METHOD OF USING A PIPE COUPLING HAVING MOVABLE GRIPPING BODIES

• US 20110115216A1
• Filed: 01/21/2011
• Published: 05/19/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Victaulic Company
• Original Assignee: Victaulic Company
• Inventors: Porter, Michael V., Dole, Douglas R., Sipos, Torrey G.
• Granted Patent: US 8,312,616 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 285/148.28
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 17/04 with longitudinally split or divided sleeve
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 21/065 tightened by tangentially-arranged threaded pins
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 21/08 with additional locking means F16L17/035, F16L17/04, F16L21/04, F16L21/06 take precedence; screwed joints F16L19/08; couplings of the quick-acting type F16L37/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 23/08 connection by tangentially arranged pin and nut
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 23/18 the sealing means being rings
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49947 by applying separate fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49948 Multipart cooperating fastener [e.g., bolt and nut]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49963 Threaded fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53987 Tube, sleeve or ferrule

Abstract

A method of joining pipe elements in end to end relation includes using a coupling having two or more segments connected to one another end to end surrounding a central space. The coupling also has at least one gripping body positioned between two of the segments. The pipe elements are inserted into the central space. The segments and the gripping body or bodies are moved toward the central space. The segments have arcuate surfaces which engage the outer surface of the pipe element. The gripping body or bodies have gripping surfaces which engage the outer surface of the pipe elements.

Claims

1. A method of joining pipe elements in end to end relation, said method comprising:

using a coupling comprising a plurality of segments connected to one another end to end surrounding a central space, and at least one gripping body positioned between two of said segments;

inserting each of said pipe elements into said central space;

moving said segments toward said central space, said segments each having a plurality of arcuate surfaces engageable with said pipe elements, said arcuate surfaces facing said central space;

engaging each one of said arcuate surfaces with an outer surface of one of said pipe elements;

moving said at least one gripping body toward said central space, said at least one gripping body having a plurality of gripping surfaces facing said central space;

engaging each one of said gripping surfaces with an outer surface of one of said pipe elements.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising supporting said segments in spaced apart relation to one another on a seal positioned within said central space.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising supporting said at least one gripping body on a seal positioned within said central space.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

connecting said segments to one another using adjustable fasteners; and

moving said segments toward said central space by tightening said fasteners.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising engaging said arcuate surfaces within circumferential grooves in said pipe elements.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising engaging said gripping surfaces within said circumferential grooves.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising inserting said pipe elements so as to align said circumferential groove on each of said pipe elements with a respective one of said arcuate surfaces and a respective one of said gripping surfaces.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising moving said segments in opposite directions.

9. A method of joining pipe elements in end to end relation, said method comprising:

using a coupling comprising first and second segments connected to one another end to end surrounding a central space, and first and second gripping bodies positioned between said first and second segments;

inserting each of said pipe elements into said central space;

moving said first and second segments toward said central space, said first and second segments each having at least two arcuate surfaces engageable with said pipe elements, said arcuate surfaces facing said central space;

engaging each one of said arcuate surfaces with an outer surface of one of said pipe elements;

moving said first and second gripping bodies toward said central space, said first and second gripping bodies each having at least two gripping surfaces facing said central space;

engaging each one of said gripping surfaces with an outer surface of one of said pipe elements.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising supporting said first and second segments in spaced apart relation to one another on a seal positioned within said central space.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising supporting said first and second gripping bodies in spaced apart relation to one another on said seal.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:

connecting said first and second segments to one another using adjustable fasteners; and

moving said first and second segments toward said central space by tightening said fasteners.

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising engaging said arcuate surfaces within circumferential grooves in said pipe elements.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising engaging said gripping surfaces within said circumferential grooves.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising inserting said pipe elements so as to align said circumferential groove on each of said pipe elements with a respective one of said arcuate surfaces and a respective one of said gripping surfaces.

16. The method according to claim 9, further comprising moving said first and second gripping bodies in opposite directions.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising moving said first and second segments in opposite directions.