Pick with Threaded Shank

Abstract

A degradation assembly may comprise a block secured to a surface. The degradation assembly may also comprise a pick comprising a working end and a shank. The shank may comprise a continuous external circumference and a shank thread form configured to secure the shank within the block, or within a holder secured within the block.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A degradation assembly, comprising:
 a block secured to a surface; and   a pick comprising a working end and a shank,   wherein the shank comprises a continuous external circumference and a shank thread form configured to secure the shank within the block.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the shank comprises an outer surface and the shank thread form is disposed on the outer surface. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the block comprises a bore there through. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the block comprises a block thread form disposed within the bore and the shank thread form is configured to mate with the block thread form. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the shank thread form comprises a buffer pad configured to clean the block thread form as the shank thread form is mated with the block thread form. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the shank thread form and the block thread form are collectively configured to prevent the pick from rotating within the block while in operation. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the shank thread form and the block thread form are collectively configured to tighten due to impacts on the working end while in operation. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the shank comprises a solid cross-section. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the working end comprises a tip comprising a superhard material. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the shank comprises a tapered section configured to taper toward a bottom portion opposite of the working end. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the tapered section is formed between the shank thread form and the working end, and the tapered section is configured to provide an interference fit between the shank and the block. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the shank thread form is disposed on the tapered section. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the tapered section is configured to resist a majority of the working torque between the pick and the block while in operation. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the pick comprises a reduced cross-section between the shank and the working end providing a predetermined area of failure. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the shank is hollow. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the shank thread form is disposed on an internal surface of the shank. 
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the shank thread form tapers inwardly towards the working end. 
     
     
         18 . A degradation assembly, comprising:
 a block secured to a surface;   a holder secured within the block; and   a pick comprising a working end and a shank,   wherein the shank comprises a continuous external circumference and a shank thread form configured to secure the shank within the holder.   
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the holder comprises a bore there through. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the holder is secured within the block by an interference fit or spring clamp.