Torque absorption surface

Abstract

A plurality of raised surfaces on the platform absorb the torque of fasteners that contact the surface while rotating relative to the platform. A significant disproportionate increase in torque compared to the associated increase in bolt stress is observed by the increase in torque felt when tightening the fastener. Raised surfaces are used on the knobs of mechanical pipe couplings to increase the fastener's resistance to damage when a power tool is used to apply torque to the fastener.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 112,194, filed on November 11, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 112,194 is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to surface features that engage with a rotary fastener element.

Background Art

[0003] (Background) The increasing use of power tools in the field, particularly impact wrenches, allows for relatively large torques to be applied to fasteners with relatively little physical effort on the part of the technician. The combination of this factor results in an increased rate at which bolts are over - torqued, and in some cases, has the potential to significantly result in such, which leads to damage when those bolts are over - torqued by a technician using a high - power impact wrench. Therefore, it is considered advantageous that means can be taken to increase the resistance of bolts to damage when power tools are used.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] (Summary) The present invention relates to a combination including a platform that contacts a fastener element, the fastener element being rotatable about an axis oriented transverse to the platform. In an exemplary embodiment, the platform comprises a base surface. A plurality of raised surfaces project in a direction transverse to the base surface for contacting the fastener element. Each raised surface comprises a flat region. Each raised surface is separated from at least adjacent ones of the raised surfaces by a channel positioned therebetween.

[0005] As an example, the fastening element may include a threaded nut or threaded bolt head.

[0006] In a specific exemplary design, each flat area has a height of 0.060 inches above the base surface, while in a practical design, each flat area may have a height ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.1 inches above the base surface. Furthermore, in an example, each flat area has a minimum surface area of ​​0.010 square inches, while in a practical design, each flat area may have a surface area ranging from 0.010 square inches to 0.1 square inches. In one example, each flat area has a minimum surface area ranging from 0.020 to 0.075 square inches.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, in examples, at least one of the raised surfaces may have a rounded cross-sectional shape. In practical exemplary embodiments, at least one of the raised surfaces is tapered, and at least one raised surface has a smaller outer circumference in the flat region than the outer circumference of the base surface.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the fastening element is softer than the multiple raised surfaces. In specific embodiments, the fastening element may be made of steel, and the multiple raised surfaces may be made of ductile iron.

[0009] The present invention further encompasses couplings for joining pipe elements in an end-to-end relationship. In a particular exemplary embodiment, the coupling comprises a first section having a first end and a second end located on opposite sides, and a second section having a first end and a second end located on opposite sides. A first fastener attaches the first end of the first section to the first end of the second section. A second fastener attaches the second end of the first section to the second end of the second section such that the sections enclose a central space for receiving pipe elements. The first and second connecting members are positioned at each of the first and second ends of the first and second sections, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, each connecting member comprises a base surface oriented transversely to one of the fasteners. A plurality of raised surfaces project transversely to the base surface and are engageable with one of the fasteners. Each raised surface includes a flat area. Each raised surface is separated from at least one adjacent raised surface by a channel positioned between them. In an embodiment, the fastener may comprise a threaded nut and / or a threaded bolt having a head that can engage with one of the raised surfaces.

[0010] In a specific exemplary design, each flat area has a height of 0.060 inches above the base surface, while in a practical design, each flat area may have a height ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.1 inches above the base surface. Furthermore, in an example, each flat area has a minimum surface area of ​​0.010 square inches, while in a practical design, each flat area may have a surface area ranging from 0.010 square inches to 0.1 square inches. In one example, each flat area has a minimum surface area ranging from 0.020 to 0.075 square inches.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, in examples, at least one of the raised surfaces may have a rounded cross-sectional shape. In practical exemplary embodiments, at least one of the raised surfaces is tapered, and at least one raised surface has a smaller outer circumference in the flat region than the outer circumference of the base surface.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the fastening element is softer than the multiple raised surfaces. In specific embodiments, the fastener may be made of steel, and the multiple raised surfaces may be made of ductile iron. In exemplary embodiments, the multiple raised surfaces may be cast integrally with the coupling.

[0013] The present invention further includes a flange that can be mounted on a pipe element. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange comprises a ring having a contact surface adapted to touch a joining flange, with the exposed surface arranged opposite the contact surface. In an embodiment, the exposed surface comprises a base surface and a plurality of raised surfaces projecting transversely from the base surface. Each raised surface has a flat area, and each raised surface is separated from at least adjacent raised surfaces by channels positioned between them. In a practical embodiment, the plurality of raised surfaces extend around the entire exposed surface.

