Hinged mechanical couplings with interfitting ends

Abstract

Hinged mechanical couplings with interfitting ends include at least a pair of coupling segments each having: an elongated arcuate body with first and second opposing ends; a generally concave surface with central channel extending between the ends; a longitudinal central plane extending through the ends; a tongue and a recess located side-by-side on each end, the tongue being generally on an opposite side of the longitudinal central plane from the recess, each recess being slightly larger than the tongue to receive the tongue of the other coupling segment and form a tongue-recess interfit when the coupling segments are coupled together; a fastener pad protruding from the first end; and a pair of axially spaced-apart extensions protruding generally radially outwardly from the second end, one extension located on one side of the central longitudinal plane and immediately adjoining a space on an opposing side of the plane defined between the two extensions, the extensions being pivotally connected together to hinge the two segments. For securing grooved pipe elements, flanges are provided flanking the axial edges of the central channel and teeth can be provided adjoining the flanges to grip the pipe elements. Sloping faces on the fastener pads can be provided to guide a fastener end into engagement with an open slot in the fastener pad between the faces. Identical or nearly identical segments can be hinged together to form a coupling.