BigPatents India

A method of forming a slip joint includes providing a forming mandrel having a plurality of axially extending external splines, placing an inner tube circumferentially about the mandrel, and applying radially inward pressure on the inner tube to deform the inner tube and cause it to conform to the shape of the mandrel. The deformation step forms splines on the outer surface of the inner tube. A circumferential seal is then applied around the inner tube, and an outer tube is placed around the inner tube and the seal. Radially inward pressure is applied on the outer tube to deform the outer tube and cause it to conform to the shape of the inner tube, and thereby forming splines on the inner surface of the outer tube. The splines on the outer surface of the inner tube and the splines on the inner surface of the outer tube are configured to cooperate together to form a slip joint.