Patent ID: 7950701

Claim:
A pipe coupling for securing end portions of a pair of pipe elements together end-to-end, said coupling comprising: a plurality of segments connectable end-to-end surrounding a central space having a center for receiving said pipe elements, each said segment having a pair of arcuate surfaces positioned in spaced relation, said arcuate surfaces facing said central space and being engagable with said pipe elements; connection members positioned at opposite ends of each of said segments for adjustably connecting said segments to one another, said connection members being adjustably tightenable for drawing said segments toward one another and into engagement with said pipe elements; respective reaction surfaces positioned on at least two of said connection members facing one another, said reaction surfaces facing said central space; a gripping body positioned between at least two of said segments, said gripping body having a pair of gripping surfaces positioned in spaced apart relation and facing said center of said central space; a first pair of contact surfaces positioned on said gripping body in facing relation with said reaction surfaces, and wherein adjustable tightening of said connection members draws said coupling segments together, said contact surfaces interacting with said reaction surfaces to move said gripping body into said central space for engagement of said gripping surfaces with said pipe elements.