(12) United States Patent
`Rutledge et al.
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,045,951 B2
`Jun. 2, 2015
`
`US00904595lB2
`
`(54) SUCKER ROD APPARATUS AND METHOD
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(71) Applicants:Russell P. Rutledge, Big Spring, TX
`(US); Russell P. Rutledge, Jr., Big
`Springs, TX (US); Ryan B. Rutledge,
`Big Springs, TX (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors:
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Russell P. Rutledge, Big Spring, TX
`(US); Russell P. Rutledge, Jr., Big
`Springs, TX (US); Ryan B. Rutledge,
`Big Springs, TX (US)
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 14/132,807
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 18, 2013
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2014/0102715 A1
`
`Apr. 17, 2014
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation-in-part of application No. 13/385,410,
`filed on Feb. 17, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part
`of application No. 13/136,715, filed on Aug. 9, 2011,
`now Pat. No. 8,851,162.
`
`Int. Cl.
`E21B 17/04
`E21B 43/12
`E21B 17/10
`U.S. Cl.
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(63)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`CPC ......... .. E21B 17/04 (2013.01); Y10T403/7064
`(2015.01); E21B 43/127 (2013.01); E21B
`17/1071 (2013.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`
`4,360,288 A
`4,401,396 A
`4,475,839 A
`4,653,953 A
`4,662,774 A
`4,822,201 A
`4,919,560 A
`5,253,946 A
`6,193,431 B1
`7,730,938 B2
`7,972,463 B2
`8,062,463 B2
`8,113,277 B2
`8,500,943 B2
`2008/0219757 A1
`
`11/1982 Rutledge et al.
`8/1983 McKay
`10/1984 Strandberg
`3/1987 Anderson et al.
`5/1987 Morrow, Jr.
`4/1989 Iwasaki et al.
`4/1990 Rutlege et al.
`10/1993 Watkins
`2/2001 Rutledge
`6/2010 Rutlege et al.
`7/2011 Rutlege et al.
`11/2011 Rutlege et al.
`2/2012 Rutlege et al.
`8/2013 Rutlege et al.
`9/2008 Rutledge et al.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`PCT search report for PCT/US12/00347 dated Nov. 29, 2012 (26
`pages).
`
`Primary Examiner — Giovarma C Wright
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Sucker rods include end fittings having an outer wedge por-
`tion proximate to an open end, an inner wedge portion proxi-
`mate to a closed end, and an intermediate wedge portion
`between the outer and inner wedges. Each wedge includes a
`leading edge, a trailing edge, and an angle between the lead-
`ing and trailing edges. The triangular configuration, length of
`the leading edge, the length ofthe trailing edge, and size ofthe
`angle in each wedge portion cause distribution of force, such
`that compressive forces distributed to the rod proximate the
`closed end exceed compressive forces distributed to the rod
`proximate the open end.
`
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`69 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Petitioners‘ Exhibit 1001
`
`John Crane v. Finalrod
`lPR2016—01827
`
`Page 1 of 31
`
`Petitioners' Exhibit 1001
`John Crane v. Finalrod
`IPR2016-01827
`Page 1 of 31
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Sheet 1 of 13
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`Figure 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Providing 710
`
`Bottom connecting 720
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`Top connecting 730
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`Reciprocating 740
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`Figure 13
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`US 9,045,951 B2
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`1
`SUCKER ROD APPARATUS AND METHOD
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application is a continuation-in-part applica-
`tion, claiming priority to the U.S. application for patent hav-
`ing the Ser. No. 13/385,410, filed Feb. 17, 2012, which is a
`continuation-in-part application, claiming priority to the U.S.
`application for patent having the Ser. No. 13/136,715, filed
`Aug. 9, 2011, both of which are incorporated by reference
`herein in their entirety.
`
`FIELD
`
`Embodiments usable within the scope of the present dis-
`closure relate, generally, to secondary recovery systems and
`methods for use with hydrocarbon and other types of wells,
`and more specifically, to connectors (e.g., end fittings) and
`methods usable with strings of sucker rods made from fiber-
`glass.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`When production from a hydrocarbon well attainable
`through natural means (e.g., pressure within the wellbore) is
`no longer sufficient for the well to remain economically
`viable, numerous types of secondary recovery methods exist
`to increase the productivity of the well. One such method
`includes use of a downhole pump that is inserted into the
`wellbore, then actuated to draw hydrocarbons and/or other
`fluids toward the surface. Conventionally, downhole pumps
`are actuated by physically manipulating values and/or other
`operable parts from the surface, through movement ofa pump
`jack or similar powered device, that is connected to the down-
`hole pump using a long string of joined connectors, termed
`“sucker rods.”
