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US RE43,773 E1Granted
Drilling quick connectors
AssigneeSeaboard International Inc.
InventorRex E. Duhn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A quick connector fitting assembly is provided which includes a fitting which releasably connects to a well casing for providing an interface for the attachment of various types of well related equipment. The quick connector fitting connects using fasteners to a lip or groove formed on the casing. The fasteners can easily connect or disconnect from the groove or lip facilitating the quick connection and disconnection of the fitting from the casing.
Claims110
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- a tubular male receiver comprising,
- a first end for coupling to the well casing,
- a second end forming a mouth, and
- a first annular lip formed around the second end, the annular lip having a lower surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction;
- and
- a fitting mounted over the second end of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
- a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the annular lip,
- a second section over the first section,
- a surface at an upper end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted,
- at least a threaded opening formed radially through the first section, and
- a fastener threaded through the opening and having a frusto-conical tip portion for engaging the lower sloping surface of the first lip for pulling the fitting against the male receiver and for fastening the fitting to the male receiver.
8 more elements
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- an annular fitting having an inner and an outer surface for fitting over a well casing, comprising,
- a surface at a top end of the fitting for providing an interface for the equipment to be mounted,
- an annular surface extending from the inner surface for engaging the casing mouth, and
- an annular groove formed on the outer surface near a lower end of the fitting, the groove having an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface therebetween;
- an annular retainer slip comprising,
- an upper annular lip extending radially inward for fitting within the fitting annular groove, and
- a lower annular lip below said upper annular lip and extending radially inward and having an annular edge comprising a surface comprising teeth for frictionally engaging an outer surface of the casing;
- and
- a clamp surrounding the retainer slip for compressing the retainer slip toward the casing.
6 more elements
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing having a mouth and outer threads, the assembly comprising:
- an annular bushing for threading on a well casing, the bushing having an outer surface and comprising, and a depression on the outer surface;
- a fitting mounted over the bushing, the fitting having a central opening and comprising,
- an annular shoulder formed around the central opening for seating on the mouth of the casing,
- an annular wall extending downward from the shoulder having an inner surface diameter not less than the outer surface diameter of the bushing, and a radially threaded bore aligned with the depression, and
- a surface at an upper end of the fitting for interfacing with the equipment;
- and
- a fastener having outer threads matched to the threads on the radial bore, wherein the fastener is threaded through the threaded bore and extends into the depression for fastening the fitting to the bushing and thereby the casing.
4 more elements
A method for removably connecting a fitting to a well casing having a mouth and external threads allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
- threading a bushing on the external threads of the casing, the bushing having an outer depression;
- mounting a fitting over the bushing and well head, the fitting providing an interface for mounting well related equipment;
- and
- fastening the fitting against the depression on the bushing.
1 more element
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- a casing head comprising,
- a first portion forming a mouth and having an outer surface diameter;
- a second portion for coupling to the well casino, and
- a groove formed on the outer surface of the casing head;
- a fitting mounted over the first portion of the casing head, the fitting comprising,
- a first section mounted over the first portion of the casing head, the fitting first section comprising a lower annular edge,
- a second section extending over the first section and having a surface for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted;
- an annular flange nut releasably coupled to the fitting and having a channel formed on its inner surface;
- and
- a plurality of lock keys located in the channel and moveable to a position within the groove on the outer surface of the casing head for engaging a surface of the groove and the first section lower annular edge.
7 more elements
A method for removably connecting a fitting to a well casing allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
- releasably coupling a casing head having an external groove to the casing;
- mounting a fitting over the casing head, the fitting comprising a portion surrounding the casing head and providing an interface for mounting well related equipment;
- coupling a flange nut on the fitting, the flange nut comprising a plurality of moveable load keys;
- and
- moving a plurality of load bolts through the flange nut for moving the load keys into the groove for locking the fitting onto the casing head.
2 more elements
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- a tubular male receiver comprising,
- a first end portion for coupling to the well casing,
- a second end portion forming a mouth, and
- an annular lip formed around the second end portion, the annular lip having a lower surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction;
- a fitting mounted over the second end portion of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
- a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the annular lip,
- second section over the first section,
- a surface at an upper end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted, and
- at least an opening formed radially through the first section;
- and
- a fastener fitted through the opening and having a frusto-conical tip portion engaging the lower sloping surface of the annular lip for pulling the fitting against male receiver and for fastening the fitting to the male receiver.
8 more elements
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- a tubular male receiver comprising,
- a first end portion for coupling to the well casing,
- a second end portion forming a mouth and having an outer surface, and
- a groove formed on the second end portion outer surfaces the groove having an upper surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction;
- a fitting mounted over the second end portion of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
- a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the male receiver second end portion,
- second section over the first section,
- a surface at an upper end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted, and
- at least an opening formed radially through the first section;
- and
- a fastener fitted through the opening and having a frusto-conical tip portion for engaging to the groove sloping upper surface for pulling the fitting against the male receiver and for fastening the fitting to the male receiver.
