FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The invention relates to a segmented bend limiter and its methods of use. More specifically, the invention relates to a segmented, bend limiter that comprises a plurality of segments, each comprising cooperatively jomabfe halves, where the segment halves are dimensioned and configured to be joined without using additional fasteners, the terminal segment in a chain of segments being secured and fastened by an end fastener.

BACKGROUND

[0002 ] A bend limiter is a device used to restrict bending of the flexible pipe. As the term is used in the art, a bend limiter includes a bend restrictor. bend stiffener, and/or bellmouth. Bend Hmiters are used to prevent possible the overbendtng of flexible flowlines, umbiiicais and cables during installation and service. Typically, a bend limiter will lock or otherwise impede movement about two or more axes when a minimum bend radius is reached.

[0003 ] Bend Hmiters may be used onshore, offshore, and/or subsea and typically comprise a series of interlocking vertebrae joined to form a bend limiier having a desired length.

FIGURES

[0004] The figures supplied herein disclose various embodiments of the claimed invention.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a cutaway planar view in partial perspective of an exemplary semi- tubular sections of an interlocking bend limiter; and.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a further cutaway planar view in partial perspective of an exemplary semi-tubular sections of an interlocking bend limiter showing an end. cap piece. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0001] Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2. interlocking bend limiter segment 10 comprises first semi-tubular section 20a and second semi-tubular section 20b. Second semi- tubular section 20b is substantially identical to first semi-tubular section 20a. First semi- tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a, 20b are dimensioned and configured to be joined cooperatively at their respective interlocks, the first semi-tubular section interlock tab receiver dimensioned and adapted to receive the corresponding interlock tab of the second semi-tubular section, the portions of the conduits of the cooperatively joined first semi- tubular and second semi-tubular sections providing an enclosed fluid pathway therethrough. One or both of first semi-tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b may comprise a plastic.

[0002] Each of first semi-tubular section 20a and second semi-tubular section 20b comprises substantially spherical first end 22, substantially semi-circular second, end 26, and substantially semi-tubular middle section 28. First and second semi-tubular sections 20a, 20b are dimensioned and configured to be joined without using additional fasteners.

[0003] Substantially spherical first end. 22 further comprises engaging section 24 disposed about an outer surface of substantially spherical first end 22, its interior forming a portion of conduit 23 therethrough.

[0004] Substantially semi-circular second end 26 further comprises engaging section receiver 21 and interlock 30.

[0005] Engaging section receiver 21 is dimensioned and adapted to engage engaging section 24 of substantially spherical first end 22. The interior of engaging section receiver 21 defines a portion of a conduit therethrough. In embodiments, engaging section 24 is disposed about an outer surface of substantially spherical first end 24 and comprises ridge 27. In these embodiments, engaging section receiver 21 of first semi-tubular section 20a comprises channel 29 dimensioned and adapted to receive ridge 27 second semi-tubular section 20b, and vice-a-versa.

[0006] Interlock 30 comprises interlock tab 32 and corresponding interlock tab receiver 34.

[0007] Substantially semi-tubular middle section 28 is disposed intermediate substantially spherical first end 22 and substantially semi-circular second end 26. The interior of substantially semi-tubular middle section 28 defines a portion of conduit 23 therethrough.

[0008] In certain embodiments, each of first and second semi-tubular sections 20a, 20b further comprises a plurality of alignment guides 50. These are typically disposed integral with a portion of substantially tubular middle section 28, where at least one of alignment guides 50 of first semi-tubular section 20a is dimensioned and configured to cooperatively receive another of alignment guides 50 of second semi-tubular section 20b, In typical configurations, alignment guides 50 comprise a post and a corresponding alignment guide receiver is dimensioned, and configured to receive the post.

[0009] In certain embodiments, one or both of first semi-tubular and. second semi- tubular sections 20a,20b farther comprises an armored portion.

[0010] As can be seen in Fig, 1, when cooperative joined the interiors of first semi- tubular and. second, semi-tubular sections 20a,20b define conduit 23 therethrough.

[0011] Referring now to Fig. 2, using first semi-tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b, interlocking bend limiter 100 may be constructed and comprise one or more segments 110, where substantially spherical first ends 22 of interlocked first semi-tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b of a first segment 110 are cooperatively received into substantially semi-circular second ends 26 (Fig. 1) of a second segment 120, thereby locking the first and second semi-tubular sections 20a, 20b of first segment 1 10 together. Interlocking bend limiter 100 is terminated using end piece 130 which is coupled to substantially spherical first ends 22 of second segment 120. End piece 130 is dimensioned and adapted to lock together first and second semi-tubular sections 20a, 20b of second segment 120 together at an exposed end of the second segment. In some configurations, end piece 120 comprises a lock dimensioned and adapted to lock together second interlocking bend limiter section 120, e.g. one or more fasteners 132 such as bolts, clamps, bands, or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0012] When joined and terminated, the joined first and second segments 1 10, 120 are dimensioned and adapted to provide a predetermined amount of movement about at least two axes, e.g. an X and. Y set of axes where one axis is positioned, within the conduit defined by the interiors of first semi-tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b.

[0013] In most configurations, assembly of the first and second segments 110, 120 requires no bolts.

[0014] In the operation of currently preferred embodiments, referring to Figs, 1 and 2, interlocking bend limiter may be assembled by assembling first interlocking bend limiter segment 110, formed by joining first semi-tubular section 20a to substantially identical second semi-tubular section 20b. As described above, first semi-tubular and second semi-tubular sections 20a,20b each comprise substantially spherical first end 22, interlocking second, end 26, and substantially semi-tubular section 28 disposed intermediate substantially spherical first end 22 and interlocking second end 26. When joined, interlocking second end 26 of first semi-tubular section 20a is cooperatively paired with interlocking second end 26 of second semi-tubular section 20b.

[0015] Second interlocking bend limiter section 120 is assembled similarly, but second interlocking bend limiter section 120 is assembled about substantially spherical first end 22 of first interlocking bend limiter section 1 10 by positioning engaging section receiver 21 of second interlocking bend limiter section 120 about engaging section 24 of substantially spherical first end 22 of first interlocking bend limiter section 1 10 and engaging interlocking second end 26 of first semi-tubular section 110 with interlocking second end 26 of second semi-tubular section 20b. As noted above, second interlocking bend limiter section 120 is substantially identical to first interlocking bend limiter section 1 10.

[0016] When two or more interlocking bend limiter sections, e.g. 110 and 120, have been assembled, end piece 130 is secured about substantially spherical first end 22 of the final interlocking bend limiter section in the chain, e.g. second interlocking bend limiter section 120, such as by use of one or more fasteners 132.

[0017] The foregoing disclosure and description of the inventions are illustrative and explanatory. Various changes in the size, shape, and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrative construction and/or an illustrative method may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.