector 300 (see FIG. 9), and a released position, i.e., retracted within the first housing 108. The actuator pin 128 is disposed below the flip latch member 122 and is slidably movable radially within the first housing 108 between an external sliding position, in which the actuator pin 128 protrudes radially outward from the first housing 108, and an internal sliding position, in which the actuator pin 128 is fully retracted within the first housing 108. The lock lever 124 is operably positioned within the first housing 108 between a housing pivot portion 132 and a coupling slot or groove 134 in the proximal end of the actuator pin 128. The lock lever 124 is configured to rotatably move about the housing pivot portion 132 between a locked position, in which the actuator pin 128 is in its external sliding position, and an unlocked position, in which the actuator pin 128 is in its internal sliding position. Furthermore, the lock lever 124 and the flip latch member 122 are operably coupled within the first housing 108, such that the lock lever 124 is adapted to prevent any rotational movement of the engaged flip latch member 110 about its hinge pin 126 when the actuator pin 128 is in its external sliding position and the lock lever 124 is forwardly pivoted to its locked position, and to allow rotational movement of the flip latch member 110 about its hinge pin 126 when the actuator pin 128 is in its internal sliding position and the lock lever 124 is later pivoted to its unlocked position.

[0043] A tool access opening 136 is provided in the first housing 108 through the outer wall of the interface ring 102 to enable a tool (not shown) to manually push the flip latch member 122 from its released position to its engaged position when the locking lever 124 is in its unlocked position.

[0044] Additionally, two axially opposed biased index pins 140a, 140b are provided within the first housing 108 between the flip latch member 122 and the actuator pin 128. The index pin 140a is configured to index the flip latch member 122 to its engaged and released positions, with a respective recess 142 provided on the flip latch member for engagement with the index pin 140a. The index pin 140b is configured to index the actuator pin 128 to its external and internal positions, with a respective recess 144 provided on the actuator pin 128 for engagement with the index pin 140b.

[0045] The biased sliding collet 114 is slidably disposed within the second housing 112, allowing the collet 114 to move between an extended position, in which a portion of the collet 114 protrudes radially from the second housing 112, and a retracted position, in which the collet 114 is fully retracted within the second housing 112. The range of sliding movement of the collet 114 within the second housing 112 is limited by a guide pin 146 that protrudes into the second housing 112 and operably engages an elongated slot 148 provided in the top of the collet 114. The collet 114 is biased toward its extended position by two coil springs 130 provided within the second housing 112 at the proximal end of the collet 114. In this particular example, the springs 130 are housed within the collet 114 and extend from the proximal end of the collet. Additionally, bias sliding collet 114 is adapted to be fixedly locked in its retracted position by a locking bolt 150 that is inserted through an opening 152 on the bottom surface of release ring 106 and lockingly engages collet 114 (e.g., via threads provided on collet 114).

[0046] 6 and 7, cross-sectional side views of the release adapter assembly 100 are shown to illustrate the function and movement of the individual component parts of the latch and lock lever assembly 110 and biased sliding collet 114 during operation.

[0047] FIG. 6(a) shows the flip latch member 122 in its engaged position and the actuator pin 128 and coupled lock lever 124 moved to their respective outboard and locked positions. Both the flip latch member 122 and the actuator pin 128 are also indexed via index pins 140a and 140b. In this state, the release adapter assembly 100 is coupled and engaged with the male connector 300 during use. Additionally, the collet 114 is fully retracted and locked in place by the lock bolt 150. In FIG. 6(b), the actuator pin 128 is moved and indexed to its inboard position (e.g., by the male connector's actuator member; see FIGS. 11 and 12), rotating the lock lever 124 to its unlocked position and thus "releasing" the flip latch member 122 while still indexed to the engaged position. In FIG. 6(c), the flip latch member 122 is rotated and retracted into the first housing 108 and indexed to its released position. In this state, the release adapter assembly 100 is decoupled from the male connector 300 and is free to move within the male connector 300 during use.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows biased sliding collet 114 (a) locked in its retracted position and (b) unlocked in its extended position.

[0049] The complete assembly and coupling procedure for the male connector 300, as well as the coupling and disassembly procedure between the male connector 300 and the female connector 400, will now be described with reference to Figures 8-14.

[0050] Figure 8 shows the assembly of the release adapter 100 and a series of tubing end fittings 200 using mounting bolts 118. As shown in Figure 9, the assembled end fittings 200 are then placed into the central passage of the male connector 300 where the release adapter assembly 100 is coupled into engagement with the male connector 300 (e.g., workshop based) using a suitable tool 500.

