Gaskets and couplings with improved stability

Abstract

A coupling for joining pipe elements has cast segments attached end-to-end to surround a central space. The segments form a channel that accommodates a gasket. The sides within the channel have angularly oriented capture surfaces, which engage with the spherical rim of the gasket to prevent the gasket from disengaging from the channel when at least one pipe element is inserted into the central space. The sides may also have support surfaces between the capture surfaces. The gasket supports the segments in a pre-assembled state where the segments are attached end-to-end, yet are spaced apart sufficiently to allow the insertion of one or more pipe elements.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 251,082 filed October 1, 2021, which is incorporated by reference into this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a coupling and a gasket for joining pipe elements. Background Technology

[0003] Mechanical pipe couplings are used to form piping networks by joining pipe elements to each other or to other components such as valves and fittings. Couplings comprising end-to-end segments surrounding a central space are shipped from the factory in a so-called "pre-assembled state," in which the segments are supported in a sufficiently spaced relationship to allow pipe elements, or at least one pipe element, to be inserted into the coupling without disassembling the coupling segments from each other. In such "factory pre-assembled" couplings, it is convenient to use a gasket located within the central space and accommodated within the channel formed by the segments to support the segments in the required spaced relationship. The gasket also provides the sealing function necessary to ensure a fluid-tight joint between the coupling and the pipe elements. The problem to be solved

[0004] One challenge faced by coupling designers is to prevent the gasket from disengaging from the channel into the coupling during the insertion of a pipe element in a pre-assembled state. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary prior art gasket (11) that disengages from the channel (13) formed by the coupling segment (15) when a pipe element (17) is inserted into the coupling in a pre-assembled state. The side of the gasket facing the inserted pipe element (17) tends to slide down the inner surface of the channel (13). This is believed to be due to a sufficient draft angle (19) present as a result of the casting process used in mass production. Since a disengaged gasket may not allow for the insertion of another pipe element (21), it can be problematic to form a fluid-tight joint. Additionally, there is a risk that the gasket may be damaged during the insertion of a second pipe element. There is a clear need to improve the design of mechanical pipe couplings and gaskets for better stability and ease of assembly of the joint in a pre-assembled state.

[0005] Another design challenge concerns the impact of handling on factory-pre-assembled couplings during shipment. Factory-pre-assembled couplings are placed in shipping containers for extended periods, often on top of others. Upon transport to the final assembly site, the couplings are positioned on pipe ends and secured with one or more fasteners to complete the assembly. During this process, it is required that the spaced relationship of the segments established at the factory be maintained during transport to allow for the insertion of pipe elements during final installation. However, due to contact with other couplings within the shipping container, there is a possibility that some coupling segments may be unintentionally displaced (compressed) toward one another. Consequently, at the time of use, some couplings may no longer be in the spaced relationship required at the factory to ensure that pipe elements or elements can be easily inserted into the factory-pre-assembled couplings. In such cases, the installer may manually pull the housings to return the coupling segments to their intended spaced relationship. While this action by the installer can resolve the handling issue, it is advantageous to avoid this step during the assembly process. means of solving the problem

[0006] The present invention relates to a coupling for joining pipe elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling comprises a plurality of segments attached end-to-end that surround a central space for receiving pipe elements. In this example, each segment comprises a casting having a rear wall and first and second side walls attached to the rear wall on opposite sides, the rear wall and the side walls form a channel, the rear wall forms a rear surface facing the central space, and the side walls form the respective first and second side surfaces facing the channel. Each side surface includes a capture surface adjacent to the rear surface. For example, each capture surface has an orientation angle of 10° or less measured from a reference line extending radially from a longitudinal axis aligned coaxial with the segment through the central space. Each segment may further include first and second adjustable attachment assemblies located at opposite ends of the segment to attach the segments to each other in an end-to-end relationship.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, each segment includes a capture surface and a relief surface adjacent to it. The relief surface has an orientation angle greater than 5° measured from a reference line extending radially from the longitudinal axis. Also, as an example, the orientation angle of the capture surface is in the range of 10° to 1°. In a specific exemplary embodiment, the orientation angle of the capture surface is 5°. Also, as an example, the orientation angle of the relief surface is in the range of 5° to 10°. In an exemplary embodiment, the capture surface comprises 50% to 100% of the depth of each of the first and second sidewalls. In a specific example, the capture surface comprises 50% of the depth of each of the first and second sidewalls. In a further example, the relief surface comprises 75% to 0% of the depth of each of the first and second sidewalls. In another example, the relief surface comprises 50% of the depth of each of the first and second sidewalls.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment may include, at most, first and second segments. A first adjustable attachment assembly of the first segment is in a face-to-face relationship with a first adjustable attachment assembly of the second segment, and a second adjustable attachment assembly on the first segment is in a face-to-face relationship with a second adjustable attachment assembly of the second segment.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, each attachment assembly may include a lug forming an opening and a fastener received within the opening. The fastener extends between the lugs to attach the segments to each other in an adjustable manner.

