Patent Publication Number: US-2023160508-A1

Title: Pipe coupling gasket

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/040,157, filed Jun. 17, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Gaskets can be used in pipe installations to seal two separate pipe ends that connect in a pipe fitting. Gaskets can be stretched over the end of the pipe during installation, which can be difficult and time consuming. The gaskets can be difficult to install, such as when the pipe is not axially and radially aligned with the gasket. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one aspect relates to a gasket. The gasket includes an annular gasket base extending circumferentially about a gasket axis, a central flange, a first arm, and a second arm. The central flange extends from the gasket base towards the gasket axis. The first arm includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion extends from the gasket base to a first radial axis that is perpendicular to the gasket axis. The second arm portion extends from the first arm portion and tapers inward towards the central flange relative to the first radial axis. The second arm portion defines a first surface at a first angle relative to the first radial axis and a second surface at a second angle relative to the first radial axis. The second angle is greater than the first angle, and the second surface is further from the first arm portion than the first surface. The second arm includes a third arm portion and a fourth arm portion. The third arm portion extends from the gasket base to a second radial axis that is perpendicular to the gasket axis. The fourth arm portion extends from the third arm portion and tapers inward towards the central flange relative to the second radial axis. The fourth arm portion defines a third surface at a third angle relative to the second radial axis and a fourth surface at a fourth angle relative to the second radial axis. The fourth angle is greater than the first angle, and the fourth surface is further from the third arm portion than the third surface. 
     At least one aspect relates to a pipe coupling. The pipe coupling includes a housing defining a channel, and a gasket. The gasket includes an annular gasket base extending circumferentially about a gasket axis, a central flange, a first arm, and a second arm. The central flange extends from the gasket base towards the gasket axis. The first arm includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion extends from the gasket base to a first radial axis that is perpendicular to the gasket axis. The second arm portion extends from the first arm portion and inward towards the central flange relative to the first radial axis. The second arm portion defines a first surface at a first angle relative to the first radial axis and a second surface at a second angle relative to the first radial axis. The second angle is greater than the first angle, and the second surface is further from the first arm portion than the first surface. The second arm includes a third arm portion and a fourth arm portion. The third arm portion extends from the gasket base to a second radial axis that is perpendicular to the gasket axis. The fourth arm portion extends from the third arm portion and inward towards the central flange relative to the second radial axis. The fourth arm portion defines a third surface at a third angle relative to the second radial axis and a fourth surface at a fourth angle relative to the second radial axis. The fourth angle is greater than the first angle, and the fourth surface is further from the third arm portion than the third surface. 
     At least one aspect relates to a gasket. The gasket includes an annular gasket base extending circumferentially about a gasket axis, a first arm, and a second arm. The central flange extends from the gasket base towards the gasket axis. The first arm includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion extends from the gasket base to a first radial axis that is perpendicular to the gasket axis. The second arm portion extends from the first arm portion and tapers inward from the first radial axis. The second arm portion defines a first surface at a first angle relative to the first radial axis and a second surface at a second angle relative to the first radial axis. The second angle is greater than the first angle, and the second surface is further from the first arm portion than the first surface. The second arm includes a third arm portion and a fourth arm portion. The third arm portion extends from the gasket base to a second radial axis that is perpendicular to the gasket axis. The fourth arm portion extends from the third arm portion and tapers inward from the second radial axis. The fourth arm portion defines a third surface at a third angle relative to the second radial axis and a fourth surface at a fourth angle relative to the second radial axis. The fourth angle is greater than the first angle, and the fourth surface is further from the third arm portion than the third surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and together, with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a pipe coupling formed with a housing and a gasket. 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of a pipe coupling depicting the internal components of the pipe coupling prior to being tightened around two pipes. 
