Patent ID: 12259080

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense.

Referring to the drawings and first toFIG.1, there is shown a pipe thread protector assembly30according to one embodiment. The pipe thread protector assembly includes a conduit coupling, in this example pipe coupling32. The pipe coupling is tubular and has a first or outer end34and a second or inner end36spaced-apart from the outer end thereof. Pipe coupling32has an interior33about which the pipe coupling extends.

As seen inFIG.7A, pipe coupling32includes a first female member38and a second female member42coupled to the first female member thereof. The first and second female members are integrally connected together so as to form a unitary whole in this example. First female member38has inner and in this example right-handed threading40that extends from outer end34of pipe coupling32towards inner end36of the pipe coupling. Second female member42includes inner threading44extending from the inner end of the pipe coupling towards the outer end of the pipe coupling. Pipe coupling32has an inner surface, in this example an annular inner surface46extending between first female member38thereof and second female member42thereof. Second female member42of the pipe coupling is shaped to receive and threadably couple to a male threaded end portion48of a conduit, in this example pipe50.

The pipe encloses an interior51and has an exterior53. Pipe50has a first end52, a second end (not shown) longitudinally spaced from the first end thereof, and threading54that extends from the first end thereof towards the second end thereof. The threading of pipe50extends along exterior53thereof. The pipe has an interior peripheral surface55that is outwardly concave and in fluid communication with interior51thereof. Pipe50has an outer end face56that is planar in this example. The outer end face of the pipe aligns with and extends along end52of the pipe. Outer end face56of pipe50is annular in this example and may be referred to as a pipe face or outer end face.

As seen inFIG.1, pipe thread protector assembly30includes a pipe thread protector, in this example an open box protector58. As seen inFIG.7A, the open box protector includes a tubular body60. The tubular body is shaped to protect right-handed threading40of first female member38of pipe coupling32. Tubular body60has a first or inner end62, a second or outer end64spaced-apart from the inner end thereof and a longitudinal axis66extending between the ends thereof. Referring toFIG.1, pipe coupling32is coaxial with tubular body60and extends about axis66. As seen inFIG.6, tubular body60has an interior68extending between and in fluid communication with ends62and64thereof. The tubular body has an exterior69radially spaced from the interior thereof.

The tubular body has an inner surface70in fluid communication with the interior thereof. Tubular body60has an outer surface72radially outwardly spaced from the inner surface thereof. The inner and outer surfaces of the tubular body extend between ends62and64of tubular body60. Inner and outer surfaces70and72of tubular body60are curved and tubular in shape in this example.

As seen inFIG.7A, the tubular body includes a first, proximal or end portion74that extends from inner end62thereof towards outer end64thereof. The end portion of tubular body60is sleeve-like in shape. Pipe thread protector assembly30includes a first or pipe-end-face seal76. The seal is softer and more resilient than tubular body60and in this example is made of an elastomer. However, this is not strictly required and the seal may be made of other resilient and waterproof materials in other embodiments. Seal76is annular in this example and shaped to extend about and couple to end portion74of tubular body60. In this example the seal couples to the end portion of the tubular body via tongues and grooves: in this case the seal includes longitudinally spaced-apart annular tongues78and79which fit within longitudinally spaced-apart annular grooves80and81of end portion74of the tubular body.

Seal76has a distal or inner end portion82that is tapered and axially spaced from inner end62of tubular body60. Pipe50has an inner diameter D3and seal76has an inner diameter D4. The inner diameter of the seal is equal to the inner diameter of the pipe and not more than ⅛thsmaller than the inner diameter of the pipe in one example. Seal76, as well as features, configurations, functionings and variations thereof, are described in more detail in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/145,766 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on 4 Feb. 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As seen inFIG.7A, tubular body60includes a second, intermediate, central or inner portion84that extends radially outwards from end portion74thereof. The inner portion of the tubular body is sleeve-like in shape. Inner portion84of the tubular body extends from end portion74of the tubular body towards outer end64of the tubular body. As seen inFIG.6, the inner portion of tubular body60has a first of left-handed and right-handed threading, in this example right-handed threading86. Inner portion84of the tubular body may be referred to as an inner threaded portion. Right-handed threading86extends along exterior69of tubular body60, in this example extending radially outwards from outer surface72of the tubular body. The right-handed threading86of inner portion84of tubular body60extends from near inner end62of the tubular body towards outer end64of the tubular body.

Still referring toFIG.6, the tubular body includes a third, distal or outer portion88which couples to inner portion84thereof. The outer portion is sleeve-like in shape and may be referred to another or distal end portion of tubular body60. Outer portion88of the tubular body is integrally formed with the inner portion of the tubular body in this example. The outer portion of tubular body60extends radially outwards from the inner portion of the tubular body. Outer portion88of tubular body60extends from outer end64of the tubular body towards inner end62of the tubular body.

The tubular body has a first or outer shoulder90that extends radially between inner portion84and outer portion88of the tubular body. The shoulder is annular in this example. As seen inFIG.7A, the inner portion of tubular body60tapers in a direction91extending from outer shoulder90towards inner end62of the tubular body in this example. The tubular body may thus be described as open-ended and sleeve-like in shape, with an enlarged first, distal or flanged end portion88, a radially-inwardly extending second, proximal or tapered end portion74, and a central portion84that tapers in a direction extending from the flanged end portion to the tapered end portion thereof. Inner portion84of the tubular body has a cross-sectional thickness T1adjacent outer portion88of the tubular body.

As seen inFIG.7B, tubular body60has a second or inner shoulder or seat89in fluid communication with interior68thereof. However, this is not strictly required and in other embodiments the tubular body may extend continuously from outer end64thereof towards inner end62thereof without a seat, for example. Seat89is planar and annular in this example. The seat extends radially between outer portion88of tubular body60and inner portion84of the tubular body in this example. Seat89extends from inner surface70of tubular body60towards outer surface72of the tubular body.

Outer portion88of tubular body60has a longitudinally-extending recess, in this example a socket95. The socket extends from outer end64of the tubular body towards inner end62of the tubular body seen inFIG.7A. Socket95has a diameter DS.