[0010] As an additional example, each segment may include a first contact surface located adjacent to a first attachment assembly and a second contact surface located adjacent to a second attachment assembly, wherein the first contact surface on the first segment is in a face-to-face relationship with the first contact surface on the second segment, and the second contact surface on the first segment is in a face-to-face relationship with the second contact surface on the second segment. In one example, since the first and second contact surfaces are angularly oriented and have opposite inclinations, the segments are rotated in opposite directions around a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by contact between the first and second contact surfaces.

[0011] An exemplary embodiment according to the present invention may further include a gasket. An exemplary gasket includes a web forming a circular loop accommodated within a channel. A first bulbous rim extends circumferentially around a first side of the web. The first bulbous rim projects toward a rear wall and a first side wall. A second bulbous rim extends circumferentially around a second side of the web opposite to the first side. The second bulbous rim projects toward a rear wall and a second side wall. A first lobe is attached to the first side of the web. The first lobe extends circumferentially around the loop and projects toward a central space. The first lobe forms a first sealing surface at its free end. The first sealing surface can be coupled with one of the pipe elements accommodated within the central space. A second lobe is attached to the second side of the web. The second lobe extends circumferentially around the loop and protrudes toward the central space. The second lobe forms a second sealing surface at its free end. The second sealing surface can be coupled with one of the pipe elements accommodated within the central space. The first spherical rim engages with a capture surface on the first side, and the second spherical rim engages with a capture surface on the second side to support the factory-pre-assembled segments, so that the segments are attached end-to-end to surround the central space, while being supported in a relationship sufficiently spaced apart from each other to allow the insertion of pipe elements into the central space.

[0012] The gasket may further include a leg positioned between the first lobe and the second lobe. The leg protrudes from the web toward the central space. In an exemplary embodiment, the leg further includes a plurality of individual tabs positioned on the inner perimeter and protruding toward the central space. The tabs are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship along the inner perimeter. In one exemplary embodiment, the tabs have a curved profile. Also, as an example, the web has a perimeter surface oriented away from the central space, and the perimeter surface is concave.

[0013] Additionally, as an example, the gasket may further include first and second glands extending from the first and second lobes, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second spherical rims extend continuously around the first and second sides of the web, respectively.

[0014] According to one example, each capture surface comprises a first and a second portion, the first capture surface portion is positioned in close proximity to a first adjustable attachment assembly, and the second capture surface portion is positioned in close proximity to a second adjustable attachment assembly. For example, the first capture surface portion may form an angle in the range of 25° to 45° measured around the longitudinal axis, and the second capture surface portion may be formed at an angle in the range of 25° to 45°.

[0015] In an exemplary coupling according to the present invention, each first and second side may further include each first and second support surface adjacent to a rear surface. The first support surface is located between a first capture surface portion and a second capture surface portion on the first side, and the second support surface is located between a first capture surface portion and a second capture surface portion on the second side. The first support surface has an orientation angle different from the orientation angle of the first and second capture surface portions on the first side. The second support surface has an orientation angle different from the orientation angle of the first and second capture surface portions on the second side.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second support surfaces each have an orientation angle ranging from 15° to 30° measured from each first and second reference line extending radially from the longitudinal axis. Additionally, for example, the first support surface may form an angle ranging from 90° to 110° measured around the longitudinal axis, and the second support surface may have an angle ranging from 90° to 110° measured around the longitudinal axis.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, each capture surface comprises a first and a second portion. The first capture surface portion is positioned in proximity to a first adjustable attachment assembly, and the second capture surface portion is positioned in proximity to a second adjustable attachment assembly. Each first and second side may further comprise a first and second support surface adjacent to a rear surface. The first support surface is positioned between the first capture surface portion and the second capture surface portion on the first side, and the second support surface is positioned between the first capture surface portion and the second capture surface portion on the second side. The first support surface has an orientation angle different from the orientation angles of the first and second capture surface portions on the first side, and the second support surface has an orientation angle different from the orientation angles of the first and second capture surface portions on the second side.