         FIG.  3    is a partial cross-sectional view of a pipe coupling. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of a gasket of a pipe coupling. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of a gasket for use with a pipe coupling. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of a gasket for use with a pipe coupling. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of a gasket and a pipe of a pipe coupling. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of pipe fittings. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods of a quick install gasket. Gasket installation can be difficult to perform, such as if the gasket is not aligned with the pipe (e.g., radially aligned and axially aligned), including if the gasket is shaped to be stretched over the pipe or relatively larger than the pipe (yet still close fitting to the pipe diameter), which can increase installation times or reduce the efficacy of the sealing enabled by the gasket. Systems and methods in accordance with the present solution can enable a gasket to be more easily installed even if not properly aligned with the pipe, such as by including inwardly tapering arm portions to help guide the pipe into the proper position. 
     A gasket can include an annular gasket base extending circumferentially about a gasket axis, a central flange, a first arm, and a second arm. The central flange extends from the gasket base towards the gasket axis. The first arm includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion extends from the gasket base to a first radial axis that is perpendicular to the gasket axis. The second arm portion extends from the first arm portion and inward towards the central flange relative to the first radial axis. The second arm portion defines a first surface at a first angle relative to the first radial axis and a second surface at a second angle relative to the first radial axis. The second angle is greater than the first angle, and the second surface is further from the first arm portion than the first surface. The second arm includes a third arm portion and a fourth arm portion. The third arm portion extends from the gasket base to a second radial axis that is perpendicular to the gasket axis. The fourth arm portion extends from the first arm portion and inward towards the central flange relative to the second radial axis. The fourth arm portion defines a third surface at a third angle relative to the second radial axis and a fourth surface at a fourth angle relative to the second radial axis. The fourth angle is greater than the first angle, and the fourth surface is further from the third arm portion than the third surface. For example, the first and second surfaces of the second arm portion and fourth arm portion can each taper inward from the respective radial axes towards the central flange and the gasket axis, enabling the gasket to help guide a pipe into proper position even if not properly radially or axially aligned. 
       FIG.  1    depicts a pipe coupling  100  forming a fluidic seal between two adjacent pipes  112 ,  114 . The pipe coupling  100  can join two pipe ends  116 ,  118  in an axial alignment about a gasket axis X-X, for example. The pipe ends  116 ,  118  can be of any fluid carrying structure, such as for example, the end of a pipe  112 ,  114 , a pipe fitting (not shown), valve (not shown), or a fire protection sprinkler (not shown). 
     The pipe coupling  100  includes a housing  120  and a gasket  200  disposed within the housing  120 . As depicted in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the housing can have an annular body  122 . Chamfers  124  can be formed into each axial end  126 ,  128  of the housing body  122 , and can extend circumferentially about the housing  120 . The housing body  122  can include an inner wall  130  having a tiered structure adapted to engage pipes  112 ,  114 . For example, a cylindrical groove engaging wall  132 ,  134  can be formed at each axial end  126 ,  128  of the housing  120 . Each groove engaging wall  132 ,  134  can have a geometry complimentary to rolled surface discontinuities  136 ,  138  formed in the pipes  112 ,  114 , so that each groove engaging wall  132 ,  134  can be received within and engage with the surface discontinuities  136 ,  138  to help form a pressure resistant joint between the pipes  112 ,  114 . Notches  140 ,  142  formed radially outward (e.g., away from the gasket axis X-X, etc.) and axially inward from each groove engaging wall  132 ,  134  can define circumferential notch walls  144 ,  146 . The circumferential notch walls  144 ,  146  can engage the nominal outer diameter of the pipes  112 ,  114 , so that when the housing  120  is received around two pipes  112 ,  114 , the groove engaging walls  132 ,  134  contact the pipes  112 ,  114  (while the notch walls  144 ,  146  may or may not contact the pipes  112 ,  114 ). A channel  148  can be formed axially inward and radially outward from the notch walls  144 ,  146  to receive and compress the gasket  200 , as explained below. The housing  120  can also include at least one locking mechanism  150 . The locking mechanism  150  secures a first half to a second half of the annular body  122 . The housing  120  can include protrusions  152 , which can receive a fastener  154  (e.g., via openings defined in the protrusions  152 ). The protrusions  152  can be positioned opposite the locking mechanism  150 . The fastener  154  can be rotated to decrease an inner diameter of the housing  120  and compress components within the inner diameter. 
