US4367982A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety device for anchored marine structure
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
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Filing: 1980-09-04
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Granted: 1983-01-11
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Expires: 2000-09-04
Abstract
Abstract A fail-safe guy line system for marine structures. In the event of cable failure near the water surface, a braking device, such as a cable clamp, can be wedged into a sheave or fairlead to prevent loss of the guy line.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack L. Hubbard, deceased
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 04:26
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B35/00; B63B35/44; B63B35/4406; B63B21/00; B63B21/50; E; E02; E02B; E02B17/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A marine structure for placement in a body of water comprising a plurality of guy lines radially disposed around the structure for maintaining the structure in predetermined position above the marine bottom; means for anchoring the guy lines at spaced locations on the marine bottom; a plurality of underwater guide means operatively connected to receive a guy line in sliding relationship, said guide means being mounted on the marine structure at radially spaced points; a plurality of above water guy line attachment means disposed to receive the guy lines from corresponding guide means; and fixed braking means mounted on each of the guy lines between the guide means and attachment means for contacting its respective guide means to prevent loss of the guy lines in the event of a severing of the line above water, each of said braking means being located above its respective guide means a sufficient distance to permit lateral excursion of said marine structure in extreme environmental conditions without contacting its respective guide means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
A marine structure for placement in a body of water comprising a plurality of guy lines radially disposed around the structure for maintaining the structure in predetermined position above the marine bottom; means for anchoring the guy lines at spaced locations on the marine bottom; a plurality of underwater guide means operatively connected to receive a guy line in sliding relationship, said guide means being mounted on the marine structure at radially spaced points; a plurality of above water guy line attachment means disposed to receive the guy lines from corresponding guide means; and fixed braking means mounted on each of the guy lines between the guide means and attachment means for contacting its respective guide means to prevent loss of the guy lines in the event of a severing of the line above water, each of said braking means being located above its respective guide means a sufficient distance to permit lateral excursion of said marine structure in extreme environmental conditions without contacting its respective guide means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
82 words
The structure of claim 1 wherein the guy lines comprise continuous metal cables extending from the anchoring means to the structure above water, wherein the guide means comprises a vertically mounted wedge receiving device having upper and lower connected openings sufficiently large to receive a cable; and wherein the braking means comprises a submarine wedging cable clamp having a lateral dimension larger than said upper opening, whereby the clamp is held by the receiving device during failure of the cable above water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The structure of claim 1 which comprises an offshore drilling tower.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The structure of claim 1 wherein the guy lines and the guide means are disposed around the periphery of the structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The structure of claim 1 wherein the guide means is a sheave.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The structure of claim 1 wherein the guide means is a fairlead.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The structure of claim 1 wherein the braking means is mounted below water.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-01-10 | 1986-07-12 | 1987-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-01-10 | 1990-07-12 | 1991-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-01-10 | 1994-07-12 | 1995-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |