• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Interlocking bend limiter sections are substantially mirror images of each other and are joined to form an interlocking bend limiter segment without use of fasteners by engaging each other's interlocking ends. An interlocking bend limiter comprises a plurality of interlocking bend limiter segment secured at an end by a end piece.
    公开号:AU2012375200A1
    申请号:U2012375200
    申请日:2012-08-27
    公开日:2014-10-16
    发明作者:Dan Krohn；Nghia K. VUONG
    申请人:Oceaneering International Inc；
    IPC主号:F16L11-118
    专利说明:
    WO 2013/147928 PCT/US2012/052545 INTERLOCKING BEND LIMITER AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY Inventors: Dan Krohn; Nghia K. Vuong FELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a segmented bend limiter and its methods of use. More specifically, the invention relates to a segmented bend limiter that comprises a plurality of segments, each comprising cooperatively joinable halves, where the segment halves are dimensioned and configured to be joined without using additional fasteners, the terminal segment in a chain of segments being secured and fastened by an end fastener. BACKGROUND [0002] A bend limiter is a device used to restrict bending of the flexible pipe. As the term is used in the art, a bend limiter includes a bend restrictor, bend stiffener, and/or bellmouth. Bend limiters are used to prevent possible the overbending of flexible flowlines, umbilicals and cables during installation and service. Typically, a bend limiter will lock or otherwise impede movement about two or more axes when a minimum bend radius is reached. [00031 Bend limiters may be used onshore, offshore, and/or subsea and typically comprise a series of interlocking vertebrae joined to form a bend limiter having a desired length. FIGURES [0004] The figures supplied herein disclose various embodiments of the claimed invention. [0005] Fig. 1 is a cutaway planar view in partial perspective of an exemplary semi tubular sections of an interlocking bend limiter; and [0006] Fig. 2 is a further cutaway planar view in partial perspective of an exemplary semi-tubular sections of an interlocking bend limiter showing an end cap piece. 1 WO 2013/147928 PCT/US2012/052545 DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0001] Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, interlocking bend limiter segment 10 comprises first semi-tubular section 20a and second semi-tubular section 20b. Second semi tubular section 20b is substantially identical to first semi-tubular section 20a. First semi tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a, 20b are dimensioned and configured to be joined cooperatively at their respective interlocks, the first semi-tubular section interlock tab receiver dimensioned and adapted to receive the corresponding interlock tab of the second semi-tubular section, the portions of the conduits of the cooperatively joined first semi tubular and second semi-tubular sections providing an enclosed fluid pathway therethrough. One or both of first semi-tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b may comprise a plastic. [0002] Each of first semi-tubular section 20a and second semi-tubular section 20b comprises substantially spherical first end 22, substantially semi-circular second. end 26, and substantially semi-tubular middle section 28. First and second semi-tubular sections 20a, 20b are dimensioned and configured to be joined without using additional fasteners. [0003] Substantially spherical first end. 22 further comprises engaging section 24 disposed about an outer surface of substantially spherical first end 22., its interior forming a portion of conduit 23 therethrough. [0004] Substantially semi-circular second end 26 further comprises engaging section receiver 21 and interlock 30. -0005 Engaging section receiver 21 is dimensioned and adapted to engage engaging section 24 of substantially spherical first end 22 The interior of engaging section receiver 21 defines a portion of a conduit therethrough. In embodiments, engaging section 24 is disposed about an outer surface of substantially spherical first end 24 and comprises ridge 27. In these embodiments, engaging section receiver 21 of first semi-tubular section 20a comprises WO 2013/147928 