`
`Conventional sucker rod strings are formed from lengths of
`steel rod, having threaded connectors at each end for engag-
`ing adjacent segments of rod, to form a string of sufficient
`length to connect a pump jack to a down hole pump. Because
`steel is heavy, expensive, and suffers from other inherent
`difficulties, alternative types of sucker rod materials have
`been explored, such as fiberglass. Fiberglass offers an equiva-
`lent or greater tensile strength than steel, while being both
`lighter and less costly, enabling a string of fiberglass sucker
`rods to be reciprocated using less energy and smaller equip-
`ment. Fiberglass rods also possess the ability to stretch in an
`axial direction, such that each stroke of a pump jack can be
`assisted by the natural expansion and contraction of the
`sucker rod string, allowing for shorter and more energy effi-
`cient strokes.
`
`The ends of fiberglass rod segments used in a sucker rod
`string can be connected by use of threaded end connectors or
`end fittings, typically made from steel. An epoxy or other
`suitable resin can be introduced into the end fitting for bond-
`ing to and between the exterior of the fiberglass rod segment
`and interior of the end fitting. By providing epoxy or other
`resin into the interior of an end fitting, the epoxy or other resin
`when cured bonds to the fiberglass rod segment, while filling
`the interior cavity of the end fitting. The cured epoxy or other
`resin (“resin material”) prevents removal or displacement of
`the rod from the end fitting during use.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Embodiments according to this disclosure address prob-
`lems encountered when manufacturing and using fiberglass
`
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`or similar fiber composite rod segments (“rod segment”)
`engaged with end connectors (“end fittings”) in sucker rod
`strings, including, but not limited to, aspects regarding the
`manner of distribution of forces that result from the recipro-
`cation and pumping operation. An aspect of this disclosure is
`the observation that, as the sucker rod string is reciprocated,
`tensile forces or pulling forces, compression forces, or other
`forces (“forces”) exerted during use between each rod seg-
`ment, the engaged end fittings, and the resin material contrib-
`ute to migration of protruding sections of resin material
`toward narrower portions of the interior of the end fittings,
`exerting compressive force on the rod segment at what can be
`characterized as a single point or location along the rod seg-
`ment. As used here, “point” means a location, portion or
`peripheral area of the rod segment indicated by reference to
`the longitudinal axis of the rod or end fitting. Compressive
`forces in excess of the tolerance of the rod segment at any
`point can cause the rodto break, severing the sucker rod string
`and requiring time-consuming and expensive remedial opera-
`tions (e.g., fishing) to retrieve the severed string and the
`downhole pump. This severing (e.g., “pinching”) of a rod
`segment normally occurs at or near the point at which the rod
`segment meets the end fitting.
`According to embodiments of this disclosure, the specific
`shape, configuration and geometry of the interior of end fit-
`tings, corresponding shape, configuration and geometry of
`the cured epoxy or similar resin (“resin material”), and rela-
`tionship and interactions between the end fitting and resin
`material, and between the resin material and rod segment, are
`selected and configured to limit the amount of compressive
`force applied to the rod segment at any single point or loca-
`tion, e.g., by receiving and/or distributing compressive forces
`at multiple points along the length of the rod segment. The
`internal features necessary to prevent destruction of the
`sucker rod string during use limit the dimensions, materials,
`and manufacturing techniques usable to form suitable end
`fittings and assemblies of end fittings with rod segments
`(“sucker rod assemblies”). An aspect of this disclosure is that
`embodiments provide sucker rod strings, end fittings, and
`sucker rod assemblies having improved load capacity and
`durability, reduced weight and improved strength character-
`istics, and complying with the afore-mentioned limitations on
`internal features, dimensions, materials and manufacturing
`techniques.
`Need exists for end fittings, sucker rods, sucker rod assem-
`blies, systems, sucker rod strings and methods that provide
`improved capability to withstand and compensate for the
`forces applied to a sucker rod string during reciprocation
`thereof in a variety of ways, with improved durability over
`long periods of service, and improved strength and weight
`characteristics to enable reduced energy consumption, using
`multiple combinations of structural features.An aspect ofthis
`disclosure is that embodiments provide methods for produc-
`tion of petroleum from wells, by pumping, which are of
`improved energy efiiciency, energy consumption, reliability
`and durability. Embodiments usable within the scope of the
`present disclosure meet
`the above-referenced and other
`needs.
