Mechanical joint and method of use thereof

Abstract

A mechanical joint configured to provide an articulated connection between a first component and a second component. In some embodiments, the mechanical joint may include a support member (110) and an arm (120). The support member may define a bore (111) therethrough and a socket (113) on an inner surface thereof. The arm may include a ball (123) disposed at a first end (121) thereof, the ball may be engaged within and supported by a socket defined by the support member. A second end (122) of the arm may extend through the bore of the support member such that the arm may rotate relative to the support member about a longitudinal axis of the arm, and at least partially about two axes through a center point of the ball, the two axes being perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 358,738, filed on July 6, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The described embodiments relate generally to mechanical joints. More particularly, the embodiments relate to mechanical joints for connecting a first component to a second component, such as for connecting a mooring leg to a buoy at an offshore site. Background Art

[0004] In the offshore energy industry, it is often necessary or desirable for two components to be mechanically connected to each other in some manner to allow a first component to be articulated relative to a second component about two non-parallel axes while transferring loads from the first component to the second component. This is often achieved through mechanical joints. In one example, a chain mooring leg may be connected to a buoy by a mechanical joint component that is configured to limit out-of-plane bending of the chain mooring leg. In another example, a U-joint may be used to connect a vessel support structure to a yoke in an offshore mooring system. However, these mechanical joints tend to be bulky, expensive, and difficult to operate.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved mechanical joint and method of using the same. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention provides a mechanical joint configured to provide an articulated connection between a first component and a second component and a method of using the same. In some embodiments, the mechanical joint may include a support component and an arm. The support component may define a hole therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof. The arm may include a ball disposed at a first end thereof, the ball being engageable in and supported by the socket defined by the support component. The second end of the arm may extend through the hole of the support component so that the arm may rotate relative to the support component about the longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially about two axes passing through a center point of the ball, the two axes being perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

[0007] In other embodiments, the mechanical joint may include a support member, an arm, and a ball. The support member may define a hole therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof. The arm may include a first end and a second end. The ball may be connected to the arm toward or at the first end of the arm. The ball may be engaged in and supported by the socket defined by the support member. The second end of the arm may be configured to extend through the hole defined by the support member so that the arm and the ball can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially about two axes passing through the center point of the ball, the two axes being perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

[0008] In some embodiments, a method for rotating a second component relative to a first component may include arranging a tool to a mechanical joint, wherein the second component is connected to the first component via the mechanical joint. The mechanical joint may include a support component and an arm. The support component may define a hole passing therethrough and a socket on its inner surface. The arm may include a ball disposed on a first end thereof, the ball engaging in and supported by the socket defined by the support component. The second end of the arm may extend through the hole of the support component so that the arm may rotate relative to the support component about the longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially about two axes passing through the center point of the ball, the two axes being perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm. The ball may define a profile configured to receive a tool. The method may also include engaging the profile defined by the ball with the tool. The method may also include applying a torque to the ball with the tool so that the ball and the arm rotate relative to the support component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Various aspects and advantages of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon understanding the following detailed description of the invention from the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification.

[0010] Figure 1 Depicted is a perspective view of an exemplary mechanical joint according to one or more embodiments described.

[0011] Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 An end view of an exemplary mechanical joint is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 Depicted Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary mechanical joint along section line 3-3 is shown (eg, Figure 2 shown).

[0013] Figure 4 Depicted Figures 1 to 3 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary mechanical joint is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 A perspective view of another exemplary mechanical joint including a tool receiver is depicted according to one or more embodiments described.

[0015] Figure 6 Describes Figure 5 A perspective view of an arm of a mechanical joint is shown, the arm of the mechanical joint including a profile that can be configured to receive torque applied by a tool according to one or more embodiments described.

[0016] Figure 7Exemplary tools are depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments described.

[0017] Figure 8 Depicts a perspective view of an exemplary component including a pair of bearing blocks supported on a first component according to one or more embodiments described. Figure 5 Mechanical joint shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which, for infringement purposes, is deemed to include the equivalents of the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, in some cases, all references to the "invention" refer only to certain specific or preferred embodiments. In other cases, references to the "invention" refer to the subject matter described in one or more but not necessarily all claims. It should be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures or functions of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numbers and / or letters in various exemplary embodiments and in the drawings provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not itself define the relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and / or configurations discussed in the drawings. In addition, in the following description, forming a first feature on or above a second feature includes an embodiment in which the first and second features are directly contacted, and also includes an embodiment in which an additional feature is formed between the first and second features so that the first and second features are not directly in contact. The exemplary embodiments given below can be combined in any manner, that is, any element from one exemplary embodiment can be used in any other exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain features and certain views of the drawings may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for the sake of clarity and / or conciseness.

[0019] In addition, certain terms are used in the following description and claims to refer to specific components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various entities may refer to the same components by different names, and similarly, the naming conventions of the elements described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless specifically defined herein. In addition, the naming conventions used herein are not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same function. In addition, in the following discussion and claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted as meaning "including, but not limited to".

