US 11,834,914 B2
Quick coupling drill pipe connector
Andrew Ian McKenzie, Cypress, TX (US); and Dominick Mancuso, Tomball, TX (US)
Assigned to NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P., Houston, TX (US)
Filed by NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P., Houston, TX (US)
Filed on Feb. 10, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/786,345.
Prior Publication US 2021/0246738 A1, Aug. 12, 2021
Int. Cl. F16L 15/08 (2006.01); E21B 17/043 (2006.01); F16L 37/252 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 17/043 (2013.01) [F16L 15/08 (2013.01); F16L 37/252 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A quick connect pipe connection for drill pipe; comprising:
a box end having an annular end surface that gives way internally to a receiving portion and externally to an engagement portion, wherein the receiving portion comprises a plurality of alternating spline slots and ribs extending substantially longitudinally and the engagement portion comprises an engagement feature on an outer surface thereof in the form of a union type connection feature; and
a pin end configured for rotationally and longitudinally engaging the box end, the pin end comprising:
a circumferential rib defining an annularly shaped sealing surface adapted to abut and seal against the annular end surface of the box end; and
a tapered portion distal to the circumferential rib and configured for longitudinal insertion into the receiving portion and resisting relative rotation between the box end and the pin end, wherein the tapered portion comprises a plurality of alternating spline slots and ribs configured for engaging the spline slots and ribs of the receiving portion, the plurality of alternating spline slots and ribs extending along a full length of the tapered portion; and
a collar configured for sleeving over the engagement portion of the box end and resisting relative longitudinal motion between the box end and the pin end.