Flexible joint

Abstract

A flexible joint is designed to accommodate dynamic movement such as subsidence, earthquakes, and thermal shifts. A portion of the outer surface of a ring is surrounded by a sleeve. A connector attaches the sleeve to the ring. The sleeve is slidably movable on a section of that portion of the outer surface of the ring. That portion of the outer surface includes first and second grooves, a spherical segment, a first truncated conical segment positioned adjacent to the spherical segment, and a second truncated conical segment positioned adjacent to the spherical segment. The outer surfaces of the first and second truncated conical segments taper away from the spherical segment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a flexible joint assembly for connecting pipe components subjected to uneven settlement, seismic activity, or thermal movement. Prior Technology

[0002] As is well known, pipelines can be subjected to uneven settlement, seismic activity, and alternating heating and cooling cycles. Uneven settlement of underground pipelines can be caused by ground subsidence attributable to natural processes (such as the dissolution of underlying rocks or the gradual compaction of sediments) or human activities (such as mining or the extraction of groundwater or other underground materials). Seismic activity can be caused by naturally occurring earthquakes or human activities (such as reservoir impoundment, mining, and the extraction of fluids and gases from underground). Heating and cooling can result from significant variations in the ambient or ground temperature (daily and seasonal) to which the pipeline is exposed, as well as from the heat contained in the fluids pumped through the pipeline. The fluid itself can be hot or can be heated by the pumping action. Friction between the fluid and the pipeline can also cause heating and expansion. Stress caused by uneven settlement, seismic activity, and thermal expansion and contraction can damage pipelines. For example, when subjected to uneven settlement or seismic activity, pipelines can deform or collapse due to shear and bending forces on the pipeline. In addition, a pipeline may buckle when it is subjected to compression due to expansion in response to rising temperatures, or a joint may fail when it is subjected to tensile loads due to contraction in response to falling temperatures.

[0003] For long pipelines subjected to even minor temperature variations, subsidence, or seismic activity, it is advantageous to provide flexible joints at regular intervals along the length of the pipeline to accommodate dynamic movement (such as uneven subsidence, seismic movement, and thermal movement) and prevent pipeline damage that would otherwise occur. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An exemplary flexible joint includes a ring surrounding a longitudinal axis and having an outer surface and opposing first and second ends. The first end of the ring is attachable to one end of a central reel. A sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the ring and has an inner surface slidably engaging with a section of that portion of the outer surface of the ring. That portion of the outer surface includes the second end of the ring. A connector is configured to attach the sleeve to the ring. That portion of the outer surface includes a partially spherical segment having a longitudinal midpoint. A first truncated conical segment is positioned adjacent to the first end of the partially spherical segment. The outer surface of the first truncated conical segment tapers away from the partially spherical segment at a first angle. A second truncated conical segment is positioned adjacent to the second end of the partially spherical segment. The outer surface of the second truncated conical segment tapers away from the partially spherical segment at a second angle. A first groove and a second groove are axially spaced along the longitudinal axis. The first groove is located on a first side of the longitudinal midpoint of the spherical segment. The second groove is located on a second side of the longitudinal midpoint of the spherical segment opposite to the first side. The first groove receives a first seal and the second groove receives a second seal. Each of the first and second grooves has an inner wall and an outer wall.

[0005] An exemplary flexible joint includes a first ring surrounding a first longitudinal axis and having an outer surface and opposing first and second ends. The first end of the first ring is attachable to one end of a central reel. A second ring surrounding a second longitudinal axis and having an outer surface and opposing first and second ends. A sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the first ring and at least a portion of the outer surface of the second ring. The sleeve has an inner surface slidably engaging with a section of the portion of the outer surface of the first ring and a section of the portion of the outer surface of the second ring. The portion of the outer surface of the first ring includes the second end of the first ring, and the portion of the outer surface of the second ring includes the second end of the second ring. A first connector is configured to attach the sleeve to the first ring. A second connector is configured to attach the sleeve to the second ring. The portion of the outer surface of the first ring and the portion of the outer surface of the second ring each include a partially spherical segment having a longitudinal midpoint. A first truncated conical segment is positioned adjacent to a first end of the partially spherical segment. The outer surface of the first truncated conical segment tapers away from the partially spherical segment at a first angle. A second truncated conical segment is positioned adjacent to a second end of the partially spherical segment. The outer surface of the second truncated conical segment tapers away from the partially spherical segment at a second angle. A first groove and a second groove are axially spaced along the longitudinal axis. The first groove is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal midpoint of the partially spherical segment. The second groove is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal midpoint of the partially spherical segment opposite to the first side. The first groove receives a first seal and the second groove receives a second seal. Each of the first and second grooves has an inner wall and an outer wall. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example flexible joint assembly having an example single flexible joint at both ends;

[0007] Figure 2 is a front view of the exemplary flexible joint assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0008] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the flexible joint assembly in Figure 2, taken along section line 3-3 in Figure 2;

[0009] Figure 4A is an enlarged view of one of the regions 4A shown in Figure 3;

[0010] Figure 4B is an enlarged view of one of the regions 4B shown in Figure 3;

[0011] Figure 4C shows an alternative embodiment of one of the features shown in Figure 4A;

[0012] Figure 4D shows another alternative embodiment of the features shown in Figure 4A;

[0013] Figure 5 is another cross-sectional view showing a portion of the flexible joint assembly of Figure 2, which is the locking plate;

[0014] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary flexible joint assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0015] Figure 6 is a front view of an example flexible joint assembly having an example double expansion joint at both ends;

[0016] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the flexible joint assembly in Figure 6, taken along section line 7-7 in Figure 6;

[0017] Figure 8A is an enlarged view of one of the regions 8A shown in Figure 7;

[0018] Figure 8B is an enlarged view of one of the regions 8B shown in Figure 7;

[0019] Figure 9 shows another cross-sectional view of a portion of the flexible joint assembly of Figure 6, which is the locking plate;

[0020] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary flexible joint assembly shown in Figure 6; and

[0021] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an example seal. Implementation

[0022] Cross-reference to related applications This application is based on and asserts priority rights to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 549,004, filed February 2, 2024, the full text of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary flexible joint assembly 8, which includes flexible joints 10 connected to both ends of a central spool 12. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each flexible joint 10 includes a ring 20 surrounding a longitudinal axis 22. As shown in Figure 3, the ring 20 has an outer surface 24 and opposing first and second ends 26, 28. The first end 26 of the ring 20 is connected to or coupled to one end of the central spool 12.

[0024] A sleeve 30 surrounds at least a portion 50 of the outer surface 24 of the ring 20, which includes the second end 28 of the ring 20. The sleeve 30 has an inner surface 32 that can slidably and rotatably engage a section of the portion 50 of the outer surface 24 of the ring 20. The inner surface 32 of the sleeve 30 (which can slidably and rotatably engage a section of the portion 50 of the outer surface 24) is cylindrical. The opposing end 31 of the sleeve 30 is sized and configured to connect or attach to a pipeline (not shown) to which the flexible joint assembly 8 will be connected. The end 31 of the sleeve may have a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the pipeline to which the flexible joint assembly 8 will be connected, and may be prepared with any configuration known to those skilled in the art for achieving the connection. Typically, the end 31 may be grooved for a grooved connection, prepared with a beveled end face (as shown in Figure 3) for a butt weld connection, or flanged for a flanged connection.

[0025] The portion 50 surrounding the outer surface 24 of the sleeve 30 includes first and second grooves 52, 54 axially spaced along the longitudinal axis 22. As shown in FIG4A, the first groove 52 receives a first seal 56. The second groove 54 receives a second seal 58. Depending on the application, each seal may be an O-ring or an engineered seal. FIG11 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an engineered seal 5, which may replace either the first seal 56 or the second seal 58. The engineered seal 5 has a circular crown 2 for engaging with the inner surface 32 of the sleeve 30, a central lobe 4 opposite the crown 2 for maintaining a compressive load passing through the seal 5, and side lobes 6, which provide stability to the engineered seal 5 as they accommodate the movement of the flexible joint 10. A recess 3 may be located between the central lobe 4 and the side lobes 6 to accommodate seal deflection and provide relief space for seal expansion.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4A, each of the first and second grooves 52 and 54 has an inner wall 53 and an outer wall 55. The outer wall 55 of the first groove 52 faces the second end 28 of the ring 20, and the outer wall 55 of the second groove 54 faces the first end 26 of the ring 20. The inner wall 53 of the first groove faces the first end 26 of the ring 20, and the inner wall 53 of the second groove 54 faces the second end 28 of the ring 20. The outer and inner walls 53 and 55 may extend laterally to the longitudinal axis 22. Depending on the situation, the outer and inner walls 53 and 55 may extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly (e.g., within 5° of perpendicularity) to the longitudinal axis 22. Depending on the situation, the outer and inner walls 53 and 55 may each include edge portions at the upper and lower ends, which may be chamfered, concave, or convex.

[0027] A portion 50 of the outer surface 24 of ring 20 includes a spherical segment 60. The spherical segment 60 has a longitudinal midpoint 61 (i.e., the midpoint of the longitudinal length of the spherical segment 60). A plane 63 contains the midpoint 61 and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 22. As shown in FIG4A, a first groove 52 is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal midpoint 61. A second groove 54 is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal midpoint 61 opposite the first side. The first groove 52 may be axially spaced from the plane 63 in a first direction (e.g., in a direction toward a first end 26 of ring 20). The second groove 54 may be axially spaced from the plane 63 in a second direction (e.g., in a direction toward a second end 28 of ring 20). The positioning of the first and second grooves 52, 54 relative to the spherical segment allows the sleeve 30 to contact the spherical segment 60 between the first and second grooves 52, 54. Part of the spherical segment 60 can be positioned between the inner walls 53 of the first and second grooves 52 and 54.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the partial spherical segment 60 has a center point 62 and a radius RS. The partial spherical segment 60 corresponds to a portion of the outer surface of a sphere having the same radius RS, the segment being formed by cutting the sphere with two parallel or substantially parallel planes (e.g., within 5° of parallel). The center point 62 of the partial spherical segment 60 may be the center point of the corresponding sphere. The center point 62 of the partial spherical segment may be located on or approximately on the longitudinal axis 22 (e.g., a radial distance from the longitudinal axis 22 to the center point 62 may be less than or equal to 5% of the radius RS). In one example, the center point 62 may correspond to the geometric center of the partial spherical segment 60. Along the longitudinal axis 22, the center point 62 may be located at the center between the inner walls 53 of the first and second grooves 52, 54. The radius RS may be equal to or substantially equal to (e.g., within 5%) the radius of the ring 20 at the location of the center point 62 of the partially spherical segment 60, and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular (e.g., within 5° of perpendicularity) to the longitudinal axis 22. As shown in Figure 3, within a plane 700 containing the longitudinal axis 22 and the center point 62, the partially spherical segment 60 faces an angle 92 from a first end 74 to a second end 84, which may be referred to herein as the "third angle". The third angle 92 may range from 0.5° to 10°. Depending on the situation, a plane 63 containing the longitudinal midpoint 61 of the partially spherical segment and extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 22 may contain the center point 62. When plane 63 contains the center point 62, the angles of the third angle 62 on both sides of plane 63 may be equal or substantially equal (e.g., within 1° of equality).

[0029] As shown in Figure 4A, the outer surface 24 portion 50 of ring 20 includes a first truncated conical segment 70 on a first side of a partially spherical segment 60 and a second truncated conical segment 80 on a second side of the partially spherical segment 60 opposite to the first side. The first truncated conical segment 70 has an outer surface 76 that tapers away from the partially spherical segment 60 at a first angle 72. The second truncated conical segment 80 has an outer surface 86 that tapers away from the partially spherical segment 60 at a second angle 82. The first and second angles 72 and 82 are measured relative to an axis 90 parallel to the longitudinal axis 22. The first and second cone angles 72 and 82 can be in the range of 0.25° to 5°. The first and second cone angles 72 and 82 can be equal. The outer surface 76 of the first truncated conical segment 70 can be tangent to the partially spherical segment 60. The outer surface 86 of the second truncated conical segment 80 can be tangent to the partially spherical segment 60. Depending on the circumstances, the point of tangency between the outer surface 76 of the first truncated conical segment 70 and the partial spherical segment 60 is located at the first end 74 of the partial spherical segment 60. Depending on the circumstances, the point of tangency between the outer surface 86 of the second truncated conical segment 80 and the partial spherical segment 60 is located at the second end 84 of the partial spherical segment 60.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4A, the first groove 52 may be adjacent (as appropriate, immediately adjacent) to a portion of the spherical segment 60, and the first groove 52 may be adjacent (as appropriate, immediately adjacent) to a first truncated conical segment 70. Depending on the situation, the first groove 52 may be positioned between the first end 74 of the portion of the spherical segment and the first truncated conical segment 70. The second groove 54 may be adjacent (as appropriate, immediately adjacent) to a portion of the spherical segment 60, and the second groove 54 may be adjacent (as appropriate, immediately adjacent) to a second truncated conical segment 80. Depending on the situation, the second groove 54 may be positioned between the second end 84 of the portion of the spherical segment and the second truncated conical segment 80. Depending on the situation, as shown in Figure 4A, the inner wall 53 of the first groove 52 may intersect or contact the first end 74 of the portion of the spherical segment 60. Depending on the situation, as shown in Figure 4A, the inner wall 53 of the second groove 54 may intersect or contact the second end 84 of the portion of the spherical segment 60. The inner wall 53 of each of the first and second grooves 52 and 54 may abut against the partially spherical segment 60. The transition from the partially spherical segment 60 to the inner wall 53 may include the edge portion of the inner wall 53, which may be chamfered, concave, or convex. The outer wall 55 of the first groove 52 may abut against the first truncated conical segment 70. The transition from the first truncated conical segment 70 to the outer wall 55 of the first groove 52 may include the edge portion of the outer wall 55, which may be chamfered, concave, or convex. The outer wall 55 of the second groove 54 may abut against the second truncated conical segment 80. The transition from the second truncated conical segment 80 to the outer wall 55 of the second groove 54 may include the edge portion of the outer wall 55, which may be chamfered, concave, or convex.

[0031] Depending on the situation, as shown in Figure 4C, the first groove 52 may be located within the first truncated conical section 70. The second groove 54 may be located within the second truncated conical section 80. The inner wall 53 and outer wall 55 of the first groove 52 may intersect or contact the first truncated conical section 70. The inner wall 53 and outer wall 55 of the second groove 54 may intersect or contact the second truncated conical section 80. The inner wall 53 and outer wall 55 of the first groove 52 may be adjacent to the first truncated conical section 70. The transition from the first truncated conical section 70 to the inner and / or outer walls 53, 55 may include the edge portions of their respective inner and outer walls 53, 55, which may be chamfered, concave, or convex. The inner wall 53 and outer wall 55 of the second groove 54 may be adjacent to the second truncated conical section 80. The transition from the second truncated conical segment 80 to the inner and / or outer walls 53, 55 may include the edge portions of their respective inner and outer walls 53, 55, which may be chamfered, concave, or convex. The first truncated conical segment 70 may be adjacent to the first end 74 of one of the partial spherical segments 60, such that the first truncated conical segment 70 intersects or contacts the first end 74 of the partial spherical segment 60. The second truncated conical segment 80 may be adjacent to the second end 84 of one of the partial spherical segments 60, such that the second truncated conical segment 80 intersects or contacts the second end 84 of the partial spherical segment 60. The inner wall 53 of the first groove 52 may be axially spaced from the first end 74 of the partial spherical segment 60 along the longitudinal axis 22, and the inner wall 53 of the second groove 54 may be axially spaced from the second end 84 of the partial spherical segment 60 along the longitudinal axis 22.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4D, depending on the situation, the first groove 52 may be located within a portion of the spherical segment 60. The second groove 54 may be located within a second spherical segment 60. The first groove 52 and the second groove 54 may be located between the first end 74 and the second end 84 of the portion of the spherical segment 60. The inner wall 53 and the outer wall 55 of the first groove 52 may intersect or contact the portion of the spherical segment 60. The inner wall 53 and the outer wall 55 of the second groove 54 may intersect or contact the portion of the spherical segment 60. The inner wall 53 and the outer wall 55 of the first groove 52 may be adjacent to the portion of the spherical segment 60. The transition from the first portion of the spherical segment 60 to the inner and / or outer walls 53, 55 may include the edge portions of their respective inner and outer walls 53, 55, which may be chamfered, concave, or convex. The inner wall 53 and the outer wall 55 of the second groove 54 may be adjacent to the portion of the spherical segment 60. The transition from the partial spherical segment 60 to the inner and / or outer walls 53, 55 may include the edge portions of their respective inner and outer walls 53, 55, which may be chamfered, concave, or convex. A first truncated conical segment 70 may be adjacent to a first end 74 of one of the partial spherical segments 60, such that the first truncated conical segment 70 intersects or contacts the first end 74 of the partial spherical segment 60. A second truncated conical segment 80 may be adjacent to a second end 84 of one of the partial spherical segments 60, such that the second truncated conical segment 80 intersects or contacts the second end 84 of the partial spherical segment 60. The inner wall 53 of the first groove 52 may be axially spaced from the first end 74 of the partial spherical segment 60 along the longitudinal axis 22, and the inner wall 53 of the second groove 54 may be axially spaced from the second end 84 of the partial spherical segment 60 along the longitudinal axis 22. It is anticipated that the location of the first trench 52 can be any location described and shown in Figures 4A, 4C, or 4D, and the location of the second trench 54 can be any location described and shown in Figures 4A, 4C, or 4D. The locations of trenches 52 and 54 can be combinations of the locations described and shown in Figures 4A, 4C, or 4D. For example: When the first groove 52 is located within the partial spherical segment 60, the second groove 54 can be located within the partial spherical segment 60. The second groove 54 can be located adjacent to the partial spherical segment 60 and adjacent to the second truncated conical segment 80, or the second groove 54 can be located within the second truncated conical segment 80. When the first groove 52 is adjacent to the partial spherical segment 60 and adjacent to the first truncated cone positioning, the second groove 54 can be positioned within the partial spherical segment 60, the second groove 54 can be positioned adjacent to the partial spherical segment 60 and adjacent to the second truncated cone segment 80, or the second groove 54 can be positioned within the second truncated cone segment 80; or When the first groove 52 is located within the first truncated conical section 70, the second groove 54 can be located within a portion of the spherical section 60. The second groove 54 can be located adjacent to the portion of the spherical section 60 and adjacent to the second truncated conical section 80, or the second groove 54 can be located within the second truncated conical section 80.

