Patent ID: 8511940
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: E02D

Abstract:
1. A support structure for supporting an offshore device, comprising: a vertical member having a vertical longitudinal axis; a transition joint including a cylindrical portion and a convex portion, said convex portion connected to said vertical member; the offshore device being mounted on said transition joint; at least three elongated elements positioned a spaced transverse distance from, and around, said vertical member and the cylindrical and convex portions of the transition joint, each of said elongated elements including a distal end and a proximal portion, said proximal portion positioned closer to the vertical longitudinal axis of said vertical member than said distal end in a direction perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal axis; and at least three upper angled braces each having a longitudinal brace axis positioned at an angle from the vertical longitudinal axis of the vertical member, connected at a first end to a respective one of said elongated elements, and connected at a second end to said convex portion, wherein each longitudinal brace axis extends transverse to both said vertical member and respective one of said at least three elongated elements; and the convex portion is positioned between the cylindrical portion and the vertical member along the vertical longitudinal axis.