High Strength Pipe Thread Protector

Abstract

A device for protecting a portion of a pipe is provided. The device comprises a disk-shaped base having a proximal base surface and a distal base surface. An annular connector extends proximally from the base and has an interior connector surface and an exterior connector surface and a threaded engagement portion configured for threadably engaging the series of pipe threads. The device further comprises a ridge extending distally from at least a portion of the outer edge of the distal base surface. The ridge has a ridge height, an outer ridge surface and an inner ridge surface. The device also comprises a plurality of ribs extending distally from the distal base surface and radially inward toward the base axis from the inner ridge surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for protecting a portion of a pipe having a pipe end, a pipe axis and a series of pipe threads adjacent the pipe end, the device comprising:
 a disk-shaped base having a proximal base surface that faces the pipe end when the device is installed on the pipe and a distal base surface, the base being a body of revolution about a base axis that is coaxial with the pipe axis when the device is installed on the pipe;   an annular connector extending proximally from the base, the annular connector having an interior connector surface and an exterior connector surface and a threaded engagement portion configured for threadably engaging the series of pipe threads for securing the device to the pipe;   a ridge extending distally from at least a portion of an outer edge of the distal base surface, the ridge having a ridge height, an outer ridge surface and an inner ridge surface; and   a plurality of ribs extending distally from the distal base surface and radially inward toward the base axis from the inner ridge surface.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the threaded engagement portion is a part of the exterior connector surface for threadable engagement with a box end of the pipe. 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a plurality of support members extending proximally from the proximal base surface and radially inward toward the base axis from the interior connector surface. 
 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 means for receiving an engagement portion of a tool configured for threading the device onto the pipe end. 
 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a plurality of cylindrical holes through the distal base surface, said holes configured for receiving an engagement portion of a tool configured for threading the device onto or removing the device from the pipe end. 
 
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 5  wherein the base has a base thickness and at least one of the plurality of holes through the distal base surface extends through less than the base thickness. 
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 5  wherein one of the plurality of holes through the distal base surface is coaxial with the base axis. 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 7  further comprising an annular hole extension member extending proximally from the proximal base surface, the annular extension wall having an interior aligned with and in communication with the one of the plurality of holes that is coaxial with the base axis. 
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a pair of tool engagement slots in the ridge, the pair of tool engagement slots being positioned on a diameter through the base axis on opposing sides of the ridge. 
 
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 9  wherein the ridge height is greater in areas adjacent the tool engagement slots. 
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein each rib has a rib height that is the same as the ridge height where the rib extends radially inward from the ridge. 
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein said base, said annular connector, said ridge, and said ribs are a single integrally formed body. 
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 12  where in the integrally formed body is formed from a thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 13  wherein the thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, and acetal. 
     
     
         15 . A device according to  claim 13  wherein the thermoplastic material includes at least one polymer additive. 
     
     
         16 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein said device meets the impact loading requirements of API 5CT Annex I at temperatures ranging from −50° F. to 150° F.