[0033] A portion 50 of the outer surface 24 of the ring 20 (having a spherical section 60 sandwiched on both sides by first and second truncated conical sections 70 and 80 and first and second seals 56 and 58) provides clearance for the cylindrical inner surface 32 of the sleeve 30 to roll and slide to accommodate dynamic movement. The cylindrical inner surface 32 of the sleeve 30 can slide axially along the longitudinal axis 22 of the ring 20 and rotate about the center point 62 of the spherical section 60 to accommodate deflection and axial movement and avoid unwanted tensile stress on a connecting pipe. The portion 50 of the outer surface 24 of the ring 20 and the inner surface 32 of the sleeve 30 together form a flexible sealing joint.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a connector 40 is configured to attach a sleeve 30 to a ring 20. The connector 40 is configured to attach the sleeve 30 to the ring 20 while allowing the sleeve 30 to rotate and move axially relative to the ring 20. The connector 40 may include a plurality of end-to-end connected segments 41. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector 40 may include two end-to-end connected segments 41. Each segment 41 may include an attachment member 43 extending from each end. The plurality of segments 41 may be end-to-end connected via at least one fastener 45 extending through the corresponding attachment member 43.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the connector 40 may include a first protrusion 42 extending toward the ring 20 and a second protrusion 44 extending toward the sleeve 30. The first protrusion 42 may movably engage with the ring 20. The second protrusion 44 may engage with the sleeve 30. As shown in Figure 4A, the sleeve 30 may have a groove 36 defined within an outer surface 34 of the sleeve 30 to receive the second protrusion 44.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the connector 40 may include at least one channel 46, 48 positioned between a first protrusion 42 and a second protrusion 44. The at least one channel 46, 48 has a surface 47 facing one of the ring 20 and the sleeve 30. As shown in Figure 3, the at least one channel 46, 48 may include a first channel 46, 48 and a second channel 46, 48. The first channel 46 may be configured to receive a portion of the sleeve 30. The second channel 48, together with the sleeve 130, may define a recess 49. The recess 49 may advantageously have a hook-shaped cross-section to allow clearance as the sleeve 30 moves relative to the ring 20.

[0037] The outer surface 24 of the ring 20 may include at least one flange 100 extending circumferentially around the outer surface 24 and transversely to the longitudinal axis 22. The flange 100 may be positioned to extend into the recess 49. The flange 100 may have a height, a width, and a shape that allows the flange 100 to contact the surface 47 of the second channel 48 or the sleeve 30 to limit the movement of the sleeve 30 relative to the ring 20. For example, in a neutral or non-offset position (shown in Figures 1 to 5), the flange 100 of the ring 20 may extend into the recess 49 without contacting the surface 47 of the second channel 48 defining the recess 49 or the sleeve 30. The flexible joint 10 can withstand uneven settlement, seismic movement, or thermal movement. The sleeve 30 may be slidably and rotatably movable on a portion 50 of the outer surface 24 of the ring 20 to accommodate uneven settlement, seismic movement, or thermal movement. As shown in Figure 5A, the sleeve 30 can move relative to the ring 20 until the flange 100 contacts the surface 47 of the second channel 48 or the sleeve 30. The design of the flange 100 and the recess 49 can be used to limit the maximum movement of the sleeve 30 relative to the ring 20, thereby limiting the maximum movement that the seals 56 and 58 need to accommodate.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4B, the first protrusion 42 of the connector 40 may include a protrusion 410 adjacent to or immediately adjacent to an inner surface 411 of the ring 20. The protrusion 410 may extend toward the flange 100 of the ring 20. The first protrusion 42 may include a gap 412 adjacent to or immediately adjacent to the protrusion 410. When the flange 100 contacts the surface 47 of the second channel 48, the protrusion 410 and the gap 412 of the first protrusion 42 prevent the first protrusion 42 from contacting and loading the corner 105 of the flange 100, as shown in Figure 5A. The protrusion 410 and the gap 412 ensure that the flange 100 is loaded on its side 107 below the corner 105 when it contacts the surface 47 of the second channel 48 rather than the corner 105, thereby providing a more favorable load-bearing surface.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5A, the configuration of the flexible joint assembly 8 (including the paired flexible joints 10 at the opposite ends of the central spool 12) advantageously allows the flexible joint assembly to accommodate not only the angular deflection AD of the pipeline in which the flexible joint assembly is mounted, but also the axial offset AO of the ring axis 22 (and thus the pipeline axis to which the ring is attached). The length of the central spool 12 along the longitudinal axis 22 can be adjusted to accommodate the desired axial offset AO of the pipeline.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5, the connector 40 can be adapted to engage with at least one locking device 102. The at least one locking device 102 may include a plurality of locking plates circumferentially spaced around the connector 40. The connector 40 may include a plurality of openings 101. As shown in Figure 5, each opening 101 can be adapted to receive a fastener 103 to engage a locking device 102 (and, where appropriate, a locking plate) to the connector 40. The outer surface 24 of the ring 20 may include a recess 104 adapted to receive a portion of the locking device 102. After receiving a portion of the locking device 102, movement of the sleeve 30 relative to the ring 20 is prevented. Using a removable locking device 102 to prevent movement of the sleeve 30 relative to the ring 20 during transport can be advantageous. Once on site, the removable locking device 102 allows movement of the sleeve 30 relative to the ring 20.

[0041] The outer surface 24 of ring 20 may include a reinforcing ring 106 that projects radially outward from longitudinal axis 22 and extends circumferentially around outer surface 24. The reinforcing ring 106 may be positioned adjacent to recess 104. Where appropriate, the reinforcing ring 106 may have a beveled side. The reinforcing ring 106 may provide greater rigidity to ring 20 and a guide surface for locking device 102.

[0042] Figure 6 illustrates an example flexible joint 110 connected to both ends of a central spool 112. The flexible joint 110 shown in Figure 6 is similar to the flexible joint 10 described and shown in Figures 1 to 5A. The flexible joint 110 is a dual-joint version of the single flexible joint 10 described and shown in Figures 1 to 5A.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the flexible joint assembly 108 includes a central reel 112 at both ends connected or coupled to a flexible joint 110. The flexible joint 110 includes a first ring 120 surrounding a first longitudinal axis 122. The first ring 120 has an outer surface 124 and opposing first and second ends 126, 128. The first end 126 of the first ring 120 can be attached to one end of the central reel 112. The flexible joint 110 includes a second ring 220 surrounding a second longitudinal axis 222. The second ring 220 has an outer surface 224 and opposing first and second ends 226, 228. The first end 226 of the second ring 220 is sized and configured to connect or couple to a conduit (not shown) to which the flexible joint assembly 108 will be connected. The first end 226 of the sleeve may have a diameter substantially the same as that of the conduit to which the flexible joint assembly 108 will be connected and may be prepared in any configuration known to a person skilled in the art for realizing the connection. Typically, the first end 226 of the second ring 220 may be grooved for a grooved connection (as shown in Figure 6), prepared with a beveled end face for a butt weld connection, or have a flange for a flanged connection.