[0018] Another exemplary coupling embodiment further comprises a gasket, the gasket comprising a web forming a circular loop received within a channel. A first spherical rim extends circumferentially around a first side of the web. The first spherical rim projects toward a rear wall and a first side wall. A second spherical rim extends circumferentially around a second side of the web opposite to the first side. The second spherical rim projects toward a rear wall and a second side wall. A first lobe is attached, for example, to a first side of the web. The first lobe extends circumferentially around the loop and projects toward a central space. The first lobe forms a first sealing surface at its free end. The first sealing surface can be coupled with one of the pipe elements received within the central space. A second lobe is attached to a second side of the web. The second lobe extends circumferentially around the loop and projects toward a central space. The second lobe forms a second sealing surface at its free end. The second sealing surface can be combined with one of the pipe elements accommodated within the central space in this example.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, when the coupling is in a factory pre-assembled state, the web and the first and second spherical rims engage with the rear surface of the segment along the first and second capture surface portions, the first lobe and the first spherical rim engage with the first support surface, and the second lobe and the second spherical rim engage with the second support surface. In this example, the segments in a factory pre-assembled state are supported by the engagement between the gasket and the segments so that the segments are attached end-to-end to surround the central space, while the segments are maintained in a relationship sufficiently spaced apart from each other to allow the insertion of pipe elements into the central space.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second support surfaces each have an orientation angle ranging from 15° to 30° measured from each first and second reference line extending radially from the longitudinal axis. Also, as an example, the first capture surface portion forms an angle ranging from 25° to 45° measured around the longitudinal axis, and the second capture surface portion forms an angle ranging from 25° to 45°. In another exemplary embodiment, the first support surface is formed at an angle ranging from 90° to 110° measured around the longitudinal axis, and the second support surface forms an angle ranging from 90° to 110° measured around the longitudinal axis.

[0021] The present invention further comprises a gasket. In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket comprises a web forming a circular loop surrounding a central space. A first spherical rim extends circumferentially around a first side of the web. The first spherical rim projects both radially and axially with respect to an axis aligned coaxially with the circular loop. A second spherical rim extends circumferentially around a second side of the web opposite to the first side. The second spherical rim projects both radially and axially with respect to said axis. A first lobe is attached to the first side of the web. The first lobe extends circumferentially around the loop and projects toward the central space. The first lobe forms a first sealing surface at its free end. A second lobe is attached to the second side of the web. The second lobe extends circumferentially around the loop and projects toward the central space. The second lobe forms a second sealing surface at its free end.

[0022] In another exemplary embodiment, the gasket according to the present invention includes a leg positioned between the first lobe and the second lobes. The leg projects from the web toward the central space. Also, as an example, the leg may further include a plurality of individual tabs positioned on the inner circumference of the leg and projecting toward the central space. The tabs are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship along the inner circumference. In an exemplary embodiment, the tabs have a curved profile. Also, as an example, the web has a periphery surface facing away from the central space, and said periphery surface may be concave. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second glands may extend from the first and second lobes, respectively. In a further example, the first and second spherical rims may extend continuously around the first and second sides of the web, respectively. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a pipe coupling and gasket of the prior art. FIG. 2 is an axial drawing of an exemplary pipe coupling according to the present invention shown in a pre-assembled state. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an exemplary pipe coupling segment according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary segment shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4a is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken from FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is an axial view of an exemplary gasket according to the present invention. FIG. 5a is an isometric view of another exemplary gasket according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary gasket shown in FIG. 5 or 5a. FIGS. 7 to 9 are cross-sectional views illustrating the usage state of an exemplary coupling and gasket according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is an axial view of another exemplary embodiment of a coupling according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary coupling segment taken at a point close to an adjustable attachment assembly. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary coupling segment taken at approximately the midpoint between the ends of the segment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary coupling segment and gasket taken at a point close to an adjustable attachment assembly. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary coupling segment and gasket taken at approximately the midpoint between the ends of the segment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary coupling (10) for joining pipe elements. The coupling (10) comprises a plurality of segments, which are first and second segments (12, 14) attached to each other to surround a central space (16) for accommodating pipe elements, in this example. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each segment (12) comprises a rear wall (18) and first and second side walls (20, 22) attached to and facing the rear wall. The rear wall (18) and the side walls (20, 22) form a channel (24), and the rear wall forms a rear surface (26) facing the central space (16). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the side walls (20, 22) form first and second sides (28, 30) facing the channel (24). Each side (28, 30) includes a capture surface (32) adjacent to the rear surface (26). As illustrated in FIG. 4a-, each capture surface (32) has an orientation angle (34) of 10° or less, measured from a reference line (36) extending radially from a longitudinal axis (38) that is aligned coaxially with the segment (12, 14) through the central space (16). In a practical exemplary embodiment, the orientation angle (34) of the capture surface (32) may be in the range of approximately 10° to approximately 1°. An orientation angle (34) of approximately 5° is expected to be beneficial. As the segment (12, 14) is advantageously cast for economical mass production, a relatively small orientation angle (34) of the capture surface (32) can provide a suitable mold draft while improving gasket stability during pipe element insertion as described below.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 4, each side (28, 30) may also include a relief surface (40) continuous with the capture surface (32). As illustrated in FIG. 4a, the relief surface (40), when present, advantageously has an orientation angle (42) greater than 5° measured from a reference line (36) extending radially from the longitudinal axis (38). The orientation angle (42) of the relief surface (40) is advantageously in the range of approximately 15° to approximately 30° and is coordinated with the orientation angle (34) of the capture surface (32) to provide a "lead in" for ease of assembly joining as described below.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the capture and relief surfaces (32, 40) may occupy a portion of the side (28, 30), measured as a percentage of the depth (33) of the first and second side walls (20, 22). In an exemplary embodiment, the capture surface (32) may include about 50% of the side depth (33) (shown) or 100% of the depth (33) (no relief surface). It is expected that the capture surface including 50% of the side wall depth (33) will be advantageous. The relief surface (40) competes with the capture surface (32) in terms of the percentage of the depth of the side (28, 30). Thus, the relief surface may include 0% to approximately 75% of the side wall depth (33). It is expected that the relief surface (40), which is coordinated with the capture surface (32), will be advantageous by including 50% of the side wall depth (33).

