Coupling with rotation limited section

Abstract

The pipe coupling has two sections with active surfaces angularly oriented in facing relationship. The active surfaces cause relative rotation between the segments when the segments are pulled together to engage the joined pipe elements. An attachment element on each section in the form of a lug accommodates an adjustable fastener that, when tightened, draws the sections together. Angularly oriented support surfaces on the lugs engage each other and react to the fastener force. A stop surface is positioned on the lug adjacent the support surface. Engagement between the stop surfaces restricts relative rotation between the sections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to mechanical couplings for connecting pipe components. Background Technology

[0002] Advantageously, angled interface surfaces are used between the sections of the mechanical connector for the grooved tube, causing the sections to rotate relative to each other, such that the "key" of the connector locks into the circumferential groove of the tube element, and forms a more rigid joint in bending and torsion between them. An example of such a connection is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,639,020 to Rung et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] While highly effective in creating more rigid joints, this prior art coupling can present challenges during installation, such as ease of assembly and a lack of consistent and uniform visual indications that ensure correct installation under all expected conditions. Clearly, there is an opportunity to improve these mechanical couplings, making them easier to assemble and providing consistent and clear visual indications to confirm correct installation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to a connector for connecting tubular elements end-to-end. In an example embodiment, the connector includes first and second sections end-to-end attached to each other around a central space for receiving a tubular element. Each section includes a first lug extending from its first end and a second lug extending from its second end. The first and second lugs of the first section are aligned with the first and second lugs of the second section, respectively. A first adjustable fastener extends between the first lugs, and a second adjustable fastener extends between the second lugs. Each section also includes a first actuating surface positioned between the central space and the first lugs and a first supporting surface positioned on the first lugs. The first fastener is positioned between the first actuating surface and the first supporting surface. The first actuating surface and the first supporting surface are oriented at a first angle transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener. A second actuating surface is positioned between the central space and the second lug, and a second supporting surface is positioned on the second lug. A second fastener is positioned between the second actuating surface and the second supporting surface. The second actuating surface and the second supporting surface are oriented at a second angle transverse to the longitudinal axis of the second fastener. The second angle has a slope opposite to the first angle. At least a first stop surface is positioned on the first lug adjacent to the first support surface. The first stop surface is oriented at a third angle with a slope opposite to the first angle. At least a second stop surface is positioned on the second lug adjacent to the second support surface. The second stop surface is oriented at a fourth angle with a slope opposite to the second angle. When the first and second fasteners are adjusted to pull the first and second sections toward each other, the engagement between the first actuating surfaces at the first ends of the sections and the engagement between the second actuating surfaces at the second ends of the sections cause the first and second sections to rotate relative to each other in opposite directions, and the engagement between at least one of the first stop surface on the first lug and the second stop surface on the second lug restricts the rotation.

[0005] In an example embodiment, a first lug defines a first opening about a first axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener and positioned between a first functional surface and a first support surface. The first opening may extend through the first lug. Furthermore, as an example, a second lug defines a second opening about a second axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second fastener and positioned between a second functional surface and a second support surface. The second opening may extend through the second lug.

[0006] In the example embodiment, each of the first and second adjustable fasteners includes a nut and a bolt. Furthermore, as an example, each of the sections includes first and second arcuate protrusions positioned on opposite sides of the section. Each of the arcuate protrusions faces the central space. When the sections are pulled toward each other by the adjustable fasteners, each of the arcuate protrusions is capable of engaging within a circumferential groove in the tube element. The example embodiment may also include a seal positioned within the central space. The seal supports the sections in a spaced relationship sufficient to allow the tube element to be inserted into the central space without disassembling the connector. In a practical example, the first angle has a slope of 45°, and may also have a slope in the range of 30° to 60°. As an example, the second angle has a slope equal to but opposite to the first angle.

