Tubular Locking Ring

Abstract

Embodiments of a locking ring assembly of this disclosure may be used to prevent unwanted rotation of a drill stem sub or tubular when another sub or tubular of the drill stem is subjected to a disconnect or reverse torque force. The locking ring assembly may include an upper and a lower rings having two halves connected on one end by a hinge and on another end by a fastener. Each locking ring half may include convexities located along an inner wall surface. When locking ring is in a closed position the convexities at least partly penetrate an opposing surface of the drill stem sub or tubular, thereby maintaining locking force by shear force rather than friction force. One or more keys may be installed between the upper and lower rings to prevent undesired or excessive torque experienced by one ring being transmitted to the other.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.