# Patent

## Title
Pipe handling system

## Abstract

A method and apparatus for a pipe handling system is disclosed. The system includes at least a pipe handling assembly configured to cooperate with a drilling rig. The pipe handling assembly includes at least a pusher member, trough, and a ramp. A pipe component is transported from a first position of the trough to a second position with the pusher member. The pipe component is elevated to a predetermined height through engagement with the ramp, which is stationary during the pipe component's movement, and presented to the drilling rig.

## Background
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
This application is a continuation-in-part to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/703,618 filed Feb. 10, 2010, entitled “Pipe Handling Assembly.”


FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The claimed invention relates to the field of pipe management and more particularly to pipe handling and transportation.
BACKGROUND 
The ability to effectively secure and transport piping of various size such as oil derrick piping has been a continued goal of the energy industry for many years.
Historically, heavy and cumbersome oil well piping was manually transported and manipulated during the drilling of an oil well. Several workers would have to work in combination to lift, move, and position extremely dangerous oil well pipe numerous times a day. The combination of heavy loads and awkward shapes created potentially deadly hazards for everyone on a well site.
Mechanisms have been introduced to relieve workers from handling oil well piping unnecessarily. However, the mechanisms have created as many dangerous hazards as they have prevented due to the excessive force of hydraulic pistons and numerous moving parts. An oil well worker could easily get a body part severed or suffer a deadly trauma from the sudden and powerful movement of the various components of past pipe management mechanisms.
As such, the ever growing demand for increased energy production from drilling operations calls for a pipe handling assembly that increases safety while effectively supplying oil well pipe to an oil derrick. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improved pipe handling assemblies that can secure and transport pipe in a safe and efficient manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with preferred embodiments, a pipe handling assembly is provided that has a pusher member, trough, and elevation feature. A pipe component is transported from a first position of the trough to a second position with the pusher member. The pipe component is elevated to a predetermined height through engagement with the elevation feature that is stationary during the pipe component's movement.
These and various other features and advantages that characterize the claimed invention will be apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon review of the associated drawings.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary pipe handling assembly constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary operation of the convertible mobile receptacle of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 provides a view of the pipe handling assembly of FIG. 1 from cross-section AA.
FIG. 4 displays a view of the pipe handling assembly of FIG. 1 from cross-section BB.
FIG. 5 shows a view of a portion of the pipe handling assembly constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary operation of the pipe handling assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 provides an exemplary operational view of the pipe handling assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 displays a side view of an alternative exemplary pipe handling apparatus constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows atop view of the alternative exemplary pipe handling assembly of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 provides a flow chart representation of a pipe loading operation performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 11 provides a flow chart representation of a pipe unloading operation performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 12 shows a view of an exemplary drilling rig for use with the pipe handling assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary operation of the pipe handling system incorporating the exemplary pipe handling assembly of FIG. 8 in conjunction with the exemplary drilling rig of FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 provides a view of an exemplary cat walk for use in conjunction with the exemplary drilling rig of FIG. 12.
FIG. 15 displays a side view of the exemplary partial cutaway cat walk of FIG. 14 used in conjunction with the drilling rig of FIG. 12.
FIG. 16 provides a flow chart representation of a pipe loading operation performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, including an exchange of the pipe handling assembly of FIG. 1 with the exemplary cat walk of FIG. 14.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will now be made in detail to one or more examples of the invention depicted in the figures. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a different embodiment. Other modifications and variations to the described embodiments are also contemplated within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary pipe handling assembly 100 constructed and operated in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The assembly 100 features a frame 102 that is capable of supporting various components as well as numerous pipe members. It should be noted that the size and configuration of the frame is not limited and can be any configuration that provides the necessary support for the other components of the pipe handling assembly 100. In some embodiments, pipe components are secured and transported via a pusher member 104. The pusher member 104 preferably comprises a rigid portion 106 and a flexible portion 108 that allows secured control of a pipe component during handling. While the flexible portion 108 of the pusher member 104 is shown having a spring, the use of an energy absorbing element is not limited.