[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the segment (12, 14) (12 is illustrated) may also include first and second arched keys (46, 48) arranged on opposite sides of the segment. The keys (46, 48) engage with circumferential grooves within the pipe element and provide active mechanical connections when forming a joint. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, each segment (12, 14) further includes first and second adjustable attachment assemblies (50, 52) located at opposite ends of the segment to adjustably attach the segments to each other in an end-to-end relationship. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a first adjustable attachment assembly (50) on the first segment (12) is in a face-to-face relationship with a first adjustable attachment assembly (50) on the second segment (14), and a second adjustable attachment assembly (52) on the first segment (12) is in a face-to-face relationship with a second adjustable attachment assembly (52) on the second segment (14). In this exemplary embodiment, each attachment assembly (50, 52) includes a respective lug (54) forming an opening (56). As illustrated in FIG. 2, the opening (56) accommodates a respective adjustable fastener (58), which in this example includes a nut (60) and a bolt (62). The fastener (58) extends between the lugs (54) to adjustably attach the segments (12, 14) to each other.

[0028] As additionally illustrated in FIG. 3, it is advantageous for each segment (12) to further include a first contact surface (64) located adjacent to the first attachment assembly (50). As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first contact surface (64) on the first segment (12) is in a face-to-face relationship with the first contact surface (64) on the second segment (14), and the second contact surface (66) on the first segment (12) is in a face-to-face relationship with the second contact surface (66) on the second segment (14). The first contact surface (64) and the second contact surface (66) are oriented at an angle and have opposite slopes, so that contact between the first contact surface (64) and the second contact surface (66) occurs when the segments come close to each other, causing the segments (12, 14) to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other around a rotation axis (68) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (38) (see FIG. 3). The contact surfaces (64, 66) are used when it is required to implement a raised joint as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,611,839 incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the coupling according to the present invention may further include a gasket (70). In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the gasket (70) includes a web (72) forming a circular loop (74) received within a channel (24) (see FIGS. 3 and 4). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the gasket (70) includes a first bulbous rim (76) extending circumferentially around a first side of the web (72) and a second bulbous rim (78) extending circumferentially around a second side of the web opposite the first side. The bulbous rims (76, 78) advantageously extend continuously around the first and second sides of the web (72). Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6, each spherical rim (76, 78) protrudes radially, as defined by arrow (77), and in the opposite axial direction, as defined by arrow (79). The directions (77, 79) are defined for the longitudinal axis (38) which is positioned coaxially with the segments (12, 14) through the central space (16), as illustrated in FIG. 3, 4, and 6. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the axis (38) is also coaxial with the circular loop (74) when the gasket (70) is located within the channel (24) (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). As can be determined from FIG. 4, the radial (77) protrusion of the spherical rim (76, 78) can also be described as protruding toward the rear wall (18) when the gasket (70) is within the channel (24). Similarly, the protrusions of the axial (79) spherical rims (76, 78) can also be described as protruding toward the first and second side walls (20, 22) when the gasket (70) is inside the channel (24).

