Patent Publication Number: US-2023151846-A1

Title: Couplers and mechanical joint assemblies including same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/306,239, filed on Feb. 3, 2022, and to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/279,420, filed on Nov. 15, 2021, which are both incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described generally relate to couplers configured to provide an articulated connection about two axes of rotation between a first member and a second member and to mechanical joint assemblies including same. More particularly, such embodiments relate to couplers and mechanical joint assemblies including same that can be used for connecting two members in an articulated fashion to allow rotation about two non-parallel, non-intersecting axes while transmitting axial loads, torsional loads, shear loads, or a combination thereof therebetween. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the offshore oil and gas industry, as well as other industries, for example vehicle, construction equipment, and mining industries, it is often necessary to have two structural members mechanically linked to one another in a manner that allows articulation of one structural member relative to the other structural member about two axes that are not parallel to one another while simultaneously transmitting axial loads, shear loads, torsional loads, or a combination thereof from the first structural member to the second structural member. In the offshore oil and gas industry, u-joints are often used, for example, to connect a vessel support structure to a yoke in an offshore mooring system. U-joints have been utilized for these purposes for many years. 
     As the load on a u-joint increases, the size, weight, and associated cost in manufacturing the u-joint increases. Additionally, in applications where the articulation of the u-joint about one or more axes of rotation is large, for example greater than 20 degrees or 30 degrees, either while under load or in an unloaded condition, the dimensions of the u-joint components must be increased to accommodate such articulation requirement(s). In very high load applications, for example in offshore oil and gas installations, the u-joints can become very massive, e.g., up to 60 tons in some applications or even up to 300 tons in other applications. As such, when the articulation requirements of the u-joint and/or the load capacity of the u-joint is large the manufacture, transportation, installation, and/or maintenance of such u-joints can become difficult if not commercially impossible. 
     There is a need, therefore, for improved couplers and mechanical joint assemblies including same. 
     SUMMARY 
     Couplers and dual axis joints configured to provide an articulated connection about two axes of rotation between a first member and a second member and mechanical joint assemblies including same are provided. In some embodiments, a coupler can include a first end that defines a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough. The first bore and the second bore can partially intersect one another. The coupler can include a second end that defines a third bore therethrough. 
     In some embodiments, a dual axis joint can include a coupler, a first pin, a first wedge, an arm, a second pin and a second wedge. The coupler can include a lug disposed at a first end thereof and a pair of arms disposed at a second end thereof. The lug can define a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough. The first bore and the second bore defined by the lug can partially intersect one another. The pair of arms can define a pair of axially aligned bores therethrough. The first pin can be disposed within the first bore. The first pin can include an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof. The first wedge can be disposed within the second bore. The first wedge can include an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first wedge between a first end and a second end thereof. The engagement surface of the first wedge can contact the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the coupler. The arm can define a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough. The first bore and the second bore defined by the arm can partially intersect one another. The first bore defined by the arm and the second bore defined by the arm can be disposed toward a first end of the arm. The second pin can be disposed within the pair of axially aligned bores defined by the pair of arms of the coupler and the first bore defined by the arm The second pin can include an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second pin between a first end and a second end thereof. The second wedge can be disposed within the second bore defined by the arm. The second wedge can include an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second wedge between a first end and a second end thereof. The engagement surface of the second wedge can contact the engagement surface of the second pin thereby restricting relative movement between the second pin and the arm. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various aspects and advantages of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon an understanding of the following detailed description of the invention, read in light of the accompanying drawings which are made a part of this specification. 
         FIG.  1    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative dual axis joint connected to a first member and a second member, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  2    depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the dual axis joint shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative pin having an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface thereof between a first end and a second end of the pin, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  4    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative wedge having an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface thereof between a first end and a second end of the wedge, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  5    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative coupler that shows the geometrical relationship between a central axis of a first bore defined by the coupler and a central axis of another (third) bore defined by the coupler, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  6    depicts an end view of the coupler shown in  FIG.  5    that shows the geometrical relationship between the central axis of the first bore defined by the coupler and the central axis of the third bore defined by the coupler. 
         FIG.  7    depicts a perspective view of another illustrative dual axis joint connected to a first member and a second member, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  8    depicts a cross-sectional view of another illustrative dual axis joint that includes two wedges disposed within a coupler of the dual axis joint between a first pin and a second pin, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  9    depicts a cross-sectional view of another illustrative dual axis joint that includes a first wedge disposed within a coupler of the dual axis joint between a first pin and a second pin and a second wedge disposed within the coupler of the dual axis joint on a side of the second pin that is opposite of the first pin, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  10    depicts the dual axis joint shown in  FIG.  1    that further includes cover plates disposed over first and second pins and a cover plate disposed over a wedge located within the dual axis joint, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  11    depicts a perspective cross-sectional view of another illustrative dual axis joint connected to a first member and a second member, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  12    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative coupler that defines a first bore and a second bore toward a first end thereof and a third bore toward a second end thereof, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIGS.  13  and  14    depict perspective views of an illustrative coupler that defines a groove at a first end of the coupler, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIGS.  15  and  16    depict perspective views of an illustrative coupler that includes a lug at a first end thereof that defines a groove and a first bore that partially intersect one another and a pair of arms at a second end thereof that that defines a pair of axially aligned bores, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  17    depicts a cross-sectional view of a dual axis joint, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  18    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative chain table for a mooring turret that includes a plurality of dual axis joints connected thereto, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  19    depicts a perspective view of a dual axis joint, according to one or more embodiments described. 
         FIG.  20    depicts a cross-sectional view of the dual axis joint shown in  FIG.  19   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references to the “invention”, in some cases, refer to certain specific or preferred embodiments only. In other cases, references to the “invention” refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows includes embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact and also includes embodiments in which additional features are formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features are not in direct contact. The exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures can be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and/or conciseness. 
     Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Also, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Furthermore, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” 
     All numerical values in this disclosure are exact or approximate values (“about”) unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, various embodiments of the disclosure may deviate from the numbers, values, and ranges disclosed herein without departing from the intended scope. 
     Further, the term “or” is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., “A or B” is intended to be synonymous with “at least one of A and B,” unless otherwise expressly specified herein. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” refer to both singular forms (i.e., “one”) and plural referents (i.e., one or more) unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “up” and “down”; “upward” and “downward”; “upper” and “lower”; “upwardly” and “downwardly”; “above” and “below”; and other like terms used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular spatial orientation since the apparatus and methods of using the same may be equally effective at various angles or orientations. 
     It should also be understood that the phrases “disposed therein”, “disposed within” and other similar phrases, when describing a component, e.g., a wedge or pin, describe the component as being partially disposed therein/within or completely disposed therein/within. For example, if the component is a wedge that can be disposed within a bore, the phrase “the wedge can be disposed within the bore” means the wedge can be disposed partially within the bore or completely within the bore. 
     It should be understood that the terms “orthogonal” and “orthogonally” refer to two lines or vectors that are not coplanar and therefore do not intersect but can appear to be perpendicular when viewed from a particular angle. Said another way and according to a mathematical definition, two lines or vectors are orthogonal if their vector dot product is zero. For example, in a three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system, a line parallel to the X-axis with a constant Z-value of 1 is orthogonal to a line parallel to the Y-axis with a constant Z-value of 2 because these lines will not intersect, their dot product is zero, and the lines are orientated at 90 degrees with respect to one another when viewed along the Z-axis. As yet another example of a first line being orthogonal to a second line, the first line can lie in a first plane and the second line can lie in a second plane, where the first and second planes are parallel with respect to one another and the first line and the second line are oriented at 90 degrees with respect to one another when viewed along an axis that is normal to the first and second planes. Further is should be understood that the term “substantially” when used in the context of “substantially orthogonal” means the first and second line are orientated at angles of about 80 degrees, about 83 degrees, about 85 degrees, about 87 degrees, or about 89 degrees to , about 91 degrees, about 93 degrees, about 95 degrees, about 97 degrees, or about 100 degrees with respect to one another when viewed along an axis that is normal to the first and second planes. 
       FIG.  1    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative dual axis joint  100  connected to a first member M 1  and a second member M 2 , according to one or more embodiments.  FIG.  2    depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the dual axis joint  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . The dual axis joint  100  can include a first clevis  110 , a second clevis  120 , a coupler  130 , a first pin  140 , a wedge  150 , and a second pin  160 . The dual axis joint  100  can allow for articulation of the first member M 1  relative to the second member M 2  about two non-parallel, non-intersecting axes while transmitting axial forces, shear forces, torque, or a combination thereof from the first member M 1  to the second member M 2  and/or from the second member M 2  to the first member M 1 . 
     The first clevis  110  can be joined, fastened, or otherwise connected to the first member M 1  and the second clevis  120  can be joined, fastened, or otherwise connected to the second member M 2 . In some embodiments, the connection between the first clevis  110  and the first member M 1  and the connection between the second clevis  120  and the second member M 2  can be static such that the first clevis  110  does not move with respect to M 1  and the second clevis  120  does not move with respect to M 2 . Suitable connection systems or methods can include, but are not limited to, welding, bolts, bolts and nuts, rivets, pins, screws, mechanical connectors such as a collet connector, adhesives, or the like. 
     The first clevis  110  can include a first pair of arms  111 ,  112 . The first pair of arms  111 ,  112  can define axially aligned cylindrical bores at least partially therethrough (bore  113  is visible in  FIG.  1   ). In some embodiments, one of the bores defined by the first pair of arms  111 ,  112  can be completely therethrough and one of the bores defined by the first pair of arms  111 ,  112  can be partially disposed therethrough. In other embodiments, the bores defined by the first pair of arms  111 ,  112  can be completely therethrough. The second clevis  120  can include a second pair of arms  121 ,  122 . The second pair of arms  121 ,  122  can define axially aligned cylindrical bores at least partially therethrough (bore  123  is visible in  FIG.  1   , bores  123  and  124  are visible in  FIG.  2   ). In some embodiments, one of the bores defined by the second pair of arms  121 ,  122  can be completely therethrough and one of the bores defined by the second pair of arms  123 ,  124  can be partially therethrough. In other embodiments, the bores defined by the second pair of arms  121 ,  122  can be completely therethrough. 
     The coupler  130  and the first and second pins  140 ,  160  can be or otherwise provide a structural connection or linkage between the first clevis  110  and the second clevis  120 . The coupler  130  can define at least a first bore  133 , a second bore  134 , and a third bore  135 . In some embodiments, the first bore  133  and the third bore  135  defined by the coupler  130  can each be completely therethrough and the second bore  134  defined by the coupler  130  can be partially therethrough. In other embodiments, the first bore  133 , the second bore  134 , and the third bore  135  defined by the coupler  130  can each be completely therethrough. 
     In some embodiments, the coupler  130  can include a first lug  131  disposed toward a first end of the coupler  130  and a second lug  132  disposed toward a second end of the coupler  130 . The first lug  131  can define the first bore  133  and the second bore  134  and the second lug  132  can define the third bore  135  (see also  FIG.  5   ). The first bore  133  and the second bore  134  defined by the first lug  131  can partially intersect one another. The coupler  130  can be connected to the first clevis  110  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the first pin  140  within the first bore  133  and the bores defined by the first pair of arms  111 ,  112  of the first clevis  110 . The coupler  130  can be connected to the second clevis  120  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the second pin  160  within the third bore  135  and the bores defined by the second pair of arms  121 ,  122  of the second clevis  120 . When in use, one or more forces on the dual axis joint  100  can be transmitted between the first clevis  110  and the coupler  130  through the first pin  140 . Similarly, when in use, one or more forces on the dual axis joint  100  can be transmitted between the second clevis  120  and the coupler  130  through the second pin  160 . In some embodiments, the first bore  133  and the third bore  135  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. In some embodiments, the first bore  133  and the second bore  134  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. 