[0044] A sleeve 130 surrounds at least a portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of a first ring 120 and at least a portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of a second ring 220. The portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 surrounded by the sleeve 130 includes the second end 128 of the first ring 120, and the portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 surrounded by the sleeve 130 includes the second end 228 of the second ring 220. The sleeve 130 has an inner surface 132 that is slidably and rotatably engaged with a section of the portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 and a section of the portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220. The inner surface 132 of the sleeve 130, which is slidably and rotatably engaged with a section of the portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 and a section of the portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220, is cylindrical.

[0045] The portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 and the portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 may each have the same details, features, appearance, and / or configuration as the portion 50 of the outer surface of the ring 22 of the single flexible joint 10 shown in Figures 3 to 5A. The portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 and the portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 each include a first groove 152, 252 and a second groove 154, 254 axially spaced along their respective first and second longitudinal axes 122, 222. The first grooves 152, 252 receive a first seal 156, 256, and the second grooves 154, 254 receive a second seal 158, 258. Depending on the circumstances, each seal may be an O-ring or may take the form of an engineered seal 5 or other shapes that prove advantageous. As shown in Figure 8A, each of the first and second grooves 152, 154, 252, and 254 has an inner wall 153, 253 and an outer wall 155, 255. The outer walls 155, 255 of the first grooves 152 and 252 face the second ends 128, 228 of their respective first and second rings 120, 220. The outer walls 155, 255 of the second grooves 154 and 254 face the first ends 126, 226 of their respective first and second rings 120, 220. The inner walls 153, 253 of the first grooves 152 and 252 face the first ends 126, 226 of their respective first and second rings 120, 220. The inner walls 153, 253 of the second grooves 154 and 254 face the second ends 128, 228 of their respective first and second rings 120, 220. The outer and inner walls 153, 253, 155, 255 may extend laterally along their respective first and second longitudinal axes 122, 222. Where appropriate, the outer and inner walls 153, 155, 253, 255 may extend vertically or substantially vertically (e.g., within 5° of verticality) along their respective first and second longitudinal axes 122, 222. Where appropriate, the outer and inner walls 153, 155, 253, 255 may each include edge portions at their upper and lower ends, which may be chamfered, concave, or convex.

[0046] A portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 and a portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 each include a spherical segment 160, 260. Each spherical segment 160, 260 has a respective longitudinal midpoint 161, 163. A first plane 163 contains the midpoint 161 and extends perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis 122. A second plane 263 contains the midpoint 261 and extends perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis 222. First grooves 152, 252 are located on a first side of their respective longitudinal midpoints 161, 261. Second grooves 154, 254 are located on a second side of their respective longitudinal midpoints 161, 261 opposite to the first side. The first grooves 152, 252 may be axially spaced from their respective planes 163, 263 in a first direction (e.g., in a direction toward one of the respective first ends 126, 226 of the rings 120, 220). The second grooves 154 and 254 may be axially spaced from their respective planes 163 and 263 in a second direction (e.g., in a direction toward one of the respective second ends 128 and 228 of the rings 120 and 220). The positions of the first and second grooves 152, 154, 252, and 254 relative to their respective partial spherical segments 160 and 260 allow the sleeve 130 to contact the partial spherical segments 160 and 260 between the respective first and second grooves 152, 154, 252, and 254. The partial spherical segments 160 and 260 may be positioned between the respective inner walls 153 and 253 of the first and second grooves 152, 154, 252, and 254.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, a partial spherical segment 160 of the first ring 120 has a center point 162 (e.g., a geometric center point) and a radius RS1. The partial spherical segment 160 corresponds to a portion of the outer surface of a sphere having the same radius RS1, and its segment is formed by cutting the sphere with two parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., within 5° of parallel) planes. The center point 162 of the partial spherical segment 160 may be the center point of the corresponding sphere. The center point 162 may be located on or approximately on the first longitudinal axis 122 (e.g., a radial distance from the longitudinal axis 122 to the center point 162 may be within 5% of the radius RS1). A partial spherical segment 260 of the second ring 220 has a center point 262 (e.g., a geometric center point) and a radius RS2. A partial spherical segment 260 corresponds to a portion of the outer surface of a sphere having the same radius RS2, the segment being formed by cutting the sphere with two parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., within 5° of parallel) planes. The center point 262 may be located on or substantially on the second longitudinal axis 222 (e.g., the radial distance from the longitudinal axis 222 to one of the center points 262 may be within 5% of the radius RS2). Center points 162, 262 may be located at the center between the respective inner walls 153, 253 of the first and second grooves 152, 252. The radius RS1 of the partial spherical segment 160 of the first ring 120 may be equal to or substantially equal to (e.g., within 5%) the outer radius of the first ring 120 at the location of one of the center points 162 of the partial spherical segment 160 of the first ring 120 and is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular (e.g., within 5° of perpendicularity) to the first longitudinal axis 122. The radius RS2 of the partial spherical segment 260 of the second ring 220 may be equal to or substantially equal to (e.g., within 5%) the outer radius of the second ring 220 at a location containing the center point 262 of the partial spherical segment 260 of the second ring 220, and is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular (e.g., within 5° of perpendicularity) to the second longitudinal axis 222. As shown in FIG7, within a plane 800 containing the first and second longitudinal axes 122, 222 and the center points 162, 262, each partial spherical segment 160, 260 faces an angle 192, 292 from a first end 174, 274 to a second end 184, 284 of its respective partial spherical segment 160, 260, which may be referred to herein as a "third angle". The third angles 192, 292 may be in the range of 0.5° to 10°. Depending on the circumstances, planes 163 and 263 may contain their respective center points 162, 262. When planes 163 and 263 contain center points 162 and 262, the angles of the third angles 162 and 262 on both sides of each plane 163 and 263 can be equal or approximately equal (for example, within 1° of each other).

[0048] As shown in Figure 8A, portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 and portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 each include a first truncated conical segment 170, 270 adjacent to one of the respective spherical segments 160, 260 and a second truncated conical segment 180, 280 adjacent to one of the respective spherical segments 160, 260. The first truncated conical segments 170, 270 have outer surfaces 176, 276 that taper away from their respective spherical segments 160, 260 at first angles 172, 272. The second truncated conical segments 180, 280 have outer surfaces 186, 286 that taper away from their respective spherical segments 160, 260 at second angles 182, 282. The first and second angles 172 and 182 of the first and second truncated conical segments 170 and 180 on the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 are measured relative to the axis 190 parallel to the first longitudinal axis 122. The first and second angles 272 and 282 of the first and second truncated conical segments 270 and 280 on the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 are measured relative to the axis 290 parallel to the second longitudinal axis 222. The first and second cone angles 172, 182, 272, and 282 can be in the range of 0.25° to 5°. The first and second cone angles 172, 182, 272, and 282 can be equal. The outer surfaces 176 and 276 of the first truncated conical segments 170 and 270 can be tangent to their respective spherical segments 160 and 260. The outer surfaces 186 and 286 of the second truncated conical segments 180 and 280 can be tangent to their respective spherical segments 160 and 260. Depending on the circumstances, the points of tangency between the outer surfaces 176 and 276 of the first truncated conical segments 170 and 270 and their respective partial spherical segments 160 and 260 are located at their respective first ends 174 and 274. Depending on the circumstances, the points of tangency between the outer surfaces 186 and 286 of the second truncated conical segments 180 and 280 and their respective partial spherical segments 160 and 260 are located at their respective second ends 184 and 284.

[0049] The configurations of the portions 150 and 250 of rings 120 and 220 (including the positions of grooves 152, 154, 252, 254 relative to their respective spherical segments 160, 260 and the first and second truncated conical segments 170, 180, 270, 280) may be identical or substantially identical to the exemplary configurations of portion 50 of ring 20 in the single flexible assembly 10 described herein and shown in Figures 4A, 4C and 4D.