PCT/US2012/052545 channel 29 dimensioned and adapted to receive ridge 27 second semi-tubular section 20b, and vice-a-versa. [0006] Interlock 30 comprises interlock tab 32 and corresponding interlock tab receiver 34. [0007] Substantially semi-tubular middle section 28 is disposed intermediate substantially spherical first end 22 and substantially semi-circular second end 26. The interior of substantially semi-tubular middle section 28 defines a portion of conduit 23 therethrough. [0008] In certain embodiments, each of first and second semi-tubular sections 20a, 20b further comprises a plurality of alignment guides 50. These are typically disposed integral with a portion of substantially tubular middle section 28, where at least one of alignment guides 50 of first semi-tubular section 20a is dimensioned and configured to cooperatively receive another of alignment guides 50 of second semi-tubular section 20b, In typical configurations, alignment guides 50 comprise a post and a corresponding alignment guide receiver is dimensioned and configured to receive the post. [0009] In certain embodiments, one or both of first semi-tubular and second semi tubular sections 20a,20b further comprises an armored portion. [0010] As can be seen in Fig. 1, when cooperative joined the interiors of first semi tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b define conduit 23 therethrough. [0011] Referring now to Fig. 2, using first semi-tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b, interlocking bend limiter 100 may be constructed and comprise one or more segments 110, where substantially spherical first ends 22 of interlocked first semi-tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b of a first segment 110 are cooperatively received into substantially senmi-circular second ends 26 (Fig. 1) of a second segment 120, thereby locking the first and second semi-tubular sections 20a, 20b of first segment 110 together. 3 WO 2013/147928 PCT/US2012/052545 Interlocking bend limiter 100 is terminated using end piece 130 which is coupled to substantially spherical first ends 22 of second segment 120. End piece 130 is dimensioned and adapted to lock together first and second semi-tubular sections 20a, 20b of second segment 120 together at an exposed end of the second segment. In some configurations, end piece 120 comprises a lock dimensioned and adapted to lock together second interlocking bend limiter section 120, e.g. one or more fasteners 132 such as bolts, clamps, bands, or the like, or a combination thereof. [0012] When joined and terminated, the joined first and second segments 110, 120 are dimensioned and adapted to provide a predetermined amount of movement about at least two axes, e.g. an X and. Y sc of axes where one axis is positioned within the conduit defined by the imeriors of first semi-tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b. [0013] In most configurations, assembly of the first and. second segments 110, 120 requires no bolts. [0014] In the operation of currently preferred embodiments, referring to Figs. I and 2, interlocking bend limiter may be assembled by assembling first interlocking bend limiter segment 110, formed by joining first semi-tubular section 20a to substantially identical second semi-tubular section 20b, As described above, first semi-tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b each comprise substantially spherical first end 22, interlocking second. end 26, and substantially semi-tubular section 28 disposed intermediate substantially spherical first end 22 and interlocking second end 26. When joined, interlocking second end 26 of first semi-tubular section 20a is cooperatively paired with interlocking second end 26 of second semi-tubular section 20b. [0015] Second interlocking bend limiter section 120 is assembled similarly, but second interlocking bend limiter section 120 is assembled about substantially spherical first end 22 of first interlocking bend limiter section 110 by positioning engaging section receiver 4 WO 2013/147928 PCT/US2012/052545 21 of second interlocking bend limiter section 120 about engaging section 24 of substantially spherical first end 22 of first interlocking bend limiter section 110 and engaging interlocking second end 26 of first semi-tubular section 110 with interlocking second