     The wedge  150  can be disposed within the second bore  134  defined by the coupler  130 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the first bore  133  and the second bore  134  can be arranged or configured such that the wedge  150  and the first pin  140  can contact one another. For example, the first pin  140  can include an engagement surface  141  (see  FIG.  3   ) formed on a portion of an external surface thereof and the wedge  150  can include an engagement surface  151  (see  FIG.  4   ) formed on an external surface thereof such that the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  can at least partially contact one another to restrict relative movement between the first pin  140  and the coupler  130 . In some embodiments, the contact between the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  and the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  can restrict or prevent relative rotation between the first pin  140  and the coupler  130 . 
       FIG.  3    depicts a perspective view of the first pin  140  that shows the engagement surface  141  formed on a portion of the external surface  142  thereof between a first end  143  and a second end  144  of the first pin  140 , according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the first pin  140  can be an elongated member that can include a substantially cylindrical body. In some embodiments, the engagement surface  141  formed on the first pin  140  can be oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  145  of the first pin  140 . In some embodiments, the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  can be defined by a groove, channel, depression, recess, or any other shape. As shown in  FIG.  3   , in some embodiments, the engagement surface  141  of the first in  140  can be flat. As shown in  FIG.  3   , the engagement surface  141  can be located or otherwise positioned at a midpoint of the first pin  140 . In other embodiments, however, the engagement surface  141  can be located or otherwise positioned at a location that can be offset from the midpoint. As further described below, in some embodiments, the first pin  140  can include two or more engagement surfaces  141  and, in such embodiment, the two or more engagement surfaces  141  can be equally spaced or non-equally spaced apart from one another between the first end  143  and the second end  144  of the first pin  140 . In some embodiments, when the first pin  140  includes two or more engagement surfaces  141 , the coupler  130  can define two or more “second” bores  134  at least partially therethrough that can each be configured to receive a wedge  150  therein. It should be understood, in some embodiments, the second pin  160  can be the same or substantially the same as the first pin  140 . For example, as further described below, in some embodiments, the second pin  160  can optionally include one or more engagement surfaces that can be the same or similar to the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140 . In other embodiments, however, the second pin  160  can be free of any engagement surface such that the second pin  160  can be a substantially cylindrical body without any engagement surface formed on an outer surface thereof. 
       FIG.  4    depicts a perspective view of the wedge  150  and shows the engagement surface  151  formed on a portion of the external or outer surface  152  thereof between a first end  153  and a second end  154  of the wedge  150 , according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  can be flat. In some embodiments, a thickness of a first end  153  of the wedge  150  can be less than a thickness of a second end  154  of the wedge  150  such that the engagement surface  151  can be tapered along a longitudinal axis of the wedge  150 . 
     In some embodiments, the body of the wedge  150  can be configured as having a generally cylindrical or cuboidal body, a generally cylindrical or cuboidal body with one or two generally frusto-conical ends, or a generally cylindrical or cuboidal body with one or two generally frusto-pyramidal ends, or a combination thereof. As such, in some embodiments, the wedge  150 , can include a taper or chamfer  155 ,  156  (two are shown) on one or both ends  153 ,  154  that can facilitate insertion of the wedge  150  into the second bore  134  and extraction of the wedge out of the second bore  134 . In some embodiments, the wedge  150  can define a threaded bore  157  at one or both ends thereof to facilitate the insertion, preloading, retention, and/or extraction of the wedge  150  within the second bore  134 . In some embodiments, the wedge  150  can define a single threaded bore that can span the entire length of the wedge  150 . 
     In some embodiments, the wedge  150  can be positioned within the second bore  134  with a sufficient amount of axial force applied to the first end of the wedge  150 , the second end  153  of the wedge  150 , or both ends  153 ,  154  of the wedge  150  to force or otherwise urge the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  into contact with the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and to secure the first pin  140  and the wedge  150  within the coupler  130 . The force can be applied via any number of ways including a tension or jack screw mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder, impact force, or other similar means. It has been found that by applying a sufficient amount of axial force to the wedge  150 , the need for a sleeve, shim, or other bushing between an outer surface of the first pin  140  and an inner surface  136  of the first bore  133  can be eliminated. As used herein, the term “bushing” refers to any sleeve, shim, liner, inlay, pad, or any other structure configured to reduce friction and/or wear between an outer surface of a pin and an inner surface of a bore the pin is at least partially disposed within. Said another way, by applying a sufficient amount of axial force to the wedge  150  the outer surface  142  of the first pin  140  and an inner surface  136  of the first bore  133  can be in direct contact with one another. In other embodiments, however, a bushing can be disposed between the outer surface  142  of the first pin  140  and the inner surface  136  of the first bore  133  of the coupler  130 . In some other embodiments, a bushing  127  can be disposed between the outer surface  142  of the second pin  160  and the inner surface of the bores of the second pair of arms  121 ,  122  and the inner surface  137  of the third bore  135 . In still other embodiments, a bushing can be disposed between an inner surface of each arm of the first pair of arms  111 ,  112  and the first pin  140 . The bushings can be manufactured from bronze, brass, a polymer, a fiber reinforced composite material, or any other suitable material. 
     While  FIGS.  2 - 4    depict the engagement surfaces  141  and  151  of the first pin  140  and the wedge  150 , respectively, as being flat, it should be understood that the engagement surfaces  141  and  151  can include any desired surface contour(s) that can be configured to contact or otherwise engage one another when the first pin  140  is disposed within the first bore  133  and the wedge  150  is disposed within the second bore  134 . In some embodiments, the engagement surfaces  141  and/or  151  can include one or more surface modifications disposed thereon to facilitate or improve contact therebetween when the engagement surfaces  141  and  151  are placed in contact with one another. Illustrative surface modifications can include, but are not limited to, one or more dimples, protrusions, projections, protuberances, ridges, pins, rods, depressions, grooves, holes, notches, recesses, or any other surface variation or modification, either alone or in any combination. 
     In one embodiment, the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  can include a raised curved surface, e.g., a surface having a circular or semi-circular cross-sectional profile, disposed at least partially along the longitudinal axis of the wedge  150  and the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  can include a recessed curved surface, e.g., a surface having a circular or semi-circular cross-sectional profile, disposed at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the engagement surface  141  such that the raised curved surface of the wedge  150  is configured to be located at least partially within the recessed curved surface of the first pin  140 . 
     As noted above, in some embodiments, in addition to the wedge  150  that can be disposed within the second bore  134  defined by the first coupler  130 , one or more additional “second” bores can be defined by the coupler  130 . In such embodiments, the dual axis joint  100  can further include one or more additional wedges that can be disposed within the one or more additional second bores and can be configured to contact the first pin  140  that can include one or more additional engagement surfaces configured to contact the additional wedge(s) in the same or different manner as the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  and the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  can be configured to contact one another. In some embodiments, when the coupler  130  defines one or more additional bores such that the dual axis joint  100  includes two or more wedges, the engagement surfaces of the two or more wedges and the engagement surfaces of the first pin  140  can include the same contour or surface profiles or different contour or surface profiles with respect to one another. 
     Returning to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the pair of arms  111 ,  112  of the first clevis  110  can be configured to fit around, on either side of, or otherwise about an exterior of the first lug  131  of the coupler  130  in such a way as to allow rotation of the first clevis  110  relative to the coupler  130  when the first pin  140  is disposed within the bores of the first pair of arms  111 ,  112  of the first clevis  110  and the first bore  133  of the coupler  130 . In some embodiments, the first clevis  110  can be configured to rotate any desired range about the first pin  140  with respect to the coupler  130 . The pair of arms of the second clevis  121 ,  122  can be configured to fit around, on either side of, or otherwise about an exterior of the second lug  132  in such a way as to allow rotation of the second clevis  120  relative to the coupler  130  when the second pin  160  is disposed within the bores of the second pair of arms  121 ,  122  of the second clevis  120  and the third bore  135  of the coupler  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the first member M 1  can rotate relative to the coupler  130  about the first pin  140  up to about plus or minus 10 degrees, about plus or minus 25 degrees, about plus or minus 40 degrees, about plus or minus 60 degrees, or about plus or minus 100 degrees and the second member M 2  can rotate relative to the coupler  130  about the second pin  160  about plus or minus 10 degrees, about plus or minus 25 degrees, about plus or minus 40 degrees, about plus or minus 60 degrees, or about plus or minus 100 degrees while transmitting loads from the first member M 1  to the second member M 2  and/or from the second member M 2  to the first member M 1 . In some embodiments, the first member M 1  can rotate relative to the coupler  130  about the fist pin  140  up to about plus or minus 90 degrees, about plus or minus 120 degrees, about plus or minus 135 degrees, about plus or minus 170 degrees, and the second member M 2  can rotate relative to the coupler  130  about the second pin  160  up to about plus or minus 90 degrees, about plus or minus 120 degrees, about plus or minus 135 degrees, or about plus or minus 170 degrees while in an unloaded or stored condition. 
     In some embodiments, the first clevis  110 , the second clevis  120 , the coupler  130 , the first pin  140 , the wedge  150 , the second pin  160 , and any other component(s) of the dual axis joint  100  can be fabricated or otherwise made from any suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the components of the dual axis joint  100  can be made via any suitable manufacturing process such as forging, casting, molding, milling, machining, or other process. In some embodiments, suitable materials can be or can include, but are not limited to, metal, metal alloys, non-metallic materials, or any other material that is appropriate for the loading, service, and environment that the dual axis joint  100  may be subjected to during use thereof. Suitable metals and metal alloys can be or can include, but are not limited to, steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, bronze, brass, titanium, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, suitable non-metallic materials can be or can include, but are not limited to, carbon fiber, fiberglass, polymers, reinforced polymers, or any other non-metallic material(s) that have suitable mechanical properties for a give application. The overall dimensions and shape of the first clevis  110 , second clevis  140  and the coupler  130  can be selected to accommodate various angular rotations and loadings required of the dual axis joint as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
       FIG.  5    depicts a perspective view of the coupler  130  shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2    that shows the geometrical relationship between a central axis of the first bore  133  defined by the coupler  130  and a central axis of the third bore  135  defined by the coupler  130 , according to one or more embodiments. As described above, the coupler  130  can include the first lug  131  that can define the first bore  133  and the second bore  134  and the second lug  132  that can define the third bore  135 .  FIG.  6    depicts an end view of the coupler  130  shown in  FIG.  5    that shows the geometrical relationship between the central axis  510  of the first bore  133  defined by the coupler  130  and the central axis  530  of the third bore  135  defined by the coupler. As shown in  FIG.  5   , the central axis  510  of the first bore  133  and the central axis  530  of the third bore  135  can be substantially orthogonal to one another as depicted in  FIG.  6   . As also shown in  FIG.  5   , the central axis  510  of the first bore  133  can lie in a first plane  520  and the central axis  530  of the third bore  135  can lie in a second plane  540 . The first and second planes  520 ,  540  can be parallel or substantially parallel with respect to one another. 
       FIG.  7    depicts a perspective view of another illustrative dual axis joint  700  connected to a first member M 1  and a second member M 2 , according to one or more embodiments. The dual axis joint  700  can include a first clevis  710 , a second clevis  720 , a coupler  730 , a first pin  140 , a wedge  150 , and a second pin  160 . The dual axis joint  700  can allow for articulation of the first member M 1  relative to the second member M 2  about two non-parallel, non-intersecting axes while transmitting axial forces, shear forces, torque, or a combination thereof from the first member M 1  to the second member M 2  and/or from the second member M 2  to the first member M 1 . 
