Inventors:
Joe Ramey - Youngsville LA, US
Wilson Leblanc - New Iberia LA, US
International Classification:
B65H059/10
Abstract:
A tubular handling device. The device includes a first slip having an arcuate inner face that has a first longitudinally disposed slot and a first ledge therein. A second slip is connected to the first slip, with the second slip having an arcuate inner face that has a second longitudinally disposed slot and a second ledge therein. A third slip is connected to the second slip, with the third slip having an arcuate inner face that has a third longitudinally disposed slot and a third ledge therein. The device further comprises a first insert having a first shoulder is configured to fit within the first ledge, and wherein the first insert is capable of transferring a load from the first shoulder to the first ledge. A second insert having a second shoulder is configured to fit within the second ledge and wherein the second insert is capable of transferring the load from the second shoulder to the second ledge. A third insert having a third shoulder is included, with the third insert being configured to fit within the third ledge and wherein the third insert is capable of transferring the load from the third shoulder to the third ledge. The slips may contain multiple ledges that are configured to cooperate with multiple shoulders contained on the inserts so that the load is transferred from the shoulders to the ledges. In one embodiment, the ledges have an angled surface that cooperates with a complementary angle of the shoulders. A method of handling tubular members on a drilling rig is also disclosed.