Abstract: A clamp for mounting upon a cylindrical member, such as a sub-sea riser or umbilical, has a set of outer clamp shells shaped to be arranged around the cylindrical member, and preferably adapted to be secured to one another in this configuration, e.g., by means of bolts. Within the structure thus formed are inner clamp members shaped to seat upon the cylindrical member, e.g., through part-circular inner faces. The inner clamp members are biased into engagement with the cylindrical member by means of spring elements pre-stressed upon assembly of the clamp between opposed surfaces of the respective outer clamp shell and inner clamp member. Preferably, the spring elements each act along a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed which is for mounting upon a cylindrical member such as a sub-sea riser or umbilical 12. The clamp has a set of outer clamp shells 14 shaped to be arranged around the cylindrical member 12, and preferably adapted to be secured to one another in this configuration e.g. by means of bolts 16. Within the structure thus formed are inner clamp members 24 shaped to seat upon the cylindrical member e.g. through part-circular inner faces. The inner clamp members are biased into engagement with the cylindrical member by means of spring elements 20 pre-stressed upon assembly of the clamp between opposed surfaces of the respective outer clamp shell and inner clamp member. Preferably, the spring elements 20 each act along a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A bend stiffener 30 is disclosed which serves to resist excessive bending of an elongate underwater member 32, such as a cable, in a region where it meets a supporting structure such as an oil rig or buoy. The bend stiffener has a stiffener body 36 which defines a through-going channel for receiving and embracing the elongate member. A connection part 42, which may for example be formed as a tube, is shaped and positioned to enable it to be engaged with some complementary feature of the supporting structure (e.g. an upright I-tube) by upward movement of the bend stiffener. When thus engaged, the connection part serves to locate the stiffener body laterally and angularly. In accordance with the present invention, the bend stiffener is positively buoyant so that, once the connection part is engaged with the supporting structure, the bend stiffener's buoyancy suffices to maintain it in engagement.