Floating load ring for flexible joint

A method of forming a flexible coupling having an over braid, a bellows having a plurality of convolutions, an end ring, and a liner, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning a floating load ring between an endmost convolution of the bellows proximate a first annular end of the bellows and the over braid proximate said first annular end of the bellows, wherein said positioning step further comprises:
• engaging a first radially extending annular portion of said floating load ring along and against a radially extending surface of said endmost convolution of said bellows to define a first engagement region,
• engaging a second portion of said floating load ring against the over braid to define a second engagement region, the second engagement region having a section radially outboard of the end ring,
• engaging a third portion of the floating load ring against the over braid to define a third engagement region, the third engagement region having a section radially inboard of an outmost extent of the end ring and non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the coupling, wherein the first, second, and third engagement regions are between the radially extending surface of the endmost convolution of the bellows and the first annular end of the bellows, and
• holding said floating load ring between said endmost convolution of the bellows and the over braid, wherein said floating load ring is engaged with, but is without physical attachment to said bellows, thereby supporting said over braid radially away from said endmost convolution of said bellows.