Adjustable mast for drilling apparatus

Claim 2

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, a first elongated support member of a substantially shorter length than the derrick section and having upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the first support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, third means for pivotally connecting the first support member to the derrick section intermediate portion for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second pivot axis, a second elongated support member of a shorter length than the derrick section and having upper and lower end portions, fourth means for pivotally connecting the second support member lower portion to the platform to pivot about a third pivot axis substantially spaced from the pivot axis of the second means, and fifth means connecting the second member upper end portion to the derrick section intermediate portion for movement along the length of the intermediate portion and selectively retain the second member upper end portion in various fixed positions along the length of the intermediate portion.

Claim 3

The drilling apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that the fifth means includes an elongated guide member mounted on the derrick section to extend at least the length of the intermediate portion, guide means pivotally mounted on the second support member upper end pOrtion for slidably attaching the second support member upper end portion to the guide member, said guide means being pivotable relative the second support member about a fourth pivot axis, and means for releasably retaining the guide means in a selected fixed position relative the guide member.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 2 further characterized in that the second support member is substantially longer than the first support member, and that the third pivot axis is substantially more remote from the platform front end than the first pivot axis.

Claim 5

The drilling apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that the first and third pivot axes are located relative one another and the distances from the first pivot axis to second pivot axis and the third pivot axis to the fourth pivot axis positions the fourth pivot axis in horizontally and vertically alqgned with the second pivot axis when the second pivot axis is vertically above the first pivot axis.

Claim 6

The drilling apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that there is provided means attached to the derrick section a substantial distance below the third means for releasably fixedly attaching the derrick section to the first support member.

Claim 7

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section, an elongated, rigid, first support member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, second means mounted on the platform and connected to the first support member lower end portion for mounting the first support member on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a vertically extendiNg position and an inclined position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative the platform, third means connecting the first support member upper end portion to the derrick section in a fixed position relative thereto for relative pivotal movement about a second pivot axis between a position the derrick section extends generally parallel to the first member and a position extending generally perpendicular to the first support member when the first support member is in its vertical position, a second elongated rigid support member having upper and lower end portions and being of a substantially greater length than the first support member, fourth means mounted on the platform a substantial distance rearwardly of the second means pivot axis and connected to the second support member lower end portion for mounting the second support member for movement between a first position extending upwardly and forwardly relative the platform and a second position forming a substantially larger included angle between the platform and the second support member than when the second support member is in its first position, and fifth means mounted on the second support member upper end portion for supportingly engaging the derrick section intermediate portion in selected fixed positions along the length thereof.

Claim 8

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section, an elongated, rigid, first support member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, second means mounted on the platform and connected to the first support member lower end portion for mounting the first support member on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a vertically extendiNg position and an inclined position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative the platform, third means connecting the first support member upper end portion to the derrick section in a fixed position relative thereto for relative pivotal movement about a second pivot axis between a position the derrick section extends generally parallel to the first member and a position extending generally perpendicular to the first support member when the first support member is in its vertical position, a second elongated rigid support member having upper and lower end portions and being of a substantially greater length than the first support member, fourth means mounted on the platform a substantial distance rearwardly of the second means pivot axis and connected to the second support member lower end portion for mounting the second support member for movement between a first position extending upwardly and forwardly relative the platform and a second position forming a substantially larger included angle between the platform and the second support member than when the second support member is in its first position, and fifth means mounted on the second support member upper end portion for supportingly engaging the derrick section intermediate portion in selected fixed positions along the length thereof.

Claim 9

The drilling apparatus of claim 6 further characterized in that the derrick section includes an elongated guide member and that the fifth means includes guide means mounted on the guide member for slidable movement relative thereto along the length thereof and pivotally connecting the second support member to the guide member, and means for releasably securing the guide means in a fixed slided position relative the guide member, including a position permitting the derrick section being pivoted about the second pivot axis to extend perpendicular to the first support member when the first support member is in a vertical position.

Claim 10

The drilling apparatus of claim 6 further characterized in that the fifth means includes clamp means for clampingly engaging the derrick section in selected fixed positions along the derrick section intermediate portion, and sixth means mounted on the second member upper end portion for mounting the clamp means for pivotal movement about a fourth pivot axis relative the second support member.