8 more elements
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- a tubular male receiver comprising,
- a first end for coupling to the well casing,
- a second end forming a mouth, and
- a first annular lip formed around the second end, the annular lip having a lower surface,
- a second annular lip formed around the outer surface of the male receiver below and spaced apart from the first lip forming a groove there between,
- at least one depression on the second annular lip for accepting a torque tool for torquing the male receiver to the coupling;
- and
- a fitting mounted over the second end of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
- a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the first annular lip,
- a second section over the first section,
- a surface at an upper end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be attached,
- at least a threaded opening formed radially through the first section, and
- a fastener threaded through the opening and engaging the lower surface of the first lip for fastening the fitting to the male receiver.
10 more elements
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- a tubular male receiver comprising,
- a first end for coupling to the well casing,
- a second end forming a mouth, and
- a first annular lip formed around the second end, the annular lip having an upper surface sloping downward in a radially outward direction and a lower surface;
- and
- a fitting mounted over the second end of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
- a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the annular lip,
- a second section over the first section,
- a surface at an upper end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be attached,
- an intermediate section between the first and second sections, wherein the intermediate section has a frusto-conical inner surface complementary to the lip upper surface;
- at least a threaded opening formed radially through the first section, and
- a fastener threaded through the opening and engaging the lower surface of the first lip for fastening the fitting to the male receiver.
9 more elements
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- an annular fitting having an inner and an outer surface for fitting over a well casing, comprising,
- a surface at a top end of the fitting for providing an interface for the equipment to be mounted,
- an annular surface extending from the inner surface for engaging the casing mouth,
- an inner annular groove formed on the inner surface of the fitting below the fitting annular surface,
- an injection fitting extending from the outer surface of the fitting and providing access to the inner annular groove for injecting the groove with a sealing material, and
- an annular groove formed on the outer surface near a lower end of the fitting, the groove having an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface therebetween;
- an annular retainer slip comprising,
- an upper annular lip extending radially inward for fitting within the fitting outer surface annular groove, and
- a lower annular lip extending radially inward and having an annular edge comprising a surface for engaging an outer surface of the casing;
- and
- a clamp surrounding the retainer slip for compressing the retainer slip toward the casing.
8 more elements
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface surface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- a casing head comprising an outer surface and a groove formed on the outer surface;
- a fitting mounted over the casing head comprising an inner surface surrounding at least a portion of the casing head outer surface and an interface surface for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted wherein said portion of the casing head outer surface is within and concentric with said fitting inner surface;
- an annular nut releasably coupled to the fitting and having a channel formed on its inner surface;
- a plurality of arc shaped members moveable from a first position at least partly within said channel to a second position wherein at least a portion of each arc shaped member is received in the groove, and wherein each arc shaped member is sandwiched between the annular nut and the fitting;
- and
- a rotating member coupled to the annular nut wherein rotation of the rotating member in a first direction causes one of said plurality of arc shaped members to translate to the second position.
3 more elements
A quick connect assembly for tubular members comprising:
- a first tubular member comprising an outer surface and a groove formed on the outer surface;
- a second tubular member mounted over the first tubular member and comprising an inner surface surrounding at least a portion of the first tubular member outer surface, wherein said at least a portion of the first tubular member outer surface is within and concentric with said second tubular member inner surface;
- an annular member coupled to the second tubular member and surrounding the first tubular member;
- and
- a plurality of moveable members moveable from a first position to a second position wherein at least a portion of each moveable member is received in the groove, and wherein each moveable member is mounted on the annular member;
- and
- an actuating member coupled to the annular member, wherein the actuating member translates in a first direction moving one of said movable members to the second position and in a second direction opposite the first direction.
4 more elements
A method for removably connecting a first fitting to a well fitting having a mouth and external threads, allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising:
- threading a bushing on the external threads of the well fitting to a location about ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch below the mouth of the well fitting, the bushing having an outer depression;
- mounting the first fitting over the bushing and well fitting, the first fitting providing an interface for mounting well related equipment;
- and
- fastening the first fitting against the depression on the bushing by threading a fastener through the fitting and into the depression.
1 more element
A method for removably connecting a first fitting to a well fitting having a mouth and external threads, allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising:
- threading a bushing on the external threads of the well fitting, the bushing having an outer depression spanning an entire circumference of said bushing;
- mounting the first fitting over the bushing and well fitting, the first fitting providing an interface for mounting well related equipment;
- and
- fastening the first fitting against the depression on the bushing by threading a fastener through the fitting and into the depression.