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first lobe (80) is attached to the first side of the web (72) and the first spherical rim (76). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer surface (87) of the first spherical rim (76) meets the outer surface (83) of the first lobe (80) at a first obtuse angle (81). The first lobe (80) extends circumferentially around the loop (74) (see FIG. 5) and protrudes toward the central space (16). The first lobe (80) forms a first sealing surface (82) at its free end (84). The first sealing surface (82) can be combined with one of the pipe elements accommodated within the central space (16) as described below.

[0031] The second lobe (86) is attached to the second side of the web (72) and the second spherical rim (78). As shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface (91) of the second spherical rim (78) meets the outer surface (85) of the second lobe (86) at a second obtuse angle (89). The second lobe (86) extends circumferentially around the loop (74) shown in FIG. 5 and protrudes toward the central space (16). As shown again with reference to FIG. 6, the second lobe (86) forms a second sealing surface (88) at its free end (90). Like the first sealing surface (82), the second sealing surface (88) can also engage with one of the pipe elements accommodated within the central space (16). The sealing of the gasket (70) can be enhanced by using first and second glands (92, 94) extending from the first and second lobes (80, 86). Since internal pressure is allowed within the central space (16) due to the first and second glands (92, 94), it acts on the sealing surface (82, 88) to apply pressure to the pipe element, thereby forming a high-pressure seal.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the gasket (70) may further include a leg (96) positioned between the first lobe (80) and the second lobe (86). The leg (96) protrudes from the web (72) toward the central space (16) and acts as a stop surface to ensure that the pipe element inserted into the central space is inserted to a desired depth. As illustrated in FIG. 5a, the leg (96) may further include a plurality of individual tabs (97) positioned on the inner circumference (99) of the leg. The tabs (97) protrude toward the central space (16) and are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship along the inner circumference (99). The tabs (97) provide active and reliable registration within the coupling (10) for the pipe element having an inclined end. It is considered advantageous for the tabs (97) to have a curved profile. The curved profile tab (97) minimizes the engagement area between the leg (96) and the pipe element while still providing sufficient engagement for proper pipe element alignment with the coupling (10). The less engagement between the leg (96) and the pipe element results in a smaller pressure head loss inside the pipe element at the joint created by the coupling (10), because the entire inner perimeter (99) does not extend into the fluid flow path and does not generate turbulence and resistance to the flow. Any entry is limited to a portion of the tab (97). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the web (72) may also have a perimeter surface (98) facing away from the central space (16). In this exemplary embodiment, the perimeter surface (98) is concave.

[0033] FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate a portion of the coupling (10) in a "pre-assembled state." In this configuration, the segments (12, 14) (14 is shown) are joined end-to-end using attachment assemblies (50, 52) on each segment (see FIG. 2), but are maintained in a spaced relationship sufficient to allow the pipe elements (100, 102) to be inserted into the central space (16) (see FIGS. 8 and 9). In this exemplary embodiment, a gasket (70) is used to support the segments (12, 14) in the pre-assembled state (see FIG. 2 as well). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first spherical rim (76) engages with the first capture surface (32) of the first side (28), and the second spherical rim (78) engages with the capture surface (32) of the second side (30) to support the pre-assembled segment (14), so that the segments are supported in a relationship sufficiently spaced apart from each other to allow the insertion of pipe elements into the central space (16), while the segments are attached end to end to surround the central space (see FIG. 2).

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 8, unlike the configuration of the prior art illustrated in FIG. 1, dislodgement of the gasket (70) in the coupling (10) according to the present invention is prevented when the first pipe element (100) is inserted, because the first and second spherical rims (76, 78) engage with the respective capture surfaces (32) on the first and second sidewalls (20, 22) of the segment. The contact between the spherical rims (76, 78) and the capture surfaces (32) is found to act as an anti-rotation feature in their angular orientation (34), thereby suppressing dislodgement of the gasket when the pipe is inserted. The coupled gasket (70) and coupling (10) achieve greater stability during the pipe element insertion process, so that when in a pre-assembled state, both pipe elements can be easily inserted into the coupling (10). Each relief surface (40), when present on the sidewall surfaces (20, 22), acts to guide the gasket (70) to achieve the desired engagement due to their larger orientation angles to achieve a pre-assembled state. FIG. 9 illustrates pipe elements (100, 102) inserted into the central space (16) and segments (12, 14) (14 is shown) illustrated with keys (46, 48) engaging with circumferential grooves (104, 106) to provide mechanical connection. The gasket (70) is compressed between the segments (12, 14) (14 is shown) and the pipe elements (100, 102), and the sealing surfaces (86, 88) engage with the pipe elements, resulting in a fluid-tight seal. The deformation of the gasket (70) can be accommodated by the cavity (108) extending along the rear wall (18), and the concave shape of the web (72) is deformed into a convex shape, thereby causing the leg (96) to retract from between the pipe elements (100, 102) and not enter the fluid flow path.

