Patent ID: 9194192
Filing Date: 2015-11-24
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for limiting movement of gripping members relative to an elevator, comprising: a locking arm coupled to one or more of the gripping members and configured to move in a first direction when the gripping members move toward engagement with a tubular and to move in a second direction when the gripping members move away from engagement with the tubular; a first engagement member configured to move between a disengaged position, in which the first engagement member and the locking arm are relatively moveable, and an engaged position, in which the first engagement member allows the locking arm to move in the first direction but restrains the locking arm from moving in the second direction by more than a selected distance; a second engagement member configured to move between a disengaged position, in which the second engagement member and the locking arm are relatively moveable, and an engaged position, in which the second engagement member allows the locking arm to move in the first direction but restrains the locking arm from moving in the second direction by more than a selected distance; and a connecting member coupled with the first engagement member and the second engagement member to transmit movement there between.