Further, the position of the pusher member 104 in relation to the frame 102 is controlled by a drive mechanism 110. In various embodiments, the drive mechanism 110 is capable of positioning the pusher member 104 along the full length of the pipe handling assembly 100. Similarly, the drive mechanism 110 is preferably configured to transport the pusher member 104 and a pipe component along the length of the assembly 100 simultaneously. A preferred embodiment of the present invention has the drive mechanism 110 comprising a hydraulic motor, chain, and sprocket oriented to propel the pusher member 104 along the length of the frame 102. However, the components and configuration of the drive mechanism 110 is not limited and can be any number of appropriate drive elements including, but not limited to, belts, internal combustion engines, electric motors, pulleys, and compressed air.
In addition, a plurality of alignment features 112 are positioned along the length of the frame 102. It can be appreciated that the number and position of the alignment features 112 in FIG. 1 is not limiting as any number of features can be placed throughout the frame 102 to aid in pipe component handling. Meanwhile at one end of the frame 102, an elevation feature 114 (also referred to herein as a stationary ramp 114) is attached to the frame 102 with at least an adjustment member 116. It should be noted that the orientation and size of the elevation feature is not limited and can be any configuration.
Also in FIG. 1, the frame 102 has multiple stand members 118 capable of supporting the pipe handling assembly 100. In a preferred embodiment, control of the stand members 118 is facilitated by a rotatable handle 120. Hence, manipulating the rotatable handle 120 preferably raises or lowers a portion of the stand member 118 to support and level the assembly 100.
FIG. 2 displays atop view of the pipe handling assembly 100 of FIG. 1. The frame 102 is shown covered, but a covering is not required. The position of the pusher member 104 in relation to the frame 102 is shown as in substantially the midline of the major axis along a trough 122. However, the location of the trough 122 and pusher member 104 is not limited to the midline of the frame 102. Likewise, the shape of the trough 122 can be any configuration that effectively guides the pusher member 104 along the length of the frame 102. The alignment features 112 are displayed in an adjacent relationship to the trough 122, but can be placed anywhere on the frame 102.
In some embodiments, the frame 102 includes a number of stand members 118 that equal the number of corners of the frame 102. It should be noted that the relationship of the pusher member 104 with the trough 122 is not limited to a certain orientation. That is, the pusher member 104 can be substantially above, between, or below the trough 122 without detracting from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the connection of the pusher member 104 to the drive mechanism 110 with respect to the trough 122 can be facilitated in any number of orientations that allow efficient movement of the pusher member 104.
In FIG. 3, a perspective view of the pipe handling assembly 100 of FIG. 1 is provided from cross-section AA. The frame 102 of the assembly 100 supports a plurality of stand members 118 that each has rotatable handles 120 and foot portions 124. The drive mechanism 110 is shown mounted below the pusher member 104 and enclosed by the frame 102. However, this configuration is not limiting as the drive mechanism 110 can be mounted in any relation to the frame 102 including, hut not limited to, external generation locations. The drive mechanism 110 preferably includes connection couplings 126 that allow control of the drive mechanism 110 by a user.
It can be appreciated that the type and number of connection couplings 126 is not limited and can be configured to facilitate any number of control technology. For instance, the connection couplings 126 can have an input and output for hydraulic fluid as well as an electrical connection for remote control management of the drive mechanism 100. Additionally, several sweep members 128 are affixed to the frame 102 of the assembly 100 adjacent to the drive mechanism 110. The sweep members 128 provide added structural support as well as the ability to manipulate the alignment features 112 of FIGS. 1-2.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the pipe handling assembly 100 of FIG, 1 from cross-section line BB. Similarly to FIG. 3, a plurality of stand members 118 each having foot portions 124 and rotatable handles 120 are affixed to the frame 102. In contrast to FIG. 3, the elevation feature 114 is mounted to the frame 102. The elevation feature 114 is connected to the frame 102 by at least the adjustment member 116. In some embodiments, the adjustment member 116 comprises a turnbuckle that maintains the elevation feature 114 in a constant angular relation to the frame 102 and trough 122 of FIGS. 1-2. However, the use of a turnbuckle is not limiting as the adjustment member can be any number of components that constantly maintains a rigid position of the elevation feature 114 in relation to the frame 102.
Further in various embodiments, the elevation feature 114 comprises a v-shaped channel to which a pipe component can easily traverse while maintaining alignment. The highest plane of the elevation feature 114 can include a roller 130 that provides dynamic support for a pipe component. Similarly, a pipe component is maintained in the channel of the elevation feature 114 by a pair of elevation flanges 132. While the flanges 132 are shown at the highest plane of the elevation feature 114, the configuration is not limiting and any number of flanges can be utilized in any orientation to provide added alignment and support for pipe components.
An alternative view of a portion of the pipe handling assembly 100 of FIGS, 1, 3, and 4 is shown in FIG. 5. The elevation feature 114 is shown connected to the frame 102 in a preferred embodiment that has the adjustment member 116 affixed to brackets 134 mounted on both the elevation feature 114 and frame 102. The elevation feature 114 also has an angled portion 136 adjacent to the trough 122 and top of the frame 102. The angled portion 136 provides increased alignment for any pipe member by positioning an increased amount of surface area adjacent to the trough 122. Hence, as a pipe component traverses the length of the frame 102, the angled portion 136 directs the pipe component to the desired channel of the elevation feature 114 in proper alignment.