`
`Embodiments usable within the scope of the present dis-
`closure include sucker rod assemblies having end fittings,
`resin material and rod segments (e.g., fiberglass and/or fiber
`composite rods) assembled in permanent relationship. The
`end fitting includes a body having an interior, a closed end, an
`open end, and a cavity defined by the interior. A wedge system
`is formed in the interior. In one embodiment, the wedge
`system includes an outer wedge portion (“outer wedge por-
`tion”) formed in the interior proximate the open end, an inner
`
`Page 15 of 31
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`US 9,045,951 B2
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`3
`wedge-shaped portion (“inner wedge portion”) formed in the
`interior proximate the close end, and an intermediate wedge-
`shaped portion (“intermediate wedge portion”) formed in the
`interior between the outer wedge and inner wedge. The outer
`wedge portion has a first leading edge, a first trailing edge,
`and a first angle between the first leading and trailing edges.
`The length of the first leading edge, the length of the first
`trailing edge, and the size of the first angle define a first
`distribution of force in the outer wedge portion. The interme-
`diate wedge portion has a second leading edge, a second
`trailing edge, and a second angle between the second leading
`edge and the second trailing edge. The length of the second
`leading edge, the length of the second trailing edge, and the
`size of the second angle define a second distribution of force
`in the intermediate wedge portion. The inner wedge portion
`has a third leading edge, a third trailing edge, and a third angle
`between the third leading edge and the third trailing edge. The
`length ofthe third leading edge, the length ofthe third trailing
`edge, and the size of the third angle define a third distribution
`of force in the inner wedge portion.
`In embodiments, the first leading edge, second leading
`edge, and third leading edge each differ in length, such that
`during use and reciprocation of the sucker rod assembly
`forces are distributed by the outer wedge portion, intermedi-
`ate wedge portion and inner wedge portion so that a compres-
`sive load applied to the inner wedge portion is greater than a
`compressive load applied to the intermediate wedge portion,
`and the compressive load applied to the intermediate wedge
`portion is greater than a compressive load applied to the outer
`wedge portion, and also such that compressive forces distrib-
`uted to the rod segment at the closed end of the body exceed
`those distributed to the rod segment at the open end of the
`body. One of skill will understand that the outer wedge por-
`tion, intermediate wedge portion and inner wedge portion can
`be considered in combination as defining a “force distribution
`profile” of the end fitting with respect to the resin material
`and, ultimately, with respect to the rod segment installed
`therein. According to embodiments, he lengths of the respec-
`tive leading edges of the outer, intermediate and inner wedge
`portions can, of themselves, provide the end fitting with a
`force distribution profile in which the compressive load at the
`outer wedge portion exceeds that at the intermediate wedge
`portion, and in which compressive load at the intermediate
`wedge portion exceeds that at the inner wedge portion. In
`various embodiments, the leading edges can be sized and/or
`arranged in a configuration that, considered alone, does not
`provide such a force distribution, and the trailing edges and/or
`the sizes ofthe angles can be sized and/or arranged in respec-
`tive configurations in each ofthe outer, intermediate and inner
`wedge portion to provide or contribute to the desired force
`distribution profile of the end fitting.
`As such, in an embodiment, the first, second, and third
`angles can differ in size, such that the compressive load
`applied to the inner wedge portion is greater than the com-
`pressive load applied to the intermediate wedge portion, and
`the compressive load applied to the intermediate wedge por-
`tion is greater than the compressive load applied to the outer
`wedge portion, to enable compressive forces at the closed end
`ofthe body to exceed those at the open end ofthe body. While
`the sizes ofthe angles can, themselves, provide the end fitting
`with a force distribution in which the compressive load at the
`outer wedge portion exceeds that at the inner wedge portion,
`in various embodiments,
`the angles can be sized and/or
`arranged in a manner that may not necessary provide such a
`force distribution, while the lengths and arrangement of the
`leading and/or trailing edges could provide this force distri-
`bution.
