Right-hand on and right-hand off retrieving head

Abstract

A downhole connection is provided which allows downhole releasable coupling between a workstring and a wellbore tool. The downhole connection includes a pin connector affixed to the upper end of the wellbore tool, and a box connector which is part of a retrieving head affixed to the lower end of the workstring. The pin connector has a generally cylindrical exterior surface with two lugs which are laterally disposed and extend radially therefrom. The box connector has an interior cylindrical surface with two continuous combinations of grooves disposed therein to form a track, or pathway, for the two lugs disposed on the exterior surface of the pin connector to matingly engage within to couple the workstring to the wellbore tool. When the box connector and the pin connector are matingly engaged, both torque and axial force may be transmitted from the workstring to the wellbore tool for conveyance and manipulation of the wellbore tool. When the wellbore tool is rigidly affixed within the wellbore, the box connector may be disengaged from the pin connector to uncouple the workstring from the wellbore tool. Both engagement and disengagement between the box connector and the pin connector are accomplished by applying axial force in combination with right-hand torque to the downhole connection, with right-hand torque automatically applied during engagement. Since left-hand torque is not required for either engagement or disengagement of the downhole connection, the risk of unscrewing workstring tubular members is avoided.