CA2302112A1 - Thread protector remover - Google Patents
Thread protector remover Download PDFInfo
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- CA2302112A1 CA2302112A1 CA 2302112 CA2302112A CA2302112A1 CA 2302112 A1 CA2302112 A1 CA 2302112A1 CA 2302112 CA2302112 CA 2302112 CA 2302112 A CA2302112 A CA 2302112A CA 2302112 A1 CA2302112 A1 CA 2302112A1
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- tool
- thread protector
- thread
- housing
- gripping
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Abstract
The invention provides for a tool for removing or tightening thread protectors that are installed on lengths of pipe having threaded ends. The invention is designed to be effective with both current and future forms of thread protectors used in the piping industry. In accordance with this invention there is provided a tool comprising a disc-shaped housing that defines an internal chamber containing a rotably mounted drive member which in turn has an associated means of applying rotational force to it. The invention further comprises at least two thread protector-gripping members which engage the drive member and each of which has an interchangeable retractable and extended position. Rotational movement causes the thread protector gripping members to move to their extended position and engage the thread protector, thus allowing the operator to grip the thread protector with the tool and safely remove it from the pipe.
Description
CANADIAN PATENT
File No. 45200.2 THREAD PROTECTOR REMOVER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for removing thread protectors installed on lengths of pipe, tubing or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the oil well drilling and servicing industry, lengths of pipe or tubing are used which have a box end and a pin end which are both threaded. The pin end engages the box end of an adjacent length of pipe to create a pipe or tubing string. The threads at both ends of the pipe may be damaged while being transported, unloaded or stored rendering the pipe unuseable.
To guard against such damage, it is common to install thread protectors which engage the threaded ends of the pipe.
There is no industry standard for thread protectors and they may be offered in various configurations. The thread protectors are most often made from plastic although they may also be made from metal. Each model of thread protector must include two configurations, one to fit on the box end and another to fit on the pin end of the pipe.
Therefore, one thread protector will have an external thread to fit on the box end while another will have an internal thread to fit on the pin end.
It is often very difficult to conveniently remove thread protectors and very often brute force is required to remove them, often resulting in the very type of damage that the thread protectors are meant to protect against. As well, the wide variety of the different thread protectors has hindered the development of a universal type thread protector remover which would be effective with all of the different thread protectors currently available and developed in the future.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for thread protector removers which are convenient and safe to use and which are effective with most makes and configurations of thread protectors commonly available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a tool for removing or tightening thread protectors installed on lengths of pipe having threaded ends. In one aspect of the invention, the tool comprises:
(a) a disc-shaped housing defining an internal chamber and having a perimeter defining at least two openings;
(b) a drive member rotatably mounted within the internal chamber including means by which rotational force may be applied to the drive member; and (c) at least two thread protector gripping members each of which engages the drive member and each of which is movable between an extended position wherein a portion of the member extends through a perimeter opening, and a retracted position within the housing;
(d) wherein rotational movement of the drive member causes the thread protector gripping members to move to their extended position and engage the thread protector.
In one embodiment, the tool includes biasing means for biasing the thread protector gripping members towards their retracted position. Preferably, the force with which the thread protector gripping members are moved towards their extended position increases as the rotational force applied to the drive member increases.
In one embodiment, each gripping member rotationally engages the housing and comprises a gear section having a curved edge defining a plurality of gear teeth, and a wing section having an outboard tip; and the drive member is a circular disk having an edge defining a
File No. 45200.2 THREAD PROTECTOR REMOVER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for removing thread protectors installed on lengths of pipe, tubing or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the oil well drilling and servicing industry, lengths of pipe or tubing are used which have a box end and a pin end which are both threaded. The pin end engages the box end of an adjacent length of pipe to create a pipe or tubing string. The threads at both ends of the pipe may be damaged while being transported, unloaded or stored rendering the pipe unuseable.
To guard against such damage, it is common to install thread protectors which engage the threaded ends of the pipe.
There is no industry standard for thread protectors and they may be offered in various configurations. The thread protectors are most often made from plastic although they may also be made from metal. Each model of thread protector must include two configurations, one to fit on the box end and another to fit on the pin end of the pipe.
Therefore, one thread protector will have an external thread to fit on the box end while another will have an internal thread to fit on the pin end.
It is often very difficult to conveniently remove thread protectors and very often brute force is required to remove them, often resulting in the very type of damage that the thread protectors are meant to protect against. As well, the wide variety of the different thread protectors has hindered the development of a universal type thread protector remover which would be effective with all of the different thread protectors currently available and developed in the future.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for thread protector removers which are convenient and safe to use and which are effective with most makes and configurations of thread protectors commonly available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a tool for removing or tightening thread protectors installed on lengths of pipe having threaded ends. In one aspect of the invention, the tool comprises:
(a) a disc-shaped housing defining an internal chamber and having a perimeter defining at least two openings;
(b) a drive member rotatably mounted within the internal chamber including means by which rotational force may be applied to the drive member; and (c) at least two thread protector gripping members each of which engages the drive member and each of which is movable between an extended position wherein a portion of the member extends through a perimeter opening, and a retracted position within the housing;
(d) wherein rotational movement of the drive member causes the thread protector gripping members to move to their extended position and engage the thread protector.
In one embodiment, the tool includes biasing means for biasing the thread protector gripping members towards their retracted position. Preferably, the force with which the thread protector gripping members are moved towards their extended position increases as the rotational force applied to the drive member increases.
In one embodiment, each gripping member rotationally engages the housing and comprises a gear section having a curved edge defining a plurality of gear teeth, and a wing section having an outboard tip; and the drive member is a circular disk having an edge defining a
2 plurality of gear teeth complementary to and engaging the gear teeth on the center section of the gripping member, such that rotation of the drive member causes rotation of the gripping member such that the outboard tip of each gripping member extends through a perimeter opening.
Preferably, each gripping member has two wing sections arrayed substantially symmetrically on either side of the center section, each wing section having an outboard tip.
Each outboard tip may be a sharp tip which may penetrate the surface of the thread protector. The gripping member may be a semi-circular disk.
In another embodiment, each gripping member is an elongate sliding pin oriented radially within the housing, slidingly engaging the housing and having an outer end and an inner end; the outer end of each sliding pin may engage the thread protector and the inner end of each sliding pin defines a drive member engaging surface; and wherein the drive member is an eccentrically shaped disk having a peripheral surface which engages the inner ends of the sliding pins such that rotation of the drive member causes outward radial movement of the sliding pins, thereby causing the outer ends of each sliding pin to extend through a perimeter opening. 'The outer end of each sliding pin may be a sharp tip which may penetrate the surface of the thread protector.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a tool for removing or tightening pipe thread protectors having a cylindrical opening, said tool comprising:
(a) a disc-shaped housing which may be inserted into the cylindrical opening, said housing defining an internal chamber and having a circular perimeter defining three openings spaced around the perimeter;
(b) a drive gear rotatably and centrally mounted within the internal chamber having a plurality of gear teeth around the circumference of the drive gear;
(c) three gripping wings, each comprising a semi-circular disk having a central section having a curved edge defining a plurality of gear teeth complementary to and engaging the gear teeth of the drive gear and two outboard sections having an outboard tip on either side of the central section, wherein the gripping wing is rotatably mounted to the housing and moveable between an extended position
Preferably, each gripping member has two wing sections arrayed substantially symmetrically on either side of the center section, each wing section having an outboard tip.
Each outboard tip may be a sharp tip which may penetrate the surface of the thread protector. The gripping member may be a semi-circular disk.
In another embodiment, each gripping member is an elongate sliding pin oriented radially within the housing, slidingly engaging the housing and having an outer end and an inner end; the outer end of each sliding pin may engage the thread protector and the inner end of each sliding pin defines a drive member engaging surface; and wherein the drive member is an eccentrically shaped disk having a peripheral surface which engages the inner ends of the sliding pins such that rotation of the drive member causes outward radial movement of the sliding pins, thereby causing the outer ends of each sliding pin to extend through a perimeter opening. 'The outer end of each sliding pin may be a sharp tip which may penetrate the surface of the thread protector.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a tool for removing or tightening pipe thread protectors having a cylindrical opening, said tool comprising:
(a) a disc-shaped housing which may be inserted into the cylindrical opening, said housing defining an internal chamber and having a circular perimeter defining three openings spaced around the perimeter;
(b) a drive gear rotatably and centrally mounted within the internal chamber having a plurality of gear teeth around the circumference of the drive gear;
(c) three gripping wings, each comprising a semi-circular disk having a central section having a curved edge defining a plurality of gear teeth complementary to and engaging the gear teeth of the drive gear and two outboard sections having an outboard tip on either side of the central section, wherein the gripping wing is rotatably mounted to the housing and moveable between an extended position
3 where one outboard tip is extended through a perimeter opening and a retracted position where both outboard tips are contained within the housing;
wherein rotation of the drive gear causes rotation of the gripping wings to their extended position.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a combination tool for removing or tightening thread protectors having splines or grooves, said tool comprising:
(a) a circular ring having inner grooves which are complementary to the splines of a thread protector;
(b) a disk having outer lugs which are complementary to the grooves of a thread protector;
(c) wherein said ring and said disk are attached back to back and face in opposite directions; and (d) means for applying rotational force to the tool, said means provided on both sides of the tool.
The mean for applying rotational force may be a drive stem having a square or hexagonal configuration which permits the use of conventional wrenchs or drive sockets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings.
In the drawings:
FIGURE 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention, positioned for use in removing a thread protector from the pin end of the pipe.
wherein rotation of the drive gear causes rotation of the gripping wings to their extended position.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a combination tool for removing or tightening thread protectors having splines or grooves, said tool comprising:
(a) a circular ring having inner grooves which are complementary to the splines of a thread protector;
(b) a disk having outer lugs which are complementary to the grooves of a thread protector;
(c) wherein said ring and said disk are attached back to back and face in opposite directions; and (d) means for applying rotational force to the tool, said means provided on both sides of the tool.
The mean for applying rotational force may be a drive stem having a square or hexagonal configuration which permits the use of conventional wrenchs or drive sockets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings.
In the drawings:
FIGURE 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention, positioned for use in removing a thread protector from the pin end of the pipe.
4 FIGURE 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment positioned for use in removing a thread protector from the box end of a pipe.
FIGURE 3 is a cross-section through the cam-actuated embodiment of the invention, with its thread protector gripping members in the retracted position.
FIGURE 4 is a cross-section through the cam-actuated embodiment of the invention, with its thread protector gripping members in the extended position.
FIGURE 5 is a cross-section through the gear-actuated embodiment of the invention, with its thread protector gripping members in the retracted position.
FIGURE 5A is a cross-section of a variant of a gear-activated embodiment, with the thread protector gripping member in the extended position.
FIGURE 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, positioned for removing a splined or notched thread protector from the pin end f a pipe.
FIGURE 7 is a cross-section through the splined or notched thread protector shown in Figure 6.
FIGURE 8 and 9 are views of the alternative embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a tool, generally represented by reference numeral (10) in Figures l and 2, for removing a thread protector from either the pin end or the box end of a length of pipe. Refernng to Figure 1, the pin end of a pipe (40) has external tapered threads (42).
A pin-end thread protector (50) having internal tapered threads (52) has been twisted onto the pin end of pipe (40) such that internal threads (52) of thread protector (50) engage and protectively cover the external threads (42) of pipe (40). Thread protector (50) has interior cylindrical surface
FIGURE 3 is a cross-section through the cam-actuated embodiment of the invention, with its thread protector gripping members in the retracted position.
FIGURE 4 is a cross-section through the cam-actuated embodiment of the invention, with its thread protector gripping members in the extended position.
FIGURE 5 is a cross-section through the gear-actuated embodiment of the invention, with its thread protector gripping members in the retracted position.
FIGURE 5A is a cross-section of a variant of a gear-activated embodiment, with the thread protector gripping member in the extended position.
FIGURE 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, positioned for removing a splined or notched thread protector from the pin end f a pipe.
FIGURE 7 is a cross-section through the splined or notched thread protector shown in Figure 6.
FIGURE 8 and 9 are views of the alternative embodiment of the invention depicted in Figure 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a tool, generally represented by reference numeral (10) in Figures l and 2, for removing a thread protector from either the pin end or the box end of a length of pipe. Refernng to Figure 1, the pin end of a pipe (40) has external tapered threads (42).
A pin-end thread protector (50) having internal tapered threads (52) has been twisted onto the pin end of pipe (40) such that internal threads (52) of thread protector (50) engage and protectively cover the external threads (42) of pipe (40). Thread protector (50) has interior cylindrical surface
5 (54) defining cylindrical bore (55) having a diameter the same as or slightly smaller than that of the bore pipe (40). Thread protector (50) also has exterior perimeter surface (56) which may be of any convenient geometric configuration. Thread protector (50) will commonly be made of a synthetic material such as plastic.
The tool (10) has a housing (20) having cylindrical perimeter surface (21), the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the cylindrical bore (55) of the thread protector (50), such that housing (20) may be inserted into cylindrical bore (55) as schematically indicated by arrows "A". Housing (20) has a plurality of thread protector gripper openings (22) which open out through the perimeter surface (21 ); the purpose of gripper openings (22) is explained in 1 S greater detail hereinafter.
Positioned across the upper end of housing (20) and connected thereto is a retainer member (30), which serves the function of holding housing (20) in position within cylindrical bore (55) of thread protector (50) such that gripper openings (22) lie within the depth of cylindrical bore (55) when housing (20) has been inserted thereinto.
Retainer member (30) may be simply a flat bar, but in a preferred embodiment it will be a circular flat plate large enough to cover substantially the entire top surface of thread protector (50), as indicated in Figures l and 2. A drive stem (32), rotatably and co-axially mounted to housing (20), has a hollow socket (34) to facilitate operation of tool (10) using a conventional socket wrench or similar device. Hollow socket (34) may be of square, hexagonal, or other appropriate configuration to permit use of a desired style of wrench. Alternatively, drive stem (32) may have a square, hexagonal, or other appropriate external configuration so as to permit engagement thereof with a crescent wrench or open-end wrench. In a preferred embodiment, retainer member (30) will have a handle (36) which may be gripped by an operator to position the tool (10) within the thread protector (50).
