Thread protector assembly comprising an open thread protector and an engageable closing cap

Abstract

A thread protector assembly for protecting threads on the exterior end of a pipe as well as the interior. The assembly comprises an open protector and a closing cap that defines a completely closed plug that is engageable from above to cover over the open protector. The open protector has an internal thread and a bumper at an upper end with cutouts for applying a torque. The closing cap also has cutouts and internal ribs to engage the cutouts on the open protector and transmit torque to the open protector.

1 . An assembly for protecting threads on the end of a pipe and allowing access to the interior thereof, comprising: 
 an open thread protector ( 1 ) having an internal thread ( 3 ) and an external periphery proximate an upper end ( 4 ) that comprises a protective bumper ( 5 ) and cutouts ( 6 ) for applying a torque to the protector; and    a closing cap ( 2 ) which is adapted to engage over and upon the open thread protector and comprises a number of latches ( 8 ) located proximate an internal periphery of its lower end ( 7 ), that are adapted to deform to engage axially under a lower end ( 3 ′) of the open thread protector ( 1 ) when the inner surface of the closing cap ( 2 ) slightly engages against the outer surface of open thread protector ( 1 ); and    the closing cap upper end ( 10 ) further comprises cutouts on its external periphery for applying a torque ( 13 ) to internal ribs ( 11 ) that are inside the outer radius of the open thread protector and are adapted to transmit torque to the cutouts ( 6 ) on the open protector.    
   
   
       2 . An assembly according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the open thread protector ( 1 ) and closing cap ( 2 ) are made from a non-metallic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyamide and the closing cap acts as a completely closed plug when inserted over the open thread protector.  
   
   
       3 . An assembly according to  claim 1 , characterized in that latches ( 8 ) are equally spaced around the internal periphery of lower end ( 7 ).  
   
   
       4 . An assembly according to  claim 1 , characterized in that between internal surface of the closing cap ( 2 ) and the external surface of the open protector ( 1 ) a clearance space ( 12 ) is defined upon assembly that allows relative rotation between said open protector ( 1 ) and said closing cap ( 2 ).  
   
   
       5 . An assembly according to  claim 1 , characterized in that a lateral wall of the closing cap ( 2 ) has a wall thickness of less than or equal to 2 mm to resist lateral impact, and a protective spacing of bumper ( 9 ) is less than or equal to 8 mm to resist any lateral, 45° or frontal impact.  
   
   
       6 . An assembly according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said internal thread ( 3 ) is adapted to be axially coupled over the external thread of a pipe end.