An anvil assembly is provided. The anvil assembly includes an anvil centerrod, a headassembly pivotally secured to the anvil center rod assembly from an operativeposition to a tiltedposition, and a sleeve slidably disposed about the anvil center rod. Thesleeve is associated withthe head assembly such that movement of the head assembly from the operativeposition towardsthe tilted position effects proximal movement of the sleeve about the anvilcenter rod.
