US Patent 7850211 Wedge thread connections having a clearance gap volume

A wedge-threaded tubular connection includes a pin member and a box member, wherein each of the pin and box members include an engaged thread area, and a clearance gap volume formed between corresponding roots and crests of the pin and box members and arranged along an axial length of the engaged thread area according to a distribution profile. The clearance gap volume distribution profile is configured having a greater clearance gap volume proximate a central portion of the engaged thread area and progressively less clearance gap volume towards each of the distal ends of the engaged thread area.