Still referring toFIG.7A, outer portion88of tubular body60has a tapered bore92and inner surface107. The bore and inner surface taper in a direction93extending from outer end64of the tubular body towards inner end62of the tubular body. The outer portion of the tubular body is trapezoidal in lateral section in this example, in this case being in the shape of a right-angled trapezoid; however, this is not strictly required. Outer portion88of tubular body60has a second of right-handed and left-handed threading, in this example left-handed threading94. The left-handed threading is in fluid communication with tapered bore92. Left-handed threading94extends between outer end64and seat89of tubular body60. The left-handed threading extends along and radially inwards from inner surface107of outer portion88of the tubular body.

First female member38of pipe coupling32is shaped to receive seal76and end portion74and inner portion84of tubular body60of open box protector58. The first female member is shaped to threadably couple to the inner portion of the tubular body of the open box protector via right-handed threading40and86. Outer end34of pipe coupling32is configured to abut outer shoulder90of tubular body60of open box protector58when the pipe coupling and open box protector are so threadably coupled together. End portion82of seal76is positioned adjacent second female member42of pipe coupling32when the pipe coupling and tubular body of the open box protector are so threadably coupled together. The end portion of the seal is shaped to extend along and cover outer end face56of pipe50when pipe coupling32so threadably connects together the pipe and tubular body60of open box protector58.

As seen inFIG.1, pipe thread protector assembly30includes an end member that is selectively removable and shaped to absorb impacts, in this example a removable, impact-absorbing plug96. The plug is generally disc-shaped in this case, though this is not strictly required. Plug96is coaxial with tubular body60and pipe coupling32and extends about longitudinal axis66of the tubular body. The plug may be manufactured from cost-effective materials, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin; however, here too this is not strictly required.

As seen inFIG.7A, plug96includes a base member98which is generally planar in this example. The base member is shaped to extend laterally across outer end64of tubular body60of open box protector58. Base member98is annular and disc-shaped in this example. The base member has a first, distal or outer end100and a second, proximal or inner end102spaced-apart from the outer end thereof. Base member98includes an outer peripheral portion111that is annular. The outer peripheral portion of the base member is coextensive with outer end64of tubular body60in this example, though this is not strictly required. Inner end102and outer peripheral portion111of base member98are shaped to extend across and abut the outer end of the tubular body.

Still referring toFIG.7A, the base member of plug96has a central, open-ended chamber109and a recessed central portion104in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber and central portion are circular and coaxial with longitudinal axis66of tubular body60in this example. Open-ended chamber109of base member98of plug96is cylindrical in an outer shape, inwardly concave and open in an upwards-facing direction from the perspective ofFIG.7Ain this example. Recessed central portion104of the base member of the plug has a thickness TBequal to or greater than the thickness of tubular body60at any region thereof in this example, such as wall thickness TI of inner portion84of the tubular body in this example; however, this is not strictly required. Plug96thus has a cross-sectional thickness at least in part equal to or greater than that of the tubular body.

Thickness TBof recessed central portion104of base member98of plug96is equal to or greater than the thickness of pipe coupling32at any region thereof in this example, such as wall thickness TCof the pipe coupling between female members38and42and adjacent annular inner surface46thereof. However, this is not strictly required. Plug96thus has a thickness at least in part equal to or greater than that of the pipe coupling. Thickness TBof recessed central portion104of base member98of plug96is equal to or greater than wall thickness TPof pipe50at any region thereof in this example; however, this is not strictly required. The plug thus has a thickness at least in part equal to or greater than that of the pipe. Plug96may therefore be said to have a central portion that is enlarged and thicker relative to the thickness of tubular body60, pipe coupling32and/or pipe50. The axial thickness of the plug is configured to increase impact performance of the plug.

Still referring toFIG.7A, base member98of plug96has an aperture, in this example a threaded aperture105. The threaded aperture extends therethrough from outer end100of the base member to inner end102of the base member. Threaded aperture105extends through outer peripheral portion111of base member98of plug96and is radially outwardly spaced from longitudinal axis66of tubular body60and open-ended chamber109of the plug. As seen inFIG.7B, the threaded aperture has a diameter DA. The diameter of threaded aperture105is less than diameter DSof socket95in this example.

As seen inFIG.4, plug96includes one or more protuberances, in this example a plurality of bumpers106,108,110and112. The bumpers couple to and extend longitudinally outwards from outer end100of base member98of the plug. Bumpers106,108,110and112are integrally formed with the base member of plug96in this example. The bumpers are circumferentially spaced-apart in this example. Each bumper is arc-shaped in top plan view. Bumpers106,108,110and112are recessed so that a series of open pin or box protectors may be stackable together. In this example, each bumper has an open top114, at least one and in this example a pair of chambers116and118in fluid communication with the open top thereof, and a rib120extending between the chambers thereof. However, this is not strictly required. Chambers116and118are arc-shaped sub-portions that are generally triangular in end view in this example; however here too this is not strictly required. The bumpers so shaped and recessed may function to minimize the prospects of pin or box protectors knocking together and coming loose during handling.

Still referring toFIG.4, plug96is recessed at least in part to enable a pipe wrench (not shown) or flat bar (not shown) to selectively fit therein and couple with the plug for installation or removal of the plug. To this end and in this example base member98of plug96has a plurality of peripheral recessed portions122,124,126and128. The peripheral recessed portions are adjacent to and extending circumferentially about recessed central portion104thereof in this example. Peripheral recessed portions122,124,126and128are positioned between respective ones of bumpers106,108,110and112. Each peripheral recessed portion122of base member98of plug96is rectangular in top view, with an open top130, at least one and in this example a pair of chambers132and134in fluid communication with the open top thereof, and a rib136extending between the chambers thereof. However, this is not strictly required. Bumpers106,108,110and112extend outwards and upwards from peripheral recessed portions122,124,126and128of base member98of plug96in this example and from the perspective ofFIG.4. In addition to facilitating installation and removal of plug96, the peripheral recessed portions of the base member of the plug may further aid in the manufacturing process.

