Patent ID: 7726703
Filing Date: 2010-06-01
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A pipe coupling segment, positionable straddling facing ends of a pair of pipe elements for securing said pipe elements together in end-to-end relationship, wherein said ends of said pipe elements have an outer surface of substantially cylindrical profile, said coupling segment comprising: a unitary body comprising a plurality of sub-sections positioned end-to-end and defining a circumferential direction, said unitary body further comprising connection members positioned at opposite ends of said unitary body for adjustably connecting said unitary body to a mating unitary body; each said sub-section having a surface region of a different radius of curvature from an adjacent surface region on an adjacent sub-section, wherein the curvature of said surface regions extends in said circumferential direction; and at least one of said connection members being adjustably tightenable for drawing said unitary body and said mating unitary body toward one another, said unitary body being deformable upon adjustable tightening of said connection member so as to engage said surface regions with the outer surfaces of said pipe elements at a first contact point located about midway between said opposite ends of said unitary body and at second and third contact points located at said opposite ends of said unitary body.