Figure 2 also depicts tool (10) as described above, but positioned for use in removing a thread protector from the box end of pipe (40) having internal tapered threads (44).
A box-end thread protector (60) having external tapered threads (64) has been twisted into the box end of pipe (40) such that external threads (64) of thread protector (60) engage and protectively cover the internal threads (44) of pipe (40). Thread protector (60) has interior
The tool (10) has a housing (20) having cylindrical perimeter surface (21), the diameter of which is slightly smaller than the cylindrical bore (55) of the thread protector (50), such that housing (20) may be inserted into cylindrical bore (55) as schematically indicated by arrows "A". Housing (20) has a plurality of thread protector gripper openings (22) which open out through the perimeter surface (21 ); the purpose of gripper openings (22) is explained in 1 S greater detail hereinafter.
Positioned across the upper end of housing (20) and connected thereto is a retainer member (30), which serves the function of holding housing (20) in position within cylindrical bore (55) of thread protector (50) such that gripper openings (22) lie within the depth of cylindrical bore (55) when housing (20) has been inserted thereinto.
Retainer member (30) may be simply a flat bar, but in a preferred embodiment it will be a circular flat plate large enough to cover substantially the entire top surface of thread protector (50), as indicated in Figures l and 2. A drive stem (32), rotatably and co-axially mounted to housing (20), has a hollow socket (34) to facilitate operation of tool (10) using a conventional socket wrench or similar device. Hollow socket (34) may be of square, hexagonal, or other appropriate configuration to permit use of a desired style of wrench. Alternatively, drive stem (32) may have a square, hexagonal, or other appropriate external configuration so as to permit engagement thereof with a crescent wrench or open-end wrench. In a preferred embodiment, retainer member (30) will have a handle (36) which may be gripped by an operator to position the tool (10) within the thread protector (50).
Figure 2 also depicts tool (10) as described above, but positioned for use in removing a thread protector from the box end of pipe (40) having internal tapered threads (44).
A box-end thread protector (60) having external tapered threads (64) has been twisted into the box end of pipe (40) such that external threads (64) of thread protector (60) engage and protectively cover the internal threads (44) of pipe (40). Thread protector (60) has interior
6 cylindrical surface (62) defining cylindrical bore (65). The top, or upper, end of thread protector (60) may also have perimeter flange (66) which further protects the end of pipe (40).
Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views illustrating the inner mechanism of a cam-actuated embodiment of tool ( 10). Housing (20) defines central chamber (26), and gripper openings (22) which, in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, are elongate slots emanating radially outward from central chamber (26) and opening through the perimeter surface (21 ) of the housing (20). The drive member is a cam rotor (28), which is an irregular disk defining a plurality of curved cam lobes (28b) and a corresponding number of curved cam valleys (28c).
The cam rotor (28) is fixedly mounted to cam pivot pin (28a), which in turn is co-axial with and rigidly connected to drive stem (32) and is rotatably mounted within housing (20). The number of cam lobes (28b) and cam valleys (28c) matches the number of gripper openings (22).
Positioned in each gripper opening (22) is a thread protector gripper (24), which in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 is an elongate gripper pin having a pointed outer end (24) and a round inner end (24b). Each gripper pin (24) is slidably mounted within its corresponding gripper opening (22). In the preferred embodiment, each gripper opening (22) is provided with biasing means, such as a spring (not shown), which automatically positions the gripper pin (24) in the "retracted" position illustrated in Figure 3 when the tool (10) is not being operated.
Figure 4 specifically illustrates the operation of a cam-actuated embodiment of the invention described above in relation to Figure 3. In Figure 4, cam rotor (28) has been rotated in the direction indicated by arrow "R". The rotation of cam rotor (28) has caused cam lobes (28b) to engage the curved ends (24b) of gripper pins (24), with the result that gripper pins (24) are urged radially outward within gripper openings (22), and pointed ends (24a) of gripper pins (24) project beyond perimeter surface (21 )of housing (20).
Therefore it may be readily seen, having reference to Figures l and 2, that when housing (20) of the cam-actuated embodiment of the present invention has been inserted into the bore (55 or 65) of a thread protector (SO or 60) on a pipe (40), and drive stem (32) is rotated in a selected direction, the pointed ends (24a) of gripper pins (24) will project out of gripper openings (22) and press into the comparatively soft material of the inner surface (54 or 62) of the thread protector (50 or 60). With the gripper pins (24) thus engaging the thread protector (50 or 60),
Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views illustrating the inner mechanism of a cam-actuated embodiment of tool ( 10). Housing (20) defines central chamber (26), and gripper openings (22) which, in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, are elongate slots emanating radially outward from central chamber (26) and opening through the perimeter surface (21 ) of the housing (20). The drive member is a cam rotor (28), which is an irregular disk defining a plurality of curved cam lobes (28b) and a corresponding number of curved cam valleys (28c).
