Drilling quick connectors

Abstract

A quick connector fitting assembly is provided which includes a fitting which releasably connects to a well casing for providing an interface for the attachment of various types of well related equipment. The quick connector fitting connects using fasteners to a lip or groove formed on the casing. The fasteners can easily connect or disconnect from the groove or lip facilitating the quick connection and disconnection of the fitting from the casing.

1. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 a tubular male receiver comprising,   a first end for coupling to the well casing,   a second end forming a mouth, and   a first annular lip formed around the second end, the annular lip having a lower surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction; and   a fitting mounted over the second end of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,   a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the annular lip,   a second section over the first section,   a surface at an upper end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted,   at least a threaded opening formed radially through the first section, and   a fastener threaded through the opening and having a frusto-conical tip portion for engaging the lower sloping surface of the first lip for pulling the fitting against the male receiver and for fastening the fitting to the male receiver.   
     
     
       2. An assembly as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a seal between the annular lip and the first section. 
     
     
       3. An assembly as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a second annular lip formed around the outer surface of the male receiver below and spaced apart from the first lip forming a groove therebetween. 
     
     
       4. An assembly as recited in  claim 3  further comprising at least one depression on the second annular lip for accepting a torque tool for torquing the male receiver to the coupling. 
     
     
       5. An assembly as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a coupling member for coupling the male receiver to the casing, wherein the coupling member comprises inner threads for threading to an outer surface of the well casing and to the outer surface of the male receiver. 
     
     
       6. An assembly as recited in  claim 1  wherein the fitting further comprises intermediate section between the first and second sections, wherein the intermediate section has a frusto-conical inner surface and wherein the annular lip comprises an upper surface sloping downward in a radially outward direction, wherein the frusto-conical inner surface is complementary to the lip upper surface. 
     
     
       7. An assembly as recited in  claim 6  wherein the annular lip lower surface slopes upwards in a radially outward direction, and wherein threading of the fastener on the threaded opening causes the fastener to engage the sloping lower surface of the lip, wherein as the fastener is further threaded the lip lower surface guides the fastener downward causing the fitting to move downward and the frusto-conical inner surface to engage the complementary upper surface of the lip. 
     
     
       8. An assembly as recited in  claim 1  wherein the fitting comprises four radially threaded openings through the second section and wherein the assembly comprises four fasteners threaded through the openings and engaging the lower surface of the lip. 
     
     
       9. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 an annular fitting having an inner and an outer surface for fitting over a well casing, comprising,
 a surface at a top end of the fitting for providing an interface for the equipment to be mounted, 
 an annular surface extending from the inner surface for engaging the casing mouth, and 
 an annular groove formed on the outer surface near a lower end of the fitting, the groove having an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface therebetween; 
 
 an annular retainer slip comprising,
 an upper annular lip extending radially inward for fitting within the fitting annular groove, and 
 a lower annular lip below said upper annular lip and extending radially inward and having an annular edge comprising a surface comprising teeth for frictionally engaging an outer surface of the casing; and 
 
 a clamp surrounding the retainer slip for compressing the retainer slip toward the casing. 
 
     
     
       10. An assembly as recited in  claim 9  further comprising:
 an inner annular groove formed on the inner surface of the fitting below the fitting annular surface; and 
 an annular seal within the inner annular groove. 
 
     
     
       11. An assembly as recited in  claim 10  further comprising:
 a second annular groove formed on the inner surface of the fitting below the first annular groove; and 
 a second annular seal within the inner annular groove. 
 
     
     
       12. An assembly as recited in  claim 10  further comprising an injection fitting extending from the outer surface of the fitting and providing access to the annular groove for injecting the groove with a sealing material. 
     
     
       13. An assembly as recited in  claim 10  wherein the retainer slip lower annular lip surface for engaging the outer surface of the casing comprises teeth. 
     
     
       14. An assembly as recited in  claim 13  wherein the retainer slip comprises at least two sections and wherein the fitting outer annular groove has a bottom surface that slopes downward in a radially outward direction, wherein the retainer slip upper lip has a bottom surface that slopes downward in a radially outward direction, wherein as the clamp is tightened around the retainer slip it causes the teeth on the bottom lip to engage the outer surface of the casing fixing the retainer slip relative to the casing, wherein further tightening of the clamp causes the retainer slip upper lip bottom surface to ride on the fitting annular groove bottom surface causing the fitting to move downward and the fitting inner lip to seat on the casing. 
     
