Support frame

Abstract

A lifting frame having an upper yoke member and a pair of substantially parallel vertical members to forms the sides of the lifting frame. A lifting sub extends from the upper yoke member for connecting the lifting frame to a traveling block or top drive assembly, while a lower horizontal base member permits attachment to bails or other lower linkage members. The vertical members have at least partially aligned sections of reduced thickness, allowing the internal width dimension (between the inner surfaces of the substantially vertical members) to be increased without simultaneously increasing the overall external width of the lifting frame.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A lifting frame for supporting equipment within a derrick comprising:
 a) a substantially horizontal yoke member;   b) a first elongate member having an upper end, a lower end, a length and a width, wherein said first elongate member is oriented substantially vertically, said upper end is connected to said substantially horizontal yoke member and said width of said first elongate member is reduced along a portion of said length;   c) a second elongate member having an upper end, a lower end, a length and a width, wherein said second elongate member is oriented substantially vertically and substantially parallel to said first elongate member, said upper end is connected to said substantially horizontal yoke member, and said width of said elongate member is reduced along a portion of said length; and   d) a lower base member connected to said lower ends of said first and second elongate members.   
     
     
         2 . The lifting frame of  claim 1 , wherein said portions of reduced width of said first and second elongate members are substantially vertically aligned with each other. 
     
     
         3 . The lifting frame of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second elongate members are constructed from substantially hollow tubular members. 
     
     
         4 . The lifting frame of  claim 3 , wherein said substantially hollow tubular members comprise box beams. 
     
     
         5 . The lifting frame of  claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of apertures extending through said tubular members. 
     
     
         6 . The lifting frame of  claim 1 , further comprising a lift sub disposed on said yoke member. 
     
     
         7 . The lifting frame of  claim 1 , further comprising a winch assembly disposed on said yoke member.