Abstract:
A pipe fitting for plain end pipe is formed of housing portions defining receptacles for receiving pipe elements. The receptacles are coaxial with respective axes oriented angularly with respect to each other. Each receptacle has a channel that faces a respective axis with floors at different radii of curvature. Retainers are received within the channels. The retainers have teeth and one or more offset tabs that cooperate with the channels to prevent improper assembly of the fitting. Ring seals are received within channels positioned adjacent to the receptacles. The ring seals cooperate with the retainers to hold the segments in spaced relation sufficient to insert pipe elements into the receptacles when the fitting is pre-assembled. Apertures are provided in the receptacles to permit visual determination of the presence of the retainers post assembly.
Abstract:
A coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relation is disclosed. The coupling includes interconnectable coupling segments having connection members at opposite ends. The connection members are tightenable for drawing the segments toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. Each segment has a concavity positioned between inwardly projecting arcuate surfaces that engage grooves in the pipe elements. The concavities house a sealing member that extends circumferentially around the pipe elements. Angularly oriented surfaces are positioned adjacent to the connection members. The surfaces on facing segments engage one another and cause the segments to rotate in opposite directions about an axis perpendicular to the pipe elements. The concavities are angularly oriented with respect to the axis so that when the segments rotate, the cavities receive the sealing member without distorting it. A method of joining pipe elements end to end is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Couplings for joining pipe elements have segments with attachment members with faces which contact one another when the segments are properly installed on the pipe elements. Each segment has one or more shrouds and recesses positioned along the faces. The shrouds on one segment are received within respective recesses on the other segment. The shrouds block the line of sight toward the central space which the segments surround and which receives the pipe elements. Index markings on the segments show visual inspection points to confirm proper engagement between the segments and the pipe elements.
Abstract:
A pipe coupling for joining pipe elements end-to-end is disclosed. The pipe coupling is formed of segments attached to one another circumferentially straddling the pipe elements. The segments are formed from sub-sections connected to one another end-to-end. Each sub-section has a surface region disposed to engage the outer surfaces of the pipe elements. Each surface region has a different radius of curvature from a surface region on a neighboring sub-section. The radii are selected so that when the coupling segments are deformed around the pipe elements, portions of surface regions of selected sub-sections contact the pipe elements, while portions of surface regions of those sub-sections between the selected portions remain in spaced relation away from the pipe elements. A constant and minimal torque is required to bolt the segments together as a result.
Abstract:
A coupling (10) for joining pipe elements, said coupling comprising: first and second segments (12, 14) positioned end to end surrounding a central space (16) for receiving said pipe elements; a spring assembly (18) joining a first end of said first segment to a first end of said second segment (14), said spring assembly biasing said segments (12,14) away from one another; and an adjustable attachment assembly (56) joining a second end (58) of said first segment (12) to a second end (60) of said second segment (14), said adjustable attachment assembly (56) adapted to draw said first and second segments (12,14) toward one another and into engagement with said pipe elements.
Abstract:
A pipe element (22, 24; 22a, 24a) has a circumferential groove (54) with a surface portion oriented at an angle with respect to its longitudinal axis. A surface portion of the groove adjacent to the angled surface portion is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A mechanical coupling has projecting keys (50, 52) that engage the groove. The keys have mating surfaces that contact both the perpendicular and angled surface portions of the groove. When the pipe element and coupling are used in combination to form a pipe joint, axial load on the pipe, resisted by the mechanical coupling, is shared between the perpendicular and angled surface portions which results in a pipe joint that can withstand higher internal pressure than if the axial load were borne by the perpendicular surface portion alone.
Abstract:
A concave bearing surface for use with lugs of pipe coupling segments is disclosed. The concave bearing surface is positioned on the lug and surrounds an aperture which receives a fastener attaching the coupling segments together end to end surrounding pipe ends to be joined. Either the nut or the head of the fastener that engages the concave surface may be rotated to tighten the fastener. Engagement between the concave surface and the rotating member reduces the torque required to tighten the fastener and effect a stiff, fluid tight joint. A method of securing pipe ends using coupling segments with concave bearing surfaces is also disclosed.