Claim 11

The drilling apparatus of claim 8 further characterized in that the derrick section includes a rear leg having a lower end and an elongated guide member mounted on the rear leg in a fixed position relative thereto, that the clamp means includes guide means slidably mounted on the guide member, that there is provided means for releasably fixedly securing the first support member to the derrick section at a location substantially spaced from the second pivot axis to block pivotal movement of the first support member relative the derrick section, that the platform is a skid, and that the second means includes a pivot member located at a slightly higher elevation than the skid and adjacent the lower end of the rear leg when the derrick section is at a substantial angle to the vertical and the first support member is fixedly secured to the derrick section.

Claim 12

The drilling apparatus of claim 8 further characterized in that there is provided ninth means for selectively fixedly securing the derrick section to the first support member at a substantial distance from the second pivot axis.

Claim 13

The drilling apparatus of claim 10 further characterized in the first and fourth pivot axes are coextensive when the derrick section and first support members are vertical, and that the derrick section has front legs abuttable against the platform when the derrick section extends vertically, and rear legs, the third means being mounted on the rear legs.

Claim 14

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill heAd on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, power means for selectively reciprocally moving the drill head and first means, a first elongated support member of a substantially shorter length than the derrick section and having upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the first support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a generally vertical position and a position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative to the platform, third means for pivotally connecting the first support member upper end portion to the derrick section intermediate portion for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second pivot axis, and fourth means mounted on the platform and connected to the derrick section to act in cooperation with the first support member and the second and third means for supportingly retaining the derrick section in any one of various selected angular positions, relative the platform, said fourth means comprising an elongated rigid second support member having an upper end position and a lower end portion, fifth means for mounting the second support member on the platform for movement relative thereto between various angular positions relative the platform and sixth means for connecting the second support member upper end portion to the derrick section for movement relative thereto including to a position vertically and horizontally closely adjacent the second pivot axis.

Claim 15

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill heAd on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, power means for selectively reciprocally moving the drill head and first means, a first elongated support member of a substantially shorter length than the derrick section and having upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the first support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a generally vertical position and a position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative to the platform, third means for pivotally connecting the first support member upper end portion to the derrick section intermediate portion for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second pivot axis, and fourth means mounted on the platform and connected to the derrick section to act in cooperation with the first support member and the second and third means for supportingly retaining the derrick section in any one of various selected angular positions, relative the platform, said fourth means comprising an elongated rigid second support member having an upper end position and a lower end portion, fifth means for mounting the second support member on the platform for movement relative thereto between various angular positions relative the platform and sixth means for connecting the second support member upper end portion to the derrick section for movement relative thereto including to a position vertically and horizontally closely adjacent the second pivot axis.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 12 further characterized in that the sixth means includes a pivot member mounted on the second member upper end portion to have a third pivot axis, and slide means joined to the pivot member for pivotally movement about the third pivot axis and slidably mounted on the derrick section intermediate portion for being retained in selected fixed slided positions relative thereto, including a position that the third pivot axis is coextensive with the second pivot axis when the first support member extends generally vertically, and that is provided a third support member mounted on the platform to in cooperation with the first support member in a vertical condition, and the second means and the pivot member in positions that the second and third pivot axes are coextensive, support the derrick section in a horizontal position.

Claim 17

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, a first elongated support member of a substantially shorter length than the derrick section and having upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the first support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, third means for pivotally connecting the first support member to the derrick section intermediate portion for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second pivot axis, a second elongated support member of a shorter length than the derrick section, of substantially longer length than the first support member, and having upper and lower end portions, fourth means for pivotally connecting the second support member lower portion to the platform to pivot about a third pivot axis substantially spaced from the pivot axis of the second means and substantially more remote from the platform front end than the first pivot axis, fifth means connecting the second member upper end portion to the derrick section intermediate portion for movement along the length of the intermediate portion and selectively retain the second member upper end portion in a fixed position along the length of the intermediate portion, the fifth means including an elongated guide member mounted on the derrick section to extend at least the length of the intermediate portion, guide meAns pivotally mounted on the second support member upper end portion for slidably attaching the second support member upper end portion to the guide member, said guide means being pivotable relative the second support member about a fourth pivot axis, and clamp means for releasably retaining the guide means in a selected fixed position relative the guide member, the first and third pivot axes being located relative one another and the distances from the first pivot axis to second pivot axis and the third pivot axis to the fourth pivot axis positioning the fourth pivot axis in horizontally and vertically alignment with the second pivot axis when the second pivot axis is vertically above the first pivot axis, means attached to the derrick section a substantial distance below the third means for releasably fixedly attaching the derrick section to the first support member, said first means including a carriage mounted on the derrick section for reciprocal movement and power means attached to the carriage and derrick section for reciprocating the carriage relative the derrick section, and means for attaching the carriage to the guide means for moving the guide means with the carriage when the clamp means is in an unclamped condition.

