Patent Publication Number: US-11384606-B2

Title: Stop collar with interior lock elements

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Tubulars are assembled to form drill strings, casing strings, etc. and are deployed in a wellbore in a subterranean formation. Oftentimes, a device is coupled to the exterior of one of the tubulars. In various examples, such devices may include a bore wall scraper, a wiper, a packer, a centralizer, or a landing collar. The devices may be secured between two tubular couplings or ends of a tubular. In some cases, however, it may be desired to hold the devices in place away from the ends, e.g., without allowing the devices to slide all the way along a tubular. Stop collars, in such cases, may be attached to the exterior of the tubular, and may be used to limit or prevent movement of the device along the exterior surface of the tubular. 
     SUMMARY 
     A stop collar is disclosed. The stop collar includes an annular body and a gripping member. The body includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The body defines a window extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. A portion of the inner surface has a diameter that decreases proceeding toward an axial end of the body. The gripping member is positioned at least partially within the body and in contact with the inner surface. The gripping member is at least partially aligned with the window when the stop collar is in a first state. The gripping member moves toward the axial end of the body when the stop collar actuates into a second state. A diameter of the gripping member decreases as the gripping member moves toward the axial end of the body. 
     In another embodiment, the stop collar includes an annular body that includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The body defines a first window extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. A first portion of the inner surface has a diameter that decreases proceeding toward a first axial end of the body, and a second portion of the inner surface has a diameter that decreases proceeding toward a second axial end of the body. The stop collar also includes a first gripping member positioned at least partially within the body and in contact with the inner surface. The first gripping member is substantially C-shaped and biased radially-outward. The first gripping member is at least partially aligned with the first window when the stop collar is in a first state. The first gripping member moves toward the first axial end of the body when the stop collar actuates into a second state. A diameter of the first gripping member decreases as the first gripping member moves toward the first axial end of the body. The stop collar also includes a second gripping member positioned at least partially within the body and in contact with the inner surface. The second gripping member is at least partially aligned with the first window when the stop collar is in the first state. The second gripping member moves toward the second axial end of the body when the stop collar actuates into the second state. A diameter of the second gripping member decreases as the first gripping member moves toward the second axial end of the body. 
     In yet another embodiment, the stop collar includes an annular body including an outer surface and an inner surface. A first portion of the inner surface has a diameter that decreases proceeding toward a first axial end of the body. The stop collar also includes a gripping member positioned at least partially within the body and in contact with the inner surface. The gripping member is substantially C-shaped and biased radially-inward. The stop collar also includes a pin coupled to the gripping member when the stop collar is in a first state. The pin prevents a diameter of the gripping member from decreasing. The pin is configured to be pulled from the gripping member, which allows the stop collar to actuate into a second state. The diameter of the gripping member decreases as the stop collar actuates into the second state. 
     A method for actuating a stop collar is also disclosed. The method includes sliding the stop collar along an outer surface of a tubular. The stop collar includes an annular body including an outer surface and an inner surface. The body defines a window extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. A portion the inner surface defines a diameter that decreases proceeding toward an axial end of the body. The stop collar also includes a gripping member positioned at least partially within the body and in contact with the inner surface. The gripping member is at least partially aligned with the window. The method also includes actuating the stop collar from a first state to a second state. The gripping member moves toward the axial end of the body when the stop collar actuates from the first state to the second state. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a stop collar in a first (e.g., unset) state, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the stop collar in the first state positioned around a tubular, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 2 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the stop collar in a second (e.g., set) state positioned around the tubular, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the stop collar in the second state, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart of a method for actuating the stop collar from the first state to the second state, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a second stop collar in a first (e.g., unset) state, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second stop collar in the first state positioned around the tubular, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the second stop collar in a second (e.g., set) state, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second stop collar in the second state positioned around the tubular, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of an alternative gripping member that may be used in the stop collars, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a third stop collar in a first (e.g., unset) state and positioned around the tubular, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the third stop collar in the first state and positioned around the tubular, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of  FIG. 14 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the third stop collar in a second (e.g., set) state and positioned around the tubular, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of  FIG. 16 , according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure describes several embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference characters (e.g., numerals) and/or letters in the various embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Finally, the embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, e.g., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Further, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Additionally, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” All numerical values in this disclosure may be exact or approximate values unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. In addition, unless otherwise provided herein, “or” statements are intended to be non-exclusive; for example, the statement “A or B” should be considered to mean “A, B, or both A and B.” 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a stop collar  100  in a first (e.g., unset) state, according to an embodiment. The stop collar  100  may include an annular body  110  having a first axial end  112  and a second axial end  114 . The annular body  110  may define an inner surface  116  and an outer surface  118 , defining the radial inside and outside thereof. 