     The gasket  200  can be compressed between and around the pipe ends  116 ,  118  to form a fluidic seal between the pipes  112 ,  114 .  FIG.  2    depicts the gasket  200  having an annular gasket base  202  extending circumferentially about the gasket axis X-X. In the pipe coupling  100  depicted in  FIG.  1   , the gasket axis X-X may coincide with the longitudinal axis of the housing  120  and/or the pipes  112 ,  114 . 
       FIG.  4    depicts features of the geometry of the gasket  200 . A central flange  204  can radially and inwardly away from the gasket base  202  to an apex  210  (e.g., apex surface) that is towards the gasket axis X-X; for example, the central flange  204  can extend towards the pipes  112 ,  114  and past an outer diameter of the pipes  112 ,  114 . The central flange  204  can have a rectangular cross-section (e.g., the cross-section can have sides that are slightly tapered, which can facilitate releasing the gasket  200  from a mold during manufacturing) defined by a first flange wall  206 , a second flange wall  208  opposite the first flange wall  206 , and the apex  210 . The apex  210  is positioned at a point closest to the gasket axis X-X. 
     Arms  212 ,  214  extend away from the gasket base  202 . The first arm  212  is spaced apart from the central flange  204  and extends radially and inwardly away from the gasket base  202  toward the gasket axis X-X. Similarly, the second arm  214  is spaced apart from the central flange  204  and extends radially and inwardly away from the gasket base toward the gasket axis X-X. The central flange  204  can be positioned between the first arm  212  and the second arm  214 . The arms  212 ,  214  can be symmetrical about the central flange  204 . Each arm  212 ,  214  can define a respective cavity between the central flange  204  and the arm  212 ,  214 . The arms  212 ,  214  can extend continuously from one another (e.g., the central flange  204  may not be provided or may be relatively short such that the flange  204  extends at most by a minimal amount towards the gasket axis X-X from the gasket base  202 ). 
     Each arm  212 ,  214  can include a first arm portion  216 ,  218 , a first elbow  220 ,  222 , a second arm portion  224 ,  226 , a second elbow  228 ,  230 , and a sealing portions  232 ,  234 . The first arm portion  216 ,  218  can angle away from the gasket base  202 . For example, the first arm portion  216 ,  218  of each arm  212 ,  214  can extend axially away from the gasket base  202  and radially inward toward the gasket axis X-X. The first arm portion  216 ,  218  of each arm  212 ,  214  can extend to a corresponding first elbow  220 ,  222 . Each first elbow  220 ,  222  can be defined by a first elbow radius R 1 , for example, which extends axially inward toward the central flange  204  and radially inward toward the gasket axis X-X, to the second arm portions  224 ,  226 . The second arm portion  224 ,  226  of each arm  212 ,  214  can extend from the corresponding first elbow  220 ,  222  to a corresponding second elbow  228 ,  230 . 
     The second arm portion  224 ,  226  can extend at an inward angle α relative to radial axis Y-Y. The radial axis Y-Y is perpendicular to the gasket axis X-X and extends to a tangent point on an outermost portion of the respective first arm  212  or second arm  214 . An angle α can be defined from the radial axis Y-Y to surfaces  235 ,  237 . The surfaces  235 ,  237  can extend between the first elbows  220 ,  222  and the second elbows  228 ,  230 . The inward angle α can be greater than or equal to 1 degree and less than or equal to 40 degrees. The angle α can be greater than or equal to 2 degrees and less than or equal to 30 degrees. The angle α can be greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less than or equal to 25 degrees. The angle α can be greater than or equal to 10 degrees and less than or equal to 23 degrees. Each second elbow  228 ,  230  can be defined by a second elbow radius R 2 , for example, from the gasket axis X-X to the sealing portions  232 ,  234 . The second elbow radius R 2  can be different than the first elbow radius R 1 . 
