`Carroll
`
`( 10 ) Patent No .: US 10,473,310 B2
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`US010473310B2
`
`F21V 17/007
`362/424
`B60P 3/18
`362/192
`GO9B 25/04
`434/367
`F21V 31/03
`362/362
`F217 21/30
`362 / 249.07
`E21B 19/006
`405/203
`GO8G 1/0955
`340/908
`F21S 8/086
`362/310
`
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`8/2011 Palmisano , Jr.
`5/2012 Konop
`5/2014 Gordin
`1/2015 Lipscomb
`7/2003 Citron
`
`7,988,343 B2 *
`8,172,438 B2 *
`8,734,163 B1 *
`8,931,932 B2 *
`2003/0137840 A1 *
`
`2005/0129464 A1 *
`
`6/2005 Moncus
`
`2008/0129543 A1 *
`
`2008/0212329 A1 *
`
`6/2008 Lee
`9/2008 Duguay
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner Elmito Breval
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Ted M. Anthony
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`A lighting assembly can be quickly and efficiently mounted
`to a crown of
`drilling rig derrick in order to provide
`wide - area illumination of the derrick and surrounding work
`location . An adjustable support frame member can be opera
`tionally attached to a hand rail of a derrick crown using
`fixed - length bracket members , adjustable - length bracket
`members and / or a combination ( s ) thereof . Lighting - emitting
`light source elements are adjustably attached to the support
`frame , and can be selectively aimed to direct light as desired .
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`( 54 ) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`ILLUMINATION OF DRILLING RIGS AND
`SURROUNDING LOCATIONS
`( 71 ) Applicant : Location Illuminator Technologies ,
`LLC , Maurice , LA ( US )
`( 72 ) Inventor : Charles Allen Carroll , Maurice , LA
`( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : Location Illuminator Technologies ,
`LLC , Maurice , LA ( 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 .: 15 / 861,313
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Jan. 3 , 2018
`( 65 )
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2018/0187873 A1 Jul . 5 , 2018
`Related U.S. Application Data
`( 60 ) Provisional application No. 62 / 442,023 , filed on Jan.
`4 , 2017 .
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`F21V 21/28
`( 2006.01 )
`( 2006.01 )
`F21S 8/04
`E21B 41/00
`( 2006.01 )
`E21B 15/00
`( 2006.01 )
`( 2006.01 )
`F21V 19/00
`( 2006.01 )
`F211 21/22
`( 52 ) U.S. Ci .
`F21V 21/28 ( 2013.01 ) ; E21B 15/00
`???
`( 2013.01 ) ; E21B 41/00 ( 2013.01 ) ; F21S 8/046
`( 2013.01 ) ; F21V 19/001 ( 2013.01 ) ; F21V
`21/22 ( 2013.01 )
`
`10
`
`50
`
`8 Claims , 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`100
`
`70
`
`10
`
`-70
`
`10
`
`-201
`
`200
`
`w * PULVER
`
`10
`
`50
`
`202
`
`DL
`
`...
`
`ya
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 1
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`Page 2
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2010/0264390 A1 * 10/2010 Cerda
`
`2010/0276558 A1 * 11/2010 Faust
`
`2014/0117190 A1 *
`
`5/2014 Werner
`
`2015/0153036 A1 *
`
`6/2015 Gowanlock
`
`2015/0184840 A1 *
`
`7/2015 Gowanlock
`
`2016/0059774 A1 *
`
`2016/0109079 A1 *
`
`3/2016 Crandall
`4/2016 McKinley
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`EO2D 17/08
`256/24
`F244 2/5205
`248 / 222.14
`E04C 3/09
`248 / 346.03
`F21V 33/00
`362 / 249.01
`F21V 33/00
`362 / 249.1
`B60Q 1/323
`280 / 164.1
`FO2B 63/047
`362/89
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 2
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 1 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`10
`
`wa
`
`
`ES OR OF
`SO armanna
`
`Then
`
`10
`
`201
`
`Fig . 1
`
`100
`
`10
`
`OL
`
`NA
`
`70
`
`HORROR
`
`akcie
`
`Patro
`
`50
`
`BAADA
`
`On
`
`OCUPA
`
`50
`
`50
`
`ot
`
`arer.com
`
`Save
`
`.
`
`202
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 3
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 2 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`40
`
`10
`
`100
`
`D
`0
`0
`0
`
`10
`
`120
`
`????
