Mechanical joints and process for using same

A mechanical joint configured to provide an articulated connection between a first member and a second member, comprising:

• a support member comprising a pair of axially aligned trunnions disposed on an exterior surface of the support member, wherein the support member defines an aperture therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof;
• an arm comprising a first end and a second end;
• and
• a ball connected to the arm toward or at the first end thereof, wherein:
• the ball is engaged within and supported by the socket defined by the support member,
• the second end of the arm is configured to extend through the aperture defined by the support member such that the arm and ball can rotate about a longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially rotate about two axes that pass through a center point of the ball that are perpendicular to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the arm, and
• the second end of the arm defines a bore therethrough that is configured to connect to the second member.

A process for rotating a second member relative to a first member, wherein the second member is connected to the first member via a mechanical joint, the process comprising:

• deploying a tool to the mechanical joint, wherein the mechanical joint comprises:
• a support member comprising a pair of axially aligned trunnions disposed on an exterior surface of the support member, wherein the support member defines an aperture therethrough and a socket on an inner surface thereof;
• and
• an arm comprising a ball disposed on a first end thereof engaged within and supported by the socket defined by the support member, wherein:
• a second end of the arm extends through the aperture of the support member such that the arm can rotate relative to the support member about a longitudinal axis of the arm and at least partially rotate about two axes that pass through a center point of the ball that are perpendicular to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the arm,
• the ball defines a profiled configured to receive the tool,
• the second end of the arm defines a bore therethrough that is connected to the second member, and
• a pair of bearing blocks is disposed on the first member that support the pair of trunnions such that the support member is at least partially rotatable about an axis of the support member relative to the first member;
• engaging the profile defined by the ball with the tool;
• and
• applying a torque to the ball with the tool such that the ball and arm rotate relative to the support member.