Coupling for rigidly connecting pipe sections

Abstract

A coupling construction includes a plurality of coupling segments which are receivable in substantially end-to-end encircling relation around the end portions of a pair of grooved pipe sections and a plurality of nut-and-bolt assemblies for securing the coupling segments together. The coupling segments include arcuate main portions, apertured flanges which extend outwardly from opposite ends of the main portions and spaced first and second ridges which extend inwardly from the inner sides of the main portions and are receivable in annular grooves in the pipe sections. The apertures in adjacent flanges are offset from each other in a direction substantially parallel to the Z--Z axis of the coupling so that tightening of the nut-and-bolt assemblies causes adjacent flanges to be drawn into predetermined offset positions before the end faces of the coupling segments are drawn into engagement. When the adjacent flanges are in the offset positions thereof, opposite end portions of the ridges are urged against opposite side edges of the grooves to secure the pipe sections in predetermined closely spaced, aligned positions. The adjacent end faces of the coupling segments are disposed in angular planes and they are engageable in face-to-face relation so that they cooperate with nut-and-bolt assemblies to provide a wedging action for retaining the adjacent ends of the coupling segments in offset positions.