`
`D
`
`110
`
`We
`
`AL
`
`
`
`Pia S
`
`SEO
`
`HU
`
`202
`
`20
`
`30
`
`201
`
`.
`
`ON
`
`9
`
`19
`
`..
`
`06
`
`Fig . 2
`
`mert
`WAD
`
`20
`
`-OL
`
`-40
`TA
`
`10
`
`Rube
`
`Tre
`AW
`
`
`
`dures ,
`
`TAT
`
`RON
`story
`
`-
`
`.
`
`h
`
`9 .
`
`wa et
`'
`
`ht
`
`* 11
`
`Sacra
`
`***
`
`LOZ
`
`L.com
`
`HD
`
`30
`
`40
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 4
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 3 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`10
`
`110
`
`20
`
`EME
`
`70
`
`---
`
`-------
`
`-
`
`--
`
`-------
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-------
`
`--
`
`--
`
`------
`
`---------
`
`-
`
`------
`
`---------
`
`o
`
`201
`
`202
`
`www
`
`www
`
`***** HOKKWH went
`
`
`remo
`
`4
`
`50
`
`20
`
`50
`
`30 .
`
`Sost
`
`100
`
`50
`
`50
`
`30
`
`10
`
`110
`
`Fig . 3
`
`OC
`
`-110
`
`OS
`
`10
`
`-70
`
`90 .
`
`20
`
`------------------------------------
`
`10
`
`110
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 5
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 4 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`111
`
`123
`
`121
`
`120
`
`124
`
`122
`
`50
`
`20
`
`30
`
`Fig .
`
`122
`
`124
`
`20
`
`30
`
`Fig . 4a
`
`120
`
`121 202a
`
`- 202
`
`122
`
`124
`
`R
`
`20
`
`301
`
`Fig . 46
`
`00000
`
`obogdoogota
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 6
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 5 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`110
`
`123
`
`121
`
`120
`
`121
`
`94
`
`122 122
`
`30
`20
`
`97
`
`91
`
`123
`
`121
`
`110
`
`122
`
`TTRICI
`
`202a
`
`202
`
`202b
`
`123
`L121
`120
`
`90
`
`93
`
`92
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 7
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 6 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`10
`
`Fig.6
`
`EMMA I
`
`-
`
`*** R
`
`N ) EMERMAM ******** :
`
`X
`
`LEREM .
`
`
`
`IRRATAT FRATRE
`
`
`
`RREIRA RRRRRR RR
`
`
`
`
`
`MRPARTEA ARARA-
`
`-
`
`ARREPEF
`
`-
`
`
`
`
`
`MAX . P. F.
`
`
`
`???.???? .
`
`a
`
`??? ?? ?? ???????? ?? ?? ??????? ?? ??
`
`-20
`
`-15
`
`********************
`
`no wwwwww w w w w women *** * .-- - -- ---------------- ---- ------------------ -------------------------------------- **
`
`
`
`
`
`persone consacramento de menos como comer for hard
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`40
`
`30
`
`20
`
`40
`
`www www
`
`d w
`
`w
`
`w
`
`w
`
`w
`
`were
`
`found out whats
`
`sur
`
`wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
`
`NE
`
`LOC
`
`20
`
`be
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`****** ***** ******* *****************
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 8
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 7 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`65
`
`65 .
`
`63
`
`65
`
`64
`
`65
`
`61
`
`619
`
`Fig . 8
`
`62
`Fig . 7
`
`56
`
`53
`
`54
`
`56
`
`57
`
`Fig.9
`
`56
`
`57
`
`56
`
`52
`
`51
`
`52
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 9
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 8 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`56
`
`53
`
`56
`
`55
`
`-51
`
`56
`
`Fig . 10
`
`56
`
`53
`
`51
`
`55
`
`56
`
`Fig . II
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 10
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 9 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`?
`
`? :
`
`76
`
`6 /
`
`6
`
`3 .
`
`6 :
`
`88
`
`PP ?
`
`5 %
`
`88
`
`0 /
`
`75
`
`777
`
`9
`
`72
`
`C.
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 11
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 10 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`--
`
`-
`
`78
`
`76
`
`68
`
`89
`
`70
`
`VIEW
`
`92
`
`71
`
`76
`
`|
`
`78
`
`EL
`
`78
`
`SID
`
`92
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 12
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 12 , 2019
`
`Sheet 11 of 11
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`121
`
`120
`
`15
`
`170
`
`110
`
`122
`
`152
`
`30
`
`20
`
`ch
`
`Fig . 15
`
`.
