Patent ID: 7988207

Claim:
A coupling for connecting two pipe elements together end-to-end, each of said pipe elements having a circumferential groove proximate to an end thereof, said coupling comprising: a plurality of segments positionable end-to-end circumferentially around said pipe elements, each of said segments having a pair of keys projecting radially inwardly toward said pipe elements and a pair of stiffening ribs projecting radially outwardly away therefrom, said ribs being positioned in spaced apart relation to one another, each said key for engagement with said circumferential groove of one of said pipe elements, 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 first and second camming surfaces oppositely disposed and positioned adjacent to one end of said segment, said first camming surface facing away from said space between said keys, said second camming surface facing toward said space between said keys, said first and second camming surfaces each comprising a first surface portion oriented parallel to a single plane passing through said segments and offset from said key surface on said one key, and a second surface portion oriented transversely to said plane, said camming surfaces being engageable with one said grooves to guide said one key into said groove when said segments are forcibly engaged circumferentially around said pipe elements.