Patent ID: 6783302
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
A deep-water support system for anchoring to the floor of a body of water and supporting a structure adjacent to the surface of the body of water at a pre-selected site, comprising:a single buoyant leg structure (BLS) comprising a tubular member including a lower portion having a first end adapted for anchoring to the bottom of said body of water, an upper portion having a second end extending above the water surface and provide support for mounting said structure, and a bulkhead between said lower portion and said upper portion, where said upper portion is at least partially filled with a buoyant material and where said lower portion is not buoyant; and at least three buoyant members each connected to said upper portion and extending above said bulkhead, and at least partially filled with buoyant material, and where at least one of said buoyant members extends above the surface of said body of water and provides further support for mounting said structure, said buoyant members having a length that is less than half of the length of the BLS, where, when said deep-water support system is anchored at said pre-selected site, said upper portion is substantially in compression, said lower portion is substantially in tension, and said at least three buoyant members act to increase the buoyancy of said deep-water support system at a point above said bulkhead.