Patent ID: 7341287
Filing Date: 2008-03-11
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A pipe coupling positionable surrounding facing end portions of a pair of pipe elements for securing said pipe elements together in end-to-end relationship, said end portions of said pipe elements having an outer surface of substantially cylindrical profile, said coupling comprising: a unitary arcuate band formed of a single piece and having first and second ends in substantially facing relation, said ends being spaced apart from one another, said band surrounding a central space; first and second arcuate surfaces mounted lengthwise along said band on a side thereof, said arcuate surfaces being in spaced relation alongside one another and projecting substantially radially inwardly into said central space, said arcuate surfaces having a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the outer surfaces of said pipe elements, said end portions of said pipe elements being insertable into said central space; at least one notch positioned in one of said arcuate surfaces at one of said first and second ends, said notch providing clearance for insertion of one of said pipe elements within said central space; connection members mounted on said first and second ends, said connection members being adjustably tightenable for drawing said first and second ends toward one another; and said band being deformable allowing said first and second ends to move toward one another upon adjustable tightening of said connection members, said arcuate surfaces thereby being brought into engagement with said outer surfaces of said pipe elements and conforming the curvature of said arcuate surfaces to the curvature of said outer surfaces of said pipe elements.