It should be noted that the roller 130 is shown in FIG. 5 positioned below the elevation feature 114. This configuration is not limiting as the roller and elevation flanges 132 can be oriented in any desired locations to efficiently support and align pipe components traversing the elevation feature 114.
FIG. 6 shows the pipe handling assembly 100 in operation in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The operation of the assembly 100 is preferably carried out with a pipe component 140 positioned in the trough 122 of the frame 102. The drive mechanism 110 is controlled to matriculate the pusher member 104 and pipe component 140 along the length of the frame 102. In the process, the pipe component 140 encounters the angled portion 136 of the elevation feature 114, the v-channel, and the roller 130. Thus, as shown, the pipe component 140 is engaged by the roller 130, elevation feature 114 and pusher member 104. However, various other components can be encountered and engaged by the pipe component 140 such as the alignment members 112 and elevation flanges 132
In an alternative embodiment, a pipe component 140 can be received by the pipe handling assembly 100. The pipe component 140 could encounter the elevation feature 114 and be drawn towards the distal end of the frame 102 by the pusher member 104 being manipulated to move backwards by the drive mechanism 110 while supporting and securing the pipe component 140. As such, the alignment elements such as the alignment features 112 and the elevation flanges 132 direct the pipe component 140 to move along the trough 122 in a desired manner. Additionally, the foot portions 124 of the stand members 118 are extended to provide support for the assembly 100. Preferably, the position of the foot portions 124 is controlled through manipulation of each rotatable handle 120, as needed.
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the operation of the pipe handling assembly 100 of FIG. 6 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The pusher member 104 has several wheels 142 aligned with the outermost portion of the trough 122. While the number and size of the wheels 142 is not limited, the wheels 142 facilitate a low amount of friction between the trough 122 and the pusher member 104 in some embodiments. The displayed perspective view clearly shows the increased surface area of the angled portion 136 of the elevation feature 114. Similarly, the alignment features 112 are preferably shown in close adjacent relation to the pipe component 140 and trough 122.
In addition, various embodiments of the present invention allow the alignment features 112 to be manipulated to disengage a pipe component 140 from the trough 122. Thus, the alignment features 112 can be configured to engage the trough 122 to manipulate the lateral movement of the pipe component 140. Also, the manipulation of the alignment features 112 can be facilitated manually or remotely through the use of the sweep members 128 of FIGS. 3 and 4. It should also be noted that the flexible portion 108 of the pusher member 104 can adjust to compensate for the increased (or decreased) load of a pipe component 140 as it traverses the trough 122 to provide consistent speed and secure control of the pipe component 140. That is, the flexible portion 108 can adjust to move the pipe component 140 at a constant speed in a controlled manner as the pipe engages the elevation feature 114.
An exemplary alternative pipe handling assembly 150 is displayed in FIGS.  8 and 9 as constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The alternative pipe handling assembly 150 has a safety rail 152 mounted to a location adjacent an edge of the frame 154. It should be noted that the size and orientation of the safety rail 152 in relation to the assembly 150 is not limited and can be configured to any necessary arrangement. For example, the safety rail 152 could extend along a complete length of the assembly 150 and having a variety of support beams and overall heights.
In addition to the safety rail 152, an access feature 156 is mounted to the frame 154 of the assembly 150 to allow access from a reference plane (i.e. ground) to the top of the frame 154. Much like the safety rail 152, the displayed access feature 156 is not limiting and can be any size or shape necessary to provide efficient access to the top of the frame 154. As such, the access feature 156 could be a ramp that selectively extends from a distal end of the frame 154 to a proximal end of the frame 154 while sloped to vertically connect the top of the frame 154 with the reference plane.
It can be appreciated that the alternative pipe handling assembly 150 can function in a substantially similar manner to the pipe handling assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-7. That is, the pusher member 104 forces a pipe component 140 along a trough to the elevation feature 114 that vertically relocates the pipe component 140 upward. Therefore, the safety rail 152 and access feature 156 do not materially affect the securing or transporting of pipe components.
FIG. 10 provides a flow chart representation of an exemplary pipe loading operation 160 performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The operation 160 begins with a pipe component being loaded onto the trough of the pipe handling assembly at step 162 and secured to the pusher member. The pipe component can be loaded either manually or remotely from either an external pipe storage location or the frame of the pipe handling assembly itself. With a pipe component aligned with the trough, step 164 instructs to control the drive mechanism of the pipe handling assembly to matriculate the pipe component along the length of the trough. Step 166 has the pipe component engaging the elevation feature at the distal end of the pipe handling assembly.
It can be appreciated that the pipe component preferably engages the v-shaped channel of the elevation feature to maintain alignment. However, the pipe component can be raised to the top of the elevation feature while keeping with the spirit of the present invention. That is, the elevation feature is stationary at all times during operation of the pipe handling assembly, but the pipe component can be lifted during its travel along the trough so that the top of the elevation feature engages the pipe component, if at all.