     The sealing portions  232 ,  234  can each define a sealing surface  236 ,  238  which extends away from the second elbow  228 ,  230  toward the central flange  204 . The sealing surfaces  236 ,  238  can be continuous with the surfaces  235 ,  237 , while being oriented at a greater angle than the surfaces  235 ,  237  relative to the radial axis Y-Y. This can enable the surfaces  235 ,  237  to more easily receive pipes  112 ,  114  along the gasket axis X-X towards the sealing surfaces  236 ,  238 . The sealing surfaces  236 ,  238  can extend at an angle β relative to the radial axis Y-Y towards the central flange  204 . The angle β can be based on factors such as the length of the sealing surfaces  236 ,  238 , maximum allowable flare of the pipes  112 ,  114 , maximum diameter of the pipes  112 ,  114 , and minimum diameter of the pipes  112 ,  114 , so as to enable the sealing surfaces  236 ,  238  to receive pipes of maximum flare diameter while also not interfere with various other sizes of pipes. The angle β can be greater than or equal to 60 degrees and less than 90 degrees. The angle β can be greater than or equal to 70 degrees and less than or equal to 85 degrees. The angle β can be greater than or equal to 75 degrees and less than or equal to 83 degrees. The sealing surfaces  236 ,  238  can extend away from the first elbow  220 ,  222 . Accordingly, both sealing surfaces  236 ,  238  can be considered coaxial about the gasket axis X-X. Each sealing surface  236 ,  238  can be lowered relative to the apex  210  of the central flange  204 , therefore located further away from the gasket axis X-X than the apex  210  of the central flange  204 . For example, the distance between the apex  210  of the central flange  204  and the sealing surface  236 ,  238  can be greater than or equal to 0.02 inches and less than or equal to 0.5 inches. The distance can be 0.084-0.122 inches (2.1336-3.0988 mm). 
     The sealing portions  232 ,  234  can extend axially toward the central flange  204 . First surfaces  242 ,  244  defined by the sealing portions  232 ,  234  can extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular from the sealing surface  236 ,  238 . The first surfaces  242 ,  244  can be perpendicular to the gasket axis X-X. The curved inner wall  246 ,  248  can be defined by a curved inner wall radius R 3 . The curved inner wall radius R 3  can be smaller than the first elbow radius R 1 , and/or the second elbow radius R 2 . The curved inner wall  246 ,  248  can extend directly from the first surfaces  242 ,  244 . The curved inner wall  246 ,  248  can extend from a flat inner wall  250 ,  252 . The flat inner wall  250 ,  252  can extend tangentially away from the curved inner wall  246 ,  248  to the first surfaces  242 ,  244 . The curved inner wall  246 ,  248  can extend into the central flange  204 . In some examples, fillets are formed between at least two of the flat inner walls  250 ,  252 , the central flange  204 , the first surfaces  242 ,  244 , and the curved inner wall  246 ,  248  to create a smoothly curving, continuous surface. Together, the first surfaces  242 ,  244 , the curved inner walls  246 ,  248 , the flat inner walls  250 ,  252 , and the central flange  204  define gasket cavities  258 ,  260  positioned on either side of the central flange  204 . As explained below, the gasket cavities  258 ,  260  can allow compression and flexing of the arms  212 ,  214 , which in turn promotes seal creation and easy movement about a pipe surface. 
