Threaded tubular end protector

Abstract

A thread protector has an outer sleeve with threads disposed on an inner side to engage pin threads disposed on a pin end of a tubular member. The thread protector also has a flange disposed on a first end of the outer sleeve to engage the pin end of the tubular member, the threads on the inner side of the outer sleeve disposed axially adjacent the flange and radially adjacent an end of the pin end of the tubular member. A method of protecting pin threads of a pin end of a tubular member. The method includes threading a thread protector on the pin threads of the pin end of the tubular member.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is a partial continuation-in-process of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 360,641, filed June 28, 2021, which is a conversion of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 045,317, filed June 29, 2020, which claims priority under 35 USC 119(e). The disclosure of the latter is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a thread protector for the threaded end of a sleeve or pipe unit, which can be quickly attached to and removed from the sleeve or pipe unit. The invention also relates to a method for attaching or removing a thread protector to or from the pin end of a sleeve or pipe component. Background Technology

[0004] Casing and / or tubing have a pin end and a box end. The box end includes internal threads that are naturally protected by being placed inside the tubing or casing. The pin end has threads on the outside of the tubing or casing that are exposed and can be damaged. Currently, protective devices exist for the pin end threads of tubing or casing, but they require considerable time to install and remove from the tubing or casing. This results in a significant amount of time when the time required to install or remove a typical protective device from the pin end threads of multiple tubing or casing units is multiplied. This significant amount of time comes directly from the production time of the oil or gas well.

[0005] Therefore, a thread protector is needed for the threads of the pin end of a pipe or sleeve, which can be placed on and / or removed from the pin end of the pipe or sleeve more quickly, while still protecting all the threads of the pin end of the pipe or sleeve. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention relates to a thread protector having an outer sleeve having an inner thread for engaging with a pin thread disposed on a pin end of a tubular member. The thread protector also has a flange disposed at a first end of the outer sleeve for engaging with the pin end of the tubular member, the inner thread of the outer sleeve being configured to be axially adjacent to the flange and radially adjacent to the end of the pin end of the tubular member.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a method for protecting the pin thread of a pin end of a tubular member. The method includes screwing a thread protector onto the pin thread of the pin end of the tubular member. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3A This is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view as part of another embodiment of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7B It is constructed according to the present invention. Figure 7A A perspective view of an embodiment of the thread protector shown.

[0017] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of another embodiment of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8B It is constructed according to the present invention. Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the thread protector shown.

[0019] Figure 9A This is a perspective view of a portion of yet another embodiment of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 9B It is constructed according to the present invention. Figure 9A A perspective view of an embodiment of the thread protector shown.

[0021] Figure 10A This is a perspective view as part of another embodiment of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 10B It is constructed according to the present invention. Figure 10AA perspective view of an embodiment of the thread protector shown.

[0023] Figure 10C yes Figure 10B The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a thread protector constructed according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This invention relates to a thread protector 10 for protecting or safeguarding the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of a tubular member 16. The tubular member 16 may be a casing or conduit for oil and gas operations. The tubular member 16 also includes a casing end 18, an inner side 20, and an outer side 22 opposite to the pin end 14. The casing end 18 of the tubular member 16 includes internal threads 24 disposed therein on the inner side 20 of the tubular member 16. The threads 12 disposed on the outer side 22 of the pin end 18 of the tubular member 16 may be a number of threads or extend a certain length along the tubular member 16.

[0025] The thread protector 10 includes an outer sleeve 26 sized to fit around the outer side 22 of the tubular member 16, and its length is at least as long as the length of the thread 12 provided on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 14. The outer sleeve 26 may have an inner side 28, an outer side 30, a first end 32, and a second end 34. The inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 may include at least one thread 36 to engage with the thread 12 provided on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the thread protector 10 may further include a flange 38 oriented radially inward from a first end 32 of the thread protector 10. The flange 38 is positioned such that the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 can engage with the flange 38 to keep the thread protector 10 in a protected position relative to the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In another embodiment, an inner sleeve 40 may extend from the inner diameter 42 of the flange 38 in the same direction as the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The inner sleeve 40 is dimensioned to extend back into the interior of the tubular member 16, thereby providing additional structural support for the thread protector 10. In another embodiment, a plate 44 may be attached to the first end 32 of the outer sleeve 26 instead of the flange 38 to prevent debris from entering the interior of the tubular member 16 when it is not in use.