In step 168, the pipe component is unsecured from the pusher member as the drive mechanism reverses the position of the pusher member in relation to the elevation feature. Finally, in step 170, the pipe component disengages the elevation feature as it has been vertically lifted from the top of the pipe handling assembly frame to a predetermined elevation.
In contrast to the pipe loading operation 160, FIG. 11 provides a flow chart representation of an exemplary pipe unloading operation 180 performed in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. A pipe component initially engages the elevation member of the pipe handling assembly at step 182 from a predetermined elevation. The pipe component preferably travels down the v-shaped channel of the elevation feature and is received and secured to the pusher member at step 184. Step 186 controls the drive mechanism of the pipe handling assembly to matriculate the pipe component from the elevation feature onto the trough.
In step 188, the pipe component disengages from the elevation feature as the pusher member and drive mechanism reach the opposing side of the pipe handling assembly from the elevation feature. As the pipe component comes to rest in the trough, step 190 instructs to either manually or remotely transfer the pipe component from the trough to a pipe storage region.
It should be noted that the various steps are not limited to singular function. That is, several of the steps of either operation 160 or 180 can be carried out simultaneously. Likewise, the position of the elements of the pipe handling assembly can vary so that the preferred operations 160 and 180 are not applicable without deterring from the spirit of the present invention. Regardless, various steps of the operations of FIGS. 10 and 11 can be omitted, substituted, or repeated as necessary without diverting from the spirit of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a rendering of an exemplary drilling rig 196, and as such does not limit the pipe handling system 200 of FIG. 13, to the type of drilling rig depicted by FIG. 12. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, drilling rigs are available in multiple configurations, including but not limited to mobile, stationary, off shore. Additionally one skilled in the art will appreciate that a drilling rig platform 198 may be located at different heights off the ground.
In a preferred embodiment the pipe handling system 200 shown by FIG. 13, the alternative pipe handling assembly 150 (of FIG. 8) has a safety rail 152 mounted to a location adjacent an edge of the frame 154. It should be noted that the size and orientation of the safety rail 152 in relation to the assembly 150 is not limited and can be configured to any necessary arrangement. For example, the safety rail 152 could extend along a complete length of the assembly 150 and having a variety of support beams and overall heights.
In addition to the safety rail 152, an access feature 156 is mounted to the frame 154 of the assembly 150 to allow access from a reference plane (i.e. ground) to the top of the frame 154. Much like the safety rail 152, the displayed access feature 156 is not limiting and can be any size or shape necessary to provide efficient access to the top of the frame 154. As such, the access feature 156 could be a ramp that selectively extends from a distal end of the frame 154 to a proximal end of the frame 154 while sloped to vertically connect the top of the frame 154 with the reference plane.
It can be appreciated that the alternative pipe handling assembly 150 can function in a substantially similar manner to the pipe handling assembly 100 of FIGS. 1-7. That is, the pusher member 104 forces a pipe component 140 along a trough 122 to the ramp 114, which vertically relocates the first end of the pipe component 140 upward and passed the drilling rig platform 198, as the pipe component 140 is being pushed along the top of the frame 154 by the pusher member 104. Therefore, the safety rail 152 and access feature 156 do not materially affect the securing or transporting of pipe components.
FIG. 14, shows an exemplary cat walk 202, which is substantially similar in dimensions to the alternative pipe handling assembly 150. The primary difference between the cat walk and the alternative pipe handling assembly 150 is that the cat walk is void of the structure used to transport pipe components, or level the frame.
FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary pipe handling assembly 204 that includes at least the exemplary cat walk 202 in adjacency with the exemplary drilling rig 198. Although not depicted, a skilled artisan will appreciate that the ramp 114 of FIG. 13, may be mounted to the exemplary cat walk 202, and positioned in contact adjacency with the drilling rig platform 198 in a configuration similar to the arrangement of pipe handling system 200 of FIG. 13.
FIG. 16 provides a flow chart representation 210, of an exemplary use of the pipe handling system 200 of FIG. 13 commencing at start step 212 and continuing to process step 214. At process step 214, a drilling rig (such as 196) is provided. At process step 216, a pipe handling assembly (such as 150) is positioned in contacting adjacency with the drilling rig. At process step 218, a pipe component (such as 140) located in and supported by a trough (such as 122) is transported from a first position, relative to the trough, to a second position relative to a trough through the use of a pusher member (such as 104). At process step 220, the pipe component is slid up a ramp (such as 114) and past a drilling rig platform (such as 198). At process step 222, the pipe component id advanced to a predetermined position relative to the drilling rig.
At process step 224, the pipe handling assembly is removed from contact adjacency with the drilling rig, when a final desired pipe component has been positioned relative to the drilling rig. At process step 226, a cat walk (such as 202) is positioned adjacent the drilling rig, where the pipe handling assembly had been previously positioned. At process step 228, the cat walk is removed from adjacency with the drilling rig when at least the final pipe component has been removed from the drilling rig, and the pipe handling assembly is repositioned adjacent the drilling rig at process step 230. At process step 232, the process concludes at end process step 232.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed by the appended claims.

