US 12,240,047 B2
Quick-release coupling for drilling and related methods
Timothy D. Burgess, South Point, OH (US); William Andrew Burgess, Huntington, WV (US); Lyle Abraham Crum, Huntington, WV (US); and Douglas Bise, Huntington, WV (US)
Assigned to J.H. Fletcher & Co., Huntington, WV (US)
Filed by J.H. Fletcher & Co., Huntington, WV (US)
Filed on Dec. 30, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/565,876.
Application 17/565,876 is a continuation of application No. 16/636,045, granted, now 11,213,900, previously published as PCT/US2019/016514, filed on Feb. 4, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/743,196, filed on Oct. 9, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/625,605, filed on Feb. 2, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2022/0118530 A1, Apr. 21, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B23B 51/12 (2006.01); B23B 31/113 (2006.01); E21B 17/02 (2006.01); E21B 17/03 (2006.01)
CPC B23B 51/126 (2013.01) [B23B 31/113 (2013.01); E21B 17/02 (2013.01); B23B 2231/04 (2013.01); B23B 2231/24 (2013.01); E21B 17/03 (2013.01); Y10T 279/17111 (2015.01); Y10T 279/17863 (2015.01); Y10T 279/3406 (2015.01); Y10T 408/957 (2015.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for forming a releasable connection, comprising:
a first drill part adapted for coupling with a second drill part by a quick-release coupling formed by a first projection formed in a first outer sidewall of the first drill part having an at least partial dovetail shape and a recess formed in a second outer sidewall of the second drill part having an at least partial dovetail shape;
wherein an opening in the recess is adapted for receiving the projection in an axial direction and the recess is adapted for engaging the first projection upon rotation of the first drill part relative to the second drill part to form the quick-release coupling and thereby resist separation of the first drill part from the second drill part in the axial direction;
wherein the first drill part and second drill part each include an internal passage for allowing fluid flow therethrough.