Flexible handle for slips used in well operations

Abstract

A flexible handle for a slip comprises a first element, wherein the first element is attached to the slip; a chain connected to the first element; a second element connected to the chain, wherein the second element is configured as a handle; and a flexible sleeve encompassing the chain and attached to the first and second elements. Preferably, the chain is composed of four links of zinc plated {fraction (3/16)} inch, 700 pound strength chain links and the flexible sleeve is composed of molded polyurethane.

1 . A handle for a slip, comprising: 
 a first element, wherein the first element is attached to the slip;    a chain connected to the first element;    a second element connected to the chain, wherein the second element is configured as    a handle; and    a flexible sleeve encompassing the chain and attached to the first and second elements.    
   
   
       2 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein first element is pivotally attached to the slip.  
   
   
       3 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the second element is configured as a handle.  
   
   
       4 . The handle of  claim 3 , wherein the second element configured as a handle is further configured .to have a finger guard.  
   
   
       5 . The handle of  claim 3 , wherein the second element configured as a handle is further configured .to have a thumb guard.  
   
   
       6 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible sleeve is composed of polyurethane.  
   
   
       7 . The handle of  claim 6 , wherein the polyurethane has a durometer value of 90 A-50 D.  
   
   
       8 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the slip is a rotary slip.  
   
   
       9 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the slip is a drill pipe slip.  
   
   
       10 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the slip is a casing slip.  
   
   
       11 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the slip is a drill collar slip.  
   
   
       12 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the slip is a conductor pipe slip.  
   
   
       13 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the chain comprises four links.  
   
   
       14 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the links are composed of {fraction (3/16)} inch chain link.  
   
   
       15 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the links are zinc plated.  
   
   
       16 . The handle of  claim 1 , wherein the links have 700 pound strength.