CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT [0003] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

[0004] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to safety equipment in working with pipe in a drilling operation and protection of drill pipe in the laid down position. Specifically, the invention relates to worker's traversal of a plurality of pipes laid down on the ground or on a pipe rack for purposes of performing task on said pipe.

[0006] In drilling operations, pipe is often stored in a horizontal position on elevated truss-like structures known as pipe racks. These structures support drill pipe, drill collars, and/or casing above ground level. Storing pipe horizontally on pipe racks aids the crew in cleaning and inspecting threads, positions the pipe closer to the level of the catwalk, and protects the pipe from damage that can occur if the pipe was on the ground. Pipe can be rolled laterally along the pipe rack to separate lengths for visual inspection, and elevated pipe is better positioned for equipment manipulation such as fork lifts.

[0007] The ease in which tubular pipe can be rolled laterally along the pipe rack causes a safety issue for anyone who may need to work with pipe on a rack. Workers stepping on or over pipe may trip and fall, twist limbs, or experience other injuries. Workers stepping on pipe cause the pipe to shift and/or roll, which can also lead to pipe damage when moving pipe comes in contact with other objects. A plurality of workers operating on the same rack further complicates the issues.

[0008] Joints of drill pipe can weigh from a hundred pounds (100 lbs) to more than one and a half tons (> 3,000 lbs). Workers are often instructed in pre-job safety meetings to avoid working between tubular to avoid being caught in between crushing forces should a shift occur. Workers strive to work tubular from the ends, but when the task requires installing centralizers along a string, it is impossible to work from the end of a thirty foot (30') joint. On land rigs where space is plentiful, pipe racks may be more than twenty feet (20') wide. So working from the side is not an option either.

[0009] Faced with these obstacles, workers typically climb on top of the loaded racks and walk along the pipe. If pipes shift, the worker can fall and even become trapped between strings where crushing forces are a serious threat. Simply climbing on the pipes can lead to an issue.

Depending on where the supports are placed, the rack itself may act as a fulcrum for the pipe placed thereon and a worker placing their weight on the end of a single length of pipe, may over balance the distal end causing tipping. This tipping may drop the worker to the ground and, possibly send the up-ended pipe down on top of him or her.

[0010] A common solution is to lay plywood or wide planks over the pipe and walk on the wood. The wood protects the pipes from damage and prevents workers from falling between strings. It also distributes weight across a plurality of pipes reducing the chance of up-ending a single pipe.

[0011] But in the typically wet and muddy conditions of a drill site, the wood quickly succumbs to the elements. It deteriorates quickly in the harsh environmental conditions. Plywood delaminates and loses strength when exposed to water or excessive heat and humidity. Further, wood can produce its own hazards to worker safety as it becomes slick with mud and water, and jagged edges produce splinters or cuts. Additionally wood, especially planks, are heavy and cumbersome to move. Wood slides easily along pipe, and blocks the view below allowing unsuspecting workers to walk off the edge of the pipe rack, or not spot safety hazards, such as other workers passing below.

[0012] In the industry, the terms drilling pipe, pipe, drilling tubular, tubular, joints, lengths, and/or casing may refer to different materials having specific uses. The principal use of concern for this discussion is that all of the described materials are long; relatively thin, cylindrical bar type materials, especially those of considerable size and weight where movement and manipulation is not easily accomplished. The materials targeted by the design are substantially circular in cross sectional shape which allows a rolling action perpendicular to a main axis.

However, the principals discussed herein would apply to any bar like material over which one may have to work or traverse. Examples include, but are not limited to bar stock, square tubing, threaded rod, poles, dowels, angle iron, spars, etc. The various terms for describing these materials may be used interchangeably throughout this discussion, and use of one term shall necessarily comprise the others or various combination thereof unless specifically otherwise stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a platform system installed on a plurality of pipe lengths in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of a platform system installed on a plurality of pipe lengths in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a single panel of the platform system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a single panel of the platform system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a single panel of the platform system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of panels of the platform system configured for transport in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a reliable embodiment of the platform system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. [0020] FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of an alternative reliable embodiment of the platform system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Described herein is a lightweight grated platform system (platforms) that allows workers to safely stand and/or walk on rows of pipe. The principal components of a platform is a rectangular deck portion with an upper walking/working surface, angled downward protruding edging on two parallel sides of the deck extending from the deck's lower edge, and connecting or mating surfaces on the remaining two parallel sides. The platform system comprises a plurality of the platforms and worker safety tie points and equipment on the upper surfaces of the deck, and anchor points and equipment on the lower surfaces of the deck.