Referring toFIG.7A, plug96includes an inner portion138coupled to and extending outwards from base member98thereof. The inner portion of the plug extends longitudinally inwards and downwards from the base member from the perspective ofFIG.7A. Inner portion138of plug96is integrally formed with base member98of the plug so as to form a unitary whole in this example. The inner portion of the plug is generally annular in shape. Inner portion138of plug96is frustoconical in outer shape in this example.

The inner portion of the plug includes an inner annular member140coupled to and extending longitudinally from inner end102of base member98of plug96. The inner annular member tapers in direction91extending from the inner end of the base member towards inner end62of tubular body60.

As seen inFIG.5, inner portion138of plug96comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart brace or supporting members, in this example including supporting ribs142,144,146,148,150,152,154,156,158,160,162,164and166. The As seen inFIG.7A, the ribs couple to and extend radially inwards from inner annular member140of the inner portion of the plug. Ribs146,148,150,152,154,156,158,160,162,164and166couple to and extend longitudinally inwards and downwards from base member98of plug96in this example and from the perspective ofFIG.7A. The ribs are integrally formed with the base member and inner annular member140of inner portion138of the plug so as to form a unitary whole in this example. Each supporting rib146,148,150,152,154,156,158,160,162,164and166thus extends radially in part and longitudinally in part. Each rib is a triangular prism in shape in this example; however this is not strictly required. Ribs146,148,150,152,154,156,158,160,162,164and166are shaped to increase impact performance of plug96and inhibit the plug from being deformed as a result of outside impact forces.

As seen inFIG.5, inner annular member140of inner portion138of plug96has an inner end139that is planar in this example. The inner end is annular and may be referred to as an inner or proximal end of the plug. As seen inFIG.7A, inner annular member140of inner portion138of plug96has an outer surface101that extends from inner end102of base member98of the plug to inner end139of the inner portion of the plug. The outer surface is annular and outwardly convex in this example. Outer surface101tapers in direction91extending from inner end102of base member98of plug96to inner end139of inner portion138of the plug in this example. The inner portion of the plug includes the second of right-handed and left-handed threading, in this example left-handed threading168. The left-handed threading extends along and radially-outwards from the outer surface101of inner portion138of plug96. Left-handed threading168is positioned between inner end102of base member98of the plug and inner end139of the inner portion of the plug in this example

Still referring toFIG.7A, inner annular member140of inner portion138of plug96is shaped to be received in part within tapered bore92of outer portion88of tubular body60, with inner end139of the inner portion of plug abutting seat89of the tubular body. However, as mentioned the seat is not strictly required and the inner end of the inner portion of the plug thus need not abut with a seat. Plug96is shaped to removably couple to and extend laterally across tubular body60. In this example, the plug threadably couples to the tubular body; however, this is not strictly required and the plug may removably couple to the tubular body in other manners in other embodiments. Referring toFIG.7B, inner annular member140of inner portion138of plug96threadably couples to and is selectively removable from outer portion88of tubular body60via left-handed threading94and168. As seen inFIG.7B, threaded aperture105of the plug is configured to align and be coaxial with socket95when the plug and tubular body are fully threadably coupled together.

Still referring toFIG.7B, inner annular member140of inner portion138of plug96has an annular groove169. The annular groove is adjacent inner end102of base member98in this example. Annular groove169extends radially inwards from outer surface101of inner annular member140of inner portion138of plug96. The annular groove is trapezoidal in lateral section in this example, in this case being in the shape of a right-angled trapezoid; however, this is not strictly required. Annular groove169is longitudinally spaced outwards and upwards from left-handed threading168from the perspective ofFIG.7B. The annular groove is also radially outwardly-spaced from the left-handed threading in this example. Annular groove169of inner annular member140of inner portion138of plug96is positioned adjacent to and aligns with socket95in this example. The annular groove is radially inwardly spaced from the socket in this example.

Still referring toFIG.7B, open box protector58includes a locking member, in this example a threaded member, in this case a fastener in the form of a locking screw170. The locking screw threadably couples to plug96via threaded aperture105. As seen inFIG.7B, the locking screw has a distal end portion172that is selectively extendable within socket95of tubular body60of open box protector58. The socket is thus shaped to receive a threaded member or fastener in part. In this example socket95is shaped to receive but avoid threaded engagement with the end portion of locking screw170. End portion172of locking screw170thus loosely fits within socket95and the socket is larger in span than the end portion of the locking screw. Locking screw170has a first or locked position, shown in solid lines inFIG.7B, in which the end portion of the locking screw extends within socket95. Removal of plug96from tubular body60is inhibited when the locking screw is in the locked position, as the locking screw so positioned inhibits rotation of the plug relative to the tubular body.

Locking screw170is moveable from the locked position thereof to a second or unlocked position, seen in dotted lines and numerals176and177inFIG.7B. The unlocked position of the locking screw may be referred to as an at least partially unthreaded position of the locking screw. End portion172of locking screw170is longitudinally spaced outwards from and is thus no longer in socket95when the locking screw is in the unlocked position. The locking screw so positioned clear of the socket enables plug96to be rotated relative to tubular body60. The plug is thus selectively removable from the tubular body in the unlocked position of locking screw170. Plug96is also fully threadably connectable with tubular body60when the locking screw is in its unlocked position.

In operation and referring toFIG.7A, plug96thus threadably couples with open box protector58by means of left-handed threading94and168, with the plug being rotated to this end in a first or left-hand direction of rotation, in this example a counter-clockwise direction97. Locking screw170is then fully threaded through the plug and into socket95of the open box protector to lock the plug and tubular body60together and inhibit rotation of one relative to the other. Open box protector58and plug96may then be shipped to a pipe fabricator. The pipe fabricator may then install or threadably connect the open box protector and plug so coupled together, to first female member38of pipe coupling32seen via right-handed threading40and86. Tubular body60is thus installed on the pipe coupling by turning tubular body60and plug96so coupled together in the conventional second or right-hand direction of rotation, in this example a clockwise direction99. Although plug96has left-handed threading168, the plug will remain in place during installation of box protector58onto pipe coupling32due to the presence of locking screw170in the locked position, which inhibits movement of the plug relative to tubular body60of open box protector58.