[0014] In a specific exemplary design, each flat area has a height of 0.060 inches above the base surface, while in a practical design, each flat area may have a height ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.1 inches above the base surface. Furthermore, in an example, each flat area has a minimum surface area of ​​0.010 square inches, while in a practical design, each flat area may have a surface area ranging from 0.010 square inches to 0.1 square inches. In one example, each flat area has a minimum surface area ranging from 0.020 to 0.075 square inches.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, in examples, at least one of the raised surfaces may have a rounded cross-sectional shape. In practical exemplary embodiments, at least one of the raised surfaces is tapered, and at least one raised surface has a smaller outer circumference in the flat region than the outer circumference of the base surface.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the fastener is softer than the multiple raised surfaces. In specific embodiments, the fastener may be made of steel, and the multiple raised surfaces may be made of ductile iron. In exemplary embodiments, the multiple raised surfaces may be cast integrally with the flange.

[0017] The present invention further encompasses flange couplings for joining pipe elements. In exemplary embodiments, the flange coupling comprises a first ring having a first contact surface and a first exposed surface located on opposite sides, and a second ring having a second contact surface and a second exposed surface located on opposite sides. The second contact surface touches the first contact surface. A plurality of fasteners extend through the first and second rings. Each fastener comprises at least one rotatable member that engages with at least one of the exposed surfaces of one of the rings. In exemplary embodiments, at least one exposed surface comprises a base surface. A plurality of raised surfaces project transversely from the base surface. Each raised surface comprises a flat area. Each raised surface is separated from at least adjacent raised surfaces by channels positioned between them.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the multiple raised surfaces extend around the entire exposed surface. Furthermore, in examples, at least one of the raised surfaces has a polygonal or rounded cross-sectional shape. In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the raised surfaces is tapered, and at least one raised surface has a smaller circumference in the flat region than the circumference of the base surface. In examples, the rotatable member may include a threaded nut that can engage with at least one of the raised surfaces, and / or a threaded bolt having a head that can engage with one of the raised surfaces.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the rotatable member is softer than the multiple raised surfaces. In specific exemplary embodiments, the fastener may be made of steel, and the multiple raised surfaces may be made of ductile iron. In specific exemplary embodiments, the multiple raised surfaces are cast integrally with at least one exposed surface. This specification also provides, for example, the following items: (Item 1) A platform in which a fastening element comes into contact with a combination, wherein the fastening element is rotatable about an axis oriented transversely to the platform, and the platform is Base surface and A plurality of raised surfaces projecting transversely from the base surface for contacting the fastening element, each of the raised surfaces comprising a flat area, and each of the raised surfaces being separated from at least one adjacent to the other by channels positioned between them. A combination that includes these features. (Item 2) The fastening element is the combination described in item 1, comprising a threaded nut. (Item 3) The fastening element is the combination described in item 1, comprising a threaded bolt head. (Item 4) Each of the flat areas is a combination of the items in item 1, having a height of 0.060 inches above the base surface. (Item 5) Each of the flat areas has a height ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.1 inches above the base surface, as per item 1. (Item 6) Each of the aforementioned flat regions has a minimum surface area of ​​0.010 square inches, as per the combination described in item 1. (Item 7) Each of the aforementioned flat regions has a surface area ranging from 0.010 square inches to 0.1 square inches, as per the combinations described in item 1. (Item 8) Each of the flat regions has a minimum surface area in the range of 0.020 to 0.075 square inches, as per the combination described in item 1. (Item 9) The combination according to item 1, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. (Item 10) The combination according to item 1, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a round cross-sectional shape. (Item 11) The combination according to item 1, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces is tapered, and the at least one raised surface has an outer circumference smaller than the outer circumference of the base surface in the flat region. (Item 12) The fastening element is softer than the plurality of raised surfaces, as described in item 1. (Item 13) The fastening elements include steel, as described in item 1. (Item 14) The aforementioned multiple raised surfaces are combinations of ductile iron as described in item 1. (Item 15) A coupling for joining pipe elements in an end-to-end relationship, wherein the coupling is A first section having a first end and a second end located on opposite sides, A second section having a first end and a second end located on opposite sides, A first fastener for attaching the first end of the first section to the first end of the second section, A second fastener is used to attach the second end of the first section to the second end of the second section such that the section surrounds a central space for receiving the pipe element, A first connecting member and a second connecting member are positioned at the first end and the second end of each of the first and second sections, respectively. Each of the connecting members is A base surface oriented transversely to one of the fasteners, A plurality of raised surfaces projecting transversely from the base surface and engaging with one of the fasteners, each of the raised surfaces comprising a flat area, and each of the raised surfaces