Spline connection for limited access space and method of assembly and disassembly

A spline connection comprising:

• a first part having an inner cylindrical surface that defines a hollow interior;
• a first set of internal splines formed on said inner cylindrical surface of said first part;
• a second part having an inner cylindrical surface that defines a hollow interior;
• a second set of internal splines formed on said inner cylindrical surface of said second part;
• a connector sleeve having first and second sets of external splines formed thereon, said connector sleeve being slidable between a first position located fully within said hollow interior of said second part and a second position in which said first set of external splines engage said first set of internal splines and said second set of external splines engage said second set of internal splines;
• and
• a threaded bolt rotatively mounted on said first part and threadingly engaging said connector sleeve, whereby rotation of said threaded bolt causes said connector sleeve to slide between said first and second positions.

A method of assembling a spline connection between a first part having a first set of internal splines formed thereon and a second part having a second set of internal splines formed thereon, said method comprising:

• providing a connector sleeve having first and second sets of external splines formed thereon;
• placing said connector sleeve fully within said second part with said second internal splines engaging said second external splines;
• locating one end of said first part adjacent to one end of said second part;
• and
• sliding said connector sleeve with respect to said first and second parts so that a portion of said connector sleeve is moved into said first part with said first internal splines engaging said first external splines.