The cam rotor (28) is fixedly mounted to cam pivot pin (28a), which in turn is co-axial with and rigidly connected to drive stem (32) and is rotatably mounted within housing (20). The number of cam lobes (28b) and cam valleys (28c) matches the number of gripper openings (22).
Positioned in each gripper opening (22) is a thread protector gripper (24), which in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4 is an elongate gripper pin having a pointed outer end (24) and a round inner end (24b). Each gripper pin (24) is slidably mounted within its corresponding gripper opening (22). In the preferred embodiment, each gripper opening (22) is provided with biasing means, such as a spring (not shown), which automatically positions the gripper pin (24) in the "retracted" position illustrated in Figure 3 when the tool (10) is not being operated.
Figure 4 specifically illustrates the operation of a cam-actuated embodiment of the invention described above in relation to Figure 3. In Figure 4, cam rotor (28) has been rotated in the direction indicated by arrow "R". The rotation of cam rotor (28) has caused cam lobes (28b) to engage the curved ends (24b) of gripper pins (24), with the result that gripper pins (24) are urged radially outward within gripper openings (22), and pointed ends (24a) of gripper pins (24) project beyond perimeter surface (21 )of housing (20).
Therefore it may be readily seen, having reference to Figures l and 2, that when housing (20) of the cam-actuated embodiment of the present invention has been inserted into the bore (55 or 65) of a thread protector (SO or 60) on a pipe (40), and drive stem (32) is rotated in a selected direction, the pointed ends (24a) of gripper pins (24) will project out of gripper openings (22) and press into the comparatively soft material of the inner surface (54 or 62) of the thread protector (50 or 60). With the gripper pins (24) thus engaging the thread protector (50 or 60),
7 and with movement of pipe (40) being restrained, further rotation of drive stem (32) will urge the thread protector (50 or 60) to rotate relative to the pipe (40), thereby loosening or tightening the thread protector (SOor 60) according to the chosen direction of rotation of drive stem (32). It will also be readily seen that increased rotation of drive stem (32) enhances the effectiveness of th invention, because the radial extension of the gripper pins (24), as well as the force with which their pointed ends (24a) are pressed into the inner surface (54 or 62) of the thread protector (50 or 60), will increase with further rotation of the cam disk (28) concurrent with further rotation of drive stem (32).
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the inner mechanism of a gear-actuated embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, central chamber (26) houses a drive member which in this case is a gear wheel (29) connected to the drive stem (32). The gear wheel (29) has gear teeth (29b) continuously around its perimeter (notwithstanding that gear teeth (29b) are shown only partially in Figure 5. The gripper openings (22) in this embodiment of the invention are wide recesses each housing a gripper wing (25) as illustrated in Figure 5. Each gripper wing (25) is a substantially planar member rotatably mounted to the housing (20) by a gripper wing pin (25a) having an inner central section with gear teeth (25b) which may engage the gear teeth (29b) of gear wheel (29), and having two pointed wingtips (25c) arrayed substantially symmetrically either side of the corresponding gripper wing pin (25a).
Having reference to Figure SA, it may be readily seen that when housing (20) of the gear-actuated embodiment of present invention has been inserted into the bore (55, 65) of a thread protector (50, 60) on a pipe (40), and drive stem (32) is rotated in a selected direction, one of the pointed wingtips (25c) of each gripper wing (25) will swing outward through gripper openings (22) so as to project beyond the perimeter surface (21), and will then press into the comparatively soft material of the inner surface (54, 62) of the thread protector (50, 60). With the projecting wingtips (25c) thus engaging the thread protector (50, 60), and with movement of pipe (40) being restrained, further rotation of drive stem {32) will urge the thread protector (50, 60) to rotate relative to the pipe (40). If drive stem (32) is rotated in the opposite direction, the other wingtips (25c) or gripper wings (25) will swing out and engage the thread protector (50, 60). Accordingly, the thread protector (50, 60) may be selectively loosened or tightened depending on the chosen direction of rotation of drive stem (32). It will also be readily seen that
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the inner mechanism of a gear-actuated embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, central chamber (26) houses a drive member which in this case is a gear wheel (29) connected to the drive stem (32). The gear wheel (29) has gear teeth (29b) continuously around its perimeter (notwithstanding that gear teeth (29b) are shown only partially in Figure 5. The gripper openings (22) in this embodiment of the invention are wide recesses each housing a gripper wing (25) as illustrated in Figure 5. Each gripper wing (25) is a substantially planar member rotatably mounted to the housing (20) by a gripper wing pin (25a) having an inner central section with gear teeth (25b) which may engage the gear teeth (29b) of gear wheel (29), and having two pointed wingtips (25c) arrayed substantially symmetrically either side of the corresponding gripper wing pin (25a).
