Patent Publication Number: US-2017356577-A1

Title: Joint Restraint

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application relates to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/349,806, filed on Jun. 14, 2016. The subject matter disclosed in that provisional application is hereby expressly incorporated into the present application in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD AND SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to joint restraint assemblies, and particularly to wedge/segment activated joint restraint assemblies that include spacers located between consecutive segments that fills space between an outer periphery of the pipe and the joint restraint assembly gland. 
     Joint restraint assemblies for connecting pipes together are known in the water works industry. Such joint restraint assemblies typically comprise an annular body or gland that fits about and secures to the outer periphery or surface of a pipe. This gland includes bolt holes oriented parallel to the pipe. When the glands are affixed to the connecting pipes, bolts may be inserted through the bolt hole openings of each gland, run parallel to the pipe, fastening to the glands, thereby coupling the two pipes together. These bolt openings are typically evenly spaced on each gland to distribute the coupling forces generally evenly. An example of a joint restraint assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,273 (&#39;273 patent), titled “Joint Restraint Assembly”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the &#39;273 patent, the joint restraint assembly includes a gland having six-segments spaced evenly about the pipe joint opening to grip the pipe on approximately 75% of the peripheral surface of the pipe. This is further demonstrated in PRIOR ART  FIG. 1  shown herein. 
     Since development of the six-segment joint restraint assembly, alternate joint restraint assemblies comprising a gland having 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or even more spaced apart segments were developed. The segments are generally evenly distributed about the circumference of the gland to distribute the securing force and stress on the pipe. An example of such a three-segment gland is shown in PRIOR ART  FIG. 2 . 
     This three-segment gland is a good and cost effective alternative to the more expensive six-segment gland. A common characteristic of two-segment and three-segment glands, is that there is not the same gripping coverage of the six-segment gland. Between each of the consecutive segments on the two, three, and four segment glands is a space that is also bounded by the outer periphery of the pipe and the inner periphery of the gland&#39;s pipe opening. For many pipe-types, this space does not pose an issue as the two, three, and four segments are sufficient to secure the pipe to the gland. 
     In certain other instances, however, the spaces may create issues when certain types of pipes are used. For example, though typical polyvinyl chloride AWWA C900/905 (PVC) pipes work well in two, three, or four segment joint restraint assemblies, a AWWA C909 PVCO pipe may have difficulties. The C909 pipe is made from molecularly-oriented PVC which has lower ring stiffness despite being stronger than C900 material. This makes the particular pipe more difficult to grip than a standard PVC C900/C905 pipe. Because of these characteristics, when securing a gland onto the outer periphery of the C909 pipe the segments may tend to deform the pipe&#39;s body which may result in bulges forming between the segments, the effect of this is a weaker joint that might fail under certain circumstances. 
     Accordingly, illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a joint restraint assembly for coupling a pipe to another structure by gripping the outside surface of the pipe. The joint restraint assembly comprises a substantially annular body configured to fit around the pipe; said substantially annular body includes a radially extending gland portion and a circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion located adjacent the radially extending gland portion; wherein the radially extending gland portion and the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion form an opening sized to receive the pipe; wherein the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion includes a plurality of pockets, each of the plurality of pockets extends from the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion into the radially extending gland portion; a plurality of segments; wherein each of the plurality of pockets receives one segment of the plurality of segments; wherein each segment of the plurality of segments is configured to engage a portion of the outside surface of the pipe; wherein a space is formed between each pair of consecutive segments of the plurality of segments and adjacent the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion of the substantially annular body; and a plurality of spacers, each of the plurality of spacers is positioned on the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion of the substantially annular body in one of the spaces between the pairs of consecutive segments of the plurality of segments to prevent the outer surface of the pipe from occupying any of the spaces between the pairs of consecutive segments. 
