Patent Publication Number: US-2022221093-A1

Title: Pipe coupling

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/847,372, title “PIPE COUPLING,” filed May 14, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Pipe couplings can be used in pipe installations to secure two pipe ends together. The pipe couplings can create a fluidic seal between pipe ends using a gasket. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one aspect relates to a coupling. The coupling has a housing, a mounting portion extending away from a first side of the housing, and a hinge portion extending away from a second side of the housing. The housing is defined by a first axial wall, a second axial wall spaced apart from the first axial wall, and a semi-cylindrical outer wall extending between the first axial wall and the second axial wall. Each of the first axial wall and second axial wall have a semi-annular shape defining a passage radially inward from the first axial wall and second axial wall. The mounting portion has a flange and a hole formed through the flange. The hinge portion includes a tab and a frame. The tab extends partially between the first axial wall and the second axial wall, and the frame also extends partially between the first axial wall and the second axial wall. 
     At least one aspect relates to a pipe coupling. The pipe coupling includes a first coupling segment and a second coupling segment hingedly coupled to the first coupling segment. The first coupling segment has a first pipe housing, a first hinge portion, and a first mounting portion. The first hinge portion has a first tab and a first frame extending away from a first side of the first pipe housing. The first mounting portion extends away from a second side of the first pipe housing opposite the first side. The second coupling segment has a second pipe housing, a second hinge portion, and a second mounting portion. The second hinge portion has a second tab and a second frame extending away from a first side of the second pipe housing. The second mounting portion extends away from a second side of the second pipe housing opposite the first side. 
     At least one aspect relates to a pipe coupling kit. The pipe coupling kit includes a first coupling segment, a second coupling segment, a threaded bolt, and a nut sized to threadably engage the threaded bolt. The first coupling segment has a first pipe housing, a first hinge portion, and a first mounting portion. The first hinge portion has a first tab and a first frame extending away from a first side of the first pipe housing. The first mounting portion extends away from a second side of the first pipe housing opposite the first side. The second coupling segment has a second pipe housing, a second hinge portion, and a second mounting portion. The second hinge portion includes a second tab and a second frame extending away from a first side of the second pipe housing. The second mounting portion extends away from a second side of the second pipe housing opposite the first side. The threaded bolt is sized to extend through a first aperture formed in the first mounting portion and a second aperture formed in the second mounting portion. The pipe coupling kit can include a gasket, which can enable the assembled pipe coupling to form a water-tight, pressure resitant joint. 
     These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example of a pipe coupling received around and forming a seal between two pipe segments. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of an example of a coupling segment of a pipe coupling, shown in isolation. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of an example of a coupling segment. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of an example of a coupling segment. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of an example of a coupling segment. 
         FIG. 6  is an inverted front view of an example of a coupling segment. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of an example of a pipe coupling in an open position. 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of an example of a pipe coupling. 
         FIG. 9A  is a front view of an example of a pipe coupling. 
         FIG. 9B  is a front view of an example of a pipe coupling, rotated to a closed position. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of an example of a pipe coupling. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an example of a pipe coupling. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of pipe couplings. Pipe couplings can be used to connect ends of pipes with one another. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below can be implemented in any of numerous ways, including in sprinkler systems. 
     Pipe couplings can include two pieces that can receive and secure ends of pipes, and can establish a fluid connection between the ends of the pipes. A gasket can be provided in the pipe coupling to seal the connection between the ends of the pipes. The pieces can be connected with one another by a hinge at a first end, and secured around the pipes using a fastener, such as a nut and bolt assembly that can pass through openings in the two pieces. In order to connect with one another, the two pieces may be made from different structures (e.g., using different castings). 
     A pipe coupling in accordance with the present disclosure can be made, generally, of two identical or substantially identical coupling segments that can be hingedly coupled to one another to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The hinged coupling formed between the two coupling segments can be made by a split tab and window arrangement on each coupling segment. A tab on each coupling segment can engage a window formed in the other coupling segment, enabling the coupling segments to be identical or substantially identical. The collective engagement between tabs and windows can form a hinged connection that allows relative rotation between the coupling segments. Relative rotation between the coupling segments can transition the coupling segments between an open, or separated position and a closed, or engaged position. The pipe coupling can be easily positioned over a gasket that receives the two grooved or flared pipe segments. The pipe coupling assembly can then be rotated to the closed position to compress the gasket and form a secure, leak-free coupling connection between the pipe segments. Fasteners, such as a threaded bolt and nut, can be used to provide additional clamping force and ensure that the coupling segments remain in the closed position when a pipe seal is desired. 
