US 12,331,853 B2
Coupling
Bruce D. Bowater, Nolensville, TN (US)
Assigned to Ideal Clamp Products, Inc., Smyrna, TN (US)
Filed by Ideal Clamp Products, Inc., Smyrna, TN (US)
Filed on Jan. 10, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/409,588.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/438,359, filed on Jan. 11, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2024/0229987 A1, Jul. 11, 2024
Int. Cl. F16L 21/00 (2006.01); F16L 25/14 (2006.01)
CPC F16L 21/005 (2013.01) [F16L 21/007 (2013.01); F16L 25/14 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A coupling configured to connect to an end of a pipe, the coupling comprising:
a shield configured to surround the end of the pipe;
a clamping band configured to be tightened around the shield and the end of the pipe; and
an elastomeric gasket configured to lie between the shield and the pipe, the elastomeric gasket comprising:
a first thickened region,
a second thickened region spaced apart from the first thickened region,
a circumferential support band interconnecting the first and second thickened regions, the circumferential support band being spaced apart from the pipe before the clamping band is tightened to provide a groove between the first and second thickened regions, and
a sealing rib coupled to a radially inner surface of the circumferential support band and arranged to lie within the groove in contact with the pipe, wherein the sealing rib has a rhombus-shaped cross section, wherein a surface of the sealing rib facing the first thickened region defines an acute angle with a plane perpendicular to a central axis of the coupling, and wherein the acute angle is configured to decrease in response to exertion of a pulling force on the pipe in a direction away from the plane.