[0007] The present invention also covers a connector for connecting tubular elements end-to-end. An example embodiment of the connector includes first and second sections attached end-to-end to each other around a central space for receiving a tubular element. Each section includes a first lug extending from its first end and a second lug extending from its second end. The first and second lugs of the first section are aligned with the first and second lugs of the second section, respectively. A first adjustable fastener extends between the first lugs, and a second adjustable fastener extends between the second lugs. Each section also includes a first actuating surface positioned between the central space and the first lugs and a first supporting surface positioned on the first lugs. The first fastener is positioned between the first actuating surface and the first supporting surface. The first actuating surface is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener, and the first supporting surface is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener at a first angle. A second actuating surface is positioned between the central space and the second lugs, and the second supporting surface is positioned on the second lugs. A second fastener is positioned between the second actuating surface and the second supporting surface. The second actuating surface is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second fastener, and the second supporting surface is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the second fastener at a second angle. The second angle has a slope opposite to the first angle. At least a first stop surface is positioned on the first lug adjacent to the first support surface. The first stop surface is oriented at a third angle having a slope opposite to the first angle. At least a second stop surface is positioned on the second lug adjacent to the second support surface. The second stop surface is oriented at a fourth angle having a slope opposite to the second angle. When the first and second fasteners are adjusted to pull the first and second sections toward each other, the engagement between at least one of the first stop surface on the first lug and the second stop surface on the second lug prevents rotation of the sections relative to each other.

[0008] In an example embodiment, a first lug defines a first opening about a first axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener and positioned between a first functional surface and a first support surface. The first opening may extend through the first lug. Furthermore, as an example, a second lug defines a second opening about a second axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second fastener and positioned between a second functional surface and a second support surface. The second opening may extend through the second lug. In a specific example embodiment, each of the first and second adjustable fasteners includes a nut and a bolt.

[0009] In an example embodiment, each of the segments includes first and second arcuate protrusions positioned on opposite sides of the segment. Each of the arcuate protrusions faces the central space. When the segments are pulled toward each other by an adjustable fastener, each of the arcuate protrusions is capable of engaging within a circumferential groove in the tubular element.

[0010] Example embodiments may also include a seal positioned within a central space. The seal supports spaced-apart sections in a manner sufficient to allow tubular elements to be inserted into the central space without disassembling the connector. In a practical example, the first angle has a slope of 45° and may have a slope ranging from 30° to 60°. In a specific example embodiment, the second angle has a slope equal to but opposite to the first angle.

[0011] The invention also covers a connector for connecting tubular elements end-to-end. In an example embodiment, the connector includes first and second sections end-to-end attached to each other around a central space for receiving a tubular element. Each section includes a first lug extending from its first end. The first lug of the first section is aligned with a first lug of the second section. A first adjustable fastener extends between the first lugs. Each section also includes a second end. The second ends of the sections are arranged opposite to the first ends, respectively. Each second end is connected to a hinge connecting the first and second sections to each other. The hinge defines a hinge axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener. The first and second sections are pivotable about the hinge axis. As an example, each section also includes a first actuating surface positioned between the central space and the first lug and a first supporting surface positioned on the first lug. The first fastener is positioned between the first actuating surface and the first supporting surface. The first actuating surface is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener, and the first supporting surface is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener at a first angle. A first stop surface is positioned adjacent to the first supporting surface on the first lug. The first stop surface is oriented at a third angle with a slope opposite to the first angle. When the first fastener is adjusted to pivot and thereby pull the first and second sections toward each other, the engagement between the first stop surfaces on the first lug prevents the sections from rotating relative to each other.

[0012] In an example embodiment, a first lug defines a first opening that is oriented around a first axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener and positioned between a first functional surface and a first support surface. The first opening may extend through the first lug. In a practical example, the first adjustable fastener includes a nut and a bolt.

[0013] As an example, each of the segments includes first and second arcuate protrusions positioned on opposite sides of the segment. Each of the arcuate protrusions faces the central space. When the segments are pulled toward each other by adjustable fasteners, each of the arcuate protrusions can engage within a circumferential groove in the tube element. The connector according to the invention may also include a seal positioned within the central space. The seal supports the segments in a spaced relationship sufficient to allow the tube element to be inserted into the central space without disassembling the connector.