[0050] A portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 and a portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 (each including a portion of a spherical segment 160, 260 sandwiched on both sides by the first and second truncated conical segments 170, 180, 270, 280 and the first and second seals 156, 256, 158, 258) provide clearance for the cylindrical inner surface 132 of the sleeve 130 to roll and slide to accommodate dynamic movement. The cylindrical inner surface 132 of the sleeve 130 can slide axially along the longitudinal axes 122, 222 of the rings 120, 220 and rotate about the center points 162, 262 of the spherical segments 160, 260 to accommodate deflection and axial movement and avoid unwanted tensile stress on the connecting pipe. The portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120, the portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220, and the inner surface 132 of the sleeve 130 together form a flexible sealing joint.

[0051] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a first connector 140 is configured to attach a sleeve 130 to a first ring 120. A second connector 240 is configured to attach the sleeve 130 to a second ring 220. Connectors 140 and 240 are configured to attach the sleeve 130 to rings 120 and 220 while allowing the sleeve 130 to rotate and move axially relative to rings 120 and 220. Each connector of the first and second connectors 140 and 240 may include a plurality of end-to-end connected segments 141 and 241. For example, as shown in Figure 6, each connector 140 and 240 may include two end-to-end connected segments 141 and 241. Each of the plurality of segments 141 and 241 includes an attachment member 143 or 243 extending from each end. The plurality of segments 141, 241 of each of the first and second connectors 140, 240 are connected end-to-end via at least one fastener 145, 245 extending through the corresponding attachment members 143, 243.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, the first connector 140 may include a first protrusion 142 extending toward the first ring 120 and a second protrusion 144 extending toward the sleeve 130. The second connector 240 may include a first protrusion 242 extending toward the second ring 220 and a second protrusion 244 extending toward the sleeve 130. The first protrusion 142 of the first connector 140 may movably engage with the first ring 120. The first protrusion 242 of the second connector 240 may movably engage with the second ring 220. The second protrusions 144 and 244 of the first and second connectors 140 and 240 may engage with the sleeve 130. The sleeve 130 may have a first groove 136 and a second groove 236 defined within an outer surface 134 to receive the second protrusion 144 of the first connector 140 and the second protrusion 244 of the second connector 240, respectively.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, each of the first and second connectors 140 and 240 may include at least one channel 146, 148, 246, 248 positioned between the first protrusions 142, 242 and the second protrusions 144, 244. At least one channel 146, 148 of the first connector 140 has a surface 147 facing one of the first ring 120 and the sleeve 130. At least one channel 246, 248 of the second connector 240 has a surface 247 facing one of the second ring 220 and the sleeve 130. As shown in Figure 7, at least one channel 146, 148 of the first connector 140 may include a first channel 146, 148. The first channel 146 is configured to receive a first portion of the sleeve 130. The second channel 148, together with the sleeve 130, defines a recess 149. At least one channel 246, 248 of the second connector 240 may include the first channel 246, 248. The first channel 246 is configured to receive a second portion of one of the sleeves 130. The second channel 248, together with the sleeve 130, defines a recess 249. The recesses 149 and 249 are advantageously hook-shaped to allow clearance as the sleeve 130 moves relative to the rings 120 and 220.

[0054] The outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 may include at least one flange 300 extending circumferentially around the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 and transversely to the first longitudinal axis 122. The outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 may include at least one flange 400 extending circumferentially around the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 and transversely to the second longitudinal axis 222. The flanges 300 and 400 are positioned to extend into their respective recesses 149 and 249. The flange 300 of the first ring 120 has a height, a width, and a shape that allows the flange 300 of the first ring 120 to contact the surface 147 of the second channel 148 of the first connector 140 or the sleeve 130 to limit the movement of the sleeve 130 relative to the first ring 120. The flange 400 of the second ring 220 has a height, a width, and a shape that allows the flange 400 of the second ring 220 to contact the surface 247 of the second channel 248 of the second connector 240 or the sleeve 130 to limit the movement of the sleeve 130 relative to the second ring 220. For example, in a neutral or no-offset position (shown in Figures 7 and 9), the flange 300 of the first ring 120 may extend into the recess 149 without contacting the surface 147 of the second channel 148 of the first connector 140 or the sleeve 130 that defines the recess 149. In a neutral or no-offset position, the flange 400 of the second ring 220 may extend into the recess 249 without contacting the surface 247 of the second channel 248 of the second connector 240 or the sleeve 130 that defines the recess 249. The flexible joint 110 can withstand uneven settlement, seismic movement, or thermal movement. Sleeve 130 is slidably and rotatably movable on a portion 150 of the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 and a portion 250 of the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 to accommodate uneven settlement, seismic movement, or thermal movement. As shown in FIG10, sleeve 130 is movable relative to the first ring 120 until the flange 300 of the first ring 120 contacts the surface 147 of the second channel 148 of the first connector 140 or sleeve 130. As shown in FIG10, sleeve 130 is movable relative to the second ring 220 until the flange 400 of the second ring 220 contacts the surface 247 of the second channel 248 of the second connector 240 or sleeve 130.

[0055] The flanges 300, 400 and recesses 149, 249 are designed to limit the maximum movement of the sleeve 130 relative to the first ring 120 and the second ring 220, thereby limiting the design challenges of the seals 156, 158, 256, 258. As the sleeve 130 moves relative to the first and second rings 120, 220, the amount of compression of the first seals 156, 256 and the second seals 158, 258 varies circumferentially and axially. For example, referring to the assembly 108 shown in FIG. 10, when the connector 110 is in an offset position or not in a neutral position according to FIG. 10, the first seal 156 of the first ring 120 may be more compressed at the top of the first ring 120 and less compressed at the bottom of the first ring 120, while the second seal 158 of the first ring 120 may be more compressed at the top of the first ring 120 and less compressed at the bottom of the first ring 120. Furthermore, the first seal 156 may be more compressed at the top of the first ring 120 at the outer wall 155 of the groove 152 and less compressed at the inner wall 153 of the groove 152, and less compressed at the bottom of the first ring 120 at the outer wall 155 of the groove 152 and more compressed at the inner wall 153 of the groove 152, while the second seal 158 may be less compressed at the top of the first ring 120 at the outer wall 155 of the groove 154 and more compressed at the inner wall 153 of the groove 154, and more compressed at the bottom of the first ring 120 at the outer wall 155 of the groove 154 and less compressed at the inner wall 153 of the groove 154. Because excessive pressure reduction of seals 156, 158, 256, and 258 can lead to a leakage path, the design of recesses 149 and 249 and flanges 300 and 400 is used to limit the angular movement of rings 120 and 220 relative to sleeve 130, thereby limiting the pressure reduction of seals 156, 158, 256, and 258 and preventing leakage.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8B, the first protrusion 142 of the first connector 140 may include a protrusion 510 adjacent to or immediately adjacent to the first protrusion 142 facing the inner surface 511 of the first ring 120. The protrusion 510 extends toward the flange 300 of the first ring 120. The first protrusion 142 of the first connector 140 may include a gap 512 adjacent to or immediately adjacent to the protrusion 510. The first protrusion 242 of the second connector 240 may include a protrusion 610 adjacent to or immediately adjacent to the first protrusion 242 facing the inner surface 611 of the second ring 220. The protrusion 610 extends toward the flange 400 of the second ring 220. The first protrusion 242 of the second connector 240 may include a gap 612 adjacent to or immediately adjacent to the protrusion 610. When flanges 300 and 400 contact surfaces 147 and 247 of the second channels 148 and 248, protrusions 510 and 610 and gaps 512 and 612 prevent the first protrusions 142 and 242 from contacting and loading the corners 305 and 405 of their respective flanges 300 and 400, as shown in Figure 10. Protrusions 510 and 610 and gaps 512 and 612 ensure that flanges 300 and 400 are loaded on sides 307 and 407 below corners 305 and 405 when in contact with surfaces 147 and 247 of the second channels 148 and 248.