     The inner surface  116  may define a first shoulder  122  proximate to the first axial end  112  and a second shoulder  124  proximate to the second axial end  114 . The inner surface  116  may also define a third shoulder (also referred to as an intermediate shoulder)  126  positioned between the first and second shoulders  122 ,  124 . The shoulders  122 ,  124 ,  126  may protrude radially-inward from a remainder of the inner surface  116 , thereby at least partially defining a first recess  130  between the first shoulder  122  and the intermediate shoulder  126  and a second recess  132  between the second shoulder  124  and the intermediate shoulder  126 . 
     The stop collar  100  may include one or more gripping members (two are shown:  140 ,  142 ). As shown, the first gripping member  140  may be positioned at least partially in the first recess  130 , and the second gripping member  142  may be positioned at least partially in the second recess  132 . In one embodiment, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may be or include C-shaped members that extend from about 270° to about 355°. When the gripping members  140 ,  142  are C-shaped, they may each include two circumferential ends  144 ,  146  with a circumferential gap  148  therebetween. Although the gripping members  140 ,  142  may be substantially C-shaped, rather than fully annular or ring-shaped, they may considered to have a diameter, as described below. 
     The gripping members  140 ,  142  may be biased radially-outward. As discussed in greater detail below, when the gripping members  140 ,  142  are exposed to a radially-inward force, the circumferential ends  144 ,  146  may move closer together, causing a diameter of the gripping members  140 ,  142  to decrease. The gripping members  140 ,  142  may include ridges or teeth on an inner surface thereof to grip (e.g., bite into) an outer surface of a tubular such as a drill pipe segment or a casing segment as the diameters of the gripping members  140 ,  142  decrease. 
     The body  110  may include one or more windows (four are shown:  150 A,  150 B,  150 C,  150 D). The windows  150 A- 150 D may be formed radially-through the body  110  (e.g., from the inner surface  116  to the outer surface  118 ). The windows  150 A- 150 D may extend through the intermediate shoulder  126 . The windows  150 A- 150 D may be circumferentially-offset from one another. In the example shown, there are four windows  150 A- 150 D that are spaced apart at 90° intervals around the circumference of the body  110 . 
     When the stop collar  100  is in the first (e.g., unset) state, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may be at least partially aligned with the windows  150 A- 150 D. Thus, as may be seen in  FIG. 1 , when the stop collar  100  is in the first (e.g., unset) state, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may be at least partially visible through the windows  150 A- 150 D, with a gap  152 A- 152 D being positioned axially-between the gripping members  140 ,  142 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the stop collar  100  in the first (e.g., unset) state positioned around a tubular  200 , and  FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 2 , according to an embodiment. When the stop collar  100  is in the desired position on the outer surface of the tubular  200 , a setting tool  250  may be connected to the stop collar  100 . The setting tool  250  may include one or more arms (two are shown:  260 ,  262 ). The setting tool  250  may be connected to the stop collar  100  by introducing at least a portion of the arms  260 ,  262  at least partially into or through one (or more) of the windows (e.g., window  150 A). For example, the portion of the arms  260 ,  262  may be positioned through one of the gaps (e.g., gap  152 A—see  FIG. 1 ) between the gripping members  140 ,  142 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the stop collar  100  in a second (e.g., set) state positioned around the tubular, and  FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment. The setting tool  250  may actuate the stop collar  100  into the second (e.g., set) state by moving the arms  260 ,  262  apart from one another. As the arms  260 ,  262  move apart, they may push the gripping members  140 ,  142  farther apart from one another. The first and second shoulders  122 ,  124  may serve as stops that limit the axial movement of the gripping members  140 ,  142 , respectively. In addition, the shoulders  122 ,  124 ,  126  may also serve to increase the rigidity and structural integrity of the body  110 . 