`
`152
`
`15
`
`?
`Fig . 16
`
`-121
`
`170
`
`15
`
`110
`140
`
`111
`
`y
`
`152
`
`111
`
`-151
`
`20
`
`30
`
`Fig . 17
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 13
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`ILLUMINATION OF DRILLING RIGS AND
`SURROUNDING LOCATIONS
`
`10
`
`CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser . No.
`62 / 442,023 , filed Jan. 4 , 2017 , incorporated herein by ref
`erence , is hereby claimed .
`STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE
`INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY
`SPONSORED RESEARCH AND
`DEVELOPMENT
`
`2
`nating a wide area such as , for example , a drilling rig
`location and surrounding vicinity . The lighting assembly of
`the present invention comprises a lighting system and
`mounting support frame assembly that can be operatively
`5 attached to a drilling rig , ideally on or near a crown of said
`derrick . In a preferred embodiment , said mounting support
`frame assembly can be beneficially attached to a hand rail of
`a derrick crown . When so configured , the lighting assembly
`of the present invention can provide illumination of sub
`stantially all work areas in and around such derrick , such as ,
`for example , a rig floor , mud pits , pipe racks , equipment
`staging areas and portable personnel buildings .
`In a preferred embodiment , the lighting assembly of the
`present invention comprises an adjustable support frame
`assembly defining an inner gap or opening . Said support
`frame assembly can be manufactured from a relatively rigid
`and sturdy material such as steel , aluminum or composite
`material . Said support frame assembly further comprises a
`20 plurality of mounting bracket members attachable to each
`1. Field of the Invention
`side of said support frame , thereby extending into said inner
`opening of said support frame assembly . Thus , said plurality
`The present invention pertains to a lighting assembly for
`of mounting bracket members can be used to mount and
`use in oil and gas and construction industries , and / or other
`secure the support frame assembly to another object , such
`applications , having a need for wide - area lighting and illu
`mination . More particularly , the present invention pertains to 25 as , for example , a hand rail of a crown of a drilling rig
`a lighting assembly having an adjustable support frame
`derrick .
`assembly for attachably connecting said lighting assembly to
`The lighting assembly of the present invention further
`a crown of a derrick of a drilling rig , thereby permitting
`comprises a plurality of light - emitting fixtures ; said light
`illumination of a wide - area in and around said derrick with
`emitting fixtures can comprise light emitting diode ( LED )
`high quality light . More particularly still , the present inven- 30 lighting sources or other light - emitting devices having a
`tion pertains to
`a lighting assembly having number of
`high luminous efficacy . In a preferred embodiment , each of
`beneficial advantages including , without limitation , ease ,
`said light - emitting fixtures comprises a substantially planar
`efficiency and safety of installation , use and removal , adapt
`LED light panel adjustably connected to
`said mounting
`ability to different sizes and configurations of drilling rig
`derricks , and resistance to high winds and environmentai 35 frame . Each of said mounting frames is , in turn , attached to
`said mounting support frame assembly .
`influences .
`Said light - emitting fixtures can be selectively pointed or
`aimed in a substantially outward direction or other desired
`2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
`orientation relative to a drilling rig derrick crown . As such ,
`Oil and gas drilling operations are frequently conducted in 40 said light - emitting fixtures can illuminate an entire area in
`and around said derrick and the surrounding location . As a
`remote and / or undeveloped areas with little or no surround
`ing development . In many cases , such locations also have
`result , the lighting assembly of the present invention pro
`little , if any , existing infrastructure . Such absence of sur
`vides for an easily attachable ( and detachable ) lighting
`rounding development and existing infrastructure can result
`system that can illuminate substantially all of a drilling rig
`in a lack of proper lighting and illumination in and around 45 or other work area .
`a drilling rig and / or surrounding areas .
`Further , in an additional alternate embodiment , said sup
`Conventional drilling rigs typically include a derrick or
`port frame assembly can be mounted to said derrick crown
`other elongate tower structure for supporting a hoist or other
`( and , more particularly , a hand rail attached thereto ) using at
`lifting apparatus . Typically , at least one lighting apparatus is
`least one turnbuckle bracket . Each turnbuckle bracket com
`disposed within said derrick and / or other ancillary structure 50 prise a plurality of arm extenders , wherein said arm extend
`on the drilling rig location . Such conventional lighting
`ers attachably connect said turnbuckle bracket to said sup
`systems are typically not mounted at or near the upper extent
`port frame assembly .
