Patent ID: 6969223
Filing Date: 2005-11-29
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A pipe handling apparatus for transporting pipe to and from a rig floor, the pipe handling apparatus comprising: a platform having a pipe receiving groove formed therein, the pipe receiving groove having a first end and an opposing second end, the platform forming a substantially flat, continuous surface extending along each side of the pipe receiving groove from a first end of the platform to a second end of the platform so as to permit an individual to walk along the length of the pipe receiving groove on either side of the pipe receiving groove while the pipe is being transported to and from the rig floor; a carriage member positioned in alignment the pipe receiving groove, the carriage member movable between a lowered position wherein the pipe positioned in the pipe receiving groove of the platform is supported in a substantially parallel relationship with respect to the platform and a raised position wherein the carriage member supports a first end of the pipe at an elevated position relative to an opposing second end of the pipe; and a pusher member aligned with the pipe receiving groove so as to be engageable with the second end of the pipe when the pipe is positioned in the pipe receiving groove, the pusher member movable along the pipe receiving groove so as to cause the second end of the pipe to move along the pipe receiving groove such that the first end of the pipe moves toward the rig floor when the pusher member moves toward the first end of the pipe receiving groove with the carriage member in the raised position supporting the first end of the pipe and such that the first end of the pipe moves away from the rig floor when the pusher member is moved away from the first end of the pipe receiving groove with the carriage member in the raised position supporting the first end of the pipe.