     
       15. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing having a mouth and outer threads, the assembly comprising:
 an annular bushing for threading on a well casing, the bushing having an outer surface and comprising, and a depression on the outer surface;   a fitting mounted over the bushing, the fitting having a central opening and comprising,
 an annular shoulder formed around the central opening for seating on the mouth of the casing, 
 an annular wall extending downward from the shoulder having an inner surface diameter not less than the outer surface diameter of the bushing, and a radially threaded bore aligned with the depression, and 
 a surface at an upper end of the fitting for interfacing with the equipment; and 
   a fastener having outer threads matched to the threads on the radial bore, wherein the fastener is threaded through the threaded bore and extends into the depression for fastening the fitting to the bushing and thereby the casing.   
     
     
       16. An assembly as recited in  claim 15  further comprising:
 an annular groove formed on the shoulder; and 
 an annular seal seated in the groove. 
 
     
     
       17. An assembly as recited in  claim 15  wherein the depression formed on the outer surface of the bushing is an annular groove. 
     
     
       18. An assembly as recited in  claim 17  wherein the groove has an upper surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction, wherein the fastener has a head having a tip having a frusto-conical shaped surface, wherein as the fastener is threaded on the threaded bore a frusto-conical surface of the tip engages the upper surface of the groove guiding the fastener in a downward direction and thereby causing the fitting to move downward for sitting on the mouth of the casing. 
     
     
       19. An assembly as recited in  claim 18  comprising:
 a plurality of threaded bores formed on the annular wall aligned with the annular groove; and 
 a plurality of fasteners for threading into the threaded bores for engaging the groove. 
 
     
     
       20. An assembly as recited in  claim 19  wherein each fastener further comprises a shaft extending from the tip and having a threaded section, wherein the assembly further comprising lock nuts having inner threads matched to the threads of the threaded section, wherein each nut is threaded on the shaft from an end opposite the tip, wherein the nut contacts the annular wall and exerts a radially outward force on the fastener. 
     
     
       21. An assembly as recited in  claim 20  further comprising a retainer behind the shaft threads on each fastener for preventing the lock nuts from sliding off the fastener shafts. 
     
     
       22. A method for removably connecting a fitting to a well casing having a mouth and external threads allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
 threading a bushing on the external threads of the casing, the bushing having an outer depression;   mounting a fitting over the bushing and well head, the fitting providing an interface for mounting well related equipment; and   fastening the fitting against the depression on the bushing.   
     
     
       23. A method as recited in  claim 22  wherein the depression on the bushing is an annular groove, the method further comprising the step of orienting the fitting to a desired position over the bushing and casing prior to the step of fastening. 
     
     
       24. A method as recited in  claim 23  wherein the step of fastening comprises the step of threading fasteners through the fitting to engage the groove. 
     
     
       25. A method as recited in  claim 24  further comprising the step of threading a nut on a fastener from end opposite an end engaging the groove for contacting the fitting and preventing the loosening of the fastener from the fitting. 
     
     
       26. A method as recited in  claim 22  wherein the step of fastening comprises the step of pulling the fitting toward the casing for seating on the mouth of the casing. 
     
     
       27. A method as recited in  claim 26  wherein the step of fastening further comprises the step of forming a seal between the fitting and the mouth of the casing. 
     
     
       28. A method as recited in  claim 22  wherein the step of threading comprises the step of threading the bushing to a location about ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch below the mouth of the casing. 
     
     
       29. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 a casing head comprising,
 a first portion forming a mouth and having an outer surface diameter; 
 a second portion for coupling to the well casino, and 
 a groove formed on the outer surface of the casing head; 
   a fitting mounted over the first portion of the casing head, the fitting comprising,   a first section mounted over the first portion of the casing head, the fitting first section comprising a lower annular edge,   a second section extending over the first section and having a surface for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted;   an annular flange nut releasably coupled to the fitting and having a channel formed on its inner surface; and   a plurality of lock keys located in the channel and moveable to a position within the groove on the outer surface of the casing head for engaging a surface of the groove and the first section lower annular edge.   
     