`of a conventional derrick due to the dissipation of light from
`such an elevated location . However , due to their positioning
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF
`and quality , such conventional lighting systems typically 55
`DRAWINGS / FIGURES
`illuminate only localized or relatively small areas , and lack
`the quality and intensity of light emission to sufficiently
`The foregoing summary , as well as any detailed descrip
`illuminate said entire drilling rig and surrounding areas .
`tion of the preferred embodiments , is better understood
`As a result , there is a need for a lighting system that can
`when read in conjunction with the drawings and figures
`illuminate an entire drilling rig or work area , while still 60 contained herein . For the purpose of illustrating the inven
`being safe and efficient to install , use and disassemble when
`tion , the drawings and figures show certain preferred
`rig operations are complete .
`embodiments . It is understood , however , that the invention
`is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed
`in such drawings or figures .
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`FIG . 1 depicts an overhead perspective view of a lighting
`assembly of the present invention deployed on a drilling rig
`In a preferred embodiment , the present invention com
`derrick .
`prises a high intensity lighting assembly for use in illumi
`
`NONE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`65
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 14
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`3
`4
`comprise posts and cross - members having different shapes
`FIG . 2 depicts an exploded overhead perspective view of
`or configurations such as , for example , square tubing , angle
`a lighting assembly of the present invention deployed on a
`drilling rig derrick .
`iron , flat members or the like .
`In a preferred embodiment , the present invention com
`FIG . 3 depicts an overhead view of a lighting assembly of
`5 prises a lighting assembly for use in illuminating a wide area
`the present invention deployed on a drilling rig derrick .
`such as , for example , a drilling rig location and surrounding
`FIG . 4 depicts side sectional view of a lighting assembly
`vicinity . The lighting assembly of the present invention
`of the present invention along line 4-4 of FIG . 3 .
`comprises a lighting system and mounting support frame
`FIG . 4a depicts a side sectional view of a first alternative
`assembly that can be operatively attached to a drilling rig ,
`embodiment lighting assembly of the present invention .
`FIG . 4b depicts a side sectional view of a first alternative 10 ideally at or near a crown of said derrick . In a preferred
`embodiment lighting assembly of the present invention .
`embodiment , said mounting support frame assembly can be
`FIG . 5 depicts side sectional view of a lighting assembly
`beneficially attached to a hand rail of a derrick crown . When
`so configured , the lighting assembly of the present invention
`of the present invention along line 5-5 of FIG . 3 .
`FIG . 6 depicts an overhead view a support frame assem
`can provide illumination of substantially all areas in and
`bly of the present invention in a partially collapsed and 15 around such derrick , such as , for example , a rig floor , mud
`pits , pipe racks , equipment staging areas and portable per
`partially extended configuration .
`FIG . 7 depicts a perspective view of a bracket plate
`sonnel buildings .
`member of the lighting assembly of the present invention .
`In a preferred embodiment , lighting assembly 100 of the
`FIG . 8 depicts a side view of a bracket plate member of
`present invention comprises an adjustable support frame
`20 assembly constructed of a plurality of interlocking support
`the lighting assembly of the present invention .
`FIG . 9 depicts a perspective view of a fixed mounting
`frame members 10. In the configuration depicted in FIG . 1 ,
`bracket assembly of the lighting assembly of the present
`said support frame members cooperate to define a substan
`tially rectangular support frame assembly defining an inner
`invention .
`FIG . 10 depicts a side view of a mounting bracket
`gap or opening . Although a substantially rectangular con
`assembly of the lighting assembly of the present invention . 25 figuration is preferred in most applications , it
`is to be
`FIG . 11 depicts a side view of a fixed mounting bracket
`observed that support frame members 10 can embody dif
`assembly of the lighting assembly of the present invention .
`ferent shapes , and can cooperate to define a support frame
`FIG . 12 depicts a perspective view of an alternative
`assembly having a different that is , non - rectangular ) shape .
`embodiment adjustable mounting bracket assembly of the
`In a preferred embodiment , said support frame assembly can
`30 be beneficially manufactured from a relatively rigid and
`lighting assembly of the present invention .