     In the above and other illustrative embodiments, the joint restraint assembly may further comprise: the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion includes a slot, and the each spacer of the plurality of spacers includes a pilot member that is received in the slot to assist positioning the each spacer of the plurality of spacers on the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion; the substantially annular body being configured to receive first, second, and third segments of the plurality of segments, wherein the plurality of spaces include a first, second, and third spaces, and wherein the first space is located between the first and second segments, the second space located between the second and third segments and the third space is located between the third and first segments; the substantially annular body being configured to receive first and second segments of the plurality of segments, wherein the plurality of spaces include first and second spaces, and wherein the first space is located between the first and second segments, and the second space located between the second and first segments; the plurality of spacers being connected to each other by a band positioned on the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion of the substantially annular body, and wherein the band does not interfere with each segment of the plurality of segments engaging the portion of the outside surface of the pipe; the each of the plurality of spacers includes a pipe engagement surface that is textured to assist with engaging the outer surface of the pipe; the each of the plurality of spacers includes a post configured to engage the substantially annular body to hold the plurality of spacers; the post on each of the plurality of spacers includes at least two biasing legs and at least one foot configured to be biased by at least one of the at least two biasing legs to engage the substantially annular body to hold the plurality of spacers; the each of the plurality of spacers being integrally formed with the substantially annular body; and the plurality of spacers are coupled together by a band, wherein the band does not interfere with the segments engaging the portion of the outside surface of the pipe. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a joint restraint assembly for coupling a pipe to another structure by gripping the outside surface of the pipe. The joint restraint assembly comprise: a substantially annular body configured to fit around the pipe; said substantially annular body includes a radially extending gland portion and a circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion located adjacent the radially extending gland portion; wherein the radially extending gland portion and the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion form an opening sized to receive the pipe; wherein the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion includes first, second, and third pockets, each extending from the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion into the radially extending gland portion; first, second, and third segments; wherein each of the first, second, and third pockets receives one of the first, second, and third segments configured to engage a portion of the outside surface of the pipe; wherein a space is formed between the first and second segments, the second and third segments, and third and first segments, all adjacent the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion of the substantially annular body; and wherein a first spacer is located in the space between the first and second segments, a second spacer is located in the space between the second and third segments, and a third spacer is located in the space between the third and first segments, to prevent the outer surface of the pipe from occupying any of the spaces formed between the first and second segments, the second and third segments, and the third and first segments. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a joint restraint assembly for coupling a pipe to another structure by gripping the outside surface of the pipe. The joint restraint assembly comprises a substantially annular body configured to fit around the pipe; said substantially annular body includes a radially extending gland portion and a circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion located adjacent the radially extending gland portion; wherein the radially extending gland portion and the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion form an opening sized to receive the pipe; wherein the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion includes first and second pockets, each extending from the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion into the radially extending gland portion; first and second segments; wherein the first and second pockets receive the first and second segments, respectively; wherein the first and second segments are configured to engage a portion of the outside surface of the pipe; wherein a first space is formed between the first and second segments, and a second space is formed between the second and first segments, all adjacent the circumferentially extending inner peripheral rim portion of the substantially annular body; and wherein a first spacer is located in the space between the first and second segments, a second spacer is located in the space between the second and first segments, to prevent the outer surface of the pipe from occupying the first and second spaces formed between the first and second segments and the second and first segments. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a joint restraint assembly for coupling a pipe to another structure by gripping the outside surface of the pipe. the joint restraint assembly that comprises a substantially annular body that includes an opening disposed there through to fit around the pipe, and first, second, and third pockets that receive first, second, and third segments, respectively; wherein the first, second, and third segments are spaced apart from each other; wherein the first, second, and third segments are configured to engage a portion of the outside surface of the pipe; and wherein a first portion of the substantially annular body extends toward the opening between the first and second segments, a second portion of the substantially annular body extends toward the opening between the second and third segments; and a third portion of the substantially annular body extends toward the opening between the third and first segments, to prevent the outer surface of the pipe from occupying any space between the segments. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a joint restraint assembly that comprises: a substantially annular body that includes an opening disposed there through to fit around the pipe, and two or more pockets that each receive a segment configured to engage a portion of the outside surface of the pipe; wherein the segments are spaced apart from each other; and wherein a portion of the substantially annular body extends toward the opening between each of the segments to occupy space between the segments to inhibit deformation of the pipe at the joint restraint assembly. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a joint restraint assembly that comprises: a substantially annular body that includes an opening disposed there through to fit around the pipe, and two or more pockets that each receive a segment, and each segment being spaced apart, consecutively placed, and configured to engage a portion of the outside surface of the pipe; wherein a space is formed between pairs of the spaced apart consecutively placed segments; and a plurality of spacers each located in one of the spaces formed between the pairs of the spaced apart consecutively placed segments to prevent the outer surface of the pipe from occupying any of the spaces formed between pairs of the spaced apart consecutively placed segments. 
