Horseshoe shaped elevator and method for using same

Abstract

A U-shaped elevator having no doors is provided with first and second latching mechanisms which when contacted by the tubular to be entrapped within the elevator move from a closed position to an open position and which then return to a closed position as soon as the tubular is entrapped within the elevator. The latching mechanisms have a safety catch which prevents the tubular from being inadvertently removed from the elevator. The safety latch mechanism can only be activated by a handle which is manipulated by hand by personnel working on the derrick utilizing the elevator. The elevator has an open throat to receive tubulars that have couplers or other features with a lower flange surface for lifting a pipe string. The throat access has blocking members that are movable to allow tubulars to move out of the gap unless the blocking members are locked to prevent such movement. The blocking members have latches biased toward a position to immobilize the members. To allow tubulars to exit the throat, an unlocking mechanism is actuated manually or by motorized means under remote control.

1 . An elevator for lifting and lowering an oilfield tubular joint, the elevator comprising: 
 a) a body having adjacent arms separated by a throat arranged to accept said oilfield tubular joint;    b) a throat access blocking member arranged to allow said oilfield tubular joint to enter said throat; and    c) said throat access blocking member capable of being held in the closed state, but is non-responsive to force applied by said tubular joint tending to move out of said throat.    
   
   
       2 . The elevator according to  claim 1  wherein each of said blocking members comprises a door which pivots on said body, wherein the actuation of said blocking member is controlled pneumatically.  
   
   
       3 . The elevator according to  claim 1 , wherein said blocking member comprises a door which pivots on said body, wherein the actuation of said blocking member is controlled hydraulically.  
   
   
       4 . A method for entrapping and releasing a joint of tubular within an elevator, comprising the steps of: 
 Positioning said elevator, carrying a latching member, above a joint of oilfield tubular; lowering said elevator over said tubular to thereby entrap said tubular within said elevator using said latching member; and releasing the entrapment of said tubular.    
   
   
       5 . A method for entrapping and releasing an oilfield tubular joint within an elevator, comprising the steps of: 
 a) positioning an elevator, carrying a latching member; beside an oilfield tubular joint;    b) entrapping said tubular joint within said elevator by pushing the elevator and the tubular joint into latching engagement with each other; and    c) releasing the entrapment of said tubular joint.    
   
   
       6 . An elevator for lifting and lowering a joint of oilfield tubular, casing, the elevator comprising: 
 a) a body having adjacent arms separated by a throat arranged to accept said joint of oilfield tubular; and    b) one of said arms provided with a throat access blocking member that is arranged such that the blocking member responds to force delivered to said blocking member by said joint of oilfield tubular to allow said oilfield tubular to enter and/or exit said throat.