[0027] The inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 can have any number of continuous threads, allowing the thread protector 10 to be quickly removed from and / or replaced from the tubular member 16. The threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 are positioned close to the flange 38 of the thread protector 10, such that when the thread protector 10 engages with the threads 12 of the pin end 14, the threads 12 of the thread protector 10 only engage with the threads 12 located at the end of the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. If a limited number of threads on the tubular member 16 are engaged, the time spent removing the thread protector 10 from the tubular member 16 is reduced, whereas when combined for a large number of tubular members, the time spent securing the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16 will be significant.

[0028] In one embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than 10 threads. In another embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than 8 threads. In a further embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than 6 threads. In yet another embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than 4 threads. In another embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than 3 threads. In a further embodiment, the number of threads 12 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 may be less than 2 threads.

[0029] The threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 may extend along a certain length of the tubular member 16. Engaging threads (threads extending from the end of the pin end of the tubular member that are engaged by a thread protector) extend a proportionate length of all the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the length of the engaging threads is less than about 40% of the total length of all the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In another embodiment, the length of the engaging threads is less than about 30% of the total length of all the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In a further embodiment, the length of the engaging threads is less than about 25% of the total length of all the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In yet another embodiment, the length of the engaging threads is less than about 20% of the total length of all the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In still a further embodiment, the length of the engaging threads is less than about 10% of the total length of all the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In another embodiment, the length of the engaging thread is less than about 5% of the total length of all the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16.

[0030] Now for reference Figures 4 to 6 The diagram shows a thread protector 10 having a retaining device 46 that extends from a flange 38 within a tubular member 16. The retaining device 46 engages with the interior of the tubular member 16 to maintain the thread protector 10 in position relative to the thread 12 of the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. The retaining device 46 can have any size and shape to hold the thread protector 10 in proper position on the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the retaining device 46 may include a plurality of flaps 48 extending from a central member 50. Each flap 48 has an outer portion 52 that engages with the interior of the tubular member 16. Each flap 48 has a terminal 54 at opposite ends of the flange 38. The outer portion 52 at the terminal 54 of the flap 48 may be tapered to facilitate insertion of the retaining device 46 of the thread protector 10 into the tubular member 16. The length, width, and height of the flaps 48 can be varied to allow the thread protector 10 to function as intended. The fixing device 46 may also have any number of blades 48, allowing the thread protector 10 to operate as intended. In different embodiments, the fixing device 46 may have more than two blades 48, more than three blades 48, more than four blades 48, or five or more blades 48.

[0031] exist Figure 6 In another embodiment shown in more detail, the fixing device 46 may have a first spoke end 58 connected to the flange 38 and a second spoke end 60 spaced apart from the first spoke end 58 by a rod member 62. The first spoke end 58 and the second spoke end 60 engage the interior of the tubular member 16 to securely support the thread protector 10 in place. The first spoke end 58 may have any desired number of spokes 64 such that the thread protector 10 functions as intended. Similarly, the second spoke end 60 may have any desired number of spokes 66 such that the thread protector 10 functions as intended. A portion of the outer surface 68 of the spokes 66 may be tapered to facilitate insertion of the fixing device 46 into the tubular member 16. The fixing device 46 can be used with or without at least one thread 36 on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The spoke and fin design of the fixing device 46 allows for visual inspection and cleaning of the interior of the tubular member 16.

[0032] In another embodiment, the thread protector 10 may have a ridge or lip 70 disposed on the outer surface of the outer sleeve 26 near the end 74 of the outer sleeve. The ridge 70 allows engagement by a band that can extend to the tubular member 16 to help hold the thread protector 10 in place, for example, during transport of the tubular member 16 to and from the work site or during storage of the tubular member 16. The band that can be used may extend around the entire circumference of the thread protector 10 and the tubular member. The ridge 70 primarily prevents the band from slipping off the thread protector 10, while the band prevents the thread protector 10 from rotating off the tubular member 16.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The illustration shows another embodiment of the thread protector 10, which has a retaining device 46 that extends from the flange 38 within the tubular member 16. The retaining device 46 can engage with the interior of the tubular member 16 to hold the thread protector 10 in position relative to the thread 12 of the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. The retaining device 46 can have any size and shape such that it holds the thread protector 10 in proper position on the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the retaining device 46 may include a plurality of arcuate fingers 80 extending from the flange 38. The arcuate fingers 80 are arcuate outwardly toward the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10.