[0022] The deck is substantially flat and supported underneath by a plurality of pipe lengths. The deck spreads workers' weight across the plurality of pipes to prevent concentration on a single pipe. Additionally, the deck provides a flat level surface which is stable as opposed to the convex upper surface of the pipes which may shift and/or roll.

[0023] The deck is an open grate system, or comprises a plurality of openings there through which allow mud, water, and debris to pass through the deck rather than remaining on the upper walking surface and presenting a hazard thereon. In the preferred embodiment, the deck is constructed from a high impact fiberglass reinforced plastic resin grating material. This material was chosen for its durability, cost, strength, weight, and resistance to corrosion by chemicals and elements found on the typical jobsite. The material provides a stable walking surface while allowing maximum openings for pass through of surface contaminates. One skilled in the arts would appreciate that alternatives may include, but not be limited to: various plastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, aluminum, steel, plexi-glass, Lexan™, and wood. Additionally, the materials may be grated, honeycombed, drilled, bored, or otherwise substantially opened through or treaded, textured, contoured, etc. to minimize debris on upper surfaces.

[0024] The decking material's open grate system also allows workers to view the pipes through the grate for at least a coarse visual inspection. Further, the open grate system aids safety by allowing a worker to see if the edges of the deck are supported by pipe before stepping to one side and over balancing one edge of the decking. In another embodiment, the deck may have regularly spaced openings or removable sections which allow workers access to pipe directly under the deck. Such a configuration has the added safety of allowing workers to avoid working over the edges of the deck by surrounding the work area with stable deck, providing workers multiple angles from which to reach the work.

[0025] The deck in the preferred embodiment is a rectangular area of approximately three feet by five feet to allow at least two workers to share the decking space and provide enough surface area to accomplish most standard tasks while minimizing repositioning of the platform. One skilled in the art would appreciate that other sizes could be utilized, and that other shapes also are included in the spirit of the invention.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the deck has an anti-slip texturing impregnated into the material. This anti-slip material comprises grit and adhesive for securing said grit to the upper surface of the deck. As the grit could scratch pipe and deteriorate protective coatings thereon, its application is limited to the upper surfaces of the decking. [0027] In another embodiment, the deck may be treated with a non-skid coating or comprised of a non-skid material. Examples include but are not limited to rubber, latex, vinyl, plastics, and rubberized paints. One skilled in the arts would appreciate that there is a wide variety of non- skid and/or anti-slip materials and coatings which would be appropriate for the application described as determined by the choice of final material and construction.

[0028] In another embodiment, the upper surface may have a thread or texture which provides traction for worker's boots. The texture may be added to the top or cut/molded into the deck material surface. Examples include, but are not limited to, tactile paving such as patterns of truncated domes or cones often employed in public areas to alert the visually impaired of impending danger from vehicle impact or grade change. Further examples include knife-edge grading where the upper surface is comprised of narrow strips of material which "bite" into the rubber soles of work boots producing a high coefficient of friction.

[0029] The platform further comprises downward extensions (edging) protruding along two parallel sides of the deck. This edging may be molded as part of the deck material, or may be a separate component securely attached to the deck material. In the preferred embodiment, the edging runs along the longer sides of the deck. The edging prevents pipe from rolling out from under the deck. The edging protrudes into the space between pipes created by the convex nature of the pipe's surface. With the downward weight of the deck itself, and possibly the additional weight of tools or workers on the deck, the pipes are trapped between the pipe racks' lateral trusses and the deck preventing side to side motion past the edging.

[0030] In the preferred embodiment, the edging protrudes from the deck's lower surface by one eight (V ₈ ) to one fourth (V ₄ ) the diameter of the pipe supporting the deck. If the diameter of the pipe is sufficiently small, then protrusions of less than one eighth (V ₈ ) may not be sufficient to stop pipe from passing out from under the deck, and protrusions of more than one fourth (V ₄ ) may not clear the pipe edges when pipes are tightly abutted to allow the bottom side of the decking to rest on the tops of the pipe. However, if the diameter of the pipe is sufficiently large, then protrusions of more than a fourth (V ₄ ) would have minimal additional functionality, and would needlessly add bulk and weight to the platform.

