US Patent 7828339 Banded flexible pipe coupling

A coupling assembly is disclosed for joining pipe elements to one another end-to-end. First and second rings are attached to an end of each pipe element. Each ring has an outwardly facing surface with a groove which receives a sealing member. A band is positioned in overlying relation surrounding the rings when the pipe ends are arranged in end-to-end relationship. The band has an inwardly facing surface engaged with the sealing members. The band also has oppositely disposed end faces. End plates are attached to each end face. The end plates project radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with the rings to retain the pipe elements in end-to-end relation within the band.