Coupling Assembly and Protective Ring therefor The present invention relates to a protective ring or gasket for use in a coupling assembly, to a coupling assembly comprising the protective ring, and to a method of coupling tubulars together using the coupling assembly.

Many tubulars are used to convey corrosive or erosive materials . Many piping systems and pipelines transport fluids that are highly corrosive to the carbon steel used in the pipe. In the drilling for and the production and injection of oil and gas, corrosion resistant alloy pipe, e.g., casing or tubing, is now used in the drilling of oil and gas wells into zones that produce highly corrosive fluids . To overcome corrosion problems, and as well known to those skilled in the art, it is common to use lined steel pipe, with liners made of plastic, stainless steel, or other corrosion resistant materials .

Certain typical multiple walled pipe, e.g. a lined steel pipe, is a dual or double walled pipe in which the inner wall is a liner tube made of a corrosion resistant material that serves as a conductor for the corrosive fluid, and an outer wall or pipe that is designed to provide strength to withstand the internal pressures of the corrosive fluid, as well as external forces such as external pressure, mechanical loading, etc. In certain tubulars, there are limitations on the length of such double walled pipes due to conditions to which the pipes are subjected on site. Thus, in the case of tubing or casing strings and in the production of oil and gas, each joint of pipe is usually about 7.32-13.41m (24-44 feet) long while the tubing or casing string itself may be thousands of feet long. Accordingly, and as is well known in making up such tubing or casing string, successive joints of tubing/casing are connected together using a

coupling (or coupling assembly) until the desired length of string is achieved. Similarly in pipelines successive pieces of pipe are joined by couplings.

Typically, the coupling comprises an annular body for placement between and to which two tubulars may be connected. The annular body has a thread on its interior surface for receiving the thread on the end of the each of the tubulars . An annular gasket is positioned substantially centrally within and co-axial with the annular body. In use, each tubular comes into abutment with one side of the annular gasket as it is screwed into the annular body. An example of such a coupling assembly is shown in US-A-5 470 111.

It is desirable, where successive joints of the lined or clad pipe are joined to one another by means of a coupling that the interior of the coupling is protected from corrosion.

According to the present invention there is provided a protective ring for use in a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising a coupling body of generally cylindrical shape with a channel therethrough, each end of said coupling body having a thread for threaded mating with a tubular so that the coupling assembly may provide a connection between two tubulars, the protective ring comprising a ring body for positioning adjacent an interior wall of said coupling body between the two ends thereof and located for contact by said two tubulars , said ring body being generally cylindrical and having a ring channel therethrough, characterised in that said protective ring comprises an energizing member, the arrangement being such that, in use, upon compression of said protective ring between said two tubulars said energizing member urges said ring body against said interior wall of said coupling body whereby corrosive material is inhibited from contact

therewith. The protective ring may be sized and configured for use in coupling oil and gas tubulars for example. In some aspects the energizing member may, upon compression, assist in holding the protective ring in place.

Further features of the protective ring are set out in claims 2 to 22 to which attention is hereby directed.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective ring for use in a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly comprising a coupling body of generally cylindrical shape with a channel therethrough, each end of said coupling body having a thread for threaded mating with a tubular so that the coupling assembly may provide a connection between two tubulars , the protective ring comprising a ring body for positioning adjacent an interior wall of said coupling body between the two ends thereof and located for contact by said two tubulars, said ring body being generally cylindrical and having a ring channel therethrough, characterised in that said protective ring comprises at least one concave area extending around at least a part of the circumference of said ring body. The protective ring may comprise any of the protective ring features set out in claims 1 to 22. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupling assembly for a coupling together two tubulars , which coupling assembly comprises a coupling body of generally cylindrical shape with a channel therethrough, each end of said coupling body having a thread for threaded mating with a tubular so that the coupling assembly may provide a connection between two tubulars, and a protective ring as aforesaid. The coupling assembly may be supplied as a kit of parts for assembly at point of use.

