US 4,396,314 A · Connection unit for securing offshore structures to marine bottom

Abstract

A subsea connection unit for securing an offshore structure to a marine bottom is disclosed. The unit comprises a base adapted to be positioned on the marine bottom and an insert member adapted to be connected to the lower end of the offshore structure. The base has a recess thereon adapted to receive the insert member. Releasable vertical latch means comprised of a plurality of tapered shear blocks are carried by the insert member and cooperate with tapered lugs in the recess to lock the insert member against vertical movement within the recess. Releasable horizontal latch means comprised of a plurality of wedge members are positioned on the base around the recess and cooperate with load surfaces on the insert member to center and lock the insert member against horizontal movement within the recess.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A subsea connection unit for securing an offshore structure to a marine bottom, said unit comprising:

a base structure adapted to be positioned on the marine bottom, said base structure having a recess therein;
an insert member adapted to be connected to the lower end of the offshore structure and adapted to be received in said recess on said base structure;
first latch means cooperating between said base structure and said insert member for releasably locking said insert member against vertical movement with respect to said base structure;
and
second latch means, independent from said first latch means, cooperating between said base structure and said insert member for releasably locking said insert member against horizontal movement with respect to said base structure;
said first latch means and said second latch means each including means movable relative to both said base structure and said insert member.

3 more elements

A single anchor leg mooring offshore structure comprising:

a riser element;
an insert member;
a universal joint connecting said insert member to the lower end of said riser element whereby said riser element can rotate about at least two axes with respect to said insert member;
a base structure positioned on the marine bottom, said base structure having a recess thereon into which said insert member is positioned;
first latch means cooperating between said base structure and said insert member for releasably locking said insert member against vertical movement within said recess;
and
second latch means, independent of said first latch means, cooperating between said base structure and said insert member for releasably locking said insert member against horizontal movement within said recess;
said first latch means and said second latch means each including means movable relative to both said base structure and said insert member.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Connection unit for securing offshore structures to marine bottom

Life of this patent

Connection unit for securing offshore structures to marine bottom

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11