Abstract:
A coupler for joining a pipe to another pipe, a tee, or other fitting, which provides positive retention of a gasket about the circumference of the coupler sufficiently to precisely position and hold the gasket during placement about pipe ends and/or fittings to be coupled, and which provides controlled circumferential compression of the gasket during coupling, for positive sealing when the coupler is closed, and which provides a coupling system allowing one handed handling and operation during placement and coupling, such that the other hand can be used for supporting a pipe to be coupled, and which is operable for releasing and breaking loose the coupler and associated gasket from a pipe during uncoupling.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/089,403, filed Aug. 15, 2008; 61/089,774, filed Aug. 18, 2008; and 61/220,692, filed on Jun. 26, 2009; and 61/222,272, filed on Jul. 1, 2009. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to a coupler for joining a pipe to another pipe, a tee, or other fitting, and more particularly, to a coupler which provides positive retention of the gasket about the circumference of the coupler sufficiently to precisely position and hold the gasket during placement about pipe ends and/or fittings to be coupled, and which provides controlled circumferential compression of the gasket during coupling, for positive sealing when the coupler is closed, and which provides a coupling system allowing one handed handling and operation during placement and coupling, such that the other hand can be used for supporting a pipe to be coupled, and which is operable for releasing and breaking loose the coupler and associated gasket from a pipe during uncoupling. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/089,403, filed Aug. 15, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/089,774, filed Aug. 18, 2008; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/220,692, filed on Jun. 26, 2009; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/222,272, filed on Jul. 1, 2009, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
         [0004]    Pipe couplers are well known for use in coupling pipes in sealed relation to other pipes, tees and other fittings, to provide a continuous sealed passage for the flow of fluids, including both liquids and solids, such as, but not limited to, chemicals, food products, and particulates such as cement. Such couplers are commonly used in piping systems on bulk materials transports and hoppers, for conveying fluid carried thereby. Desirable feature of such couplers include the ability to quick and easy couple and uncouple, to enable disassembly of pipes or removal of pipes from tees and the like, for purposes such as inspection, cleaning and repair. For instance, after travel to a delivery site and unloading, it may be required to uncouple the pipes of a transport or hopper for cleaning and preparing for transporting a different material. Or, it may be found that a pipe has become clogged, so as to require uncoupling for removal of the clog. Or a coupler gasket may be damaged or otherwise leaking, so as to require replacement. 
         [0005]    Reference, Sisk U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,540,465 and 5,722,666, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0248098; Burian et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,789; and Heelan et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0136167, which disclose a variety of known hinged pipe couplers or clamp assemblies, and gaskets, some of which gaskets are annular, and some of which are semi-circular. 
         [0006]    Problems commonly encountered when coupling pipes and fittings on bulk transports and hoppers, include that the coupler gasket can be improperly seated in the coupler as the pipes or fittings are being coupled. The pipes can be heavy, particularly when filled or partially filled with material, and thus can be hard to handle and position for coupling by one person, which can contribute to this problem. This can be particularly problematic with some couplers that require the bail of the coupler to be disconnected from the opposite side of the coupler to open the coupler sufficiently to place it on the pipe ends to be coupled, e.g., Sisk et al. and Heelan et al. patents and publications, or wherein the bail can remain connected, but can inadvertently disconnect, e.g., Burian et al. patent. 
         [0007]    Further in the above regard, some couplers, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,789, are designed for use with a split gasket which is positively retained by the coupler only at the ends. As a result, during coupling, as the ends of the coupler and gasket are brought together, the gasket is pulled or drawn about the ends of the pipes or pipe and fitting being coupled, to bring the split gasket ends together in sealed relation. If the gasket drags or sticks as it is pulled about the pipe ends, sealing pressure about the circumference of the coupler may be uneven. The desired sealed condition at the joint between the ends of the gasket also may not be completely or uniformly compressed or formed, so as to leak. 
