Patent ID: 6422791
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: E21B,F16F,Y10T

Abstract:
A riser joint for a riser extending between a floating vessel and a sea floor, the riser joint comprising:a tubular member having an axis; a sleeve surrounding a portion of the tubular member and having an upper end, a lower end, and a sleeve axis that substantially aligns with the axis of the tubular member; a metal upper element adjacent to the upper end of the sleeve, and having a first portion mounted to the sleeve, and a second portion mounted to the tubular member, wherein the first and second portions of the upper element are axially spaced apart; a metal lower element adjacent to the lower end of the sleeve, and having a first portion mounted to the sleeve, and a second portion mounted to the tubular member, wherein the first and second portions of the lower element are axially spaced apart; and wherein the upper and lower elements have apertures therein between the first and second portions to allow angular and radial flexibility of the tubular member relative to the sleeve and resist axial motion of the tubular member relative to the sleeve.