Patent ID: 8517430
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A pipe coupling for securing end portions of a pair of pipe elements together end-to-end, said coupling comprising: a plurality of segments connectable end-to-end surrounding a central space, each of said segments having first and second arcuate grooves in spaced relation facing said central space; connection members positioned at opposite ends of each of said segments for adjustably connecting said segments to one another, said connection members being adjustably tightenable for drawing said segments toward one another; first and second reaction surfaces positioned at opposite ends of each of said segments in spaced relation to one another, said reaction surfaces facing said central space; first and second gripping bodies positioned between said segments at opposite ends thereof, each of said gripping bodies having first and second arcuate grooves positioned in spaced relation and facing said central space, each of said gripping bodies having a plurality of contact surfaces positioned in facing relation with said reaction surfaces, each of said contact surfaces being engaged with one of said reaction surfaces on each of said segments; first and second retainers, each of said retainers comprising an annular band having a plurality of teeth extending radially inwardly, each said annular band being split so as to permit radial motion of said teeth when said band is radially compressed, said first retainer being received within said first grooves in said coupling segments and said gripping bodies, said second retainer being received within said second grooves in said coupling segments and said gripping bodies; and wherein adjustable tightening of said connection members draws said coupling segments together, said contact surfaces interacting with said reaction surfaces to move said gripping bodies radially inwardly for compressing said retainers into engagement with said pipe elements.