[0020] Unless otherwise specifically stated, all numerical values ​​in the present disclosure are exact values ​​or approximate values ​​("about"). Therefore, various embodiments of the present disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope.

[0021] Furthermore, the term "or" is intended to cover both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., "A or B" is intended to be synonymous with "at least one of A and B," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The indefinite article "a" or "an" refers to both the singular (i.e., "an") and the plural (i.e., one or more) unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "on" and "down"; "upwardly" and "downwardly"; "above" and "below"; and other similar terms refer to relative positions to each other and are not intended to indicate a particular spatial orientation, as devices and methods using the same terminology are equally effective at different angles or orientations.

[0022] It should also be understood that the phrases "disposed therein," "disposed within," and other similar phrases, when describing a component (e.g., an arm or a ball), describe the component as being partially disposed therein / within or completely disposed therein / within. For example, if the component is a ball disposed on the end of an arm that is disposable within a socket, the phrase "the ball is disposable within the socket" means that the ball is partially disposed within the socket or completely disposed within the socket.

[0023] The terms "rotation" and "rotatable" refer to the partial or unrestricted rotation of an object about an axis of rotation.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "perpendicular" and "perpendicularly" refer to two lines or vectors that are coplanar and, therefore, intersect each other at a 90 degree angle. In addition, the term "substantially" when used in the context of "substantially perpendicular" means that the first line and the second line are oriented at an angle of about 80, about 83, about 85, about 87, or about 89 to about 91, about 93, about 95, about 97, or about 100 degrees relative to each other.

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary mechanical joint 100 is depicted in accordance with one or more embodiments. Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 An end view of an exemplary mechanical joint 100 is shown. Figure 3 Depicted Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary mechanical joint shown in FIG. 3 along section line 3-3 (see FIG. Figure 2 shown). Figure 4 Depicted Figures 1 to 3 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary mechanical joint is shown. Figures 1 to 4, the mechanical joint 100 can be configured to provide an articulated connection between a first component and a second component. The mechanical joint 100 can include a support component 110 and an arm 120 having a first end 121 and a second end 122. The support component 110 can define a hole 111 therethrough and a socket 113 on an inner surface 112 thereof. In some embodiments, the arm 120 can include a ball 123 disposed on its first end 121. In other embodiments, the arm 120 can include a ball 123 connected to the arm 120 toward or at the first end 121 of the arm 120. The ball 123 can be engaged in and supported by the socket 113 defined by the support component 110. In some embodiments, the ball 123 can be an integral part of the arm 120. In other embodiments, the ball 123 can be a separate structure. In such embodiments, the ball 123 can be fixedly connected to the arm 120 by welding, bolting, or other methods of rigidly fastening the ball 123 to the arm 120.

[0026] The second end 122 of the arm 120 can extend through the hole 111 of the support member 110 so that the arm 120 can rotate relative to the support member 110 about the longitudinal axis 124 of the arm 120 and at least partially about two axes 125, 126 that pass through the center point 127 of the ball 123, which can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other and can also be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 124 of the arm 120. In some embodiments, the arm 120 can simultaneously and independently rotate relative to the support member 110 about the longitudinal axis 124 and the first axis 125 and the second axis 126, which can be perpendicular to each other and can intersect each other at the center point 127 of the ball 123.

[0027] In some embodiments, the mechanical joint 100 may further include a pair of trunnions 131, 132. The trunnions 131, 132 may be connected to or disposed on and extend from the outer surface 114 of the support member 110. In some embodiments, the trunnions 131, 132 may be axially aligned along the axis 133 of the support member 110. Figure 2 As shown, axis 133 may be aligned with axis 125. However, it should be understood that axis 133 may not be aligned with axis 125 in other embodiments.

[0028] In some embodiments, each trunnion 131, 132 may be configured as a cylindrical protrusion extending from the outer surface 114 of the support member 110. In some embodiments, the trunnions 131, 132 may be an integral part of the support structure 110. In other embodiments, the trunnions 131, 132 may be separate structures that can be fixed to the outer surface 114 of the support structure 110. In such embodiments, the trunnions 131, 132 may be welded, bolted, or otherwise fixed to the outer surface 114 of the support structure 110. In other embodiments, the support member 110 may define a pair of axially aligned cylindrical holes on its outer surface 114. In such embodiments, the axially aligned cylindrical holes may each be configured to receive a trunnion, a pin, or other similar structure that may be supported by the first member, so that the support member 110 may be supported by the first member.

[0029] The trunnions 131, 132 may be configured to be supported by a corresponding pair of bearing seats, which may be disposed on the first component. In some embodiments, the first component on which the bearing seats may be disposed may be, but is not limited to, a floating structure or a fixed structure located in a body of water. In some embodiments, the floating structure may be, but is not limited to, a barge, a ship, an FPSO, a semi-submersible structure, an FSO, an FLNG, an FSRU, a wind platform, a pontoon, a drill ship, a tension leg platform, or any other floating structure. In some embodiments, the fixed structure may be, but is not limited to, a support tower, a concrete / gravity platform, a jacket platform, a jack-up rig, or any other structure fixed to the seabed.

