Patent ID: 7887098
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: E21B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A locking device for pipe connections, the locking device comprising: a first and a second connection unit which are threaded and include a female and a male threaded section, respectively, where the connection units are configured to be screwed together to form a pipe connection, a first and a second locking ring disposed between the first and second connection units and concentric with the pipe connection, each locking ring having a first and a second side; and an axial lock configured to prevent the first and second locking rings from moving towards each other in an axial direction when engaged; characterized in that the first and second side of each of the locking rings each comprise a plurality of teeth separated by intermediate notches, such that the teeth and notches on the first sides of the first and second locking rings are configured to engage each other; and the teeth and notches on the second sides of the first and second locking rings face the first and second connection units, respectively, and are configured to engage a corresponding number of notches and teeth formed on a shoulder of a facing edge of their corresponding connection units, the number of teeth and notches on the second side of the first ring being different from the number of teeth and notches on the second side of the second ring; so that upon screwing together of the first and second connection units, the first and second locking rings may be revolved together to a position in which the first and second locking rings may be spread partially apart in an axial direction to engage the second sides of the locking rings with their corresponding connection units and, at the same time, maintain the mutual engagement between the first sides of the first and second locking rings, so that when the axial lock is engaged to maintain the separation between the first and second locking rings, rotation between the first and second connection units is prevented.