1 more element
A method for removably connecting a first fitting to a well fitting allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising:
- coupling a well fitting having an external groove to the casing;
- mounting the first fitting over the well fitting, the first fitting providing an interface surface for mounting well related equipment;
- releasably coupling a flange nut on the first fitting, wherein a plurality of moveable load keys are connected to the flange nut;
- translating the load keys into the groove for locking the first fitting onto the well fitting;
- and
- further threading the flange nut onto the first fitting causing the first fitting to seat tightly against the well fitting.
3 more elements
A quick connect assembly for tubular members comprising:
- a first tubular member comprising an outer surface and a groove formed on the outer surface;
- a second tubular member mounted over the first tubular member and comprising an inner surface surrounding at least a portion of the first tubular member outer surface, wherein said at least a portion of the first tubular member outer surface is within and concentric with said second tubular member inner surface;
- an annular member coupled to the second tubular member and surrounding the second tubular member;
- and
- a moveable member translating from a first position to a second position, wherein at least a portion of the moveable member is received in the groove, and wherein the moveable member is connected to the annular member and spans an arc less than 180°.
2 more elements
A method for removably connecting a fitting to a well casing having a mouth and external threads allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
- threading a bushing on the external threads of the casing, the bushing having a generally cylindrical outer surface and an outer depression formed on said generally cylindrical outer surface;
- mounting a fitting over the bushing and well casing, the fitting providing an interface for mounting well related equipment;
- and
- threading a fastener through the fitting to engage the depression on the bushing fastening the fitting against the depression on the bushing.
1 more element
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface surface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- casing head comprising,
- a first portion forming a mouth and having an outer surface having a diameter;
- a second portion for coupling to the well casing, and
- a groove formed on the outer surface of the casing head;
- a fitting mounted over the first portion of the casing head and surrounding at least a portion of the first portion outer surface, wherein said at least a portion of the casing head outer surface is within and concentric with said fitting, the fitting comprising,
- a first section mounted over the first portion of the casing head, the fitting first section comprising an annular edge, and
- a second section extending over the first section and having a surface for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted;
- an annular flange nut releasably coupled to the fitting and having a channel formed on its inner surface;
- a plurality of load keys located in the channel and moveable to a position within the groove on the outer surface of the casing head for engaging a surface of the groove and the first section annular edge;
- and
- a load key bolt for each load key for moving said load keys for engaging the surface of the groove.
8 more elements
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- a tubular male receiver comprising,
- a second end portion for coupling to the well casing,
- a first end portion opposite the first end portion forming a mouth, and
- an annular lip formed around the first end portion, the annular lip having a surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction;
- a fitting mounted over the first end portion of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
- a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the annular lip,
- a second section over the first section
- a flange having a surface at an end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted, and for supporting said equipment said surface extending above the male receiver, and
- at least an opening formed radially through the first section;
- and
- a fastener fitted through the opening and having a frusto-conical tip portion engaging the sloping surface of the annular lip for pulling the fitting against the male receiver and for fastening the fitting to the male receiver, wherein the flange comprises at least an axial opening for receiving a fastener for fastening said equipment.
8 more elements
A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment and support of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
- a tubular male receiver comprising,
- a second end portion for coupling to the well casing,
- a first end portion over the second end portion, said first end portion forming a mouth and having an outer surface, and
- a groove formed on the first end portion outer surface the groove having a surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction;
- a fitting mounted over the first end portion of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
- a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the male receiver first end portion,
- a second section over the first section and extending above the male receiver,
- a flange having a surface at an end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted and for supporting said equipment, and
- at least an opening formed radially through the first section;
- and
- a fastener fitted through the opening and having a frusto-conical tip portion for engaging the groove sloping surface for pulling the fitting against the male receiver and for fastening the fitting to the male receiver, wherein the flange comprises at least an axial opening for receiving a fastener for fastening said equipment.
8 more elements
A quick connect assembly:
- a tubular member comprising,
- a second end for coupling to a well casing,
- a first end over the second end forming a mouth, and
- a first annular lip formed around the first end, the first annular lip having a lower surface below an upper surface;
- and
- a fitting mounted over the first end of the tubular member, the fitting comprising,
- a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the second annular lip,
- a second section over the first section said second section extending above the tubular member and comprising a flange extending therefrom, and
- at least an opening formed radially through the first section;
- and
- a fastener threaded to the opening and engaging the lower surface of the first lip for fastening the fitting to the tubular member, wherein the flange comprises at least an axial opening for receiving a fastener.
8 more elements
A quick connect assembly:
- a well tubular member comprising,
- a first end forming a mouth, and
- a first annular lip formed around the end, the first annular lip having a lower surface below an upper surface;
- and
- a fitting mounted over the end of the tubular member, the fitting comprising,
- a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as an outer surface diameter of the first annular lip,
- second section over the first section said second section extending above the well tubular member and comprising flange extending therefrom,
- at least an opening formed radially through the first section, and
- a fastener threaded to the opening and engaging the lower surface of the first annular lip for fastening the fitting to the tubular member, wherein the flange comprises at least an axial opening for receiving a fastener.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.