Abstract: First and second pipe elements are joined end to end by a coupling. The first and second pipe elements have a circumferential groove at an end, and each of the grooves has a floor. A plurality of segments, each having oppositely disposed ends, and a respective connection member positioned at each end, form the coupling. A first end of each segment is connected to a second end of another of the segments such that said segments surround a central space for receiving the second pipe element.

Abstract: First and second pipe elements are joined end to end by a coupling. The first and second pipe elements have a circumferential groove at an end, and each of the grooves has a floor. A plurality of segments, each having oppositely disposed ends, and a respective connection member positioned at each end, form the coupling. A first end of each segment is connected to a second end of another of the segments such that said segments surround a central space for receiving the second pipe element.

Abstract: A method for preparing a factory assembled pipe coupling includes positioning a flexible, resilient ring within a first channel in the first segment of the coupling, the ring having a ring outer surface engaging the first segment, and engaging a second channel in a second segment of the coupling with the ring outer surface so as to align each connection member on the first segment with a connection member on the second segment. Further steps include attaching the first end of the first segment to the first end of the second segment, and attaching the second end of the first segment to the second end of the second segment and supporting the first and second segments in spaced apart relation from one another on the ring at a distance at least sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the central space without disassembling the segments.

Abstract: A method for preparing a pre-assembled pipe coupling includes positioning a flexible, resilient ring within a first channel in the first segment of the coupling, the ring having a ring outer surface engaging the first segment, and engaging a second channel in a second segment of the coupling with the ring outer surface so as to align each connection member on the first segment with a connection member on the second segment. Further steps include attaching the first end of the first segment to the first end of the second segment, and attaching the second end of the first segment to the second end of the second segment and supporting the first and second segments in spaced apart relation from one another on the ring at a distance at least sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the central space without disassembling the segments from one another.

Abstract: A sealing member is disclosed having an outer surface that supports segments of a pipe coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relation. The segments are supported in spaced relation to permit the pipe elements to be inserted into the coupling without disassembly. The sealing member is a flexible ring that has conical lips around its inner circumference to engage and guide the pipe elements into the coupling. A tongue extends radially inwardly between the lips, the tongue having conical shoulders which engage and guide the pipe ends. The tongue locates the coupling segments relatively to the pipe elements.

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. 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.

Abstract: A sealing member is disclosed having an outer surface that supports segments of a pipe coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relation. The segments are supported in spaced relation to permit the pipe elements to be inserted into the coupling without disassembly. The sealing member is a flexible ring that has conical lips around its inner circumference to engage and guide the pipe elements into the coupling. A tongue extends radially inwardly between the lips, the tongue having conical shoulders which engage and guide the pipe ends. The tongue locates the coupling segments relatively to the pipe elements.

Abstract: A method for joining pipe elements end-to-end using a pair of pipe couplings attached to one another end to end surrounding a central space includes inserting the pipe elements into the central space, moving the coupling segments toward one another and engaging surface regions of the coupling segments with outer surfaces of the pipe elements, initially at a first contact point on the coupling segments and subsequently at second and third contact points on the coupling segments. The first contact point is located between opposite ends of the coupling segments and may be located on a region of infinite radius of curvature, may project radially inwardly toward the pipe elements, and may be located midway between the opposite ends of the segments. The second and third contact points are located at opposite ends of the coupling segments.

Abstract: A sealing member is disclosed having an outer surface that supports segments of a pipe coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relation. The segments are supported in spaced relation to permit the pipe elements to be inserted into the coupling without disassembly. The sealing member is a flexible ring that has conical lips around its inner circumference to engage and guide the pipe elements into the coupling. A tongue extends radially inwardly between the lips, the tongue having conical shoulders which engage and guide the pipe ends. The tongue locates the coupling segments relatively to the pipe elements.

Abstract: A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation is disclosed. The coupling 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. 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.

Abstract: A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation is disclosed. The coupling 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. 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.

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.

Abstract: A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation is disclosed. The coupling 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. 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.