     The first clevis  710  can be joined, fastened, or otherwise connected to the first member M 1  and the second clevis  720  can be joined, fastened, or otherwise connected to the second member M 2 . In some embodiments, the connection between the first clevis  710  and the first member M 1  and the connection between the second clevis  720  and the second member M 2  can be static such that the first clevis  710  does not move with respect to M 1  and the second clevis  720  does not move with respect to M 2 . Suitable connection systems or methods can include, but are not limited to, welding, bolts, bolts and nuts, rivets, pins, screws, mechanical connectors such as a collet connector, adhesives, or the like. 
     The first clevis  710  can include a first pair of arms  711 ,  712 . The first pair of arms  711 ,  712  can define axially aligned cylindrical bores at least partially therethrough (bore  713  is visible in  FIG.  7   ). In some embodiments, one of the bores defined by the first pair of arms  711 ,  712  can be completely therethrough and one of the bores defined by the first pair of arms  711 ,  712  can be partially disposed therethrough. In other embodiments, both bores defined by the first pair of arms  711 ,  712  can be completely therethrough. The second clevis  720  can include a second pair of arms  721 ,  722 . The second pair of arms  721 ,  722  can define axially aligned cylindrical bores at least partially therethrough (bore  723  is visible in  FIG.  7   ). In some embodiments, one of the bores defined by the second pair of arms  721 ,  722  can be completely therethrough and one of the bores defined by the second pair of arms  721 ,  722  can be partially disposed therethrough. In other embodiments, both bores defined by the second pair of arms  721 ,  722  can be disposed completely therethrough. 
     The coupler  730  and the first and second pins  140 ,  160  can be or otherwise provide a structural connection or linkage between the first clevis  710  and the second clevis  720 . The coupler  730  can define at least a first bore  733 , a second bore  734 , and a third bore (not visible but aligned with bore  723  defined by arm  722 ). The first bore  733  and the second bore  734  can partially intersect one another. In some embodiments, the third bore defined by the coupler  730  can be similar to or the same as the third bore  135  defined by the coupler  130  (see  FIGS.  1  and  5   ). In some embodiments, the first bore  733  and the third bore defined by the coupler  730  can each be completely therethrough and the second bore  734  defined by the coupler  730  can be partially therethrough. In other embodiments, the first bore  733 , the second bore  734 , and the third bore defined by the coupler  730  can each be completely therethrough. 
     In some embodiments, the coupler  730  can include a pair of arms  731 ,  732  disposed toward a first end of the coupler  730  and a lug  737  disposed toward a second end of the coupler  130 . The pair of arms  731 ,  732  can define the first bore  733 , a body of the coupler  730  between the pair of arms  731 , 732  and the lug  737  can define the second bore  734 , and the lug  737  can define the third bore. The coupler  730  can be connected to the first clevis  710  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the first pin  140  within the first bore  733  and the bores defined by the first pair of arms  711 ,  712  of the first clevis  710 . The coupler  730  can be connected to the second clevis  720  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the second pin  160  within the third bore and the bores defined by the second pair of arms  721 ,  722  of the second clevis  720  (bore  723  is visible in  FIG.  7   ). When in use, one or more forces on the dual axis joint  700  can be transmitted between the first clevis  710  and the coupler  730  through the first pin  740 . Similarly, when in use, one or more forces on the dual axis joint  700  can be transmitted between the second clevis  720  and the coupler  730  through the second pin  160 . In some embodiments, the first bore  733  and the third bore defined by the coupler  730  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. In some embodiments, the first bore  733  and the second bore  734  defined by the coupler can be substantially orthogonal to one another. 
     The wedge  150  can be disposed within the second bore  734  defined by the coupler  730 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , the first bore  733  and the second bore  734  can be arranged or configured such that the wedge  150  and the first pin  140  can contact one another. For example, the first pin  140  can include the engagement surface  141  formed on a portion of the external surface  142  thereof and the wedge  150  can include the engagement surface  151  formed on the external surface  152  thereof such that the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  can at least partially contact one another to restrict relative movement between the first pin  140  and the coupler  130 . In some embodiments, the contact between the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  and the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  can restrict or prevent relative movement between the first pin  140  and the coupler  730 . 
     It should be understood that, in some embodiments, the second pin  160  can be the same or substantially the same as the first pin  140 . For example, as further described below, in some embodiments, the second pin  160  can include one or more engagement surfaces that can be the same or similar to the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140 . In other embodiments, however, the second pin  160  can be free of any engagement surface such that the second pin  160  can be a substantially cylindrical body without any engagement surface formed on an outer surface thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the wedge  150  can be positioned within the second bore  734  such that the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  can be in contact with the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and a sufficient axial force can be applied to the wedge  150 , to preload the first pin  140  in a direction opposing a primary tensile loading of the dual axis joint  700  that the dual axis joint  700  is configured to be in when in a loaded condition. In some embodiments, the preload applied to the first pin  140  can be sufficient to bend the arms  731 ,  732  apart or away from one another. In such embodiments, the load applied to the first pin  140  can be reduced as an external tensile load is applied the dual axis joint  700 . It has been discovered that pre-loading the first pin  140  via the wedge  150  can facilitate a significant reduction in the overall dimensions of the dual axis joint  700 . More particularly, it has been discovered that pre-loading the first pin  140  via the wedge  150  can reduce the overall dimensions of the dual axis joint  700  such that a weight of the dual axis joint  700  can be &gt; 5 wt%, &gt; 10 wt%, &gt; 15 wt%, &gt; 20 wt%, &gt; 25 wt%, &gt; 30 wt%, &gt; 35 wt%, or &gt; 40 wt% less than a weight of a comparative dual axis joint constructed in the same manner except for the second bore  134  and the wedge  150  are not present to pre-load the first pin  140 . The force to install the wedge  150  and achieve a desired preload can be applied via any number of methods including a jack screw mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic jack, impact force or other similar apparatus. The need for a bushing between the first pin  140  and the bores  733  defined by the coupler  730  can be eliminated as the relative movement between the first pin  140  and coupler  730  can be restricted or prevented. 
       FIG.  8    depicts a cross-sectional view of another illustrative dual axis joint  800  that includes two wedges  150 ,  850  disposed within a coupler  830  of the dual axis joint  800  between a first pin  140  and a second pin  160 , according to one or more embodiments. The dual axis joint  800  can include a first clevis  810 , a second clevis  820 , the coupler  830 , the first pin  140 , the first wedge  150 , the second pin  160  and the second wedge  850 . The dual axis joint  800  can be connected to a first member M 1  and a second member M 2 . The dual axis joint  800  can allow for articulation of the first member M 1  relative to the second member M 2  about two non-parallel, non-intersecting axes while transmitting axial forces, shear forces, torque, or a combination thereof from the first member M 1  to the second member M 2  and/or from the second member M 2  to the first member M 1 . 
     The first clevis  810  can be joined, fastened, or otherwise connected to the first member M 1  and the second clevis  820  can be joined, fastened, or otherwise connected to the second member M 2 . The connection between the first clevis  810  and the first member M 1  and the connection between the second clevis  820  and the second member M 2  can be static such that the first clevis  810  does not move with respect to M 1  and the second clevis  820  does not move with respect to M 2 . Suitable connection systems or methods can include, but are not limited to, welding, bolts, bolts and nuts, rivets, pins, screws, mechanical connectors such as a collet connector, adhesives, or the like. 
     The first clevis  810  can include a first pair of arms (arm  811  is visible in  FIG.  8   ). The first pair of arms can define axially aligned cylindrical bores (not visible) at least partially therethrough. In some embodiments, one of the bores defined by the first pair of arms can be completely therethrough and one of the bores defined by the first pair of arms can be partially disposed therethrough. The second clevis  820  can include a second pair of arms  821 ,  822 . The second pair of arms  821 ,  822  can define axially aligned cylindrical bores,  823 ,  824  at least partially therethrough. In some embodiments, one of the bores  823 ,  824  defined by the second pair of arms  821 ,  822  can be completely therethrough and one of the bores defined by the second pair of arms  821 ,  822  can be partially disposed therethrough. 
     The coupler  830  and the first and second pins  140 ,  160  can be or otherwise provide a structural connection or linkage between the first clevis  810  and the second clevis  820 . The coupler  830  can define at least a first bore  833 , a second bore  834 , a third bore  835 , and a fourth bore  836 . In some embodiments, the first bore  833  and the third bore  835  defined by the coupler  830  can each be completely therethrough and the second bore  834  and the fourth bore  836  defined by the coupler  830  can be partially therethrough. In other embodiments, the first bore  833 , third bore  835 , and at least one of the second bore  834 , and the fourth bore  836  defined by the coupler  830  can each be completely therethrough. The first bore  833  and the second bore  834  can partially intersect one another. The third bore  835  and the fourth bore  836  can partially intersect one another. 
     The coupler  830  can include a pair of arms (one is shown in  FIGS.  8 ,  831   ) disposed toward a first end of the coupler  830  and a lug  832  disposed toward a second end of the coupler  830 . The pair of arms (one is shown,  831 ) can define the first bore  833 . The body of the coupler  830  can define the second bore  834  between the pair of arms disposed toward the first end of the coupler  830  and the lug  832  disposed toward the second end of the coupler  830 . The lug  832  disposed toward the second end of the coupler can define the third bore  835  and the fourth bore  836 . The coupler  830  can be connected to the first clevis  810  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the first pin  140  within the first bore  833  and the bores defined by the first pair of arms (arm  811  is visible in  FIG.  8   ) of the first clevis  810 . The coupler  830  can be connected to the second clevis  820  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the second pin  160  within the third bore  835  and the bores  823 ,  824  defined by the second pair of arms  821 ,  822  of the second clevis  820 . When in use, a loading and/or force(s) on the dual axis joint  800  can be transmitted between the first clevis  810  and the coupler  830  through the first pin  140 . Similarly, when in use, a loading and/or force(s) on the dual axis joint  800  can be transmitted between the second clevis  820  and the coupler  830  through the second pin  160 . 
     In some embodiments, the first bore  833  and the third bore  835  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. In some embodiments, the first bore  833  and the second bore  834  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. In some embodiments, the third bore  835  and the fourth bore  836  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. 
     The dual axis joint  800  can include the first wedge  150  that can be disposed within the second bore  834  defined by the coupler  830 . As shown in  FIG.  8   , the first bore  833  and the second bore  834  can be arranged or configured such that the first wedge  150  and the first pin  140  can contact one another. For example, the first pin  140  can include the engagement surface  141  formed on a portion of an external surface  142  thereof and the first wedge  150  can include an engagement surface  151  formed on an external surface  152  thereof such that the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and the engagement surface  151  of the first wedge  150  can contact one another to restrict relative movement between the first pin  140  and the coupler  130  (see  FIGS.  3  and  4   ). In some embodiments, the contact between the engagement surface  151  of the first wedge  150  and the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  can restrict or prevent relative movement between the first pin  140  and the coupler  830 . 