Having reference to Figure SA, it may be readily seen that when housing (20) of the gear-actuated embodiment of present invention has been inserted into the bore (55, 65) of a thread protector (50, 60) on a pipe (40), and drive stem (32) is rotated in a selected direction, one of the pointed wingtips (25c) of each gripper wing (25) will swing outward through gripper openings (22) so as to project beyond the perimeter surface (21), and will then press into the comparatively soft material of the inner surface (54, 62) of the thread protector (50, 60). With the projecting wingtips (25c) thus engaging the thread protector (50, 60), and with movement of pipe (40) being restrained, further rotation of drive stem {32) will urge the thread protector (50, 60) to rotate relative to the pipe (40). If drive stem (32) is rotated in the opposite direction, the other wingtips (25c) or gripper wings (25) will swing out and engage the thread protector (50, 60). Accordingly, the thread protector (50, 60) may be selectively loosened or tightened depending on the chosen direction of rotation of drive stem (32). It will also be readily seen that
8 increased rotation of drive stem (32) enhances the effectiveness of tool (10), because the outward extension of wingtips (25c), as well as the force with which they are pressed into the inner surface (54, 62) of the thread protector (50, 60), will increase with further rotation of gear wheel (29) concurrent with further rotation of drive stem (32).
Figures 3 and 5 illustrate two alternative embodiments of the invention. In both embodiments, the rotation of a drive member (28, 29) in the housing (20) causes a gripping element (24, 25) to extend beyond the perimeter of the housing to grip the thread protector and cause it to rotate. The present invention is not intended to be restricted to the two embodiments illustrated. Those skilled in the art may conceive of alternative configurations which accomplish the same result by similar means.
The embodiment shown in Figure SA is a slight variant of the gear-actuated embodiment shown in Figure 5. As may be seen, the gripper wing (25) is substantially semi-circular in configuration. The housing (20) includes integral stoppers (23) which limit the travel of the gripper wings (25). The stoppers (23) are integral with the housing (20) and have the effect of splitting each gripper opening (22) such that each wingtip (25c) is positioned within a gripper opening (22). Therefore, in this embodiment, there are 6 gripper openings (22), for each wingtip (25c) Figures 6 through 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention, namely a combination tool for use in removing thread protectors that have internal notches or external splines (or both). In this embodiment, the tools has no moving parts but is shaped to engage notches or splines on the thread protector in order to rotate the thread protector. Figure 6 depicts combination tool (70) positioned for use in removing a thread protector (50) having internal notches (57). The thread protector (50) in Figure 6 is also shown as having splines (58), and as will be seen shortly, the combination tool (70) may also be used to remove such a thread protector by engaging the splines (58). Figure 7 is a section through the thread protector (50) more clearly illustrating the notches (57) and splines (58). As will be readily apparent, thread protector (50) could have notches (57) only or splines (58) only, and still be removable using combination tool (70).
Figures 3 and 5 illustrate two alternative embodiments of the invention. In both embodiments, the rotation of a drive member (28, 29) in the housing (20) causes a gripping element (24, 25) to extend beyond the perimeter of the housing to grip the thread protector and cause it to rotate. The present invention is not intended to be restricted to the two embodiments illustrated. Those skilled in the art may conceive of alternative configurations which accomplish the same result by similar means.
The embodiment shown in Figure SA is a slight variant of the gear-actuated embodiment shown in Figure 5. As may be seen, the gripper wing (25) is substantially semi-circular in configuration. The housing (20) includes integral stoppers (23) which limit the travel of the gripper wings (25). The stoppers (23) are integral with the housing (20) and have the effect of splitting each gripper opening (22) such that each wingtip (25c) is positioned within a gripper opening (22). Therefore, in this embodiment, there are 6 gripper openings (22), for each wingtip (25c) Figures 6 through 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention, namely a combination tool for use in removing thread protectors that have internal notches or external splines (or both). In this embodiment, the tools has no moving parts but is shaped to engage notches or splines on the thread protector in order to rotate the thread protector. Figure 6 depicts combination tool (70) positioned for use in removing a thread protector (50) having internal notches (57). The thread protector (50) in Figure 6 is also shown as having splines (58), and as will be seen shortly, the combination tool (70) may also be used to remove such a thread protector by engaging the splines (58). Figure 7 is a section through the thread protector (50) more clearly illustrating the notches (57) and splines (58). As will be readily apparent, thread protector (50) could have notches (57) only or splines (58) only, and still be removable using combination tool (70).
9 Referring to Figures 6, 8 and 9, combination tool (70) has a circular ring (72) with spline-engaging grooves (72a), plus bracing members (73) which is shown in cruciform shape but obviously could be provided in numerous other configurations with equal utility. The combination tool (70) also has insert body (74) comprising flange (75), inner disc (76), and two or more lugs (78) projecting radially from inner disc (76) and configured so as to mate with notches (57) of the thread protector (50).