[0034] In another embodiment, the arcuate finger 80 may extend from a plate 44 that can be attached to the first end 32 of the outer sleeve 26. When using the plate 44, it may have a weakened section 82 that allows for the removal of a removable part 84 of the plate 44 if exposure of the interior of the tubular member 16 is required. The end 86 of the arcuate finger 80 may have a sloped portion 90 that slopes inward away from the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The sloped portion 90 of the arcuate finger 80 allows the thread protector 10 to more easily allow the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 to slide between the arcuate finger 80 and the outer sleeve 26. When the retaining device 46 is pressed down into the tubular member, the arcuate finger 80 frictionally engages the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16. The engagement of the arched finger 80 with the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16 causes the arched finger 80 to straighten, which allows more surface area of ​​the outer side 92 of the arched finger 80 to contact the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the thread protector 10 may include a debris barrier 88 disposed around the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 to prevent debris or fluid from leaving the threads 12 on the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. The debris barrier 88 may be disposed on the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 and near or adjacent to the end 34 of the outer sleeve 26. When the thread protector 10 is used, the debris barrier 88 extends from the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 to the outer side 22 of the tubular member 16, or very close to the outer side 22. The debris barrier 88 may be made of any material that prevents debris from passing between itself and the tubular member 16. The debris barrier may be made of a rigid, flexible, or semi-flexible polymer material.

[0036] The thread protector 10 may also include an opening 94 provided in the outer sleeve 26 for receiving a retaining pin 96. In one embodiment, the retaining pin 96 may be tapered to allow a narrower end to pass through the opening 94, be engaged, and contact the tubular member 16 to increase the security of the thread protector 10 on the tubular member 16. When a tapered retaining pin 96 is used, the retaining pin 96 is sized such that when the retaining pin 96 is securely pressed against the tubular member 16, the retaining pin 96 is securely engaged in the opening 94. In another embodiment, the opening 94 and the retaining pin 96 may be threaded, wherein the retaining pin 96 can be screwed into and through the opening 94 and securely abut against the tubular member 16 to further secure the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16. The retaining pin 96 may be made of a sufficiently strong material to engage the tubular member 16 and facilitate securing the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16. However, if the retaining pin 96 is to engage with the thread 12 on the tubular member 16, the retaining pin 96 may be made of a softer material than the material used to construct the tubular member 16. Examples of materials for the retaining pin 96 include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials (i.e., plastics, rubber, nylon, etc.) and soft metals.

[0037] Now for reference Figure 8A and Figure 8B The illustration shows another embodiment of the thread protector 10, which has a fixing device 46 that can extend from the flange 38 inside the tubular member 16. In this embodiment, the fixing device 46 may include a plurality of arcuate fingers 100 extending from the flange 38 to the insertion ring 102. The arcuate fingers 100 are arcuate outward toward the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. In another embodiment, the arcuate fingers 100 can extend from a plate 44 that can be attached to a first end 32 of the outer sleeve 26 to the insertion ring 102. When using the plate 44, the plate 44 may have a weakened section 104 that allows for the removal of a removable portion 106 of the plate 44 if it is necessary to expose the interior of the tubular member 16.

[0038] The insert ring 102 may have a tapered portion 108 that bends inward away from the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10. The tapered portion 108 may extend around the entire insert ring 102. The tapered portion 108 of the insert ring 102 allows the thread protector 10 to more easily allow the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 to slide between the insert ring 102 (and the arcuate fingers 100) and the outer sleeve 26. When the retaining device 46 is pressed down into the tubular member, the arcuate fingers 100 frictionally engage the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16. The engagement of the arcuate fingers 100 with the inner side 28 of the tubular member 16 causes the arcuate fingers 100 to straighten, which allows more surface area of ​​the outer side 110 of the arcuate fingers 100 to contact the inner side 20 of the tubular member 16. In a further embodiment, the fixing device 46 may also include a structural ring present between the flange 38 or plate 44 and the arcuate finger 100, thereby providing additional structural support for the fixing device 46.

[0039] Now for reference Figure 9A and 9B The illustration shows another embodiment of the thread protector 10, which has a fixing device 46 extending from a flange 38 into the interior of a tubular member 16. In this embodiment, the fixing device 46 may include a plurality of U-shaped fingers 112 having a first branch 114 extending from the flange 38 and a second branch 116 extending from a base 118, which also extends from the flange 38. As the first branch 114 moves from the flange 38 to the bottom 120 of each U-shaped finger 112, the first branch 114 in each U-shaped finger 112 moves further from the inside 20 of the tubular member 16. The base 118 of the fixing device 46 may have any desired shape to provide suitable structural support for the plurality of U-shaped fingers 112. The base 118 may extend downward into the tubular member 16, or the base may be a plate extending within the flange 38.

