Patent ID: 7931310
Filing Date: 2011-04-26
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A coupler for releasably securing together adjacent ends of grooved end pipe and forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween, said coupler comprising: a pair of arcuate coupling segments, each segment having a generally U-shaped cross-section so as to define a pair of depending leg portions and an outer spanning wall extending therebetween, each of said coupling segments further defining first and second end portions; a sealing member configured to be disposed within said coupling segments adjacent to said leg portions and outer spanning wall and about adjacent ends of grooved end pipe so as to span portions of the pipe and the juncture therebetween; a pivotal connection joining together said first end portions of said coupling segments; and a closure for releasably joining together said second end portions of said coupling segments about the sealing member and adjacent ends of pipe with said spanning wall and leg portions of said coupling segments bearing against said sealing member and said leg portions projecting into grooves proximate said adjacent ends of pipe and preventing longitudinal separation of said adjacent ends of pipe, said closure including an attachment hook defined by a second end portion of one of said coupling segments, a lever pivotally mounted on a second end portion of the other of said coupling segments, a bail pivotally mounted on said lever and a pair of curvilinear bearing surfaces, each of said surfaces one of which being defined by said attachment hook, being of single-piece construction with one of said coupling segments and defined by a curvilinear extension of the respective one of said second ends portions thereof whereby upon disposing said bail about said attachment hook and urging said lever away from said hook and toward said outer spanning wall of the other of said coupling segments, said bearing surfaces are drawn into and maintained in a spring-loaded abutment to effect a releasable securement of said coupling about the sealing member and adjacent pipe ends.