초록 ▼

A coupling assembly is disclosed for joining pipe elements to one another end-to-end. First and second rings are attached to an end of each pipe element. Each ring has an outwardly facing surface with a groove which receives a sealing member. A band is positioned in overlying relation surrounding th

A coupling assembly is disclosed for joining pipe elements to one another end-to-end. First and second rings are attached to an end of each pipe element. Each ring has an outwardly facing surface with a groove which receives a sealing member. A band is positioned in overlying relation surrounding the rings when the pipe ends are arranged in end-to-end relationship. The band has an inwardly facing surface engaged with the sealing members. The band also has oppositely disposed end faces. End plates are attached to each end face. The end plates project radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with the rings to retain the pipe elements in end-to-end relation within the band.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A coupling assembly joining pipe elements to one another end-to-end, said coupling assembly comprising: a first ring fixedly attached to an end of one of said pipe elements, said first ring receiving and surrounding said one pipe element and having an outwardly facing circumf

What is claimed is: 1. A coupling assembly joining pipe elements to one another end-to-end, said coupling assembly comprising: a first ring fixedly attached to an end of one of said pipe elements, said first ring receiving and surrounding said one pipe element and having an outwardly facing circumferential groove therein; a first sealing member positioned within said groove of said first ring and extending circumferentially therearound; a second ring fixedly attached to an end of another of said pipe elements, said second ring receiving and surrounding said other pipe element and having an outwardly facing circumferential groove therein; a second sealing member positioned within said groove of said second ring and extending circumferentially therearound; a band receiving and surrounding said first and second rings, said band having an inwardly facing surface sealingly engaged with said first and second sealing members, said band having first and second end faces oppositely disposed; and a plurality of separate first end plates attached to said first end face, and a plurality of separate second end plates attached to said second end face, said separate end plates being attached to said end faces using a plurality of threaded fasteners extending between said separate end plates and said end faces, said separate end plates projecting radially inwardly from said band in overlapping engagement with said first and second rings thereby retaining said pipe elements in end-to-end relation within said band. 2. A coupling assembly according to claim 1, comprising only two said first end plates. 3. A coupling assembly according to claim 1 wherein one of said end plates has a plurality of threaded holes aligned with said rings. 4. A coupling assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said rings is tapered. 5. A coupling assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a shoulder positioned in at least one of said end plates, said shoulder facing and being engageable with one of said rings. 6. A pipe joint comprising: a first pipe element having a first ring fixedly attached to an end thereof, said first ring receiving and surrounding said first pipe element and having an outwardly facing circumferential groove therein; a first sealing member positioned within said groove of said first ring and extending circumferentially therearound; a second pipe element having a second ring fixedly attached to an end thereof, said second ring receiving and surrounding said second pipe element and having an outwardly facing circumferential groove therein; a second sealing member positioned within said groove of said second ring and extending circumferentially therearound; a band receiving and surrounding said first and second rings, said band having an inwardly facing surface sealingly engaged with said first and second sealing members, said band having first and second end faces oppositely disposed; and a plurality of separate first end plates attached to said first end face, and a plurality of separate second end plates attached to said second end face, said separate end plates being attached to said end faces using a plurality of threaded fasteners extending between said separate end plates and said end faces, said separate end plates projecting radially inwardly from said band in overlapping engagement with said first and second rings thereby retaining said pipe elements in end-to-end relation within said band. 7. A pipe joint according to claim 6, comprising only two of said first end plates and only two of said second end plates. 8. A coupling assembly according to claim 6, wherein one of said first end plates has a threaded hole therethrough, said threaded hold being aligned with said first ring.