Tri-Axial Shock Absorber Sub

A downhole shock absorbing sub comprising:

• (a) a tubular main stem extending through a sub housing;
• (b) a torsional shock absorbing assembly positioned within the sub housing and comprising:
• (i) a first helix sleeve configured to rotate with the main stem, the first helix sleeve having a first helical cam surface formed on an end surface of the sleeve;
• (ii) a second helix sleeve configured to translate relative to the main stem, the second helix sleeve having a second helical cam surface formed on an end surface of the sleeve and engaging the first helical cam surface;
• (iii) a spring system positioned to resist movement of the first and second helix sleeves away from one another;
• and
• (c) whereby rotational movement of the main stem causes the first and second helical cam surfaces to move (i) the first and second helix sleeves apart, and (ii) at least one of the first or second helix sleeves into engagement with the spring system.

A downhole shock absorbing sub comprising:

• (a) a tubular main stem extending through a sub housing;
• (b) a lateral shock absorbing assembly positioned within the sub housing and comprising:
• (i) an activator ring positioned around the main stem;
• (ii) a reaction collar positioned on each side of the activator ring;
• (iii) a plurality of wedge inserts and corresponding ramp surfaces acting between the activator ring and the reaction collars;
• (iv) a spring system positioned to resist movement of the reaction collars away from the activator ring;
• and
• (c) whereby lateral movement of the main stem causes interaction between the wedge inserts and ramp surfaces to move the reaction collars against the spring system.