# Patent

## Title
Pipe coupling

## Abstract

A pipe coupling includes a sleeve and a clamping ring. The sleeve includes a flange at least one end. The clamping ring is mounted to the flange. The clamping ring carries a seal and includes two spaced apart bolt engagement portions. The clamping ring further includes two separate clamping ring portions that are removably connected together at a coupling portion of each respective separate clamping ring portion so that each clamping ring portion is separable from the other one. The two separate clamping ring portions function as a unitary ring when the coupling portions are brought into abutting contact such that the coupling portions are fixed relative to each other.

## Background
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention disclosed here relates to a pipe coupling. The pipe coupling is adapted to join two large pipes together via a barrel sleeve that has clamping rings on each end. The clamping rings have seals adapted to join pipes having the same diameter or different diameters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many different types of pipe couplings and connectors for joining water, sewage, gas, and similar pipes. An example of one such coupling is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,576. The design disclosed here provides an alternative to the '576 design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention disclosed here is an improved pipe coupling. The pipe coupling includes a cylindrical, barrel-shaped sleeve portion that has circumferential flanges at each end. The circumferential flanges face outwardly relative to the sleeve. Connected to each circumferential flange is a clamping ring.
In preferred form, the clamping rings are identical in construction. Each clamping ring carries a nested seal. Each clamping ring may consist of two separate portions, or halves, that are hinged together at the bottom, although variations are possible.
The hinge creates a pivot point so that each half of the clamping ring (or clamping ring portion) is moveable toward and away from the other one. However, the clamping ring portions are structurally configured so that they eventually become iron-bound near the pivot point at a certain rotational point, as the clamping ring portions move toward each other during closing or tightening. The iron-bounding effect causes the clamping ring portions to eventually function as a “unitary” ring instead of two separate freely-moving halves.
As an alternative, it may be possible to use the same concept in a clamping ring having several segments. In this instance, one segment or portion swings relative to another via a pivoting or similar connection. The two portions become iron-bound at a certain inward swing point.
As indicated above, for the two-part arrangement, each half of the clamping ring has an ear adapted to connect to a tightening bolt. The ears of each clamping ring portion are pulled together by the tightening bolt in a conventional manner. However, the ears are integrated with the structure of the clamping ring portions, as opposed to being separately welded or the like.
Each clamping ring carries a nested seal. According to the invention disclosed here, the nested seal includes an inner circumferential seal part that is separately nested within an outer circumferential seal part. The combination of these two seal parts creates an inwardly directed face that presses against an outwardly directed face of the corresponding barrel sleeve's circumferential flange.
The nested seal also has a sloping outer surface received within the clamping ring. The slope on the surface causes the seal to be urged toward the barrel sleeve's circumferential flange as the clamping ring is tightened.
The inner part of the nested seal has a plurality of outer peripheral ridges that mate with a corresponding plurality of inner peripheral grooves on the inside of the outer part of the seal. This permits the inner part to be removed easily from the outer part and allows the clamping rings to be adjusted to pipes of varying diameters.
The outer part of the seal also has an annular groove that faces the barrel sleeve's flange. The diameter of the annular groove is greater than the inner diameter of the barrel sleeve's flange, when in a non-compressed state. However, when the clamping ring is tightened about the circumferential flange on the sleeve, the seal is compressed down such that the annular groove becomes exposed to the interior diameter of the pipe.
Last, the cylindrical, barrel-shaped sleeve portion carries a handle. The sleeve is preferably designed to couple together the ends of two pipes having interior diameters within and including four to twelve inches. The handle allows for the pipe coupling to be physically manipulated (e.g., turned or held in position) much easier when it is used to couple pipes.
The features summarized above, including how they interact with each other, are further described below and in the accompanying drawings.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, like reference numerals and letters refer to like parts throughout the various views, unless indicated otherwise, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe coupling constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the pipe coupling shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an end view of the pipe coupling shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of two clamping rings illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, with the clamping ring and related seal structure removed from the barrel sleeve portion of the pipe coupling;
