Slip Assembly for Downhole Tool and Method Therefor

A slip system for a downhole tool, the slip system comprising:

• a mandrel having a longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of slips provided over the mandrel, each of the slips having:
• a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel;
• a first face, directed radially away from the mandrel;
• a second face, directed towards the mandrel;
• and
• first and second ends;
• at least one of the first and second ends having a ramped surface provided on the second face, whereby the length of the first face is longer than the second face;
• at least one generally cylindrical cone body coaxially provided over the mandrel and slidable over at least a portion thereof, the at least one cone body having:
• an inner surface facing the mandrel;
• an outer surface facing away from the mandrel;
• a first end directed away from the slips;
• a second, slip engaging end, facing the slips;
• the second end having a wedge surface, whereby the inner surface extends farther towards the slips that the outer surface;
• wherein the wedge surface of the cone body is oppositely directed to the ramped surface of the slips, and whereby axial advancement of wedge surface towards the ramped surface forces radially outward movement of the slips;
• and,
• at least one biasing member comprising a generally cylindrical body coaxially provided over the mandrel adjacent the first end of the at least one cone body, the biasing member being axially compressible and adapted to apply an axial force against the cylindrical body.