Coupling

Claim 1

A coupling for a tube, pipe or the like comprising, a tensioning band made up of flexible, relatively thin material adapted to lay on the outside surface of a pipe or tube, said tensioning band is disposed around a gasket, said tensioning band having a first notch and a second notch spaced from each other, a third notch between said first notch and said second notch, all said notches being formed in one end of said band, the ends of the material defining each said notch having their ends rolled back forming eyelets, yokes each having a curved intermediate part and two straight end parts, said ends being rotatably received in said eyelets, nuts having one side fixed to the inside curve of the intermediate part of said yoke, said two straight end parts extending outwardly from said intermediate part and being disposed on a line passing on the opposite sides of said nuts from said one side, said nuts receiving a screw, strikes on the end of said band opposite said notches, said strikes comprising pieces of sheet material slightly narrower than said notches, and having an intermediate part thereof bent back on itself forming an outwardly extending portion extending generally radially of said coupling, the ends of said strikes resting on said band and extending from said outwardly extending portion a substantial distance and terminating short of the end of said band, said strikes having seats formed on said outwardly extending parts each adapted to engage an end of a screw, said screws being adapted to be swung with said yokes to a position parallel to a diameter of said pipe having the end of said screws engage said seats, said screws being adapted to be swung to a position tangent to said pipe at said strikes and said yokes disposed between a line passing through said screws parallel to the axis of said pipe and the outer periphery of said band whereby the said tensioning band is preliminarily tensioned, said screws being adapted to be tightened by rotating said screws in said nuts with said eyelets swing into engagement with said band whereby said tensioning band is tensioned and said coupling is held in closed position by toggle action of said screw and said yoke.