Abstract:
An adjustable support comprising: a first gripper, a second gripper separated from the first gripper by a distance, a first block connectable to the first gripper, a second block connectable to the second gripper, an alignment element connectable to the first block and the second block, which adjusts the distance between the first gripper and the second gripper when it is turned.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority from related U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/678,071 filed May 5, 2005 entitled “Adjustable Support Apparatus and Method.” 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an adjustable support for use in the stabilization or movement of large components. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Supports and clamps are traditionally used to stabilize or move different objects for a variety of different industrial applications. Some industries, such as oil and gas and construction, require the use of specially designed clamps to accommodate large and heavy objects. Because the dimensions of a component are not always known, these industries could benefit from the use of a single clamp that can be configured to grab an object of unknown dimensions. 
   The exploitation of offshore oil and gas production often involves moving or stabilizing subsea components including risers, pipelines, and structural supports. Because the dimensions of the target structure are not always known, the conventional method for doing this involves sending a diver or Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to the site of the component, gathering measurements, and fabricating a custom clamp for use with the component. The fabrication and welding of the clamp is typically done offshore. The process is rather lengthy and a second trip to the site is required for installation. 
   In the alternative, a premade clamp that was manufactured onshore and includes “field weld,” that allows for later adjustments of the clamp dimensions can be used. After the diver or ROV return with measurements from the site, the pre-made clamp can be welded offshore on the deck of a boat to fit the necessary dimensions. Although this process is not as time consuming as fabricating a custom clamp, it still requires two visits to the site. In addition, welding done onshore in a fabrication shop is typically stronger than welding done offshore on the deck of a boat. 
   GB patent application 2402950A discloses an attachment apparatus for attaching objects to a subsea structure. The disclosed apparatus comprises attaching members moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, arranged in such a way that they are moveable relative to one another. The placing of the attachment apparatus on the subsea structure causes the attaching members to automatically close around the subsea structure. The attachment apparatus is attached to a guidepost or other guideline or guidewire system. A disadvantage of this system is that a single clamp is restricted to grabbing objects that fall within a limited range of sizes and geometries. It is also not designed to provide torsional stability. Therefore, specific clamps must be designed and manufactured for a particular application. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the invention provides an adjustable support comprising: a first gripper, a second gripper separated from the first gripper by a distance, a first block connectable to the first gripper, a second block connectable to the second gripper, an alignment element connectable to the first block and the second block, which adjusts the distance between the first gripper and the second gripper when it is turned. 
   Another aspect of the invention provides a method for supporting a component of unknown dimensions with a set of first grippers connectable to a first block moveable along an alignment element and a set of second grippers connectable to a second block moveable along the alignment element comprising adjusting the position of the grippers to conform with the dimensions of the component and engaging the grippers to stabilize the component by turning the alignment element. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention is better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like parts of each of the figures are identified by the same reference characters, and which are briefly described as follows: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of an adjustable support in an open configuration. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable support gripping a target object by holding it from top to bottom. In this figure, a backing plate is shown with tracks oriented parallel to an alignment element. 
       FIG. 3  also illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable support gripping the target object by holding it from top to bottom. In this figure, the backing plate is shown with the tracks oriented parallel to the alignment element. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable support gripping the target object by its circumference. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the adjustable support in a closed configuration. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  both illustrate perspective views of a block assembly. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the block assembly in a disassembled configuration. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the adjustable support. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a side view of the adjustable support  100  is shown in an open configuration ready to grip target object  101 . Target object  101  could be a riser, pipeline, riser support, subsea well structure, tree, sled, jacket leg, umbilical, tie-in brace for subsea pipelines or any other component in need of repair or stabilization. Adjustable support  100  comprises block assembly  102  and standoff  103 . Block assembly  102  consists of first block  104  and second block  105 , which are connected by alignment element  106 . In the embodiment shown, alignment element  106  is a threaded screw; however, gears, hydraulics, a combination of right and left hand threaded screws, any combination of screws, gears, and hydraulics, or another system could be used to perform this function. Block assembly  102  features first gripper  107  connected to first block  104  and second gripper  108  connected to second block  105 . The grippers serve as fingers capable of grasping target object  101 , and may be formed in whatever geometry is most suitable for target object  101 . The position of first gripper  107  and second gripper  108  can be adjusted by sliding first block  104  and second block  105  along different positions on alignment element  106 . 
   Block assembly  102  may have connection holes  109 , which aid in connecting standoff  103  to block assembly  102 . Standoff  103  is made up of backing plate  110  and arm  111 , which are connected by welding or other connection means. Once first block  104  and second block  105  have been positioned along alignment element  106 , standoff  103  can be connected to block assembly  102  by placing fasteners  112  in desired connection holes  109 . Fasteners  112  can be screws, rivets or any other device capable of performing this function. The positions of first block  104  and second block  105  are secured by nuts  113  and washers  114 . Fixed nut  115  is welded to second block  105  and tightens as alignment element  106  moves. 