[0040] The pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 can be pressed into the thread protector 10, such that the sidewall 122 of the tubular member 16 is ultimately positioned between the outer sleeve 26 of the thread protector 10 and each U-shaped finger 112. The tapered relationship between the first branches 114 of each U-shaped finger 112 creates a situation where, depending on the thickness of the sidewall 122, the sidewall 122 of the tubular member 16 is firmly wedged between the first branches 114 of each U-shaped finger 112. The tapered relationship of each finger 112 and the U-shape create a greater distance between the bottom 120 of each U-shaped finger 112 and the inner side 28 of the outer sleeve 26, thereby allowing for easier initial engagement with the tubular member 16. As the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16 is pressed into engagement with the fixing device 46 of the thread protector 10, the outer surface 114 of the first branch 114 of each U-shaped finger is flattened, so that more surface area of ​​the outer surface 124 can contact the inner side 20 of the tubular member 16, thereby better securing the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16.

[0041] Now for reference Figures 10A to 10C The diagram illustrates a thread protector 10 having a fixing device 46 extending from a flange 38 or plate 44 into a tubular member 16. The fixing device 46 engages with the interior of the tubular member 16 to maintain the thread protector 10 in position relative to the thread 12 of the pin end 14 of the tubular member 16. In this embodiment, the fixing device 46 may include a plurality of flaps 130 extending radially from a central member 132. Each flap 130 has an outer surface 134 that engages with the interior of the tubular member 16. The length, width, and height of the flaps 130 can be varied to allow the thread protector 10 to function as intended. The fixing device 46 may also have any number of flaps 130 to allow the thread protector 10 to function as intended. In one embodiment, the fixing device 46 may have a plurality of horizontal flaps 130, each horizontal flap 130 having a different length. Each flap 130 may also have a different stiffness. The varying lengths of the flaps 130 at each level 136 provide engagement capability with tubular members 16 of different inner diameters. For example, a wider tubular member 16 with a wider inner diameter will engage with a longer flap 130 of the fixing device 46 to secure the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16. Conversely, a tubular member 16 with a narrower inner diameter will engage with a shorter flap 130 of the fixing device 46 to secure the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16. The thread protector 10 may also include a shank 138, which can be attached in any manner known in the art to facilitate placement and removal of the thread protector 10 from the tubular member 16. In one embodiment, the shank 138 may be attached to a flange 38.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a method for removing a thread protector 10 from a tubular member 16 and using the tubular member 16 in various oil and gas operations. The method also relates to securing the thread protector 10 to the tubular member 16 being used in oil and gas operations.

[0043] It is clear from the above description that the present invention is well suited to achieving the objectives and realizing the advantages mentioned herein and those inherent in the invention. While this embodiment has been described herein, it will be understood that many modifications can be made, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and these modifications are made within the spirit of the invention and the claims. Any element of any embodiment disclosed herein can be combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A thread protector, the thread protector comprising: An outer sleeve is used to protect the pin threads on the pin end of a tubular member. A flange is provided at the first end of the outer sleeve to engage with the pin end of the tubular member; and A fixing device extending from a flange to frictionally engage the inside of a tubular member, thereby maintaining engagement between a thread protector and the tubular member, the fixing device comprising a plurality of arcuate fingers extending axially from the flange and located inside an outer sleeve, wherein when the thread protector engages with the tubular member, the arcuate fingers are capable of straightening to allow a greater portion of the outer side of the arcuate fingers to engage with the inside of the tubular member.

2. The thread protector according to claim 1, wherein, The bow-shaped finger includes an inclined end near the terminal of the bow-shaped finger, wherein the terminal is inclined radially inward, thereby allowing the thread protector to engage more easily with the tubular member.

3. The thread protector according to claim 1, wherein, The bow-shaped finger can have an insertion ring disposed around the end of the bow-shaped finger.

4. The thread protector according to claim 3, wherein, The insertion ring may include a tapered portion disposed at the outer edge of the insertion ring to facilitate engagement with the tubular member.

5. The thread protector according to claim 1, further comprising a radially oriented opening and a retaining pin disposed in the outer sleeve, the retaining pin being capable of extending through the radially oriented opening to engage the tubular member, thereby further securing the thread protector to the tubular member.