     In some embodiments, the first wedge  150  can be positioned within the second bore  834  such that the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  can be in contact with the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and a sufficient axial force can be applied to the first wedge  150 , to preload the first pin  140  in a direction opposing a primary tensile loading of the dual axis joint  800  the dual axis joint  800  is configured to be in when in a loaded condition. In some embodiments, the preload applied to the first pin  140  can be sufficient to bend the pair of arms (one is shown,  831 ) of the first end of the coupler  830  apart or away from one another. In such embodiments, the load applied to the first pin  140  can be reduced as an external tensile load is applied the dual axis joint  800 . Pre-loading the first pin  140  via the first wedge  150  can facilitate a significant reduction in the overall dimensions of the dual axis joint  800 . More particularly, pre-loading the first pin  140  via the wedge  150  can reduce the overall dimensions of the dual axis joint  800  such that a weight of the dual axis joint  800  can be &gt; 5 wt%, &gt; 10 wt%, &gt; 15 wt%, &gt; 20 wt%, &gt; 25 wt%, &gt; 30 wt%, &gt; 35 wt%, or &gt; 40 wt% less than a weight of a comparative dual axis joint constructed in the same manner except for the second bore  834  and the first wedge  150  are not present to pre-load the first pin  140 . The force to install the wedge  150  and achieve a desired preload can be applied via any number of methods including a jack screw mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic jack, impact force or other similar apparatus. It has also been discovered that the need for a bushing between the first pin  140  and the bores  831  and  832  defined by the coupler  830  can be eliminated as the relative movement between the first pin  140  and coupler  830  can be restricted or prevented. 
     In some embodiments, the second wedge  850  can be disposed within the fourth bore  836  defined by the coupler  830 . The third bore  835  and the fourth bore  836  can be arranged or configured such that the second wedge  850  and the second pin  160  can contact one another. For example, the second pin  160  can include the engagement surface  141  (see  FIG.  3   ) formed on a portion of the external surface  142  thereof and the second wedge  850  can include the engagement surface  151  (see  FIG.  4   ) formed on the external surface  152  thereof such that the engagement surface  141  of the second pin  160  and the engagement surface  151  of the second wedge  850  can contact one another to restrict relative movement between the second pin  160  and the coupler  830 . In some embodiments, the contact between the engagement surface  151  of the second wedge  850  and the engagement surface  141  of the second pin  160  can restrict or prevent relative movement between the second pin  160  and the coupler  830 . In such embodiments, the need for a bushing between the external surface of the second pin  160  and the internal surface of the third bore  835  defined by the coupler  830  can be eliminated as the relative movement between the second pin  160  and coupler  830  can be restricted or prevented. 
     In some embodiments the fourth bore  836  and the second wedge  850  can be placed or located in a position that can be on a side of the second pin  160  that can be opposite from the second member M 2 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . In other embodiments, the fourth bore  836  and the second wedge  850  can be placed or located in a position that can be on the same side of the second pin  160  as the second member M 2 , not shown. In some embodiments a bushing  841 ,  842  can be disposed between an inner surface of each arm of the second pair of arms  821 ,  822  and the second pin  160 . The bushings can be manufactured from bronze, brass, a polymer, a fiber reinforced composite material, or any other suitable material. 
       FIG.  9    depicts a cross-sectional view of another illustrative dual axis joint  900  that includes a first wedge  150  disposed within a coupler  930  of the dual axis joint  900  between a first pin  140  and a second pin  160  and a second wedge  850  disposed within the coupler  930  of the dual axis joint  900  on a side of the second pin  160  that is opposite of the first pin  140 , according to one or more embodiments. The dual axis joint  900  can include a clevis  910 , a lug  920 , the coupler  930 , the first pin  140 , the first wedge  150 , the second pin  160 , and the second wedge  850 . The dual axis joint  900  shown in  FIG.  9    can be connected to a first member M 1  and a second member M 2 , according to one or more embodiments. The dual axis joint  900  can allow for articulation of the first member M 1  relative to the second member M 2  about two non-parallel, non-intersecting axes while transmitting axial forces, shear forces, torque, or a combination thereof from the first member M 1  to the second member M 2  and/or from the second member M 2  to the first member M 1 . 
     The clevis  910  can be joined, fastened, or otherwise connected to the first member M 1  and the lug  920  can be joined, fastened, or otherwise connected to the second member M 2 . The connection between the clevis  910  and the first member M 1  and the connection between the lug  920  and the second member M 2  can be static such that the clevis  910  does not move with respect to M 1  and the lug  920  does not move with respect to M 2 . Suitable connection systems or methods can include, but are not limited to, welding, bolts, bolts and nuts, rivets, pins, screws, mechanical connectors such as a collet connector, adhesives, or the like. 
     The clevis  910  can include a pair of arms (one is shown in  FIGS.  9 ,  911   ). The pair of arms of the clevis  910  can define axially aligned cylindrical bores (not visible) at least partially therethrough. In some embodiments, one of the bores defined by the pair of arms of the clevis  910  can be completely therethrough and one of the bores defined by the pair of arms of the clevis  910  can be partially disposed therethrough. The lug  920  can define a first bore  921  therethrough and a second bore  922  at least partially therethrough. The first bore  921  and the second bore  922  can partially intersect one another. The coupler  930  and the first and second pins  140 ,  160  can be or otherwise provide a structural connection or linkage between the clevis  910  and the lug  920 . The coupler  930  can define a first bore  933 , a second bore  934 , and a third bore  935 . In some embodiments, the first bore  933  and the third bore  935  defined by the coupler  930  can each be completely therethrough and the second bore  934  defined by the coupler  930  can be partially therethrough. In other embodiments, the first bore  933 , the second bore  934 , and the third bore  935  defined by the coupler  830  can each be completely therethrough. 
     The coupler  930  can include a first pair of arms (one is shown,  931 ) disposed toward a first end of the coupler  930  and a second pair of arms  936 ,  937  disposed toward a second end of the coupler  930 . The first pair of arms can define the first bore  933 , the body of the coupler  930  disposed between the first and second ends of the coupler  930  can define the second bore  934 , and the second pair of arms  936 ,  937  can define the third bore  935 . The first bore  933  and the second bore  934  defined by the coupler  933  can partially intersect one another. The coupler  930  can be connected to the clevis  910  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the first pin  140  within the first bore  933  and the bores defined by the pair of arms of the clevis  910 . The coupler  930  can be connected to the lug  920  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the second pin  160  within the first bore  921  of the lug  920  and the bores  935  defined by the second pair of arms  936 ,  937 . When in use, a loading and/or force(s) on the dual axis joint  900  can be transmitted between the clevis  910  and the coupler  930  through the first pin  140 . Similarly, when in use, a loading and/or force(s) on the dual axis joint  900  can be transmitted between the lug  920  and the coupler  930  through the second pin  160 . In some embodiments, the first bore  933  defined by the coupler  930  and the third bore  935  defined by the coupler  930  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. In some embodiments, the first bore  933  and the second bore  934  defined by the coupler  930  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. In some embodiments, the first bore  921  and the second bore  922  defined by the lug  920  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. 
     The first wedge  150  can be disposed within the second bore  934  defined by the coupler  930 . The first bore  933  defined by the coupler  930  and the second bore  934  defined by the coupler  930  can be arranged or configured such that the first wedge  150  and the first pin  140  can contact one another. For example, the first pin  140  can include the engagement surface  141  formed on a portion of an external surface  142  thereof and the first wedge  150  can include the engagement surface  151  formed on the external surface  152  thereof such that the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and the engagement surface  151  of the first wedge  150  can contact one another to restrict relative movement between the first pin  140  and the coupler  930 . In some embodiments, the contact between the engagement surface  151  of the first wedge  150  and the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  can restrict or prevent relative movement between the first pin  940  and the coupler  930 . 
     In some embodiments, the first wedge  150  can be positioned within the second bore  934  such that the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  can be in contact with the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and a sufficient axial force can be applied to the first wedge  150  to preload the first pin  140  in a direction opposing a primary tensile loading of the dual axis joint  900 . In some embodiments, the preload applied to the first pin  140  can be sufficient to bend the first pair of arms (one is shown,  931 ) disposed toward the first end of the coupler  930  apart or away from one another. In such embodiments, the load applied to the first pin  140  can be reduced as an external tensile load is applied the dual axis joint  900 . It has been found that pre-loading the first pin  140  via the first wedge  150  can facilitate a significant reduction in the overall dimensions of the dual axis joint  900 . More particularly, pre-loading the first pin  140  via the wedge  150  can reduce the overall dimensions of the dual axis joint  100  such that a weight of the dual axis joint  900  can be &gt; 5 wt%, &gt; 10 wt%, &gt; 15 wt%, &gt; 20 wt%, &gt; 25 wt%, &gt; 30 wt%, &gt; 35 wt%, or &gt; 40 wt% less than a weight of a comparative dual axis joint constructed in the same manner except for the second bore  834  and the first wedge  150  are not present to pre-load the first pin  840 . The force to install the wedge  150  and achieve a desired preload can be applied via any number of methods including a jack screw mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic jack, impact force or other similar apparatus. The need for a bushing between the first pin  140  and the inner surfaces of the bores (one is shown,  931 ) defined by the coupler  930  can be eliminated as the relative movement between the first pin  140  and coupler can be restricted or prevented. 
     In some embodiments, the dual axis joint  900  can include the second wedge  850  disposed within the second bore  922  defined by the lug  920 . The third bore  935  of the coupler  930  and the second bore  922  of the lug  920  can be arranged or configured such that the second wedge  850  and the second pin  160  can contact one another. For example, the second pin  160  can include the engagement surface  141  formed on a portion of the external surface  142  thereof and the second wedge  850  can include the engagement surface  151  formed on the external surface  152  thereof such that the engagement surface 141of the second pin  160  and the engagement surface  151  of the second wedge  850  can contact one another to restrict relative movement between the second pin  160  and the lug  920 . In some embodiments, the contact between the engagement surface  151  of the second wedge  850  and the engagement surface  141  of the second pin  160  can restrict or prevent relative movement between the second pin  160  and the lug  920 . The need for a bushing between the external surface of the second pin  160  and the bore  935  defined by the lug  920  can be eliminated as the relative movement between the second pin  160  and the lug  920  can be restricted or prevented. As shown in  FIG.  9   , in some embodiments, the second wedge  850  can be placed or located in a position that is on the same side of the second pin  160  as the second member M 2 . In other embodiments, the second wedge  850  can be placed or located on a side of the second pin  160  that can be opposite from that of the second member M 2  (not shown). In some embodiments a bushing  942 ,  941  can be disposed between an inner surface of each bore defined by the second pair of arms  937 ,  936 , respectively, and the external surface of the second pin  160 . The bushings can be manufactured from bronze, brass, a polymer, a fiber reinforced composite material, or any other suitable material. 
       FIG.  10    depicts the dual axis joint  100  shown in  FIG.  1    that further includes cover plates  1005 ,  1010  disposed over the first and second pins  140 ,  160  and a cover plate  1030  disposed over the wedge  150  located within the dual axis joint  100 , according to one or more embodiments. Cover plates  1005 ,  1010  can be used to secure the first and second pins  140 ,  160  within the bores defined by first and second clevis  110 ,  120 . The cover plates  1005 ,  1010  can be fixed to the outer surface of the first and second clevis ( 110 ,  120 ) as shown or directly to the end of each pin  140 ,  160 , not shown. The cover plates  1005 ,  1010  can be attached to the clevis  110 ,  120  or the pin  140 ,  160  by at least one bolt, threaded screw, cap screw, or other mechanical fastener  1020 . In some embodiments, the end cap plates  1005 ,  1010 ,  1030  can be fitted with a seal, not shown to keep debris, the exterior environment, moisture or water in the case of submerged applications, out of the space between the clevis  110 ,  120  and the pin  140 ,  160 . It should be understood that additional cover plates can be disposed over the opposite ends of the first and second pins  140 ,  160  and should the bore the wedge  150  is disposed in extend through the coupler  130  an additional cover plate can also be disposed over the opposite end of the bore. 