         [0008]    As another problem, when uncoupling a coupler, the gasket can stick to the pipe, and/or the coupler can stick to the gasket, making removal difficult, and if force is applied, for instance, using a hammer or mallet to open the coupler, the gasket can be torn or otherwise damaged. And, if a split gasket is unavailable and instead it is attempted to use an annular gasket, the cavities are sufficiently large, particularly in sideward extent, such that annular gasket can deform into the cavities so as to leak. 
         [0009]    Further, if the clamping mechanism of many of the known couplers is improperly adjusted, more force than normally necessary may be needed to close the coupler. Rather than properly adjust the coupler, some personnel will attempt to force the coupler closed, for instance by striking it, or using additional leverage on the handle of the clamping mechanism, e.g., by extending the length using an extender or cheater bar. This can damage the clamp, e.g., break the handle of the mechanism. And similarly, if the coupler clamping mechanism is stuck closed, some persons will attempt to pry it open by using additional leverage. This can also damage the coupler or clamping mechanism. 
         [0010]    Regarding adjusting the clamping mechanism, some couplers, such as those of the Sisk et al. patent and publication identified above, require adjusting nuts on opposite ends of a U-shaped bail assembly, which can be time consuming and discouraging to personnel to adjust. Others, such as the Burian et al. and Heelan et al. couplers, use a single bail, but the adjusting nut is located so as to be very difficult to access, which also discourages adjustment. As a result, it has been found that many of the known couplers in use in the field are improperly adjusted, so as to be susceptible to leakage and damage. 
         [0011]    Still further, some of the known couplers have handles that are susceptible to pinching a user&#39;s hand when closed, due to close proximity of the handle to the coupler body. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, what is sought is a pipe coupler providing a one-handed operability that overcomes one or more of the problems and shortcomings set forth above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    What is disclosed is a pipe coupler apparatus and system providing a one-handed operability that overcomes one or more of the problems set forth above. 
         [0014]    According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the coupler of the apparatus and system comprises a pair of generally semi-circular or clam shell elements. Each semi-circular element has a generally C-shaped profile and is configured for receiving and holding a corresponding portion of a gasket, in the conventional manner. The semi-circular elements have first end portions hingedly connected together, and second end portions securely connected together by a clamping mechanism configured to remain connected even when the second ends of the elements are spread apart when the coupler is open. As a result, the coupler in the open configuration can be placed on a pipe end (without requiring sliding the gasket thereover as with an annular gasket), and held in place with just one hand without risk of the clamping mechanism coming apart, to allow the other hand to be used for handling the other pipe for positioning it for coupling. When the pipes are positioned for coupling, the clamping mechanism of the coupler can then be positioned about both pipe ends (again without sliding the gasket) and operated to clamp the coupler with just one hand, to couple the pipes together. 
         [0015]    According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the clamping mechanism includes a handle pivotally connected with one of the semi-circular elements and to one end of a bail rod. The opposite end of the bail rod pivotably connects to the other semi-circular element. Each end of the bail rod is fixed or secured, at its pivotal connection to the handle or the other of the semi-circular elements, respectively, such that the bail rod can be pushed longitudinally, not just pulled as required for clamping. This is an advantageous feature, as it enables a manual force to be applied to the handle in the direction for unclamping the coupler, for also opening the coupler and releasing or breaking the coupler away from a pipe of fitting. This is desirable, as it can eliminate need for striking the coupler with a hammer or the like to release it, and the possible damage that result. 