   In some embodiments, the invention is used by transporting adjustable support  100  to the location of target object  101  and engaging first gripper  107  and second gripper  108  with target object  101 . As the grippers are closed, first block  104  and second block  105  are capable of translating along alignment element  106  in line with tracks  206  shown in  FIG. 2 . As the grippers close on the object, the adjustable support  100  automatically aligns itself to fit the target object  101  and adjusts for misalignment along the axis of closure. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3  adjustable support  100  is shown from two different angles stabilizing target object  101 . Conventional clamp  200  is shown clamped to structural component  201 . Structural component  201  could be part of a riser, a platform jacket, or any other structure. Conventional clamp  200  consists of body  202 , hinge  203 , and bolts  204  and nuts  205  used to secure the position of conventional clamp  200  around structural component  201 . Standoff  103 , arm  111 , and back plate  110  are also visible in this  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Body  202  is connectable to standoff  103 . Tracks  206 , which can be milled into backing plate  110  are visible in the view shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   In the embodiment shown, adjustable support  100  is grabbing target object  101  from top to bottom; however, different grasping configurations could be used. For example, adjustable support  100  could be configured to grasp target object  101  by its circumference as shown in  FIG. 4 . In addition, target object  101  shown is cylindrical, but the invention could be used to stabilize objects of varying size such as risers, pipelines, riser supports, subsea well structures, trees, sleds, jacket legs, umbilicals, tie-in braces for subsea pipelines or damaged components. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a side view of the adjustable support  100  is shown in a closed configuration. Alignment element  106  is shown running through first block  104  and second block  105 . In this embodiment, alignment element  106  is a right hand threaded screw with one reaction nut  501  and one set of jam nuts  502 . Reaction nut  501  does not turn when alignment element  106  is rotated. Jam nuts  502  are either jammed together or tack welded so that they turn with alignment element  106 . In another embodiment, alignment member  106  could be right handed threaded on the upper end and left hand threaded on the lower end so that two reaction nuts  501  could be used. Standoff  103  is attached to block assembly  102  by placing fasterners  112  in the desired position along tracks  206  in backing plate  110  and securing them with alignment nuts  504 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , perspective views of block assembly  102  are shown.  FIG. 6A  displays a front view of block assembly  102 .  FIG. 6A  shows how first gripper  107  may be connected to first block  104  with first guide piece  601 . Likewise, the connection of second gripper  108  to second block  105  by second guide piece  602  is also shown.  FIG. 6B  shows a back view of block assembly  102 . Jam nuts  503  are connected to connection holes  109 . Also, alignment hole  603  for insertion of alignment element  106  is depicted. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , an exploded view of block assembly  102  in a disassembled configuration is shown. First block  104  is made up of side plates  701  and  702  and end plates  703  and  704 . Second block  106  is made up side plates  705  and  706  and end plates  707  and  708 . In some embodiments, the components shown are made of steel; however, a variety of materials suitable for the offshore environment could be used. If corrosion is likely to cause a problem with the metal, materials like titanium, stainless steel, or a combination of these could be used. 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , adjustable support  100  is shown gripping target object  101 . Whereas the previous embodiments showed the tracks  206  in a parallel configuration relative to alignment element  106 , this embodiment shows that tracks  206  can be arranged in any other configuration as long as they are not completely perpendicular to alignment element  106 . Many other configurations are possible. 
   The present invention enables an operator to use a single adjustable support to grasp subsea objects of various shapes and sizes. Grippers of varying shapes and textures may be used to accommodate gripping of pipes, I beams, and other subsea components. Another potential advantage of the present invention is that it may eliminate the need to send a ROV or diver to the site to take measurements before installation. Because the support is adjustable, it may be installed in a single trip, which results in significant cost savings. Yet another advantage is that the present invention may be significantly more durable than a conventional clamp that is welded offshore. The present invention may be manufactured onshore in a fabrication shop, which results in a more reliable weld and is significantly cheaper than welding offshore on the deck of a boat. Another advantage is that the present invention may provide better torsional stability than other clamps and supports. Because the design involves few moving parts and all components are locked before a load is applied, the likelihood that the target object will be dropped is small. Another advantage is that the present invention may be re-used; this could allow the operator to keep a set number of adjustable clamps in inventory for immediate use. 
   Those of skill in the art will appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in terms of the disclosed embodiments, configurations, materials, and methods without departing from their spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the claims appended hereafter and their functional equivalents should not be limited by particular embodiments described and illustrated herein, as these are merely exemplary in nature.