Deformable mechanical pipe coupling
A deformable mechanical pipe coupling is disclosed. The coupling has a plurality of interconnectable segments that straddle the ends of pipe elements to be joined. The segments have arcuate surfaces that engage outer surfaces of the pipe elements. The outer surfaces subtend an angle of less than 180° and have radii of curvature greater than the radii of curvature of the pipe element outer surfaces. The segments have adjustably tightenable connection members for connecting the segments to one another. When the connection members are tightened, the arcuate surfaces deform and conform to the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the pipe elements.
1. A method of securing facing end portions of pipe elements together in end-to-end relationship, wherein said end portions of said pipe elements have an outer surface of substantially cylindrical profile, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a pipe coupling having a plurality of coupling segments attached to one another end-to-end surrounding a central space, said coupling segments having arcuate surfaces adapted to interface with the outer surfaces of said pipes;
inserting said end portions of said pipe elements into said central space; and
deforming said coupling segments so as to conform the curvature of said arcuate surfaces of said coupling segments to said outer surfaces of said pipe elements.