     
       30. An assembly as recited in  claim 29  wherein the annular flange nut comprises:
 an upper annular section coupled to the fitting; 
 an intermediate section extending from the upper section and having an inner surface diameter larger than the first section; and 
 a lower section extending from the intermediate section and having an inner surface diameter smaller than the inner surface diameter of the first section, wherein the channel is bounded by the three sections. 
 
     
     
       31. An assembly as recited in  claim 30  wherein threads are formed on a lower portion of the outer surface of the fitting first section and wherein threads are formed on the inner surface of the flange nut upper section, and wherein the flange nut upper section is threaded to the lower portion of the fitting first section. 
     
     
       32. An assembly as recited in  claim 31  further comprising a load key bolt corresponding to each load key, wherein each load key bolt radially penetrates a corresponding opening formed on the second section of the flange nut and threadedly engages a load key. 
     
     
       33. An assembly as recited in  claim 32  further comprising a retainer coupled to each load key bolt, wherein each retainer allows for rotational movement of its corresponding bolt, and wherein each retainer is mounted on an outer surface of the flange nut. 
     
     
       34. An assembly as recited in  claim 31  wherein each load key is arc shaped. 
     
     
       35. An assembly as recited in  claim 34  wherein the groove formed on the outer surface of the casing head is an annular groove and wherein the load keys abut each other forming a ring when moved to a position in the annular groove. 
     
     
       36. An assembly as recited in  claim 31  wherein the casing head second portion has threads formed on its inner surface for threading onto threads formed on the outer surface of the casing. 
     
     
       37. An assembly as recited in  claim 29  further comprising a coupling for coupling the casing head to the casing, the coupling having first and second ends and inner threads, wherein the first end of the coupling is threaded to the outer surface of the casing and wherein the casing head has outer threads for threading on to the inner threads at the second end of the coupling. 
     
     
       38. An assembly as recited in  claim 29  further comprising:
 a wear bushing lining at least a portion of the inner surface of the casing head and at least part of the inner surface of the quick connector fitting immediately above the casing head; and 
 and a lock screw radially screwed through the fitting and engaging the bushing for retaining the bushing in place. 
 
     
     
       39. An assembly as recited in  claim 29  further comprising:
 an annular groove formed on the inner surface of the fitting; and 
 a seal fitted within the annular groove for sealing against an outer surface of the casing head. 
 
     
     
       40. A method for removably connecting a fitting to a well casing allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
 releasably coupling a casing head having an external groove to the casing; 
 mounting a fitting over the casing head, the fitting comprising a portion surrounding the casing head and providing an interface for mounting well related equipment; 
 coupling a flange nut on the fitting, the flange nut comprising a plurality of moveable load keys; and 
 moving a plurality of load bolts through the flange nut for moving the load keys into the groove for locking the fitting onto the casing head. 
 
     
     
       41. A method as recited in  claim 40  wherein the coupling a flange nut step comprises the step of threading the flange nut on a lower outer surface portion of the fitting. 
     
     
       42. A method as recited in  claim 41  further comprising the step of further threading the flange nut onto the fitting after the step of moving for causing the fitting to seat tightly against the casing head. 
     
     
       43. A method as recited in  claim 40  wherein the keys are arc shaped. 
     
     
       44. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 a tubular male receiver comprising,   a first end portion for coupling to the well casing,   a second end portion forming a mouth, and   an annular lip formed around the second end portion, the annular lip having a lower surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction;   a fitting mounted over the second end portion of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,   a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the annular lip,   second section over the first section,   a surface at an upper end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted, and   at least an opening formed radially through the first section; and   a fastener fitted through the opening and having a frusto-conical tip portion engaging the lower sloping surface of the annular lip for pulling the fitting against male receiver and for fastening the fitting to the male receiver.   
     
     
       45. An assembly as recited in  claim 44  further comprising a seal between the annular lip and the first section. 
     
     
       46. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 a tubular male receiver comprising,
 a first end portion for coupling to the well casing, 
 a second end portion forming a mouth and having an outer surface, and 
 a groove formed on the second end portion outer surfaces the groove having an upper surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction; 
   a fitting mounted over the second end portion of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
 a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the male receiver second end portion, 
 second section over the first section, 
 a surface at an upper end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted, and 
 at least an opening formed radially through the first section; and 
 a fastener fitted through the opening and having a frusto-conical tip portion for engaging to the groove sloping upper surface for pulling the fitting against the male receiver and for fastening the fitting to the male receiver. 
   