Claim 18

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, a first elongated support member of a substantially shorter length than the derrick section and having upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the first support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, third means for pivotally connecting the first support member to the derrick section intermediate portion for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second pivot axis, a second elongated support member of a shorter length than the derrick section, of substantially longer length than the first support member, and having upper and lower end portions, fourth means for pivotally connecting the second support member lower portion to the platform to pivot about a third pivot axis substantially spaced from the pivot axis of the second means and substantially more remote from the platform front end than the first pivot axis, fifth means connecting the second member upper end portion to the derrick section intermediate portion for movement along the length of the intermediate portion and selectively retain the second member upper end portion in a fixed position along the length of the intermediate portion, the fifth means including an elongated guide member mounted on the derrick section to extend at least the length of the intermediate portion, guide meAns pivotally mounted on the second support member upper end portion for slidably attaching the second support member upper end portion to the guide member, said guide means being pivotable relative the second support member about a fourth pivot axis, and clamp means for releasably retaining the guide means in a selected fixed position relative the guide member, the first and third pivot axes being located relative one another and the distances from the first pivot axis to second pivot axis and the third pivot axis to the fourth pivot axis positioning the fourth pivot axis in horizontally and vertically alignment with the second pivot axis when the second pivot axis is vertically above the first pivot axis, means attached to the derrick section a substantial distance below the third means for releasably fixedly attaching the derrick section to the first support member, said first means including a carriage mounted on the derrick section for reciprocal movement and power means attached to the carriage and derrick section for reciprocating the carriage relative the derrick section, and means for attaching the carriage to the guide means for moving the guide means with the carriage when the clamp means is in an unclamped condition.

Claim 19

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section, said first means including a carriage mounted on the derrick section for movement between the derrick section upper and lower portions, an elongated, rigid, first support member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, second means mounted on the platform and connected to the first support member lower end portion for mounting the first support member on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a vertically extending position and an inclined position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative the platform, third means connecting the first support member upper end portion to the derrick section in a fixed position relative thereto for relative pivotal movement about a second pivot axis between a position the derrick section extends generally parallel to the second member and a position extending generally perpendicular to the first support member when the first support member is in its vertical position, a second elongated rigid support member having upper and lower end portions and being of a substantially greater length than the first support member, fourth means mounted on the platform a substantial distance rearwardly of the second means pivot axis and connected to the second support member lower end portion for mounting the second support member for movement between a first position extending upwardly and forwardly relative the platform and a second position forming a substantially larger included angle between the platform and the second support member than when the second support member is in its first position, fifth means mounted on the second support member upper end portion for supportingly engaging the derrick section intermediate portion in selected fixed positions along the length thereof, said fifth means including clamp means for clampingly engaging the derrick section in selected fixed positions along the derrick section intermediate portion, and sixth means mounted on the second member upper end portion for mounting the clamp means for pivotal movement about a fourth pivot axis relative the second support member, and seventh means connected to the carriage for moving the carriage relative the derrick section between its positions, and eighth means for selectively clamping the carriage to the clamp means to move the clamp means therewith.

Claim 20

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section, said first means including a carriage mounted on the derrick section for movement between the derrick section upper and lower portions, an elongated, rigid, first support member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, second means mounted on the platform and connected to the first support member lower end portion for mounting the first support member on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a vertically extending position and an inclined position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative the platform, third means connecting the first support member upper end portion to the derrick section in a fixed position relative thereto for relative pivotal movement about a second pivot axis between a position the derrick section extends generally parallel to the second member and a position extending generally perpendicular to the first support member when the first support member is in its vertical position, a second elongated rigid support member having upper and lower end portions and being of a substantially greater length than the first support member, fourth means mounted on the platform a substantial distance rearwardly of the second means pivot axis and connected to the second support member lower end portion for mounting the second support member for movement between a first position extending upwardly and forwardly relative the platform and a second position forming a substantially larger included angle between the platform and the second support member than when the second support member is in its first position, fifth means mounted on the second support member upper end portion for supportingly engaging the derrick section intermediate portion in selected fixed positions along the length thereof, said fifth means including clamp means for clampingly engaging the derrick section in selected fixed positions along the derrick section intermediate portion, and sixth means mounted on the second member upper end portion for mounting the clamp means for pivotal movement about a fourth pivot axis relative the second support member, and seventh means connected to the carriage for moving the carriage relative the derrick section between its positions, and eighth means for selectively clamping the carriage to the clamp means to move the clamp means therewith.

