Method and apparatus for extended arm stabbing of pipe and other tubular goods

Abstract

An extended stabbing assembly permits quick and efficient installation of a stabbing guide on a first threaded connection member from a safe distance away from said threaded connection member, and removal of said stabbing guide following completion of a pipe make-up (connection) operation. A pair of opposing arcuate arm members are attached to a yoke member, which is attached to an elongate extension rod. The opposing arcuate members can be selectively alternated between a first (substantially open or spread apart) position and a second (partially closed or inwardly pointing) position. Tapered pipe guide members extend from the upper surface of the arcuate arm members and yoke member.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An extended pipe stabbing assembly comprising:
 a) an elongate extension member having a distal end and a proximate end;   b) a pair of opposing gripping members pivotally disposed at said distal end, wherein said opposing gripping members are adapted to selectively shift between a first substantially spread apart position and a second partially closed position; and   c) a plurality of tapered guide members attached to said opposing gripping members or said elongate extension member.   
     
     
         2 . The extended pipe stabbing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the length of said elongate extension member is in the range from 4 to 10 feet. 
     
     
         3 . The extended pipe stabbing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each of said pair of opposing gripping members has an arcuate shape. 
     
     
         4 . The extended pipe stabbing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of tapered guide members are removably attached to said opposing gripping members or said elongate extension member. 
     
     
         5 . An extended pipe stabbing assembly comprising:
 a) an elongate tubular member having a proximate end, a distal end and a central through bore extending from said proximate end to said distal end;   b) a drive rod slidably disposed within said central bore of said elongate tubular member, wherein said drive rod extends substantially along the entire length of said elongate tubular member;   c) a yoke member disposed at said distal end of said elongate tubular member;   d) a pair of opposing gripping members pivotally connected to said yoke member, wherein said opposing gripping members are adapted to selectively shift between a first substantially spread apart position and a second partially closed position; and   e) a plurality of tapered guide members connected to said opposing gripping members and said yoke member.   
     
     
         6 . The extended pipe stabbing assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said pair of opposing gripping members shift between said first and second positions in response to axial movement of said drive rod. 
     
     
         7 . The extended pipe stabbing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the length of said elongate tubular member is in the range from 4 to 10 feet. 
     
     
         8 . The extended pipe stabbing assembly of  claim 5 , wherein each of said pair of opposing gripping members has an arcuate shape. 
     
     
         9 . The extended pipe stabbing assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said plurality of tapered guide members are removably attached to said opposing gripping members or said elongate extension member. 
     
     
         10 . The extended pipe stabbing assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said pair of opposing gripping members and yoke members cooperate to form a substantially circular shape when said opposing gripping members are in