[0030] The trunnions 131, 132 or a pair of axially aligned cylindrical holes and trunnions, pins or other similar structures can be configured so that the support member 110 can rotate relative to the first member about the axis 133 of the support member 110. In some embodiments, the axis 133 of the support member 110 can be the centerline of the support member 110. The centerline can be defined as a symmetry line of the support member that bisects or is centered between first and second sides of the support member 110 that are opposite to each other, i.e., centered between two opposite sides of the perimeter and / or centered between the top / bottom of the support member 110. In some embodiments, the mechanical joint 100 can rotate up to + / -20 degrees, up to + / -40 degrees, or + / -60 degrees relative to the first member.

[0031] In some embodiments, the second end 122 of the arm may form a hole 128 extending therethrough. The hole 128 may be configured to be fixed or otherwise connected to the second component. In some embodiments, the hole 128 may be connected to the second component by a mechanical connection device, such as a shackle, an H-shaped link or other mechanical type of connector. In some embodiments, the second component may be, but is not limited to, a flexible or semi-flexible rope, such as a mooring rope, and / or a relatively rigid body, such as a link arm. In some embodiments, the flexible or semi-flexible rope may be or may include a chain, a cable, a rope, etc. and / or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second component may be a mooring leg, such as a chain, a cable and / or a rope segment. In other embodiments, the second component may be a structural component, and the second end 122 of the arm 120 may be directly welded or mechanically or rigidly fixed to the second component.

[0032] In some embodiments, the mechanical joint 100 may further include a closure cap 140. In such embodiments, the first end 116 of the support member 110 may include one or more holes 115, each hole 115 configured to receive a fastener 142 to secure the closure cap 140 to the support member 110. In some embodiments, the one or more holes 115 may be configured with internal helical threads, and the one or more fasteners 142 may be threaded fasteners or cap screws configured to matingly engage with the holes 115. In other embodiments, the first end 116 of the support member 110 may include a plurality of threaded posts extending therefrom, the threaded posts may be configured to have external helical threads, and a plurality of nuts configured to have internal helical threads, the nuts may be configured to secure the closure cap 140 to the support member 110. In other embodiments, the first end of the support member 110 and the outer periphery of the closure cap 140 may include helical threads configured to threadably engage with each other to secure the closure cap 140 to the support member 110.

[0033] In some embodiments, the closure cap 140 may engage with the ball 123 so that the ball 123 may be fixed in the socket 111 defined by the support member 110. In some embodiments, the inner surface 143 of the closure cap 140 may define a socket 141, and the socket 141 may be configured to engage with the ball 123 so that the ball 123 may be fixed in the socket 111 defined by the support member 110 and the socket 141 defined by the inner surface 143 of the closure cap 140.

[0034] In some embodiments, the socket 141 defined by the closure cap 140 and the socket 113 defined by the support structure 110 can engage the ball 123, thereby preventing the ball 123 from moving in a linear direction relative to the support structure 110. The ball 123 can transfer lateral and / or axial loads from the support member 110 to the arm 120 and / or from the arm 120 to the support member 110. In some embodiments, the arm 120 and the ball 123 can freely rotate relative to the support member 110 about two axes 125, 126, and can freely rotate relative to the longitudinal axis 124 of the arm 120. In some embodiments, the arm 120 and the ball 123 can rotate about the two axes 125, 126 up to + / -10 degrees, up to + / -20 degrees, up to + / -30 degrees, or even up to + / -45 degrees.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the mechanical joint 100 may include a bushing or first bushing 150. The bushing 150 may be at least partially disposed between the ball 123 and the socket 113 defined by the support structure 110. In certain embodiments, the bushing 150 may be configured or fabricated from a low friction material, such as bronze, a polyethylene material, or a composite material that may include polytetrafluoroethylene, for example. Bushing 150 may be configured to reduce friction between ball 123 and socket 113 and / or reduce wear and / or reduce or prevent wear of ball 123 and / or socket 113 .

[0036] In certain embodiments, the mechanical joint 100 may include a bushing or a second bushing 160. The bushing 160 may be at least partially disposed between the ball 123 and the socket 141 of the closure cap 140. In certain embodiments, the second bushing 160 may be configured or fabricated from a low friction material, such as bronze, a polyethylene material, a composite material that may include polytetrafluoroethylene, for example. or any combination thereof. Bushing 160 may be configured to reduce friction between ball 123 and socket 141 of closure cap 140 and / or reduce wear and / or prevent wear of ball 123 or socket 141. In some embodiments, ball 123 may be coated with a low friction material. In some embodiments, socket 113 of support member 110 and / or socket 141 of closure cap 140 may be coated with a low friction coating, such as a fluoropolymer coating, such as In some embodiments, the ball 123 may be made of a material different from or having a different hardness than the inner surface 112 defining the socket 113 of the support member 110 and the inner surface 143 defining the socket 141 of the closure cap 140. In some embodiments, the ball 123 may be made of a material having a higher hardness or a lower hardness as the inner surface 112 defining the socket 113 of the support member 110 and / or the inner surface 143 defining the socket 141 of the closure cap 140.