being separated from at least one adjacent to the other by channels positioned between them, and A coupling equipped with a coupling. (Item 16) The coupling according to item 15, wherein at least one of the fasteners comprises a threaded nut that can engage with one of the raised surfaces. (Item 17) The coupling according to item 15, wherein at least one of the fasteners comprises a threaded bolt having a head that can engage with one of the raised surfaces. (Item 18) Each of the flat areas is a coupling according to item 15, having a height of 0.060 inches above the base surface. (Item 19) The coupling according to item 15, wherein each of the flat areas has a height in the range of 0.020 inches to 0.1 inches above the base surface. (Item 20) Each of the flat regions has a minimum surface area of ​​0.010 square inches, as described in item 15. (Item 21) Each of the flat regions has a surface area ranging from 0.010 square inches to 0.1 square inches, as described in item 15. (Item 22) The coupling according to item 15, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. (Item 23) The coupling according to item 15, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a round cross-sectional shape. (Item 24) The coupling according to item 15, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces is tapered, and the at least one raised surface has an outer circumference smaller than the outer circumference of the base surface in the flat region. (Item 25) The coupling according to item 15, wherein at least one of the fasteners is softer than the plurality of raised surfaces. (Item 26) The coupling according to item 15, wherein at least one of the fasteners is made of steel. (Item 27) The aforementioned multiple raised surfaces are couplings according to item 15, comprising ductile iron. (Item 28) The coupling according to item 15, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces are cast integrally with the coupling. (Item 29) A flange mountable on a pipe element, the flange comprising a ring having a contact surface adapted to touch a joining flange, the exposed surface being arranged opposite the contact surface, the exposed surface being, Base surface and A plurality of raised surfaces projecting transversely from the base surface, each of the raised surfaces having a flat area, and each of the raised surfaces being separated from at least one adjacent to the other by channels located between them, and A flange equipped with a flange. (Item 30) The flange according to item 29, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces extend around the entire exposed surface. (Item 31) The flange according to item 29, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. (Item 32) The flange according to item 29, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a round cross-sectional shape. (Item 33) The flange according to item 29, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces is tapered, and the at least one raised surface has an outer circumference smaller than the outer circumference of the base surface in the flat region. (Item 34) Each of the flat areas is a flange as described in item 29, having a height of 0.060 inches above the base surface. (Item 35) Each of the flat areas has a height ranging from 0.020 inches to 0.1 inches above the base surface, as described in item 29. (Item 36) Each of the flat areas is a flange as described in item 29, having a minimum surface area of ​​0.010 square inches. (Item 37) Each of the aforementioned flat areas has a surface area ranging from 0.010 square inches to 0.1 square inches, as described in item 29. (Item 38) A flange coupling for joining pipe elements, wherein the flange coupling is A first ring having a first contact surface and a first exposure surface located on the opposite side, A second ring having a second contact surface and a second exposure surface located on the opposite side, wherein the second contact surface touches the first contact surface and the second ring, Multiple fasteners extending through the first and second rings and The fastener comprises, and each of the fasteners comprises at least one rotatable member that engages with at least one of the exposed surfaces of one of the rings, the at least one exposed surface is Base surface and A plurality of raised surfaces projecting transversely from the base surface, each of the raised surfaces having a flat area, and each of the raised surfaces being separated from at least one adjacent to the other by channels located between them, and A flange coupling equipped with the following features. (Item 39) The flange coupling according to item 38, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces extend around the entire exposed surface. (Item 40) The flange coupling according to item 38, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. (Item 41) The flange coupling according to item 38, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a round cross-sectional shape. (Item 42) The flange coupling according to item 38, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces is tapered, and the at least one raised surface has an outer circumference smaller than the outer circumference of the base surface in the flat region. (Item 43) The flange coupling according to item 38, wherein the at least one rotatable member comprises a threaded nut that can engage with at least one of the raised surfaces. (Item 44) The flange coupling according to item 38, wherein the at least one rotatable member comprises a threaded bolt having a head that can engage with one of the raised surfaces. (Item 45) The flange coupling according to item 38, wherein the at least one rotatable member is softer than the plurality of raised surfaces. (Item 46) The flange coupling according to item 38, wherein the at least one rotatable member is made of steel. (Item 47) The flange coupling according to item 38, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces include ductile iron. (Item 48) The flange coupling according to item 38, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces are cast integrally with the at least one exposed surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary combination of a platform and fastener elements according to the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is an isometric view of another exemplary combination of a platform and fastener elements according to the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the components of the exemplary platform element shown in Figure 1.

[0023] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an exemplary mechanical pipe coupling using a combination of a platform and fastening elements according to the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an isometric view of an exemplary flanged coupling using a combination of a platform and fastening elements according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] (Detailed explanation) One aspect of the present invention relates to a combination of a platform and a fastening element. An exemplary combination 10 is shown in Figure 1 and comprises a platform 12 in contact with a fastening element 14 (in this embodiment, a threaded nut 16 of a threaded bolt 18). The fastening element 14 may also comprise the head of a bolt 18 (not shown). As separately shown in Figure 2, the exemplary platform comprises a base surface 20. The base surface 20 is oriented transversely with respect to an axis 22 around which the fastening element can rotate. A plurality of raised surfaces 24 project transversely from the base surface 20. Each raised surface 24 comprises a flat area 26. Each raised surface 26 is separated from at least one adjacent raised surface by a channel 28 positioned between them. In this embodiment, the raised surface 24 has a polygonal cross-sectional shape as shown in Figure 1A, but other shapes are also feasible, and a practical exemplary combination 11 of the platform 12 has a raised surface 24 accompanied by a flat area 26 having a rounded cross-sectional shape. As shown in Figure 2, the raised surface 24 may be tapered such that each raised surface has a smaller outer circumference 30 in the flat area 26 than the base surface 20. A taper angle of about 3° is advantageous for providing a draft angle when the platform is manufactured by a casting process.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 1A, the raised surface 24 contacts the fastener element 14. In this embodiment, the nut 16 is forced into contact with the flat area 26 when rotated relative to the platform 12 around the axis 22, tightening the nut against the fixed bolt 18. It is well known that tightening the nut 16 increases the tensile stress in the bolt 18, and that tightening the nut also increases the torque required to turn the nut. However, it has been observed that when the rotating nut 16 is forced into contact with the raised surface 24, the torque required to turn the nut increases at a higher rate than the increase in bolt stress that would otherwise occur in the absence of the raised surface. This observed phenomenon is advantageous in practice because it can be used to protect the bolt from damage caused by excessive torque.

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a practical implementation of combination 10 on a coupling 31 for joining pipe elements (not shown) in an end-to-end relationship. In this embodiment, the coupling 31 comprises a first section 32 having a first end 34 and a second end 36 located on opposite sides, and a second section 38 having a first end 40 and a second end 42 located on opposite sides. A first fastener 44 attaches the first end 34 of the first section 32 to the first end 40 of the second section 38. A second fastener 46 attaches the second end 36 of the first section 32 to the second end 42 of the second section 38 such that sections 32 and 38 enclose a central space 48 for receiving pipe elements. In this embodiment, fasteners 44 and 46 are equipped with joining nuts 16 and bolts 18.

[0028] The first connecting member 50 and the second connecting member 52 are positioned at the first and second ends (34, 36, 40, 42) of the first section 32 and the second section 38, respectively. In this embodiment, each connecting member 50, 52 has the base surface 20 described above, oriented transversely to the respective fasteners (44 or 46) passing through the connecting member. The raised surfaces 24 project transversely to each base surface 20 and are engageable with the fasteners 44 and 46. As described above for combination 10, each raised surface 24 has a flat area 26, and each raised surface is separated from at least adjacent raised surfaces by a channel 28 positioned between them. Consistent with combination 10 shown in Figure 1 as described above, the raised surfaces 24 in this embodiment have a polygonal cross-sectional shape and are tapered such that each raised surface has a smaller outer circumference 30 in its flat area 26 than its base surface 20. In this embodiment, when fasteners 44 and 46 are tightened, the nut 16 engages with the flat region 26 of the raised feature 24 and rotates with respect to it; however, in other exemplary embodiments, the head of the bolt 18 may engage with the flat region and rotate with respect to it. Although combination 10 used with coupling 31 is depicted, combination 11 of Figure 1A, which has a flat region 26 with a round cross-sectional shape, is also achievable in this implementation.

