Offshore structure support

Abstract

A pile based braced caisson structural support device includes a number of legs. These legs are configured in a teepee type configuration such that the footprint of the base is larger than the footprint of the opposing end. This structural support can be used as a base for an offshore drilling platform in that the support reduces the lateral forces on the support caused by wave action.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A structure support comprising: 
 at least two elements configured to intersect at an intersection point;    at least one central member arranged in a substantially vertical position that intersects with the intersection point;    a first end of the at least two elements on a first side of the intersection point capable of being affixed to a structure; and    a second end of the at least two elements on second side of the intersection point adapted to be placed on a surface.    
     
     
         2 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the structure is at least one of a platform, a drilling platform, and an offshore drilling platform.  
     
     
         3 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein the surface is a sea floor and the second end extends below a mudline.  
     
     
         4 . The support of  claim 1 , where the intersection point is above a waterline or at a waterline.  
     
     
         5 . The support of  claim 1 , wherein an angular guide maintains an orientation at least between the at least two elements and the member.  
     
     
         6 . A method of constructing a structure support comprising: 
 providing at least three legs in a teepee configuration;    placing a first end of the first three legs on a mounting surface; and    affixing a structure to a second end of the at least three legs, wherein the three legs are unitary structures from the first end to the second end, and wherein the structure is located at a position above an intersecting point of the at least three legs.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the structure is a drilling rig at least one of a platform, a drilling platform, and an offshore drilling platform.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein a guide structure is used to orient the at least three legs.  
     
     
         9 . The structure support of  claim 6 , wherein the angular guide is positioned at said intersection point.