Thread protector for an externally threaded pipe

Claim 1

A thread protector for protecting the externally threaded ends of a pipe, comprising: a. at least two spaced confronting arcuate sections each section having a top edge and a bottom edge, the top edge of each arcuate section formed as a radially inwardly directed annular flange with a plurality of radially inwardly directed, upwardly projecting bosses formed on each flange, each arcuate section having threads on the inner surface thereof adapted to engage said external threads of said pipe and a continuous raised peripheral shoulder on the outer surface thereof proximate the bottom edge with adjacent arcuate sections being interconnected at a point proximate their respective top edges to form a substantially contiguous cylindrical casing having a top end and a bottom end corresponding to the respective top edges and bottom edges of said arcuate sections; and b. a unitary cylindrical sleeve having a top end and a bottom end corresponding with the top end and bottom end of said casing, the top end of said sleeve formed as a radially inwardly and downwardly depending annular lip and a continuous peripheral channel formed in the inner surface of the sleeve proximate the bottom end thereof adapted to engage the continuous raised peripheral shoulder on the casing whereby when the casing is placed on the threaded end of the pipe and coaxial therewith and the sleeve is force fitted over the casing and coaxial therewith the threads of the casing engage the threads of the pipe, the annular flange contacts and overlays the end of the pipe, the shoulder engages within the channel of the sleeve and the lip of the sleeve contacts and overlays the flange of the casing to secure the thread protector in place over the threaded end of the pipe and to preclude removal thereof except by unscrewing the same as a unit from the threaded end of the pipe, the securement being such that the sleeve may rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the casing and pipe such that forces tending to rotate the sleeve will not disengage the casing from the pipe.