- A -

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of coupling together two tubulars using a coupling assembly as aforesaid, which method comprises the steps of: (1) threadedly engaging each two tubular to the coupling body of the coupling assembly; and

(2) compressing the protective ring between said two tubulars such that said protective ring is urged against an interior wall of the coupling body. The present invention discloses , in certain embodiments, a protective ring for use in a coupling member, the coupling member having a coupling body with an interior wall, the coupling body being generally cylindrical and having a channel therethrough, the coupling body with two spaced-apart ends , each end threaded for threaded mating with a tubular so that the coupling member is connectible to two tubulars , the protective ring having: a protective ring body positionable adjacent an interior wall of a coupling body of a coupling member between the two spaced-apart ends of the coupling body and located for contact by two tubulars coupled together by the coupling member; the protective ring body being generally cylindrical and having a protective ring channel therethrough; the protective ring body having a volume; and at least one energizing member within the protective ring.

The present invention discloses, in certain embodiments , a protective ring for use in a coupling member for coupling together two tubulars , the coupling member with a coupling body, the coupling body being generally cylindrical and having a channel therethrough, the coupling body with two spaced-apart ends , each end threaded for threaded mating with a tubular so that the coupling member is connectible to two tubulars , the coupling body having an interior wall, the protective

ring having: a protective ring body positionable adjacent an interior wall of a coupling body of a coupling member between the two spaced-apart ends of the coupling body and located for contact by an end of each of two tubulars ; the protective ring body being generally cylindrical and having a protective ring channel therethrough; the protective ring body having a circumference; the protective ring body having a volume; and at least one concave area on a surface of the protective ring.

The present invention discloses , in certain embodiments, a tubular coupling assembly with a coupling member and an interior protective ring that has at least one inner energizing member which, upon compression, forces the body of the coupling member against the interior wall of the coupling thereby inhibiting corrosive material from contacting the coupling' s interior wall or, in the event some corrosive material does enter this area, the interior protective ring is held against the coupling's interior wall so that the corrosive material, once present, may not exit this area, thus preventing a continuous flow of corrosive material into and out of this area.

In certain aspects , such a protective ring has two or more energizing members ; and in one particular aspect such a protective ring has three spaced-apart energizing members located in recesses adjacent openings in the protective ring that provide for controlled compression of the protective ring and holding of the protective ring in position with respect to the coupling's interior wall. In another aspect there are five energizing members , two positioned in the protective ring adjacent an inner wall of a coupling member and three positioned in an inner wall of the protective ring.

Any protective ring according to the present invention may have one, two, three, four, five or more concave areas on the protective ring, on the protective ring' s exterior and/or on the protective ring' s interior to enhance directed controlled energizing of the protective ring into contact with a coupling member. In one particular aspect, such a protective ring has three concave portions on the protective ring' s exterior and two concave portions on the protective ring ' s interior. Optionally, such a protective ring (with one - five or more concave areas) may have one - five or more energizing members . In certain aspects , in a protective ring with two (or more) spaced-apart concave areas on a side of a protective ring, an energizing member is located between two concave areas .

For a better understanding of the present invention reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. IA is a side cross-section view of a first embodiment of a coupling assembly according to the present invention in use with two tubulars ;

Figs . IB and 1C are plan views of the two components of the coupling assembly of Fig. IA, shown separately for clarity; Fig. 2A is a side cross-section view of a second embodiment of a coupling assembly according to the present invention in use with two tubulars;

Fig. 2B is a side cross-section view of a coupling body part of the assembly of Fig. 2A; Fig. 2C is a side cross-section view of a protective ring part of the assembly of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2D is a side cross-section view of two tubulars prior to coupling with a coupling assembly according to the present invention; Fig. 2E is a cross-section view of various energizing members according to the present invention;

Fig. 3A is a side cross-section view of part of a first embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention; Fig. 3B is a partial side view in cross-section of the protective ring of Fig. 3A in use with a coupling body forming a coupling assembly;

Figs. 3C to 3E show the coupling assembly of Fig. 3B in different stages of compression; Fig. 4A is a side cross-section view of part of a second embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention;

Fig. 4B is a side cross-section view of part of a third embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention;

Fig. 4C is a side cross-section view of part of a fourth embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention;