[0051] 10(a)-(d) illustrate the sequence for connecting an end fitting 200 to a male connector 300 via the release adapter assembly 100 of the present invention. When the end fitting 200 is initially placed into the central passage of the male connector 300, all three of the flip latch member 122, actuator pin 128, and collet 114 are in their respective retracted positions. Once the release adapter assembly 100 is axially aligned with the respective retainer members 302, 304, and actuator member 306 of the male connector 300, a tool 500 is inserted through the male access opening 308 and the tool access opening 136 to push and rotate the flip latch member 122 out of the first housing 108 and into the upper retainer groove 302 of the male connector 300 (e.g., a circumferential groove on the inner wall of the male connector 300). Tool 500 is then inserted through male actuator member 306, secured to the distal end of actuator pin 128 of release adapter assembly 100, and pulled back to move actuator pin 128 to its outward position (i.e., within the male actuator opening), thus rotating locking lever 124 from its unlocked position into locking engagement with flip latch member 122. The end fitting is now securely secured to male connector 300, and tool 500 is removed.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, the end fitting 200 and attached male connector 300 are pulled into engagement with the female connector 400, for example, using a wire or cable attached to the end fitting 200. The male connector 300 is typically coupled to the female connector 400 via multiple latching mechanisms. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional side view of the coupled male and female connectors 300, 400 ready to remove the end fitting from the male connector 300 and pull it up an "I" or "J" tube.

[0053] The complete sequence for coupling a male connector 300 to a female connector 400 using an end fitting 200 in which the male member is engaged with the latching mechanism and then pulled up an "I" tube is shown in Figures 13(a)-(d). In steps (a) and (b), the male connector 300 is placed into the central passage of the female connector 400 and pulled until the male actuator member 306 engages the inner wall of the female connector 400, thereby compressing the male actuator member 306 and thereby pushing the actuator pin 128 from its outer position to its inner position and disengaging the locking lever 124 from locking engagement with the flip latch member 122. At this point, the male connector 300 has passed through the latching mechanism of the female connector 400, and the weight of the now-detached and falling male connector 300 rotates the flip latch member 122 into the first housing 108 and out of engagement with the upper retainer groove 302 (see (c)), allowing the end fitting 200 and attached series of tubing to be pulled up to the floating structure.

[0054] 14(a)-(d) show the complete sequence for coupling end fitting 200 with male connector 300, which is coupled with female connector 400, and disengaging male connector 300 from female connector 400, followed by lowering male connector 300 to remove it from female connector 400. In step (a), end fitting 200 is lowered into the central passage of male connector 300 with flip latch member 122 fully retracted and indexed, and locking lever 124 moved to its inner unlocked position. The locking bolt of bias sliding collet 114 has been removed, and collet 114 is urged toward its extended position by spring 130, but movement of collet 114 is stopped by the male connector inner wall so that end fitting 200 can slide through the central passage of male connector 300. When bias collet 114 reaches the lower retaining member 304 of the male connector (e.g., the shoulder between the upper smaller diameter portion of the central passage and the lower larger diameter portion of the central passage), collet 114 is now free to fully extend out of second housing 112, thus allowing collet 114 to contact and engage the lower retaining member 304 of male connector 300 as end fitting 200 is pulled back, moving the coupled male connector 300 upward and out of engagement with the latching mechanism. In step (c), the latching mechanism is retracted (preferably by a remotely controlled actuator), allowing male connector 300 to be lowered and disengaged from female connector 400, as shown in step (d). Alternative views of the coupling and uncoupling sequence between the male and female connectors are shown in Figures 15(a)-(k).

[0055] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing embodiment(s) have been described by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, and that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs described above are possible, such as variations in shape, size, configuration (i.e., a single unified component or two separate components), assembly, or the like. For example, axial alignment of the latch and lock lever assembly 110 and bias slide collet 114 is not required, and any suitable relative position between the latch and lock lever assembly 110 and bias slide collet 114 may be used. Also, embodiments of the present invention may include any suitable number and configuration of latch and lock lever assemblies 110 and bias slide collets 114.

