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A stud for interconnecting adjacent flanges of a flanged joint in a tubular casing. The flanges each contain apertures to receive the stud and each flange is inclined relative to the casing outer surface, with one flange extending radially outwardly and the other flange extending radially inwardly,

A stud for interconnecting adjacent flanges of a flanged joint in a tubular casing. The flanges each contain apertures to receive the stud and each flange is inclined relative to the casing outer surface, with one flange extending radially outwardly and the other flange extending radially inwardly, as a result of which one end of the stud extends externally of the flanged joint and the other end extends internally. The stud includes an external formation that is of non-circular form and that is carried by the stud between the threaded ends to extend radially outwardly. The external formation is adapted to be engaged by an anti-rotation member to prevent unintended rotation of the stud. The stud is removable from the flanged joint without the need to completely disassemble the joint to remove a broken stud.

대표청구항 ▼

A stud for interconnecting adjacent flanges of a flanged joint in a tubular casing. The flanges each contain apertures to receive the stud and each flange is inclined relative to the casing outer surface, with one flange extending radially outwardly and the other flange extending radially inwardly,

A stud for interconnecting adjacent flanges of a flanged joint in a tubular casing. The flanges each contain apertures to receive the stud and each flange is inclined relative to the casing outer surface, with one flange extending radially outwardly and the other flange extending radially inwardly, as a result of which one end of the stud extends externally of the flanged joint and the other end extends internally. The stud includes an external formation that is of non-circular form and that is carried by the stud between the threaded ends to extend radially outwardly. The external formation is adapted to be engaged by an anti-rotation member to prevent unintended rotation of the stud. The stud is removable from the flanged joint without the need to completely disassemble the joint to remove a broken stud. xible portion, the first diameter of the opening is equal to the ball portion outer diameter and the second diameter of the opening is greater than the outer diameter of the ball portion. 10. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sleeve is manufactured from a low friction material. 11. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a housing supporting the first yoke and the second yoke. 12. A joint assembly comprising: a first yoke including a ball portion having a ball outer surface; a second yoke defining a socket; and a sleeve positioned in the socket, the sleeve having a continuous side wall defining an opening for receiving the ball portion, the sleeve having a sleeve inner surface, the opening being non-circular such that the opening, in a relaxed state, has at least first and second diameters that are distinct from one another, such that a portion of the sleeve inner surface does not engage the ball outer surface. 13. The assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein the side wall includes at least one flexible portion having a first thickness, and at least one other portion having a second thickness, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness. 14. The assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein the socket has a socket inner surface, wherein the at least one portion of the side wall having the second thickness is engaged with the socket inner surface, and wherein the at least one portion of the side wall having the first thickness is spaced from the socket inner surface. 15. The assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein the at least one portion of the side wall having the second thickness includes at least one radially-outwardly extending rib engageable with the socket inner surface. 16. The assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein the at least one portion of the side wall having the first thickness is flexible. 17. The assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein the at least one portion of the side wall having the first thickness is substantially flat. 18. The assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein the opening extends along an axis, and wherein the at least one portion of the side wall having the first thickness includes an axially-extending external groove. 19. A method of assembling a joint assembly, the method comprising the acts of: providing a first yoke including a ball portion and a second yoke defining a socket, the socket having a socket inner surface; positioning a sleeve in the socket, the sleeve defining an opening for receiving the ball portion, the sleeve having a continuous side wall, a portion of the side wall being flexible, the opening being non-circular such that the opening, in a relaxed state, has at least first and second diameters that are distinct from one another; and positioning the ball portion in the opening in the sleeve.