       FIG.  11    depicts a perspective cross-sectional view of another illustrative dual axis joint  1100  connected to a first member M 1  and a second member M 2 , according to one or more embodiments. The dual axis joint  1100  can include a first lug  1110 , a second lug  1120 , a coupler  1130 , a first pin  140 , a first wedge  150 , a second pin  160  and, optionally, a second wedge  850 . The dual axis joint  1100  can allow for articulation of the first member M 1  relative to the second member M 2  about two non-parallel, non-intersecting axes while transmitting axial forces, shear forces, torque, or a combination thereof from the first member M 1  to the second member M 2  and/or from the second member M 2  to the first member M 1 . 
     The first lug  1110  can be joined, fastened, or otherwise connected to the first member M 1  and the second lug  1120  can be joined, fastened, or otherwise connected to the second member M 2 . In some embodiments, the connection between the first lug  1110  and the first member M 1  and the connection between the second lug  1120  and the second member M 2  can be static such that the first lug  1110  does not move with respect to M 1  and the second lug  1120  does not move with respect to M 2 . Suitable connection systems or methods can include, but are not limited to, welding, bolts, bolts and nuts, rivets, pins, screws, mechanical connectors such as a collet connector, adhesives, or the like. 
     The first lug  1110  can define a first bore  1111  therethrough and a second bore  1112  at least partially therethrough. The first bore  1111  and the second bore  1112  defined by the first lug  1110  can partially intersect one another. In some embodiments, the first bore  111  and the second bore  1112  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. The second lug  1120  can define a first bore therethrough  1121  and, optionally, a second bore  1122  at least partially therethrough. When the second lug  1120  defines the optional second bore  1122 , the first bore  1121  and the second bore  1122  defined by the coupler  1120  can partially intersect one another. In some embodiments, when the second lug  1120  defines the optional second bore  1122 , the first bore  1121  and the second bore  1122  can be substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. The coupler  1130  and the first and second pins  140 ,  160  can be or otherwise provide a structural connection or linkage between the first lug  1110  and the second lug  1120 . 
     The coupler  1130  can include a first pair of arms (one is shown,  1140 ) disposed toward a first end of the coupler  1130  that can define a first pair of bores (the location of one,  1133 , is located on the back side of arm  1140 ) and a second pair of arms  1142 ,  1143  disposed toward a second end of the coupler  1130  that can define a second pair of bores  1135 ,  1136 . The first pair of bores and/or the second pair of bores defined by the coupler  1130  can be axially aligned with one another. In some embodiments, the first pair of bores defined by the coupler  1130  and the second pair of bores defined by the coupler  1130  can each be completely therethrough. In other embodiments one of the bores of the first pair of bores and/or one of the bores of the second pair bores defined by the coupler  1130  can be completely therethrough and the other bore of the first pair of bores and/or the other bore of the second pair of bores defined by the coupler  1130  can be partially therethrough. 
     The coupler  1130  can be connected to the fist lug  1110  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the first pin  140  within the first bore  1111  and the axially aligned bores ( 1133  is shown on  FIG.  11   ) defined by the first pair of arms of the coupler  1130 . The coupler  1130  can be connected to the second lug  1120  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the second pin  160  within the bore  1121  of the second lug  1120  and the axially aligned bores  1135 ,  1136  defined by the second pair of arms  1142 ,  1143  of the coupler  1130 . When in use, a loading and/or force(s) on the dual axis joint  1100  can be transmitted between the first lug  1110  and the coupler  1130  through the first pin  140 . Similarly, when in use, a loading and/or force(s) on the dual axis joint  1100  can be transmitted between the second lug  1120  and the coupler  1130  through the second pin  160 . In some embodiments, the first pair of axially aligned bores (1133 is shown in  FIG.  11   ) defined by the coupler  1130  and the second pair of axially aligned bores  1135 ,  1136  defined by the coupler  1130  can be substantially orthogonal to one another. 
     The first wedge  150  can be disposed within the second bore  1112  defined by the first lug  1110 . The first bore  1111  and the second bore  1112  defined by the first lug  1110  can be arranged or configured such that the first wedge  150  and the first pin  140  can contact one another. For example, the first pin  140  can include the engagement surface  141  formed on a portion of the external surface  142  thereof and the first wedge  150  can include the engagement surface  151  formed on the external surface  152  thereof such that the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and the engagement surface  151  of the first wedge  150  can contact one another to restrict relative movement between the first pin  140  and the first lug1110. In some embodiments, the contact between the engagement surface  151  of the first wedge  150  and the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  can restrict or prevent relative movement between the first pin  140  and the first lug  1110 . 
     In some embodiments, the first wedge  150  can be positioned within the second bore  1112  such that the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  can be in contact with the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and a sufficient axial force can be applied to the first wedge  150  to preload the first pin  140  in a direction aligned with a primary tensile loading of the dual axis joint  1100 . In other embodiments, the first wedge  150  can be positioned within the second bore  1112  such that the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  can be in contact with the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  and a sufficient axial force can be applied to the first wedge  150 , to preload the first pin  140  in a direction opposing a primary tensile loading of the dual axis joint  1100 . 
     The force to install the wedge  150  and achieve a desired preload can be applied via any number of methods including a jack screw mechanism, a hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic jack, impact force, or other similar apparatus. The need for a bushing between the external surface of the first pin  140  and the inner surface of the bore  1111  defined by the first lug  1110  can be eliminated as the relative movement between the first pin  140  and first lug  1110  can be restricted or prevented. In some embodiments, the second bore  1112  and the first wedge  150  can be placed or located on a side of the pin  140  that can be opposite that of the first member M 1  such that the first wedge  150  can be located between the first pin  140  and the second pin  160  (not shown). In other embodiments, the first wedge  150  can be placed or located on a side of the pin  140  that can be the same as the first member M 1 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . 
     In some embodiments, the dual axis joint  1100  can include the optional second wedge  850  that can be disposed within the optional second bore  1122  defined by the second lug  1120 . The second bore  1122  defined by the second lug  1120  can be arranged or configured such that the second wedge  850  and the second pin  160  can contact one another. The second bore  1122  of the second lug  1120  can be arranged or configured such that the second pin  160  can include the engagement surface  141  formed on a portion of the external surface  142  thereof and the second wedge  850  can include the engagement surface  151  formed on the external surface  152  thereof such that the engagement surface  141  of the second pin  160  and the engagement surface  151  of the second wedge  850  can contact one another to restrict relative movement between the second pin  160  and the second lug  1120 . In some embodiments, the contact between the engagement surface  151  of the second wedge  850  and the engagement surface  141  of the second pin  160  can restrict or prevent relative movement, e.g., rotation, between the second pin  160  and the second lug  1120 . In some embodiments, the need for a bushing, between the second pin  160  and an inner surface of the second bore  1121  defined by the second lug  1120  can be eliminated as the relative movement between the second pin  160  and second lug  1120  can be restricted or prevented. In some embodiments the optional second bore  1122  and the second wedge  850  can be placed or located on a side of the second pin  160  that can be opposite that of the second member M 2  such that the second wedge  850  can be located between the first pin  140  and the second pin  160  (not shown). In other embodiments, the optional second bore  1122  and the optional second wedge  850  can be placed or located on a side of the pin  160  that can be the same as the second member M 2 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . In some embodiments, a bushing  1151 ,  1152  can be disposed between an inner surface of each arm of the second pair of arms  1142 ,  1143  and the second pin  160 . The bushings can be manufactured from bronze, brass, a polymer, a fiber reinforced composite material, or any other suitable material. 
       FIG.  12    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative coupler  1200  that defines a first bore  1201  and a second bore  1202  toward a first end thereof and a third bore  1203  toward a second end thereof, according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the first bore  1201  defined by the coupler  1200  and the third bore  1203  defined by the coupler  1200  can each be completely therethrough and the second bore  1202  defined by the coupler  1200  can be partially therethrough or completely therethrough. The first bore  1201  and the second bore  1202  can partially intersect one another. In some embodiments, the partial intersection between the first bore  1201  and the second bore  1202  can be centrally located, with respect to a length of the first bore  1201  between a first end and a second end thereof. In other embodiments, the partial intersection between the first bore  1201  and the second bore  1202  can be located closer to first end or the second end of the first bore  1201  such that the partial intersection is not centered along a length of the first bore  1201 . 
     The coupler  1200  can include a first lug  1204  disposed toward a first end of the coupler  1200  and a second lug  1205  disposed toward a second end of the coupler  1200 . The first lug  1204  can define the first bore  1201  and the second bore  1202 . The first bore  1201  can be configured to receive the pin  140  that includes the engagement surface  141 . The coupler  1200  can be configured to connect to a first member, e.g., M 1  described above, by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the pin  140  within the first bore  1201  and the pair of corresponding bores defined by the pair of arms of the first member M 1  or a clevis  110  connected to the first member M 1 . Similarly, the coupler  1200  can be connected to a second member, e.g., M 2  described above, by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing a pin (for example pin  140  with or without the engagement surface) within the third bore  1203  and the pair of corresponding bores defined by the pair of arms of the second member M 2  or a clevis  120  connected to the second member M 2 . The second bore  1202  can be configured to receive the wedge  150 . The partial intersection of the first bore  1201  and the second bore  1202  can permit the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  to be in contact with the engagement surface  141  of the pin  140  when the pin  140  and the wedge  150  are disposed within the first and second bores  1201 ,  1202 , respectively, such that the relative movement between the pin  140  and the coupler  1200  can be restricted or prevented. 
     In some embodiments, the first bore  1201  and the third bore  1203  can be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the first bore  1201  and the second bore  1202  can be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. 
     In some embodiments, the first bore  1201  can be free of any bushing between an inner surface of the first bore  1201  and the outer surface  142  of the pin  140  when the pin  140  is disposed within the first bore  1201 . It has been found that by applying a sufficient amount of axial force to the wedge  150 , the need for a bushing between the outer surface  142  of the pin  140  and the inner surface of the first bore  1201  can be eliminated. In other embodiments, the first bore  1201  can include a bushing disposed between the inner surface of the first bore  1201  and the outer surface  142  of the pin  140  when the pin  140  is disposed within the first bore  1201 . In some embodiments, when a bushing is disposed within the first bore  1201  between the inner surface of the first bore  1201  and the outer surface  142  of the pin  140 , the bushing can define a slot or other aperture partially therethrough to allow the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  to contact the engagement surface of  141  of the pin  140 . 
       FIGS.  13  and  14    depict perspective views of an illustrative coupler  1300  that defines a groove  1307  at a first end of the coupler  1300 , according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments the coupler  1300  can define a first bore  1301  and a second bore  1302  disposed toward a first end thereof and a third bore  1303  and, optionally, a fourth bore  1304  disposed toward a second end thereof. In some embodiments, the first bore  1301  and the third bore  1303  defined by the coupler  1300  can each be completely therethrough and the second bore  1302  and the optional fourth bore  1304  defined by the coupler  1300  can be partially therethrough or completely therethrough. In some embodiments, the first bore  1301  and the third bore  1303  can be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the first bore  1301  and the second bore  1302  can be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the third bore  1303  and, if present, the optional fourth bore  1304  can be oriented substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. 
     The first bore  1301  and the second bore  1302  can partially intersect one another. When the coupler  1300  includes the optional fourth bore  1304 , the third bore  1303  and the fourth bore  1304  can partially intersect one another. In some embodiments, the partial intersection between the first bore  1301  and the second bore  1302  can be centrally located, with respect to a length of the first bore  1301  between a first end and a second end thereof. In other embodiments, the partial intersection between the first bore  1301  and the second bore  1302  can be located closer to the first end or the second end of the first bore  1301  such that the partial intersection is not centered along a length of the first bore  1301 . In some embodiments, when the optional fourth bore  1304  is present, the partial intersection between the third bore  1303  and the fourth bore  1304  can be centrally located, with respect to a length of the third bore  1303  between a first end and a second end thereof. In other embodiments, when the optional fourth is present, the partial intersection between the third bore  1303  and the fourth bore  1304  can be located closer to first end or the second end of the third bore  1303  such that the partial intersection is not centered along a length of the third bore  1303 . 