`
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`In an embodiment, the lengths ofthe first, second, and third
`trailing edges can differ, such that the compressive load
`applied to the inner wedge portion is greater than the com-
`pressive load applied to the intermediate wedge portion, and
`the compressive load applied to the intermediate wedge por-
`tion is greater than the compressive load applied to the outer
`wedge portion, to enable compressive forces at the closed end
`ofthe body to exceed those at the open end ofthe body. While
`the lengths of the trailing edges can, themselves, provide the
`end fitting with a force distribution in which the compressive
`load at the outer wedge portion exceeds that at the inner
`wedge portion, in various embodiments, the trailing edges
`can be sized and/or arranged in a manner that may not nec-
`essary provide such a force distribution, while the lengths and
`arrangement of the leading edges and/or the sizes of the
`angles in each wedge portion could provide this force distri-
`bution.
`
`As such, each wedge portion has a force distribution deter-
`mined by the combination of the respective leading edge
`length, trailing edge length, and angle size of that wedge
`portion, and any combination of leading edge lengths, trailing
`edge lengths, or angles can be selected, to provide the end
`fitting with desired dimensions, material characteristics, and
`the desired distribution of forces.
`
`Embodiments usable within the scope of the present dis-
`closure include end fittings having a body with an interior, a
`closed end, and an open end, with a first wedge portion
`formed in the interior and a second wedge portion formed in
`the interior between the first wedge portion and the closed
`end. The first wedge portion includes a first leading edge, a
`first trailing edge, and a first angle between the first leading
`edge and the first trailing edge. The length of the first leading
`edge, the length of the first trailing edge, and the size of the
`first angle define a first distribution of force in the first wedge
`portion. The second wedge portion includes a second leading
`edge, a second trailing edge, and a second angle between the
`second leading edge and the second trailing edge. The length
`of the second leading edge, the length of the second trailing
`edge, and the size of the second angle define a second distri-
`bution of force in the second wedge portion. The first distri-
`bution of force and the second distribution of force vary such
`that a compressive load applied to the second wedge portion
`is greater than a compressive load applied to the first wedge
`portion, and compressive forces at the closed end of the body
`exceed compressive forces at the open end of the body.
`In an embodiment, such a distribution of forces can be
`achieved through providing the first leading edge and the
`second leading edge with differing lengths.
`In such an
`embodiment, the length of the first and second trailing edges
`can be equal and the sizes ofthe first and second angles can be
`equal. Alternatively, the trailing edges could differ in length,
`the angles could differ in size, or combinations thereof.
`In an embodiment,
`the distribution of forces can be
`achieved through providing the first trailing edge and the
`second trailing edge with differing lengths. In such an
`embodiment, the length of the first and second leading edges
`could be equal and the sizes of the first and second angles can
`be equal. Alternatively, the leading edges could differ in
`length,
`the angles could differ in size, or combinations
`thereof. In a further embodiment, the ratio ofthe length ofthe
`leading edge to that of the trailing edge, for each respective
`wedge portion, can determine the amount of compressive
`force received by that wedge portion.
`In an embodiment,
`the distribution of forces can be
`achieved through providing the first angle and the second
`angle with differing sizes. In such an embodiment, the length
`of the first and second leading edges can be equal and the
`
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`US 9,045,951 B2
`
`5
`length of the first and second trailing edges can be equal.
`Alternatively, the leading edges can be of different lengths,
`the trailing edges can be of different lengths, or combinations
`thereof.
`
`Embodiments usable within the scope of the present dis-
`closure include end fittings having a body with an interior,
`and a wedge system formed in the interior. The wedge system
`can include an outer wedge portion formed in the interior
`proximate to the open end, an intermediate wedge portion
`formed in the interior between the outer wedge portion and
`the closed end, and an inner wedge portion formed in the
`interior between the intermediate wedge portion and the
`closed end, proximate to the closed end. The outer wedge
`portion includes a first leading edge, a first trailing edge, and
`a first angle between the first leading and trailing edges. The
`length ofthe first leading and trailing edges and the size ofthe
`first angle define a distribution of force in the outer wedge
`portion. The intermediate wedge portion includes a second
`leading edge, a second trailing edge, and a second angle
`between the second leading and trailing edges. The length of
`the second leading and trailing edges and the size of the
`second angle define a distribution of force in the intermediate
`wedge portion. The inner wedge portion includes a third
`leading edge, a third trailing edge, and a third angle between
`the third leading and trailing edges. The length of the third
`leading and trailing edges and the size ofthe third angle define
`a distribution of force in the inner wedge portion.
`The distribution offorce in eachwedge portion varies, such
`that the compressive load applied to the inner wedge portion
`is greater than the compressive load applied to the interme-
`diate wedge portion, and the compressive load applied to the
`intermediate wedge portion is greater than the compressive
`load applied to the outer wedge portion, enabling compres-
`sive forces at the closed end of the body exceed compressive
`forces at the open end of the body.