end 26 of second semi-tubular section 20b. As noted above, second interlocking bend limiter section 120 is substantially identical to first interlocking bend limiter section 110. [0016] When two or more interlocking bend limiter sections, e.g. 110 and 120, have been assembled, end piece 130 is secured about substantially spherical first end 22 of the final interlocking bend limiter section in the chain, e.g. second interlocking bend limiter section 120, such as by use of one or more fasteners 132. [0017] The foregoing disclosure and description of the inventions are illustrative and explanatory. Various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrative construction and/or an illustrative method may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [1] 1. An interlocking bend limiter segment (10), comprising: a. a first semi-tubular section (20a), the first semi-tibular section (20a) further comprising: i, a substantially spherical first end (22), the substantially spherical first end (22) further comprising: 1. an engaging section (24) disposed about an outer surface of the substantially spherical first end (22) ; and
    [2] 2. a portion of a conduit (23) therethrough; ii. a substantially semi-circular second end (26), the substantially semi circular second end (26) further comprising: 1. an engaging section receiver (21) dimensioned and adapted to engage the engaging section of the substantially spherical first end (22), the engaging section receiver (21) defining a portion of the conduit (23) therethrough; 2. an interlock (30), comprising: a. an interlock tab (32); and b. a corresponding interlock tab receiver (34); and iii. a substantially semi-tubular middle section (28) disposed intermediate the substantially spherical first end (22) and the substantially semi circular second end (26), the substantially semi-tubular middle section (28) defining a portion of the conduit (23) therethrough; and b. a second semi-tubular section (20b), substantially identical to the first semi tubular section (20a), the first semi-tubular (20a) and second semi-tubular 6 WO 2013/147928 PCT/US2012/052545 (20b) sections dimensioned and configured to be joined cooperatively at their respective interlocks (30), the first semi-tubular section (20a) interlock tab receiver (34) dimensioned and adapted to receive the corresponding interlock tab (32) of the second semi-tubular section (20b), the portions of the conduits of the cooperatively joined first semi-tubular (20a) and second semi-tubular (20b) sections providing an enclosed fluid pathway therethrough. . The interlocking bend limiter segment (10) of Claim 1, wherein: a. the engaging section (24) disposed about the outer surface of the substantially spherical first end (22) of the first semi-tubular section (20a) comprises a ridge; and. b, the engaging section receiver (21) of the second semi-tubular section (20b) comprises a channel (29) dimensioned and adapted to receive the ridge (27).
    [3] 3. The interlocking bend limiter segment (10) of Claim 1, wherein the first and second semi-tubular (20a, 20b) sections are dimensioned and configured to be joined by their engaging sections without using additional fasteners (132).
    [4] 4. The interlocking bend limiter segment (10) of Claim 1, wherein each of first and second. semi-tubular (2Ga. 20b) sections further comprises a plurality of alignment guides (50) integral with a separate portion of each respective substantially tubular middle sections, one of the alignment guides (50) of the first semi-tubular section (20a) dimensioned and configured to cooperatively receive one of the alignment guides (50) of the second semi tubular section (20b).
    [5] 5. The interlocking bend limiter segment (10) of Claim 4, wherein one of the alignment guides (50) comprises a post and a corresponding alignment guide receiver is dimensioned and configured to receive the post. WO 2013/147928 PCT/US2012/052545
    [6] 6. The interlocking bend limiter segment (10) of Claim 1, wherein at least one of the first semi-tubular (20a) and second semi-tubular (20b) sections comprises a plastic.
    [7] 7. The interlocking bend limiter segment (10) of Claim 1, wherein at least one of the first semi-tubular (20a) and second semi-tubular (20b) sections comprises an armored portion.
