Patent ID: 8146952

Claim:
A coupling structure for cryogenic hydrocarbon transfer pipes, comprising: a first cryogenic transfer pipe section and a second cryogenic transfer pipe section, each pipe section having a metal wall; a flexible pipe section interconnecting the first and second pipe sections; and a hinging support frame comprising i) a first set of arms, each arm connected with a base end to the first pipe section, ii) a support ring located around the flexible pipe section and hingingly attached to hinge end parts of the first set of arms, the first set of arms being pivotable around a first axis, and iii) a second set of arms, each arm connected with a base end to the second pipe section, and each arm having a hinge end part, each arm hingingly attached to the support ring by the hinge end part, the second set of arms being pivotable around a second axis, which second axis is transverse to the first axis, wherein, said first and second set of arms are of substantially hollow cylindrical shape, the base ends of the first set of arms are connected to an first connector member connecting to the first pipe section, the base ends of the second set of arms are connected to a second connector member connecting to the second pipe section, the second connector member comprises a lower plate and an upper plate, the lower and upper plates supported on the second pipe section, the lower and upper plates enclosing the second set of arms, and the second set of arms extend along a section of the second pipe over a length from the lower plate to the upper plate such that an insulating gap is defined between the metal wall of the section of the second pipe and each arm of the second set of arms.