Strongback Traveling Clamp

Abstract

A modified strongback for laying pipeline offshore that utilizes a movable clamp. One end of the strongback is modified to include a travel mechanism. A pipe clamp is mounted on the travel mechanism to allow movement of the clamp as necessary to accommodate different pipe joint lengths. A mechanism for locking the clamp in the desired position is provided on the strongback.

1 . In an improved strongback used for gripping and moving pipe and having a plurality of pipe clamps in fixed positions spaced along the length of the strongback, the improvement comprising:
 a. a modified section on the strongback; and   b. a pipe clamp mounted on said modified section so as to be movable along the longitudinal axis of said modified section.   
     
     
         2 . The improved strongback of  claim 1 , wherein said movable pipe clamp is mounted on a gear arrangement mounted on said modified section. 
     
     
         3 . The improved strongback of  claim 1 , further comprising means for securing said movable clamp in a desired position along the length of said modified section. 
     
     
         4 . The improved strongback of  claim 3 , wherein said means for securing said movable clamp comprises a brake unit. 
     
     
         5 . The improved strongback of  claim 3 , wherein said means for securing said movable clamp comprises a pin received through apertures in said movable clamp and said modified section. 
     
     
         6 . In an improved strongback used for gripping and moving pipe and having a plurality of pipe clamps in fixed positions spaced along the length of the strongback, the improvement comprising:
 a. a modified section on the strongback;   b. a gear arrangement mounted on said modified section;   c. a clamp mounted on said gear arrangement so as to be selectively movable on said gear arrangement along the longitudinal axis of said modified section; and   d. means for securing said movable clamp in a desired position along the length of said modified section.   
     
     
         7 . The improved strongback of  claim 6 , wherein said means for securing said movable clamp comprises a brake unit. 
     
     
         8 . The improved strongback of  claim 6 , wherein said means for securing said movable clamp comprises a pin received through apertures in said movable clamp and said modified section. 
     
     
         9 . In an improved strongback used for gripping and moving pipe and having a plurality of pipe clamps in fixed positions spaced along the length of the strongback, the improvement comprising:
 a. a modified section on the strongback;   b. a gear arrangement mounted on said modified section;   c. a clamp mounted on said gear arrangement so as to be selectively movable on said gear arrangement along the length of said modified section; and   d. means for securing said movable clamp in a desired position along the length of said modified section, comprising a brake unit and a pin received through apertures in said movable clamp and said modified section.