     By having two identical or substantially identical (e.g., differing in dimension within traditional casting tolerances) coupling segments, the manufacturing time and costs associated with couplings can be reduced, such as by enabling a single casting to be used to manufacture the coupling segments. The amount of tooling to create pipe couplings according to the disclosure can be reduced, and delays associated with changing out molds (e.g., to form couplings having two different segments) can be eliminated. Inventory for additional tooling and component storage can be reduced as well, which can reduce the manufacturing burden associated with producing the pipe couplings according to the disclosure. The split tab and window hinge formed between coupling segments can reduce the amount of fasteners used to secure the pipe coupling around a pipe joint, which can reduce size and weight requirements and enable a more efficient pipe coupling assembly process. The pipe coupling can be assembled (e.g., subsequent to manufacturing) by inserting the gasket into the two coupling segments (the gasket may be slightly oversized, such that an outer diameter of the gasket is greater than an inner diameter of the pipe coupling when the pipe coupling is closed), and engaging the bolt and the nut with the coupling segments. The pipe coupling can be installed at a pipe joint by a single user by holding the coupling open, inserting the pipes (e.g., ends of the pipes), and tightening the bolt and the nut (or other fastener as applicable). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a pipe coupling  100  is depicted forming a fluidic seal between two adjacent pipes  102 ,  104 . The pipe coupling  100  can join two pipe ends  106 ,  108  in axial alignment about a central axis X-X, for example. The pipe ends  106 ,  108  can be of any fluid carrying structure, such as for example, the ends of respective pipes  102 ,  104 , a pipe fitting (not shown), a valve (not shown), or a fire protection sprinkler (not shown). The pipe coupling  100  can be used with grooved or flared piping and/or tubing, for example. 
     The pipe coupling  100  includes two coupling segments  110 ,  112  hingedly coupled together. As explained in additional detail below, each of the coupling segments  110 ,  112  can be identical or substantially identical (e.g., differing in dimension within sand-casting tolerances; having dimension or geometric differences within a threshold percentage, such as one percent, five percent, or ten percent) components. The coupling segments  110 ,  112  can be made from cast iron or bronze. A gasket can be positioned in a cavity  114  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ) can be positioned between the pipe ends  106 ,  108  to provide additional sealing between pipes  102 ,  104 . The gasket can be received between the two coupling segments  110 ,  112 , which can compress the gasket radially. The gasket can also be compressed axially by the pipe ends  106 ,  108  to provide sufficient leak-free sealing between the pipes  102 ,  104 . The gasket can be any of a variety of gaskets that can facilitate sealing of the pipe coupling  100 . One or more fasteners can be used to mount the coupling segments  110 ,  112  together to secure the pipe coupling  100  in place. For example, a threaded bolt  116  and threaded nut  118  can be used in combination to secure the coupling segments  110 ,  112  together. 
     The shape and orientation of the coupling segments  110 ,  112  are depicted in  FIGS. 2-6 . As depicted, the coupling segment  110  includes a housing  120  that can receive a portion of the gasket, for example. The housing  120  is defined by a first axial wall  122  and a second axial wall  124  spaced apart from the first axial wall  122 . A semi-cylindrical wall  126  extends between the first axial wall  122  and the second axial wall  124  to define a portion of the outer shape of the coupling segment  110 . 
