Sucker rod assembly and method

Abstract

An improved sucker rod assembly is provided for use in oil wells and the like. The assembly includes a sucker rod of fiberglass, carbon fibers, graphite fibers, plastic or the like and with a pair of end fittings secured to opposite ends thereof. Each fitting includes a rigid elongated casing of metal or the like having interior surfaces defining an open front end and a central cavity extending rearwardly from that front end, in which cavity one end of the sucker rod is disposed. The side portions of the interior surfaces of the casing are contoured to define with the side portions of the sucker rod end in the cavity a single, annular, elongated, tapered, frusto-conical or wedge-shaped space. An anchoring component substantially fills the space and bonds to the side portions of the rod to lock the rod end in the space and thereby secure the fitting to the rod. Preferably, the anchoring component has a narrower diameter at the front end than at the rear end thereof. The cavity preferably extends along the longitudinal centerline of the casing, with the anchoring component along substantially the length of the side portion of the rod end in the casing. The anchoring component may comprise bonding material which has been poured into the space and set in situ or may comprise a plurality of separate rigid inserts, the interior surfaces of which collectively define a central elongated passageway in which the rod end is received.