     The geometry of the arms  212 ,  214  can depend on the size of the pipes  112 ,  114  the gasket  200  is intended to help seal. For example, an inner diameter D1 of the gasket  200  (measured as twice the distance from the sealing surface  236 ,  238  to the gasket axis X-X) can be approximately equal to the nominal outside diameter of the pipe  112 ,  114  that the gasket  200  is intended to seal. A first radius R 4 , measured as the distance from a furthest point from the base  202  of the sealing portions  232 ,  234  point to the gasket axis X-X is defined by the gasket  200 . The first radius R 4  can be used to accommodate for the possible pipe  112 ,  114  dimensional tolerances. In some examples, twice the first radius R 4  is larger than the maximum allowable pipe nominal diameter, factoring in tolerances. The gasket  200  can also define a second radius R 5 . The second radius R 5  is measured from a furthest point from the base  202  of the central flange  204  to the gasket axis X-X. In some examples, twice the second radius R 5  is smaller than the pipe nominal diameter to limit movement of the pipe beyond the central flange. The first radius R 4  may be larger than the second radius R 5 , to accept the pipe up to the second radius R 5 . 
     As depicted above, the size of the first elbow radius R 1 , the second elbow radius R 2 , and the curved inner wall radius R 3  can all vary depending upon the size of the pipe coupling  100 . The relative geometric relationship between each of the radii R 1 , R 2 , R 3  allow the gasket  200  to be easily positioned upon and between pipes  112 ,  114 . By having the first elbow radius R 1  smaller than the second elbow radius R 2 , the gasket  200  can easily slide onto the outermost end  116 ,  118  of a pipe with minimal flexing or rolling. The smaller first elbow radius R 1  allows for additional gasket thickness near the axial ends of the gasket  200  that, when compressed, extend laterally to create a more robust seal between the gasket  200  and the housing  120 . The larger second radius R 2  allows the gasket  200  to move along a pipe  112 ,  114  after the gasket  200  has already been received around the pipe  112 ,  114 . The larger second elbow radius R 2  can help the gasket  200  avoid snagging on the ends  116 ,  118  of the pipes  112 ,  114 , for example, when the gasket  200  is being moved along the pipe  112 ,  114 . Because the sealing portions  232 ,  234  are aligned radially inward from the gasket base  202 , the sealing portions  232 ,  234  can be smaller (e.g., can be defined by a larger second elbow radius R 2 ). When compressed (e.g., due to pressurization), pressure on the inner walls  250 ,  252  can push the sealing portions  232 ,  234  onto the pipes  112 ,  114  to facilitate sealing. 
     The geometry of the second arm portion  224 ,  226  relative to the radial axis Y-Y can facilitate easier coupling of the pipe  112  to the gasket  200 . The inward angle a may facilitate greater and easier bending of the arm  212 ,  214  relative to the gasket axis X-X and the radial axis Y-Y than a gasket with the first arm portion  216 ,  218  or the second arm portion  224 ,  226  being parallel to radial axis Y-Y or angled outward relative to radial axis Y-Y and the central flange  204 . Further the inward angle α may assist centering the pipe  112  on the gasket axis X-X and reduce force required to insert the pipe  112  into the gasket  200 . 
       FIG.  5    depicts a gasket  300 . The gasket  300  includes the gasket base  302 , the central flange  304  extending from the gasket base  302 , and arms  312 ,  314  extending from the gasket base  302 . The central flange  304  includes the first flange wall  306 , the second flange wall  308 , and the apex  310 . Each arm  312 ,  314  includes the first arm portion  316 ,  318 , the first elbow  320 ,  322 , the second arm portion  324 ,  326 , the second elbow  328 ,  330 , the sealing portion  332 ,  334 , the sealing surface  336 ,  338  (defining angle β), the first surface  342 ,  344 , the curved inner wall  346 ,  348 , and the flat inner wall  350 ,  352 . Each arm also includes a second flat inner wall  354 ,  356 . The second flat inner wall interfaces with the curved inner wall  346 ,  348 , and the flat inner wall  350 ,  352 . The second flat inner wall  354 ,  356  can be tangential to the curved inner wall  346 ,  348 . The second flat inner wall  354 ,  356  can be perpendicular to the flat inner wall  350 ,  352 . The second flat inner wall  354 ,  356  may allow bending of the first arm portion  316 ,  318  relative to the second arm portion  324 ,  326  and the gasket base  302 . The geometry of the second arm portion  324 ,  326  relative to a radial axis Y-Y can facilitate easier coupling of the pipe  112  to the gasket  300 . An inward angle α may facilitate more and easier bending of the arm  312 ,  314  relative to the gasket axis X-X and the radial axis Y-Y than a gasket with the first arm portion  316 ,  318  or the second arm portion  324 ,  326  being parallel to radial axis Y-Y or angled outward relative to radial axis Y-Y and the central flange  304 . 