     As may be seen in  FIG. 5 , the inner surface  116  of the body  110  may be tapered. More particularly, the diameter of the inner surface  116  may decrease proceeding from the intermediate shoulder  126  toward the first shoulder  122 , and from the intermediate shoulder  126  toward the second shoulder  124 . In at least one embodiment, the outer surfaces of the gripping members  140 ,  142  may have a complimentary tapering profile. As a result of the tapering surfaces, as the gripping members  140 ,  142  move farther apart, the body  110  may exert an increasing radially-inward force onto the gripping members  140 ,  142 , which causes the gripping members  140 ,  142  to exert an increasing radially-inward gripping force on the tubular  200 . This may cause the ridges or teeth of the gripping members  140 ,  142  to grip (e.g., bite into) the outer surface of the tubular  200 . Thus, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may grip (e.g., bite into) the tubular  200  such that the gripping members  140 ,  142  to do not move with respect to the tubular  200  (i.e., they are anchored). 
     Once the gripping members  140 ,  142  are anchored to the tubular  200 , the body  110  may be substantially prevented from moving axially and/or radially with respect to the gripping members  140 ,  142  and/or the tubular  200  due to a friction fit between the body  110  and the gripping members  140 ,  142 . For example, if the body  110  is subjected to an axial force in a first direction  160  (see  FIG. 5 ), then the tapering engagement between the second gripping member  142  and the inner surface  116  of the body  110  may substantially prevent the body  110  from moving in the first direction  160 . If the body  110  is subjected to an axial force in a second direction  162 , then the tapering engagement between the first gripping member  140  and the inner surface  116  of the body  110  may substantially prevent the body  110  from moving in the second direction  162 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the outer surfaces of the gripping members  140 ,  142  may include recesses  141 ,  143 . The recesses  141 ,  143  may be visible through the windows  150 A- 150 D, even after the stop collar  100  is in the second (e.g., set) state. As such, the recesses  141 ,  143  may be configured to receive the setting tool  250  or an unsetting tool (e.g., snap-ring pliers) when the stop collar  100  is in the second (e.g., set) state. As discussed in greater detail below, the setting tool  250  or the unsetting tool may then pull the gripping members  140 ,  142  closer together to actuate the stop collar  100  back into the first (e.g., unset) state. 
     The setting tool  250  may include a piston  270  and a cylinder  272 . The piston  270  may be positioned at least partially within the cylinder  272 . In at least one embodiment, the setting tool  250  may be hydraulic. Thus, a hydraulic fluid may be pumped into a space  274  in the cylinder  272 , which causes the piston  270  to extend. As may be seen, the first arm  260  may be coupled to (and move together with) the piston  270 , and the second arm  262  may be coupled to (and move together with) the cylinder  272 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the stop collar  100  in the second (e.g., set) state, according to an embodiment. The setting tool  250  may be withdrawn from the window  150 A after the stop collar  100  is in the second (e.g., set) state. As may be seen, when the stop collar  100  is in the second (e.g., set) state, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may be closer to the shoulders  122 ,  124  than they were in the first (e.g., unset) state. In one example, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may be in contact with (e.g., abutting) the shoulders  122 ,  124  such that the shoulders  122 ,  124  act as a physical stop or barrier. In another example, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may not be in contact with (e.g., abutting) the shoulders  122 ,  124 . More particularly, as the gripping members  140 ,  142  slide axially apart and contract radially-inward, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may be configured to contact tubulars of different outer diameters. 
     In the first state, one or more of the shoulders  122 ,  124 ,  126  may protrude radially-inward farther than the gripping members  140 ,  142 . As described below, this may facilitate moving the stop collar  100  axially along the outer surface of the tubular  200 . However, when the stop collar  100  is in the second state, the gripping members  140 ,  142  protrude radially-inward farther than the shoulders  122 ,  124 ,  126 . As described below, this may facilitate gripping the outer surface of the tubular  200  to reduce or prevent the axial movement. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart of a method  700  for actuating the stop collar  100  from the first (e.g., unset) state to the second (e.g., set) state, according to an embodiment. An illustrative order of the method  700  is provided below; however, as will be appreciated, at least a portion of the method  700  may be performed in a different order or omitted altogether. 