Fig. 4D is a side cross-section view of part of a fifth embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention;

Fig. 4E is a side cross-section view of part of a sixth embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention; Fig. 5A is a side cross-section view of part of a seventh embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention;

Fig. 5B is a side cross-section view of part of a eighth embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention;

Fig. 5C is a side cross-section view of part of a ninth embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention;

Fig. 5D is a side cross-section view of part of a tenth embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention

Fig. 6A is a top cross-section view of an eleventh embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention; Fig. 6B is a side view of the protective ring of Fig. 6A;

Fig. 6C is a top cross-section view of a twelfth embodiment of a protective ring according to the present invention; As shown in Fig. IA, a coupling assembly 10 according to the present invention has a coupling member 20 which is a generally cylindrical hollow member with interiorly threaded spaced-apart ends 22, 24 and an interior wall 26. Two tubulars 32, 34 are threadedly connected to respective ends 22, 24 of the coupling

member. Between ends of the two tubulars 32, 34 and adjacent the interior wall 26 of the coupling member 20 is a protective ring 40 (shown schematically) which is any protective ring according to the present invention. Optionally the tubulars 32, 34 have a liner 36 which may be any known tubular liner. Optionally, the protective ring 40 has one, two, three, four, five or more (one shown) energizing member 42. Optionally, a recess, slit, or opening 44 (or recesses or openings) (all referred to as "openings") leads from an exterior of the protective ring 40 to the energizing member (s) 42 which allow movement (e.g. axial movement of the protective ring) when compressive forces are applied to the protective ring without a change in volume of the protective ring but with controlled change in shape of the protective ring. Fig. IB is a top (or bottom) view of one embodiments 40a of a protective ring 40. Fig. 1C is a top (or bottom) view of one embodiment 42a of a protective ring 42. The protective rings and energizing members of Figs. 2A, 2E and 3A are, similarly, items which are generally circular.

As shown in Figs. 2A-2D, a coupling assembly 100 according to the present invention has a protective ring 140 according to the present invention held in compression between the pin ends 136, 138 of the pipes 132, 134. Each pin end 136, 138 is threadedly secured in a respective end 122, 124 of a coupling member 120. The protective ring 140 has three spaced-apart openings 144a, 144b, and 144c, each of which extends interiorly from an exterior of the protective ring 140 and extends to an interior space which contains an energizing member 142a, 142b, 142c, respectively. Any energizing member in any embodiment of the present invention may have any suitable cross-section shape, including but not limited to, those shown in Fig. 2E (shapes as follows: 142e, circular;

142f, square; 142g, hexagonal; 142h, triangular; 142i, trapezoidal; 142j, oval; 142k, teardrop; 1421, rectangular; 142m, teardrop; 142p, barrel) .

Each pin end 136, 138 has an outer end bevel or taper 136a, 138a, respectively. Edge portions 146, 147 of the protective ring 140 are squeezed between an interior wall 126 of the coupling member 120 and the bevelled pin ends, thus assisting in securing the protective ring 140 in place adjacent the interior wall 126 of the coupling member 120.

It is within the scope of the present invention for all energizing members of a protective ring (any disclosed herein) according to the present invention to be of the same or of different hardness. As shown in Fig. 2A, the two energizing members 142a, 142c are of the same hardness and the energizing member 142b is of a material harder than the material of the energizing members 142a, 142c. In one particular aspect, the energizing members 142a, 142c are made of a resilient elastomeric material, e.g. , but not limited to, nitrile or butile; in certain aspects the members 142a, 142c with a hardness of about 70 durometer and the member 142b with a hardness of about 90 durometer. Any protective ring according to the present invention may have energizing members located further interiorly than other energizing members and of a hardness less than the other energizing members (e.g. other energizing members at an exterior wall of a protective ring) .

In the coupling assembly 100, the protective ring 140 extends around the entire inner circumference of the coupling member 120 and the energizing members 142a, 142b, and 142c (and their corresponding openings 144a, 144b, 144c) extend around (and within) the entire circumference of the protective ring 140.