Claim 21

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the derrick section on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a generally vertical position and a position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative the platform at a substantial angle to the vertical, an elongated rigid support member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, third means for mounting the support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, a clamp member mounted on the derrick section for slidable movement along a substantial portion of the length of the derrick section and clampable to the derrick section in selected fixed positions, fourth means mounting the clamp member on the support member upper end portion for pivotal movement relative the support member about a third pivotal axis that is parallel to the second pivot axis, power means mounted on the derrick section for moving the first means between a position adjacent the derrick section lower portion and a position adjacent the derrick section upper portion, and means for releasably attaching the clamp member to the first means to move therewith for varying the angle of inclination of the derrick section relative the platform when the first means is being reciprocally moved and the clamp member in in an unclamped slidable condition on the derrick section.

Claim 22

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the derrick section on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a generally vertical position and a position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative the platform at a substantial angle to the vertical, an elongated rigid support member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, third means for mounting the support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, a clamp member mounted on the derrick section for slidable movement along a substantial portion of the length of the derrick section and clampable to the derrick section in selected fixed positions, fourth means mounting the clamp member on the support member upper end portion for pivotal movement relative the support member about a third pivotal axis that is parallel to the second pivot axis, power means mounted on the derrick section for moving the first means between a position adjacent the derrick section lower portion and a position adjacent the derrick section upper portion, and means for releasably attaching the clamp member to the first means to move therewith for varying the angle of inclination of the derrick section relative the platform when the first means is being reciprocally moved and the clamp member in in an unclamped slidable condition on the derrick section.

Claim 23

The drilling apparatus of claim 16 further characterized in that the derrick section includes an elongated guide tube and that the clamp member includes guide shoes slidably retained on the guide tube and means for selectively retaining the guide shoes in a fixed position on the guide tube.

Claim 24

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, power means for selectively reciprocally moving the drill head and first means, a first elongated support member of a substantially shorter length than the derrick section and having upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the first support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a generally vertical position and a position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative to the platform, third means for pivotally connecting the first support member upper end portion to the derrick section intermediate portion for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second pivot axis, and fourth means mounted on the platform and connected to the derrick section to act in cooperation with the first support member and the second and third means for supportingly retaining the derrick section in any one of various selected angular positions relative the platform, said fourth means comprising an elongated rigid second support member, fifth means for mounting the second support member lower end portion on the platform for movement relative thereto between various angular positions relative the platform, sixth means for connecting the second support member upper end portion to the derrick section for movement relative thereto and seventh means for releasably securing the first support member to the derrick section at a location substantially spaced from the third means and acting in cooperation with the third means to hold the derrick section in fixed relationship to the first support member during drilling.

Claim 25

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, power means for selectively reciprocally moving the drill head and first means, a first elongated support member of a substantially shorter length than the derrick section and having upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the first support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a generally vertical position and a position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative to the platform, third means for pivotally connecting the first support member upper end portion to the derrick section intermediate portion for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second pivot axis, and fourth means mounted on the platform and connected to the derrick section to act in cooperation with the first support member and the second and third means for supportingly retaining the derrick section in any one of various selected angular positions relative the platform, said fourth means comprising an elongated rigid second support member, fifth means for mounting the second support member lower end portion on the platform for movement relative thereto between various angular positions relative the platform, sixth means for connecting the second support member upper end portion to the derrick section for movement relative thereto and seventh means for releasably securing the first support member to the derrick section at a location substantially spaced from the third means and acting in cooperation with the third means to hold the derrick section in fixed relationship to the first support member during drilling.

Claim 26

The drilling apparatus of claim 18 further characterized in that sixth means includes a pivot member mounted on the second support member and having a third pivot axis and clamp means pivotally mounted by the pivot member for clampingly engaging the derrick section at various selected locations along the length of the derrick section. 20, The drilling apparatus of claim 19 further characterized in that the clamp means includes means for releasably securing the pivot member to the derrick section in a position the third pivot axis is coextensive with the second pivot axis.