`As described above, any of the leading edges or trailing
`edges could vary in length, and the angles between the edges
`could vary in size, depending on the desired dimensions,
`structural characteristics, and force distribution in the end
`fitting. For example, the first leading edge can be longer than
`the second leading edge, which can be longer than the third;
`the first and second leading edges could be equal in length
`while the third is shorter, or longer; the third leading edge can
`be longer than the second leading edge, which can be longer
`than the first; the second and third leading edges can be
`generally equal in length, while the first is shorter, or longer;
`all three leading edges could be equal in length; the first
`leading edge can be longer than the third, which is longer than
`the second; the third leading edge can be longer than the first,
`which is longer than the second; the third leading edge can be
`shorter than the first, which is shorter than the second; the first
`leading edge can be shorter than the third, which is shorter
`than the second; or the first and third leading edges can be
`equal in length, while the second is shorter, or longer.
`In a similar manner, any of the above configurations could
`be present with regard to the length of the trailing edges
`and/or the size of the angles between the leading and trailing
`edges.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in
`and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred
`embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general
`description of the disclosure and the detailed description of
`the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the
`principles of the disclosure.
`
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`6
`FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
`an end fitting usable within the scope ofthe present disclosure
`engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.
`FIG. 2 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of
`an embodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope ofthe
`present disclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.
`FIG. 3 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of
`an embodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope ofthe
`present disclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.
`FIG. 4 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of
`an embodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope ofthe
`present disclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.
`FIG. 5 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of
`an embodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope ofthe
`present disclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.
`FIG. 6 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of
`an embodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope ofthe
`present disclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.
`FIG. 7 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of
`an embodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope ofthe
`present disclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.
`FIG. 8 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of
`an embodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope ofthe
`present disclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.
`FIG. 9 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view of
`an embodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope ofthe
`present disclosure engaged with a segment of a sucker rod.
`FIG. 10 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view
`of an embodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of
`the present disclosure engaged with a segment ofa sucker rod.
`FIG. 11 depicts a diagrammatic side, cross-sectional view
`of an embodiment of an end fitting usable within the scope of
`the present disclosure engaged with a segment ofa sucker rod.
`FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a pumping system usable
`within the scope of the present disclosure.
`FIG. 13 is a schematic flow chart illustrating an embodi-
`ment ofa method ofartificial lift ofliquid that is usable within
`the scope of the present disclosure.
`The depicted embodiments of sucker rods, sucker rod
`assemblies, end fittings for sucker rods, production wells,
`methods and subject matter are described below with refer-
`ence to the listed Figures.
`The above general description and the following detailed
`description are merely illustrative of the generic disclosure,
`and additional modes, advantages, and particulars of this
`disclosure will be readily suggested to those skilled in the art
`without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIG. 1 depicts a diagrammatic cross sectional view of an
`embodiment of an end fitting (10) usable within the scope of
`the present disclosure, having an end of a segment of a sucker
`rod (32) engaged therein. It should be understood that the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is merely an illustrative, dia-
`grammatic view of one possible configuration and arrange-
`ment of components, and, as described above, the specific
`dimensions and arrangement of portions of the end fitting
`(10), most notably the configuration of the wedge system
`depicted in the interior thereof, can be varied without depart-
`ing from the scope of the present disclosure.
`The end fitting (10) has a body (12) (e.g., a generally
`tubular, cylindrical body), with threads (14) at one end thereof
`for engaging an adjacent object (e.g., a connector engaged
`with a subsequent section ofa sucker rod string). The depicted
`end fitting (10) includes an open end (16), through which the
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`US 9,045,951 B2
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`7
`sucker rod segment (32) can be engaged, and a closed end
`(18) opposite the open end (16). Body (12) between the
`closed end (18) and open end (16) is generally hollow, having
`an interior surface defining a cavity for receiving the sucker
`rod segment (32). The interior of body (12) includes a wedge
`system (13). Wedge system (13) includes an outer wedge
`(20), an intermediate wedge (22), and an inner wedge (24). It
`will be understood that a suitable securing material (“resin
`material”), such as a suitable cured epoxy or other resin, is
`present in the cavity between sucker rod segment (32) and the
`interior surface of end fitting (10) and fixedly secures the
`sucker rod segment (32) in end fitting (10).
