Patent ID: 9677373
Date: 2017-06-13
CPC Classifications: E21B

Claim:
1. A downhole tool, comprising: a mandrel; a sealing element positioned around the mandrel, wherein the sealing element is configured to expand radially-outward from a contracted state to an expanded state; a cone positioned around the mandrel and proximate to the sealing element; a plurality of fingers positioned at least partially around the mandrel, wherein the fingers are axially-aligned with at least a portion of the sealing element, and wherein the fingers are coupled to or integral with a base and configured to break away from the base at a weak point when the sealing element expands into the expanded state; and a slip positioned around the mandrel and proximate to the cone, wherein the slip includes a tapered inner surface configured to slide along a tapered outer surface of the cone, wherein the base is coupled to or integral with the cone, and wherein the cone, the fingers, or a combination thereof defines a recess that reduces a thickness of the cone, the fingers, or the combination thereof, such that the weak point is formed.