       FIG.  6    depicts a third gasket  400 . The third gasket  400  includes the gasket base  402 , the central flange  404  extending from the gasket base  402 , and arms  412 ,  414  extending from the gasket base  402 . The central flange  404  includes the first flange wall  406 , the second flange wall  408 , and the apex  410 . Each arm  412 ,  414  includes the first arm portion  416 ,  418 , the first elbow  420 ,  422 , the sealing portion  432 ,  434 , the sealing surface  436 ,  438  (defining angle β adjacent to second elbows  428 ,  430 ), the first surface  442 ,  444 , and the curved inner wall  446 ,  448 . The arms  412 ,  414  can include second arm portions  424 ,  426  extending from the first arm portions  416 ,  418 . The first elbow radius R 1  may be larger than the first elbow radius R 1  in the gasket  200  and/or the gasket  300 . The curved inner wall  446 ,  448  may interface with the first surface  442 ,  444 , and a flat inner wall  450 ,  452 . The flat inner wall  450 ,  452  can be tangential to the curved inner wall  446 ,  448  and interface with the first flange wall  406  and the second flange wall  408 . The first arm portion  416 ,  418  can be parallel or substantially parallel to the first flange wall  406  and the second flange wall  408 . The first arm portion  416 ,  418  may be angled inward at an inward angle α relative to a radial axis Y-Y. The radial axis Y-Y is perpendicular to the gasket axis X-X. The first arm portion  416 ,  418  can be perpendicular to the gasket base  402 . The geometry of the first arm portion  416 ,  418  relative to the radial axis Y-Y can facilitate easier coupling of the pipe  112  to the gasket  400 . An inward angle α may facilitate more and easier bending of the arm  412 ,  414  relative to the gasket axis X-X and the radial axis Y-Y than a gasket with the first portion  416 ,  418  being parallel to radial axis Y-Y or angled outward relative to radial axis Y-Y and the central flange  404 . The angle α of the third gasket  400  can be greater than or equal to 1 degree and less than or equal to 10 degrees. The angle α can be greater than or equal to 2 degrees and less than or equal to 7 degrees. 
     The above dimensions can enable methods of improved gasket installation and removal, such as depicted by  FIG.  7    and with reference to  FIG.  4   . The gasket  200  (e.g., the gasket  300 , the third gasket  400 , etc.) can initially be fitted over the outer diameter of a pipe  112 ,  114 . For example, a first radius R 4  can be larger than the outer diameter of the pipe  112 ,  114  and a second radius R 5  can be smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe  112 ,  114  to limit movement of the pipe  112 ,  114  past a specific portion (e.g., the central flange  204 , etc.). As illustrated, the end  116  of the pipe  112  may have a flared section  750 , which the gasket  200  may engage when being installed onto the pipe  112 . The gasket  200  can be urged toward the pipe  112  (or vice versa) to install the gasket  200  onto the pipe  112 . Because the outside gasket radius R 4  is greater than the radius of the maximum flare condition in the flared section  750 , the pipe end  116  can contact the gasket  200  in the sealing portions  232 ,  234 . The engagement between the sealing portions  232 ,  234  and the pipe end  116  can occur on a portion of the sealing portions  232 ,  234 , or on an entirety of the sealing portions  232 ,  234 , which causes the arm  212  of the gasket  200  to flex inward slightly while simultaneously centering the pipe end  116  within the gasket  200  along the gasket axis X-X. The resilient nature of the gasket  200  allows the arm  212  of the gasket  200  to displace slightly while the pipe end  116  is passed through the gasket  200 . In some examples, an assembly of the pipe  112 , gasket  200 , and housing  120  can be shipped or otherwise transported together to a jobsite to improve efficiency associated with installing or maintaining a piping system. 