[0029] In a practical embodiment of coupling 31, when used with a standard 1 / 2-inch thick hexagonal nut of size 1 / 2 inch made from ASTM A563 carbon steel, a significant disproportionate increase in torque was observed with respect to a flat area 26 having a height of 0.060 inches above the base surface 20 and a minimum surface area of ​​0.010 square inches, compared to the associated increase in bolt stress. With respect to the effective design, it is expected that the flat area will generally increase with increasing fastener size, along with the increase in the contact area of ​​the nut or bolt. With respect to this design, the phenomenon of disproportionate increase in torque was directly observed by the increase in torque felt when a hand-held wrench was used to tighten the coupling fastener. In tests intended to induce bolt failure, it was observed that when an impact wrench was used, the time to bolt failure doubled when the coupling employing the raised feature according to the present invention was tested against a coupling without the combination 10.

[0030] Effective designs of combinations 10 and 11 according to the present invention are expected to be achieved using a flat area 26 above the base surface 20 having a height in the range of 0.020 inches to 0.1 inches, with a height of 0.060 inches being favorable. Practical designs may also have a surface area in the range of 0.010 square inches to 0.1 square inches, with a surface area in the range of 0.020 to 0.075 square inches being favorable. Effective protection of bolts in the diameter range of 0.25 inches to 1 inch (as well as similar and equivalent metric sizes) is expected to be achieved using combinations 10 and 11, etc., according to the present invention.

[0031] In the exemplary coupling 31, the fastener element 14 (nut 16) is formed from carbon steel and has a lower surface hardness than the multiple raised surfaces 24, which are cast integrally with the coupling and are formed from ductile iron. In the experimental coupling, it has been observed that when increasing torque is applied to the nut 16, the flat area 26 has a sacrificial nature and wears down due to the nut 16, and after the flat area has significantly worn down, the bolt stress has significantly increased.

[0032] Figure 4 shows another practical embodiment in which the combination of platform 12 and fastener elements is used on the flange 54 of a flange coupling 56. In this embodiment, the flange coupling 56 comprises a flange 54 in the form of a first ring 58 having a first contact surface 60 and a first exposed surface 62 located on opposite sides, and a second ring 64 having a second contact surface 66 and a second exposed surface 68 located on opposite sides. The second contact surface 66 touches the first contact surface 60. Typically, a seal 70 is trapped between the contact surfaces 60 and 66 to ensure a tight joint of fluids.

[0033] Multiple fasteners 72 extend through the first ring 58 and the second ring 64. Each fastener 72 comprises at least one rotatable member that engages with at least one of the exposed surfaces 62, 68 of the rings 58, 66. In practical embodiments, the rotatable member may comprise a threaded nut 74 or a threaded bolt 76 having a head 78 that can engage with both exposed surfaces 62 and 68.

[0034] The exposed surface of the flange 54 comprises a base surface 20 and a plurality of raised surfaces 24 projecting transversely from the base surface 20, as described above with respect to the platform 12 and coupling 31. Each raised surface 24 comprises a flat area 26. Each raised surface 26 is separated from at least one adjacent raised surface by a channel 28 positioned between them. In this embodiment, the raised surfaces 24 have a polygonal cross-sectional shape, but other shapes, such as the circular shape in Figure 1A, are also achievable. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the raised surfaces 24 to be tapered such that each raised surface has an outer circumference 30 smaller than the base surface 20 in the flat area 26. The raised surfaces 24 may have the same or similar height and area dimensions as described above. The raised surfaces may also include ductile iron and may be cast integrally with the flange 54. As further described above, the fastener may be softer than the plurality of raised surfaces and may be formed from steel. The bolt stress is expected to be limited until the flat areas are significantly worn due to their sacrificial nature.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the flange coupling 56 may comprise a first pipe stub 80 and a second pipe stub 82 to which rings 58 and 64 are attached, respectively. The stub pipes 80 and 82 may be welded to their respective pipe elements (not shown) cut or machined to a desired length, or the rings 58 and 64 may be directly attached to the pipe stock, for example, by welding.

