Patent ID: 8544914
Filing Date: 2013-10-01
Classification: E21B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A pipe gripping assembly for handling a pipe comprising: at least two gripping members, wherein each of the gripping members comprises a pipe engaging portion engageable with an outer circumference of a pipe, and wherein at least one of the gripping members is pivotable about a pivot axis, an actuation mechanism to pivot the at least one pivotable gripping member such that said at least one pivotable gripping member is movable between an open position for receiving a pipe and a closed position in which the pipe engaging portion engages with a pipe, wherein each of the pivotable gripping members further comprises a locking body engaging portion and the pipe gripping assembly further comprises a movable locking body and an associated displacement mechanism to move the locking body such that the pivotable gripping members are lockable in the closed position by moving the locking body to a locking position, wherein the locking body is engageable with the locking body engaging portion, and prevents motion of the pivotable gripping members to the open position, and wherein the locking body comprises multiple parallel surface pairs to engage with the respective locking body engaging portions of the gripping members, wherein each of the surface pairs corresponding to a different position of the gripping members.