[0037] In some embodiments, the trunnions 131, 132, the support structure 110, the arm 120 and / or the closure cap 140 may be constructed, formed, manufactured or otherwise produced from carbon steel, stainless steel or other similar materials. The trunnions 131, 132, the support structure 110, the arm 120 and / or the closure cap 140 may independently be castings, forgings, weldments, millings or any combination thereof. Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the pair of trunnions 131, 132 may each include a cylindrical bushing 134 disposed on an outer surface 135 of each trunnion 131, 132. The cylindrical bushing 134 may be made of a material such as bronze, high molecular weight polyurethane, or a low friction material.

[0038] Figure 5 A perspective view of another exemplary mechanical joint 200 according to one or more embodiments is depicted. The mechanical joint 200 can be configured to provide an articulated connection between a first component and a second component. The mechanical joint 200 can include a support component 110 and an arm 220 having a first end 221 and a second end 222. As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 As described above, the support member 110 may define a hole 111 and a socket 113 therethrough on its inner surface 112. In some embodiments, the support member 110 may also include a pair of trunnions 131, 132, and optionally a bushing 134, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 described.

[0039] Mechanical joint 200 may also include an arm 220 having a first end 221 and a second end 222 . Figure 6 Depicted Figure 5 1 and 1 . A perspective view of an arm 220 of the mechanical joint shown. In some embodiments, the arm 220 can include a ball 223 disposed on a first end 221 thereof. In other embodiments, the arm 220 can include a ball 223 connected to the arm 220 toward or at the first end 221 of the arm 220. The ball 223 can be engaged in and supported by a socket 113 defined by the support member 110. In some embodiments, the ball 223 can be an integral part of the arm 220. In other embodiments, the ball 223 can be a separate structure. In some embodiments, the ball 223 can be fixedly attached to the arm 220 by welding, bolting, or other methods of rigidly fastening the ball 223 to the arm 220.

[0040] The second end 222 of the arm 220 can pass through the hole 111 of the support member 110, so that the arm 220 can rotate relative to the support member 210 about the longitudinal axis 224 of the arm 220 and at least partially rotate about two axes, such as the axes 125, 126, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, these two axes pass through the center point 127 of the ball 223, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, they can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other and can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 224 of the arm 220, similar to the above reference Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, arm 220 can rotate relative to support member 110 about longitudinal axis 224 and first axis 125 and second axis 126 simultaneously and independently, first axis 125 and second axis 126 can be perpendicular to each other and can intersect each other at center point 127 of ball 123, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 described.

[0041] In some embodiments, ball 223 may define a flat surface 225. As shown, flat surface 225 may be located on a side of ball 223 opposite arm 220. In some embodiments, ball 223 may define a profile 226, which may be configured to receive a torque applied to ball 223 by a tool to rotate ball 223 and arm 220 relative to support structure 110. In some embodiments, profile 226 defined by ball 223 may be, but is not limited to, a threaded cylindrical hole, a slot, a polygonal protrusion, a threaded cylindrical protrusion, or a polygonal notch (polygonal notch such as Figure 6 223). When profile 223 receives torque applied to ball 223 by the tool, ball 223 and arm 220 can rotate about longitudinal axis 224 of arm 220. In some embodiments, arm 220 and ball 223 can rotate relative to support member 110 when mechanical joint 200 supports an axial load. In other embodiments, the axial load supported by mechanical joint 200 can be reduced or eliminated before rotating arm 220 and ball 223 relative to support member 110.

[0042] The arm 220 may be constructed, formed, manufactured, or otherwise produced from carbon steel, stainless steel, or other similar materials. In some embodiments, the arm 220 may be a casting, a forging, a milled body, a weldment, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the trunnions 131, 132 may include a cylindrical bushing 134 disposed around the outer surface of each trunnion 131, 132, as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 described.

[0043] In some embodiments, the mechanical joint 200 may include an extension arm 243. The extension arm 243 may have a first end and a second end, the first end may be matingly engaged with the profile 226 of the ball 223, and the second end may be configured to have a profile or shape configured to receive or otherwise engage with a tool. The extension arm 243 may be configured to transfer torque from the tool to the profile 226 defined by the ball 223 to rotate the arm 220 and the ball 223 relative to the support structure 110. Figure 5 and 6As shown, in some embodiments, the extension arm 243 has a cross-sectional shape, such as a hexagon, which is configured to engage with the profile 226, such as a receiver or hole having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape, so that a portion of the extension arm 243 can be partially disposed within the profile 226 and extend from the profile 226. Figure 5 As shown, a retaining ring 245 can be disposed around the extension arm 243 and can be fixed to the surface 225 defined by the ball 223. For example, the retaining ring 245 can be fixed to the surface 225 by one or more fasteners 227. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the extension arm 243 can include a shoulder or other profile that can extend outward, which can engage with the retaining ring 245 to fix the extension arm 243 to the profile 226. In other embodiments, the extension arm 243 can be fixed to the profile 226 by any other suitable means (e.g., welding). In other embodiments, the profile 226 can be a polygonal protrusion, which can be integral with the ball 223.