[0014] In a practical example, the first angle has a slope of 45°, and can have a slope in the range of 30° to 60°. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an example mechanical connector according to the invention, shown in a factory assembly state; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 End view of the connector shown; Figure 3 and Figure 4 An end view of an example connector is shown during installation; Figure 5 This is an isometric view of another example mechanical connector according to the invention, shown in a factory assembly state; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 End view of the connector shown; Figure 7 and Figure 8 An end view of an example connector during installation is shown; and Figure 9 This is a front view of another example embodiment of the connector according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Figure 1An example connector 10 according to the invention is shown for connecting tubular elements (not shown) in an end-to-end relationship. In this example, connector 10 includes a first segment 12 and a second segment 14. Segments 12 and 14 are attached end-to-end to each other to surround and define a central space 16 for receiving the tubular element. Connector 10 is designed to connect tubular elements having circumferential grooves at the ends, and therefore each of segments 12 and 14 includes a first arcuate protrusion 18a and a second arcuate protrusion 18b, also referred to as a “key,” positioned on opposite sides 20 and 22 of segments 12 and 14 (see also...). Figure 2 The bow-shaped protrusions 18a and 18b face the central space 16 and are capable of engaging within circumferential grooves in the tube element when the segments are pulled toward each other to form a joint. A seal 24 is positioned within the central space 16. The seal 24 is advantageously an annular gasket made of an elastomer such as EPDM and can support segments 12 and 14 in a spaced-apart relationship as shown, the spacing being sufficient to allow the tube element to be inserted into the central space 16 without disassembling the connector 10. The connector according to the invention can also be used with flat-end tubes, shouldered tubes, or other shaped tube ends known in the art.

[0017] like Figure 1 As further shown, each segment 12, 14 includes a first lug 26 extending from its first end 28. A second lug 30 extends from the second end 32 of each segment. The first lug 26 and the second lug 30 of the first segment 12 are aligned with the first lug 26 and the second lug 30 of the second segment 14, respectively. A first adjustable fastener 34 extends between the first lugs 26 of each segment 12 and 14, and a second adjustable fastener 36 extends between the second lugs 30 of each segment. In this example, the first adjustable fastener 34 and the second adjustable fastener 36 include a nut 38 and a bolt 40.

[0018] Each segment 12 and 14 also includes a first functional surface 42 positioned between the central space 16 and the first lug 26. A first support surface 44 is positioned on the first lug 26 of each segment 12 and 14. A first fastener 34 is positioned between the first functional surface 42 and the first support surface 44 of segments 12 and 14. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first actuating surface 42 and the first supporting surface 44 are oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis 48 of the first fastener 34 at a first angle 46. The first angle 46 may have a slope ranging from 45° to 70°, wherein a slope of 60° is considered advantageous. Figure 1As shown, a second functional surface 50 is positioned between the central space 16 and the second lug 30 on each segment 12 and 14. A second support surface 52 is positioned on the second lug 30 of each of segments 12 and 14. A second fastener 36 is positioned between the second functional surface 50 and the second support surface 52 of segments 12 and 14. The second functional surface 50 and the second support surface 52 are oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis 56 of the second fastener 36 at a second angle 54. The second angle 54 of the second functional surface 50 and the second support surface 52 has a slope opposite to the first angle 46 of the first functional surface 42 and the first support surface 44. It is advantageous if the slopes of the first angle 46 and the second angle 54 are also equal in magnitude and opposite in sign. Although in the embodiments disclosed in this specification the first functional surface 42 and the second functional surface 50 have the same angular orientation as the first support surface 44 and the second support surface 52, practical designs may also advantageously have functional surfaces having orientation angles different from those of their adjacent associated support surfaces.

[0019] At least the first stop surface 58 is positioned adjacent to the first support surface 44 on the first lug 26 of each segment 12 and 14. The first stop surface 58 is positioned at a third angle 60 having a slope opposite to that of the first angle 46 (see...). Figure 1 Orientation. At least the second stop surface 62 is positioned adjacent to the second support surface 52 on the second lug 30 of each segment 12, 14. The second stop surface 62 is oriented at a fourth angle 64 having a slope opposite to the second angle 54.