     
     
       47. An assembly as recited in  claim 46  further comprising a seal between the second end portion and the first section. 
     
     
       48. An assembly as recited in  claim 46  wherein the groove circumferentially spans the entire second end portion outer surface. 
     
     
       49. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 a tubular male receiver comprising,
 a first end for coupling to the well casing, 
 a second end forming a mouth, and 
 a first annular lip formed around the second end, the annular lip having a lower surface, 
 a second annular lip formed around the outer surface of the male receiver below and spaced apart from the first lip forming a groove there between, 
 at least one depression on the second annular lip for accepting a torque tool for torquing the male receiver to the coupling; and 
 a fitting mounted over the second end of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
 a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the first annular lip, 
 a second section over the first section, 
 a surface at an upper end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be attached, 
 at least a threaded opening formed radially through the first section, and 
 a fastener threaded through the opening and engaging the lower surface of the first lip for fastening the fitting to the male receiver. 
 
   
     
     
       50. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 a tubular male receiver comprising,
 a first end for coupling to the well casing, 
 a second end forming a mouth, and 
 a first annular lip formed around the second end, the annular lip having an upper surface sloping downward in a radially outward direction and a lower surface; and 
 a fitting mounted over the second end of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
 a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the annular lip, 
 a second section over the first section, 
 a surface at an upper end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be attached, 
 an intermediate section between the first and second sections, wherein the intermediate section has a frusto-conical inner surface complementary to the lip upper surface; 
 at least a threaded opening formed radially through the first section, and 
 a fastener threaded through the opening and engaging the lower surface of the first lip for fastening the fitting to the male receiver. 
 
   
     
     
       51. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 an annular fitting having an inner and an outer surface for fitting over a well casing, comprising,
 a surface at a top end of the fitting for providing an interface for the equipment to be mounted, 
 an annular surface extending from the inner surface for engaging the casing mouth, 
 an inner annular groove formed on the inner surface of the fitting below the fitting annular surface, 
 an injection fitting extending from the outer surface of the fitting and providing access to the inner annular groove for injecting the groove with a sealing material, and 
 an annular groove formed on the outer surface near a lower end of the fitting, the groove having an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface therebetween; 
   an annular retainer slip comprising,
 an upper annular lip extending radially inward for fitting within the fitting outer surface annular groove, and 
 a lower annular lip extending radially inward and having an annular edge comprising a surface for engaging an outer surface of the casing; and 
   a clamp surrounding the retainer slip for compressing the retainer slip toward the casing.   
     
     
       52. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface surface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 a casing head comprising an outer surface and a groove formed on the outer surface;   a fitting mounted over the casing head comprising an inner surface surrounding at least a portion of the casing head outer surface and an interface surface for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted wherein said portion of the casing head outer surface is within and concentric with said fitting inner surface;   an annular nut releasably coupled to the fitting and having a channel formed on its inner surface;   a plurality of arc shaped members moveable from a first position at least partly within said channel to a second position wherein at least a portion of each arc shaped member is received in the groove, and wherein each arc shaped member is sandwiched between the annular nut and the fitting; and   a rotating member coupled to the annular nut wherein rotation of the rotating member in a first direction causes one of said plurality of arc shaped members to translate to the second position.   
     
     
       53. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 52 wherein the rotating member is a bolt. 
     
     
       54. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 52 wherein the annular nut surrounds the fitting. 
     
     
       55. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 54 wherein the annular nut is threaded to the fitting. 
     
     
       56. A quick connect assembly are recited in claim 52 further comprising a seal between the inner surface of the fitting and the outer surface of the casing head. 
     
     
       57. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 56 wherein the seal is fitted in a groove formed on the inner surface of the fitting. 
     
     
       58. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 56 further comprising a rotating member coupled to the fitting, wherein rotation of the rotating member in a first direction causes one of said plurality of arc shaped members to move the second position. 
     
     
       59. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 58 wherein the rotating member is a bolt. 
     
     
       60. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 59 wherein the annular nut surrounds the fitting. 
     
     
       61. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 60 wherein the annular nut is threaded to the fitting. 
     
     
       62. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 52 wherein each arc shaped member is mounted on the annular nut. 
     
