Connection methods and systems

Abstract

Various novel connectors are provided. In one embodiment, the connector includes a collar configured to receive first and second components. In this embodiment, the connector may also include a load ring configured to be received in a groove of the second component and to move into and out of engagement with the collar when the second component is received by the collar. The connector of this illustrative embodiment may also include a cotter configured for installation to the second component and to inhibit disengagement of the load ring from the collar. In some embodiments, engagement of the load ring and the collar effects securing of the first and second components to one another. Other devices, systems, and methods related to connectors are also disclosed.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A system, comprising:
 a first tubular component;   a second tubular component disposed at least partially about the first tubular component, wherein the second tubular component comprises a window;   a split ring disposed between the first and second tubular components, wherein the split ring has a split between first and second circumferential end portions;   a locking key disposed in the split between the first and second circumferential end portions, wherein the window is configured to provide access to the locking key.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the locking key is secured by at least one fastener. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the at least one fastener couples the locking key to the first tubular component. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the at least one fastener comprises one or more threaded fasteners. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the locking key is configured to be removed through the window after releasing the at least one fastener. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the split ring is configured to move from an expanded configuration to a contracted configuration by moving the first and second circumferential end portions toward one another after removing the locking key, and the first and second circumferential end portions are configured to be secured in the contracted configuration. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein a first fastener is configured to secure the first circumferential end portion in the contracted configuration, and a second fastener is configured to secure the second circumferential end portion in the contracted configuration. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first circumferential end portion comprises a first fastener receptacle configure to receive a first fastener, and the second circumferential end portion comprises a second fastener receptacle configure to receive a second fastener. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the split ring comprises a C-ring. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the split ring is configured to extend into a first groove in the first tubular component. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 30 , wherein the system is configured to move the split ring in an axial direction between the first groove and a second groove in the first tubular component. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the system is configured to move the split ring between the first and second grooves via rotation of the second tubular component relative to the first tubular component. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the first tubular component has first threads coupled to second threads of the second tubular component. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the split ring comprises teeth or threads engaged with mating teeth or threads. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein the mating teeth or threads are disposed on the second tubular component. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and second tubular components comprises respective first and second mineral extraction components. 
     
     
         37 . A system, comprising:
 a split ring configured to be disposed between the first and second tubular components, wherein the split ring has a split between first and second circumferential end portions, the first circumferential end portion comprises a first fastener receptacle configure to receive a first fastener, and the second circumferential end portion comprises a second fastener receptacle configure to receive a second fastener; and   a locking key configured to be disposed in the split between the first and second circumferential end portions.   
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein a window in the second tubular component is configured to provide access to the locking key. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein the split ring comprises a C-ring, and the locking key comprises one or more fastener receptacles each configured to receive a corresponding fastener. 
     
     
         40 . A method, comprising:
 positioning a split ring between first and second tubular components, wherein the split ring has a split between first and second circumferential end portions, the second tubular component is disposed at least partially about the first tubular component, and the second tubular component comprises a window; and   inserting a locking key in the split between the first and second circumferential end portions, wherein the window is configured to provide access to the locking key.