FIG. 5 is a view like FIG. 4, but reveals underlying nested seal and backing armor structure;
FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. 4, but with the nested seal removed;
FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of the nested seal, and shows a backing armor plate on an outer surface of the seal;
FIG. 8 is a view like FIG. 7, taken at a different angle, and shows the backing armor plate removed;
FIG. 9 is a pictorial view like FIG. 8, but taken at a different angle, and shows only the outer circumferential portion of the nested seal, with the inner circumferential portion having been removed;
FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of the outer circumferential portion of the seal;
FIG. 11 is a pictorial view like FIG. 4, but shows the inner circumferential portion of the seal removed from the outer one;
FIG. 12 is a side view of FIG. 11, but with the seal removed for the purpose of illustrating how the clamping ring is shaped to receive the nested seal;
FIG. 13 is a side view of FIG. 11 and shows the nested seal in position within the clamping ring;
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of one clamping ring portion and shows the hinge part of a releasable pin and hinge connection that permits two separate clamp ring portions to rotate relative to each other;
FIG. 15 is a view like FIG. 14, but shows the pin portion;
FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of the cylindrical barrel sleeve portion of the pipe coupling;
FIG. 17 is a frontal view of an alternative embodiment of a clamping ring that functions like the clamping ring illustrated in FIG. 4; and
FIG. 18 is a view like FIG. 17, but is taken looking at the opposite side of the clamping ring.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings, and first to FIG. 1, shown generally at 10 is a pipe coupling constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The coupling 10 consists of a cylindrical, barrel-shaped sleeve 12.
Referring briefly to FIG. 16, the barrel-shaped sleeve 12 has a carrying handle 14. Each end of the barrel-shaped sleeve 12 terminates in a circumferential flange 16, 18. Each flange 16, 18 presents an outwardly facing surface 20 (see FIG. 16). As can be seen in FIG. 2, the barrel sleeve 12 converges at 22, 24, respectively, toward each circumferential flange 16, 18 (not shown in FIG. 2).
In preferred form, and referring back to FIG. 1, a clamping ring (indicated generally at 26, 28) is connected to each circumferential flange 16, 18 on the sleeve 12. FIG. 3 is an endwise view of the pipe coupling 10 and shows only clamping ring 26. In the alternative view provided by FIG. 4, the clamping ring 26 is shown alone and disconnected from the pipe coupling 10.
In the embodiment described here, each clamping ring 26, 28 is identical. It is to be appreciated, however, that variations would involve making one clamping ring larger or smaller relative to the other. It might also be possible to use the clamping ring and seal design disclosed here in other kinds of pipe coupling applications. Nevertheless, because clamping rings 26, 28 are identical in the drawings, only one clamping ring 26 will be described.
The clamping ring 26 is made of two separate portions, or halves 30, 32. These portions are connected together at a pivot point 34 (see, e.g. FIG. 3). The pivot point 34 allows each part 30, 32 of the clamping ring 26 to open and/or close at the top as a bolt structure 36 (described later below) is respectively loosened or tightened.
The pivotal connection 34 is created by the structure illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. These figures are views that depict the bottom side of clamping ring 26. One portion or half 30 of the clamping ring 26 has a hinge piece 38. The hinge piece 38 has forked hooks 40, 42 that capture a pin 44 on the bottom of the other clamping ring part 32. The hooks 40, 42 are easy to connect and disconnect to and from the pin 44 for completely separating the two halves, if desired.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, but first to FIG. 6, the clamping ring 26 is compressed around the barrel sleeve's circular flange 16 by the bolt structure 36. The bolt structure design is conventional. It includes a bolt head 46 that is captured by a bolt guide 48. The bolt guide 48 is curved and rests against a complementary curved surface 50 that is part of a clamping ring ear 52 (see FIG. 3). The ear 52 is made from the same piece of material (metal) that makes up the clamping ring portion 26. In other words, the ear 52 is structurally integrated or integrated with the structure of the clamping ring portion.
The other end of the bolt structure 36 has a nut 54 threaded onto the shaft 56 of bolt structure 36. The nut 54 similarly rests against a mirror bolt guide 58. Similar to the previous description, bolt guide 58 rests against a curved surface 60 on clamp ear 61.
Referring once again to FIG. 4, the clamping ring 26 carries a nested seal, indicated generally at 62. The seal 62 is called “nested” because it has an outer circumferential seal part 64 (see FIG. 9) and an inner circumferential seal part 66 (see FIG. 10).
The inner seal 66 has a plurality of outer peripheral ridges 68, 70. These ridges mate with or fit within corresponding inner peripheral grooves 72, 74 on an inner surface 76 of the outer seal 64 part (see FIGS. 9 and 10). The arrangement of peripheral ridges 68, 70 and grooves 72, 74 help retain the inner seal 66 in position within the outer seal 64 thus creating the desired “nested” configuration.