`FIG . 13 depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment
`robust material such as steel , aluminum or composite mate
`adjustable mounting bracket assembly of the lighting assem
`rial .
`Still referring to FIG . 1 , said support frame assembly
`bly of the present invention .
`FIG . 14 depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment
`formed by said support frame members 10 further comprises
`adjustable mounting bracket assembly of the lighting assem- 35 a plurality of mounting bracket assemblies 50 and 70. Said
`mounting bracket assemblies 50 and 70 are operationally
`bly of the present invention .
`FIG . 15 depicts a rear perspective view of an alternative
`attached to said support frame assembly , and can be used to
`embodiment of the adjustable lighting assembly of the
`mount and secure the support frame assembly to another
`object , such as , for example , hand rail 202 on crown 201 of
`present invention .
`FIG . 16 depicts an overhead view of an alternative 40 drilling rig derrick 200 .
`embodiment of the adjustable lighting assembly of the
`FIG . 2 depicts an exploded overhead perspective view of
`lighting assembly 100 of the present invention deployed on
`present invention .
`FIG . 17 depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment
`a drilling rig derrick for use in illuminating a wide area such
`of the adjustable lighting assembly of the present invention .
`as , for example , a drilling rig location and surrounding
`45 vicinity . As depicted in FIG . 2 , hand rail 202 is operationally
`attached to crown 201 of derrick 200 , while a mounting
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED
`support frame assembly can be operatively attached to said
`EMBODIMENT
`hand rail 202 .
`Referring to the drawings , FIG . 1 depicts an overhead
`In a preferred embodiment , lighting assembly 100 of the
`perspective view of a lighting assembly 100 of the present 50 present invention comprises an adjustable support frame
`invention deployed on a drilling rig derrick 200. As depicted
`assembly constructed of a plurality of interlocking support
`in FIG . 1 , drilling rig derrick 200 comprises a structural
`frame members 10. In the configuration depicted in FIG . 1 ,
`framework used to support a lifting apparatus and / or other
`each of said support frame members 10 comprise a first leg
`components of a drilling rig . An upper section commonly
`member 20 and second leg member 30 disposed at substan
`referred to as a " crown ” 201 is disposed at or near the top 55 tially a right angle ( 90 - degrees ) relative to each other . A
`of said derrick 200 ; on conventional drilling rigs , said crown
`corner member 40 is used to join said first leg member 20
`201 can support a crown block and / or sheave assembly ( not
`and second leg member 30 of each support frame member
`pictured in FIG . 1 ) used with a rig's hoisting system .
`10 ; in a preferred embodiment , said corner member 40
`Still referring to FIG . 1 , a hand rail 202 is operationally
`further comprises a hinge assembly , thereby permitting the
`attached to said crown 201. Among other benefits , said hand 60 size of the angle formed between said first leg member 20
`rail 202 acts as a safety fence or barrier for personnel
`and second leg member 30 to be selectively adjusted . When
`working on or around said crown 201 which , when
`joined , said plurality of interlocking support frame members
`deployed , is typically positioned at an elevated location of
`10 cooperate to define a substantially rectangular support
`300 feet or more above a drilling rig . As depicted in FIG . 1 ,
`frame assembly .
`said hand rail 202 comprises a plurality of upwardly extend- 65 As noted above , said support frame members 10 are
`ing posts and substantially cylindrical tubular cross - mem
`manufactured from a relatively rigid and robust material
`bers . However , it is to be observed that hand rail 202 can
`such as steel , aluminum or composite material . In the
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 15
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`6
`5
`interlocking support frame members 10. In the configuration
`embodiment depicted in FIG . 2 , said first leg members 20
`depicted in FIG . 6 , each of said support frame members 10
`and second leg members 30 of said support frame members
`comprise a first leg member 20 and second leg member 30
`10 comprise angle irons ( i.e. , structures having at least two
`disposed at substantially a right angle ( 90 - degrees ) relative
`sides oriented at a substantially perpendicular configuration
`relative to each other ) . However , it is to be observed that said 5 to each other . A corner member 40 is used to join each of
`support frame members 10 can have a different shape or
`said first leg members 20 to said second leg members 30 .
`configuration such as , for example , square or cylindrical
`When joined , said interlocking support frame members 10
`tubing — without departing from the scope of the present
`cooperate to define a substantially rectangular support frame
`assembly ; further , said interlocking support frame members
`invention .