[0044] In some embodiments, the mechanical joint 200 may further include a closure cap 240. In such embodiments, the closure cap 240 may define a hole (not visible) therethrough. In some embodiments, the profile 226, such as a polygonal protrusion, may extend or protrude from the ball 223 and pass through the hole defined by the closure cap 240. In some embodiments, the closure cap 240 may include a torque receiver 241. In some embodiments, the torque receiver 241 may be configured as a cylindrical structure that may define at least one slot 244, more typically, two slots 244 or four slots 244 may be used, such as Figure 5 As shown. The torque receiver 241 can be configured to interface with a tool. In some embodiments, the torque receiver 241 can be an integral part of the closure cap 240, or fixedly connected or otherwise fixed to the closure cap 240, so that when the tool engages with the profile 226 defined by the ball 233, the applied torque can react to the torque receiver 241, so that the torque can be directed to the ball 223 to rotate the ball 223 and the arm 220 relative to the support structure 110. In some embodiments, the tool and the torque receiver 241 can be designed or configured according to the American Petroleum Institute specification 17H. In some embodiments, the tool can be hydraulically powered, pneumatically powered and / or electric. In some embodiments, when the mechanical joint 200 is set in an underwater application, the tool can be manipulated or operated by a diver or a remotely operated vehicle. In other embodiments, typically, in smaller applications where the mechanical joint 200 is set above the waterline, a manually operated torque tool, wrench, or socket wrench can be used to apply torque to the ball 223 and the arm 220.

[0045] In some other embodiments (not shown), the first end 221 of the arm 220 may define a surface. In some embodiments, the surface of the first end 221 of the arm 220 may be substantially flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm 224. In some embodiments, a profile 226 may be defined by the first end 221 of the arm 220, and the profile 226 may be a fastener, a hole, a polygonal protrusion, or a polygonal indentation. In such embodiments, the ball 223 may be configured such that the arm 220 may rotate relative to the ball 223 and the support member 110 about the longitudinal axis 224 of the arm 220. For example, the ball 223 may define a hole therethrough having an inner diameter, and the arm 220 may have a first outer diameter or other perimeter located between the second end 222 and the ball 223 that may be greater than the inner diameter of the hole defined by the ball 223. In such an embodiment, the first end 221 of the arm 220 can be inserted into and through the hole defined by the ball 223, and the ball 223 can rest on an upper surface of the arm 220 having a diameter or other outer perimeter that is larger than the inner diameter defined by the ball 223. The first end 221 of the arm 220 can be prevented from being removed from the ball 223 by a c-ring, pin, or other fastener. In another example, the hole defined by the ball 223 can include one or more slots or other indentations, and the outer diameter of the arm 220 around which the hole defined by the ball 223 can be disposed can include one or more tabs or other corresponding extended surfaces that can matingly engage with each other to prevent the arm 220 from rotating independently of the ball 223.

[0046] Figure 7 An exemplary tool 700 is depicted according to one or more embodiments. The tool 700 may be electrically, hydraulically, and / or pneumatically powered. In some embodiments, the tool 700 may have a rotating portion 710 and a fixed portion 720. The rotating portion 710 of the tool 700 may be configured to Figure 5 The polygonal protrusion 243 or Figure 6 The profiles 226 shown meet or engage so that the rotating portion 710 of the tool 700 can rotate the arm 220 and the ball 223. In some embodiments, the fixed portion 720 of the tool 700 can include at least one fin 721, two of which are shown. Each fin 721 can be configured to matingly engage with a corresponding slot 244 of the torque receiver 241 so that the torque generated by the tool 700 can be reacted by the torque receiver 241 so that the arm 220 and the ball 223 can rotate relative to the support member 210. In some embodiments, when the mechanical joint 200 is set in an underwater application, the tool 700 can be manipulated or operated by a diver or remotely operated vehicle.

[0047] Figure 8A perspective view of an exemplary component 800 is depicted that includes a mechanical joint 200 supported by a pair of bearing blocks 811, 812 disposed on a first component M1 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, component 800 may include Figure 5 The mechanical joint 200 shown may include a support member 110, an arm 220 having a first end 221 and a second end 222, a closure cap 240, and a pair of trunnions 131, 132. A second component 242, such as a chain, cable, rope, link arm, or other component or combination of components, may be connected to the second end 222 of the arm 220. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the component 800 may include the mechanical joint 100 described above.

[0048] In some embodiments, the trunnions 131, 132 may be connected to or disposed on the outer surface of the support member 110 and extend from the outer surface of the support member 110 and be axially aligned along the axis 133 of the support member 110, as described above. In some embodiments, the first component M1 on which the bearing seats 811, 812 may be disposed may be, but is not limited to, a floating structure or a fixed structure located in a body of water. In some embodiments, the floating structure may be, but is not limited to, a barge, a ship, an FPSO, a semi-submersible structure, an FSO, an FLNG, an FSRU, a wind platform, a pontoon, a drilling ship, a tension leg platform, or any other floating structure. In some embodiments, the fixed structure located in the body of water may be, but is not limited to, a support tower, a concrete / gravity platform, a jacket platform, a jack-up rig, or any other structure fixed to the seabed. In some embodiments, the second component M2 may be, but is not limited to, a flexible or semi-flexible rope, such as a mooring rope, and / or a relatively rigid body, such as a link arm. In some embodiments, the flexible or semi-flexible rope may be or may include a chain.