         [0016]    As another preferred aspect of the invention, the coupler is configured so as to be usable with a split or annular gasket. In this regard, the semi-circular elements of the coupler are configured for cooperatively receiving and holding either a split gasket, which can be of a one piece design split at just one location, or a multiple piece design, such as, but not limited to, a two-piece design of semi-circular pieces. For use with a split gasket, the semi-circular elements of the coupler include elements configured for holding or retaining the gasket on or in connection with the element, preferably comprising at least one cavity in an inner circumferential surface of the semi-circular element, configured for cooperatively receiving and holding a mating projection on the gasket for holding or retaining the gasket on the element. Also preferably, this feature is located on each of the second ends of the semi-circular elements, near the clamping mechanism, and on the free ends of the gasket, so as to advantageously allow the rest or body of the gasket to slide or move along the inner circumferences of the semi-circular elements as the semi-circular elements are closed or brought together about the ends of two pipes or a pipe and a fitting for coupling, to avoid bunching of the gasket which can interfere with or prevent closure of the coupler. Each cavity is sufficiently large such that the projection is robust enough for holding the gasket at that location, and to allow pulling the gasket as the coupler is closed, but is at the same time is sufficiently small, at least in sideward extent, that is, across the gasket, such that if an annular gasket or one without the projections is used instead, the annular gasket will largely span the cavity and not enter it so as to deform and result in a leak. Preferably here, the projection and cavity have a dovetail shape. 
         [0017]    As still another preferred aspect of the invention, the bail rod of the clamping mechanism is configured so as to be adjustable in effective length between the points of attachment to the handle and the other semi-circular element, to enable easily and precisely adjusting operation of the clamping mechanism and the tension in the bail rod when clamped. Here, the term “effective length” denotes that portion of the length of the bail rod extending between the pivot points on the handle and on the other of the semi-circular elements. Preferably in this regard, a clevis is provided on the other of the semi-circular elements, which supports a pivot pin in a spacer or sleeve. The pivot pin and the spacer have aligned through holes which receive an end of the bail rod, and hold it centered in the clevis. This connection also includes a longitudinal adjusting mechanism for adjusting the effective length of the bail rod, preferably comprising a threaded portion secured by an adjusting nut. The pivot pin and the spacer are preferably positioned within the clevis such that the adjusting nut is sufficiently accessible to be engageable by a standard tool such as a socket, box end or open end wrench, for threaded rotation about the threaded end of the bail rod, including with the handle positioned for applying just initial tension on the bail rod, for increasing or decreasing the effective length of the bail rod. A second nut or other retainer is provided on the opposite side of the pivot pin and spacer, and is positionable thereagainst to prevent movement of the bail rod longitudinally relative to the pivot pin and spacer. 
         [0018]    As still another preferred feature of the invention, at least one pivotal connection of the clamping mechanism is releasable, to allow the coupler to be opened by a greater extent, to facilitate use with an annular gasket, and also other purposes, such as for disassembly and cleaning. Here, a preferred configuration utilizes a removable pin for pivotal connection of the bail rod to the handle, which pin can be held in place by a conventional detent, such as an E-clip or the like that is repeatedly removable. As another feature, this end of the bail rod is preferably configured having a rectangular sectional shape which is received in the clevis of the handle, to provide added strength, particularly laterally, and ease and economy of manufacture. 
         [0019]    As further preferred features of the invention, the handle has a generally C-shape when viewed from the side, including large radius edges for improved ergonomics, and such that the free end of the handle curves back toward the coupler, to provide an opening sufficiently large for receiving a gloved hand, and for reducing locations where a person&#39;s hand can be pinched against the outer side of the coupler. This shape also makes it difficult to use leverage increasing tools on the handle for closing the coupler, which can damage or break the handle or other components of the coupler. And, to further strengthen the handle, and its pivotal attachment to the semi-circular element, the handle end and the semi-circular element both include clevises, essentially forming a clevis in a clevis for strength against lateral loads. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a simplified side view of a pipe coupler constructed and operable according to the teachings of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the pipe coupler of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the coupler; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is another end view of the coupler; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the coupler; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is another end view of the coupler; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the coupler; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is another sectional view of the coupler; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the coupler in an open configuration about a pipe, and illustrating application of a force against a handle of the coupler; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a fragmentary perspective view of a semi-circular element of the coupler, showing a feature for retaining a gasket; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a fragmentary end view of the semi-circular element of  FIG. 10 , showing the gasket in dotted lines; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11A  is another fragmentary end view of the semi-circular element of  FIG. 10 , showing use of an annular gasket therein, and pipes coupled together by the coupler without leakage; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing two of the couplers of the invention in association with a pair of hopper tees and a pipe to be coupled thereto using the couplers; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is another perspective view, showing one of the couplers closed for coupling the pipe to one of the tees, and another of the couplers opened and positioned for coupling the pipe to the other of the tees; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the coupler and illustrating a hand grasping the handle thereof; 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a sectional view of a prior art pipe coupler coupling two pipes together, illustrating a leakage problem that can be encountered when using the coupler with an annular gasket; 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a simplified sectional view of the pipes and coupler of  FIG. 15 , illustrating the leakage using arrows; 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the coupler of the invention including an alternative bail rod construction; 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is a fragmentary sectional view though the coupler showing the alternative bail rod; 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  is another fragmentary sectional view though the coupler showing the end of the alternative bail rod; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  is another fragmentary sectional view of the coupler. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 11A , a pipe coupler  20  constructed and operable according to the teachings of the present invention, is shown. Coupler  20  includes a first semi-circular element  22 , and a second semi-circular element  24 , having first end portions  28  and  30 , respectively, connected for relative hinged movement by a hinge joint  26 . Elements  22  and  24  include second end portions  32  and  34 , which are brought together when the elements are hingedly closed, and include elements of a clamping mechanism  36  operable, including with just one hand, for securing the coupler about pipe ends, or a pipe end and a fitting, to be coupled together. 
         [0042]    Each of semi-circular elements  22  and  24  as a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape defining a channel  38  adapted for receiving a gasket  40 , which here is a one-piece, split type gasket. Second end portions  32  and  34  of elements  22  and  24  each additionally include a cavity  42 , which is open in the radial inward direction and toward the end of the semi-circular element, and which has a dovetail shape when viewed from the end. Gasket  40  includes a pair of correspondingly or matingly dovetail shaped projections  44 , configured to be cooperatively received within cavities  42 , respectively, for retaining gasket  40  in connection with end portions  32  and  34 . Here, it should be noted that cavities  42  and projections  44  have a maximum sideward extent denoted by the distance X ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ), which is substantially less than the width of the adjacent portion of channel  38  denoted by the distance Y, such that the cavity is correspondingly substantially narrower than gasket  40  at that location. As a representative ratio of X:Y, a value of about 1.0:1.3 has been found to work well for a coupler of the type shown. Cavities  42  and projections  44  have a substantial length A ( FIG. 7 ). This sizing provides sufficient robustness for retaining gasket  40  during closure of coupler  20 , including in opposition to pulling of gasket  40  away from the end portion  32  or  34  as it is stretched about a pipe end. But importantly, the extent X is sufficiently narrow, e.g., 50% or less of extent Y, such that a gasket not including a projection  44 , will not deform into cavity  42  so as to possibly leak. This is an advantage of coupler  20 , as it allows usage of gaskets other than gasket  40 , including annular gaskets, without danger of leakage at this location, as is possible with other known coupler designs. This capability is illustrated in  FIG. 11A , using an annular gasket  80  not including projections  44 . Gasket  40  is illustrated having a serrated inner surface  46  ( FIG. 7 ) but other surface configurations can also be used. Gasket  40  is also illustrated as having a sufficient length so as to project a marginal distance beyond end portions  32  and  34  of semi-circular elements  22  and  24 , when coupler  20  is open, so as to be compressed together when the coupler is closed for forming a sealed condition. The opposing ends of gasket  40  can be serrated as shown. Here, it should be noted that channels  38  of semicircular elements  22  and  24  are shaped and sized for receiving a variety of conventional gaskets, including commercially available annular gaskets, and the configuration of cavities  42  are advantageous for preventing leakage due to deformation of the gasket into the cavity when no projections  44  are present. 
         [0043]    Second end portion  32  of semi-circular element  22  includes a clevis  48  configured for pivotal connection with a handle  50  of clamping mechanism  36 , which provides robustness for resisting lateral forces. Similarly, second end portion  34  of element  24  includes a clevis  52  configured for pivotal connection with a bail rod  54  of mechanism  36 , which also provides robustness. 