[0031] The edging in the preferred embodiment is bent outward from the sides of the deck to protrude at an angle, allowing the nested stacking of platforms. In another embodiment, the edging may not be bent outward, but instead extends straight downward and has a corresponding channel along the upper edge which forms a notch into which the lower edging of a stacked platform may nest. In another embodiment, the edging may extend straight downward, and have corresponding alignment surface which locks platforms together to allow for secure stacking without nesting.

[0032] In each of the embodiments described above, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the dimensions and angles can be adjusted to allow for complete nesting of a plurality of platforms, where the bottom surface of one deck is substantially in contact with the upper surface of the adjacent deck. Further, the dimensions and angles can be adjusted such that complete nesting cannot be accomplished.

[0033] One may desire complete nesting to conserve space and reduce volume during shipping.

One may desire to prevent complete nesting to allow space between units for platforms to allow washing and drying of soiled platforms. In another embodiment, the platforms may be configured such that when aligned in one direction the platforms completely nest, and when alternating platforms are rotated between ninety and one-hundred eighty degrees (90° ~ 180°) spacing between platforms is maintained in the stacked position.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the edging is continuous along the longer side of the platform deck, and comprises a plurality of regularly spaced notches for banding or tying together a stack of platforms for transport. The notches align such that steel or plastic banding material or cordage may be secured in the notches to tie together a stack of platforms. The edging on at least one platform (a base platform) may protrude enough to provide clearance for a fork-lift to slide underneath to lift a stack of platforms. The fork-lift can then position the platforms on the top of a pipe rack, eliminating the need for workers to lift the platforms individually. Edging configurations with different amounts of protrusion and with different nesting capabilities are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

[0035] The platforms have mating ends which interlock to temporarily join a plurality of platforms into a single work surface spanning single, double, triple, or quad joints of pipe. In the preferred embodiment, the short edges of the deck comprise the interlocking edges. The interlocking edges may be interlocking shapes with protruding tabs from a first side of one platform which nest with mating indentions on a second side of a second platform. Interlocking edges may be a combination of tabs and indentions oriented along an edge with rotational symmetry.

[0036] In another embodiment, the mating ends comprise magnets and/or metal plates oriented to join together in rotational symmetry. In another embodiment, the mating ends comprise hook and loop type fasteners. In another embodiment, the mating ends comprise aligned through holes for passing bolts, cotter pins, clamps, clips, etc. In another embodiment, the mating ends comprise a tongue and groove configuration.

[0037] The mating ends may have openings providing workers with a place to grip and separate the joints between multiple platforms. The openings may be narrow to allow a blade or prying tool to be utilized to produce separating force.

[0038] As an alternative to a system with a series of short platforms, an embodiment may include one or more long platforms. The long platforms are comprised of slats and stringers wherein the stringers are flexible to allow the platform to be rolled from one end. In such an embodiment, the roll is deployed by placing it at one end of the pipe lengths, and the long platform is unrolled down the length of the pipe. A single platform thus constructed could provide a working area as long as standard drill pipe lengths of approximately thirty feet (30').

[0039] Such a platform may still comprise mating edges along the short sides of the platform for joining a plurality of the platforms to accommodate longer pipe lengths. In the alternative embodiment, the slats span several lengths of pipe and have edging as previously described, to prevent pipe from rolling from under the deck. The deck would also comprise a plurality of openings for reasons described above. In one embodiment, the deck would be comprised of closely spaced inflexible slats connected in series by flexible stringers.

[0040] An alternative construction for reliable long platforms would comprise a flexible deck material with slats connected laterally across the bottom surface of the deck material, or embedded laterally through the deck material. The slats, being inflexible, comprise edgings for preventing pipe roll on the underside, and deck slippage on the top side. Additionally, the protruding slats make the edges visible when multiple platforms are positioned adjacently.

[0041] The platforms may further be configured with connectors or holes in the decking to allow inserting vertical pipes extending upward perpendicularly from the deck surface through which hand rail cables may be strung. The vertical pipes can also function as anchor points for hand rails to be installed. In another alternative, the decking comprises a plurality of anchor points on the underside of the decking for anchoring deck to pipe. Cordage is run from one anchor point, down and around at least one pipe, and then up, connects to the same or another anchor point. Properly anchored, decking will not shift in high winds or storm conditions.

[0042] In another embodiment, the bottom of the deck may include magnets which are magnetically attracted to ferrous drill pipe. If sufficient magnetic force is achieved, the edging may be redundant or possibly eliminated from the platform construction. In another

embodiment, memory foam, or other semi crushable material may cover the bottom decking so that when laid upon pipe the bottom material conforms around the convex surface of the pipe to maximize surface contact and therefore minimize shifting of the platform.