[0057] As shown in Figure 10, the configuration of the flexible joint assembly 108 (including the paired flexible joints 110 at the opposing ends of the central spool 112) advantageously allows the flexible joint assembly to accommodate not only the angular deflection AD of the pipeline in which the flexible joint assembly is mounted, but also the axial offset AO of the ring axes 122, 222 (and thus the pipeline axis to which the ring is attached). Since each flexible joint 110 itself includes two portions 150 and 250 that accommodate deflection, the flexible joint assembly 108 can provide greater angular movement and lateral offset accommodation than the flexible joint assembly 8.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, the first connector 140 is adaptable to connect with at least one first locking device 302. The second connector 240 is adaptable to connect with at least one second locking device 402. At least one first locking device 302 may include a plurality of first locking plates circumferentially spaced around the first connector 140. At least one second locking device 402 may include a plurality of second locking plates circumferentially spaced around the second connector 240. The first connector 140 may include a plurality of first openings 301. Each of the plurality of first openings is adaptable to receive a fastener 303 to connect one of the locking devices of at least one first locking device 302 to the first connector 140. The second connector 240 may include a plurality of second openings 401. Each of the plurality of second openings 401 is adaptable to receive a fastener 403 to connect one of the locking devices of at least one second locking device 402 to the second connector 240. The outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 may include a recess 304 adapted to receive a portion of the first locking device 302. The outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 may include a recess 404 adapted to receive a portion of the second locking device 402. After receiving portions of the first locking device 302 and the second locking device 402, movement of the sleeve 130 relative to the first and second rings 120, 220 is prevented. It may be advantageous to use removable locking devices 302, 402 to prevent movement of the sleeve 130 relative to the first and second rings 120, 220 during transport. Once on site, the removable locking devices 302, 402 allow movement of the sleeve 130 relative to the first and second rings 120, 220.

[0059] The outer surface 124 of the first ring 120 may include a reinforcing ring 306 that projects outwardly away from the first longitudinal axis 122 and extends circumferentially around the outer surface 124 of the first ring 120. The outer surface 224 of the second ring 220 may include a reinforcing ring 406 that projects outwardly away from the second longitudinal axis 222 and extends circumferentially around the outer surface 224 of the second ring 220. The reinforcing rings 306 and 406 may be positioned adjacent to their respective recesses 304 and 404. Where appropriate, the reinforcing rings 306 and 406 may have a beveled side. The reinforcing rings 306 and 406 may provide rigidity to the rings 120 and 220 and provide a guide surface for the locking devices 302 and 402.

[0060] The flexible joint according to the present invention is expected to adapt to dynamic movement of pipeline sections such as uneven settlement, seismic movement and thermal movement to prevent damage, while also eliminating various design drawbacks associated with conventional flexible joints.

[0061] Instance-type sample In view of the products, systems, and methods described herein and their variations, certain more specific descriptive forms of the invention are described below. However, these specific descriptive forms should not be construed as having any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or as being limited in some way beyond the inherent meaning of the language used herein.

[0062] Sample 1: A flexible joint, the flexible joint comprising: A ring, which surrounds a longitudinal axis and has an outer surface and opposing first and second ends, the first end of the ring being attachable to one end of a central spool; A sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of the ring and having an inner surface slidably engaging a section of that portion of the outer surface of the ring, the portion of the outer surface including the second end of the ring; and A connector configured to attach the sleeve to the ring; wherein This portion of the outer surface includes: A spherical segment, having a longitudinal midpoint, A first truncated conical segment is positioned adjacent to the first end of one of the spherical segments, and the outer surface of the first truncated conical segment tapers away from the spherical segment at a first angle. A second truncated conical segment, positioned adjacent to the second end of one of the spherical segments, the outer surface of the second truncated conical segment tapering away from the spherical segment at a second angle, and A first groove and a second groove are axially spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. The first groove is located on a first side of the longitudinal midpoint of the partial spherical segment, and the second groove is located on a second side of the longitudinal midpoint of the partial spherical segment opposite to the first side. The first groove receives a first seal and the second groove receives a second seal. Each of the first and second grooves has an inner wall and an outer wall.

[0063] State 2: The flexible joint is the same as that of State 1, wherein: The first groove is positioned adjacent to this spherical segment. The first groove is positioned adjacent to the first truncated conical segment. The second groove is positioned adjacent to the spherical segment, and The second groove is positioned adjacent to the second truncated conical segment.

[0064] State 3: The flexible joint as in State 1, wherein the first groove and the second groove are located within the spherical section.

[0065] State 4: The flexible joint as in State 1, wherein the first groove is located within the first truncated conical section, and the second groove is located within the second truncated conical section.

[0066] Type 5: A flexible joint as described in any of the aforementioned types, wherein the spherical segment has a center point located on the longitudinal axis.

[0067] Sample 6: A flexible joint as described in any of the aforementioned samples, wherein the first and second angles are measured relative to an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0068] Version 7: A flexible joint as described in any of the preceding versions, wherein the connector includes a first protrusion extending toward the outer surface of the ring and a second protrusion extending toward the sleeve, the first protrusion being engageable with the ring and the second protrusion being engageable with the sleeve.

[0069] Version 8: A flexible joint as in Version 7, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface and a groove defined within the outer surface to receive the second protrusion.

[0070] Type 9: A flexible joint as in Type 7 or Type 8, wherein the connector further includes at least one channel positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the at least one channel having a surface facing the ring and the sleeve.

[0071] Version 10: A flexible joint as in Version 9, wherein the at least one channel includes a first channel configured to receive a portion of the sleeve and a second channel defining a recess.

[0072] Type 11: A flexible joint as in Type 10, wherein the outer surface of the ring further includes at least one flange extending circumferentially around the outer surface and transversely to the longitudinal axis.

[0073] Type 12: A flexible joint as in Type 11, wherein the flange is positioned to extend into the recess of the connector.

[0074] Version 13: A flexible joint as in Version 12, wherein the flange has a height, a width and a shape that allow the flange to contact the surface of the second channel to limit the movement of the sleeve relative to the ring.

[0075] Type 14: A flexible joint as described in any of the preceding types, wherein the connector is adapted to be connected to at least one locking device.

[0076] Version 15: A flexible connector as in Version 14, wherein the connector includes a plurality of openings 101, each of the plurality of openings being adapted to receive a fastener to connect one of the at least one locking devices to the connector.

[0077] Type 16: A flexible joint as in Type 14 or Type 15, wherein the outer surface of the ring further includes a recess adapted to receive a portion of the locking device, wherein after receiving the portion of the locking device, movement of the sleeve relative to the ring is prevented.

[0078] Form 17: A flexible joint as in Form 16, wherein the outer surface of the ring further includes a reinforcing ring that projects outwardly away from the longitudinal axis and extends circumferentially around the outer surface, wherein the reinforcing ring is positioned adjacent to the recess.

[0079] Type 18: A flexible joint as described in any of the aforementioned types, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of segments connected end-to-end.

[0080] Type 19: A flexible joint as in Type 18, wherein each of the plurality of segments includes an attachment member extending from each end, wherein the plurality of segments are end-to-end connected via at least one fastener extending through the corresponding attachment member.

[0081] State 20: A flexible joint as described in any of the aforementioned states, wherein the spherical segment is oriented at a third angle.

[0082] Sample 21: A flexible joint, the flexible joint comprising: A first ring, which surrounds a first longitudinal axis and has an outer surface and opposing first and second ends, the first end of the first ring being attachable to one end of a central spool; A second ring, which surrounds a second longitudinal axis and has an outer surface and opposing first and second ends; A sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of a first ring and at least a portion of the outer surface of a second ring, the sleeve having an inner surface slidably engaging with a section of the portion of the outer surface of the first ring and a section of the portion of the outer surface of the second ring, the portion of the outer surface of the first ring including the second end of the first ring and the portion of the outer surface of the second ring including the second end of the second ring; A first connector configured to attach the sleeve to the first ring; and A second connector, configured to attach the sleeve to the second ring; wherein The portion of the outer surface of the first ring and the portion of the outer surface of the second ring each include: A spherical segment, having a longitudinal midpoint, A first truncated conical segment, positioned adjacent to the first end of one of the spherical segments, the outer surface of the first truncated conical segment tapering away from the spherical segment at a first angle, and A second truncated conical segment, positioned adjacent to the second end of one of the spherical segments, the outer surface of the second truncated conical segment tapering away from the spherical segment at a second angle, and A first groove and a second groove are axially spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. The first groove is located on a first side of the longitudinal midpoint of the partial spherical segment, and the second groove is located on a second side of the longitudinal midpoint of the partial spherical segment opposite to the first side. The first groove receives a first seal and the second groove receives a second seal. Each of the first and second grooves has an inner wall and an outer wall.

[0083] State 22: A flexible joint as in State 21, wherein: The first groove is positioned adjacent to this spherical segment. The first groove is positioned adjacent to the first truncated conical segment. The second groove is positioned adjacent to the spherical segment, and The second groove is positioned adjacent to the second truncated conical segment.

[0084] State 23: A flexible joint as in State 21, wherein the first groove and the second groove are located within the spherical section.

[0085] State 24: A flexible joint as in State 21, wherein the first groove is located within the first truncated conical section, and the second groove is located within the second truncated conical section.