[0049] The trunnions 131, 132 may be configured to allow the mechanical joint 200 to rotate relative to the first member M1 at least partially about the axis 133 of the support member 110. In some embodiments, the axis 133 of the support member 110 may be a centerline of the support member 110. The centerline may be defined as a line of symmetry of the support member 110 that bisects or centers a first side and a second side of the support member 110 that are opposite to each other, i.e., centered between two opposite sides of the perimeter and / or centered between the top / bottom of the support member 110. In some embodiments, the mechanical joint 200 may rotate relative to the first member M1 up to + / -20 degrees, up to + / -40 degrees, or + / -60 degrees.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first component M1 may include a pair of covers 813, 814, each of which may be fixed to a corresponding bearing seat 811, 812. Each cover 813, 814 may be fixed to the corresponding bearing seat 811, 812 by one or more fasteners 815. The covers 813, 814 may be configured to allow the support component 110 to at least partially rotate relative to the first component M1 around the axis 133 of the support component 110.

[0051] In some embodiments, a method of rotating a second component M2 relative to a first component M1, wherein the second component M2 is connected to the first component M1 by a mechanical joint (e.g., mechanical joint 200), may include placing a tool (e.g., tool 700) to the mechanical joint 200. In some embodiments, the method may also include engaging a profile 226 defined by a ball 223 with the tool. The method may also include applying a torque to the ball 223 with the tool so that the ball 223 and the arm 220 rotate relative to the support member 110. This method may be used when, for example, the second component M2 is a mooring leg and the mooring leg has a twist and it is desired to eliminate the twist. The method may also include removing the tool from the mechanical joint 200. In some embodiments, the tool may be operated by a diver or a remotely operated vehicle.

[0052] The present invention also relates to any one or more of the following numbered embodiments:

[0053] A1. A mechanical joint configured to provide an articulated connection between a first component and a second component, comprising: a support component defining a hole therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof; and an arm including a ball disposed on a first end thereof, the ball being engaged in and supported by the socket defined by the support component, wherein a second end of the arm extends through the hole in the support component so that the arm can rotate relative to the support component about a longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially about two axes passing through a center point of the ball, the two axes being perpendicular to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

[0054] A2. The mechanical joint of A1 wherein the ball defines a profile configured to receive a tool configured to apply torque to the ball.

[0055] A3. The mechanical joint of A2, wherein the profile defined by the ball is a threaded cylindrical hole, a slot, a polygonal protrusion, a threaded cylindrical protrusion, or a polygonal indentation.

[0056] A4. A mechanical joint of A2 or A3 wherein the profile defined by the ball is a polygonal protrusion.

[0057] A5. A mechanical joint of A4 in which the polygonal projection is an integral part of the ball or is fixedly connected to the ball.

[0058] A6. A mechanical joint of A2 or A3 wherein the profile defined by the ball is a polygonal notch.

[0059] A7. The mechanical joint of A6 further includes an extension arm having a cross-sectional shape configured to be partially disposed within and extend from the polygonal notch, wherein the tool is configured to engage at least a portion of the extension arm extending from the polygonal notch.

[0060] A8. A mechanical joint as described in any of A2 to A7, wherein the tool is configured to be operated by a diver or a remotely operated vehicle.

[0061] A9. The mechanical joint described in any one of A1 to A8 also includes a pair of axially aligned trunnions arranged on the outer surface of the support member.

[0062] A10. A mechanical joint as described in A9, wherein the pair of trunnions are configured to be supported by a pair of bearing seats, and the bearing seats are configured to be disposed on the first component so that the support component can rotate relative to the first component at least partially around the axis of the support component.

[0063] A11. The mechanical joint described in A9 further includes a pair of bearing seats, which are configured to be disposed on the first component and support the trunnions so that the support component can rotate relative to the first component at least partially around the axis of the support component.

[0064] A12. The mechanical joint of any one of A9 to A11, further comprising a cylindrical bushing disposed around an outer surface of each trunnion of the pair of trunnions.

[0065] A13. The mechanical joint of A12, wherein each bushing is independently made of a material comprising bronze, a polyethylene material, a composite material comprising polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof.

[0066] A14. The mechanical joint of any one of A1 to A13, further comprising a bushing at least partially disposed between a ball and a socket defined by the support member.

[0067] A15. A mechanical joint of A14, wherein the bushing is made of a material including bronze, a polyethylene material, a composite material including polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof.

[0068] A16. The mechanical joint of any one of A1 to A15, further comprising a closure cap engaged with the ball so that the ball is secured within a socket defined by the support member.

[0069] A17. A mechanical joint as described in A16, wherein: the ball defines a profile, the profile is configured to receive a tool, the tool is configured to apply torque to the ball, and the closure cover defines a hole therethrough, the hole is configured to receive the tool therethrough, so that the profile defined by the ball is capable of receiving the tool.