## Claims

1. A method comprising the steps of:
providing a drilling rig;
providing a pipe handling assembly;
providing a cat walk;
positioning said pipe handling assembly in a first operational position adjacent the drilling rig, said pipe handling assembly providing at least a pusher member, a trough, and a ramp in operational alignment with said drilling rig;
transporting a pipe component from a first position of the trough to a second position with the pusher member to engage the ramp;
sliding the pipe component up the ramp to a predetermined height through an engagement of the pipe component with the ramp, wherein the ramp remains in a fixed position relative to the trough through transport and sliding of the pipe up the ramp;
advancing the pipe component to the drilling rig;
removing the pipe handling assembly from the first operation position adjacent the drilling rig when a final pipe component has been advanced to the drill rig; and
positioning said cat walk in the first operation position adjacent the drilling rig, the cat walk positioned in the first operational position adjacent the drilling rig where the pipe handling assembly was previously positioned, and wherein the cat walk is void of structure used to transport pipe components to the drilling rig.

2. The method of claim 1, in which the pusher member is controlled with a drive mechanism.

3. The method of claim 2, in which the drive mechanism is a hydraulic motor.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of loading the pipe component onto the pipe handling assembly.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of aligning the pipe component within the trough.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising a step of securing the pipe component to the pusher member prior to transporting the pipe component.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of:
disengaging the push member from a pipe component; and
offloading the pipe component from the trough.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the steps of:
loading an alternate type component onto the elevation feature; and
engaging the alternate type component with the push member.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of transporting the alternate pipe component from the second position of the trough to the first position of the trough.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of:
disengaging the alternate pipe component from contacting adjacency with the elevation feature;
disconnecting the alternate pipe component from the pusher assembly; and
offloading the alternate pipe component from the pipe handling assembly.

11. The method of claim 1, by steps further comprising:
removing the cat walk from adjacency with the drilling rig when at least the final pipe component is to be removed from the drill rig; and
repositioning a pipe handling assembly adjacent the drilling rig.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:
loading and alternate type component onto the elevation feature; and
engaging the alternate type component with the push member.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of transporting the alternate pipe component from the second position of the trough to the first position of the trough.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the steps of:
disengaging the alternate pipe component from contacting adjacency with the elevation feature;
disconnecting the alternate pipe component from the pusher assembly; and
offloading the alternate pipe component from the pipe handling assembly.