6. The thread protector of claim 1, further comprising a debris barrier disposed around the inner side of the outer sleeve and adjacent to the end of the outer sleeve to prevent liquid and debris from damaging the pin threads on the tubular member.

7. The thread protector of claim 1, further comprising a plate extending radially inward from the flange, wherein the plate has a weakened section that can be easily broken to remove a removable component, thereby allowing access to the interior of the tubular member.

8. A thread protector, the thread protector comprising: An outer sleeve is used to protect the pin threads on the pin end of a tubular member. A flange is provided at the first end of the outer sleeve to engage with the pin end of the tubular member; and A fixing device extending from a flange to frictionally engage the inside of a tubular member, thereby maintaining engagement between the thread protector and the tubular member, the fixing device further comprising a plurality of U-shaped fingers to engage the inside of the tubular member, each U-shaped finger having a first branch and a second branch, the first branch extending from the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped finger and the second branch extending from the bottom of the U-shaped finger to a base supported by the flange.

9. The thread protector according to claim 8, wherein, As the first branch extends from the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped finger, the first branch of each U-shaped finger tapers away from the inner side of the outer sleeve.

10. A thread protector, the thread protector comprising: An outer sleeve is used to protect the pin threads on the pin end of a tubular member. A flange is provided at the first end of the outer sleeve to engage with the pin end of the tubular member; and A fixing device extending from a flange to frictionally engage the inside of a tubular member, thereby maintaining engagement between the thread protector and the tubular member, the fixing device further comprising a plurality of blades extending radially outward from a central member to engage the inside of the tubular member.

11. The thread protector according to claim 10, wherein, The fixing device can have multiple horizontal blades, which are composed of blades of different lengths, so as to be able to engage with tubular members of various inner diameters.

12. A method for protecting the pin thread at the pin end of a tubular member, the method comprising: A thread protector is pressed onto the pin end of a tubular member to protect the pin thread located on the pin end of the tubular member. The thread protector comprises: An outer sleeve is used to protect the pin threads on the pin end of a tubular member. A flange, located at the first end of the outer sleeve, for engagement with the pin end of the tubular member; and A fixing device extending from a flange to frictionally engage the inside of a tubular member to maintain engagement of a thread protector with the tubular member, the fixing device including a plurality of arcuate fingers extending axially from the flange and located inside an outer sleeve, wherein when the thread protector engages with the tubular member, the arcuate fingers can straighten to allow a greater portion of the outer side of the arcuate fingers to engage with the inside of the tubular member.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The bow-shaped finger includes an inclined end near the terminal of the bow-shaped finger, wherein the terminal is inclined radially inward, thereby allowing the thread protector to engage more easily with the tubular member.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The bow-shaped finger can have an insertion ring disposed around the end of the bow-shaped finger.

15. A method for protecting the pin thread at the pin end of a tubular member, the method comprising: A thread protector is pressed onto the pin end of a tubular member to protect the pin thread located on the pin end of the tubular member. The thread protector comprises: An outer sleeve is used to protect the pin threads on the pin end of a tubular member. A flange, located at the first end of the outer sleeve, for engagement with the pin end of the tubular member; and A fixing device extending from a flange to frictionally engage the inside of a tubular member to maintain engagement of the thread protector with the tubular member, the fixing device further comprising a plurality of U-shaped fingers to engage the inside of the tubular member, each U-shaped finger having a first branch and a second branch, the first branch extending from the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped finger and the second branch extending from the bottom of the U-shaped finger to a base supported by the flange.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, As the first branch extends from the flange to the bottom of the U-shaped finger, the first branch of each U-shaped finger tapers away from the inner side of the outer sleeve.

17. A method for protecting the pin thread at the pin end of a tubular member, the method comprising: A thread protector is pressed onto the pin end of a tubular member to protect the pin thread located on the pin end of the tubular member. The thread protector comprises: An outer sleeve is used to protect the pin threads on the pin end of a tubular member. A flange, located at the first end of the outer sleeve, for engagement with the pin end of the tubular member; and A fixing device extending from a flange to frictionally engage the inside of a tubular member to maintain engagement between the thread protector and the tubular member, the fixing device further comprising a plurality of blades extending radially outward from a central member to engage the inside of the tubular member.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The fixing device can have multiple horizontal blades, which are composed of blades of different lengths so as to engage with tubular members of different inner diameters.

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