     Additional features and advantages of the joint restraint assembly will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed descriptions exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the joint restraint assembly as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The concepts described in the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a PRIOR ART standard six segment joint restraint assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a PRIOR ART standard three segment joint restraint assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a PRIOR ART standard two segment joint restraint assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a three segment joint restraint assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the three segment joint restraint assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric exploded view of the three segment joint restraint assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a front exploded view of the joint restraint assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric partially-exploded view of the joint restraint assembly; 
         FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C  are perspective, top, and sectional detail views, respectively, of an illustrative spacer; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are cross-sectional and cross-sectional detail views of the joint restraint assembly; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of a two-segment joint restraint assembly; 
         FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C  are perspective, top, and sectional detail views, respectively, of an illustrative spacer; 
         FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C  are perspective, top, and sectional detail views, respectively, of another illustrative spacer; 
         FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C  are perspective, elevation, and top views, respectively, of another illustrative spacer; 
         FIG. 15  is an isometric view of another illustrative embodiment of a joint restraint assembly; 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric exploded view of another illustrative embodiment of a joint restraint assembly; 
         FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C  are perspective, front, and side views of a spacer band; 
         FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C  are front, cross-sectional detail, and detail views of another illustrative embodiment of a joint restraint assembly; and 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional detail view of the illustrative embodiment of a joint restraint assembly from  FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C . 
     
    
    
     The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the joint restraint assembly, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the joint restraint assembly in any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples. While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a joint restraint assembly that includes a spacer that serves the function of filling-in any space that is created between the outer periphery of a pipe and the gland between spaced apart segments while not requiring more segments to fill those spaces. It is appreciated that spacers may be used with large or small glands having any number of segments. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure that it contemplates spacers that may be used on any gland that includes two or more consecutive segments (i.e., any plurality of segments) that has a space between them sufficient for a pipe wall to deform into. If the gland includes even six or twelve segments—so long as an appreciable space exists between consecutive segments that allow a pipe to deform into—the spacers of the present disclosure may be used with such glands. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a spacer having a curved body configured to occupy the space between the outer periphery of the pipe and the inner periphery of the gland&#39;s pipe opening and the distance between consecutive segments. In this way, the pipe no longer has room to bulge out between the segments. This results in the pipe better maintaining its original cylindrical shape. 
     Another illustrative embodiment includes spacers as previously described, but also add a locating rib or appendage located opposite the pipe engagement surface. The locating rib may be configured to fit into a pocket formed in the interior periphery of a gland&#39;s internal slot that receives the segments. The rib may be sized and shaped according to the configuration of the pocket as well as positioned on the spacer so that the spacer may be properly located on the gland when receiving the pipe. Additionally, the pipe engagement surface of the gland opposite the pilot rib may be a planar surface or may include any of a plurality of ridges and/or grooves to engage the outer periphery of the pipe as desired. Illustratively, the ribs may be made of a polymer material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, metal, ductile, iron, or steel. It is appreciated that the locating rib may be an alternate structure that can be received in bores, channels, or other recessed-type features on the gland to help positively locate the spacer between consecutive segments. 
     Another illustrative embodiment may include a spacer that is attached or is attachable to the segment, again to fill any gap between consecutive segments. Another illustrative embodiment may include spacers that are attached to, and spaced apart from each other on a ring so that inserting the ring onto the gland will locate all of the spacers in the spaces formed by consecutive segments. Another illustrative embodiment includes spacers that are formed integrally with the gland itself between consecutive segments so the space is filled without having to attach any additional structures. 
     A front view of a PRIOR ART standard joint restraint assembly  200  coupled to a pipe  202  is shown in  FIG. 1 . This standard joint restraint  200  includes a gland  204  with six (6) segments  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 , evenly spaced about gland  204  providing coverage around pipe  202 . Also shown are front views of a three segment assembly  240  and two-segment joint restraint assembly  260  in PRIOR ART  FIGS. 2 and 3 , respectively. In each case, the segments, such as segments  242 ,  244 ,  246  (in the case of three segment assembly  240 ) and segments  262  and  264  (in the case of two segment assembly  260 ) and are spaced evenly around their respective glands,  248  and  266 . Unlike the six-segment restraint  200 , large spaces  250 ,  252 , and  254  (in the case of three segment assembly  240 ) and spaces  268  and  270  (in the case of two segment assembly  260 ) exist between consecutive segments at the outer periphery of pipe  202  and the inner periphery  256  of the pipe gland opening  258  (in the case of three segment assembly  240 ) and the inner periphery  274  of the pipe gland opening  276  (in the case of two segment assembly  260 ). In many instances, these spaces do not pose an issue for the pipes being connected. But, as previously identified, in certain circumstances pipes having particular characteristics may become deformed under a clamping force and pipe pressurization. This deformation may cause the pipe material to occupy the spaces between the segments. 
