Patent ID: 9080417
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A downhole tool for use in a wellbore, comprising: a packer mandrel having a longitudinal axis; an expandable sealing element disposed about said packer mandrel, wherein said expandable sealing element is radially expandable outwardly from an unsealed position when said tool is in an unset position to a sealed position when said tool in a set position, and wherein said expandable sealing element sealingly engages said wellbore in said sealed position; a slip ring disposed about the mandrel and radially expandable outwardly from a disengaged position when said tool is in said unset position to an engaged position when said tool is in said set position, wherein said slip ring grippingly engages the wellbore in said engaged position; a slip wedge disposed about the mandrel, having a radially outer surface containing a channel therein and an abutment end that abuts said expandable sealing element when said tool is in the set position; wherein when said tool is moved from said unset position to said set position, said slip wedge interacts with said slip ring so as to expand said slip ring to its engaged position; a limiter ring positioned in said channel, wherein said limiter ring holds said slip wedge in place around said mandrel when said tool is in said unset position, and wherein when the tool is in said set position said limiter ring and said abutment end of said slip wedge act to retain said expandable sealing element and resist extrusion of said expandable sealing element.