US Patent 7401819 Mechanical pipe coupling having spacers

A preassembled mechanical pipe coupling having spacers 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. Spacers, positioned between the segments, maintain them in spaced apart relation sufficient to allow the pipe elements to be inserted between the segments. The segments have adjustably tightenable connection members for connecting the segments and drawing them to one another. When the connection members are tightened and the effect of the spacers is overcome, the arcuate surfaces are brought into engagement with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.