Patent ID: 8201852
Filing Date: 2012-06-19
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A pipe coupler comprising: a pair of generally semi-circular elements, each of the semi-circular elements having a generally C-shaped profile and a radially inwardly facing circumferential cavity, the semi-circular elements having first end portions hingedly connected together, and second end portions which are spaced apart when the coupler is open and include elements of a clamping mechanism configured and operable for securely clamping the second end portions together for closing the coupler; a gasket cooperatively received in the circumferential cavities of the semi-circular elements, the gasket being split so as to have ends about coincident with the second end portions of the semi-circular elements, respectively, the semi-circular elements including gasket retaining elements disposed at circumferentially spaced locations therealong spaced from at least the second end portions thereof, respectively, and matingly engaged with correspondingly located elements on the gasket, conformingly holding the gasket to the semi-circular shape of the cavities, while allowing the ends of the gasket to move generally freely in the circumferential direction within the cavities, respectively, when the coupler is open and such that as the coupler is closed the ends of the gasket will be brought together with a controlled compressive force applied thereagainst by the semi-circular elements for forming a sealed joint between the ends.