     The first axial wall  122  and the second axial wall  124  can each have a semi-annular shape. A base  128 ,  130  of each axial wall  122 ,  124  extends inwardly away from the semi-cylindrical wall  126 . For example, the bases  128 ,  130  can extend orthogonally away from the semi-cylindrical wall  126 , parallel to one another. Ends  132 ,  134  of each axial wall  122 ,  124  opposite each base  128 ,  130  together define a passage  136  (e.g., a semi-circular passage) extending through the housing  120 . The semi-circular passage  136  can be sized to receive a portion of a pipe  102 ,  104 , for example. A portion of each axial wall  122 ,  124  can be disposed within the grooves formed in the ends of grooved pipes, which can help secure the pipe coupling  100  axially between the two pipes  102 ,  104 . The semi-circular passage  136  can be formed concentrically with the semi-cylindrical wall  126 . The combination of the axial walls  122 ,  124  and an inner surface  138  of the semi-cylindrical wall  126  define a cavity  140  within the housing  120 . The inner surface  138  of the semi-cylindrical wall  126  creates a trough-like shape within the interior of the coupling segment  110  that can receive, for example, the gasket and/or pipe  102 ,  104 . The first axial wall  122  and second axial wall  124  can define a passage  136  having an oval or elliptical shape. The ends  132 ,  134  of each axial wall  122 ,  124  can be defined by a radius (or several radii) that varies as it extends across the coupling segment  110 ,  112 . 
     The interior of the coupling segment  110  can also interact with and receive a second coupling segment  112  to create a complete pipe coupling  100 . Each of the first axial wall  122  and the second axial wall  124  can include a tiered structure. For example, the first axial wall  122  includes an outer section  142  and an inner section  144  each extending away from the base  128 . The outer section  142  of the first axial wall  122  is defined by two, spaced apart surfaces  146 ,  148 . The surfaces  146 ,  148  can be coplanar, for example. A curved wall  150  extends between the two surfaces  146 ,  148 , concentric with the cylindrical wall  126  and partially defining the semi-circular passage  136 . Alternatively, the curved wall  150  can be defined by a varying radius, or several radii of different sizes (e.g., when the passage  136  is non-circular), and does not need to be positioned concentric with the cylindrical wall  126 . The curved wall  150  can be sized to extend into and engage a groove formed within a grooved pipe  102 ,  104 , for example. The two surfaces  146 ,  148  can be coplanar with a main, coupling surface  152  formed on the coupling segment  110 . 
     The inner section  144  of the first axial wall  122  is formed axially inward from the outer section  142 . The inner section  144  is defined by two offset surfaces  154 ,  156  and a curved wall  158  extending between the two offset surfaces  154 ,  156 . The curved wall  158  is positioned radially outward from the curved wall  150  of the outer section  142 . The curved wall  158  of the inner section  144  and the curved wall  150  of the outer section  142  can be concentric with one another and concentric with the cylindrical wall  126 . The curved wall  158  can also form a sunken portion of the semi-circular passageway  136 . The curved wall  158  can be sized to receive and engage the nominal outer surface of a grooved pipe  102 ,  104 , adjacent to the groove, for example. Like the curved wall  150 , the curved wall  158  can be defined by a varying radius or several radii of different sizes, such that the passage  136  can define an oval, elliptical, or other type shape suitable to couple pipes or fittings. 
     The offset surfaces  154 ,  156  can receive and engage complimentary offset surfaces formed in the second coupling segment  112 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first offset surface  154  is positioned away from the base  128 , at a position below the surfaces  146 ,  148  of the outer wall and below the main coupling surface  152 . The second offset surface  156  is positioned away from the base  128 , at a position above the surfaces  146 ,  148  and above the main coupling surface  152 . The offset surfaces  154 ,  156  can be approximately parallel with one another. The offset surfaces  154 ,  156  can also extend approximately parallel to the surfaces  146 ,  148  and the main coupling surface  152 . The offset surfaces  154 ,  156  can each have an L-shape that includes both an axial component and a radial component. 
     The second axial wall  124  has the same general tiered structure as the first axial wall  122 . The second axial wall  124  includes an outer section  160  and an inner section  162  each extending away from the base  130 . The outer section  160  includes surfaces  164 ,  166  extending approximately coplanar with one another. The surface  166  can be coplanar with the main coupling surface  152  or at various angles relative to the main coupling surface  152 . A curved wall  168  extends between the surfaces  164 ,  166 , and is positioned approximately concentric with the curved wall  150  on the first axial wall  122 . The inner section  162  of the second axial wall  124  is again defined by two offset surfaces  170 ,  172  and a curved wall  174  extending between the two offset surfaces  170 ,  172 . The offset surface  170  extends to a location adjacent with the offset surface  156  of the first axial wall  122 , creating a first step  176  between the offset surfaces  156 ,  170 . Similarly, the offset surface  172  extends to a location adjacent with the offset surface  154  of the first axial wall  122 , creating a second step  178  between the offset surfaces  154 ,  172 . The first step  176  and second step  178  together provide a combined male and female connection that can be used to engage and secure the second coupling segment  112 . Each of the offset surfaces  154 ,  156 ,  170 ,  172  in the housing  120  can be approximately equally (e.g., +/−10%) sized. 
