Patent ID: 7478843

Claim:
A pipe coupling assembly, comprising: a fitting having an opening surrounded by an inwardly facing conical surface; a first lug positioned on said fitting and projecting outwardly therefrom, said first lug having an aperture therein; a pipe element having an end portion with an outwardly facing conical surface sized to interfit within said opening and engage said inwardly facing conical surface; a shoulder positioned on said pipe element adjacent to said end portion and projecting radially outwardly therefrom; a retaining ring surrounding said pipe element and engaging said shoulder; a second lug positioned on said retaining ring and projecting outwardly therefrom, said second lug having aperture therein; and a fastener extending between said apertures of said first and second lugs for connecting said retaining ring to said fitting, said fastener being adjustably tightenable for drawing said retaining ring toward said fitting and thereby forcing said end portion into engagement with said fitting.