Fig. 3A shows a protective ring 200 according to the present invention (e.g. usable in the coupling assemblies of Figs . IA and 2A) . In certain particular aspects a body 202 of the protective ring 200 is made of compressible anti-corrosive material, e.g. elastomeric resilient material, polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE") , or a combination of elastomer and PTFE. Initially three openings 211, 212, and 213 extend from an exterior of the protective ring 200 to interior spaces 221, 222, 223, respectively, within the protective ring 200. Energizing members 231 , 232 , 233 are located within the interior spaces 221, 222, 223, respectively.

Optionally, the protective ring 200 has outer edges or "teeth" 204, 205. The openings 211, 212, 213, the spaces 221, 222, 223 and the energizing members 231, 232, 233 extend around the entire generally cylindrical body 202 (which is like the protective rings 40 and 140 in general hollow cylindrical shape although only part of the protective ring 200 is shown in Fig. 3A) . Optionally, the body 202 has a circumferential indentation 206 or concave area therearound.

As shown in Fig. 3B, the protective ring 200 is positioned adjacent and installed inside a coupling member 240 (shown partially - shaped generally cylindrically as the coupling members 20 and 120 described above) having internally threaded ends 242, 244 for threadedly mating with externally threaded ends (e.g. the ends 252, 254 of pipes 262, 264, Fig. 3E) . As shown in Fig. 3C the protective ring 200 is being compressed (indicated by arrows Cl, C2) , e.g. by pin ends of two tubulars to be connected together by the coupling 240. Since energizing members 231 and 233 are not as hard as the energizing member 232 , the energizing members 231 and 233 move under compression before the energizing

member 232, thus the protective ring 200 begins to move outwardly (toward the coupling member 240 as shown in Fig. 3C) . The openings 211 and 213 begin to restrict and close. Then the opening 212 begins to restrict and close. The openings 211 - 213 provide space so that the protective ring 200 does not significantly expand into the flow path of the coupling member 240. The indentation 206 also facilitates the outward movement (toward the coupling member interior wall) of the protective ring 200 and provides an area or a void for protective ring material to flow to when the protective ring is compressing.

Fig. 3D illustrates the protective ring 200 fully compressed with the openings 211 - 213 closed and the energizing members 231 - 233 compressed (the members 231 - 233 have changed shape) . The protective ring 200 has been forced against an interior wall 246 of the coupling member and, due to the openings 211 - 213, the indentation 206, and/or the entrapment of the two teeth 204, 205, the protective ring 200 has been biased outwardly and prevented from bowing inwardly so that the protective ring 200 is pressed up against the interior wall 246 along the length of the protective ring 200. The energizing members 231 - 233 are pushing the protective ring 200 against the coupling's interior wall.

As shown in Fig. 3E, the edges or teeth 204, 205 of the protective ring 200 have been trapped between tapered ends of the tubulars 262, 264 and part of the interior wall 246 of the coupling member 240, thus facilitating maintenance of the protective ring 200 in position to protect the interior wall 246.

With no adhesive or material between the interior wall 246 and the protective ring 200, and with the edges 204, 205 entrapped as described, either: corrosive fluid and/or material does not come into contact with the wall

246; or once such fluid and/or material does move between the wall 246 and the exterior of the protective ring 200 it is held there and its escape therefrom is inhibited or prevented. Thus, the wall 246 is exposed only to that amount of the material (and, in certain aspects only to the amount of oxygen in that amount of material) so that other corrosive material is inhibited or prevented from flowing into that space to corrode the wall 246 and so that a continuous flow of corrosive material is inhibited or prevented.

In certain aspects oil country tubular goods are made according to certain length tolerances, e.g. one- eighth inch plus or minus . By approximately sizing the openings (e.g. the openings 211 - 213) of a protective ring according to the present invention, this manufacturing tolerance can be accommodated. For example, for tubulars with a one-eighth inch manufacturing tolerance, if each opening (e.g. 211 - 213) is 0.66 inches for a total of about 0.200 inches (actually 0.198 inches) and the energizing members themselves (e.g. members 231 - 233) can be squeezed a total of another 0.050 inches, a total of about 0.250 inches of compression is available, i.e., an amount equal to about the manufactuprotective ring tolerance of one-eighth inch plus or minus (a total of one-fourth inch) .