     Accordingly, a front view of a three-segment joint restraint assembly  2  is shown in  FIG. 4  that includes a spacer system  4  to reduce the openings or voids  6 ,  8 ,  10  located adjacent outer periphery  12  of pipe  14  between consecutive segments  16 ,  18 ,  20 . In the illustrative embodiment, each spacer  22 ,  24 ,  26  has a curved body that substantially matches or can be made to match the curve of inner periphery  28  of gland portion  30 . Each spacer  22 ,  24 ,  26  has a width that illustratively extends from segment to consecutive segment. For example, spacer  22  extends from segment  20  to segment  16 ; spacer  24  extends from segment  16  to segment  18 ; and spacer  26  extends from segment  18  to segment  20 . As depicted, spacers  22 ,  24 ,  26  fill openings  6 ,  8 ,  10 , respectively between segments leaving substantially no room for pipe  14  to bulge-out and occupy these openings. This assists preventing pipe  14  from deforming, and, thus, maintain its shape. 
     An isometric view of joint restraint assembly  2  is shown in  FIG. 5 . This view, similar to  FIG. 4 , shows gland  30  on inner periphery  28 . Seated within inner periphery  28  are segments,  16  (not shown in this view),  18  (not shown in this view) and  20 . In this illustrative embodiment, a pocket or slot  32  is formed within inner periphery.  28  to receive segments  16 ,  18 , and  20 . Bolts  34 ,  36 , and  38  act on their respective segments  16 ,  18 ,  20 , in order to cause the segments to engage the outer periphery  12  of pipe  14 . Further, disclosure on this engagement between the segments and the pipe may be found in the &#39;273 patent previously incorporated herein by reference. To that end, it is the segments and bolts that create the positive engagement on the pipe, such as pipe  14  in order to hold the gland  30 , and hence joint restraint assembly  2 , onto pipe  14 . This is distinguishable from spacers  22 ,  24 ,  26  which fit and opening  6 ,  8 ,  10 , respectively (see  FIG. 4 ). In order to occupy the space created by said openings to physically prevent pipe  14  from deforming to the extent that it can occupy the space created by openings  6 ,  8 ,  10 . 
     And isometric exploded view of joint restraint assembly  2  is shown in  FIG. 6 . This view further shows how bolts,  34 ,  36 ,  38  fit into gland  30  to engage segments  16 ,  18 ,  20 , respectively. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure how segments  16 ,  18 ,  20  fit into slot or pocket  32 , and then apply a holding force against pipe  14  (see, also,  FIG. 4 ). Accordingly, pipe  14  or other similar pipe, particularly one that may be subject to deformation under certain circumstances may be disposed through pipe opening  11 . Segments  16 ,  18 ,  20  engage outer periphery  12  of pipe  14  to hold pipe  14  in place. Spacers  22 ,  24 ,  26  are located between said segments in openings  6 ,  8 ,  10 , respectively. Openings  6 ,  8 ,  10  (see  FIG. 4 ) are also between outer periphery  12  of pipe  14  and inner periphery  28  of gland  30  to prevent the deformation. 
     The similar exploded view of joint restraint assembly  2  is shown in  FIG. 7 . This view further demonstrates how segments  16 ,  18 ,  20  are positionable in pipe opening  11  formed by inner periphery  28  of gland  30 . In addition, and is discussed further herein, each spacer  22 ,  24 ,  26 , may include a pilot rib  40  in order to positively seat in slot or pocket  32  of inner periphery  28  (see, also,  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     Another isometric partially-exploded view of joint restraint assembly  2  is shown in  FIG. 8 . Here, segment  20  is shown located in slot or pocket  32  of inner periphery  28 . Spacer  22  is shown being removable from slot or pocket  32 . It is appreciated that all of the spacers in this embodiment may be removable from the inner periphery  28  of gland  30 . In other embodiments, the spacer may be affixed to or integrally formed into gland  30 . 
       FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C , show perspective, top, and cross-sectional detail views of an illustrative spacer  22 . It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosure that although the present description is being made with respect to spacer  22 , that description may be applied to spacers  24  and  26  as well. In an illustrative embodiment, all of the spacers may be identical. In an alternate embodiment, however, the spacers may include differing characteristics that may be needed in order to successfully fill the space between consecutive segments and outer periphery  12  of pipe  14  (when installed) and inner periphery  28  of gland  30  to prevent pipe deformation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9A , spacer  22  includes a pipe engagement surface  42 . As the name implies, this side of spacer  22  engages outer periphery  12  of pipe  14  (see, also,  FIG. 4 ). Spacer  22  includes a body  44  having a thickness and width sufficient to occupy the space between outer periphery  12  and inner periphery  28 . It is appreciated that spacer  22  (as well as spacers  24  and  26 ) may be made of a resilient other like material that allows for an amount of bending or give to ensure the space is filled between the pipe and the gland while at the same time, not allowing for a substantial amount of deformation to occur in the pipe that itself would occupy the space (i.e., openings  6 ,  8 ,  10 ). In other embodiments, spacer  22  may be made of a more rigid formed material, such as a polymer or metal. Also shown in this view is pilot or locating rib  40  as previously identified sized and shaped to fit into a portion of slot or pocket  32  formed in inner periphery  28  of gland  30 . Pilot rib  40  is illustratively positioned opposite engagement surface  42 . Illustratively, pipe engagement surface  42  may be a smooth surface. In other embodiments, however, the spacer may be configured to include rib—flat, roughened, or other irregular surface to assist facilitating attachment or gripping the pipe to the pipe joint assembly. It is also appreciated that spacers  22 ,  24 ,  26 , and their corresponding pilot ribs are configured to engage standard three-segment glands and pockets used in conventional three-segment pipe joint assemblies. Furthermore, other piloting ribs or no piloting rib at all may be used. The segments may be alternately configured to fit into other slots or pockets of other pipe joint assemblies, whether two-segment, three-segment, etc. 
     The view shown in  FIG. 9B  is a top view of spacer  22  further showing pipe engagement surface  42  and piloting rib  40 . This view further illustrates the arcuate character of pipe engagement surface  42 . Again, it is appreciated that such arcuate surface may be performed in the manufacture of spacer  22 , or alternatively formed when spacer  22  is fitted onto inner periphery  28  of gland  30  and is flexible to conform to the curved shape of inner periphery  28 . Likewise, as shown in the detail view of  FIG. 9C , piloting rib  40  is shown extending opposite pipe engagement surface  42 . Also appreciated from this view is the thickness of body  44  that is intended to occupy opening  6  between outer periphery  12  of pipe  14  inner periphery  28  of gland  30 . 
     Side cross-sectional and cross-sectional detail views of joint restraint assembly  2  affixed to pipe  14  with spacer  22  filling opening  6  between inner periphery  28  of gland  30 , and outer periphery  12  of pipe  14  are shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 10A , pipe  14  is fitted in pipe opening  11  of joint restraint assembly  2  and secured therewith by segment  20  and bolt  38  engaging outer periphery  12  of pipe  14 . It is appreciated that all of the bolts and segments, including bolts  34 ,  36  and segments  16  and  18 , operate to engage and hold pipe  14  onto assembly  2 . In addition, spacer  22  (which operates the same as spacers  24  and  26 ) fills opening  6  (as openings  8  and  10  would be filled by spacers  24  and  26 , respectively). 
     The detail cross-sectional view in  FIG. 10B , further illustrates slot or pocket  32  formed in inner periphery  28  of gland  30 . Pocket  32  receives locating rib  40  to hold spacer  22  in place during assembly as well as insures spacer  22  is positioned properly. It is further appreciated in this view how spacer  22  occupies any open space in opening  6  which prevents pipe  14  from being able to deform and otherwise occupy that same space. It is appreciated, and as discussed previously, the shape, size, and configuration of the spacer may be adjusted based on the configuration of the gland, segments, and pipe. In any such configuration, the objective is still to fill or occupy any space that may exist between the gland and the pipe not already occupied by the gripping segments to prevent any portion of the pipe that might otherwise be able to deform and occupy that space from doing so. 
