External pipe coupling system with inflatable gasket

摘要

This invention preferably relates to an externally applied coupling system providing thrust restraint for a pair of axially aligned tubular members. The coupling system comprises a hydraulically/pneumatically inflatable, elastomeric sealing gasket adapted to encircle and apply pressure to the wall of the tubular members, where the sealing gasket includes means for inflating same, and a support member. The support member is defined by a pair of curved legs joined by a web portion along one end of each curved leg to reveal a U-shaped channel member. The free end of each curved leg cooperates with one of the tubular members to provide thrust restraint thereto, and further, the support member is adapted to overlie the sealing gasket so as to confine the compressive pressure from the sealing gasket against predefined annular portions of the tubular members.