Abstract: A pipe element has a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is positioned adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is positioned contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A combination of roller tools is used to cold work pipe elements and impart a desired shape to the sidewall in one method of manufacture. In another method, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element captured within a die.

Abstract: A seal for pipe couplings and a method of connecting pipe elements. The seal has an elastic ring surrounding a rigid ring. The elastic ring has side portions connected by a recessed center portion. The recessed center portion has a diameter no greater than the final diameter of the elastic ring in its deformed shape which effects a fluid tight joint. The seal is positioned between segments of a pipe coupling. Pipe elements are inserted into the elastic ring against the rigid ring from opposite sides of the coupling. The segments are drawn toward one another by fasteners, compressing the side portions and effecting the fluid tight joint.

Abstract: A coupling installed by crimping has an angularly oriented conical surface at an open end surrounded by a ring which receives a pipe element. Dies move radially toward the coupling on jaws of a crimping tool and engage the conical surface along a single line of contact to effect a crimp which secures the coupling to the pipe. The radially applied force has radial and axial components. The radial component effects the crimp, the axial component deforms a channel in the coupling in which a seal is located. The seal is deformed between the coupling and the pipe to effect a fluid tight joint. The coupling may have a circumferential rib which projects radially outwardly. Registration dogs engage the coupling and provide a reaction surface against the axial force component.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe coupling is formed of segments attached end to end to surround a central space. Each segment has arcuate keys which project toward the central space. Each key is formed of a pair of side surfaces and a mid surface between them. The mid surface is angularly oriented relative to a longitudinal axis perpendicular to a plane containing the segments. When used to couple pipe elements having grooves the angular orientation of the mid surfaces provides flexibility to the joint. A method of joining pipe elements end to end is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupling for joining pipe segments together is disclosed. The coupling is derived from a standard fitting and has a housing with a socket and a first expanded region adjacent to the socket and a second expanded region adjacent to the first expanded region. A sealing member is positioned in the first expanded region, a retainer is positioned in the second expanded region and a support washer having transversely oriented radial and coaxial flanges is positioned adjacent to the retainer. A clamping tab turned inwardly on the second expanded region overlaps the radial flange and clamps the support washer and retainer against a shoulder within the second expanded region thereby also capturing the sealing member within the coupling. The retainer has a plurality of radial teeth angularly oriented to engage a pipe and prevent its removal from the coupling. The teeth are twisted about their longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A coupling for joining pipe segments together is disclosed. The coupling is derived from a standard fitting and has a housing with a socket and a first expanded region adjacent to the socket, a second expanded region adjacent to the first expanded region and a third expanded region adjacent to the second. A sealing member is positioned in the first expanded region, a retainer is positioned in the second expanded region and a support washer having transversely oriented radial and coaxial flanges is positioned adjacent to the retainer in the third expanded region. A lip turned inwardly on the second expanded region overlaps the radial flange and captures the support washer, retainer and sealing member within the coupling. The retainer has a plurality of radial teeth angularly oriented to engage a pipe and prevent its removal from the coupling.

Abstract: A coupling for joining pipe segments together is disclosed. The coupling is derived from a standard fitting and has a housing with a socket and a first expanded region adjacent to the socket and a second expanded region adjacent to the first expanded region. A sealing member is positioned in the first expanded region, a retainer is positioned in the second expanded region and a support washer having transversely oriented radial and coaxial flanges is positioned adjacent to the retainer. A lip turned inwardly on the second expanded region overlaps the radial flange and captures the support washer, retainer and sealing member within the coupling. The retainer has a plurality of radial teeth angularly oriented to engage a pipe and prevent its removal from the coupling.