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 mechanical pipe coupling is formed of segments attached end to end to surround a central space. Each segment has a circumferentially extending cavity facing the central space flanked by arcuate keys which project toward the central space. Two arcuate shoulder surfaces are positioned on each segment. The arcuate shoulder surfaces face the central space and are positioned in spaced relation on opposite sides of the cavity between the cavity and the arcuate keys. The arcuate shoulder surfaces are angularly oriented with respect to an axis perpendicular to a plane containing the segments. The coupling is used to couple pipe elements having a circumferential ring located at the ends of the pipe elements. The angular orientation of the arcuate shoulder surfaces provides flexibility to the joint. A method of joining pipe elements having circumferential rings is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical pipe coupling is formed of segments attached end to end to surround a central space. Each segment has a circumferentially extending cavity facing the central space flanked by arcuate keys which project toward the central space. Two arcuate shoulder surfaces are positioned on each segment. The arcuate shoulder surfaces face the central space and are positioned in spaced relation on opposite sides of the cavity between the cavity and the arcuate keys. The arcuate shoulder surfaces are angularly oriented with respect to an axis perpendicular to a plane containing the segments. The coupling is used to couple pipe elements having a circumferential ring located at the ends of the pipe elements. The angular orientation of the arcuate shoulder surfaces provides flexibility to the joint. A method of joining pipe elements having circumferential rings 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 an expanded region adjacent to the socket. Three shoulders are positioned within the expanded region. A sealing member and two support washers are positioned within the expanded region, each engaging a shoulder. A retainer is positioned in the expanded region between the two support washers. A lip, positioned at the end of the expanded region, extends radially inwardly and captures the sealing member, washers and retainer within the coupling. The retainer has a plurality of radial teeth angularly oriented to engage a pipe and prevent its removal from the coupling. One of the washers is kept in spaced relation from the other washer by a shoulder to prevent contact with the retainer upon assembly which may otherwise inhibit the teeth engaging the pipe.

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 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 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.

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 and a retainer is positioned in the second expanded region. A flange turned inwardly on the second expanded region captures the sealing member and the retainer. The retainer has a plurality of radial teeth angularly oriented to engage a pipe and prevent its removal from the coupling. Each tooth has a stiffening rib arranged lengthwise along the tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for end cutting and cut grooving a cylindrical pipe section, which includes a support frame, and a plurality of rollers adapted for positioning and gripping the pipe section for cutting and grooving portions thereof in fixed predetermined relation with respect to the frame. A chamfer cutting tool is arranged for cutting at least portions of the end of the pipe section to a predetermined shape, the chamfer cutting tool being positioned at a predetermined location with respect to the frame. A groove cutting tool is mounted for cutting a groove in the outer surface portion of the pipe section, the groove cutting tool being positioned at a predetermined location with respect to the frame. Means is included for providing relative rotation between the frame and the pipe section to permit the chamfer cutting tool and the groove cutting tool to cut the pipe section. A method of cut grooving and chamfering the pipe section is also disclosed.