Patent ID: 7266875

Claim:
A method for providing a joint restraint assembly with resistance to pipe pull-out in proportion to the mechanical and/or internal pressure loading applied to a pipe, said method comprising the steps of: providing a body that encircles the pipe wherein the body has a plurality of cavities and at least one set of a corresponding plurality of threaded bores disposed through said body, said cavities being disposed adjacent the pipe; disposing a threaded bolt through each of said threaded bores; disposing a segment within each of said cavities; pre-loading a first portion of each segment against an outer surface of the pipe by rotating said corresponding bolt disposed in each threaded bore; and generating a resistance to pipe pull-out forces in proportion to the increased mechanical or internal pressure loading applied to the pipe by pivotal motion of each of said segments, said pivotal motion occurring while losing contact with said threaded bolts; and wherein said step of generating a resistance to pipe pull-out forces comprises permitting said segment to pivot about a second portion that maintains contact with a corner of said cavity, while losing contact with its corresponding bolt, as mechanical or internal pressure loading applied to the pipe increases pipe pull-out forces, said first portion of said segment being driven deeper into the outer surface of the pipe in proportion to the applied mechanical or internal pressure loading, said segment resisting pipe pull-out in proportion to the increased mechanical or internal pressure loading applied to the pipe.