[0070] A18. A mechanical joint of A16 or A17, wherein: the closure cap also includes a torque receiver, the profile defined by the ball being configured to engage with a rotating portion of the tool, the torque receiver being configured to engage with a fixed portion of the tool.

[0071] A19. The mechanical joint of A16 or A18 further comprising a bushing at least partially disposed between the closure cap and the ball.

[0072] A20.A19's mechanical joint, wherein the bushing is made of a material comprising bronze, a polyethylene material, a composite material comprising polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof.

[0073] A21. A mechanical joint as described in any one of A16 to A20, wherein the closure cover defines a socket on its inner surface so that the ball is fixed to the socket defined by the support member and the socket defined by the closure cover.

[0074] A22. The mechanical joint of any one of A16 to A21, wherein the closure cover is configured to be secured to the first side of the support member by a plurality of fasteners.

[0075] A23. A mechanical joint as described in any one of A16 to A22, wherein the first end of the support member and the outer periphery of the closure cover include helical threads, and the helical threads are configured to threadably engage with each other to secure the closure cover to the support member.

[0076] B1. A mechanical joint configured to provide an articulated connection between a first component and a second component, comprising: a support component defining a hole therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof; an arm comprising a first end and a second end; and a ball connected to the arm toward or at the first end of the arm, wherein the ball is engaged in and supported by the socket defined by the support component, and wherein the second end of the arm is configured to extend through the hole defined by the support component so that the arm and the ball can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially about two axes passing through a center point of the ball, the two axes being perpendicular to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

[0077] B2. The mechanical joint of B1 wherein the first end of the arm defines a profile configured to receive a tool configured to apply torque to the ball.

[0078] B3. The mechanical joint of B2, wherein the profile defined by the first end of the arm is a threaded cylindrical hole, a slot, a polygonal protrusion, a threaded cylindrical protrusion, or a polygonal indentation.

[0079] B4. The mechanical joint of any one of B1 to B3, further comprising a closure cap engaged with the ball so that the ball is secured in a socket defined by the support member.

[0080] B5. The mechanical joint of B4, wherein the closure cap defines a hole therethrough, the hole being configured to receive a tool therethrough such that the profile defined by the ball is capable of receiving the tool.

[0081] B6. The mechanical joint of B4 or B5 further comprising a bushing at least partially disposed between the closure cap and the ball.

[0082] B7. A mechanical joint of B6, wherein the bushing is made of a material including bronze, a polyethylene material, a composite material including polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof.

[0083] B8. The mechanical joint of any one of B1 to B7, further comprising a pair of axially aligned trunnions disposed on the outer surface of the support member.

[0084] B9. A mechanical joint of B8, wherein the trunnion is configured to be supported by a pair of bearing seats, and the pair of bearing seats are configured to be disposed on the first component so that the support component can rotate relative to the first component at least partially around the axis of the support component.

[0085] The mechanical joint of B10.B8 also includes a pair of bearing seats, which are configured to be arranged on the first component and support the pair of ear shafts so that the supporting component can rotate relative to the first component at least partially around the axis of the supporting component.

[0086] B11. The mechanical joint described in any one of B8 to B10 also includes a cylindrical bushing arranged around the outer surface of each trunnion of the pair of trunnions.

[0087] B12. The mechanical joint of B11, wherein each bushing is independently made of a material comprising bronze, a polyethylene material, a composite material comprising polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof.

[0088] B13. The mechanical joint of any one of B1 to B12, further comprising a bushing at least partially disposed between a ball and a socket defined by the support member.

[0089] B14. A mechanical joint of B13, wherein the bushing is made of a material comprising bronze, a polyethylene material, a composite material comprising polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof.

[0090] C1. A method for rotating a second component relative to a first component, wherein the second component is connected to the first component via a mechanical joint, the method comprising: arranging a tool to the mechanical joint, wherein the mechanical joint comprises: a support component, the support component defining a hole passing therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof; and an arm, the arm comprising a ball disposed on a first end thereof, the ball being engaged in and supported by the socket defined by the support component, wherein the second end of the arm extends through the hole of the support component so that the arm can rotate relative to the support component about the longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially about two axes passing through a center point of the ball, the two axes being perpendicular to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the arm, and wherein the ball defines a profile configured to receive the tool; engaging the profile defined by the ball with the tool; and applying a torque to the ball with the tool so that the ball and the arm rotate relative to the support component.

[0091] The C2.C1 method also includes moving the tool away from the contour defined by the ball.

[0092] C3. The method of C1 or C2 wherein the tool is operated by a diver.

[0093] C4. The method of C1 or C2, wherein the tool is operated by a remotely operated vehicle.

[0094] C5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mechanical joint further comprises a closure cap engaged with the ball so that the ball is secured in a socket defined by a support member, and wherein the closure cap comprises a torque receiver and defines a hole configured to receive a tool therethrough so that the tool can engage with the profile defined by the ball to rotate the arm about the longitudinal axis of the arm relative to the support member.

[0095] C6. The method of C5, wherein the closure defines a socket on an inner surface thereof, and wherein the ball is secured within the socket defined by the support member and within the socket defined by the closure.

