Patent ID: 8348542
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: E21B,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A support structure for a tunnel segment of poured concrete, where the tunnel segment makes up a part of a tunnel system, each tunnel segment having a supporting super structure made up of a series of coupled tubular pipe segment assemblies, each coupled pipe segment assembly comprising: a first pipe having a box end with an interior and with a specially machined interior surface; a second pipe having a box end with an interior and with a specially machined interior surface; a coupling body having a first tapered end and a second tapered end joined together at a respective inner extent thereof, each of the tapered ends sloping inwardly from the inner extent to an outer extent thereof to thereby form a respective mouth opening of the body; wherein each of the first and second tapered ends has a specially contoured exterior surface, the exterior surface being comprised of a plurality of helical spline wedges, each of which is oppositely tapered from an inner extent to an outer extent thereof in width, whereby the helical spline wedges form an alternating series of lands and grooves on the exterior surface of the body as viewed from the respective mouth openings; wherein each of the helical spline wedges has a dovetail shape when viewed in cross section; the first and second tapered ends being shaped to mate with the specially machined surfaces provided within the box ends of the first and second pipes, respectively, to engage the respective pipe ends by axial movement of one pipe relative to another and without rotating the respective first and second pipes; whereby the box ends of the first and second pipes touch upon completion of the connection with the coupling being completely received within the interior of the first and second pipes, respectively; and wherein the coupled tubular pipe segments are arranged along a curved axis when assembled as a part of the supporting super structure of the tunnel system.