Abstract: A preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A coupling has first and second segments attached to one another end to end surrounding a central space for receiving pipe elements. A spring assembly attaches the segments at one end and an adjustable attachment assembly attaches the segments at the opposite end. The spring assembly biases the segments away from one another sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements into the central space while the segments are attached to one another. The coupling may include a split ring toothed retainer for coupling plain end pipe elements, or it may have arcuate keys which engage grooved or shouldered pipe elements.

Abstract: A pipe element has a circumferential groove 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 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: 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 has first and second segments attached end to end surrounding a central space. The segments define first and second receptacles which receive pipe elements. A port is positioned in one of the segments. The port provides access to the central space. A nipple on the segment extends from the central space and defines a bore aligned with the port. A collar on the segment extends toward the central space. The collar has an outer surface which forms a recess with an inner surface of the segment. A seal is positioned within a channel defined by arcuate keys which surround the receptacles. The seal has a body which defines a first aperture aligned with the receptacles and a second aperture aligned with the bore of the nipple.

Abstract: A pipe element has a circumferential groove 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 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 preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A fitting has a conduit with a bore defined by a surface facing an axis coaxially located with respect to the bore. The surface may have three portions including a conical portion located proximate to the inlet of the conduit, a threaded portion located proximate to the outlet of the conduit and a cylindrical portion located between the conical and threaded portions. A gasket is positioned within the conduit. The gasket has an outer surface and an inner surface facing the axis. The gasket inner surface has angularly oriented lands. One of the lands faces the outlet and is engaged by a threaded component received by the threaded portion. Engagement between the component and the land compresses the gasket radially outwardly and longitudinally within the conduit. An angularly oriented shoulder guides the gasket into a redirection space defined by the conical portion (when present) as it deforms.

Abstract: A plurality of raised surfaces on a platform absorb torque of a fastener contacting the surface while rotating relatively to the platform. Significant disproportionate increase in torque compared with the associated increase in bolt stress is observed by increased felt torque when tightening the fastener. Raised surfaces are used on lugs of a mechanical pipe coupling to increase the fastener's resistance to damage when powered tools are used to apply torque to the fastener.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for plain end pipe is formed of segments joined end to end surrounding a central space. The segments are connected end to end by lugs on each segment with fasteners extending between them. Each segment has channels on opposite sides that face the central space with floors at different radii. 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. A ring seal is received within a channel positioned in each segment between the retainer channels.

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 has first and second segments attached end to end surrounding a central space. The segments define first and second receptacles which receive pipe elements. A port is positioned in one of the segments. The port provides access to the central space. A nipple on the segment extends from the central space and defines a bore aligned with the port. A collar on the segment extends toward the central space. The collar has an outer surface which forms a recess with an inner surface of the segment. A seal is positioned within a channel defined by arcuate keys which surround the receptacles. The seal has a body which defines a first aperture aligned with the receptacles and a second aperture aligned with the bore of the nipple.