     In some embodiments, the coupler  1300  can include a first lug  1305  disposed at the first end thereof and a second lug  1306  disposed at a second end thereof. The coupler  1300  can be connected to a first member, e.g., M 1  described above, by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the pin  140  within the first bore  1301  and the pair of corresponding bores defined by the first member M 1  or a first clevis  110  connected to M 1 . Similarly, the coupler  1300  can be connected to a second member, e.g., M 2  described above, by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing the pin  140  within the third bore  1303  and a pair of corresponding bores defined by the second member M 2  or a second clevis  120  connected to M 2 . The second bore  1302  can be configured to receive the wedge  150 . The partial intersection of the first bore  1301  and the second bore  1302  can permit the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  to be in contact with the engagement surface  141  of the pin  140  when the pin  140  and the wedge  150  are disposed within the first and second bores  1301 ,  1302 , respectively, such that the relative movement between the pin  140  disposed within the first bore and the coupler  1300  can be restricted or prevented. 
     In some embodiments, the groove  1307  can be oriented substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the first bore  1301 . In some embodiments, the first lug  1305  can define the groove  1307  as shown in  FIG.  13   . In other embodiments, the first lug  1305  can define the groove  1307  such that the groove  1307  and the first bore  1301  partially intersect one another, for example as shown in  FIG.  7   . 
     In some embodiments, the optional fourth bore  1304 , when present, can be configured to receive a wedge  150 . The partial intersection of the third bore  1303  and the fourth bore  1304  can permit the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  to be in contact with the engagement surface  141  of the pin  140  when the pin  140  and the wedge  150  are disposed within the third and fourth bores  1303 ,  1304 , respectively, such that the relative movement between the pin  140  disposed within the third bore  1303  and the coupler  1300  can restricted or prevented.. 
     In some embodiments, the first bore  1301  can be free of any bushing between an inner surface of the first bore  1301  and the outer surface  142  of the pin  140  when the pin  140  is disposed within the first bore  1301 . In some embodiments, the third bore  1303  can be free of any bushing between an inner surface of the third bore  1303  and the outer surface  142  of the pin  140  when the pin  140  is disposed within the third bore  1303 . In some embodiments, if a bushing is disposed within the first bore  1301  between the inner surface of the first bore  1301  and the outer surface  142  of the pin  140 , the bushing can define a slot or other aperture partially therethrough to allow the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  to contact the engagement surface of  141  of the pin  140 . 
       FIGS.  15  and  16    depict perspective views of an illustrative coupler  1500  that includes a lug  1505  at a first end thereof that defines a groove  1508  and a first bore  1501  that partially intersect one another and a pair of arms  1506 ,  1507  at a second end thereof that that define a pair of axially aligned bores  1503 ,  1504 , according to one or more embodiments. The lug  1505  can define the first bore  1501  therethrough and a second bore  1502  at least partially therethrough. The first bore  1501  and the second bore  1502  can partially intersect one another. The groove  1507 , as shown in  FIGS.  15  and  16   , can partially intersect the first bore  1501  such that a portion of an inner surface of the first bore extending from a first end to a second end thereof that is opposite the partial intersection of the first bore  1501  and the second bore  1502  is discontinuous. In other embodiments, however, the groove  1507  can be configured so that it does not intersect the first bore  1501 , not shown, such that the inner surface of the first bore  1501  that is opposite the partial intersection of the first bore  1501  and the second bore  1502  is continuous. 
     The coupler  1500  can be connected to a first member, e.g., M 1  described above, by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing a pin  140  within the first bore  1501  and a pair of corresponding bores defined by the first member M 1  or a first clevis  110  connected to M 1 . Similarly, the coupler  1500  can be connected to a second member, e.g., M 2  described above, by placing, locating or otherwise disposing a pin  140  within the pair of axially aligned bores  1503 ,  1504  defined by the pair of arms  1506 ,  1507  and a bore by the second member M 2  or a lug  920  connected to M 2 . 
     In some embodiments, a central axis of the first bore  1501  and a central axis of the second bore  1502  defined by the coupler  1500  can be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one other. In some embodiments, a central axis of the first bore  1501  defined by the coupler  1500  and a central axis of the axially aligned bores  1503 ,  1504  defined by the pair of arms  1505 ,  1506  can be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. 
     In some embodiments, the first bore  1501  can be free of any bushing between an inner surface of the first bore  1501  and the outer surface  142  of the pin  140  when the pin  140  is disposed within the first bore  1501 . It has been found that by applying a sufficient amount of axial force to the wedge  150 , the need for a bushing between the outer surface  142  of the pin  140  and the inner surface of the first bore  1501  can be eliminated. In other embodiments, the bore  1501  can include a bushing disposed between the inner surface of the first bore  1501  and the outer surface  142  of the pin  140  when the pin  140  is disposed within the first bore  1501 . In some embodiments, when a bushing is disposed within the first bore  1501  between the inner surface of the first bore  1501  and the outer surface  142  of the pin  140 , the bushing can define a slot or other aperture partially therethrough to allow the engagement surface  151  of the wedge  150  to contact the engagement surface of  141  of the pin  140 . 
       FIG.  17    depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a dual axis joint  1700 , according to one or more embodiments. The dual axis joint  1700  can be configured to provide an articulated connection about two axes of rotation between a first member M 1  and a second member M 2 . The dual axis joint can include a coupler  1710 , a first pin  140 , a second pin  160 , a first wedge  150  and a second wedge  1740 . 
     The coupler  1710  can include a first pair of arms (one is shown,  1711 ) disposed toward a first end of the coupler  1710  that can define a first pair of axially aligned bores (the location of one,  1713 , is located on the back side of arm  1711 ) and a second pair of arms  1715 ,  1716  disposed toward a second end of the coupler  1710  that can define a second pair of axially aligned bores  1717 ,  1718 . In some embodiments, the first pair of axially aligned bores defined by the coupler  1710  and the second pair of axially aligned bores defined by the coupler  1710  can each be completely therethrough. In other embodiments, one of the bores defined by the first pair of arms and one of the bores defined by the second pair of arms can be completely therethrough and the other bore defined by the first pair of arms and/or the other bore defined by the second pair of arms can be partially therethrough. 
     The coupler  1710  can be connected to the fist member M 1  by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing a first pin  140  within the axially aligned bores (one is shown,  1713 ) defined by the first pair of arms (one is shown,  1711 ) of the coupler  1710  and a first bore  1720  defined by the first member M 1 . The coupler  1710  can be connected to the second member by placing, locating, or otherwise disposing a second pin  160  within the axially aligned bores  1717 ,  1718  defined by the second pair of arms  1715 ,  1716  of the coupler  1710  and a first bore  1730  defined the second member M 2 . The first member M 1  can define a second bore  1721  configured to receive the first wedge  150  and the second member M 2  can define a second bore  1731  configured to receive the second wedge  1740 . The first and second bores  1720  and  1721  defined by the first member M 1  can partially intersect one another. The first and second bores  1730  and  1731  defined by the second member M 2  can partially intersect one another. In some embodiments, the dual axis joint  1700  can include the first wedge  150  disposed within the second bore  1721  defined by the first member M 1  such that the engagement surface  151  of the first wedge  150  can be in contact with the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  to restrict or prevent relative movement between the first pin  140  and the first member M 1 . The dual axis joint  1700  can also include the second wedge  1740  disposed within the second bore  1731  defined by the second member M 2  such that the engagement surface  1741  of the second wedge  1740  can be in contact with the engagement surface  161  of the second pin  160  to restrict relative movement between the second pin  160  and the second member M 2 . In some embodiments, a central axis of the first pair of axially aligned bores (one is shown,  1713 ) defined by the first pair of arms (one is shown,  1711 ) and a central axis of the second pair of axially aligned bores  1717 ,  1718  defined by the second pair of arms  1715 ,  1716  be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. 
     In some embodiments a bushing  1761 ,  1762  can be disposed between an inner surface of each bore defined by the second pair of arms  1717 ,  1718 , respectively, and the external surface of the second pin  160 . Similarly, in some embodiments, a bushing (not visible in  FIG.  17   ) can be disposed between an inner surface of each bore defined by the first pair of arms (one arm is shown,  1711 ) and the external surface of the first pin  140 . The bushings can be manufactured from bronze, brass, a polymer, a fiber reinforced composite material, or any other suitable material. 
       FIG.  18    depicts a perspective view of an illustrative chain table CT that can be configured to connect to a mooring turret (not shown) having a plurality of dual axis joints  1800  connected thereto, according to one or more embodiments. The chain table CT can also be referred to as a first member that the plurality of dual axis joints  1800  can be configured to connect to at a first end thereof. The plurality of dual axis joints  1800  can also be configured to connect to a second member (not shown) at a second end thereof, such as a plurality of corresponding chains or other elongated members that can be configured to connect to a seabed or other mooring point. 
       FIG.  19    depicts a perspective view of one of the dual axis joints  1800  shown in  FIG.  18   , according to one or more embodiments.  FIG.  20    depicts a cross-sectional view of the dual axis joint  1800  shown in  FIG.  19   . The dual axis joint  1800  can include a coupler  1810 , a first pin  140 , a first wedge  150 , a second pin  160 , an arm  1860 , and a second wedge  1850 . 
     The coupler  1810  can include a lug  1811  disposed at a first end of the coupler  1810  and a pair of arms  1812 ,  1813  disposed at a second end of the coupler  1810 . The lug  1811  can define a first bore  1814  therethrough and a second bore  1815  at least partially therethrough. The pair of arms  1812 ,  1813  can define a pair of axially aligned bores  1816  and  1817  therethrough. The first bore  1814  and the second bore  1815  defined by the coupler  1810  can partially intersect one other. In some embodiments, the coupler  1800  can also define a groove  1818  that can be orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the first bore  1814 . In some embodiments, the groove  1818  can partially intersect the first bore  1814  (not shown). In other embodiments, as shown, the groove  1818  does not intersect the first bore  1814  defined by the coupler  1800 . 
     The first pin  140  can be disposed within the first bore  1814  and a corresponding pair of axially aligned bores  1870 ,  1871  defined by the chain table CT (shown in  FIG.  18   ). The first pin  140  can have an engagement surface  141  formed on a portion of the external surface  142  of the first pin  140  between a first end  143  and a second end  144  of the first pin  140 . The first wedge  150  can be disposed within the second bore  1815 . The first wedge  150  can have an engagement surface  151  formed on an external surface  151  of the first wedge  150  between a first end  153  and a second end  154  of the first wedge  150 . The engagement surface  151  of the first wedge  150  can contact the engagement surface  141  of the first pin  140  thereby restricting movement between the first pin  140  and the coupler  1810 . In some embodiments, a central axis of the first bore  1814  defined by the coupler  1810  and a central axis of the axially aligned bores  1816 ,  1817  defined by the coupler  1810  can be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. In some embodiments, a central axis of the first bore  1814  defined by the coupler  1810  and a central axis of the second bore  1815  defined by the coupler  1810  can be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. 
     The arm  1860  can define a first bore  1851  therethrough and a second bore  1852  at least partially therethrough disposed toward a first end of the arm  1860  and a third bore  1853  therethrough disposed toward a second end of the arm  1860 . The arm  1860  can be configured at the second end to receive, connect to, or otherwise be attached to a second member, e.g., a chain or other member. The connection between the second member and the arm  1850  can be made via a shackle, h-link, grommet, or other similar connection apparatus. 
