Patent ID: 6517125
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: E21B,Y10T

Abstract:
A coupling apparatus for connecting to a cylindrical member having an enlarged diameter portion, the coupling apparatus comprising:a body having an inner and outer surface, the outer surface having threads defined thereon, and the inner surface defining a bore through the body; a seal assembly disposed in the bore of the body for sealing between the body and an upper end surface of the enlarged diameter portion of the cylindrical member; a limit ring disposed about the body, the limit ring having internal threads; and a locking clamp disposed about the body, the locking clamp comprising: a first arcuate clamp portion, the first arcuate clamp portion having an inner surface having threads defined thereon, and the first arcuate clamp portion having a radially inwardly extending lip at a lower end thereof for engaging a lower end surface of the enlarged diameter portion of the cylindrical member; a second arcuate clamp portion, the second arcuate clamp portion having an inner surface having threads defined thereon, and the second arcuate clamp portion having a radially inwardly extending lip at a lower end thereof for engaging the lower end surface of the enlarged diameter portion of the cylindrical member; and a hinge pin for pivotally connecting the first arcuate clamp portion to the second arcuate clamp portion; wherein, the internal threads on the limit ring allow the limit ring to be assembled past the threads on the body until the limit ring can slide along the outer surface of the body, the first and second arcuate clamp portions threadedly engage the body below a lower end of the limit ring, and the first and second arcuate clamp portions are movable radially between an open position in which the cylindrical member can be received in the locking clamp and a closed position in which the radially extending lips close around the cylindrical member below the lower end surface of the enlarged diameter portion of the cylindrical member.