The nested combination created by the inner and outer seal parts 66, 64 can be used to define an adjustable seal for capturing the end of pipes having variations in outer diameter. If desired, the inner seal 66 can be easily removed from the outer one 64, in the field, thereby adapting the clamp ring 26 to a larger pipe. The two seals 66, 64 are not joined together via an adhesive or other bonding agent. They exist as separate pieces. It is possible to reinstall the inner circumferential seal part 66, if desired.
Referring now to FIG. 12, which shows the clamping ring part 30 without the nested seal 62, it can be seen that the clamping ring is generally conventional in cross section, except as described below. The clamping ring has an inner lip 77 that overlaps the barrel sleeve's circumferential flange 16 (not shown in FIG. 12). In other words, the circumferential flange rests within the space indicated by arrow 78 in FIG. 12. As would be apparent, removing the nut 54 from the end of the bolt structure 36 allows the clamping ring 26 to be opened sufficiently so that the clamping ring can be placed around the circumferential flange 16.
Outwardly of space 78 is a unique sloped surface 80 in which the nested seal 62 rests. The slope of surface 80 is convergent outwardly (toward the end of the pipe coupling 10). As the bolt structure 36 is tightened, it pulls clamp ears 52, 61 toward each other, thus compressing the nested seal 62. At the same time, the compression action also urges the sloped surface 80 of the clamping ring against the corresponding surface (also sloped) 82 of the nested seal (see FIG. 9). This, in turn, urges the seal 62 toward the circumferential flange 16.
Referring now to FIG. 4, the inwardly facing surface of the seal, indicated generally by arrow 84, is further urged or pressed against the outwardly facing surface 20 of the sleeve's circumferential flange (see FIG. 16). This collectively enhances sealing capability because not only is the nested seal 62 compressed around the outside diameter of the pipe, but it is also compressed axially into and against the barrel-sleeve's circumferential flange.
Next, the outer part 64 of seal 62 has an annular groove 86 that faces the barrel sleeve 12. When the clamping ring 26 is placed on its respective flange, and before tightening of the bolt structure 36, the seal 62 is in a non-compressed state. In this condition, the diameter of the annular groove 86 is preferably greater than the inner diameter of the barrel sleeve 12. When compressed, however, the annular groove 86 becomes likewise compressed so that its diameter becomes exposed to the inside of the barrel sleeve 12. This enables fluid pressure to cause one part of the seal to slide upon itself. It is believed this may improve upon seal efficiency.
Referring to FIG. 7, there is a backing armor piece 88 that fits over a region 90 (shown in FIG. 11) in outer seal part 64. The armor piece 88 rests underneath clamping ring ears 52, 62 and spans the distance or gap between the ears. FIG. 8 shows where the armor piece 88 normally rests on the seal. As the bolt structure 36 is tightened, the armor piece serves to compress the seal 62 and prevents the seal from bulging in the region where the bolt structure 36 is located.
Directing attention now to the bottom of FIG. 4, as was described above, the clamping ring 26 consists of two separate parts 30, 32. These parts 30, 32 may swing or move toward and away from each other because they are connected at pivot point 34.
As is apparent from the above description, the ears 52, 62 may open relative to each other. When this happens, it creates a space or gap at the location indicated generally by arrow 92 in FIGS. 3 and 4. In that circumstance, the parts 30, 32 of the clamping ring 26 are “pivoting.” As the clamping ring 26 is tightened, however, the edges 94, 96 of each respective clamping ring part 30, 32 come into abutting contact with each other at reinforced region 33 (see FIG. 6) and constrain or stop further free-pivoting movement. At that particular point, because clamping rings 30, 32 cease moving freely, further clamp tightening is accomplished by bending within the integrated structure of parts 30, 32. In other words, the clamping ring 26 then begins to function as though it is a “unitary” ring made of a single piece.
Finally, an alternative embodiment of clamping ring 26 is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. Directing attention there, the alternative embodiment consists of a ring that is segmented into three parts 98, 100, 102. Each part is connected together at 104, 106 by the same type of hook and pin connection described earlier. These connections create pivot points that enable ring segments 98, 100, 102 to swing freely relative to each other when the clamping ring 26 is unbolted. However, as one separate portion swings relative to the other in a closing motion, the two portions eventually become iron-bound in the same manner as described above. This occurs at the locations indicated at 108 and 110, respectively. The iron-binding or bounding effect enables a three-segment ring to function as a single unitary ring at a certain tightening point. The advantage to this design is that the compressive forces created by the ring are distributed more evenly. Likewise, the nested seal 62 receives evened-out compression around its circumference.
The foregoing is not intended to limit the scope of patent coverage. The scope of patent coverage is intended to be limited by the patent claims, the interpretation of which is to be made in accordance with the established doctrines of patent claim interpretation.