     The second pin  160  can be disposed within the pair of axially aligned bores  1816 ,  1817  defined by the coupler  1810  and the first bore  1851  of the arm  1860 . The second pin  160  can have an engagement surface  161  formed on a portion of the external surface of the second pin  160  between a first end and a second end of the second pin  160 . The second wedge  1850  can be disposed within the second bore  1852  of the arm  1860 . The second wedge  1850  can have an engagement surface  1861  formed on an external surface of the second wedge  1850  between a first end and a second end of the second wedge  1850 . The engagement surface  1861  of the second wedge  1850  can contact the engagement surface  161  of the second pin  160  thereby restricting or preventing movement between the second pin  160  and the arm  1860 . 
     In some embodiments, a central axis of the first bore  1851  defined by the arm  1860  and a central axis of third bore  1853  defined by the arm  1860  can be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. In some embodiments, a central axis of the first bore  1851  defined by the arm  1860  and a central axis of second bore  1852  defined by the arm  1860  can be orientated substantially orthogonal with respect to one another. 
     In some embodiments a bushing  1881 ,  1882  can be disposed between an inner surface of each bore  1817 ,  1816  defined by the pair of arms  1812 ,  1813 , respectively, and the external surface  162  of the second pin  160 . Similarly, in some embodiments, a pair of bushings (not visible) can be disposed between an inner surface of each bore  1870 ,  1871  defined by the CT and the external surface  142  of the first pin  140 . The bushings can be manufactured from bronze, brass, a polymer, a fiber reinforced composite material, or any other suitable material 
     The present disclosure further relates to any one or more of the following numbered embodiments: 
     1. A coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about two axes of rotation between a first member and a second member, comprising a first end that defines a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough, wherein the first bore and the second bore partially intersect one another; and a second end that defines a third bore therethrough. 
     2. The coupler of paragraph 1, wherein a central axis though the first bore and a central axis through the second bore are substantially orthogonal to one other. 
     3. The coupler of paragraph 1 or paragraph 2, wherein, a central axis though the first bore and a central axis through the third bore are substantially orthogonal to one other. 
     4. The coupler of any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the first end comprises a lug such that at least a portion of an inner surface of the first bore extending from a first end to a second end thereof is continuous, and wherein the second end comprises a lug such that at least a portion of an inner surface of the third bore extending from a first end to a second end thereof is continuous. 
     5. The coupler of any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the first end defines a groove that is substantially orthogonal to a central axis of the first bore. 
     6. The coupler of paragraphs 4 or 5, wherein the groove partially intersects the first bore such that a portion of an inner surface of the first bore extending from a first end to a second end thereof that is opposite the partial intersection of the first and second bores is discontinuous. 
     7. The coupler of any of one paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the first bore is configured to receive a pin comprising an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof, the second bore is configured to receive a wedge comprising an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and the partial intersection between the first bore and the second bore is configured to permit the engagement surface of the wedge to contact the engagement surface of the pin when the pin and the wedge are disposed within the first and second bores, respectively. 
     8. The coupler of any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, further comprising a first pin disposed within the first bore of the coupler, wherein the first pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof; and a first wedge disposed within the second bore, wherein the first wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the partial intersection between the first bore and the second bore permits the engagement surface of the first wedge to contact the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the coupler. 
     9. The coupler of paragraph 8, further comprising a second pin disposed within the third bore of the coupler. 
     10. The coupler of any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the second end of the coupler further defines a fourth bore at least partially therethrough configured to receive a second wedge comprising an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, the third bore and the fourth bore partially intersect one another, a central axis though the third bore and a central axis through the fourth bore are substantially orthogonal to one other, and the partial intersection between the third bore and the fourth bore is configured to permit the engagement surface of the second wedge to contact the engagement surface of the pin when the pin and the wedge are disposed within the third and fourth bores, respectively. 
     11. The coupler of any one of paragraphs 1-6 or 8, wherein the second end of the coupler further defines a fourth bore at least partially therethrough, and wherein the third bore and the fourth bore partially intersect one another; the coupler further comprising a second pin disposed within the third bore of the coupler, wherein the second pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second pin between a first end and a second end thereof, a second wedge disposed within the fourth bore, wherein the second wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the partial intersection between the third bore and the fourth bore permits the engagement surface of the second wedge to contact the engagement surface of the second pin thereby restricting relative movement between the second pin and the coupler. 
     12. The coupler of paragraph 1, wherein the first end comprises a lug and the second end comprises a pair of arms, wherein the pair of arms define axially aligned bores therethrough such that the third bore is defined by the pair of arms, and wherein the lug defines the first bore therethrough and the second bore at least partially therethrough. 
     13. The coupler of paragraph 12, wherein a central axis through the first bore and a central axis through the second bore are substantially orthogonal to one another.. 
     14. The coupler of paragraph 12 or paragraph 13, wherein at least a portion of an inner surface of the first bore extending from a first end to a second end thereof is continuous. 
     15. The coupler of any one of paragraphs 12 to 14, wherein the first end defines a groove that is substantially orthogonal to a central axis of the first bore. 
     16. The coupler of paragraph 15, wherein the groove partially intersects the first bore such that a portion of an inner surface of the first bore extending from a first end to a second end thereof that is opposite the partial intersection of the first and second bores is discontinuous. 
     17. The coupler of any one of paragraphs 12 to 16, wherein: the first bore is configured to receive a first pin comprising an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof, the second bore is configured to receive a first wedge comprising an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and the partial intersection between the first bore and the second bore is configured to permit the engagement surface of the first wedge to contact the engagement surface of the first pin when the first pin and the first wedge are disposed within the first and second bores, respectively. 
     18. The coupler of any one of paragraphs 12 to 16, further comprising: 
     a first pin disposed within the first bore of the coupler, wherein the first pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof; and a first wedge disposed within the second bore, wherein the first wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the partial intersection between the first bore and the second bore permits the engagement surface of the first wedge to contact the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the coupler. 
     19. A dual axis joint, comprising: a coupler comprising a lug disposed at a first end thereof and a pair of arms disposed at a second end thereof, wherein the lug defines a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough, wherein the first bore and the second bore partially intersect one another, and wherein the pair of arms define a pair of axially aligned bores therethrough, a first pin disposed within the first bore, wherein the first pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof, a first wedge disposed within the second bore, wherein the first wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the first wedge contacts the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the coupler, an arm defining a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough, wherein the first bore defined by the arm and the second bore defined by the arm are disposed toward a first end of the arm, a second pin disposed within the pair of axially aligned bores defined by the pair of arms of the coupler and the first bore defined by the arm, wherein the second pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second pin between a first end and a second end thereof, and a second wedge disposed within the second bore defined by the arm, wherein the second wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the second wedge contacts the engagement surface of the second pin thereby restricting relative movement between the second pin and the arm. 
     20. The dual axis joint of paragraph 20, wherein a central axis through the first bore defined by the lug and a central axis through the pair of axially aligned bores defined by the pair of arms are substantially orthogonal to one another. 
     21. The dual axis joint of paragraph 19 or paragraph 20, wherein a central axis through the first bore defined by the lug and a central axis through the second bore defined by the lug are substantially orthogonal to one another. 
     22. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 19 to 21, wherein a central axis through the first bore of the arm and a central axis through the second bore of the arm are substantially orthogonal to one another. 
     23. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 19 to 22, wherein the first end of the lug defines a groove that is substantially orthogonal to a central axis of the first bore. 
     24. A dual axis joint, comprising: a first clevis comprising a pair of arms that define axially aligned bores therethrough; a second clevis comprising a pair of arms that define axially aligned bores therethrough; a coupler that defines a first bore therethrough, a second bore at least partially therethrough, and a third bore therethrough, wherein the first and second bores are disposed toward a first end of the coupler and the third bore is disposed toward a second end of the coupler; a first pin disposed within the bores of the first clevis and the first bore, wherein the first pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof; a wedge disposed within the second bore, wherein the wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the wedge contacts the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the coupler; and a second pin disposed within the bores of the second clevis and the third bore. 
     25. The dual axis joint of paragraph 24, wherein a central axis through the first bore and a central axis through the third bore are not parallel and do not intersect one another. 
     26. The dual axis joint of paragraph 24 or paragraph 25, wherein a central axis through the first bore lies in a first plane and a central axis through the third bore lies in a second plane, wherein the first and second planes are parallel with respect to one another, and wherein the central axis through the first bore and the central axis through the third bore are orientated at 90 degrees with respect to one another when viewed along an axis that is normal to the first and second planes. 
     27. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 24 to 26, wherein a thickness of a first end of the wedge is less than a thickness of a second end of the wedge such that the engagement surface of the wedge is tapered along a longitudinal axis of the wedge. 
     28. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 24 to 27, wherein a force is applied to the wedge to position at least a portion of the engagement surface of the wedge in contact with at least a portion of the engagement surface of the first pin. 
     29. The dual axis joint of paragraph 28, wherein the force applied to the wedge is sufficient to preload the first pin in a direction opposing a load on the first pin when the dual axis joint is subjected to an external tensile load. 
     30. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 24 to 29, wherein the first end of the coupler comprises a pair of arms that define axially aligned bores therethrough such that the first bore is defined by the pair of arms of the first end of the coupler. 
     31. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 24 to 27, wherein: the first end of the coupler comprises a pair of arms that define axially aligned bores therethrough such that the first bore is defined by the pair of arms of the first end of the coupler, a force is applied to the wedge to position at least a portion of the engagement surface of the wedge in contact with at least a portion of the engagement surface of the first pin, and the pair of arms of the first end of the coupler bend away from one another when the first pin is preloaded. 
     32. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 24 to 31, wherein: the wedge comprises a generally cylindrical body having a first end and a second end, the engagement surface of the wedge is disposed at least partially along a length of the generally cylindrical body between the first and second ends thereof, and at least a portion of the first end, the second end, or the first and second ends of the wedge has a frustoconical outer surface. 
     33. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 1 to 32, further comprising a pair of bushings, each bushing disposed between an outer surface of the first pin and an inner surface of each arm of the first clevis that define the axially aligned bores therethrough, and wherein an inner surface of the first end of the coupler that defines the first bore therethrough is in direct contact with an outer surface of the first pin. 
     34. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 24 to 33, wherein an outer surface of the first pin is in direct contact with an inner surface of the coupler that defines the first bore. 
     35. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 24 to 34, further comprising a bushing disposed between an outer surface of the first pin and an inner surface of the coupler that defines the first bore. 
     36. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 24 to 35, wherein the coupler further defines a fourth bore at least partially therethrough and disposed toward the second end thereof, the dual axis joint further comprising a second wedge disposed within the fourth bore, wherein: the second wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, the second pin further comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second pin between a first end and second end thereof, and the engagement surface of the second wedge contacts the engagement surface of the second pin thereby restricting relative movement between the second pin and the coupler. 
     37. The dual axis joint of paragraph 36, wherein a thickness of a first end of the second wedge is less than a thickness of a second end of the second wedge such that the engagement surface of the second wedge is tapered along a longitudinal axis of the second wedge. 
     38. The dual axis joint of paragraph 36 or paragraph 37, wherein a force is applied to the second wedge to position at least a portion of the engagement surface formed on the portion of the external surface of the second pin in contact with at least a portion of the engagement surface of the second wedge. 
     39. The dual axis joint of paragraph 38, wherein the force applied to the second wedge is sufficient to preload the second pin in a direction opposing a load on the second pin when the dual axis joint is subjected to an external tensile load. 
