Patent ID: 8632111
Filing Date: 2014-01-21
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus that is adapted for handling pipe, the apparatus comprising: a body, said body defining an open throat that is adapted to receive a pipe; a plurality of jaws that are adapted to engage a pipe while preventing said pipe from engaging said body, wherein each of said plurality of jaws is hingedly mounted to said body and wherein each of said jaws defines a concave portion that is adapted to engage said pipe; and respective over-center mechanisms that are arranged between and operatively coupled to said body and each one of said plurality of jaws, wherein each respective over-center mechanism is adapted to inhibit a respective one of said plurality of jaws from closing when said plurality of jaws are open, and wherein each of said respective over-center mechanisms is further adapted to inhibit a respective one of said plurality of jaws from opening and disengaging from a pipe when said plurality of jaws are closed on said pipe.