     The gasket  200  (e.g., the gasket  300 , the third gasket  400 , etc.) geometry can enable the gasket  200  to be readily removed or otherwise moved upon the pipe  112  in the direction opposite to the gasket installation direction. Specifically, the geometry of the gasket facilitates bending of the arms  212 ,  214 . The angle of the sealing portions  232 ,  234  allows for relatively easy installation of the pipe  112  into the gasket  200 . The angle may also help center the pipe relative to the gasket axis X-X during installation. The inward angle α of the second arm portion  224 ,  226  relative to the radial axis Y-Y may facilitate easier bending of the arms  212 ,  214  towards the central flange  204 . The gasket cavities  258 ,  260  allow flexing of the material of the gasket to facilitate movement of the arms  212 ,  214  relative to the central flange  204 . The distance between the first surfaces  242 ,  244  and the first flange wall  206  and the second flange wall  208  of the central flange  204  allows for movement of the arms  212 ,  214  towards the central flange  204 . The geometry of the gasket  200 , such as the first radius R 4  is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe  112 ,  114  and a second radius R 5  is smaller than the outer diameter of the pipe  112 ,  114 , the sealing portions  232 ,  234  being angled relative to the gasket axis X-X, and the curved inner wall  246 ,  248  results in a gasket  200  that can be conveniently centered and placed upon the pipe  112 . The gasket  200  can be easily and quickly installed onto a pipe  112 ,  114  and can be readily positioned (e.g., centered, etc.) upon the pipe  112 ,  114  to eventually create a pipe coupling  100 , for example. 
     Returning now to  FIGS.  1 ,  3 , and  7   , a process for creating a pipe coupling  100  is illustrated. Initially, the gasket  200  (e.g., the gasket  300 , the third gasket  400 , etc.) can be received onto the pipe  112 , as depicted in  FIG.  7   . The gasket  200  can be urged onto the outer diameter of the pipe  112 . Next, a second pipe  114  can be positioned coaxially with the first pipe  112  and the gasket axis X-X. The central flange  204  is centered within the gap formed between the two axial ends  116 ,  118  of the pipes  112 ,  114 , depicted in  FIG.  3   . The central flange  204  can extends beyond an outer surface of the pipes  112 ,  114 . The axial ends  116 ,  118  contact the first flange wall  206  and the second flange wall  208  to form a seal between the pipes  112 ,  114 . With each of the sealing surfaces  236 ,  238  of the gasket  200  contacting different pipes  112 ,  114 , the housing  120  can be positioned around the gasket  200 . The channel  148  of the housing  120  can surround the gasket base  202  and compress the gasket  200  inward to form a fluidic seal between the pipes  112 ,  114  when the housing  120  is fastened to the pipes  112 ,  114 . The housing  120  can be positioned around the gasket  200 , and the pipes  112 ,  114  can be inserted into the housing  120  and gasket  200 ; once the pipes  112 ,  114  are properly positioned, the fastener  154  can be tightened on the protrusion  152  to compress the gasket  200  to form a fluidic seal. 
     Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements can be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations. 
     The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components. 
     Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein can also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act, or element can include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element. 
     Any implementation disclosed herein can be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation can be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation can be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein. 
     Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements. 
     Systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical, or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within +/−10% or +/−10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel, or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “about” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of +/−10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein. 
     The term “coupled” and variations thereof includes 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 with or to each other, with the two members coupled with each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled with 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. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. 
     References to “or” can be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” can indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items. 
     Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     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.