[0036] In the flange coupling 56, when the coupling 56 is assembled, the rotatable elements (threaded nuts 74 and / or bolt heads 78) engage with the flat region 26 and are forced to rotate relative to it. Compared to the increase in tensile stress within the bolt 76 in response to tightening, the bolt 76 is expected to suffer a phenomenon of an unbalanced increase in the torque required to tighten the nuts 74 or bolt heads 78. This effect is expected to protect the bolt 76 from damage caused by excessive torque on the flange coupling 56.

Claims

1. A fastener comprising a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a first fastener element and a second fastener element in a combination, wherein the first connecting member is in contact with the first fastener element, the second connecting member is in contact with the second fastener element, the fastener clamps the first connecting member and the second connecting member together such that the first connecting member is in contact with the second connecting member, the fastener is rotatable about an axis oriented transversely to the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and the first connecting member is Base surface and A plurality of raised surfaces extending from the base surface in a direction away from the base surface, each of the plurality of raised surfaces having a flat area, and the first fastening element is either a threaded nut or a threaded bolt head that directly contacts at least two flat areas of each of the plurality of raised surfaces, and each of the raised surfaces is separated from at least adjacent ones by channels positioned between them, and A combination that includes these features.

2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the second fastening element is the other of the threaded nut or the head of the threaded bolt.

3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the flat areas has a height of 0.060 inches above the base surface.

4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the flat areas has a height in the range of 0.020 inches to 0.1 inches above the base surface.

5. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the flat regions has a minimum surface area of ​​0.010 square inches.

6. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the flat regions has a surface area in the range of 0.010 square inches to 0.1 square inches.

7. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the flat regions has a minimum surface area in the range of 0.020 to 0.075 square inches.

8. The combination according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

9. The combination according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a round cross-sectional shape.

10. The combination according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces is tapered, and the at least one raised surface has an outer circumference smaller than the outer circumference of the base surface in the flat region.

11. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening element is softer than the plurality of raised surfaces.

12. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening element includes steel.

13. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces include ductile iron.

14. A coupling having a torque-absorbing surface for joining pipe elements in an end-to-end relationship, wherein the coupling is A first elongated section having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first elongated section is separated from the second end of the first elongated section along the direction of the length of the first elongated section, and the first section comprises a first connecting member and a second connecting member positioned at each of the first end and the second end, respectively. A second elongated section having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second elongated section is separated from the second end of the second elongated section along the direction of the length of the second elongated section, and the second section comprises a first connecting member and a second connecting member positioned at each of the first end and the second end, respectively. A first fastener for attaching the first end of the first elongated section to the first end of the second elongated section, A second fastener is used to attach the second end of the first elongated section to the second end of the second elongated section, such that the first elongated section and the second elongated section surround a central space for receiving the pipe element. The first elongated section and the second elongated section each have a first connecting member and a second connecting member, Each connecting member is integrated with a base surface which is oriented transversely to one of the first fastener and the second fastener, A plurality of raised surfaces extending from the base surface in a direction away from the base surface, each of the plurality of raised surfaces having a flat area, the flat area of ​​at least the first raised surface and the flat area of ​​the second raised surface of the plurality of raised surfaces directly engaging with the threaded nut or threaded bolt head of the first fastener, and each of the plurality of raised surfaces being separated from at least adjacent ones of the plurality of raised surfaces by channels positioned between them. A coupling equipped with a coupling.

15. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein each of the flat regions has a height of 0.060 inches above the base surface.

16. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein each of the flat areas has a height in the range of 0.020 inches to 0.1 inches above the base surface.

17. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein each of the flat regions has a minimum surface area of ​​0.010 square inches.

18. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein each of the flat regions has a surface area in the range of 0.010 square inches to 0.1 square inches.

19. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

20. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of raised surfaces has a round cross-sectional shape.

21. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of raised surfaces is tapered, and the at least one raised surface has an outer circumference smaller than the outer circumference of the base surface in the flat region.

22. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein the first fastener is softer than the plurality of raised surfaces.

23. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein the first fastener is made of steel.

24. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces contain ductile iron.

25. The coupling according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces are cast integrally with the coupling.