Claim 27

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, said derrick section having a pair of transversely spaced first and second front legs that abut against the platform when the derrick section is in a vertical drilling position and transversely spaced, elongated rear legs, an elongated guide member for each rear leg secured to the respective rear leg to extend along at least the length of the intermediate portion of the derrick section, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the derrick section on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a generally vertical drilling position and a position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative the platform at a substantial angle to the vertical, an elongated rigid support member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, third means for mounting the support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, a clamp member mounted on the derrick section for slidable movement along a substantial portion of the length of the derrick section and clampable to the derrick section in selected fixed positions, the clamp member including for each guide member a pair of guide shoes and means slidably retaining the guide shoes on the respective guide member, and fourth means mounting the clamp member on the support member upper end portion for pivotal movement relative the support member about a third pivot axis that is parallel to the second pivot axis, the second means including a pair of transversely spaced, elongated support arms having upper end portions and lower end portions on the platform for pivotal movement about the first pivot axis, sixth means for pivotally connecting the upper end portion of one of the arms to the one of the derrick rear legs and seventh means for pivotally connecting the upper end portion of the other arm to the other rear leg, said sixth and seventh means having coextensive pivot axes.

Claim 28

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, said derrick section having a pair of transversely spaced first and second front legs that abut against the platform when the derrick section is in a vertical drilling position and transversely spaced, elongated rear legs, an elongated guide member for each rear leg secured to the respective rear leg to extend along at least the length of the intermediate portion of the derrick section, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the derrick section on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a generally vertical drilling position and a position extending upwardly and rearwardly relative the platform at a substantial angle to the vertical, an elongated rigid support member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, third means for mounting the support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, a clamp member mounted on the derrick section for slidable movement along a substantial portion of the length of the derrick section and clampable to the derrick section in selected fixed positions, the clamp member including for each guide member a pair of guide shoes and means slidably retaining the guide shoes on the respective guide member, and fourth means mounting the clamp member on the support member upper end portion for pivotal movement relative the support member about a third pivot axis that is parallel to the second pivot axis, the second means including a pair of transversely spaced, elongated support arms having upper end portions and lower end portions on the platform for pivotal movement about the first pivot axis, sixth means for pivotally connecting the upper end portion of one of the arms to the one of the derrick rear legs and seventh means for pivotally connecting the upper end portion of the other arm to the other rear leg, said sixth and seventh means having coextensive pivot axes.

Claim 29

The apparatus of claim 21 further characterized in that the sixth and seventh means are transversely spaced to permit the slidable retaining means moving therebetween, the slidable retaining means including a pivot member that is movable to a position to have its pivot axis coextensive with the sixth and seventh means pivot axes when the derrick section is in its vertical position.

Claim 30

The drilling apparatus of claim 21 further characterized in that the second means includes means for selectively securing the derrick section to the arms in fixed relation thereto at locations substantially spaced from the sixth and seventh means pivot axes.

Claim 31

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, a first elongated support member of a substantially shorter length than the derrick section and having upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the first support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a generally vertical position and a position inclined at a substantial angle relative to the platform, third means for pivotally connecting the first support member to the derrick section intermediate portion for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second pivot axis, and fourth means mounted on the platform and connected to the derrick section to act in cooperation wIth the first support member and the second and third means for supportingly retaining the derrick section in any one of various selected angular positions relative the platform, said fourth means comprising an elongated rigid second support member, fifth means for mounting the second support member on the platform for movement relative thereto between various angular positions relative the platform, and sixth means connecting the second support member upper end portion to the derrick section for pivotal movement relative thereto about a third pivot axis and mounted for movement along the derrick section intermediate portion between various selected positions, including a position the third pivot axis is coextensive with the second pivot axis when the first support member is in a generally vertical position.

Claim 32

Drilling apparatus comprising a platform having a front end portion and a rear end portion, a derrick section having upper, intermediate and lower end portions, a drill head, first means for mounting the drill head on the derrick section for reciprocal movement between the derrick section upper and lower end portions, a first elongated support member of a substantially shorter length than the derrick section and having upper and lower end portions, second means for mounting the first support member lower end portion on the platform for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis between a generally vertical position and a position inclined at a substantial angle relative to the platform, third means for pivotally connecting the first support member to the derrick section intermediate portion for pivotal movement relative thereto about a second pivot axis, and fourth means mounted on the platform and connected to the derrick section to act in cooperation wIth the first support member and the second and third means for supportingly retaining the derrick section in any one of various selected angular positions relative the platform, said fourth means comprising an elongated rigid second support member, fifth means for mounting the second support member on the platform for movement relative thereto between various angular positions relative the platform, and sixth means connecting the second support member upper end portion to the derrick section for pivotal movement relative thereto about a third pivot axis and mounted for movement along the derrick section intermediate portion between various selected positions, including a position the third pivot axis is coextensive with the second pivot axis when the first support member is in a generally vertical position.