US 11,719,052 B2
Flexible coupling for downhole drive string
Douglas Rosten, Grande Prairie (CA); Derek Kitchen, Elmworth (CA); Jeffrey Golinowski, Sherwood Park (CA); Trevor Rosten, Grande Prairie (CA); and Cody Brown, Grande Prairie (CA)
Assigned to TIER 1 ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC., Edmonton (CA)
Filed by Tier 1 Energy Tech, Inc., Edmonton (CA)
Filed on Feb. 5, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/267,514.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/631,123, filed on Feb. 15, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2019/0249500 A1, Aug. 15, 2019
Int. Cl. E21B 17/042 (2006.01); E21B 17/20 (2006.01); E21B 19/16 (2006.01); E21B 17/05 (2006.01); F16L 27/02 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 17/042 (2013.01) [E21B 17/05 (2013.01); E21B 17/20 (2013.01); E21B 19/16 (2013.01); F16L 27/02 (2013.01)] 8 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A flexible coupling for coupling sections of a downhole tubing string, comprising:
(a) first and second coupling sections, each comprising a tubing string attachment at a first end and a contact surface at a second end;
(b) a central section having a proximal end facing the first coupling section and a distal end facing the second coupling section; and
(c) a first pivoting connector rigidly attached to one of the first coupling section or the central section and pivotally attached to the other;
(d) a second pivoting connector rigidly attached to one of the second coupling section or the central section and pivotally attached to the other;
wherein the flexible coupling is moveable between an axially aligned position where the first and second pivoting connectors maintain separation between the first and second coupling section contact surfaces and the central section, and a pivoted position wherein one or both of the first and second coupling section contact surfaces is in direct physical contact with the central section to limit pivotal movement of the first and second coupling sections, respectively, relative to the central section; and
wherein the flexible coupling defines a bore passing through the first and second coupling sections, the central section and the first and second pivoting connectors, providing fluid communication through the flexible coupling, wherein the bore is open at the first and second coupling section first ends for fluid communication from the bore into the sections of the downhole tubing string when coupled to the first and second coupling section first ends, and
wherein the portion of the bore passing through the first and second coupling sections has a larger cross-sectional area along its entire length than the portion of the bore passing through the first and second pivoting connectors.