[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a coupling (110) of another embodiment according to the present invention and includes segments (132, 134). As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the capture surface (32) of the coupling (110) comprises first and second portions (112, 114). The first capture surface portion (112) is positioned in proximity to the first adjustable attachment assembly (50), and the second capture surface portion (114) is positioned in proximity to the second adjustable attachment assembly (52) (only the capture surface portion (112) illustrated in FIG. 11 is shown). In this exemplary embodiment, the first capture surface portion (112) comprises an angle (116) ranging from about 25° to about 45° extending along the arc of the segment from the end of the coupling segment (132). Similarly, the second capture surface portion (114) includes an angle (118) ranging from about 25° to about 45° extending along the arc of the segment from the opposite end of the segment (132). The angles (116, 118) are measured around the longitudinal axis (38).

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12, the first and second sides (28, 30) further include first and second support surfaces (120, 122), respectively. The support surfaces (120, 122) are located adjacent to the rear surface (26) of the segment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first support surface (120) is located between the first and second capture surface portions (112, 114) on the first side (28). Similarly, the second support surface (122) is located between the first and second capture surface portions on the second side (30) (not shown). In this exemplary embodiment, the first support surface (120) has an angle (128) ranging from about 90° to about 110° measured around the longitudinal axis (38). Similarly, the second support surface (122) may also take an angle ranging from about 90° to about 110° measured around the longitudinal axis (38). As illustrated by comparing FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12, the support surfaces (120, 122) have respective orientation angles (124, 126) that are different from the orientation angles of the first and second capture surface portions (112, 114) (see FIG. 4A for comparison). In this exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second support surfaces (120, 122) has a respective orientation angle (124, 126) in the range of about 15° to about 30°, which is measured from each first and second reference line extending radially from the longitudinal axis (38). Although not explicitly stated above, the segment (134) may also be identical to the segment (132).

[0037] FIGS. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views of a segment (132) showing the engagement of a gasket (70) with a capture surface portion (112) and a support surface (120, 122) when the coupling is in a factory pre-assembled state as shown in FIG. 10, where the segments (132, 134) are maintained in a spaced-apart relationship sufficient to allow insertion of pipe elements or elements into the central space (16), while the segments are attached to one other end and surround the central space.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the web (72) and the first and second spherical rims (76, 78) of the gasket (70) engage with the rear surface (26) of the rear wall (18) of the segment (132, 134) (132 is shown) along the first and second capture surface portions (112, 114) (112 is shown). The cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 is taken near the attachment assembly (50) within the arc of the angle (116) of the capture surface portion (112). As previously described, the gasket (70) is substantially seated within the segments (132, 134) across these areas of the coupling (110) to prevent the gasket from coming loose when the pipe element is inserted. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken within an arc of angle (128) of the support surfaces (120, 122) between the ends of the segments (132, 134). In this area, the first lobe (80) and the first spherical rim (76) of the gasket (70) engage with the first support surface (120), and the second lobe (86) and the second spherical rim (78) engage with the second support surface (122). Due to this engagement between the support surfaces (120, 122) and the gasket (70), the segments (132, 134) of the coupling (110) are expected to remain separated during transport and handling, even if the coupling is pressed by the weight of another coupling in a shipping container.

[0039] All embodiments of the claimed invention described herein are provided expressly merely as examples. Many variations and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of the disclosure is intended to include any and all modifications and combinations of all elements, features, and modes described in the specification and claims and illustrated in the drawings. Any and all such modifications and combinations are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

Claim 1 As a coupling for joining pipe elements, the coupling comprises a plurality of segments attached to each other to surround a central space for accommodating the pipe elements, wherein each of the segments comprises: a back wall; a first side wall and a second side wall attached to the back wall on opposite sides of the back wall, wherein the back wall and the side walls form a channel, the back wall forms a back surface facing the central space, and the side walls form a first side and a second side facing the channel, respectively, wherein each of the side walls comprises a capture surface adjacent to the back surface, configured to engage with a gasket located within the channel, and each of the capture surfaces has an orientation angle of 10° or less measured from a reference line extending radially from a longitudinal axis aligned coaxially with the segments through the central space, and each of the segments has a first and a second side wall located at opposite ends of the segments to arbitrarily attach the segments to each other in an end-to-end relationship.