The combination tool (70) also has drive stems (71) and (79) which are coaxial with each other as well as with circular ring (72) and inner disc (76). Drive stem (71), generally associated with circular ring (72), and drive stem (79), generally associated with inner disc (76), have drive sockets (71 a) and (79a) respectively, to facilitate operation of combination tool (70) using a conventional socket wrench or similar device. Drive sockets (71 a) and (79a) may be of square, hexagonal, or other appropriate configuration to permit use of a desired style of wrench.
Alternatively, drive stems (71 ) and (79) may have a square, hexagonal, or other appropriate external configuration so as to permit engagement thereof with a crescent wrench or open-end wrench.
It may be readily seen from Figure 6 that combination tool (70) may be deployed such that inner disc (76) enters cylindrical bore (55) of thread protector (50) and such that lugs (78) engage notches (58) of thread protector (50). Rotational force may then be applied to drive stem (71 ) so as to tighten or loosen thread protector (50) from pipe (40), according to the direction of rotation. Similarly, it may be readily seen that combination tool (70) could be turned 180 degrees from the position shown in Figure 6 and lowered over thread protector (50) such that the spline-engaging grooves (72a) of circular ring (72) engage splines (58) of thread protector (50), whereupon rotational force applied to drive stem (79) will tighten or loosen thread protector (50) as desired.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The combination tool (70) also has drive stems (71) and (79) which are coaxial with each other as well as with circular ring (72) and inner disc (76). Drive stem (71), generally associated with circular ring (72), and drive stem (79), generally associated with inner disc (76), have drive sockets (71 a) and (79a) respectively, to facilitate operation of combination tool (70) using a conventional socket wrench or similar device. Drive sockets (71 a) and (79a) may be of square, hexagonal, or other appropriate configuration to permit use of a desired style of wrench.
Alternatively, drive stems (71 ) and (79) may have a square, hexagonal, or other appropriate external configuration so as to permit engagement thereof with a crescent wrench or open-end wrench.
It may be readily seen from Figure 6 that combination tool (70) may be deployed such that inner disc (76) enters cylindrical bore (55) of thread protector (50) and such that lugs (78) engage notches (58) of thread protector (50). Rotational force may then be applied to drive stem (71 ) so as to tighten or loosen thread protector (50) from pipe (40), according to the direction of rotation. Similarly, it may be readily seen that combination tool (70) could be turned 180 degrees from the position shown in Figure 6 and lowered over thread protector (50) such that the spline-engaging grooves (72a) of circular ring (72) engage splines (58) of thread protector (50), whereupon rotational force applied to drive stem (79) will tighten or loosen thread protector (50) as desired.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims (11)
1. A tool for removing or tightening pipe thread protectors, said tool comprising:
(e) a disc-shaped housing defining an internal chamber and having a perimeter defining at least two openings;
(f) a drive member rotatably mounted within the internal chamber including means by which rotational force may be applied to the drive member; and (g) at least two thread protector gripping members each of which engages the drive member and each of which is movable between an extended position wherein a portion of the member extends through a perimeter opening, and a retracted position within the housing;
(h) wherein rotational movement of the drive member causes the thread protector gripping members to move to their extended position and engage the thread protector.
(e) a disc-shaped housing defining an internal chamber and having a perimeter defining at least two openings;
(f) a drive member rotatably mounted within the internal chamber including means by which rotational force may be applied to the drive member; and (g) at least two thread protector gripping members each of which engages the drive member and each of which is movable between an extended position wherein a portion of the member extends through a perimeter opening, and a retracted position within the housing;
(h) wherein rotational movement of the drive member causes the thread protector gripping members to move to their extended position and engage the thread protector.
2. The tool of claim 1 further comprising biasing means for biasing the thread protector gripping members towards their retracted position.
3. The tool of claim 1 wherein the force with which the thread protector gripping members are moved towards their extended position increases as the rotational force applied to the drive member increases.
4. The tool of claim 3 wherein:
(a) each gripping member rotationally engages the housing, said gripping member comprising a gear section having a curved edge defining a plurality of gear teeth, and a wing section having an outboard tip; and wherein (b) the drive member is a circular disk having an edge defining a plurality of gear teeth complementary to the gear teeth on the center section of the gripping member, such that rotation of the drive member causes rotation of the gripping member such that the outboard tip of each gripping member extends through a perimeter opening.
(a) each gripping member rotationally engages the housing, said gripping member comprising a gear section having a curved edge defining a plurality of gear teeth, and a wing section having an outboard tip; and wherein (b) the drive member is a circular disk having an edge defining a plurality of gear teeth complementary to the gear teeth on the center section of the gripping member, such that rotation of the drive member causes rotation of the gripping member such that the outboard tip of each gripping member extends through a perimeter opening.