     
       63. A quick connect assembly for tubular members comprising:
 a first tubular member comprising an outer surface and a groove formed on the outer surface;   a second tubular member mounted over the first tubular member and comprising an inner surface surrounding at least a portion of the first tubular member outer surface, wherein said at least a portion of the first tubular member outer surface is within and concentric with said second tubular member inner surface;   an annular member coupled to the second tubular member and surrounding the first tubular member; and   a plurality of moveable members moveable from a first position to a second position wherein at least a portion of each moveable member is received in the groove, and wherein each moveable member is mounted on the annular member; and   an actuating member coupled to the annular member, wherein the actuating member translates in a first direction moving one of said movable members to the second position and in a second direction opposite the first direction.   
     
     
       64. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 63 wherein upon rotation of the actuating member in a first rotational direction, the actuating member translates in the first direction, and wherein rotation of the actuating member in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction causes the actuating member to translate in the second direction. 
     
     
       65. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 64 wherein upon rotation, the actuating member translates transversely to a longitudinal axis of the second tubular member. 
     
     
       66. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 65 wherein the actuating member is a bolt. 
     
     
       67. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 63 wherein the annular member is an annular nut coupled to the second tubular member, wherein the actuating member is mounted on the annular nut. 
     
     
       68. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 63 wherein each moveable member is sandwiched between the annular nut and the second tubular member. 
     
     
       69. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 68 wherein the annular nut is threaded to the second tubular member. 
     
     
       70. A method for removably connecting a first fitting to a well fitting having a mouth and external threads, allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising:
 threading a bushing on the external threads of the well fitting to a location about ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch below the mouth of the well fitting, the bushing having an outer depression;   mounting the first fitting over the bushing and well fitting, the first fitting providing an interface for mounting well related equipment; and   fastening the first fitting against the depression on the bushing by threading a fastener through the fitting and into the depression.   
     
     
       71. A method for removably connecting a first fitting to a well fitting having a mouth and external threads, allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising:
 threading a bushing on the external threads of the well fitting, the bushing having an outer depression spanning an entire circumference of said bushing;   mounting the first fitting over the bushing and well fitting, the first fitting providing an interface for mounting well related equipment; and   fastening the first fitting against the depression on the bushing by threading a fastener through the fitting and into the depression.   
     
     
       72. A method for removably connecting a first fitting to a well fitting allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising:
 coupling a well fitting having an external groove to the casing;   mounting the first fitting over the well fitting, the first fitting providing an interface surface for mounting well related equipment;   releasably coupling a flange nut on the first fitting, wherein a plurality of moveable load keys are connected to the flange nut;   translating the load keys into the groove for locking the first fitting onto the well fitting; and   further threading the flange nut onto the first fitting causing the first fitting to seat tightly against the well fitting.   
     
     
       73. A quick connect assembly for tubular members comprising:
 a first tubular member comprising an outer surface and a groove formed on the outer surface;   a second tubular member mounted over the first tubular member and comprising an inner surface surrounding at least a portion of the first tubular member outer surface, wherein said at least a portion of the first tubular member outer surface is within and concentric with said second tubular member inner surface;   an annular member coupled to the second tubular member and surrounding the second tubular member; and   a moveable member translating from a first position to a second position, wherein at least a portion of the moveable member is received in the groove, and wherein the moveable member is connected to the annular member and spans an arc less than 180°.   
     
     
       74. A quick connect assembly as recited in claim 73 wherein the moveable member is sandwiched between the annular member and the second tubular member. 
     
     
       75. A method for removably connecting a fitting to a well casing having a mouth and external threads allowing for the attachment of well related equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
 threading a bushing on the external threads of the casing, the bushing having a generally cylindrical outer surface and an outer depression formed on said generally cylindrical outer surface;   mounting a fitting over the bushing and well casing, the fitting providing an interface for mounting well related equipment; and   threading a fastener through the fitting to engage the depression on the bushing fastening the fitting against the depression on the bushing.   
     
     
       76. A method as recited in claim 75 wherein the depression on the bushing is an annular groove, the method further comprising orienting the fitting to a desired position over the bushing and casing prior to fastening. 
     
     
       77. A method as recited in claim 76 further comprising threading a nut on a fastener from an end opposite an end engaging the groove for contacting the fitting and preventing the loosening of the fastener from the fitting. 
     
     
       78. A method as recited in claim 75 wherein fastening the fitting comprises pulling the fitting toward the casing for seating on the mouth of the casing. 
     