     The method  700  may include sliding the stop collar  100  along an outer surface of the tubular  200  to a desired position, as at  702 . The stop collar  100  may be in the first (e.g., unset) state when the stop collar  100  slides along the outer surface of the tubular  200 . As mentioned above, one or more of the shoulders  122 ,  124 ,  126  may protrude radially-inward farther than the gripping members  140 ,  142  when the stop collar  100  is in the first (e.g., unset) state and slides along the outer surface of the tubular  200 . Further, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may be biased radially-outward, against the inner surface  116  and into the recesses  130 ,  132 , respectively. As such, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may not contact and/or drag along the outer surface of the tubular  200  as the stop collar  100  slides along the outer surface of the tubular  200 . 
     The method  700  may also include connecting the setting tool  250  to the stop collar  100 , as at  704 . This may include introducing the arms  260 ,  262  of the setting tool  250  into or through the window  150 A such that the arms  260 ,  262  are positioned at least partially between the gripping members  140 ,  142 . This is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     The method  700  may also include actuating the stop collar  100  into the second (e.g., set) state using the setting tool  250 , as at  706 . This may include moving the arms  260 ,  262  of the setting tool  250  apart from one another, which may push the gripping members  140 ,  142  farther apart from one another. This is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . As described above, as the gripping members  140 ,  142  move farther apart from one another, the radially-inward force imparted by the body  110  onto the gripping members  140 ,  142 , and imparted by the gripping members  140 ,  142  onto the tubular  200 , may progressively increase. 
     The method  700  may also include disconnecting the setting tool  250  from the stop collar  100 , as at  708 . After the stop collar  100  is in the second (e.g., set) state, the setting tool  250  may be disconnected therefrom. This may include withdrawing the arms  260 ,  262  of the setting tool  250  from the window  150 A. 
     In at least one embodiment, the steps  704 ,  706 , and/or  708  may be performed for each window  150 A- 150 D simultaneously. In another embodiment, the steps  704 ,  706 , and/or  708  may be performed sequentially for the windows  150 A- 150 D. When performed sequentially, the steps  704 ,  706 , and/or  708  may be performed for the windows  150 A- 150 D in a clockwise manner (e.g., window  150 A first, window  150 B second, window  150 C, third, and window  150 D fourth) or in a counterclockwise manner. Alternatively, when performed sequentially, the steps  704 ,  706 , and/or  708  may be performed in a star pattern (e.g., window  150 A first, window  150 C second, window  150 B, third, and window  150 D fourth). The shoulders  122 ,  124  may restrict misalignment of the gripping members  140 ,  142  when the setting is performed sequentially. 
     The method  700  may also include or connecting an unsetting tool to the stop collar  100 , as at  710 . The unsetting tool may be connected when the stop collar  100  is in the second (e.g., set) state. Connecting the unsetting tool may include introducing the arms of the unsetting tool through the window  150 A such that the arms are positioned at least partially within the recesses  141 ,  143  in the upper surfaces of the gripping members  140 ,  142 . 
     The method  700  may also include actuating the stop collar  100  back into the first (e.g., unset) state using the unsetting tool, as at  712 . This may include moving the arms of the unsetting tool toward one another, which may pull the gripping members  140 ,  142  toward one another. As the gripping members  140 ,  142  move toward one another, the radially-inward force imparted by the body  110  onto the gripping members  140 ,  142 , and imparted by the gripping members  140 ,  142  onto the tubular  200 , may progressively decrease. As mentioned above, the gripping members  140 ,  142  may be biased radially-outwards. As a result, when the gripping members  140 ,  142  move toward one another, they may proceed to expand radially-outward due to the tapering inner surface  116  of the body  110  until they are no longer in contact with the outer surface of the tubular  200 . 
     The method  700  may also include disconnecting the unsetting tool from the stop collar  100 , as at  714 . When the stop collar  100  is in the first (e.g., unset) state, the unsetting tool may be disconnected therefrom. This may include withdrawing the arms of the unsetting tool from the recesses  141 ,  143  in the upper surfaces of the gripping members  140 ,  142  and from the window  150 A. The steps  710 ,  712 , and/or  714  may be performed for each window  150 A- 150 D simultaneously or sequentially. In addition, the steps  710 ,  712 , and/or  714  may also be performed using the setting tool  250  instead of the unsetting tool. 