     40. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 36 to 39, further comprising a second pair of bushings disposed between an outer surface of the second pin and an inner surface of each arm of the second clevis that define the axially aligned bores therethrough, and wherein an inner surface of the second end of the coupler that defines the fourth bore therethrough is in direct contact with an outer surface of the second pin. 
     41. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 24 to 40, wherein the first and second ends of the second pin and the second clevis are free of any mechanical structure configured to retain the second pin within the bores of the second clevis, or wherein the first and second ends of the first pin and the first clevis are free of any mechanical structure configured to retain the first pin within the bores of the first clevis, or wherein the first and second ends of the first pin, the first and second ends of the second pin, the first clevis and the second clevis are free from any mechanical structure configured to retain the first pin and within the first clevis and the second pin within the second clevis. 
     42. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 24 to 41, wherein the second end of the coupler comprises a pair of arms, and wherein the pair of arms of the second end of the coupler define axially aligned bores therethrough. 
     43. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 36 to 42, wherein the first wedge and the second wedge are each located between the first pin and the second pin or wherein the first wedge is located between the first pin and the second pin and the second wedge is located on a side of the second pin that is opposite the first pin. 
     44. A dual axis joint, comprising: a first clevis comprising a pair of arms that define axially aligned bores therethrough; a second clevis comprising a pair of arms that define axially aligned bores therethrough; a coupler that defines a first bore therethrough, a second bore at least partially therethrough, a third bore therethrough, and a fourth bore at least partially therethrough, wherein: the first and second bores are disposed toward a first end of the coupler and the third and fourth bores are disposed toward a second end of the coupler, the first end of the coupler comprises a pair of arms that define axially aligned bores therethrough such that the first bore is defined by the pair of arms of the first end of the coupler, a central axis through the axially aligned bores of the first end of the coupler lies in a first plane and a central axis through the third bore lies in a second plane, the first and second planes are parallel with respect to one another, and the central axis through the axially aligned bores of the first end of the coupler and the central axis through the third bore are orientated at 90 degrees with respect to one another when viewed along an axis that is normal to the first and second planes; a first pin disposed within the bores of the first clevis and the first bore, wherein the first pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof; a first wedge disposed within the second bore, wherein the first wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the first wedge contacts the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the coupler; a second pin disposed within the bores of the second clevis and the third bore, wherein the second pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second pin between a first end and a second end thereof; a second wedge disposed within the fourth bore, wherein the second wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the second wedge contacts the engagement surface of the second pin thereby restricting relative movement between the second pin and the coupler; a first pair of bushings disposed between an outer surface of the first pin and an inner surface of each arm of the first clevis that define the axially aligned bores therethrough; a second pair of bushings disposed between an outer surface of the second pin and an inner surface of each arm of the second clevis that define the axially aligned bores therethrough, wherein an inner surface of the pair of arms that define the axially aligned bores through the first end of the coupler is in direct contact with an outer surface of the first pin, and wherein an inner surface of the second end of the coupler that defines the third bore is in direct contact with an outer surface of the second pin. 
     45. The dual axis joint of paragraph 44, wherein the first and second ends of the second pin and the second clevis are free of any mechanical structure configured to retain the second pin within the bores of the second clevis and the third bore, or wherein the first and second ends of the first pin and the first clevis are free of any mechanical structure configured to retain the first pin within the bores of the first clevis and the first bore, or wherein the first and second ends of the first pin, the first and second ends of the second pin, the first clevis and the second clevis are free from any mechanical structure configured to retain the first pin within the bores of the first clevis and the first bore and the second pin within the bores of the second clevis and the third bore. 
     46. A dual axis joint, comprising: a clevis comprising a pair of arms that define axially aligned bores therethrough; a lug that defines a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough; a coupler that defines a first bore therethrough, a second bore at least partially therethrough, and a third bore therethrough, wherein the first and second bores are disposed toward a first end of the coupler and the third bore is disposed toward a second end of the coupler, wherein the coupler comprises a first pair of arms disposed toward a first end of the coupler that define axially aligned bores therethrough such that the first bore is defined by the pair of arms of the first end of the coupler and a second pair of arms is disposed toward a second end of the coupler such that the third bore is defined by the pair of arms of the second end of the coupler, wherein a central axis through the first bore lies in a first plane and a central axis through the third bore lies in a second plane, wherein the first and second planes are parallel with respect to one another, and wherein the central axis through the first bore and the central axis through the second bore are orientated at 90 degrees with respect to one another when viewed along an axis that is normal to the first and second planes; a first pin disposed within the bores of the clevis and the first bore defined by the coupler, wherein the first pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof; a first wedge disposed within the second bore defined by the coupler, wherein the first wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the first wedge contacts the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the coupler, a second pin disposed within the first bore defined by the lug and the third bore defined by the coupler, wherein the second pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second pin between a first end and a second end thereof; a second wedge disposed within the second bore defined by the lug, wherein the second wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the second wedge contacts the engagement surface of the second pin thereby restricting relative movement between the second pin and the coupler. 
     47. The dual axis joint of paragraph 46, further comprising a first pair of bushings disposed between an outer surface of the first pin and an inner surface of each arm of the clevis that define the axially aligned bores therethrough; a second pair of bushings disposed between an outer surface of the second pin and an inner surface of each arm of the second pair of arms of the coupler that define axially aligned bores; wherein an inner surface of the first end of the coupler that defines the first bore is in direct contact with an outer surface of the first pin, and wherein and an inner surface of the lug that defines the first bore is in direct contact with an outer surface of the second pin. 
     48. The dual axis joint of paragraph 46 or paragraph 47, wherein the first and second ends of the second pin and the second clevis are free of any mechanical structure configured to retain the second pin within the bores of the second pair of arms of the coupler, or wherein the first and second ends of the first pin and the first clevis are free of any mechanical structure configured to retain the first pin within the bores of the first clevis, or wherein the first and second ends of the first pin, the first and second ends of the second pin, the first clevis and the second pair of arms of the coupler are free from any mechanical structure configured to retain the first pin and within the first clevis and the second pin within the second clevis. 
     49. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 46 to 48, wherein axial movement of the first pin within the bores of the first pair of arms and the first bore is limited by the wedge such that the first and second ends of the first pin are free of any mechanical structure configured to retain the first pin within the bores of the first pair of arms. 
     50. A dual axis joint, comprising: a first lug that defines a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough; a second lug that defines a first bore therethrough; a coupler comprising a first pair of arms disposed toward a first end of the coupler that define axially aligned bores therethrough and a second pair of arms disposed toward a second end of the coupler that define axially aligned bores therethrough, wherein: a central axis through the axially aligned bores of the first pair of arms lies in a first plane and a central axis through the axially aligned bores of the second pair of arms lies in a second plane, the first and second planes are parallel with respect to one another, and the central axis through the axially aligned bores of the first pair of arms and the central axis through the axially aligned bores of the second pair of arms are orientated at 90 degrees with respect to one another when viewed along an axis that is normal to the first and second planes; a first pin disposed within the first bore defined by the first lug and the bores defined by the first pair of arms of the coupler, wherein the first pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof; a first wedge disposed within the second bore defined by the first lug, wherein the first wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the first wedge contacts the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the first lug, a second pin disposed within the first bore defined by the second lug and the bores defined by the second pair of arms of the coupler. 
     51. The dual axis joint of paragraph 50, wherein the second lug defines a second bore at least partially therethrough and the second pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second pin between a first and a second end thereof, further comprising a second wedge disposed within the second bore defined by the second lug, wherein the second wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the second wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the second wedge contacts the engagement surface of the second pin thereby restricting relative movement between the second pin and the second lug. 
     52. The dual axis joint of paragraph 50 or paragraph 51, further comprising a pair of bushings disposed between the external surface of the first pin and an inner surface of each arm of the first pair of arms of the coupler that define the axially aligned bores, wherein an inner surface of the first lug that defines the first bore of the first lug is in direct contact with the external surface of the first pin. 
     53. The dual axis joint of paragraph 50 or paragraph 51, further comprising a first pair of bushings disposed between the external surface of the first pin and an inner surface of each arm of the first pair of arms of the coupler that define the axially aligned bores; a second pair of bushings disposed between the external surface of the second pin and an inner surface of each arm of the second pair of arms of the coupler that define the axially aligned bores, wherein an inner surface of the first lug that defines the first bore of the first lug is in direct contact with the external surface of the first pin, and wherein and an inner surface of the second lug that defines the first bore of the second lug is in direct contact with the external surface of the second pin. 
     54. The dual axis joint of any one of paragraphs 50 to 53, wherein the first and second ends of the first pin and the first pair of arms of the coupler are free of any mechanical structure configured to retain the first pin within the bores of the second pair of arms of the coupler, or wherein the first and second ends of the second pin and the second pair of arms of the coupler are free of any mechanical structure configured to retain the second pin within the bores of the second pair of arms, or wherein the first and second ends of the first pin, the first and second ends of the second pin, the first pair of arms of the coupler and the second pair of arms of the coupler are free from any mechanical structure configured to retain the first pin and within the first pair of arms and the second pin within the second pair of arms. 
     55. A dual axis joint, comprising: a clevis comprising a pair of arms that define axially aligned bores therethrough; a lug that defines a bore therethrough; a coupler that defines a first bore therethrough, a second bore at least partially therethrough, and a third bore therethrough, wherein the first and second bores are disposed toward a first end of the coupler and the third bore is disposed toward a second end of the coupler, wherein the coupler comprises a pair of arms disposed toward a second end of the coupler such that the third bore is defined by the pair of arms of the second end of the coupler; a first pin disposed within the bores defined by the clevis and the first bore defined by the coupler, wherein the first pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof; a wedge disposed within the second bore defined by the coupler, wherein the wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the first wedge contacts the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the coupler; and a second pin disposed within the bore defined by the lug and the third bore defined by the coupler. 
     56. A dual axis joint, comprising: a first lug that defines a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough; a second lug that defines a first bore therethrough; a coupler comprising a first pair of arms disposed toward a first end of the coupler that define axially aligned bores therethrough and a second pair of arms disposed toward a second end of the coupler that define axially aligned bores therethrough; a first pin disposed within the first bore defined by the first lug and the bores defined by the first pair of arms of the coupler, wherein the first pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof; a wedge disposed within the second bore defined by the first lug, wherein the first wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the first wedge contacts the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the first lug; and a second pin disposed within the first bore defined by the second lug and the bores defined by the second pair of arms of the coupler. 
     57. A dual axis joint, comprising: a lug that defines a first bore therethrough and a second bore at least partially therethrough; a clevis comprising a pair of arms that define axially aligned bores therethrough; a coupler comprising a pair of arms disposed toward a first end of the coupler that define axially aligned bores therethrough, wherein a third bore is defined by the coupler toward a second end thereof, a first pin disposed within the bores defined by the pair of arms of the clevis and the first bore defined by the lug, wherein the first pin comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the first pin between a first end and a second end thereof; a wedge disposed within the second bore defined by the lug, wherein the wedge comprises an engagement surface formed on a portion of an external surface of the wedge between a first end and a second end thereof, and wherein the engagement surface of the wedge contacts the engagement surface of the first pin thereby restricting relative movement between the first pin and the lug; and a second pin disposed within the bores defined by the clevis and the third bore defined by the coupler. 
     Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges including the combination of any two values, e.g., the combination of any lower value with any upper value, the combination of any two lower values, and/or the combination of any two upper values are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim can be not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation can be permitted. 
     While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail above, it can be apparent that modifications and adaptations thereof will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art. It should be, therefore, expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof can be determined by the claims that follow.