[0020] Advantageously, the first lug 26 may define a first opening 27 oriented about a first axis 29 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48 of the first fastener 34 and positioned between the first working surface 42 and the first support surface 44. In a practical embodiment, the first opening 27 extends through the first lug 26. The bending stiffness of the first lug 26 can be tuned to a desired value by appropriately designing the dimensions of the first opening 27. Similarly, the second lug 30 may define a second opening 31 oriented about a second axis 33 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 56 of the second fastener 36 and positioned between the second working surface 50 and the second support surface 52. In a practical embodiment, the second opening 31 extends through the second lug 30. The bending stiffness of the second lug 30 can be tuned to a desired value by appropriately designing the dimensions of the second opening 31.

[0021] refer to Figures 1 to 4 Describe the operation of connector 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2An example connector 10 in a factory-assembled configuration is shown, wherein segments 12 and 14 are supported on a seal 24 in a spaced-apart relationship, the distance between them sufficient to allow a tubular element (not shown) to be inserted into a central space 16. In this factory-assembled example, fasteners 34 and 36 have been sufficiently tightened to hold the segments against the seal. The tubular elements are inserted into the central space 16, and their circumferential grooves are aligned with the arcuate protrusions 18a and 18b on the opposite sides 20 and 22 of segments 12 and 14. Fasteners 34 and 36 are then further tightened to pull segments 12 and 14 toward each other. Figure 3 The point where the first working surface 42 and the second working surface 50 on sections 12 and 14 engage with each other is shown (shown as 42). Advantageously, the support surfaces 44 and 52 on each section engage approximately simultaneously (shown as 44). The arcuate protrusions 18a and 18b (not visible in the figure) also engage within the groove of the tubular element at this point. During proper installation of the connector 10, the engagement of the support surfaces 44 and 52 between sections 12 and 14 provides a first visual indication confirming that proper installation is in progress.

[0022] When fasteners 34 and 36 are further tightened, the angular orientation and opposite slopes of the action surfaces 42 and 50, as well as the support surface 44 on the first end 28 of the segment and the support surface 52 on the second end 30, cause segments 12 and 14 to rotate in opposite directions relative to each other. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the axis of rotation 66 of the segments when a pair of actuating surfaces 42 and a pair of actuating surfaces 50 on each segment engage with each other. This rotation aims to force the arcuate protrusions 18a and 18b firmly into contact with the sidewalls and / or base plate of the circumferential groove of the tubular element to which they engage, thereby increasing the rigidity of the joint in terms of bending, axial load, and torsion. However, note that actuating surfaces 42 and 50 do not have the characteristic of limiting the degree of relative rotation between segments 12 and 14 when the fasteners are tightened. The characteristic of limiting relative rotation between segments 12 and 14 is provided by the corresponding stop surfaces 58 and 62 on the lugs 26 and 30. Figure 4 As shown, these stop surfaces (shown as 58) engage when the fastener is further tightened. The geometry of the actuating surfaces 42 and 50, the supporting surfaces 44 and 52, and the stop surfaces 58 and 62, their lengths, their positions on the sections, and their orientation angles are coordinated with the arcuate protrusions 18a and 18b such that when the first stop surface 58 and the second stop surface 62 are... Figure 4When engaged or nearly engaged as depicted, the protrusions effectively lock within the circumferential grooves of the tubular element. Therefore, the engagement of the two stop surfaces 58 and 62 at opposite ends of sections 12 and 14 provides visual confirmation that the connector 10 has been correctly installed. Stop surfaces 58 and 62 provide this confirmation throughout the entire tolerance range applied to the circumferential grooves of the tubular element. At one end of the groove tolerance range, sections 12 and 14 rotate about axis 66 to the limit imposed by the corresponding engagement between the first stop surface 58 and the second stop surface 62. At the other end of the groove tolerance range, the engagement between one or both protrusions 18a and 18b and their corresponding circumferential grooves imposes a limit on the rotation of the sections. It is conceivable that when the engagement between protrusions 18a and 18b and the grooves restricts the relative rotation of the sections, one or both of the first stop surface 58 and the second stop surface 62 will not engage. However, the lugs 26 and 30 at the opposite ends of sections 12 and 14 are designed to deform once the rotational limit imposed by the engagement between the protrusions 18a and 18b and their circumferential grooves is reached when the fasteners 34 and 36 are tightened, allowing the stop surfaces 58 and 62 to engage. The deformation is partly controlled by the dimensions of the openings 27 and 29 extending through the lugs 26 and 30. Therefore, regardless of where the circumferential grooves in the tubular element fall on the tolerance spectrum, the technician only needs to tighten the fasteners 34 and 36 until the stop surfaces 58 and 62 on the corresponding lugs 26 and 30 at the respective opposite ends 28 and 32 of sections 12 and 14 engage. This engagement provides final visual confirmation that the connector 10 has been correctly installed.