[0086] Type 25: A flexible joint as in any of Types 21 to 24, wherein the spherical segment has a center point located on the longitudinal axis.

[0087] Sample 26: A flexible joint as described in any of Samples 21 to 25, wherein the first and second angles of the first and second truncated conical segments of the outer surface of the first ring are measured relative to an axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and the first and second angles of the first and second truncated conical segments of the outer surface of the second ring are measured relative to an axis parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

[0088] Format 27: A flexible joint as described in any of Formats 21 to 26, wherein the first connector includes a first protrusion extending toward the outer surface of the first ring and a second protrusion extending toward the sleeve, the second connector includes a first protrusion extending toward the outer surface of the second ring and a second protrusion extending toward the sleeve, the first protrusion of the first connector being engageable with the first ring, the first protrusion of the second connector being engageable with the second ring, and the second protrusions of the first and second connectors being engageable with the sleeve.

[0089] Version 28: A flexible joint as in Version 27, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface and a first groove defined within the outer surface to receive the second protrusion of the first connector and a second groove defined within the outer surface to receive the second protrusion of the second connector.

[0090] Type 29: A flexible joint as in Type 27 or Type 28, wherein each of the first and second connectors further includes at least one channel positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the at least one channel having a surface facing the ring and the sleeve.

[0091] Version 30: A flexible connector as in Version 29, wherein the at least one channel of the first connector includes a first channel configured to receive a first portion of the sleeve and a second channel defining a recess, and the at least one channel of the second connector includes a first channel configured to receive a second portion of the sleeve and a second channel defining a recess.

[0092] Form 31: A flexible joint as in Form 30, wherein the outer surface of the first ring further includes at least one flange extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the first ring and transversely to the first longitudinal axis, and the outer surface of the second ring further includes at least one flange extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the second ring and transversely to the second longitudinal axis.

[0093] Version 32: A flexible joint as in Version 31, wherein the flange of the first ring is positioned to extend into the recess of the first connector, and the flange of the second ring is positioned to extend into the recess of the second connector.

[0094] Form 33: A flexible joint as in Form 32, wherein the flange of the first ring has a surface that allows the flange of the first ring to contact the second channel of the first connector to limit the movement of the sleeve relative to the first ring in height, width and shape, and the flange of the second ring has a surface that allows the flange of the second ring to contact the second channel of the second connector to limit the movement of the sleeve relative to the second ring in height, width and shape.

[0095] Type 34: A flexible joint as in any of types 21 to 33, wherein the first connector is adapted to connect with at least one first locking device, and the second connector is adapted to connect with at least one second locking device.

[0096] Version 35: A flexible connector as in Version 34, wherein the first connector includes a plurality of first openings, wherein each of the plurality of first openings is adapted to receive a fastener to connect one of the at least one first locking devices to the first connector, and the second connector includes a plurality of second openings, wherein each of the plurality of second openings is adapted to receive a fastener to connect one of the at least one second locking devices to the second connector.

[0097] Pattern 36: A flexible joint as in Pattern 34 or Pattern 35, wherein the outer surface of the first ring further includes a recess adapted to receive a portion of the first locking device, and the outer surface of the second ring further includes a recess adapted to receive a portion of the second locking device, wherein after receiving the portion of the first and second locking devices, movement of the sleeve relative to the first and second rings is prevented.

[0098] Form 37: A flexible joint as in Form 29, wherein the outer surface of the first ring further includes a reinforcing ring that protrudes outward away from the first longitudinal axis and extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the first ring, and the outer surface of the second ring further includes a reinforcing ring that protrudes outward away from the second longitudinal axis and extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the second ring, wherein the reinforcing rings are positioned adjacent to their respective recesses.

[0099] Type 38: A flexible joint as described in any of types 21 to 37, wherein each of the first and second connectors comprises a plurality of segments with end-to-end connections.

[0100] Type 39: A flexible joint as in Type 38, wherein each of the plurality of segments includes an attachment member extending from each end, wherein the plurality of segments of each first and second connector are end-to-end connected via at least one fastener extending through the corresponding attachment member.

[0101] Version 40: A flexible joint as described in any of versions 21 to 39, wherein the spherical segment is oriented at a third angle. All embodiments of the claimed disclosure described herein are provided explicitly by way of example only.

[0102] Numerous variations and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the concept of the invention. Furthermore, the scope of the invention is intended to cover any and all modifications and combinations of all elements, features, and forms described in the specification and claims and shown in the drawings. Any and all such modifications and combinations are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

[0103] 2: Round crown 3: Depression 4: Central Lobe 5: Engineering seals 6: bilateral lobes 8: Flexible Joint Assembly 10: Flexible Joint 12: Central Scroll 20: Ring 22: Longitudinal axis 24: Outer surface 26: First end 28: Second end 30: Sleeve 31: End 32: Inner surface 34: Outer surface 36: Groove 40: Connector 41: Section 42: First protrusion 43: Attachment components 44: Second protrusion 45: Fasteners 46: Channel 47: Surface 48: Channel 49: Depression 50: Part 52: First trench 53: Inner wall 54: Second trench 55:Outer wall 56: First seal 58: Second seal 60: Partial spherical segment 61: Midpoint of the longitudinal direction 62: Center point 63: Plane 70: First truncated conical segment 72: First Angle 74: First end 76: Outer surface 80: Second truncated conical segment 82: Second Angle 84: Second end 86: Outer surface 90: Axis 92: Third Angle 100: Flange 101: Opening 102: Locking device 103: Fasteners 104: Depression 105: Corner 106: Reinforcing ring 107: Side 108: Flexible Joint Assembly 110: Flexible Joint 112: Central Scroll 120: First Ring 122: First longitudinal axis 124: Outer surface 126: First End 128: Second End 130: Sleeve 132: Inner surface 134: Outer surface 136: First Groove 140: First connector 141: Section 142: First protrusion 143: Attachment components 144: Second protrusion 145: Fasteners 146: First Channel 147: Surface 148: Second Channel 149: Depression 150: Part 152: First trench 153: Inner wall 154: Second trench 155:Outer wall 156: First seal 158: Second seal 160: Partial spherical segment 161: Midpoint of the longitudinal direction 162: Center point 163: First plane 170: First truncated conical segment 172: First Angle 174: First End 176: Outer surface 180: Second truncated conical segment 182: Second Angle 184: Second End 186: Outer surface 190: Axis 192: Third Angle 220: Second Ring 222: Second longitudinal axis 224: Outer surface 226: First End 228: Second End 236: Second groove 240: Second connector 241: Section 242: First protrusion 243: Attachment components 244: Second protrusion 245: Fasteners 246: First Channel 247: Surface 248: Second Channel 249: Depression 250: Part 252: First trench 253: Inner wall 254: Second trench 255:Outer wall 256: First seal 258: Second seal 260: Partial spherical segment 261: Midpoint of the longitudinal direction 262: Center point 263: Second plane 270: First truncated conical segment 272: First Angle 274: First End 276: Outer surface 280: Second truncated conical segment 282: Second Angle 284: Second End 286: Outer surface 290: Axis 292: Third Angle 300: Flange 301: First Opening 302: First locking device 303: Fasteners 304: Depression 305: Corner 306: Reinforcing ring 307: Side 400: Flange 401: Second opening 402: Second locking device 403: Fasteners 404: Depression 405: Corner 406: Reinforcing Ring 407: Side 410: Protrusion 411: Inner surface 412: Gap 510: Protrusion 511: Inner surface 512: Gap 610: Protrusion 611: Inner surface 612: Gap 700: Plane 800: Plane AD: Angle deflection AO: Axial offset RS: radius RS1: Radius RS2: Radius

Claims

1. A flexible joint, the flexible joint comprising: A ring having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface and opposing first and second ends, the first end of the ring being attachable to one end of a central spool; a sleeve having at least a portion of the outer surface of the ring and an inner surface slidably engaging with a section of that portion of the outer surface of the ring, the portion of the outer surface including the second end of the ring; and a connector configured to attach the sleeve to the ring; wherein the portion of the outer surface includes: a spherical segment having a longitudinal midpoint; a first truncated conical segment positioned adjacent to the first end of the spherical segment, the outer surface of the first truncated conical segment tapering away from the spherical segment at a first angle; A second truncated conical segment is positioned adjacent to a second end of a partial spherical segment. The outer surface of the second truncated conical segment tapers away from the partial spherical segment at a second angle. A first groove and a second groove are axially spaced along the longitudinal axis. The first groove is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal midpoint of the partial spherical segment, and the second groove is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal midpoint of the partial spherical segment opposite to the first side. The first groove receives a first seal and the second groove receives a second seal. Each of the first and second grooves has an inner wall and an outer wall.