     The method  700  may also include sliding the stop collar  100  along the outer surface of the tubular  200  to another desired position or until the stop collar  100  is removed from the tubular  200 , as at  716 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a second stop collar  800  in a first (e.g., unset) state, and  FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second stop collar  800  in the first state positioned around the tubular  200 , according to an embodiment. The second stop collar  800  may be similar to the stop collar  100  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-7 ; however, the second stop collar  800  may include only a single gripping member  840 . More particularly, the second stop collar  800  may include a first shoulder  822  proximate to a first axial end  812  of the body  810 , and a second shoulder  824  proximate to a second axial end  814  of the body  810 . A recess  830  may be defined at least partially by/between the first and second shoulders  822 ,  824 , and the gripping member  840  may be positioned at least partially within the recess  830 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the second stop collar  800  in a second (e.g., set) state, and  FIG. 11  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second stop collar  800  in the second (e.g., set) state positioned around the tubular  200 , according to an embodiment. The second stop collar  800  may be actuated into the second (e.g., set) state in a similar manner to the stop collar  100  (e.g., similar to method  700 ). However, as the second stop collar  800  includes only a single gripping member  840 , once in the second (e.g., set) state, the second stop collar  800  may substantially prevent the second stop collar  800  from moving in one axial direction, but may provide substantially less gripping force to oppose a force in the opposing axial direction. For example, if the body  810  is subjected to an axial force in the first direction  160 , then the body  810  may move in the first direction  160  with respect to the gripping member  840  and the tubular  200 , such that the second stop collar  800  actuates back into the first (e.g., unset) state. The second stop collar may then slide along the outer surface of the tubular  200  in the first direction  160 . However, if the body  810  is subjected to an axial force in the second direction  862 , then the tapering engagement between the gripping member  840  and the inner surface  816  of the body  810  may substantially prevent the body  810  from moving in the second direction  862 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of another gripping member  1200  that may be used in the stop collar  100  and/or the second stop collar  800 , according to an embodiment. As shown, the gripping member  1200  may be or include a plurality of arcuate-shaped sub-members (four are shown:  1210 A,  1210 B,  1210 C,  1210 D). The sub-members  1210 A- 1210 D may be circumferentially-offset from one another. Each of the sub-members  1210 A- 1210 D may extend from about 30° to about 180°, about 45° to about 150°, or about 60° to about 130°. As shown, each of the sub-members  1210 A- 1210 D extends slightly less than 90°. 
     The sub-members  1210 A- 1210 D may be coupled to and/or in contact with a retaining member  1220 . For example, each of the sub-members  1210 A- 1210 D may define a recess on an inner surface thereof, and the retaining member  1220  may be positioned at least partially within the recesses. The retaining member  1220  may also or instead be adhered to the inner surfaces of the sub-members  1210 A- 1210 D. The retaining member  1220  may be substantially C-shaped, such that it has a first circumferential end  1222  and a second circumferential end  1224 . The retaining member  1220  may be biased radially-outward, which may bias the gripping member  1200  radially-outward. 
     The retaining member  1220  may be configured to slide within the recesses in the sub-members  1210 A- 1210 D. Thus, when the gripping member  1200  is exposed to a radially-inward force (e.g., by body  110  or body  810 ), as described above, the circumferential ends  1222 ,  1224  may move toward one another, allowing the diameter of the gripping member  1200  to decrease (e.g., to contact and grip the outer surface of the tubular  200 ). In another embodiment, instead of or in addition to the circumferential ends  1222 ,  1224  moving toward one another in response to the radially-inward force, the retaining member  1220  may be configured to break in one or more places to allow the diameter of the gripping member  1200  to decrease (e.g., to contact and grip the exterior of the tubular  200 ). 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a third stop collar  1300  in a first (e.g., unset) state and positioned around the tubular  200 , according to an embodiment. The third stop collar  1300  may include a body  1310  (shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 13 ). The body  1310  may include one or more windows (one is shown:  1350 ). The window  1350  may be formed radially-through the body  1310  (e.g., from the inner surface to the outer surface). 