[0023] In addition to being easily visually inspected to confirm correct engagement, the connector 10 according to the invention is relatively insensitive to the installation procedure, thus providing greater ease of assembly. While the preferred installation practice is to partially tighten each fastener in a series of alternating steps, this practice may not always be followed. Instead, a technician may apply a power impact wrench and fully tighten one fastener, and then tighten the other. However, with the connector 10 according to the invention, this practice does not result in excessive rotation of the connector sections, which is prevented by the engagement of the stop surfaces on the side of the fastener that is tightened first. The technician may then apply torque to tighten the other fastener to engage the stop surfaces on the opposite ends of the connector to complete the installation. The geometry of the connector ensures that, as long as the two sets of stop surfaces 58 and 62 are in contact, the protrusions 18a and 18b will be securely engaged within their respective circumferential grooves, contacting the groove sidewalls and / or the base plate to form a rigid joint.

[0024] Figures 5 to 8Another example embodiment of the connector 70 according to the invention is illustrated. Except for the orientation of the actuating surfaces 42 and 50, the connector 70 is identical to the connector 10 as described above. In the connector 70, the first actuating surface 42 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48 of the first fastener 34, and the second actuating surface 50 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 56 of the second fastener 36. Due to the different orientations of the actuating surfaces 42 and 50, when the fasteners 34 and 36 are tightened to orient the sections toward each other to connect the pipe elements, the connector sections 12 and 14 do not rotate about axis 66 when they are engaged. The connector 70 is advantageous when a more flexible pipe fitting is desired. However, when the fasteners 34 and 36 are tightened, friction between the torque-applied fasteners and their corresponding lugs tends to cause the connector sections to rotate relative to each other, resulting in undesirable engagement between the protrusions 18a and 18b and the grooves in the pipe element. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, this undesirable effect is mitigated by the engagement of one or both of the stop surfaces 58 and 62 on the lugs 26 and 30, because the geometry of the support surfaces 44 and 52, as well as the stop surfaces 58 and 62, their lengths, their positions on the sections, and their orientation angles are coordinated with the arcuate protrusions 18a and 18b, such that the protrusions will not lock into the circumferential grooves of the tubular element when the first stop surface 58 and the second stop surface 62 engage respectively. The engagement between the stop surfaces and the support surfaces also serves as a final visual confirmation that the connector 70 has been correctly installed.

[0025] Figure 9 Another example embodiment of the connector 72 according to the invention is illustrated. The connector 72 shares many features with the connector embodiments 10 and 70 as described above, but replaces the second lug 30 with a hinge. The second ends 32 of each segment 12 and 14, arranged opposite to the first end 28, are connected to a hinge 74 that connects the first and second segments to each other. The hinge 74 defines a hinge axis 76 oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48 of the first fastener 34. The first segment 12 and the second segment 14 are pivotable about the hinge axis 76. Adjusting the first fastener 34 to pivot the first segment 12 and the second segment 14 and thereby pulls the first segment 12 and the second segment 14 toward each other, and engages the first stop surfaces 58 on the first lug 26 (see [link]). Figure 8 This prevents the segments from rotating relative to each other about axis 66. In this example embodiment, hinge 74 includes bearings 78 (shown) and 80 (hidden) rotatably connected by hinge pin 82. Other forms of hinged joints are also practically feasible.

