Flanged Mechanical Pipe Coupling Having Spacers

Abstract

A mechanical pipe coupling having segments joined end to end by connection members has arcuate surfaces and flanges in spaced relation to the arcuate surfaces on each segment. The coupling is positionable between a first pipe element having a cylindrical outer surface and a second pipe element having an end flange to couple the pipe elements to one another. The arcuate surfaces engage the outer surface of the first pipe element; the flanges engage the end flange on the second pipe element. One or more spacers support the coupling segments in spaced relation to one another to permit insertion of the first pipe element between the segments. The spacers are deformable upon tightening of the connection members to permit the arcuate surfaces to engage the pipe element and the flanges to align with the end flange.

1 . A pipe coupling positionable between facing end portions of a pair of pipe elements for securing said pipe elements to one another in end-to-end relation, wherein said end portion of one of said pipe elements has an outer surface of substantially cylindrical profile and said other pipe element has an end flange mounted thereon, said coupling comprising:
 a plurality of coupling segments, each of said coupling segments having an arcuate surface adapted to interface with the outer surface of said one pipe element and a flange positioned in spaced apart relation to said arcuate surface, said flange being engagable with said end flange of said other pipe element;   each of said coupling segments further having connection members for adjustably connecting one coupling segment to another, said connection members being adjustably tightenable for drawing said arcuate surfaces of said segments into engagement with the outer surface of said one pipe element and said flanges into alignment with said end flange;   a spacer positioned between two of said coupling segments, said spacer for supporting said arcuate surfaces in a predetermined spaced apart relation sufficient to allow said one pipe element to be inserted between said coupling segments.   
   
   
       2 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 1 , wherein said spacer is configured to be deformable upon application of a predetermined compressive force resulting from tightening of said connection members, deforming of said spacer permitting said arcuate surfaces to engage said outer surfaces of said one pipe element and said flanges to align with said end flange of said other pipe element. 
   
   
       3 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 2 , wherein said spacer comprises a spring element, said spring element being deformable upon tightening of said connection members, deforming of said spring element permitting said arcuate surfaces to engage said outer surfaces of said one pipe element and said flanges to align with said end flange of said other pipe element. 
   
   
       4 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 3 , wherein said spring element comprises an elastic body. 
   
   
       5 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 3 , wherein said spring element comprises a coil spring. 
   
   
       6 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 2 , wherein said spacer is configured to be collapsible upon application of a predetermined force resulting from tightening of said connection members, collapse of said spacer permitting said arcuate surfaces to engage said outer surfaces of said one pipe element and said flanges to align with said end flange of said other pipe element. 
   
   
       7 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 6 , wherein said spacer comprises a tube, said tube being scored to provide a weakened region to facilitate collapse thereof. 
   
   
       8 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 7 , wherein said tube has a circular cross section. 
   
   
       9 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 7 , wherein said tube is positioned surrounding one of said connection members. 
   
   
       10 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 9 , wherein said one connection member is located coaxially within said tube. 
   
   
       11 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 6 , wherein said spacer comprises a corrugated tube to facilitate collapse thereof. 
   
   
       12 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 11 , wherein said corrugated tube has a circular cross section. 
   
   
       13 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 11 , wherein said corrugated tube is positioned surrounding one of said connection members. 
   
   
       14 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 13 , wherein said one connection member is located coaxially within said tube. 
   
   
       15 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 1 , wherein said arcuate surfaces project radially inwardly from said segments, at least one notch being formed in at least one of said arcuate surfaces proximate to one end of said segment, said notch providing clearance for insertion of said end portion of said one pipe element between said segments. 
   
   
       16 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 1 , comprising first and second of said coupling segments. 
   
   
       17 . The pipe coupling according to  claim 16 , wherein said arcuate surfaces projecting radially inwardly from said segments, a pair of notches being formed in each of said arcuate surfaces proximate to each end of said segments, said notches providing clearance for insertion of said end portion of said one pipe element between said segments.