     The views of  FIGS. 11-14  depict another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrative embodiment, joint restraint assembly  52  is shown having only two segments  54  and  56  located opposite each other and cause to engage pipe  58  via bolts  60  and  62 . In this case, there is relatively more space that exists between the segments than what may exist between a three-segmented joint restraint assembly. Accordingly, here spacers  64  and  66  are located in openings  68  and  70 , respectively, to occupy those spaces and prevent outer periphery  72  of pipe  58  from being deformable into any unoccupied space in openings  68  or  70 . Similar to the prior embodiment, joint restraint assembly  52  includes a pipe opening  74  defined by inner periphery  76  of gland  78 . Also similar to the prior embodiment, by including spacers  64  and  66  to occupy the space in openings  68  and  70 , respectively, pipe  58  has no place to deform. 
     Also similar to the prior embodiment, illustrative perspective, top, and detailed sectional views of spacer  64  is shown and  FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C . Spacer  64  includes a pipe engagement surface  80 , pilot rib  82 , and body  84  located between pipe engagement surface  80  and pilot rib  82 . Pipe engagement surface  80  is configured to engage outer periphery  72  of pipe  58  and may have a flat, roughened, or ribbed surface as desired to engage pipe  58 . Pilot rib  82  may likewise be configured to be received into a pocket or slot formed in inner periphery  76  of gland  78  (see, also,  FIG. 11 ). Again, it will be appreciated by the skilled artisan upon reading the disclosure that pilot rib  82  may be sized and shaped to fit into slots or pockets that already exist in conventional joint restraint glands. In this and other embodiments, pilot rib  82  may have a different size or shape so it may be accommodated in the current gland slots while still positioning body  84  in any opening formed between consecutive segments, the outer periphery of a held pipe and the inner periphery of the gland. 
     Similarly, the views in  FIGS. 12B and 12C  show the curved surface of pipe engagement surface  80  as well as body  84 . It is appreciated that these spacers may be made from a metal or polymer material. It is further appreciated that any variety of materials may be used so long as the held pipe will be resisted from deforming because of the spacers presence between consecutive segments. Also shown in  FIG. 12C  is an illustrative profile of piloting rib  82  that fits in a pocket of the inner periphery of the gland. 
     Perspective, top, and detail elevation views of another illustrative embodiment of a spacer  86  are shown in  FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C . This embodiment further demonstrates the variety of configurations the spacer may be formed in to accommodate the particular joint restraint assembly and pipe. For example, spacer  86  may be used for a 3-inch nominal-size pipe to accommodate a corresponding pipe joint assembly gland. The arcuate surface  88 , body  90 , and pilot rib  92  operate similar to those structures previously discussed with respect to other spacer embodiments. Additionally, the radius of the arcuate body  90  and pipe engagement surface  88  may be tighter to accommodate the smaller diameter pipe. Further, pilot rib  92  as particularly highlighted in  FIGS. 13A and 13C  demonstrate to one skilled in the art that it may be configured to be received in a slot of the inner periphery of the gland. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure of a spacer  102  is shown in  FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C . A distinction in this embodiment is that spacer  102  includes a pilot post  104 . Such post  104  illustratively includes leg portions  106  and  108  and feet portions  110  and  112 . Spacer  102  still includes a body  114  and pipe engagement surface  116  that operate similar to the prior spacer embodiments. In this particular embodiment, however, pilot post  104  is configured to be disposed in a bore formed in the gland (not shown). Biasing legs  106 ,  108  fit into such bore and may be separated from each other to create an outward bias. Feet  110  and  112  may be configured such that when legs  106  and  108  extend beyond the bores and, the feet hook onto the end of the bore. The outward bias created by the legs keep the post coupled to the gland. 
       FIGS. 15-18  disclose another illustrative embodiment of a joint restraint assembly,  302 . This illustrative embodiment of joint restraint assembly  302  is a three-segment design that includes bolts  304 ,  306 ,  308  that move segments  310 ,  312  (not shown in this view) and  314 . This embodiment differs from joint restraint assembly  2  in that a spacer ring  316  is employed to provide the spacers between segments  310 ,  312  and  314 . Illustratively, spacer portions  318 ,  320  (see  FIG. 17A ), and  322  are joined together via a band  324 . Band  324  is connected to spacers  318 ,  320 , and  322  to form a ring. Illustratively, band  324  is placed adjacent each segment with the spacers attached and located between consecutive spacers. It is contemplated that band  324  is conformable to the shape of the inner periphery  326  of gland  328  of joint restraint assembly  302 . This allows easier assembly wherein one ring may be inserted onto inner periphery  326 . This essentially installs all three spacers at one time providing enhanced ease of installation. 