[0026] For connector 70, the first actuating surface 42 of connector 74 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48 of the first fastener 34. Due to the perpendicular orientation of the actuating surface 42, when the fastener 34 is tightened to bring connector sections 12 and 14 toward each other to connect the pipe elements, connector sections 12 and 14 do not rotate relative to each other about axis 66 when they are engaged. Similar to connector 70, connector 74 is advantageous when a more flexible pipe fitting is desired. When the fastener 34 is tightened, friction between the torque-applied fastener and its corresponding lug tends to cause the connector sections to rotate relative to each other, resulting in undesirable engagement between protrusions 18a and 18b and grooves in the pipe element. Similar to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The connector 70 shown Figure 7 and Figure 8 The lug 26 of the connector 74 is also illustrated. This undesirable effect is mitigated by the engagement of one or both of the stop surfaces 58 on the lug 26, because the geometry of the support surface 44 and the stop surface 58, their lengths, their positions in the sections, and their orientation angles are coordinated with the arcuate protrusions 18a and 18b, such that the protrusions do not lock into the circumferential groove of the tube element when the first stop surface 58 engages. The engagement of the stop surfaces also prevents undesirable torsional loads on the hinge about the axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation 76. The engagement between the stop surface and the support surface also serves as a final visual confirmation that the connector 74 has been correctly installed. The stop surfaces provide this confirmation throughout the tolerance range of the diameter of the circumferential groove applied in the tube element.

[0027] Similar to connectors 10 and 70, connector 74 has a first lug 26 defining a first opening 27 about a first axis 29 oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 48 of the first fastener 34. The axis 48 and the fastener 34 are positioned between a first actuating surface 42 and a first supporting surface 44. In the illustrated example embodiment, the first opening 27 extends through the first lug 26. In a practical embodiment, the first adjustable fastener 34 may include a nut 38 and a bolt 40.

[0028] The connector according to the invention is expected to allow for easy and reliable formation of rigid and flexible joints, while reducing the connector's sensitivity to poor installation techniques.

Claims

1. A method of installing a connector for connecting pipe elements end-to-end, the connector comprising: A first segment and a second segment are attached end-to-end to each other around a central spatial end for receiving the tubular element. Each segment includes a first lug extending from its first end and a second lug extending from its second end, with the first lug and the second lug of the first segment aligned with the first lug and the second lug of the second segment, respectively. A first adjustable fastener extending between the first lugs and a second adjustable fastener extending between the second lugs; A first functional surface positioned between the central space and the first lug and a first stop surface positioned on the first lug, the first fastener being positioned between the first functional surface and the first stop surface; A second working surface positioned between the central space and the second lug and a second stop surface positioned on the second lug; the second fastener is positioned between the second working surface and the second stop surface. The method includes: When the connector is in a factory-assembled configuration, wherein the first section and the second section of the connector are spaced apart such that the insertion distance of the tubular element is allowed when the sections are coupled by the first adjustable fastener and the second adjustable fastener, the first adjustable fastener is tightened until the first stop surfaces contact each other; And thereafter Tighten the second adjustable fastener until the second stop surfaces come into contact with each other.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Tighten the first adjustable fastener so that the first working surfaces come into contact with each other before the first stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Continue tightening the first adjustable fastener until the first stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Tighten the second adjustable fastener so that the second working surfaces come into contact with each other before the second stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Continue tightening the second adjustable fastener until the second stop surfaces come into contact with each other.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first adjustable fastener and the second adjustable fastener includes a nut and a bolt, and the tightening step includes applying torque to one of the nut or the bolt.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the segments includes a first and a second arcuate protrusion positioned on opposite sides of the segment, each of the arcuate protrusions facing the central space, and each of the arcuate protrusions being able to engage within a circumferential groove in the tubular element when the segments are pulled toward each other by the adjustable fastener.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising, prior to the tightening step, positioning a seal within the central space, the seal supporting the segment in a spaced relationship sufficient to allow the tubular element to be inserted into the central space without disassembling the connector.

