Coupling having angularly oriented key surfaces

US8267432B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• VICTAULIC COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Scott D. Madara · Nazareth, US
• John W. Pierce · Nazareth, US
• Charles E. Wilk, Jr. · Northampton, US
• Douglas R. Dole · Whitehouse Station, US
• Michael V. Porter · Easton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 17, 2010
• Grant date: Sep 18, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 20, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16L27/02
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

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.