Fig. 4A shows a protective ring 300 according to the present invention useful in protecting a coupling member

(e.g. a coupling member as in Figs. IA, 2A, 3B or 3E).

The protective ring 300 (only half is shown) has a body 302 with a first end 304 and a second end 306. Each end, optionally, has a projecting edge or tooth 314, 316, respectively which extends around the entire circumference of its respective circular end. A plurality of concave areas extend around the protective ring' s circumference areas 321, 322, 323 on the protective

ring's exterior surface and areas 324, 325 on the protective ring's interior surface. Two energizing members 331, 332 or held in corresponding recess 341, 342 on the protective ring' s exterior surface and three energizing members 333, 334, 335 are held in corresponding recesses 343, 344, 345 on the protective ring' s interior surface .

As shown in Fig. 4E, the energizing members are, in one aspect, omitted. Any one, some, or all of the recesses 341 - 345 may be omitted.

The edges or teeth 314, 316 can be trapped as described above for the edges 204, 205.

As shown in Fig. 4A, each energizing member 343, 344, 345 can be located opposite a concave area 321, 322, 323 (along with other forces) respectively, and, upon energizing force the concave areas outwardly.

Fig. 4B illustrates a protective ring 350, like the protective ring 300, but with only one energizing member 354 on an interior surface of a protective ring body 352. The energizing member 354 is in a recess 356 which is positioned between two concave areas 351. These concave areas 351 are on the body's exterior surface and the body 352 has two end edges or teeth 353, 359.

Fig. 4C shows a protective ring 360, like the protective ring 350, but without the concave areas 351. A body 362 has three concave areas 363 on the body's exterior surface. Optionally, there are end edges 364 at ends of the body 362. Optionally, any energizing member or members disclosed herein can be added to the protective ring 360.

Fig. 4D shows a protective ring 370, like the protective ring 350, but without energizing members. A body 372 has two concave areas 373 on the body's interior surface. Optionally, ends of the body 362 have edges 374.

Optionally, any energizing member or members disclosed herein can be added to the protective ring 370.

Fig. 5A shows a protective ring 400 according to the present invention which is a generally cylindrical hollow member (only half shown) . The protective ring 400 has a body 402 with a concave area 404 on its exterior surface. As with all the concave areas referred to above, the concave area 404 extends around the body of the protective ring. Optionally, as is true of any protective ring according to the present invention, the concave area(s) may be intermittent, a single pocket, or a series of spaced-apart distinct pockets. Ends of the body 402, optionally, have edges 406.

Fig. 5B shows a protective ring 410 according to the present invention which is like the protective ring 410 but which includes a recess 412 with an energizing member 416 therein. The protective ring 410 has a body 418 with a concave area 415 and with optional end edges 419.

Fig. 5C shows a protective ring 430 according to the present invention with a body 432 having optional end edges 433. A concave area 434 is on the body's exterior surface .

Fig. 5D shows a protective ring 440 according to the present invention with a body 442. The body 442 has a concave area 443 on its exterior and a recess 444 on its interior.

In any embodiment with intermittent concave areas , pocket, or pockets, if an energizing member is used, the energizing member may extend only so far as the area or pocket (s) or it may still extend uninterrupted around the protective ring's circumference.

Fig. 6A illustrates a protective ring 600 with a plurality of spaced-apart concave areas 604 in a body 602. Optionally energizing members 606 are adjacent each pocket. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6C, in a

protective ring 600a, like the protective ring 600, an energizing member 608 can extend adjacent all pockets 604a in a body 602a.

The protective ring and coupling assembly of the present invention may find application in various fields including, but not limited to, coupling any clad or lined tubulars including oil and gas well tubing and casing, piping in chemical and other plants , oil and gas pipelines , etc . The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, but not necessarily all, embodiments, a protective ring, the protective ring having: a protective ring body positionable adjacent an interior wall of a coupling body of a coupling member between two spaced- apart ends of the coupling body and located for contact by two tubulars coupled together by the coupling member; the protective ring body being generally cylindrical and having a protective ring channel therethrough; the protective ring body having a volume; and at least one energizing member within the protective ring. Such a protective ring may have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: at least one opening leading through the protective ring to the at least one energizing member; the at least one energizing member is a plurality of spaced-apart energizing members; the at least one opening is a plurality of openings, one opening corresponding to each of a plurality of energizing members; the plurality of openings is a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening and each of both the first opening and the third opening extend from an interior of the protective ring to a corresponding energizing member, and the second opening extends from an exterior of the protective ring to a corresponding energizing member; the two tubulars each have a tapered portion and the protective ring body has a first end and

a second end, and two spaced-apart outer edges, one at the first end of the protective ring body and one at the second end of the protective ring body, and each outer edge trappable between an interior portion of the coupling member and a tapered portion of a tubular; the plurality of spaced-apart energizing members are a first energizing member and a second energizing member, and each of said energizing members has a hardness , and the hardness of the second energizing member is greater than the hardness of the first energizing member; the at least one energizing member is made of a resilient elastomeric material; the protective ring is made of compressible anti-corrosive material; the protective ring has a circumferential indentation therearound; the at least one opening is of sufficient size that the protective ring does not expand significantly into the protective ring channel upon installation within a coupling member and contact by two tubulars; the protective ring, upon compression, is movable against an interior wall of a coupling body of a coupling member by action of the at least one energizing member; and/or the at least one opening is sized for accommodating manufacturing length tolerances of the two tubulars .

The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, but not necessarily all, embodiments, a protective ring for use in a coupling member for coupling together two tubulars , the coupling member with a coupling body, the coupling body being generally cylindrical and having a channel therethrough, the coupling body with two spaced-apart ends , each end threaded for threaded mating with a tubular so that the coupling member is connectible to two tubulars , the coupling body having an interior wall, the protective ring including: a protective ring body positionable adjacent an interior wall of a coupling body of a

coupling member between the two spaced-apart ends of the coupling body and located for contact by two tubulars by abutment by an end of each tubular, the protective ring body being generally cylindrical and having a protective ring channel therethrough, the protective ring body having a volume, a plurality of spaced-apart energizing members within the protective ring, the spaced-apart energizing members comprising at least a first energizing member and a second energizing member, and each of said energizing members having a hardness, a plurality of openings , one opening corresponding to each energizing member, each opening leading through the protective ring to an energizing member, the plurality of openings comprising at least a first opening and a second opening, the first opening extending from an interior of the protective ring to a corresponding energizing member, the second opening extending from an exterior of the protective ring to a corresponding energizing member, the hardness of the second energizing member greater than the hardness of the first energizing member, and wherein the protective ring, upon compression, is movable against the interior wall of the central portion of the coupling body by action of the energizing members .

The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, but not necessarily all, embodiments, a system for a coupling together two tubulars , the system including: a coupling member with a coupling body, the coupling body being generally cylindrical and having a channel therethrough, the coupling body with two spaced- apart ends, each end threaded for threaded mating with a tubular so that the coupling member is connectible to two tubulars , the coupling body having an interior wall ; a protective ring body positioned adjacent the interior wall of the coupling body between the two spaced-apart ends of the coupling body and located for contact by the

two tubulars by abutment by an end of each tubular, the protective ring being generally cylindrical and having a protective ring channel therethrough, the protective ring having a volume, and at least one energizing member within the protective ring.

