Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of applying a protective shield to a male tool joint of a drill pipe having tapered threads, comprising; positioning a centering hub on the male end of the tool joint, the hub having a tubular portion engaging the tool joint external threads, and having an enlarged diameter centering portion thereof of larger diameter than the outside diameter of the tool joint providing an outer enlarged diameter circumferential centering surface; positioning a sectioned mold around the portion of the tool joint to receive the protective shield, the mold having a rearward end engaging the tool joint and a forward end having an enlarged internal diameter circumferential recess therein which receives the hub circumferential centering surface, the mold having an opening therein, the interior diameter of the mold being greater than the exterior diameter of the tool joint in the area to receive the protective shield providing an annular cavity defining the preselected shape of the protective shield; injecting liquid material through the opening into the mold to fill the annular cavity; allowing the liquid material to solidify; and removing the mold and hub.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
184 words
A method of applying a protective shield to a male tool joint of a drill pipe having tapered threads, comprising; positioning a centering hub on the male end of the tool joint, the hub having a tubular portion engaging the tool joint external threads, and having an enlarged diameter centering portion thereof of larger diameter than the outside diameter of the tool joint providing an outer enlarged diameter circumferential centering surface; positioning a sectioned mold around the portion of the tool joint to receive the protective shield, the mold having a rearward end engaging the tool joint and a forward end having an enlarged internal diameter circumferential recess therein which receives the hub circumferential centering surface, the mold having an opening therein, the interior diameter of the mold being greater than the exterior diameter of the tool joint in the area to receive the protective shield providing an annular cavity defining the preselected shape of the protective shield; injecting liquid material through the opening into the mold to fill the annular cavity; allowing the liquid material to solidify; and removing the mold and hub.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
73 words
A method of applying a protective shield to a male tool joint of a drill pipe having tapered external threads according to claim 1 wherein said step of positioning a hub on the male end of the tool joint includes positioning a hub having a tubular portion having a tapered sleeve of resilient material therein onto the tapered threads, the resilient sleeve serving to retain the hub concentrically on the male tool joint.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of applying a protective shield to a tool joint according to claim 1 including the initial step of preparing the surface of the tool joint in the portion to receive the protective shield.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of applying a protective shield to a tool joint according to claim 3 wherein an initial step of preparing the surface of the tool joint in the portion to receive the protective shield includes mechanically cleaning the tool joint exterior surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of applying a protective shield to a tool joint according to claim 3 wherein an initial step of preparing the surface of the tool joint in the portion to receive the protective shield includes applying a bonding agent to the surface of the tool joint.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of applying a protective shield to a tool joint according to claim 3 wherein the initial step of preparing the surface of the tool joint in the portion to receive the protective shield includes first mechanically buffing the tool joint exterior surface followed by applying a bonding agent to the buffed surface.