     
       79. A method as recited in claim 74 wherein fastening the fitting further comprises forming a seal between the fitting and the mouth of the casing. 
     
     
       80. A method as recited in claim 75 wherein threading a bushing comprises threading the bushing to a location about ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch below the mouth of the casing. 
     
     
       81. A method as recited in claim 75 wherein the depressions spans an entire circumference of said bushing. 
     
     
       82. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface surface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 casing head comprising,
 a first portion forming a mouth and having an outer surface having a diameter; 
 a second portion for coupling to the well casing, and 
 a groove formed on the outer surface of the casing head; 
 a fitting mounted over the first portion of the casing head and surrounding at least a portion of the first portion outer surface, wherein said at least a portion of the casing head outer surface is within and concentric with said fitting, the fitting comprising,
 a first section mounted over the first portion of the casing head, the fitting first section comprising an annular edge, and 
 a second section extending over the first section and having a surface for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted; 
 
 an annular flange nut releasably coupled to the fitting and having a channel formed on its inner surface; 
 a plurality of load keys located in the channel and moveable to a position within the groove on the outer surface of the casing head for engaging a surface of the groove and the first section annular edge; and 
 a load key bolt for each load key for moving said load keys for engaging the surface of the groove. 
   
     
     
       83. An assembly as recited in claim 80 wherein the annular flange nut comprises:
 an upper annular section coupled to the fitting;   an intermediate section extending from the upper section and having an inner surface diameter larger than the first section; and   a lower section below the upper annular section and extending from the intermediate section and having an inner surface diameter smaller than the inner surface diameter of the first section, wherein the channel is bounded by the three sections.   
     
     
       84. An assembly as recited in claim 83 wherein threads are formed on a lower portion of the outer surface of the fitting first section and wherein threads are formed on the inner surface of the annular flange nut upper section, and wherein the annular flange nut upper section is threaded to the lower portion of the fitting first section. 
     
     
       85. An assembly as recited in claim 84 wherein each load key bolt radially penetrates a corresponding opening formed on the second section of the annular flange nut and threadedly engages a load key. 
     
     
       86. An assembly as recited in claim 85 further comprising a retainer coupled to each load key bolt, wherein each retainer allows for rotational movement of its corresponding bolt, and wherein each retainer is mounted on an outer surface of the annular flange nut. 
     
     
       87. An assembly as recited in claim 84 wherein each load key is arc shaped. 
     
     
       88. An assembly as recited in claim 87 wherein the groove formed on the outer surface of the casing head is an annular groove and wherein the load keys abut each other forming a ring when moved to a position in the annular groove. 
     
     
       89. An assembly as recited in claim 84 wherein the casing head second portion has threads formed on its inner surface for threading onto threads formed on the outer surface of the casing. 
     
     
       90. An assembly as recited in claim 82 further comprising a coupling for coupling the casing head to the casing, the coupling having first and second ends and inner threads, wherein the first end of the coupling is threaded to the outer surface of the casing and wherein the casing head has outer threads for threading onto the inner threads at the second end of the coupling. 
     
     
       91. An assembly as recited in claim 82 further comprising:
 a wear bushing lining at least a portion of the inner surface of the casing head and at least part of the inner surface of the quick connector fitting immediately above the casing head; and   a lock screw radially screwed through the fitting and engaging the bushing for retaining the bushing in place.   
     
     
       92. An assembly as recited in claim 82 further comprising:
 an annular groove formed on the inner surface of the fitting; and   a seal fitted within the annular groove for sealing against an outer surface of the casing head.   
     
     
       93. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 a tubular male receiver comprising,
 a second end portion for coupling to the well casing, 
 a first end portion opposite the first end portion forming a mouth, and 
 an annular lip formed around the first end portion, the annular lip having a surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction; 
   a fitting mounted over the first end portion of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
 a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the annular lip, 
 a second section over the first section 
 a flange having a surface at an end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted, and for supporting said equipment said surface extending above the male receiver, and 
 at least an opening formed radially through the first section; and 
   a fastener fitted through the opening and having a frusto-conical tip portion engaging the sloping surface of the annular lip for pulling the fitting against the male receiver and for fastening the fitting to the male receiver, wherein the flange comprises at least an axial opening for receiving a fastener for fastening said equipment.   
     