The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, but not necessarily all, embodiments, a protective ring for use in a coupling member for coupling together two tubulars, the coupling member with a coupling body, the coupling body being generally cylindrical and having a channel therethrough, the coupling body with two spaced-apart ends , each end threaded for threaded mating with a tubular so that the coupling member is connectible to two tubulars , the coupling body having an interior wall, the protective ring including: a protective ring body positionable adjacent an interior wall of a coupling body of a coupling member between the two spaced-apart ends of the coupling body and located for contact by an end of each of two tubulars, the protective ring body being generally cylindrical and having a protective ring channel therethrough, the protective ring body having a circumference, the protective ring body having a volume, and at least one concave area on a surface of the protective ring. Such a protective ring may have one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: the at least one concave area extends around the protective ring's circumference; one or a plurality of spaced-apart energizing members in the protective ring; the or each energizing member extending around the protective ring's circumference; the at least one concave area is a plurality of spaced-apart concave areas; each of the plurality of spaced-apart concave areas extends around the protective ring's circumference; and/or the protective ring has an exterior and an interior, at least

one concave area on the protective ring' s exterior, and at least one concave area on the protective ring's interior; the at least one concave area on the protective ring's exterior is three spaced-apart areas, and the at least one concave area on the protective ring's interior is two spaced-apart areas; a plurality of energizing members in the protective ring, the three spaced-apart areas on the protective ring's exterior comprising a first area, a second area, and a third area, a first energizing member of the plurality of energizing members located between the first area and the second area, a second energizing member of the plurality of energizing members located between the second area and the third area, the two spaced-apart areas on the protective ring's interior comprising a fourth area and a fifth area, a third energizing member of the plurality of energizing members located between the fourth area and the fifth area, the protective ring having a first end and a second end, a fourth energizing member of the plurality of energizing members located between the first end and the fourth area, and a fifth energizing member of the plurality of energizing members located between the second end and the fifth area.

The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, but not necessarily all, embodiments, a system for coupling together two tubulars, the system including: a coupling member with a coupling body, the coupling body being generally cylindrical and having a channel therethrough, the coupling body with two spaced- apart ends, each end threaded for threaded mating with a tubular so that the coupling member is connectible to two tubulars, the coupling body having an interior wall; a protective ring positioned adjacent the interior wall of the central portion of the coupling body between the two spaced-apart ends of the coupling body and located for

contact by an end of each of the two tubulars , the protective ring being generally cylindrical and having a protective ring channel therethrough, the protective ring having a circumference, the protective ring having a volume; and at least one concave area on a surface of the protective ring.

The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain, but not necessarily all, embodiments, a method for coupling together two tubulars comprising a first tubular and a second tubular, the first tubular having an end with exterior threading, the second tubular having an end with exterior threading, the method including: threadedly engaging each threaded end of the each of the two tubulars with an end of two spaced-apart ends of a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly as any disclosed herein; a protective ring positioned adjacent the interior wall of the central portion of the coupling body between the two spaced-apart ends of the coupling body and located for contact by the two tubulars by abutment by an end of each tubular, the protective ring being generally cylindrical and having a protective ring channel therethrough, the protective ring having a volume, at least one energizing member within the protective ring, an end of each tubular contacting the protective ring and compressing the protective ring, and said compression energizing the at least one energizing member to move the protective ring against an interior wall of the coupling. Such a method may include one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: the at least one energizing member is a plurality of spaced- apart energizing members, the at least one opening is a plurality of openings , one opening corresponding to each energizing member, at least one opening extends from an interior of the protective ring to a corresponding energizing member, and at least one opening extends from

an exterior of the protective ring to a corresponding energizing member; the protective ring has two spaced- apart outer edges, one at the first end of the protective ring and one at the second end of the protective ring, and each outer edge trappable between an interior portion of the coupling member and tapered portions of the two tubulars, the method including trapping each outer edge between the interior portion of the coupling member and a tapered portion of one of the two tubulars ; the plurality of spaced-apart energizing members comprise at least a first energizing member and a second energizing member, and each of said energizing members having a hardness, the hardness of the second energizing member greater than the hardness of the first energizing member, the method including initiating energizing of the first energizing member before initiating energizing of the second energizing member; the at least one opening is of sufficient size that the protective ring does not expand significantly into the protective ring channel upon installation within the coupling member and contact by the two tubulars , the method including expanding the protective ring so that an insignificant amount of the protective ring expands into the protective ring channel; and/or the at least one opening is sized for accommodating manufactuprotective ring length tolerances of the two tubulars , the method including accommodating the manufactuprotective ring length tolerances with the at least one opening.