Articulated fluid conduit with auxiliary support

An expandable and contractable fluid conduit assembly for extension between relatively movable terminals comprising in combination:

• a first branch of a lazy tong including a plurality of fluid-conducting rigid pipe sections arrayed in end-to-end relation, a plurality of annular fluid-conducting swivel joints having rigid relatively rotatable portions respectively connected between said pipe sections to define an articulated pipe operable to convey fluid from one end to the other, a second branch of a lazy tong including a plurality of rigid elongated support sections, means pivotally connecting said support sections in end-to-end relation to define an articulated support member, said two branches criss-crossing at intersections of each pipe section and support section of the branches, means pivotally connecting said respective branch sections at said intersections, and a three-axis swivel connected to each end of the fluid-conducting pipe for respective connection to the flow terminals, whereby said assembly may partake of universal movement about the three axes of each swivel, and expansion and contraction, upon occurrence of relative movement between said terminals.