Pipe coupling having movable gripping bodies

The invention concerns a pipe coupling for securing end portions of a pair of pipe elements together. In one embodiment, the coupling includes a plurality of segments connectable end-to-end surrounding a central space for receiving the pipe elements. Each segment has a pair of arcuate surfaces positioned in spaced relation, the arcuate surfaces facing the central space and being engagable with the pipe element. Connection members are positioned at opposite ends of each of the segments for adjustably connecting the segments to one another. The connection members are adjustably tightenable for drawing the segments toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. Respective reaction surfaces facing the central space are positioned on at least two of the connection members which face one another. At least one gripping body is positioned between at least two of the segments, having a pair of gripping surfaces positioned in spaced apart relation. The gripping surfaces face the central space for engagement with the pipe elements. A first pair of contact surfaces is positioned on the gripping body in facing relation with the reaction surfaces. Adjustable tightening of the connection members draws the coupling segments together. The contact surfaces interact with the reaction surfaces to move the gripping body into the central space for engagement of the gripping surfaces with the pipe elements. The invention provides a pipe coupling which can be pre-assembled while being easily manually tightened. -46 3