     A mounting portion  180  extends away from a first side  182  of the housing  120 . The mounting portion  180  includes a flange  184  that can be used to secure the first coupling segment  110  to the second coupling segment  112 . The flange  184  can be partially defined by a substantially planar inner surface  186  that is coplanar and continuous with a portion of the main coupling surface  152 . The flange  184  can taper inwardly as it extends away from the semi-cylindrical wall  126  to form a triangular shape. A distal end  188  of the flange  184  can be rounded. In some examples, a portion (not shown) of the flange  184  can be angled (e.g., at about 45 degrees) as depicted in  FIG. 11 . 
     A hole  190  is formed through the flange  184 . The hole  190  can receive fasteners, such as the threaded bolt  116  described above. The hole  190  can be defined by an elongate oval shape extending through the flange  184 . An outer surface  192  of the flange  184  can be a substantially planar mounting surface that can receive and support a fastener head or nut  118 , for example. A partial counterbore can be formed in the cylindrical wall  126  proximate the hole  190  to accommodate fastener heads or nuts  118 . 
     A second side  196  of the housing  120  supports a hinge portion  194  that can form a hinge arrangement with the second coupling segment  112 . By locating a hinge on one side of the pipe coupling  100 , the number of fasteners needed to assemble and install the pipe coupling  100  can be reduced. The split hinged pipe coupling  100  can simplify the installation process by enabling the use of a single bolt to secure the pipe coupling  100 , which can make it easier to properly tighten the pipe coupling  100  with less opportunity for error (e.g., as compared to multi-bolt systems which may need multiple iterations of tightening on each bolt). By having two like components, inventory needs can be reduced. Manufacturing time can be improved drastically by eliminating the need to switch out molds and tooling to create multiple different parts. Cast iron or bronze, for example, can be readily molded into each of the coupling segments  110 ,  112 . 
     The hinge portion  194  extends away from the second side  196  of the housing  120 , opposite the mounting portion  180 . The hinge portion  194  includes a tab  198  and a frame  202  defining a window  200  (e.g., opening) extending outwardly away from the semi-cylindrical wall  126 . The tab  198  and window  200  each extend a portion of the axial distance (e.g., distance along axis x-x depicted in  FIG. 5 ) between the first axial wall  122  and the second axial wall  124 . The tab  198  can be aligned outside the second offset surface  156 , while the window  200  can be aligned outside the first offset surface  170 . The tab  198  can extend less than half the axial distance between the first axial wall  122  and the second axial wall  124 , for example. The window  200  extends between the first axial wall  122  and the second axial wall  124  further than the tab  198  extends between the first axial wall  122  and the second axial wall  124 . The window  200  can then receive a tab  198 ′ from the second coupling segment  112  to form a portion of a hinge joint. 
     The frame  202  (e.g., window frame) can include a first arm  204  extending away from the housing  120 , a second arm  206  extending away from the housing  120 , and a cross-member  208  extending between the arms  204 ,  206 . The first arm  204  and second arm  206  can extend away from the housing  120  approximately parallel to one another. The cross-member  208  can extend perpendicularly between the two arms  204 ,  206  to form a window cavity  210  having a rectangular shape. Each of the arms  204 ,  206  can include flat surfaces  212 ,  214  extending approximately coplanar with the main coupling surface  152 . The cross-member  208  can be partially defined by a surface  216  having a slight vertical offset from the flat surfaces  212 ,  214 , which forms a step  218  between the cross-member  208  and the arms  204 ,  206 . A notch  220  can be formed in the between the second arm  206  and the cross-member  208  as well. The notch  220  helps to locate the second coupling segment  112  relative to the first coupling segment  110 . The notch  220  also provides additional clearance below the tab  198 , which allows a second window  200 ′ on the second coupling segment  112  to be positioned beneath the tab  198  prior to coupling. In this position, rotation of the second coupling segment  112  moves the tab  198  into the second window  200 ′ and moves a second tab  198 ′ on the second coupling  112  into the window  200  to create a rotatable, hinged coupling between the two coupling segments  110 ,  112 . 
