Patent ID: 9726310
Date: 2017-08-08
CPC Classifications: F16L,Y10T

Claim:
1. In combination, first and second pipe elements and a coupling for joining said pipe elements end to end, said first and second pipe elements each having circumferential grooves at opposite ends, each of said grooves having a floor, said coupling comprising: a plurality of segments, each having oppositely disposed ends, and a respective connection member positioned at each said end, a first end of each said segment being connected to a second end of another of said segments such that said segments surround a central space for receiving said pipe elements; a pair of arcuate projections positioned on opposite sides of and extending along each of said segments; an arcuate surface positioned on each of said projections, each said arcuate surface being engageable with said floor of said groove in one of said pipe elements; a channel positioned between said projections on each of said segments; a seal received within said channel and having an outer surface sized to support said segments in spaced apart relation to provide clearance about a circumference of said pipe elements, including where measured adjacent to said connection members, said clearance being sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said central space, said seal having an inner surface sized to receive said pipe elements; wherein at least one of said connection members being adjustably tightenable for drawing each said arcuate surface into engagement with one of said floors upon tightening of said at least one connection member.