    [8] 8. An interlocking bend limiter (100), comprising: a. a first segment (110), comprising: i. a first semi-tubular section (20a), the first semi-tubular section (20a) further comprising: 1. a substantially spherical first end (22) , the substantially spherical first end (22) further comprising: a. an engaging section (24) disposed about an outer surface of the substantially spherical first end (22) ; and b. a portion of a conduit (23) therethrough; 2. a substantially semi-circular second end (26), the substantially semi-circular second end (26) further comprising: a. an engaging section receiver (21) dimensioned and adapted to engage the engaging section of the substantially spherical first end (22), the engaging section receiver (21) defining a portion of the conduit (23) therethrough; b. an interlock (30), comprising: i. a interlock tab (32); and ii. a corresponding interlock tab receiver (34); and 8 WO 2013/147928 PCT/US2012/052545 3. a substantially semi-tubular middle section (28) disposed intermediate the substantially spherical first end (22) and the substantially semi-circular second end (26), the substantially semi-tubular middle section (28) defining a portion of the conduit (23) therethrough; and ii. a second semi-tubular section (20b), substantially identical to the first semi-tubular section (20a), the first semi-tubular and second semi tubular sections (20a,20b) dimensioned arid configured to be joined cooperatively at their respective interlocks (30), the first semi-tubular section (20a) interlock tab receiver (34) dimensioned and adapted to receive a corresponding interlock tab (32) of the second. semi-tubular section (20b), the partial conduits (23) of the cooperatively joined first semi-tubular (20a) and second. semi-tubular (20b) sections defining an interior fluid pathway (23) therethrough; b. a second segment (120), identical to the first segment (110), the first substantially spherical first end (22) of the first segment (110) cooperatively received into the substantially semi-circular second end (26) of the second segment (120), thereby locking the first and second semi-tubular (20a,20b) sections of the first segment (110) together; and c. an end piece (130) coupled to the substantially spherical first ends (22) of the second segment (120) at an interlocked exposed end of the second segment (120), the end piece (130) dimensioned and adapted to lock together the first and second semi-tubular (20a, 20b) sections of the second segment (120) together. 9 WO 2013/147928 PCT/US2012/052545
    [9] 9. The interlocking bend limiter (100) of Claim 8, wherein assembly of the first and second segments (110, 120) requires no bolts.
    [10] 10. The interlocking bend limiter (100) of Claim 8, wherein the joined the first and second segments (110, 120) are dimensioned and adapted to provide a predetermined amount of movement about at least two axes.
    [11] 11. A method of providing an interlocking bend limiter (100), comprising: a. assembling a first interlocking bend limiter segment (110) by joining a first semi-tubular section (20a) to a second semi-tubular section (20b), the first semi-tubular (20a) and second semi-tubular sections (20b) substantially identical, each semi-tubular section (20a,20b) comprising a substantially spherical first end (22), an interlocking second end (26) and a substantially semi-tubular semi-tubular section (28) disposed intermediate the substantially spherical first end (22) and the interlocking second. end (26), the assembling comprising engaging the first semi-tubular section's (20a) interlocking second end (26) with the second semi-tubular section's (28) interlocking second end (26); b. assembling a second interlocking bend, limiter section (120) about the substantially spherical first end (22) of the first section (110), the second interlocking bend limiter section (120) substantially identical to the first interlocking bend limiter section (110), the assembling the second interlocking bend limiter section (120) comprising: i. positioning an engaging section receiver (21) of the second interlocking bend limiter section (120) about an engaging section (24) of the substantially spherical first end (22) of the first interlocking bend limiter section (110); and 10 WO 2013/147928 PCT/US2012/052545 ii. engaging the first semi-tubular (20a) section's interlocking second end (26) with the second semi-tubular section's (20b) interlocking second end (26); and c. securing an end piece (130) about the substantially spherical first end (22) of the second interlocking bend limiter section (120), the end piece (130) comprising a lock (132) dimensioned and adapted to lock together the second interlocking bend limiter section(i 20).
    [12] 12. The method of providing an interlocking bend limiter (100) of Claim 11, wherein the end piece (130) is secured about the substantially spherical first end (22) of the second interlocking bend limiter section (120) using a fastener (132).
    [13] 13. The method of providing an interlocking bend limiter (100) of Claim 11, wherein the fastener (132) comprises at least one of (i) a bolt or (ii) a clamp. 11
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    同族专利:
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    法律状态:
    2016-08-25| MK1| Application lapsed section 142(2)(a) - no request for examination in relevant period|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/436,377||2012-03-30||
    US13/436,377|US8607826B2|2012-03-30|2012-03-30|Interlocking bend limiter and method of assembly|
    PCT/US2012/052545|WO2013147928A1|2012-03-30|2012-08-27|Interlocking bend limiter and method of assembly|
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