## Claims

1. A pipe coupling, comprising:
a sleeve including a flange at an end of the sleeve;
a clamping ring mounted to the flange, the clamping ring carrying a seal, the clamping ring including two spaced apart bolt engagement portions, the clamping ring including two separate clamping ring portions that are removably connected together at a coupling portion of each respective separate clamping ring portion so that each clamping ring portion is separable from the other one, the two separate clamping ring portions functioning as a unitary ring when a first bearing face of a first one of the two separate clamping ring portions is brought into abutting contact with a second bearing face of a second one of the two separate clamping ring portions such that the coupling portions are rotatably fixed relative to each other; and
an exterior handle connected to a central portion of the sleeve, for carrying and adjusting a position of the pipe coupling when the pipe coupling is put into use.

2. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein the seal is a nested seal having an inner circumferential seal separately nested within an outer circumferential seal, the nested seal including an inwardly directed face that presses against an outwardly directed face of the flange.

3. The pipe coupling sleeve of claim 2, wherein the nested seal includes a sloping outer surface received within the clamp ring in a manner so that the seal is urged toward the flange as the clamping ring portions move toward each other.

4. The pipe coupling of claim 2, wherein the outer circumferential seal includes an annular groove that faces the flange, a diameter of the annular groove being greater than an inner diameter of the flange when the seal is in a non-compressed condition, and the diameter of the annular groove being less than the inner diameter of the flange when the seal is in a compressed condition.

5. The pipe coupling of claim 2, wherein the inner circumferential seal includes a plurality of outer peripheral ridges that mate with a corresponding plurality of inner peripheral grooves on an inner surface of the outer circumferential seal.

6. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein the bolt engagement portions are an ear located on each clamping ring portion, the ears are adapted to connect to a tightening bolt.

7. The pipe coupling of claim 6, including a backing armor part positioned on an outwardly facing surface of the outer circumferential seal, the backing armor piece underlying and spanning an open space between the clamping ears of the clamping ring.

8. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein the two separate clamping ring portions function as a unitary ring when the coupling portions are rotated into abutting contact such that the coupling portions are fixed relative to each other.

9. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein the clamping ring includes an outwardly convergent sloped surface to retain a sealing element within the pipe coupling and to urge the sealing element against the flange as the bolt engagement portions are pulled toward each other.

10. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein the clamping ring includes no more than two separate clamping ring portions.

11. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein when the first bearing face is brought into abutting contact with the second bearing face, the first and second bearing faces are substantially aligned along a plane extending through a center of the clamping ring.

12. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein when the first bearing face is brought into abutting contact with the second bearing face, the first bearing face engages the second bearing face only in compression.

13. The pipe coupling of claim 1, wherein the coupling portions of each respective separate clamping ring portion extend radially outward from the clamping ring beyond the flange.

14. A pipe coupling, comprising:
a sleeve including a flange at an end of the sleeve, the sleeve converging toward the flange;
a clamping ring mounted to the flange, the clamping ring carrying a seal, the clamping ring including two spaced apart bolt engagement portions, the clamping ring including two separate clamping ring portions that are removably connected together at a coupling portion of each respective separate clamping ring portion so that each clamping ring portion is separable from the other one, each clamping ring portion being rotatable about the coupling portion with respect to the other clamping ring portion in response to the bolt engagement portions being brought together until the coupling portions are brought into abutting contact, at which point the coupling portions are fixed relative to each other and moving the bolt engagement portions closer together causes the clamping ring to bend; and
an exterior handle connected to a central portion of the sleeve, for carrying and adjusting a position of the pipe coupling when the pipe coupling is put into use.

15. The pipe coupling of claim 14, wherein a first one of the two clamping ring portions has a first bearing face and a second one of the two separate clamping ring portions has a second bearing face.

16. The pipe coupling of claim 15, wherein when the first bearing face is in abutting contact with the second bearing face, the first and second bearing faces are substantially aligned along a plane extending through a center of the clamping ring.

17. The pipe coupling of claim 14, wherein the two separate clamping ring portions function as a unitary ring when the coupling portions are rotated into abutting contact such that the coupling portions are fixed relative to each other.

18. A pipe coupling, comprising:
a sleeve including a flange at an end of the sleeve;
a clamping ring mounted to the flange, the clamping ring carrying a seal, the clamping ring including two spaced apart bolt engagement portions, the clamping ring including an outwardly convergent sloped surface to retain a sealing element within the pipe coupling and to urge the sealing element against the flange as the bolt engagement portions are pulled toward each other, the clamping ring including two separate clamping ring portions that are removably connected together at a coupling portion of each respective separate clamping ring portion so that each clamping ring portion is separable from the other one, the two separate clamping ring portions functioning as a unitary ring when the coupling portions are brought into abutting contact such that the coupling portions become fixed relative to each other; and
an exterior handle connected to a central portion of the sleeve, for carrying and adjusting a position of the pipe coupling when the pipe coupling is put into use.

19. The pipe coupling of claim 18, wherein the sleeve converges toward the flange.

20. The pipe coupling of claim 18, wherein the two separate clamping ring portions functioning as a unitary ring comprises the two separate clamping ring portions functioning as a unitary ring when a first bearing face of a first one of the two separate clamping ring portions is brought into abutting contact with a second bearing face of a second one of the two separate clamping ring portions such that the coupling portions are rotatably fixed relative to each other.

21. A pipe coupling, comprising:
a sleeve having a flange at an end thereof;
a clamping ring mounted to the flange, the clamping ring carrying a seal, the clamping ring including two separate clamping ring portions removably connected together at a coupling portion of each of the separate clamping ring portions so that each clamping ring portion is separable from the other, each clamping ring portion including a bolt engagement portion opposite the coupling portion, each clamping ring portion being movable about the coupling portion with respect to the other clamping ring portion in response to the bolt engagement portions being moved towards each other until a substantially planar abutting surface proximate the coupling portion of each clamping ring portion is brought into abutting contact with each other, at which point the coupling portions are fixed relative to each other and moving the bolt engagement portions closer together does not result in further movement of the coupling portions relative to each other, but instead results in only bending of the clamping ring; and
an exterior handle connected to a central portion of the sleeve, for carrying and adjusting a position of the pipe coupling when the pipe coupling is put into use.