`Lighting assembly 100 of the present invention further 10 10 can be selectively extended to increase the length of the
`sides of said constructed support frame assembly , or col
`comprises a plurality of light - emitting light sources 110
`disposed in spaced relationship around said support frame
`lapsed to decrease the length of the sides of said constructed
`assembly formed by interlocking support frame members
`support frame assembly .
`10. In a preferred embodiment , said light - emitting light
`Still referring to FIG . 6 , in a preferred embodiment , a
`sources 110 can comprise light emitting diode ( LED ) light- 15 plurality of elongate slots or apertures 15 extend through
`ing sources or another light - emitting devices having a high
`each of said first leg members 20 and second leg members
`30 , typically disposed in spaced relationship along substan
`luminous efficacy and wide - area light distribution .
`In a preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS . 1 and 2 , said
`tially the entire length of said first leg members 20 and
`light - emitting light sources 110 each comprise a substan
`second leg members 30. The longitudinal axes of said
`tially planar and rectangular light panel adjustably con- 20 apertures 15 are oriented substantially parallel to the longi
`nected to a mounting framework 120. Each of said mounting
`tudinal axes of said first leg members 20 and second leg
`frameworks 120 is , in turn , attached to a mounting support
`members 30 through which said apertures 15 extend . When
`frame member 10 using a plurality of threaded bolts / nuts ,
`a first leg member 20 of a first support frame member 10 is
`fasteners or other temporary but robust attachment means .
`disposed near a second leg member 30 of an adjacent
`Further , said light - emitting light sources 110 are aimed or 25 ( separate ) support frame member 10 in overlapping rela
`pointed in a substantially outward direction or orientation
`tionship , said elongate apertures 15 of said first and second
`relative to a derrick crown 201 , thus , permitting said light
`leg members are substantially aligned with each other .
`sources 110 to collectively illuminate substantially the entire
`Threaded bolts / nuts or other fasteners can be installed
`area in and around said derrick 200 , as well as a surrounding
`within said aligned apertures 15 in order to secure said first
`30 and second leg members together , thereby operationally
`drilling rig and associated work location .
`Still referring to FIG . 2 , said support frame assembly
`attaching multiple support frame members 10 together in
`further comprises a plurality of mounting bracket assemblies
`interlocking relationship . Further , light sources 110 ( not
`50 and 70. Fixed mounting bracket assemblies 50 have a
`depicted in FIG . 6 ) can be attached
`said support frame
`fixed length , while adjustable mounting bracket assemblies
`members 10. Said light sources can be selectively mounted
`70 have an adjustable length . Said mounting bracket assem- 35 at desired locations along support frame members 10 and
`blies 50 and 70 can be operationally attached to support
`secured in place using threaded bolts / nuts or other fasteners
`frame members 10 , and can be used to mount and secure said
`disposed within elongate slots 15 , thereby permitting selec
`cooperating , interlocking support frame members 10 to hand
`tive placement of said light sources 110 around the perimeter
`rail 202. Additionally , optional turnbuckle bracket assem
`of the support frame assembly formed by said interlocking
`blies 90 further connect support frame members 10 to hand 40 support frame members 10 .
`rail 202 ; in many cases , said optional turnbuckle bracket
`FIG . 4 depicts side sectional view of a portion of lighting
`assemblies 90 can be used to connect cooperating support
`assembly 100 of the present invention along line 4-4 of FIG .
`frame members 10 to different ( typically lower ) cross
`3. A first leg member 20 and second leg member 30 comprise
`members of hand rail 202 than mounting bracket assemblies
`angle irons and are joined together in overlapping relation
`45 ship . Said first leg member 20 and second leg member 30 are
`50 and 70 .
`FIG . 3 depicts an overhead view of lighting assembly 100
`mounted to a cross - member 202a of crown hand rail 202
`of the present invention deployed on hand rail 202 of crown
`using fixed mounting bracket assembly 50. As depicted in
`201 of a drilling rig derrick 200. As depicted in FIG . 3 , a
`FIG . 4 , said fixed mounting bracket assembly 50 is co - planar
`combination of fixed mounting bracket assemblies 50 and
`with said cross - member 202a of hand rail 202 , and extends
`adjustable mounting bracket assemblies 70 are used to 50 in substantially perpendicular orientation from said cross
`mount and secure said cooperating frame members 10 to
`member 202a .