[0096] Certain embodiments and features are described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be understood that ranges including combinations of any two values, such as any combination of a lower limit with any upper limit, any combination of any two lower limits, and / or any combination of any two upper limits are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits, and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values ​​are "about" or "approximately" the indicated values, and take into account experimental errors and variations that would be expected by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0097] Various terms have been defined above. If a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition given to that term by persons skilled in the art as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. In addition, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are incorporated by reference into this application to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and in all jurisdictions in which incorporation is permitted.

[0098] Although certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and explained in detail above, it is obvious that those skilled in the art will modify and adjust them. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that the present invention can be modified and adjusted without departing from the basic scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention can be determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A mechanical joint configured to provide an articulated connection between a first component and a second component, comprising: a support member defining a hole therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof; as well as An arm including a ball disposed on a first end thereof, the ball being engaged in and supported by a socket defined by a support member, wherein a second end of the arm extends through a hole in the support member so that the arm can rotate relative to the support member about a longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially about two axes passing through a center point of the ball, the two axes being perpendicular to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

2. The mechanical joint according to claim 1, wherein: The ball defines a profile configured to receive a tool configured to apply torque to the ball.

3. The mechanical joint according to claim 2, wherein: The contour defined by the sphere is a threaded cylindrical hole, a groove, a polygonal protrusion, a threaded cylindrical protrusion or a polygonal indentation.

4. The mechanical joint according to claim 2, wherein: The tool is configured to be operated by a diver or a remotely operated vehicle.

5. The mechanical joint according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a pair of axially aligned trunnions disposed on the outer surface of the support member.

6. The mechanical joint according to claim 5, wherein: The pair of trunnions are configured to be supported by a pair of bearing blocks configured to be disposed on the first member such that the support member is rotatable relative to the first member at least partially about an axis of the support member.

7. The mechanical joint of claim 5, further comprising a pair of bearing seats configured to be disposed on the first member and to support the pair of trunnions such that the support member is rotatable relative to the first member at least partially about an axis of the support member.

8. The mechanical joint of claim 5, further comprising a cylindrical bushing disposed on an outer surface of each trunnion of the pair of trunnions.

9. The mechanical joint according to claim 8, wherein: Each bushing is independently made of a material including bronze, a polyethylene material, a composite material including polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof.

10. The mechanical joint of claim 1, further comprising a bushing disposed at least partially between the ball and the socket defined by the support member.

11. The mechanical joint according to claim 10, wherein: The bushing is made of a material including bronze, a polyethylene material, a composite material including polytetrafluoroethylene, or a combination thereof.

12. The mechanical joint of claim 1 further comprising a closure cap engaged with said ball such that said ball is secured within said socket defined by said support member.

13. The mechanical joint of claim 12, wherein: The ball defines a profile configured to receive a tool configured to apply torque to the ball, and The closure cap defines a hole therethrough configured to receive a tool therethrough such that the contour defined by the ball is capable of receiving the tool.

14. The mechanical joint of claim 13, wherein: The profile defined by the ball is configured to engage a rotating portion of a tool, and The closure cap also includes a torque receiver configured to engage with a fixed portion of a tool.

15. A mechanical joint configured to provide an articulated connection between a first component and a second component, comprising: a support member defining a hole therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof; an arm comprising a first end and a second end; as well as a ball connected to the arm toward or at the first end of the arm, wherein the ball is engaged within and supported by the socket defined by the support member, and wherein the second end of the arm is configured to extend through the aperture defined by the support member so that the arm and the ball can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially about two axes passing through a center point of the ball, the two axes being perpendicular to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the arm.

16. The mechanical joint of claim 15, wherein: The first end of the arm defines a profile configured to receive a tool configured to apply torque to the ball.

17. The mechanical joint of claim 16, wherein: The profile defined by the first end of the arm is a threaded cylindrical hole, a slot, a polygonal protrusion, a threaded cylindrical protrusion, or a polygonal indentation.

18. The mechanical joint of claim 16, further comprising a closure cap engaged with the ball such that the ball is secured within the socket defined by the support member, wherein The closure cap defines an aperture therethrough configured to receive a tool therethrough such that the contour defined by the ball is capable of receiving the tool.

19. The mechanical joint of claim 15, further comprising a pair of axially aligned trunnions disposed on an outer surface of the support member.

20. A method for rotating a second component relative to a first component, wherein: The second component is connected to the first component via a mechanical joint, the method comprising: Arranging a tool to the mechanical joint, wherein the mechanical joint comprises: a support member defining a hole therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof; and an arm including a ball disposed on a first end thereof, the ball engaged within and supported by a socket defined by a support member, wherein a second end of the arm extends through a hole in the support member such that the arm is rotatable relative to the support member about a longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially about two axes passing through a center point of the ball, the two axes being perpendicular to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the arm, and wherein the ball defines a profile configured to receive a tool; engaging a contour defined by the ball with the tool; and A torque is applied to the ball with the tool, causing the ball and the arm to rotate relative to the support member.

Images