[0056] Reference Number List [Table 1]

Claims

1. 1. A release adapter assembly for releasably connecting a series of tubing to a male connector assembly, comprising: a tubular base member having a tubular housing extending along a central axis operably connectable to ends of the series of tubes; at least one first engagement member rotatably movable about a first axis of rotation between a first engaged position, in which the first engagement member projects radially outward from an outer wall of the tubular housing, and a first released position, in which the first engagement member is fully retracted within the tubular housing; at least one second engagement member disposed below the first engagement member, the at least one second engagement member being slidably movable, in use, between a second engaged position in which the second engagement member projects radially outward from the outer wall and a second released position in which the second engagement member is fully retracted within the tubular housing; at least one locking mechanism operably coupled to the first engagement member and operable to selectively lock and unlock the first engagement member when in the first engagement position; a release adapter assembly including:

2. 2. The release adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking mechanism includes a locking pin radially slidable within the tubular housing and a locking link rotatably movable at a proximal end thereof about a second axis of rotation, the locking pin operably coupled to the locking link for translating sliding movement of the locking pin into rotational movement of the locking link.

3. 3. The release adapter assembly of claim 2, wherein the lock link is movable between a first rotational position in which the lock link is locked into engagement with the first engagement member when in the first engagement position, and a second rotational position in which the lock link is locked out of engagement with the first engagement member.

4. 4. The release adapter assembly of claim 2, wherein the locking pin is movable between a first sliding position in which it projects radially outward from the outer wall and a second sliding position in which it is fully retracted within the tubular housing.

5. 5. The release adapter assembly of claim 4, wherein the locking pin is adapted to be indexed to either one of the first slide position and the second slide position via a first indexing mechanism.

6. The release adapter assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein when the lock link is in the second rotational position, the first engagement member is free to rotate relative to the base member.

7. The release adapter assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second axis of rotation is aligned in a direction parallel to the first axis of rotation.

8. 10. A release adapter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement member is adapted to be indexed to either one of the first engagement position and the first release position via a second indexing mechanism.

9. 10. A release adapter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second engagement member is biased towards the second engaged position.

10. 10. The release adapter assembly of claim 9, wherein the second engagement member is lockable when in the second release position.

11. 10. A release adapter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular housing includes an access opening adapted to allow access to the first engaging member for manually moving the first engaging member from the first released position to the first engaged position.

12. 1. A subsea connector assembly for automatically connecting and disconnecting a movable mobile subsea structure to a tubular fixed subsea structure, comprising: a male connector assembly removably attachable to the mobile undersea structure, the male connector assembly including a through hole, at least one actuator member, a first retainer member disposed above the actuator member, and a second retainer member disposed below the actuator member; A release adapter assembly according to any one of the preceding claims connectable to an end fitting of a series of tubes; a subsea connector assembly comprising:

13. 13. The subsea connector assembly of claim 12, wherein the first retainer member is adapted for retaining engagement with a first engaging member of the release adapter assembly when locked in a first engaged position by a locking mechanism.

14. 14. The subsea connector assembly of claim 13, wherein when unlocked from the locking mechanism, the first engaging member is operable to be acted upon by the first retainer member to release its locking engagement with the male connector assembly to allow the release adapter assembly to move through the through hole of the male connector assembly.

15. 15. The subsea connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first retainer member is a circumferential groove on an inner wall of the through hole shaped to allow mating engagement with the first engaging member.

16. 16. A subsea connector assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the second retainer member is adapted for retaining engagement with a second engaging member of the release adapter assembly when in a second engaged position.

17. 17. The subsea connector assembly of claim 16, wherein the second retainer member is a circumferential shoulder on the inner wall of the through hole adapted to allow contacting engagement with the second engaging member.

18. A subsea connector assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the actuator member is operable by mating interlocking the male connector assembly with a corresponding female connector.

19. 19. A subsea connector assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the actuator member is a pin slidably disposed in an opening through the male connector assembly, the opening being positioned to mate with the locking mechanism of the release adapter assembly when retainingly coupled to the male connector assembly.

20. 20. The subsea connector assembly of claim 19, wherein the actuator member is adapted to move between a first pin position, wherein at least a portion of a proximal end protrudes from the opening and a distal end is spaced from the inner wall of the through hole, and a second pin position, wherein the distal end is flush with the inner wall of the through hole.

21. 21. The subsea connector assembly of claim 20, wherein the actuator member is adapted to be indexed to either one of the first pin position and the second pin position via a third indexing mechanism.

22. 22. A subsea connector assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the male connector assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed actuator members each operatively alignable with a corresponding locking mechanism of the release adapter assembly, in use.

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