         [0044]    Clamping mechanism  36  is configured to connect second end portions  32  and  34  of semi-circular elements  22  and  24 , so as not to come apart under normal circumstances. To achieve this, handle  50  is connected by a pivotal connection  56  to clevis  48 ; one end of bail rod  54  is connected by a pivotal connection  58  to handle  50 ; and the opposite end of rod  54  is connected by a pivotal connection  60  to clevis  52 . These connections are configured to not come apart under normal operating conditions. But connection  58  utilizes a removable pin  90  to allow the mechanism to be intentionally separated. Pin  90  can be retained using any suitable detent, such as, but not limited to, a well-known E-clip. An advantage of this capability is that coupler  20  can be hung over a pipe end without danger of inadvertent disconnection, which allows a person to handle a mating pipe with both of his or her hands, and then to close coupler  20  using only a single hand, allowing the other hand to be used for supporting one of the pipe ends. Another advantage is that a hand force can be exerted against handle  50 , as denoted by force arrow F in  FIG. 9  for releasing or breaking coupler  20  from a pipe, such as pipe  72  illustrated. This is advantageous, as noted above, as it eliminates need for using a tool, such as a bar, hammer, mallet or the like, for this purpose, which can damage the coupler or gasket. 
         [0045]    Bail rod  54  of clamping mechanism  36  is configured so as to be adjustable in effective length between the points of pivotal attachment to handle  50  and second semi-circular element  24 , to enable easily and precisely adjusting operation of the clamping mechanism and the tension in the bail rod when clamped. Here, the term “effective length” more particularly denotes that portion of the length of bail rod  54  extending between pivotal connections  58  and  60  on handle  50  and clevis  52 . In this regard, pivotal connection  60  comprises a spacer  62  with bushings  64  on either end, which support a pin of connection  60  so as to be centered within clevis  52 , a threaded end  66  of rod  54  extending through holes through spacer  62  and pin of connection  60 . An adjusting nut  68  is threadedly engaged on threaded end  66  and can be threadedly loosened or tightened thereon, to adjust the effective length. Another nut  70  is also provided on the opposite side of spacer  62 , to snug the rod against the spacer to prevent longitudinal slippage thereof. Here, it should be noted that pivotal connection  60  is preferably positioned within clevis  52  such that adjusting nut  68  is sufficiently accessible to be engageable by a standard tool such as a socket, box end or open end wrench, for threaded rotation about threaded end  66  of bail rod  54 , including with handle  50  positioned for applying just initial tension on the bail rod, for increasing or decreasing the effective length of the bail rod. 
         [0046]    In  FIGS. 12 and 13 , two couplers  20  are illustrated for connecting a pipe  72  to a pair of spaced apart tees  74  and  76  for illustrating one handed operability of the system of the invention. This is intended to be representative of tees commonly found on the lower regions of bulk material transports and the like. Here, it can be observed that the right-hand coupler  20  can be placed on the pipe end of tee  74  and left there without danger of falling, as coupler  20  will not inadvertently come apart. The left-hand coupler  20 , can be placed onto a pipe end of tee  76 , such that one end of pipe  72  can be laid on that coupler  20 . The opposite end of pipe  72  can then be brought into alignment with the pipe end of tee  74 , and that coupler moved into position over both opposing pipe ends. The right-hand coupler  20  can then be closed using just one hand on handle  50 , to couple those pipe ends. The handle  50  of the left-hand coupler can then be closed to couple that coupler to complete the connection. Here, it should be emphasized that each of couplers  20  can be closed using only one hand, while the other hand is free to hold one of the pipes to be joined together. It should also be noted that as a result of the use of a split gasket, the gasket does not have to be manually fitted over the pipe ends separately of the coupler, as is required when using annular gaskets. 