When the pipe fabricator or driller wants the plug removed and the open box protector to remain on pipe coupling32, locking screw170is partially unscrewed or backed off so as to cause the screw to move upwards as shown by arrow103and out of socket95. Plug96is next turned via bumpers110and112in clockwise direction99. This will cause the plug to be threadably removed from open box protector58without also unscrewing and removing open box protector58from pipe coupling32. Plug96may then be recycled or reinstalled onto the open box protector after the drifting process at the discretion of the pipe fabricator or driller. Referring toFIG.7A, drifting may involve testing the inner diameter D3of the pipe using a cylindrical member, in this example mandrel113having an outer diameter DM. Plug96is removed and the mandrel is thereafter is inserted through tubular body60, pipe coupling32and into pipe50to test the inner diameters of the same. Outer diameter DMof mandrel113should be equal to or less than the diameter D3of pipe50. Drifting and mandrels per se are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail.

Tapered surfaces101and107, where the plug contacts open box protector58, provide a snug fit therebetween. This may provide structural support to pipe thread protector assembly30. Tapered surfaces101and107may further aid in installation of plug96and removal thereof, even if the pipe thread protector assembly has been subjected to a high impact force. In addition and referring toFIG.7A, the plug as herein described is shaped to protect the open box protector58(including functioning to promote and maintain a consistent inner diameter D1thereof) and as well pipe coupling32(at least including functioning to promote and maintain a consistent inner diameter D2of first female member38thereof) from damage caused from impact.

Pipe thread protector assembly30as herein described may thus be said to comprise a two-piece protector assembly containing an impact-absorbing plug96that may be readily removed from box protector58just prior to drifting. The plug as herein described may increase in impact protection for the steel connection comprising the first female member of pipe coupling32. Plug96is shaped to maintain contact with outer end64of protector58and provide the otherwise open box protector with structural support, allowing the protector to maintain its inner drift diameter even when subjected to high impact forces.

As seen inFIG.7B, open box protector58includes a second or plug seal178. The plug seal is positioned between tubular body60and plug96. Plug seal178is softer and more resilient than the plug and tubular body and in this example is made of an elastomer. However, this is not strictly required and the seal may be made of other resilient and waterproof materials in other embodiments. Plug seal178is annular and circular in cross-section in this example, in this case comprising an O-ring; however this is not strictly required. The plug seal aligns adjacent outer end64of the tubular body and is shaped to be received within annular groove169of inner portion138of the plug. Plug seal178is thus positioned adjacent to socket95of tubular body60and end portion172of locking screw170in this example. Referring toFIG.7A, the plug seal, so positioned between plug96and open box protector58, is configured to inhibit water or other contaminates from entering within interior68of tubular body60and thus within interior51of threaded pipe50during handling, transportation, and storage. The plug may thus function to seal the inside of pipe50from the environment.

There is thus provided a method of transporting and drifting a pipe using the pipe thread protector assembly30as herein described. As seen inFIG.7A, the method includes coupling together tubular body60and plug96of the pipe thread protector assembly. The method may include moving locking screw170into the locked position thereof in which removal of the plug from the tubular body is inhibited. The method includes threadably connecting tubular body60and plug96so coupled together to pipe coupling32which couples to threaded end portion48of pipe50, with debris being inhibited from contacting outer end face56and interior51of the pipe thereby. The method includes transporting the pipe, with the tubular body and the plug so coupled thereto, to a work site.

The method includes drifting pipe50by removing plug96from tubular body60so coupled to pipe coupling32. Within this removal step, the method may include moving locking screw170from the locked position to the unlocked position in which the plug is selectively removable from the tubular body. The method thereafter includes biasing mandrel113having pre-determined outer diameter DMthrough the tubular body and into the pipe. The method includes determining that the pipe is acceptable if the mandrel extends therein, and determining that the pipe is unacceptable if the cylindrical member is inhibited from extending therein. The method may further include after the biasing step, re-connecting plug96to tubular body60, with debris being inhibited from contacting end face56and interior51of pipe50once more.

FIGS.8to11Bshow a pipe thread protector assembly30.1according to another embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as the pipe thread protector assembly30shown inFIGS.1to7Bwith the addition of decimal extension “0.1”. Pipe thread protector assembly30.1is substantially the same as pipe thread protector assembly30shown inFIGS.1to7Bwith at least the following exceptions.

As seen inFIG.11A, pipe thread protector assembly30.1includes a pipe thread protector in the form of an open pin protector58.1. Tubular body60.1of open pin protector58.1has a first of left-handed and right-handed threading, in this example right-handed threading86.1extending along inner surface70.1thereof. The right-handed threading is in fluid communication with interior68.1of the tubular body. Right-handed threading86.1extends from adjacent inner end62.1of tubular body60.1towards outer end64.1of the tubular body. As seen inFIG.10, outer surface72.1of the tubular body is smooth and outwardly convex in this example. Referring toFIG.11A, tubular body60.1(including the outer surface thereof) tapers from end62.1thereof towards end64.1thereof. The tubular body is shaped to threadably couple directly to and protect threaded end portion48.1of pipe50.1via right-handed threading86.1of the tubular body and right-handed threading54.1of pipe50.1.

Plug96.1is substantially the same as plug96seen inFIG.4and may be interchangeable between open box protector58seen inFIG.6and open pin protector58.1seen inFIG.10. Plug96.1seen inFIG.11Ais configured to protect open pin protector58.1(including functioning to promote and maintain a consistent inner diameter D1.1thereof), pipe50.1(including functioning to promote and maintain a consistent inner diameter D3.1thereof, and outer end face56.1of the pipe.

As seen inFIG.11A, outer portion88.1of tubular body60.1has an inner end85longitudinally spaced from outer end64.1of the tubular body. Inner surface107.1of the tubular body extends between the inner end of the outer portion of the tubular body and the outer end of the tubular body. Inner end85of outer portion88.1of tubular body60.1at least aligns with or extends radially inwards from inner surface55.1of pipe50.1. The inner end of the outer portion of the tubular body is shaped to abut and/or be adjacent to outer end face56.1of the pipe when the pipe is fully threadably coupled to tubular body60.1. Inner end85of outer portion88.1of tubular body60.1aligns with inner end139.1of inner portion138.1of plug96.1in this example when the plug is fully threadably coupled to the tubular body.

Tubular body60.1has an inner region, in this example an inner peripheral portion181. The inner peripheral portion is adjacent inner end85of outer portion88.1of the tubular body. Inner peripheral portion181of tubular body60.1is annular. The inner peripheral portion of the tubular body tapers in this example in direction93.1extending from outer end64.1of the tubular body to inner end85of the tubular body.

Inner peripheral portion181is defined by a pair of annular surfaces which taper in direction93.1: in this example inner surface107.1of outer portion88.1of tubular body60.1and slanted surface or shoulder191of the tubular body. The inner surface and slanted shoulder meet at end85and flare longitudinally and radially outwards therefrom in a longitudinally outwards and upwards direction from the perspective ofFIG.11Bin this example. Inner surface107.1is angled relative to slanted shoulder191by an angle β that is acute in this example. The slanted shoulder of tubular body60.1extends longitudinally and radially inwards from inner surface70.1of the tubular body to inner end85of outer portion88.1of the tubular body. Inner peripheral portion181of the tubular body is triangular in lateral cross-section in this example. The inner peripheral portion is shaped at least in part to cover, be adjacent to and/or abut outer end face56.1of pipe50.1when the pipe is fully threadably coupled to tubular body60.1.

As seen inFIG.11B, tubular body60.1of open pin protector58.1has an annular and tapered groove180. The groove extends radially outwards relative to bore92.1, relative to inner end85of outer portion88.1and relative to inner peripheral portion181of the tubular body. Groove180also extends axially or longitudinally outwards and upwards from the inner end of the outer portion of the tubular body from the perspective ofFIG.11Aand towards outer end64.1of tubular body60.1. Referring back toFIG.11B, the groove is triangular in lateral cross-section in this example, in this case in the form of a right-angled triangle; however, this is not strictly required. Groove180is enclosed in part by and in fluid communication with outer end face56.1of pipe50.1when the pipe is fully threadably coupled to tubular body60.1.

Still referring toFIG.11B, pipe thread protector assembly30.1includes a seal182positioned within groove180. The seal is shaped to be larger in lateral section or extent compared to the groove in this example. Seal182is annular and circular in lateral cross-section in an uncompressed state (as shown in dotted lines201) in this example in the form of an O-ring; however, this is not strictly required and the seal may comprise other shapes in lateral cross-section in other examples. Seal182is softer and more resilient than tubular body60.1and in this example is made of an elastomer. However, this is not strictly required and the seal may be made of other resilient and waterproof materials in other embodiments. Seal182is positioned to align with and abut distal end52.1of pipe50.1and inner peripheral portion181of tubular body60.1when the pipe is fully threadably coupled with the tubular body.

As seen inFIG.11B, the seal is shaped to cover outer end face56.1of the pipe at least in part. This, together with the inner peripheral portion of the tubular body, are shaped and function to inhibit water or other contaminates from entering right-handed threading54.1of male threaded pipe50.1when plug96.1is removed. Seal182and inner peripheral portion181of tubular body60.1are also configured and function to inhibit water/contaminates from contacting outer end face56.1of the pipe. Protection of the pipe face is important because it creases a metal-to-metal seal on the pipe face of the next pipe. The seal may be referred to as a pipe end-face seal. Seal182aligns adjacent inner end139.1of inner portion138.1of plug96.1in this example.

Groove180and inner peripheral portion181of tubular body60.1are shaped to keep deformation of seal182away from interior51.1of pipe50.1, as shown by arrow of numeral183. The inner peripheral portion of the tubular body is shaped to compress the seal between the inner peripheral portion of the tubular body and outer end face56.1of the pipe in a radially outwards and longitudinally inwards or downwards direction in this example and from the perspective ofFIG.11B. This may ensure that seal182does not extend out towards the inside of pipe50.1and possibly interfere with the drifting process. Groove180, inner peripheral portion181and slanted shoulder191are thus shaped to inhibit deformation of the seal into the interior of the pipe. Tubular body60.1so shaped (including inner wall187thereof) may function to further promote compression of seal182, thereby inhibiting water and other contaminates from contacting outer end face56.1and interior51.1of pipe50.1. The seal is oval-shaped in its compressed state in this example.

Referring toFIG.11A, open pin protector58.1thus includes a pair of annular, longitudinally spaced-apart seals178.1and182. The seals are positioned between tubular body60.1and plug96.1and positioned between the tubular body and end portion48.1of pipe50.1, respectively.

As seen inFIG.11B, open pin protector58.1includes an interference-fit protrusion, in this example an interference ring184. The interference ring is coupled to and extends radially inwards from inner surface70.1of tubular body60.1adjacent threading86.1of the tubular body. Interference ring184is annular and rectangular in longitudinal section in this example; however, this is not strictly required. The interference ring has a longitudinally-extending length LPwhich is less than the longitudinally-extending length LTof right-handed threading86.1of inner portion84.1of tubular body60.1in this example.

The threading extends radially inwards a distance DT from inner surface70.1of the tubular body. Interference ring184extends radially/laterally inwards a distance DPfrom inner surface70.1of tubular body60.1. Distance DPof the interference ring is greater than distance DT of threading86.1in this example. Interference ring184is positioned to align near distal end52.1of pipe50.1and groove180of tubular body60.1in this example. Seal182is positioned between slanted shoulder191of the tubular body60.1and interference ring184in this example. The seal is adjacent to and positioned in place at least in part via the interference ring. As seen inFIG.11A, seal182is thus positioned between interference ring184and outer end64.1of tubular body60.1.

Referring back toFIG.11B, the interference ring is configured to deform upon tubular body60.1rotatably coupling to threaded end portion48.1of pipe50.1. The interference ring is made of a material configured to deform when rotatably engaging with the pipe. Interference ring184so deformed inhibits removal of the pipe from the tubular body thereafter. The interference ring thus is cut into by a distal or outermost thread portion186of threading54.1of pipe50.1. Interference ring184deformably couples to the outermost thread portion of the pipe. The interference ring is positionable adjacent to outermost thread portion186of pipe50.1in this example when the pipe and tubular body60.1are fully threadably coupled together.

Still referring toFIG.11B, when pipe thread protector assembly30.1is installed by the pipe fabricator, outer end52.1of male threaded pipe50.1thus makes contact with interference ring184located adjacent inner end185of inner wall187of open pin protector58.1. The interference ring functions as a frictional lock. When installation torque is applied to pipe thread protector assembly30.1, male threaded pipe50.1contacts interference ring184as protector58.1screws down, as shown by arrow189, causing the interference ring to deform. This deformation provides friction and adds resistance to the open pin protector, thus inhibiting the open pin protector from unscrewing itself from pipe50.1inadvertently. The amount of frictional resistance interference ring184provides to the protector may be determined by width/distance DPand depth/length LPof the interference ring. The interference ring may further function as an edge or seat to hold seal182in place.

There is thus provided a method of transporting and drifting a pipe using the pipe thread protector assembly30.1as herein described. As seen inFIG.11A, the method includes coupling together tubular body60.1and plug96.1of the pipe thread protector assembly. The method may include moving locking screw170.1into the locked position thereof in which removal of the plug from the tubular body is inhibited. The method includes threadably connecting tubular body60.1and plug96.1so coupled together to threaded end portion48.1of pipe50.1, with debris being inhibited from contacting outer end face56.1and interior51.1of the pipe thereby. The method includes transporting the pipe, with the tubular body and the plug so coupled thereto, to a work site.

The method includes drifting pipe50.1by removing plug96.1from tubular body60.1so coupled to the pipe. Within this removal step, the method may include moving locking screw170.1from the locked position to the unlocked position in which the plug is selectively removable from the tubular body. The method thereafter includes biasing mandrel113.1having pre-determined outer diameter DM.1through the tubular body and into the pipe. The method includes determining that the pipe is acceptable if the mandrel extends therein, and determining that the pipe is unacceptable if the cylindrical member is inhibited from extending therein. The method may further include after the biasing step, re-connecting plug96.1to tubular body60.1, with debris being inhibited from contacting end face56.1and interior51.1of pipe50.1once more.

FIGS.12to15show a pipe thread protector assembly30.2according to a further embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as pipe thread protector assembly30.1shown inFIGS.8to11Bwith the decimal extension “0.2” replacing decimal extension “0.1” and being added for parts not previously having a decimal extension. Pipe thread protector assembly30.2is substantially the same as pipe thread protector assembly30.1shown inFIGS.8to11Bwith at least the following exceptions.

As seen inFIG.13, the end member, in this example removable, impact-absorbing plug96.2has a central, open-ended chamber109.2that is elongate. Central recessed portion104.2of the plug is spaced-apart below ribs146.2and166.2. The ribs extend about and extend radially outwards from the chamber. Central recessed portion104.2of plug96.2is longitudinally inwardly spaced from outer end face56.2of the pipe50.2when the pipe is fully threadably coupled to tubular body60.2in this example. The central recessed portion of the plug is longitudinally inwardly spaced from seal182.2in this example. Chamber109.2and central recessed portion104.2of plug96.2are shaped to extend at least in part within interior51.2of pipe50.2. The chamber and central recessed portion of the plug are shaped to extend at least in part within interior68.2and inner portion84.2of tubular body60.2of pin protector58.2.

As seen inFIG.15, chamber109.2and recessed portion104.2of the plug are shaped to receive a distal end portion190of a hook192. The hook is used to selectively pick up pipe50.2. Pipe thread protector assembly30.2so shaped may thus facilitate manipulation of the pipe, including selectively raising, lowering and moving of the pipe.

As seen inFIG.14, seal182.2is annular and triangular in lateral cross-section in this example in an uncompressed state as shown by dotted lines193. The seal is shaped to move towards (as shown by arrow203) and fit within tapered groove180.2in the compressed state as shown in solid lines. The seal has a first or inner face194that is planar in lateral section in this example. The inner face of seal180.2is shaped to cover and extend along outer end face56.2of pipe50.2, thus inhibiting water or other contaminates from entering threading54.2of male threaded pipe50.2when plug96.2is removed. Inner face194of the seal may be coextensive with or greater in extent compared the outer end face of the pipe; however, this is not strictly required. The inner face of seal182.2is radially-extending in lateral section when in the compressed state shown in dotted lines193in this example.

Seal182.2has a second, radially-outward facing or peripheral face196which is planar in lateral section in this example. The peripheral face of the seal is radially outwardly facing at least in part. Peripheral face196′ of seal182.2is slanted in the uncompressed state of the seal shown in ghost193and from the perspective ofFIG.14. The peripheral face of the seal is shaped to extend along inner wall187.2of open pin protector58.2adjacent inner end185.2of the inner wall when the seal is in the compressed state by dotted lines193. Peripheral face196of seal182.2abuts and may be coextensive with the sub-portion195of the inner wall of the open pin protector; however, this is not strictly required. The peripheral face196of seal182.2may be longitudinally extending in lateral section when in the compressed state shown in dotted lines193.

The seal has a third, radially-inward facing or slanted face198which is planar in lateral section. Slanted face198′ is more angularly spaced from face196of seal182.2when the seal is in an uncompressed state. Slanted face198is shaped to extend along slanted shoulder191.2of tubular body60.2when seal182.2is in the compressed state shown by dotted lines193. Slanted face198of seal182.2is slanted in lateral section when in the compressed state. The slanted face of the seal abuts and may be coextensive with slanted shoulder191.2of tubular body60.2; however, this is not strictly required. The seal in its compressed state biases faces194,196and198thereof against end face56.2of pipe50.2, inner wall187.2of open pin protector58.2, and shoulder191.2of tubular body60.2. This thereby inhibits water ingress and promotes sealing of the end face of the pipe, threading54.2of the pipe, threading86.2of the tubular body and interference ring184.2.

FIG.16shows a pipe thread protector assembly30.3according to yet another embodiment. Like parts have like numbers and functions as pipe thread protector assembly30shown inFIGS.1to7Bwith the addition of decimal extension “0.3”. Pipe thread protector assembly30.3is substantially the same as pipe thread protector assembly30shown inFIGS.1to7Bwith at least the following exceptions.

Pipe coupling32.3has an inner shoulder200adjacent and in fluid communication with interior33.3thereof and right-handed threading40.3of first female member38.3thereof. Seal76.3is shaped to be received within, extend about and protect the inner shoulder of the pipe coupling when open box protector58.3and the pipe coupling are so coupled together.

Where a component (e.g. an assembly, device, member, etc.) is referred to herein, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a “means”) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Interpretation of Terms

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:“comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”;“connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;“herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;“or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms. These terms (“a”, “an”, and “the”) mean one or more unless stated otherwise;“and/or” is used to indicate one or both stated cases may occur, for example A and/or B includes both (A and B) and (A or B);“approximately” when applied to a numerical value means the numerical value±10%;where a feature is described as being “optional” or “optionally” present or described as being present “in some embodiments” it is intended that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments where that feature is present and other embodiments where that feature is not necessarily present and other embodiments where that feature is excluded. Further, where any combination of features is described in this application this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology such as “solely,” “only” and the like in relation to the combination of features as well as the use of “negative” limitation(s)” to exclude the presence of other features; and“first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or indicating the number of indicated technical features.

Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

Where a range for a value is stated, the stated range includes all sub-ranges of the range. It is intended that the statement of a range supports the value being at an endpoint of the range as well as at any intervening value to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, as well as any subrange or sets of sub ranges of the range unless the context clearly dictates otherwise or any portion(s) of the stated range is specifically excluded. Where the stated range includes one or both endpoints of the range, ranges excluding either or both of those included endpoints are also included in the invention.

Certain numerical values described herein are preceded by “about”. In this context, “about” provides literal support for the exact numerical value that it precedes, the exact numerical value±5%, as well as all other numerical values that are near to or approximately equal to that numerical value. Unless otherwise indicated a particular numerical value is included in “about” a specifically recited numerical value where the particular numerical value provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited numerical value in the context in which the specifically recited numerical value is presented. For example, a statement that something has the numerical value of “about 10” is to be interpreted as: the set of statements:in some embodiments the numerical value is 10;in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of 9.5 to 10.5;
and if from the context the person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that values within a certain range are substantially equivalent to 10 because the values with the range would be understood to provide substantially the same result as the value 10 then “about 10” also includes:in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of C to D where C and D are respectively lower and upper endpoints of the range that encompasses all of those values that provide a substantial equivalent to the value 10

Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any other described embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Any aspects described above in reference to apparatus may also apply to methods and vice versa.

Various features are described herein as being present in “some embodiments”. Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. All possible combinations of such features are contemplated by this disclosure even where such features are shown in different drawings and/or described in different sections or paragraphs. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that “some embodiments” possess feature A and “some embodiments” possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible). This is the case even if features A and B are illustrated in different drawings and/or mentioned in different paragraphs, sections or sentences.