     Each of the arms  204 ,  206  can have a triangular shape that tapers inward as it extends away from the housing  120 . The cross-member  208  can have an outer surface  222  that angles away from an outer surface  224 ,  226  of each arm  204 ,  206 . The outer surface  222  of the cross member  208  can face away from and extend parallel to the flat surfaces  212 ,  214  of each arm  204 ,  206  and the main coupling surface  152 . 
     The tab  198  can extend away from the frame  202  of the window  200 . The outer surface  226  of the second arm  206  can be continuous with an outer surface  228  of the tab  198 . The outer surface  228  of the tab  198  can angle away from the housing  120  toward the main coupling surface  152 , parallel to the outer surfaces  224 ,  226  of each arm  204 ,  206 . The outer surface  228  of the tab  198  can extend out from the housing  120  to a location approximately aligned with the cross-member  208  and notch  220 . 
     A first window engaging surface  230  extends away from the outer surface  228  of the tab  198 . The first window engaging surface  230  can angle away from the outer surface  228 , approximately orthogonal (e.g., +/−5 degrees) to the main coupling surface  152 . The first window engaging surface  230  can extend upward, above the second offset surface  156 . The first window engaging surface  230  can be rectangular, for example. 
     A foot  232  of the tab  198  extends outwardly away from the first window engaging surface  230 . The foot  232  can extend orthogonally away from the first window engaging surface  230  to form a second window engaging surface  234  and an outermost surface  236 . The second window engaging surface  234  can extend approximately parallel to the main coupling surface  152 , for example. The outermost surface  236  can extend orthogonally away from the second window engaging surface  234 , approximately parallel to the first window engaging surface  230 . The outermost surface  236 , second window engaging surface  234 , and first window engaging surface  230  can each be defined by a common width smaller than the lateral distance between the first arm  204  and the second arm  206  of the frame  202 . As discussed below, each of the outermost surface  236 , the second window engaging surface  234 , and the first window engaging surface  230  can be entirely or partially received within the window cavity  210 ′ of the second coupling segment  112 . 
     A guiding surface  238  extends away from the outermost surface  236  to the main coupling surface  152 . The guiding surface  238  can be a curved surface that can slide relative to the frame  202  and housing  120 . The curved shape of the guiding surface  238  can allow at least some degree of relative rotation between coupling segments  110 ,  112 , even when coupled together. The guiding surface  238  can be entirely cylindrical. The guiding surface  238  can include a flat portion  240  and a curved portion  242  extending smoothly and tangentially away from the flat portion  240 . The flat portion  240  can extend approximately parallel to the second window engaging surface  234 , for example. The curved portion  242  may extend away from the flat portion  240  at a location approximately coplanar with the first window engaging surface  230 . The curved portion  242  of the guiding surface  238  can be formed as a quadrant of a cylinder. 
     The tab  198  can include an inside surface  244  and an outside surface  246 . The outside surface  246  can extend orthogonally away from the outermost surface  236 , the second window engaging surface  234 , and the first window engaging surface  230 , for example. Similarly, the inside surface  244  can extend orthogonally away from the outermost surface  236 , the second window engaging surface  234 , and the first window engaging surface  230 , parallel to the outside surface  246 . The inside surface  244  can extend away from the second arm  206  of the frame  202 . The outside surface  246  can be spaced apart from the first axial wall  122 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 7-8 , the split tab  198  and window  200  arrangement on the first coupling segment  110  can be removably coupled to the split tab  198 ′ and window  200 ′ arrangement in the second coupling segment  112  to form the pipe coupling  100 . To create a hinged coupling between the coupling segments  110 ,  112 , the coupling segments  110 ,  112  can first be positioned so that the first tab  198  is aligned with the second window  200 ′ and the first window  200  is aligned with the second tab  198 ′. The coupling segments  110 ,  112  can be pushed toward one another, so that a portion of the second arm  206 ′ of the second coupling segment  112  slides into the first notch  220  on the first coupling segment  110 . The outermost surface  236 ′ of the second coupling segment  112  can engage the first window engaging surface  230  of the first coupling segment  110 , which in turn causes the outermost surface  236  of the first coupling segment  110  to engage the first window engaging surface  230 ′ of the second coupling segment  112 . Rotating the coupling segments  110 ,  112  inward, toward one another rotates the first tab  198  into the second window  200 ′ and rotates the second tab  198 ′ into the first window  200 . Continued inward rotation of the coupling segments  110 ,  112  brings the tabs  198 ,  198 ′ into engagement with the cross-members  208 ,  208 ′. The coupling segments  110 ,  112  can continue to rotate inward toward one another, pivoting relative to one another about the guiding surfaces  238 ,  238 ′ of the tabs  198 ,  198 ′ until the pipe coupling  100  is closed, as depicted in  FIGS. 9B and 10 . 