         [0047]    As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , handle  50  has a generally C-shape when viewed from the side, including large radius edges for improved ergonomics, and such that the free end of handle  50  curves back toward the coupler, to provide an opening sufficiently large for receiving a gloved hand, and for reducing locations where a person&#39;s hand can be pinched against the outer side of the coupler. This shape also makes it difficult to use leverage increasing tools on the handle for closing the coupler, which can damage or break the handle or other components of the coupler. 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a prior art coupler  78  such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,789, is shown. Coupler  78  has cavities as disclosed in that patent, for receiving projection of a split gasket. However, if a conventional annular gasket such as illustrated by gasket  80  is used, the gasket can deform into the cavities, so as to result in a leak of the material carried by the joined pipes, as illustrated by the small arrows. This problem will not be present when coupler  20  of the present invention is used with a conventional annular gasket, as cavities  42  are smaller and not large enough to allow this deformation, as discussed above. Additionally, because the bail rod of coupler  78  connects to the handle of that coupler with just a hook shaped end, any force applied thereto in a direction for opening the coupler would act to disconnect the handle from the bail rod instead. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 ,  18 ,  19  and  20 , as an alternative bail rod construction for coupler  20 , bail rod  54  can include an end  82  for connection to handle  50 , generally rectangular cross sectional shape and having oppositely facing surfaces  84  disposed in surface to surface opposing, closely spaced relation to opposing, spaced apart surfaces  86  of a clevis  88  of handle  50 . This configuration is advantageous to prevent torsional or twisting movements of bail rod  54  within the clevis and to provide robust strength and avoid stress concentrations resulting from loading conditions including tensile, compression, torsion, side and bending loads, anticipated to be encountered by the coupler during normal use. In particular, referring to  FIG. 20 , if a torsional force, such as denoted by arrows FT, and/or sideward force, denoted by arrows FS, is/are applied between a pin  90  of connection  58  and clevis  88  of the handle, sides  84  and  86  can be brought into surface to surface contact to distribute and transfer the forces over a greater area, to reduce occurrence of stress concentrations and other failure conditions that can otherwise result in breakage or bending of the bail rod end, and/or one or both sides of clevis  88 . 
         [0050]    Rectangular end  82  also extends sidewardly along and contacts substantially the entire length of pin  90  between spaced apart opposing surfaces  86  of clevis  88 , that is, essentially the width between surfaces  86 , as denoted by arrow SC in  FIG. 20 , such that more surface contact is maintained between that end of the bail rod and pin  90 , compared to a bail rod end of circular cross section, such as of the coupler of  FIGS. 1-14 , and the prior art coupler of  FIG. 15 , wherein only a small portion of the circular cross sections of the pin and bail rod are in contact. As a non-limiting example, a rectangular end  82  having a longitudinal extent, denoted by distance LE in  FIG. 19  in both direction beyond pin  90 , which is about equal to or greater than a diametrical extent DP of pin  90 , has been found to be adequate for withstanding anticipated side and torsional loading conditions. 
         [0051]    Additionally, whether using a bail rod including the end portion shown in  FIGS. 17-20 , or that of the previously illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-14 , rectangular end  82  is configured to extend completely around pin  90  when viewed from the side, to enable the one-handed operation of the coupler for positioning about pipe or fitting ends to be coupled together as discussed above, and also to allow the application of a substantial force F against bail rod  54  for compressively loading it for opening clamp  20 , and/or breaking it free from around coupled pipe and/or fitting ends, as illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . In this regard, the rectangular shape of end  82  is preferred, as it has been found to enable it to withstand substantial abuse when opening and breaking couplers loose from pipes. In contrast, as noted above, prior art coupler  78  as shown in  FIG. 15  includes a bail rod having an end pivotally connected to the handle of that coupler which only partially surrounds the pinned connection, such that application of a substantial force in the above described manner to positively open or break loose the coupler from a pipe joint is not possible, as the end of the bail rod would simply detach from the pin. Further, because pin  90  of the present invention is also preferably easily removable to disconnect connection  58  and release handle  50  from clamping mechanism  36 , to allow fully opening the coupler. 
         [0052]    It will be understood that changes in the details, materials, steps, and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the invention. The foregoing description illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention; however, concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in other embodiments, for instance having different diameter pipe sections, without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the specific form shown.