`hand rail 202 , resulting in greater stand - off distance between
`Light - emitting light source 110 comprises a panel having
`said frame members 10 and hand rail 202 in certain areas
`a plurality of light emitting diode ( LED ) lighting elements
`( where adjustable mounting bracket assemblies 70 are
`111 having a high luminous efficacy . Said light - emitting
`deployed ) , and less stand - off distance between said frame 55 light source 110 is adjustably connected to a mounting frame
`members 10 and hand rail 202 in other areas ( where fixed
`120 ; said mounting frame 120 generally comprises side
`mounting bracket assemblies 50 are deployed ) . It is to be
`mounting arms 121 and lower base member 122. In a
`observed that the configuration depicted in FIGS . 1 through
`preferred embodiment , said light source 110 is pivotally
`3 is for illustration purposes only , and lighting assembly 100
`mounted to said side mounting arms 121 using pivot pins
`can be mounted using only fixed mounting bracket assem- 60 123. Said mounting frame 120 is , in turn , attached to
`blies 50 , or adjustable mounting bracket assemblies 70 ,
`interlocked support frame leg members 20 and 30 using a
`without departing from the scope of the present invention .
`plurality of threaded bolts / nuts , fasteners or other temporary
`FIG . 6 depicts an overhead view of an adjustable support
`but robust attachment means .
`frame assembly of a lighting assembly 100 of the present
`It is to be observed that said interlocking first leg member
`invention in a partially collapsed and partially extended 65 20 and second leg member 30 can have a different shape or
`configuration for comparison purposes . As discussed above ,
`configuration without departing from the scope of the pres
`adjustable support frame assembly comprises a plurality of
`ent invention . FIG . 4a depicts a side sectional view of a first
`
`C&M Oilfield Rentals Ex. 2019 - Page 16
`Ensign US Southern Drilling LLC v. C&M Oilfield Rentals LLC
`IPR2023-00804 - U.S. Patent No. 10,976,016
`
`
`
`US 10,473,310 B2
`
`7
`8
`threaded body member 95 in a desired direction . Said
`alternative embodiment lighting assembly 100 of the present
`turnbuckle assembly 90 provides additional support for the
`invention wherein said first leg member 20 and second leg
`attachment of lighting assembly 100 to hand rail 202 , said
`member 30 are constructed of square tubing , and wherein
`additional support provides added strength in the event of
`said second leg member 30 is telescopically received within
`an inner bore of said first leg member 20. Similarly , FIG . 4b 5 uneven or excessive loading on said lighting assembly 100
`depicts a side sectional view of a second alternative embodi
`( such as from wind or other forces ) .
`ment lighting assembly 100 of the present invention ,
`FIG . 7 depicts a perspective view of a bracket plate
`wherein said first leg member 20 and second leg member 30
`member 60 of lighting assembly 100 of the present inven
`are constructed of cylindrical tubing , and wherein said
`tion , while FIG . 8 depicts a side view of said bracket plate
`second leg member 30 is telescopically received within an 10 member 60. Referring to FIGS . 7 and 8 , bracket plate
`member 60 comprises contact face plate 61 having curved
`inner bore of said first leg member 20 .
`FIG . 5 depicts a side sectional view of a lighting assembly
`inner surface 61a ; said curved inner surface 61a is benefi
`100 of the present invention along line 5-5 of FIG . 3. A first
`cially shaped and sized to conform to the outer surface of a
`leg member 20 and second leg member 30 comprise angle
`cross - member of a crown hand - rail ( such as , for example ,
`irons and are joined together in overlapping relationship . 15 cross - member 202a depicted in FIG . 4 ) . Aperture 62 and slot
`Said first leg member 20 and second leg member 30 are
`63 extend through said contact face plate 61. Planar bracket
`mounted to a cross - member 202a of crown hand rail 202
`plates 64 extend from said contact face plate 61 , while a
`using adjustable mounting bracket assembly 70. As depicted
`plurality of transverse bores 65 extend through said planar
`in FIG . 5 , said adjustable mounting bracket assembly 70 is
`bracket plates 64 .
`co - planar with said cross - member 202a of hand rail 202 , and 20
`FIG . 9 depicts a perspective view of a fixed - length
`extends in substantially perpendicular orientation from said
`mounting bracket assembly 50 of the lighting assembly