[0043] While the primary use is as described above, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the platforms, due to their size, strength, and configuration may have alternative uses. Examples may include, but are not limited to, temporary bridging between equipment, catwalks, or other no-abutted, elevated locations. In such a use, the anchor points described above would be invaluable in securing the platform in the desired position. Additional uses may be to span temporary hazards, such as a freshly poured cement sidewalk, where the weight of the platform could be borne by the forms on either side of the cement. [0044] In the preferred embodiment, the platform's target design specifications are a rectangular shape of two feet (2') to three feet (3') wide and four feet (4') to five feet (5') long. The platform must be light enough for two workers to lift and move without the aid of equipment, and the platform, properly supported upon piping, must have a total weight capacity in excess of seven hundred pounds (700 lbs).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a platform system installed on a plurality of pipe lengths in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The platform system (100) is made of one or more sections, which form an upper deck (150) on top of pipe (20) to support workers. The sections have an open grate (120) construction to allow debris to fall through from the deck (150). Edging (110) protrudes down below the lower surface of the section to prevent the pipe (20) from rolling from under the deck (150). The section spreads the load of someone standing thereon to a plurality of the pipes (20).

[0046] FIG. 2 is a top view of a platform system installed on a plurality of pipe lengths in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The platform system (100) may be extended along pipe (20) by connecting two or more sections end to end (150a & 150b) to produce a larger working deck (150). The joint between platform sections (210) may further include an opening (220) to allow workers access to the pipes (20) under the deck (150a & 150b), or to assist with separating the segments.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a single panel of the platform system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The section has a non skid coating (130) made up of impregnated grit (135) on the upper surface of the deck's open grate (120, not labeled) to prevent slipping. The section further includes edging (110) which protrudes down below the lower surface to prevent the pipe (20) from rolling from under the deck (150 not labeled). The sections of the platform have openings (220) to allow workers access to the pipes (20, not shown) under the deck, or to assist with separating the segments which are joined by a plurality of magnets (143) attracted to corresponding metal plates (145) which are rotationally symmetrically oriented on both ends of the section.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a single panel of the platform system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In a molded platform segment (400) the deck (150) is notched (490) on the top surface to allow nesting of the molded edging (410) protruding underneath. In a molded platform segment (400) rather than applying grit particles (135, Fig 3) to create a non-skid surface coating (130), the upper surface of the segment (400) may be molded to have a texture (430) or tread which, when coupled with grated openings (120) resist slipping.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a single panel of the platform system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment, the edges (110) are angled outward from the center of the section at an angle to allow nesting (see Fig. 6). Openings (220) may be incorporated in the edges to aid in separating joints, and mechanical mating surfaces (540) are designed to interlock for temporarily joining segments.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of panels of the platform system configured for transport in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. This illustration shows a plurality of segments (A - E) with angled edging allowing the stacked segments to nest.

Further, the lower segment (A) is elevated above ground level by the angled edging to leave an opening (620) sufficient for a forklift or pallet jack to be utilized in transportation of the stack.

[0051] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a reliable embodiment of the platform system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an alternative embodiment of the platform system, a plurality of slats (750) are joined by stringers (760) to form a reliable (770) platform section (700). The open grate of other embodiments is created by openings (720) passing through the deck's non-slip surface (730) to create an opening through the platform. These openings (720) are further combined with spacing between the slats (750) to allow flex for the stringers (760) to be rolled (770).

[0052] FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of an alternative reliable embodiment of the platform system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an alternative reliable embodiment (900), a single wide stringer (960) also forms the top surface of the deck. Slats (950) span the platform laterally to bridge between pipes. The slats (950) have edging (910) protruding below the bottom surface of the platform to prevent pipe roll as previously discussed, and the slats (950) may optionally have protrusions upward (980) to bind to the stringer (950), and prevent it from sliding laterally.

[0053] The diagrams, drawings, and descriptions above in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples and should not be construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the invention. Heights, widths, and thicknesses may not be to scale, may be general approximations (unless otherwise stated) and should not be construed to limit the invention to the particular proportions illustrated. Additionally, some elements illustrated or described in the singularity may actually be implemented in a plurality. Further, some element illustrated or described in the plurality could actually vary in count.

Further, some elements illustrated or described in one form could actually vary in detail. Further yet, specific numerical data values (such as specific quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific information should be interpreted as illustrative for discussing exemplary embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit the invention.

[0054] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various

embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.