     An isometric exploded view of joint restraint assembly  302  is shown in  FIG. 16 . This view is similar to that of  FIG. 15  except segments  310 ,  312 ,  314  are shown separated from bolts  304 ,  306 ,  308 . Spacer ring  316  fits into inner periphery  326  of gland  328 . Slot or pocket  330 , similar to the prior embodiments, is configured to receive the pilot ribs on the spacers. This allows for positive placement of all spacers  318 ,  320  and  322  by just inserting one spacer ring  316 . 
     Perspective, front, and side views of spacer ring  316  are shown in  FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C , respectively. All of these views show spacers  318 ,  320 , and  322  tied together via band  324  as illustratively shown. In this embodiment, and as previously discussed, pilot ribs  334 ,  336 ,  338  formed on spacers  318 ,  320 , and  322 , respectively, fit into the pocket or slot of the inner periphery of the gland of the joint restraint assembly pursuant to the foregoing disclosures. 
     The view in  FIG. 17B  depicts illustrative placement of spacers  318 ,  320 ,  322  on band  324  of spacer ring  316  configured for a three-segment joint restraint assembly of the type previously discussed. It is appreciated, however, that the arrangement of the spacers, as well as the number of them, may be reconfigured to be employed with glands accommodating more or less segments. This view also further shows pilot ribs  334 ,  336  and  338 . The side view of ring spacer  316  shown in  FIG. 17C  further illustrates how the spacers such as spacer  318  and  322  are configured to fill the space between the inner periphery of the gland and the outer periphery of the of the pipe as previously discussed. In addition, band  324  as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , for example, may illustratively be narrower than the corresponding spacers so it does not interfere with the segments gripping onto the pipe. It is contemplated that the ring is conformable to the shape of the inner periphery of the gland&#39;s pipe opening and the spacers are attached at locations on that ring that coincide to the space between each of the consecutive segments. In an illustrative embodiment, the ring may not form a full circle but may instead be made of a biasing material such as a polymer so the ring&#39;s diameter can be reduced to fit the spacers into the gland. In particular, if the spacers include locating ribs, the ring may be collapsed a sufficient amount to allow the ribs to clear the diameter of the gland&#39;s pipe opening. With resiliency in the ring, once the spacers are located in place, the ring may spring back to its intended diameter having the effect of pushing the locating ribs into the pockets of the gland and securing the ring spacer in place. 
     Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown by the front view of joint restraint assembly  352  shown in  FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, and 19 . This embodiment illustratively includes three segments  354 ,  356  and  358  similar to the previously discussed three-segment glands. In contrast, however, gland  357  of joint restraint assembly  352  includes integrally formed spacers in gland  357 . 
     As shown in the detail views of  FIGS. 18B, 18C , gland  357  includes a spacer portion  360  configured to engage outer periphery  368  of pipe  370 . The concept is the same as the prior spacers where spacer  360  occupies any space that may exist between outer periphery  368  of pipe  370  and gland  357  by filling in that space between consecutive segments. In this case, however, joint restraint assembly  352  does not require any separate spacers to be installed. Rather, the integrally formed spacers  360 ,  362 , and  364 , are already part of the assembly. All that needs to happen is segments  354 ,  356 ,  358 , to engage and tighten down onto pipe  370  in conventional manner. These integrally-formed spacers, if made of the same material as the gland which is typically ductile iron, are very strong and should assist preventing the pipe being substantially deformed even when subjected to the force of the segments. 
     As shown in the elevational cut away view of joint restraint assembly  352 , in  FIG. 19 , bolts  374 ,  376 ,  378  engaging segments  354 ,  356 , and  358 , respectively, which engage and hold pipe  370 . But instead of then installing separate spacers or a spacer ring, gland  357  include spacers  360 ,  362 , and  364  integrally formed and abutting pipe  370  to prevent it from deforming under a load. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan upon reading the present disclosure that in the foregoing embodiments that the tolerances needed between the pipe and the gland&#39;s pipe opening, the spacers may allow some de minimus amount of clearance between them and the outer periphery of the pipe. It is believed, however, that in such circumstances the clearance will not hinder operation of the pipe joint assembly and only allow a minimal and insubstantial amount of deformation that would not impair the ability of the pipe joint to properly function. 
     While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.