Patent ID: 6202746
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A fail-safe tubular receiving member for use in combination with a latch assembly to longitudinally support and rotationally orient the latch assembly in a wellbore at a location beneath the surface, the latch assembly comprising at least one outwardly biased, radially movable latch member having an external surface and the tubular receiving member defining a bore having an internal surface for receiving the latch assembly therein and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, wherein the improvement comprises:(a) a first contour defined by the external surface of the latch member;(b) a first recessed area defined by the internal surface of the bore of the receiving member, wherein the first recessed area defines a first increased radial distance between the longitudinal axis of the receiving member and the first recessed area and wherein the first recessed area is configured so that upon longitudinal alignment of the latch member and the first recessed area, the latch member moves radially outward and is received in the first recessed area to support the latch assembly longitudinally and wherein the first recessed area is compatible with the first contour such that longitudinal movement of the latch member relative to the receiving member in a downward direction away from the surface is prevented when the latch member is received in the first recessed area; and(c) a second recessed area defined by the internal surface of the bore of the receiving member and accessible by the latch member from the first recessed area, wherein the second recessed area defines a second increased radial distance between the longitudinal axis of the receiving member and the second recessed area which is greater than the first increased radial distance and wherein the second recessed area is configured so that upon rotational alignment of the latch member and the second recessed area, the latch member moves radially outward and is received in the second recessed area to orient the latch assembly rotationally such that rotation of the latch assembly relative to the receiving member is inhibited.