Patent ID: 7996981

Claim:
A method for connecting pipe elements together end-to-end, said method comprising: using a pair of pipe elements, each having a circumferential groove therein, each said groove being positioned proximate to an end of a respective one of said pipe elements, each said groove having an angularly oriented side surface facing said end of said respective one of said pipe elements; using a coupling comprising a plurality of segments joined end-to-end by a plurality of adjustably tightenable fasteners, each of said segments having a pair of keys projecting radially inwardly, said keys being positioned in spaced apart relation from one another and defining a space therebetween, at least one of said keys on one of said segments having a first camming surface positioned adjacent to one end of said segment, said first camming surface facing away from said space between said keys and being angularly oriented relatively thereto and having a radial orientation angle substantially the same as said angularly oriented side surface of one of said grooves; positioning a first and a second of said pipe elements in end-to-end relation; positioning said plurality of segments surrounding ends of said first and second pipe elements; engaging said first camming surface with said angularly oriented side surface of said groove in one of said first and second pipe elements; applying said fasteners to said segments; and tightening said fasteners so as to draw said segments toward one another, said first camming surface sliding into said groove against said angularly oriented side surface and thereby moving said first and second pipe elements away from one another.