Pipe coupling having movable gripping bodies
First Claim
1. 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, andwherein 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.
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Abstract
A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined end-to-end by adjustable connection members. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. One or more gripping bodies are captured between the segments. The gripping bodies are arranged opposite to each other. The segments have angularly oriented reaction surfaces on the connection members. The gripping bodies have angularly oriented contact surfaces which interface with the reaction surfaces. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping bodies radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping bodies engage and retain the pipe elements.
112 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A pipe coupling for securing end portions of a pair of pipe elements together end-to-end, said coupling comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A pipe coupling for securing end portions of a pair of pipe elements together end-to-end, said coupling comprising:
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a pair 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; a connection member positioned at each end 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; a respective reaction surface positioned on each of said connection members, said reaction surfaces facing said central space; a pair of gripping bodies positioned between said segments opposite to one another, said gripping bodies each 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 each of said gripping bodies 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 bodies into said central space for engagement of said gripping surfaces with said pipe elements. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification