Appeal No. 2004-2279 Page 5
Application No. 10/151,263
extending braces 18. Braces 18 support tower 16 by restraining tower 16 in place
against the effects of any external forces incurred by either substructure 10 or
superstructure 12. Each brace 18 has one end secured to tower 16 by means of a
hinged connection 20 while the other end of each brace 18 is angled away from tower
16 when in the unfolded position. This end engages mudline 22 where skirt piles 24
anchor each brace 18 in place. As shown, tower 16 is also anchored in place by skirt
piles 24. As shown in this embodiment, struts 26 aid in the support of superstructure 12
and to increase the strength of both tower 16 and braces 18. Strut 26 extends generally
horizontally between each of braces 18 and central tower 16 and connect at an
elevation intermediate hinged connection 20 and mudline 22 of each of tower 16 and
brace 18. Strut 26 effectively decreases the unbraced length of both tower 16 and
braces 18 such that their design may be minimized (a longer unbraced length requires
more material thereby making the structure heavier and bulkier).
Gomez De Rosas' invention relates to a method of installing large structural
protector for offshore wells which uses an upstanding conductor pipe installed by a
drilling vessel and wherein a lean-to truss having a pair of angled legs is initially
supported and installed by the drilling vessel and subsequently forms a structural
connection with the conductor pipe to define a three legged structure which includes the
conductor pipe for protecting the well. The legs of the angled truss have pre-installed
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