     
       94. A quick connect assembly for providing an interface for the attachment and support of equipment to a well casing, the assembly comprising:
 a tubular male receiver comprising,
 a second end portion for coupling to the well casing, 
 a first end portion over the second end portion, said first end portion forming a mouth and having an outer surface, and 
 a groove formed on the first end portion outer surface the groove having a surface sloping upward in a radially outward direction; 
 a fitting mounted over the first end portion of the male receiver, the fitting comprising,
 a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the male receiver first end portion, 
 a second section over the first section and extending above the male receiver, 
 a flange having a surface at an end of the second section for interfacing with the equipment to be mounted and for supporting said equipment, and 
 at least an opening formed radially through the first section; and 
 
 a fastener fitted through the opening and having a frusto-conical tip portion for engaging the groove sloping surface for pulling the fitting against the male receiver and for fastening the fitting to the male receiver, wherein the flange comprises at least an axial opening for receiving a fastener for fastening said equipment. 
   
     
     
       95. A quick connect assembly:
 a tubular member comprising,
 a second end for coupling to a well casing, 
 a first end over the second end forming a mouth, and 
 a first annular lip formed around the first end, the first annular lip having a lower surface below an upper surface; and 
   a fitting mounted over the first end of the tubular member, the fitting comprising,
 a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as the outer surface diameter of the second annular lip, 
 a second section over the first section said second section extending above the tubular member and comprising a flange extending therefrom, and 
 at least an opening formed radially through the first section; and 
 a fastener threaded to the opening and engaging the lower surface of the first lip for fastening the fitting to the tubular member, wherein the flange comprises at least an axial opening for receiving a fastener. 
   
     
     
       96. A quick connect assembly:
 a well tubular member comprising,
 a first end forming a mouth, and 
 a first annular lip formed around the end, the first annular lip having a lower surface below an upper surface; and 
   a fitting mounted over the end of the tubular member, the fitting comprising,
 a first section having a cylindrical inner surface having a diameter at least as large as an outer surface diameter of the first annular lip, 
 second section over the first section said second section extending above the well tubular member and comprising flange extending therefrom, 
 at least an opening formed radially through the first section, and 
 a fastener threaded to the opening and engaging the lower surface of the first annular lip for fastening the fitting to the tubular member, wherein the flange comprises at least an axial opening for receiving a fastener. 
   
     
     
       97. An assembly as recited in claim 52 wherein said interface surface is defined on a flange extending from said fitting. 
     
     
       98. An assembly as recited in claim 97 wherein the flange comprises at least an axial opening for receiving a fastener for fastening said equipment. 
     
     
       99. An assembly as recited in claim 63 wherein a flange extends from said second tubular member and comprises at least an axial opening. 
     
     
       100. An assembly as recited in claim 73 wherein a flange extends from said second tubular member and comprises at least an axial opening. 
     
     
       101. An assembly as recited in claim 80 wherein said interface surface is defined on a flange extending from said fitting. 
     
     
       102. An assembly as recited in claim 101 wherein the flange comprises at least an axial opening for receiving a fastener for fastening said equipment. 
     
     
       103. An assembly as recited in claim 93 further comprising a seal between the annular lip and the first section. 
     
     
       104. An assembly as recited in claim 94 further comprising a seal between the second end portion and the first section. 
     
     
       105. An assembly as recited in claim 94 wherein the groove circumferentially spans the entire second end portion outer surface. 
     
     
       106. An assembly as recited in claim 95 further comprising a seal between the annular lip and the first section. 
     
     
       107. An assembly as recited in claim 95 further comprising a second annular lip formed around the outer surface of the tubular member below and spaced apart from the first annular lip forming a groove therebetween. 
     
     
       108. An assembly as recited in claim 95 further comprising at least one depression on the first annular lip for accepting a torque tool for torquing the tubular member to a coupling. 
     
     
       109. An assembly as recited in claim 95 wherein the fitting comprises four radial openings through the second section, said openings being equidistantly located around the second section, and wherein the assembly comprises four fasteners penetrating the openings and engaging the lower surface of the first annular lip. 
     
     
       110. An assembly as recited in claim 96 wherein the fitting further comprises a frusto-conical section between the first and second sections, wherein the frusto-conical section has a frusto-conical inner surface and wherein the first annular lip upper surface slopes downward in a radially outward direction, wherein the frusto-conical inner surface is complementary to the lip upper surface.