6. A method of installing a connector for connecting pipe elements end-to-end, the connector comprising: A first segment and a second segment are attached end-to-end to each other around a central spatial end for receiving the tubular element. Each segment includes a first lug extending from its first end and a second lug extending from its second end, with the first lug and the second lug of the first segment aligned with the first lug and the second lug of the second segment, respectively. A first adjustable fastener extending between the first lugs and a second adjustable fastener extending between the second lugs; in Each of the aforementioned segments also includes: A first functional surface is positioned between the central space and the first lug, and a first support surface is positioned on the first lug. The first fastener is positioned between the first functional surface and the first support surface. The first functional surface and the first support surface are oriented at a first angle transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first fastener. A second functional surface is positioned between the central space and the second lug, and a second support surface is positioned on the second lug. The second fastener is positioned between the second functional surface and the second support surface. The second functional surface and the second support surface are oriented at a second angle transverse to the longitudinal axis of the second fastener, and the second angle has a slope opposite to the first angle. A first stop surface is positioned on the first lug adjacent to the first support surface, and the first stop surface is oriented at a third angle with a slope opposite to the first angle. A second stop surface, which is located adjacent to the second support surface on the second lug, is oriented at a fourth angle having a slope opposite to the second angle. The method includes: Tighten the first adjustable fastener until the first stop surfaces contact each other; and thereafter Tighten the second adjustable fastener until the second stop surfaces come into contact with each other.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: Tighten the first adjustable fastener so that the first working surfaces come into contact with each other before the first stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Continue to tighten the first adjustable fastener so that the first support surfaces come into contact with each other before the first stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Continue tightening the first adjustable fastener until the first stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Tighten the second adjustable fastener so that the second working surfaces come into contact with each other before the second stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Continue to tighten the second adjustable fastener so that the second support surfaces contact each other before the second stop surfaces contact each other; And thereafter Continue tightening the second adjustable fastener until the second stop surfaces come into contact with each other.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the first adjustable fastener and the second adjustable fastener includes a nut and a bolt, and the tightening step includes applying torque to one of the nut or the bolt.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the segments includes a first and a second arcuate protrusion positioned on opposite sides of the segment, each of the arcuate protrusions facing the central space, and each of the arcuate protrusions being able to engage within a circumferential groove in the tubular element when the segments are pulled toward each other by the adjustable fastener.

10. The method of claim 6, further comprising, prior to the tightening step, positioning a seal within the central space, the seal supporting the segment in a spaced relationship sufficient to allow the tubular element to be inserted into the central space without disassembling the connector.

11. A method of installing a connector for connecting pipe elements end-to-end, the connector comprising: A first segment and a second segment are attached end-to-end to each other around a central spatial end for receiving the tubular element. Each segment includes a first lug extending from its first end and a second lug extending from its second end, with the first lug and the second lug of the first segment aligned with the first lug and the second lug of the second segment, respectively. A first adjustable fastener extending between the first lugs and a second adjustable fastener extending between the second lugs; in Each of the aforementioned segments also includes: A first functional surface positioned between the central space and the first lug and a first support surface positioned on the first lug, the first fastener being positioned between the first functional surface and the first support surface; A second functional surface is positioned between the central space and the second lug, and a second support surface is positioned on the second lug; the second fastener is positioned between the second functional surface and the second support surface. A first stop surface is positioned on the first lug adjacent to the first support surface; A second stop surface, which is positioned on the second lug adjacent to the second support surface; The method includes: Tighten the first adjustable fastener until the first stop surfaces contact each other; and thereafter Tighten the second adjustable fastener until the second stop surfaces come into contact with each other.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: Tighten the first adjustable fastener so that the first working surfaces come into contact with each other before the first stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Continue to tighten the first adjustable fastener so that the first support surfaces come into contact with each other before the first stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Continue tightening the first adjustable fastener until the first stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Tighten the second adjustable fastener so that the second working surfaces come into contact with each other before the second stop surfaces come into contact with each other; And thereafter Continue to tighten the second adjustable fastener so that the second support surfaces contact each other before the second stop surfaces contact each other; And thereafter Continue tightening the second adjustable fastener until the second stop surfaces come into contact with each other.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the first adjustable fastener and the second adjustable fastener includes a nut and a bolt, and the tightening step includes applying torque to one of the nut or the bolt.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the segments includes a first and a second arcuate protrusion positioned on opposite sides of the segment, each of the arcuate protrusions facing the central space, and each of the arcuate protrusions being able to engage within a circumferential groove in the tubular element when the segments are pulled toward each other by the adjustable fastener.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising, prior to the tightening step, positioning a seal within the central space, the seal supporting the segment in a spaced relationship sufficient to allow the tubular element to be inserted into the central space without disassembling the connector.

Images