     The stop collar  1300  may also include a gripping member  1340  positioned at least partially within the body  1310 . More particularly, the gripping member  1340  may be positioned radially-between the body  1310  and the tubular  200 . In  FIG. 13 , the body  1310  is shown transparent (dashed lines) so that the gripping member  1340  may be seen. The gripping member  1340  may be substantially C-shaped. Thus, the gripping member  1340  may include a first circumferential end  1344  and a second circumferential end  1346  that are spaced apart from one another when the third stop collar  1300  is in the first (e.g., unset) state. In the embodiment shown, the first circumferential end  1344  is proximate to (e.g., substantially aligned with) a first circumferential side of the window  1350 , and the second circumferential end  1346  is proximate to a second circumferential side of the window  1350 . 
     The stop collar  1300  may also include a pin (also referred to as a “shipping” pin)  1370 . The pin  1370  may include a first arm  1372  and a second arm  1374 . Thus, the pin  1370  may be substantially U-shaped. The pin  1370  may be positioned radially-inward from the body  1310  and/or at least partially through the body  1310 . The pin  1370  may be coupled to the gripping member  1340 . More particularly, the arms  1372 ,  1374  may be coupled to the circumferential ends  1344 ,  1346  of the gripping member  1340 , respectively. The gripping member  1340  may be biased radially-inward, and the pin  1370 , when coupled to the gripping member  1340 , may prevent the circumferential ends  1344 ,  1346  from moving closer together and causing the diameter of the gripping member  1340  to decrease. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the third stop collar  1300  in the first (e.g., unset) state and positioned around the tubular  200 , and  FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of  FIG. 14 , according to an embodiment. The inner surface  1316  of the body  1310  of the stop collar  1300  may be tapered, similar to the stop collars  100 ,  800  described above. The gripping member  1340  may be positioned substantially in the middle of the body  1310  (e.g., the portion of the body  1310  with the greatest inner diameter) when the third stop collar  1300  is in the first (e.g., unset) state. The pin  1370  may be positioned radially-inward from the body  1310  and/or at least partially through the body  1310 . The pin  1370  may extend at least partially through the gripping member  1340  to provide the coupling therewith. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the third stop collar  1300  in a second (e.g., set) state and positioned around the tubular  200 , and  FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of  FIG. 16 , according to an embodiment. The third stop collar  1300  may be actuated into the second (e.g., set) state by pulling the pin  1370 . Once the pin  1370  has been removed, the radial-inward bias of the gripping member  1340  may cause the circumferential ends  1344 ,  1346  to move closer together, thereby decreasing the diameter of the gripping member  1340 . As the diameter decreases, the inner surface of the gripping member  1340  may contact the outer surface of the tubular  200 . 
     The body  1310  may then slide axially along the outer surface of the tubular  200  a predetermined distance that is less than or equal to the length of the body  1310 . For example, if the body  1310  is subjected to an axial force in the first direction  160  (as shown), the body  1310  may slide in the first direction  160  until the inner surface  1316  of the body  1310  proximate to the second axial end  1314  contacts the gripping member  1340 . The tapering engagement between the inner surface  1316  of the body  1310  and the outer surface of the gripping member  1340  may then exert a radially-inward force on the gripping member  1340 , which may cause the gripping member  1340  to exert a radially-inward force on the tubular  200 . Similarly, if the body  1310  is subjected to an axial force in the second direction  162 , the body  1310  may slide in the second direction  162  until the inner surface  1316  of the body  1310  proximate to the first axial end  1312  contacts the gripping member  1340 . The tapering engagement between the inner surface  1316  of the body  1310  and the outer surface of the gripping member  1340  may then exert a radially-inward force on the gripping member  1340 , which may cause the gripping member  1340  to exert a radially-inward force on the tubular  200 . 
     As used herein, the terms “inner” and “outer”; “up” and “down”; “upper” and “lower”; “upward” and “downward”; “above” and “below”; “inward” and “outward”; “uphole” and “downhole”; and other like terms as used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular direction or spatial orientation. The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “connect,” “connection,” “connected,” “in connection with,” and “connecting” refer to “in direct connection with” or “in connection with via one or more intermediate elements or members.” 
     The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.