S. The tool of claim 4 wherein each gripping member has two wing sections arrayed substantially symmetrically on either side of the center section, each wing section having an outboard tip.
6. The tool of claim 4 or 5 wherein the outboard tip is a sharp tip which may penetrate the surface of the thread protector.
7. The tool of claim 6 wherein the gripping member is a semi-circular disk.
8. The tool of claim 3 wherein:
(a) each gripping member is an elongate sliding pin oriented radially within the housing, slidingly engaging the housing and having an outer end and an inner end;
(b) the outer end of each sliding pin may engage the thread protector and the inner end of each sliding pin defines a drive member engaging surface; and further wherein (c) the drive member is an eccentrically shaped disk having a peripheral surface which engages the inner ends of the sliding pins such that rotation of the drive member causes outward radial movement of the sliding pins, thereby causing the outer ends of each sliding pin to extend through a perimeter opening.
(a) each gripping member is an elongate sliding pin oriented radially within the housing, slidingly engaging the housing and having an outer end and an inner end;
(b) the outer end of each sliding pin may engage the thread protector and the inner end of each sliding pin defines a drive member engaging surface; and further wherein (c) the drive member is an eccentrically shaped disk having a peripheral surface which engages the inner ends of the sliding pins such that rotation of the drive member causes outward radial movement of the sliding pins, thereby causing the outer ends of each sliding pin to extend through a perimeter opening.
9. The tool of claim 5 wherein the outer end of each sliding pin is a sharp tip which may penetrate the surface of the thread protector.
10. A tool for removing or tightening pipe thread protectors having a cylindrical opening, said tool comprising:
(d) a disc-shaped housing which may be inserted into the cylindrical opening, said housing defining an internal chamber and having a circular perimeter defining three openings spaced around the perimeter;
(e) a drive gear rotatably and centrally mounted within the internal chamber having a plurality of gear teeth around the circumference of the drive gear;
(f) three gripping wings, each comprising a semi-circular disk having a central section having a curved edge defining a plurality of gear teeth complementary to and engaging the gear teeth of the drive gear and two outboard sections having an outboard tip on either side of the central section, wherein the gripping wing is rotatably mounted to the housing and moveable between an extended position where one outboard tip is extended through a perimeter opening and a retracted position where both outboard tips are contained within the housing;
(g) wherein rotation of the drive gear causes rotation of the gripping wings to their extended position.
(d) a disc-shaped housing which may be inserted into the cylindrical opening, said housing defining an internal chamber and having a circular perimeter defining three openings spaced around the perimeter;
(e) a drive gear rotatably and centrally mounted within the internal chamber having a plurality of gear teeth around the circumference of the drive gear;
(f) three gripping wings, each comprising a semi-circular disk having a central section having a curved edge defining a plurality of gear teeth complementary to and engaging the gear teeth of the drive gear and two outboard sections having an outboard tip on either side of the central section, wherein the gripping wing is rotatably mounted to the housing and moveable between an extended position where one outboard tip is extended through a perimeter opening and a retracted position where both outboard tips are contained within the housing;
(g) wherein rotation of the drive gear causes rotation of the gripping wings to their extended position.
11. A combination tool for removing or tightening thread protectors having splines or grooves, said tool comprising:
(e) a circular ring having inner grooves which are complementary to the splines of a thread protector;
(f) a disk having outer lugs which are complementary to the grooves of a thread protector;
(g) wherein said ring and said disk are attached and face in opposite directions; and (h) means for applying rotational force to the tool, said means provided on either side of the tool.
(e) a circular ring having inner grooves which are complementary to the splines of a thread protector;
(f) a disk having outer lugs which are complementary to the grooves of a thread protector;
(g) wherein said ring and said disk are attached and face in opposite directions; and (h) means for applying rotational force to the tool, said means provided on either side of the tool.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US14395599P | 1999-07-15 | 1999-07-15 | |
| US60/143,955 | 1999-07-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2302112A1 true CA2302112A1 (en) | 2001-01-15 |
Family
ID=22506434
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2302112 Abandoned CA2302112A1 (en) | 1999-07-15 | 2000-03-27 | Thread protector remover |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2302112A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2014031969A1 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2014-02-27 | Peter Kroll | Tool for installing and removing threaded members |
-
2000
- 2000-03-27 CA CA 2302112 patent/CA2302112A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2014031969A1 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2014-02-27 | Peter Kroll | Tool for installing and removing threaded members |
| GB2519485A (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2015-04-22 | Peter Kroll | Tool for installing and removing threaded members |
| GB2519485B (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2018-08-15 | Kroll Peter | Tool for installing and removing threaded members |
| US10828752B2 (en) | 2012-08-23 | 2020-11-10 | Peter Kroll | Tool for installing and removing threaded members |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |