Patent ID: 6845814

Claim:
A rotary slip for supporting a drill string comprising: a plurality of slip segments connected to define an opening for insertion of the drill string, wherein each slip segment comprises a head region, a toe region, and an inner radial surface axially extending between the head and toe regions, and wherein the inner radial surface of each slip segment comprises a circumferential groove; a plurality of axially aligned drill string gripping inserts attached to each slip segment between the head region and the circumferential groove, wherein each insert comprises a gripping surface for contacting the drill string; a load ring disposed within the circumferential groove of each slip element, the load ring comprising at least one securing element which is engaged by one of the plurality of axially aligned inserts to secure the load ring within the circumferential groove; wherein the inner radial surface of each slip segment comprises at least one axial groove extending from the head region to the circumferential groove, such that each axial groove extends into the circumferential groove; and wherein each axial groove has an inner surface, and wherein the inner surface of at least one of the axial grooves of each slip segment comprises a recessed notch.