2. As in request item 1, the flexible joint, wherein: The first groove is positioned adjacent to the spherical segment, the first groove is positioned adjacent to the first truncated conical segment, the second groove is positioned adjacent to the spherical segment, and the second groove is positioned adjacent to the second truncated conical segment.

3. The flexible joint as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first groove and the second groove are located within the spherical section.

4. The flexible joint of claim 1, wherein the first groove is located within the first truncated conical section and the second groove is located within the second truncated conical section.

5. The flexible joint as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spherical segment has a center point located on the longitudinal axis.

6. The flexible joint as requested in item 1, wherein the first and second angles are measured relative to an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.

7. The flexible joint of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a first protrusion extending toward the outer surface of the ring and a second protrusion extending toward the sleeve, the first protrusion being engageable with the ring and the second protrusion being engageable with the sleeve.

8. The flexible joint of claim 7, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface and a groove defined within the outer surface to receive the second protrusion.

9. The flexible joint of claim 7, wherein the connector further includes at least one channel located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the at least one channel having a surface facing the ring and the sleeve.

10. The flexible joint of claim 9, wherein the at least one channel includes a first channel configured to receive a portion of the sleeve and a second channel defining a recess.

11. The flexible joint of claim 10, wherein the outer surface of the ring further includes at least one flange extending circumferentially around the outer surface and transversely to the longitudinal axis.

12. The flexible joint of claim 11, wherein the flange is positioned to extend into the recess of the connector.

13. The flexible joint of claim 12, wherein the flange has a height, a width and a shape that allow the flange to contact the surface of the second channel to limit the movement of the sleeve relative to the ring.

14. The flexible joint of claim 1, wherein the connector is adapted to be connected to at least one locking device.

15. The flexible joint of claim 14, wherein the connector includes a plurality of openings, wherein each of the plurality of openings is adapted to receive a fastener to connect one of the at least one locking device to the connector.

16. The flexible joint of claim 14, wherein the outer surface of the ring further includes a recess adapted to receive a portion of the locking device, wherein, after receiving the portion of the locking device, movement of the sleeve relative to the ring is prevented.

17. The flexible joint of claim 16, wherein the outer surface of the ring further includes a reinforcing ring that projects outwardly away from the longitudinal axis and extends circumferentially around the outer surface, wherein the reinforcing ring is positioned adjacent to the recess.

18. The flexible connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of segments with end-to-end connections.

19. The flexible joint of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of segments includes an attachment member extending from each end, wherein the plurality of segments are end-to-end connected via at least one fastener extending through the corresponding attachment member.

20. The flexible joint as requested in item 1, wherein the spherical segment is oriented at a third angle.

21. A flexible joint, the flexible joint comprising: A first ring, surrounding a first longitudinal axis and having an outer surface and opposing first and second ends, the first end of the first ring being attachable to one end of a central spool; a second ring, surrounding a second longitudinal axis and having an outer surface and opposing first and second ends; a sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of the first ring and at least a portion of the outer surface of the second ring, the sleeve having an inner surface slidably engaging with a section of the portion of the outer surface of the first ring and a section of the portion of the outer surface of the second ring, the portion of the outer surface of the first ring including the second end of the first ring and the portion of the outer surface of the second ring including the second end of the second ring; a first connector configured to attach the sleeve to the first ring; and a second connector configured to attach the sleeve to the second ring; wherein the portion of the outer surface of the first ring and the portion of the outer surface of the second ring each include: A spherical segment having a longitudinal midpoint, a first truncated conical segment positioned adjacent to a first end of the spherical segment, the outer surface of the first truncated conical segment tapering away from the spherical segment at a first angle, a second truncated conical segment positioned adjacent to a second end of the spherical segment, the outer surface of the second truncated conical segment tapering away from the spherical segment at a second angle, and a first groove and a second groove axially spaced along the longitudinal axis, the first groove being positioned on a first side of the longitudinal midpoint of the spherical segment, and the second groove being positioned on a second side of the longitudinal midpoint of the spherical segment opposite to the first side, the first groove receiving a first seal and the second groove receiving a second seal, each of the first and second grooves having an inner wall and an outer wall.

22. The flexible joint as claimed in claim 21, wherein: The first groove is positioned adjacent to the spherical segment, the first groove is positioned adjacent to the first truncated conical segment, the second groove is positioned adjacent to the spherical segment, and the second groove is positioned adjacent to the second truncated conical segment.

23. The flexible joint of claim 21, wherein the first groove and the second groove are located within the spherical section.

24. The flexible joint of claim 21, wherein the first groove is located within the first truncated conical section and the second groove is located within the second truncated conical section.

25. The flexible joint of claim 21, wherein the spherical segment has a center point located on the longitudinal axis.

26. The flexible joint of claim 21, wherein the first and second angles of the first and second truncated conical segments of the outer surface of the first ring are measured relative to an axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis, and the first and second angles of the first and second truncated conical segments of the outer surface of the second ring are measured relative to an axis parallel to the second longitudinal axis.

27. The flexible joint of claim 21, wherein the first connector includes a first protrusion extending toward the outer surface of the first ring and a second protrusion extending toward the sleeve, the second connector includes a first protrusion extending toward the outer surface of the second ring and a second protrusion extending toward the sleeve, the first protrusion of the first connector being engageable with the first ring, the first protrusion of the second connector being engageable with the second ring, and the second protrusions of the first and second connectors being engageable with the sleeve.

28. The flexible joint of claim 27, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface and a first groove defined within the outer surface for receiving the second protrusion of the first connector and a second groove defined within the outer surface for receiving the second protrusion of the second connector.

29. The flexible joint of claim 27, wherein each of the first and second connectors further includes at least one channel located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the at least one channel having a surface facing the ring and the sleeve.

30. The flexible connector of claim 29, wherein the at least one channel of the first connector includes a first channel configured to receive a first portion of the sleeve and a second channel defining a recess, and the at least one channel of the second connector includes a first channel configured to receive a second portion of the sleeve and a second channel defining a recess.

31. The flexible joint of claim 30, wherein the outer surface of the first ring further includes at least one flange extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the first ring and transversely to the first longitudinal axis, and the outer surface of the second ring further includes at least one flange extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the second ring and transversely to the second longitudinal axis.

32. The flexible joint of claim 31, wherein the flange of the first ring is positioned to extend into the recess of the first connector, and the flange of the second ring is positioned to extend into the recess of the second connector.

33. The flexible joint of claim 32, wherein the flange of the first ring has a surface that allows the flange of the first ring to contact the second channel of the first connector to limit the movement of the sleeve relative to the first ring in height, width and shape, and the flange of the second ring has a surface that allows the flange of the second ring to contact the second channel of the second connector to limit the movement of the sleeve relative to the second ring in height, width and shape.

34. The flexible joint of claim 21, wherein the first connector is adapted to connect with at least one first locking device, and the second connector is adapted to connect with at least one second locking device.

35. The flexible joint of claim 34, wherein the first connector includes a plurality of first openings, wherein each of the plurality of first openings is adapted to receive a fastener to connect one of the at least one first locking devices to the first connector, and the second connector includes a plurality of second openings, wherein each of the plurality of second openings is adapted to receive a fastener to connect one of the at least one second locking devices to the second connector.

36. The flexible joint of claim 34, wherein the outer surface of the first ring further includes a recess adapted to receive a portion of the first locking device, and the outer surface of the second ring further includes a recess adapted to receive a portion of the second locking device, wherein after receiving the portion of the first locking device and the second locking device, movement of the sleeve relative to the first and second rings is prevented.

37. The flexible joint of claim 29, wherein the outer surface of the first ring further includes a reinforcing ring that projects outwardly away from the first longitudinal axis and extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the first ring, and the outer surface of the second ring further includes a reinforcing ring that projects outwardly away from the second longitudinal axis and extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the second ring, wherein the reinforcing rings are positioned adjacent to their respective recesses.

38. The flexible joint of claim 21, wherein each of the first and second connectors comprises a plurality of segments with end-to-end connections.

39. The flexible joint of claim 38, wherein each of the plurality of segments includes an attachment member extending from each end, wherein the plurality of segments of each first and second connector are end-to-end connected via at least one fastener extending through the corresponding attachment member.

40. The flexible joint as claimed in claim 21, wherein the spherical segment is oriented at a third angle.

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