Patent ID: 6394201
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An apparatus for engaging, holding and supporting drill pipe or tubing comprising:(a) a rigid support frame comprising a plurality of support posts each having a lower end and an upper end, a lower support ring engaging the lower end of each support post and an upper support ring engaging the upper end of each support post, wherein said support frame defines a central bore; (b) a pyramidal frustum comprising a plurality of inclined planes rigidly attached to the support frame and lining the central bore; (c) a plurality of slips moveable along the inclined planes, each slip interlocking with an inclined plane in a tongue-and-groove or dovetail manner and having a substantially vertical pipe-engaging surface; (d) means for moving the slips; wherein the pyramidal frustum and the range of travel of the slips extends substantially the entire length of the support frame between the upper and lower support rings and wherein the pipe-engaging engaging surfaces define a cylindrical opening the diameter of which changes as the slips move along their range of travel.