Patent ID: 8474876
Filing Date: 2013-07-02
Classification: E21B,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A threaded connection between tubular members, comprising: a male threaded connector having external threads for engaging internal threads of a female threaded connector; a pocket formed on an outer surface of the male threaded connector, the pocket having a base and first and second side walls on opposite sides from and protruding outward from the base; a key having a lower inner side portion in contact with the base of the pocket; an array of teeth on a lower other side portion for biting into an inner wall of the female threaded connector; first and second side edges, each side edge joining the lower inner side portion with the lower outer side portion, the first side edge being adjacent to the first side wall of the pocket, the second side edge being adjacent the second side wall of the pocket, the first side edge having a curved corner at an intersection between the first side edge and the lower inner side portion, defining a pivot point such that relative motion between the male and female threaded connectors in a loosening direction causes the key to pivot about an engagement of the curved corner with the first side wall and bite more deeply into the inner wall of the female threaded connector; and wherein the intersection between the second side edge and the lower inner side portion is asymmetrical with the curved corner.