2. A coupling further comprising adjustable attachment assemblies, wherein each of the capture surfaces comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first capture surface portion is positioned in proximity to the first adjustable attachment assembly and the second capture surface portion is positioned in proximity to the second adjustable attachment assembly. Claim 2 As a coupling for joining pipe elements, the coupling comprises a plurality of segments attached to each other to surround a central space for accommodating the pipe elements, wherein each of the segments comprises: a back wall; a first side wall and a second side wall attached to the back wall on opposite sides of the back wall, wherein the back wall and the side walls form a channel, the back wall forms a back surface facing the central space, and the side walls form a first side and a second side facing the channel, respectively, wherein each of the side walls comprises a capture surface adjacent to the back surface, configured to engage with a gasket located within the channel, and each of the capture surfaces has an orientation angle of 10° or less measured from a reference line extending radially from a longitudinal axis aligned coaxially with the segments through the central space, and each of the segments has a first and a second side wall located at opposite ends of the segments to arbitrarily attach the segments to each other in an end-to-end relationship.

2. A coupling further comprising adjustable attachment assemblies, wherein each of the segments comprises a relief surface adjacent to the capture surface, and the relief surface has an orientation angle greater than 5° measured from a reference line extending radially from the longitudinal axis. Claim 3 A coupling according to claim 1, wherein the orientation angle of the capture surface is in the range of 10° to 1°. Claim 4 A coupling according to claim 1, wherein the orientation angle of the capture surface is 5°. Claim 5 In claim 2, the coupling, wherein the orientation angle of the relief surface is in the range of 5° to 10°. Claim 6 A coupling according to claim 1, wherein the capture surface comprises 50% to 100% of the depth of each of the first and second sidewalls. Claim 7 In claim 1, the coupling comprises a capture surface comprising 50% of the depth of each of the first and second sidewalls. Claim 8 In claim 2, the coupling comprises 75% to 0% of the depth of each of the first and second sidewalls. Claim 9 In claim 2, the coupling comprises a relief surface comprising 50% of the depth of each of the first and second sidewalls. Claim 10 A coupling according to claim 1, wherein the segments comprise up to first and second segments, and the first adjustable attachment assembly on the first segment is in a face-to-face relationship with the first adjustable attachment assembly on the second segment and the second adjustable attachment assembly on the first segment is in a face-to-face relationship with the second adjustable attachment assembly on the second segment. Claim 11 In claim 10, each of the above-mentioned attachment assemblies comprises a respective lug forming an opening; and a respective adjustable fastener received within the opening, wherein the fastener is a coupling extending between the lugs to arbitrarily attach the segments to each other. Claim 12 As a coupling for joining pipe elements, the coupling comprises a plurality of segments attached to each other to surround a central space for accommodating the pipe elements, wherein each of the segments comprises: a back wall; a first side wall and a second side wall attached to the back wall on opposite sides of the back wall, wherein the back wall and the side walls form a channel, the back wall forms a back surface facing the central space, and the side walls form a first side and a second side facing the channel, respectively, wherein each of the side walls comprises a capture surface adjacent to the back surface, configured to engage with a gasket located within the channel, and each of the capture surfaces has an orientation angle of 10° or less measured from a reference line extending radially from a longitudinal axis aligned coaxially with the segments through the central space, and each of the segments has a first and a second side wall located at opposite ends of the segments to arbitrarily attach the segments to each other in an end-to-end relationship.

2. Adjustable attachment assemblies; a first contact surface located adjacent to the first attachment assembly; a second contact surface located adjacent to the second attachment assembly; further comprising, wherein the first contact surface on the first segment among the segments is in a face-to-face relationship with the first contact surface on the second segment among the segments, and the second contact surface on the first segment is in a face-to-face relationship with the second contact surface on the second segment; and since the first and second contact surfaces are angularly oriented and have opposite inclinations, the segments are rotated in opposite directions about a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by contact between the first and second contact surfaces. Claim 13 As a coupling for joining pipe elements, the coupling comprises a plurality of segments attached to each other to surround a central space for accommodating the pipe elements, wherein each of the segments comprises: a back wall; a first side wall and a second side wall attached to the back wall on opposite sides of the back wall, wherein the back wall and the side walls form a channel, the back wall forms a back surface facing the central space, and the side walls form a first side and a second side facing the channel, respectively, wherein each of the side walls comprises a capture surface adjacent to the back surface, configured to engage with a gasket located within the channel, and each of the capture surfaces has an orientation angle of 10° or less measured from a reference line extending radially from a longitudinal axis aligned coaxially with the segments through the central space, and each of the segments has a first and a second side wall located at opposite ends of the segments to arbitrarily attach the segments to each other in an end-to-end relationship.