     In the closed position, the coupling segments  110 ,  112  engage one another in several locations. The flanges  184 ,  184 ′ of each segment  110 ,  112  mirror one another and may engage one another. The holes  190 ,  190 ′ formed through the flanges  184 ,  184 ′ can be aligned to form a single passage through the pipe coupling  100 . The offset surfaces  154 ,  156 ,  170 ,  172  each extend toward opposing offset surfaces  154 ′,  156 ′,  170 ′,  172 ′. At the other side of the pipe coupling  100 , each tab  198 ,  198 ′ extends into and through a window  200 ,  200 ′. Each of the first window engaging surfaces  230 ,  230 ′ and second window engaging surfaces  234 ,  234 ′ engage a cross-member  208 ,  208 ′. In this orientation, a fastener (e.g., the threaded bolt  116  and nut  118 ) can be used to secure the two coupling segments  110 ,  112  in the closed orientation. The fastener can provide a necessary clamping force to create a secure coupling between the pipes  102 ,  104 . 
     The hinged pipe coupling  100  can be readily installed between pipes  102 ,  104 . In some examples, the gasket is positioned between the two coupling segments  110 ,  112 , which may support or otherwise bias the coupling segments  110 ,  112  in the open orientation shown in  FIG. 9A . The two pipe ends  106 ,  108  can then be advanced toward the hinged pipe coupling  100  from either side of the coupling  100  until the pipe ends  106 ,  108  contact and compress the gasket in the cavity  114 . In still other examples, the gasket and coupling  100  can be positioned upon one of the pipe ends  106 ,  108  so that the gasket contacts the one pipe end  106 ,  108 . The other pipe end  106 ,  108  can then be advanced toward the gasket and coupling  100 , until each pipe end  106 ,  108  contacts and compresses the gasket. in still other examples, the gasket can be first placed between the two pipe ends  106 ,  108 . The pipe coupling  100  can next be advanced toward the gasket in the open orientation shown in  FIG. 9A . The pipe ends  106 ,  108  and gasket can be received within the housings  120 ,  120 ′. In each example, the pipe coupling  100  can be rotated inward, to the closed position shown in  FIG. 9B , once the gasket has been compressed between the two pipe ends  106 ,  108 . The threaded bolt  116  and nut can then be passed through the holes  190 ,  190 ′ formed through the flanges  184 ,  184 ′ and clamped together to form a leak-proof seal between the pipes  102 ,  104 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Although described as pipe ends  106 ,  108 , ends of fittings (e.g., sprinkler heads, valves, etc.) can also be coupled to one of the pipes  102 ,  104  using the pipe coupling in the same or similar manner described above. 
     Variations to the coupling  100  and coupling segments  110 ,  112  can be made to create additional couplings within the scope of the present disclosure. As depicted in  FIG. 11 , a pipe coupling  300  can be formed by two identical or substantially identical coupling segments  310 ,  312  having different geometries, sizes, and features than the coupling segments  110 ,  112 . For example, the mounting portions  380 ,  380 ′ of each coupling segment  310 ,  312  can extend away from one another, rather than parallel to one another. The clamping force from the fastener is directed inward, toward the pipes  102 ,  104  and the main mounting surface  352  where the mounting portions  380 ,  380 ′ still contact one another. A similar split tab and window hinge portion  394 ,  394 ′ can be formed between the two coupling segments  310 ,  312  as well. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. 
     The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the pipe coupling as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.