Additional Description

Examples of pipe thread protector assemblies have been described. The following clauses are offered as further description.(1) A pipe thread protector comprising: a tubular body shaped to protect a threaded end portion of a pipe or a pipe coupling; and an end member with an inner portion which is frustoconical in outer shape, configured to extend laterally across and threadably couple to the tubular body.(2) A pipe thread protector comprising: a tubular body shaped to protect a threaded end portion of a pipe or a pipe coupling, the tubular body including an inner portion with a first of right-handed and left-handed threading, and the tubular body including an outer portion with a second of right-handed and left-handed threading; and an end member including the second of right-handed and left-handed threading via which the end member threadably couples to the outer portion of the tubular body.(3) A pipe thread protector comprising: a tubular body shaped to protect a threaded end portion of a pipe or a pipe coupling; and an end member shaped to extend laterally across and selectively couple to the tubular body, wherein the end member has a thickness at least in part equal to or greater than that of the tubular body.(4) A pipe thread protector comprising: a tubular body shaped to protect a threaded end portion of a pipe or a pipe coupling, the tubular body having an outer end, an inner end, and a tapered bore which tapers from the outer end thereof towards the inner end thereof; and an end member shaped to be received in part within the tapered bore, and extend laterally across and removably couple to the tubular body.(5) A pipe thread protector comprising: a tubular body shaped to protect a threaded end portion of a pipe or a pipe coupling; an end member shaped to removably couple to and extend laterally across the tubular body; and a locking member moveable from a first position, in which removal of the end member from the tubular body is inhibited, to a second position in which the end member is selectively removable from the tubular body.(6) The pipe thread protector of clause 5, wherein the locking member is a fastener threadably coupled to the end member and selectively extendable within a recess of the tubular body.(7) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 5 to 6, wherein the end member threadably couples to the tubular body.(8) The pipe thread protector of any preceding clause wherein the tubular body has threading extending along an inner surface thereof from an inner end thereof towards an outer end thereof.(9) The pipe thread protector of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the tubular body has threading extending along an outer surface thereof via which the tubular body threadably couples to a female threaded end portion of a pipe coupling.(10) The pipe thread protector of any preceding clause further including at least one annular seal positioned between the tubular body and the end member.(11) The pipe thread protector of any one of clauses 1 to 9, further including a pair of annular spaced-apart seals, a first said seal aligning adjacent the outer end of the tubular body and a second said seal aligning adjacent the inner end of the end member.(12) The pipe thread protector of any preceding clause, wherein the end member has a central portion with a thickness equal to or greater than that of the inner portion of the tubular body.(13) A removable plug for a pipe thread protector, the plug comprising: a base member shaped to extend laterally across an open outer end of the pipe thread protector; one or more protrusions coupled to and extending axially outwards from an outer end of the base member; and an inner annular member coupled to, extending axially from, and tapering relative to an inner end of the base member.(14) The plug of clause 10 further including one or more supporting ribs coupled to and extending inwards from the annular member.(15) The plug of clause 11, wherein each said supporting rib extends radially in part and axially in part.(16) The plug of any of clauses 14 to 15, wherein each said supporting rib is a triangular prism in shape.(17) The plug of any one of clauses 14 to 16, wherein the one or more supporting ribs are circumferentially spaced-apart.(18) A pipe thread protector comprising: a tubular body having an inner end, an outer end, and an inner surface along which extends threading from the inner end thereof towards the outer end thereof; and a protrusion coupled to and extending radially inwards from the inner surface of the tubular body adjacent the threading of the tubular body, whereby the protrusion is configured to deform upon rotatably coupling the tubular body to a male threaded end portion of a pipe, with the protrusion so deformed inhibiting removal of the pipe from the tubular body thereafter.(19) The pipe thread protector of clause 18, further including a seal adjacent to and positioned in place via the protrusion.(20) The pipe thread protector of clause 19, wherein the seal is positioned between the protrusion and the outer end of the tubular body.(21) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 18 to 20, wherein the seal is annular and positioned to align with a distal end of the pipe.(22) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 18 to 21, wherein the protrusion is positioned to align with the distal end of the pipe.(23) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 19 to 22, wherein the tubular body has an outer portion that extends from the outer end thereof towards the inner end thereof, extends radially inwards, and has an annular shoulder, and wherein the seal is positioned between the shoulder and the protrusion.(24) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 18 to 23, wherein the protrusion is annular.(25) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 18 to 24, wherein the protrusion is rectangular in longitudinal section.(26) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 18 to 25 wherein the protrusion has a longitudinal length which is less than that of the threading.(27) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 18 to 26 wherein the protrusion extends radially inwards from the inner surface a distance greater than that of the threading.(28) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 18 to 27, wherein the protrusion is cut into by threading of the pipe.(29) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 18 to 27 wherein the protrusion deformably couples to an outermost thread portion of the pipe.(30) The pipe thread protector of any of clauses 18 to 28 wherein the protrusion is positionable adjacent to an outermost thread portion of the pipe.(31) A pipe thread protector comprising: a tubular body shaped to protect a threaded end portion of a pipe or a pipe coupling; and a seal extending about the tubular body, the seal being triangular in lateral cross-section.(32) The pipe thread protector of clause 31, wherein the seal is shaped to extend along an end face of the pipe.(33) A pipe thread protector assembly comprising: a tubular body shaped to protect a threaded end portion of a pipe or a pipe coupling; an end member shaped to removably couple to and extend laterally across a first end portion of the tubular body; and a seal coupled to and extending about a second end portion of the tubular body spaced-apart from the first end portion of the tubular body.(34) A pipe thread protector assembly comprising: a tubular body shaped to protect a threaded end portion of a pipe coupling; an end member removably coupled to the tubular body; and a seal extending about the tubular body and shaped to seal an inner shoulder of the pipe coupling.(35) A pipe thread protector comprising: a tubular body shaped to protect a threaded end portion of a pipe or a pipe coupling; and an end member removably coupled to the tubular body, the end member having a central recessed region extending within the tubular body and being shaped to receive a hook at least in part.(36) A pipe thread protector comprising: a tubular body shaped to protect a threaded end portion of a pipe or a pipe coupling; and a seal extending about the tubular body and shaped to seal an end face of the pipe or the pipe coupling, the seal having an inner diameter equal to or less than the inner diameter of the pipe or the pipe coupling.(37) The pipe thread protector of clause 36, wherein the inner diameter of the seal is not more than ⅛thsmaller than the inner diameter of the pipe or the pipe coupling.(38) The pipe thread protector of any one of clauses 36 to 37, further including an end member removably coupled to the tubular body.(39) A method of transporting and drifting a pipe using the pipe thread protector assembly of any preceding clause, the method comprising: coupling together the tubular body and the end member of the pipe thread protector assembly; threadably connecting the tubular body and the end member so coupled together to the threaded end portion of the pipe or a pipe coupling of the pipe, with debris being inhibited from contacting the outer end face and interior of the pipe thereby; transporting the pipe, with the tubular body and the end member so coupled to the threaded end portion thereof, to a work site; drifting the pipe by removing the end member from the tubular body so coupled to the pipe or the pipe coupling of the pipe and thereafter biasing a cylindrical member having a pre-determined outer diameter through the tubular body and into the pipe; and determining that the pipe is acceptable if the cylindrical member extends therein, and determining that the pipe is unacceptable if the cylindrical member is inhibited from extending therein.(40) The method of clause 39, further including after the biasing step, re-connecting the end member to the tubular body, with debris being inhibited from contacting the end face and interior of the pipe once more.(41) The method of any one of clauses 38 to 39, wherein the pipe thread protector assembly further includes a locking member, wherein the method includes within the coupling together of the tubular body and the end member step, moving the locking member into a first position in which removal of the end member from the tubular body is inhibited, and wherein the method includes within the drifting the pipe step, moving the locking member from the first position to a second position in which the end member is selectively removable from the tubular body.(42) An apparatus including any new and inventive feature, combination of features, or sub-combination of features as described herein.(43) A pipe thread protector including any new and inventive feature, combination of features, or sub-combination of features as described herein.(44) A removable plug for a pipe thread protector, the removable plug including any new and inventive feature, combination of features, or sub-combination of features as described herein.(45) A pipe thread protector assembly including any new and inventive feature, combination of features, or sub-combination of features as described herein.(46) Methods including any new and inventive steps, acts, combination of steps and/or acts or sub-combination of steps and/or acts as described herein.

It will be appreciated that many variations are possible within the scope of the invention described herein.

It is intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.