2. Further comprising adjustable attachment assemblies, wherein the coupling further comprises a gasket, wherein the gasket comprises: a web forming a circular loop received within the channel; a first spherical rim extending circumferentially around a first side of the web and projecting toward the rear wall and the first side wall; a second spherical rim extending circumferentially around a second side of the web opposite to the first side and projecting toward the rear wall and the second side wall; and a first lobe attached to the first side of the web, extending circumferentially around the loop and projecting toward the central space, forming a first sealing surface at a free end, wherein the first sealing surface is capable of engaging with one of the pipe elements received within the central space.A second lobe attached to the second side of the web, extending circumferentially around the loop and protruding toward the central space, forming a second sealing surface at the free end, wherein the second sealing surface is capable of engaging with one of the pipe elements accommodated within the central space; a coupling wherein the first spherical rim engages with the capture surface on the first side and the second spherical rim engages with the capture surface on the second side, thereby supporting the segment in a factory-pre-assembled state such that the segments are attached end-to-end to surround the central space, while the segments are supported in a spaced-apart relationship sufficient to allow insertion of the pipe elements into the central space. Claim 14 In claim 13, the coupling further comprises a leg positioned between the first lobe and the second lobe, wherein the leg protrudes from the web toward the central space. Claim 15 In claim 14, the coupling further comprises a plurality of individual tabs positioned on the inner circumference of the leg and protruding toward the central space, wherein the tabs are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship along the inner circumference. Claim 16 In claim 15, the tabs are couplings having a curved profile. Claim 17 In claim 13, the web has a perimeter surface oriented away from the central space, and the perimeter surface is concave, coupling. Claim 18 A coupling according to claim 13, further comprising first and second glands extending respectively from the first and second lobes. Claim 19 In claim 13, the first and second spherical rims are couplings that extend continuously around the first and second sides of the web, respectively. Claim 20 delete Claim 21 A coupling according to claim 1, wherein the first capture surface portion forms an angle in the range of 25° to 45° measured around the longitudinal axis, and the second capture surface portion forms an angle in the range of 25° to 45°. Claim 22 A coupling according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second sides further comprises a first and second support surface adjacent to the rear surface, wherein the first support surface is located between the first capture surface portion and the second capture surface portion on the first side, and the second support surface is located between the first capture surface portion and the second capture surface portion on the second side, wherein the first support surface has an orientation angle different from the orientation angle of the first and second capture surface portions on the first side, and the second support surface has an orientation angle different from the orientation angle of the first and second capture surface portions on the second side. Claim 23 In claim 22, the coupling, wherein the first and second support surfaces each have an orientation angle in the range of 15° to 30° measured from each first and second reference line extending radially from the longitudinal axis. Claim 24 In claim 23, the first support surface forms an angle in the range of 90° to 110° measured around the longitudinal axis, and the second support surface forms an angle in the range of 90° to 110° measured around the longitudinal axis, and the coupling. Claim 25 delete Claim 26 In claim 22, the gasket further comprises: a web forming a circular loop received within the channel; a first spherical rim extending circumferentially around a first side of the web and projecting toward the rear wall and the first side wall; a second spherical rim extending circumferentially around a second side of the web opposite to the first side and projecting toward the rear wall and the second side wall; a first lobe attached to the first side of the web, extending circumferentially around the loop and projecting toward the central space, forming a first sealing surface at a free end, wherein the first sealing surface is capable of engaging with one of the pipe elements received within the central space; a second lobe attached to the second side of the web, extending circumferentially around the loop and projecting toward the central space, forming a second sealing surface at a free end, and wherein the second A coupling comprising a second lobe that can engage with one of the pipe elements accommodated within the central space, wherein the sealing surface is a coupling. Claim 27 In claim 26, when the coupling is in a factory pre-assembled state: the web and the first and second spherical rims engage with the rear surface of the segment along the first and second capture surface portions; the first lobe and the first spherical rim engage with the first support surface and the second lobe and the second spherical rim engage with the second support surface; the engagement between the gasket and the segment supports the segments in the factory pre-assembled state so that the segments are attached end-to-end to each other to surround the central space, while the segments are maintained in a sufficiently spaced relationship to allow insertion of the pipe elements into the central space, a coupling. Claim 28 delete Claim 29 In claim 22, the coupling, wherein the first capture surface portion forms an angle in the range of 25° to 45° measured around the longitudinal axis, and the second capture surface portion forms an angle in the range of 25° to 45°. Claim 30 delete Claim 31 delete Claim 32 delete Claim 33 delete Claim 34 delete Claim 35 delete Claim 36 delete Claim 37 delete

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