`Each ofthe outer wedge (20), intermediate wedge (22), and
`inner wedge (24) viewed in cross-section has a respective
`triangular configuration and includes, generally, a leading
`edge positioned closer to the open end (16), a trailing edge
`positioned closer to the closed end (18), and an angle between
`the leading and trailing edges. Specifically, the outer wedge
`(20) is shown having a first leading edge (26A), a first trailing
`edge (28A), and a first angle (30A); the intermediate wedge
`(22) is shown having a second leading edge (26B), a second
`trailing edge (28B), and a second angle (30B); and the inner
`wedge (24) is shown having a third leading edge (26C), a third
`trailing edge (28C), and a third angle (30C). In an embodi-
`ment, one or more ofthe angles can be obtuse. As used herein,
`“obtuse” means an angle between 90 degrees and 180
`degrees.
`During use, the sucker rod segment (32) can be secured
`within the end fitting (10) by providing resin material (e.g.,
`epoxy, resin, etc.) into the interior thereof. In addition to
`bonding to the sucker rod segment (32), the adhesive/epoxy/
`resin fills respective portions of the cavity at each of the
`wedge regions (20, 22, 24), thus forming respective protrud-
`ing wedge sections (“protruding wedges” 29A, 29B, 29C) of
`resin material that extend from the sucker rod segment (32).
`As the sucker rod is reciprocated in a wellbore, the sucker rod
`segment (32) will alternatingly experience an axial, tensile
`force in the direction ofthe open end (16) (e.g., tending to pull
`the sucker rod segment (32) from the end fitting (10)), and an
`axial compressive force in the direction ofthe closed end (18)
`(e.g., tending to push the sucker rod segment (32) against the
`closed end (18)).
`When subjected to a force in the direction of the open end
`(16), contact between the protruding wedges (29A, 29B, 29C)
`of resin material extending from the sucker rod segment (32)
`and the leading edges (26C, 26B, 26A) will distribute com-
`pressive force to the sucker rod segment (32) at each of the
`respective wedge portions (24, 22, 20). When subjected to a
`force in the direction of the closed end (18), contact between
`the protruding wedges (29A, 29B, 29C) of resin material
`extending from the sucker rod segment (32) and the trailing
`edges (28C, 28B, 28A) will distribute compressive force to
`the sucker rod segment (32) at each of the respective wedge
`portions (24, 22, 20). The amount of each compressive force
`applied to each respective wedge portion (20, 22, 24) can vary
`depending on the length ofthe leading edge (26A, 26B, 26C),
`or trailing edge (28A, 28B, 28C) against which the protruding
`wedge of cured epoxy/resin material is urged by the axial
`force from reciprocation of the sucker rod string. The size of
`the angles (30A, 30B, 30C) influences the angle at which each
`ofthe edges (26A, 28A, 26B, 28B, 26C, 28C) extends relative
`to the corresponding protruding wedge (29A, 29B, 29C) of
`resin material and therefore also influences the force applied
`to each wedge portion (20, 22, 24).
`FIG. 2 depicts a diagrammatic cross sectional view of an
`embodiment of an end fitting (40) usable within the scope of
`the present disclosure, having an end of a segment of a sucker
`
`5
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`10
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`40
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`45
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`60
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`8
`rod (60) engaged therein. It should be understood that the
`embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is illustrative one possible con-
`figuration and arrangement of components, as described
`above. End fitting (40) is identical to end fitting (10) illus-
`trated in FIG. 1, except as otherwise described here or illus-
`trated in FIG. 2. The end fitting (40) is shown having a body
`(42) (e.g., a generally tubular, cylindrical body). The body
`(42) can include threads (not shown) or similar means for
`engagement with adjacent objects (e.g., end fittings secured
`to subsequent sections of a sucker rod string) at a closed end
`(44) thereof, while the sucker rod segment (60) can be
`inserted into and engaged through the open end (46) of the
`body (42). The portion of the body (42) between the closed
`and open ends (44, 46) is shown having a bore therein, defin-
`ing an interior for engagement with the sucker rod segment
`(60). The interior is depicted having a wedge system, in which
`the depicted embodiment includes an outer wedge (48), an
`intermediate wedge (50), and an inner wedge (52).
`Each of the wedges (48, 50, 52) includes, generally, a
`leading edge positioned closer to the open end (46), a trailing
`edge positioned closer to the closed end (44), and an angle
`between the leading and trailing edges. Specifically, the outer
`wedge (48) is shown having a first leading edge (54A), a first
`trailing edge (56A), and a first angle (58A); the intermediate
`wedge (50) is s