26. A flange having a torque-absorbing surface that can be mounted on a pipe element, wherein the flange comprises a ring having a contact surface adapted to contact a joining flange, and an exposed surface is arranged on the opposite side of the contact surface, the exposed surface is Base surface and A plurality of raised surfaces extending from the base surface in a direction away from the base surface, each of the plurality of raised surfaces having a flat area, the flat areas of the first and second raised surfaces of the plurality of raised surfaces being configured to directly contact the threaded nut or threaded bolt head of a fastener extending through the ring, the fastener being configured to clamp the ring and the joining flange together so that the ring contacts the joining flange, and each of the plurality of raised surfaces being separated from at least adjacent of the plurality of raised surfaces by channels positioned between them, and A flange equipped with a flange.

27. The flange according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces extend around the entire exposed surface.

28. The flange according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

29. The flange according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of raised surfaces has a round cross-sectional shape.

30. The flange according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of raised surfaces is tapered, and the at least one raised surface has an outer circumference smaller than the outer circumference of the base surface in the flat region.

31. The flange according to claim 26, wherein each of the flat areas has a height of 0.060 inches above the base surface.

32. The flange according to claim 26, wherein each of the flat areas has a height in the range of 0.020 inches to 0.1 inches above the base surface.

33. The flange according to claim 26, wherein each of the flat regions has a minimum surface area of ​​0.010 square inches.

34. The flange according to claim 26, wherein each of the flat regions has a surface area ranging from 0.010 square inches to 0.1 square inches.

35. A flange coupling having a torque-absorbing surface for joining pipe elements, wherein the flange coupling is A first ring having a first contact surface and a first exposure surface located on the opposite side, A second ring having a second contact surface and a second exposure surface located on the opposite side, wherein the second contact surface contacts the first contact surface and the second ring, Multiple fasteners extending through the first and second rings and The fastener comprises, and each of the fasteners comprises at least one rotatable member that engages with at least one of the first and second exposed surfaces of one of the first and second rings, Base surface and A plurality of raised surfaces extending from the base surface in a direction away from the base surface, each of the raised surfaces comprising a flat area and at least one side defining its outer circumference, and each of the raised surfaces being separated from at least one adjacent raised surface by channels located between their respective side surfaces. Equipped with, A flange coupling in which each of the at least one rotatable members of the fastener is in direct contact with at least two flat areas of each of the plurality of raised surfaces, and each of the rotatable members is either a threaded nut or a threaded bolt head.

36. The flange coupling according to claim 35, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces extend around the entirety of at least one of the first and second exposed surfaces.

37. The flange coupling according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

38. The flange coupling according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces has a round cross-sectional shape.

39. The flange coupling according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the raised surfaces is tapered, and the at least one raised surface has an outer circumference smaller than the outer circumference of the base surface in the flat region.

40. The flange coupling according to claim 35, wherein the at least one rotatable member is softer than the plurality of raised surfaces.

41. The flange coupling according to claim 35, wherein the at least one rotatable member is made of steel.

42. The flange coupling according to claim 35, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces include ductile iron.

43. The flange coupling according to claim 35, wherein the plurality of raised surfaces are cast integrally with at least one of the first and second exposed surfaces.

44. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the flat areas of each of the raised surfaces is substantially parallel to the base surface.

45. The flange according to claim 26, wherein each of the flat areas of each of the plurality of raised surfaces is substantially parallel to the base surface.

46. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the flat regions is continuous and uninterrupted.

47. Each of the aforementioned flat regions is continuous and uninterrupted, as per claim 26.

48. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of the flat regions is surrounded by a single continuous edge.

49. The flange according to claim 26, wherein each of the flat regions is surrounded by a single continuous edge.

50. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the flat area has a surface area, the fastener element is in contact with a portion of the at least two flat areas, the portion of the at least two flat areas in contact with the fastener element defines a contact surface area, the contact surface area is less than the total surface area of ​​the at least two flat areas, and the total surface area is equal to the sum of the respective surface areas of the at least two flat areas.

51. The flat area has a surface area, and a portion of the flat area of ​​the first and second raised surfaces among the plurality of raised surfaces is configured to contact the respective portion of the fastener that extends through the ring. The flange according to claim 26, wherein at least a portion of the flat areas of the first raised surface and the second raised surface configured to contact each of the respective portions of the fastener defines a contact surface area, the contact surface area being less than the total surface area of ​​the flat areas of the first raised surface and the second raised surface, and the total surface area being equal to the sum of the surface areas of the flat areas of the first and second raised surfaces.

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