The method of providing a clamping connection comprising providing one or more clamping hubs, providing two or more clamping segments to engage the clamping hubs, constraining the clamping segments to move approximately radially with respect to the clamp hubs, providing a tension band around the clamping segments which slides circumferentially relative to the clamping segments, and adjusting the ratio of the contact area of the tension band to the clamping hubs and the area of the clamping hubs to compensate for the difference in loading on the clamping hub due to sliding friction between the tension band and the clamping hubs.

A joint assembly can include a piping element and a fastener configured to secure a pipe length to the piping element, the fastener including: a nut; a gasket positioned at least partially between the nut and the piping element; and a grip band positioned at least partially between the nut and the gasket, the grip band defining a first axial end and a second axial end, the grip band including a plurality of teeth extending from the first axial end, each of the plurality of teeth configured to rotate with respect to an axis of the grip band in transition between an uncompressed condition and a compressed condition to change a corresponding angle of attack of each of the plurality of teeth with respect to the pipe length.

A joint assembly can include a piping element and a fastener configured to secure a pipe length to the piping element, the fastener including: a nut; a gasket positioned at least partially between the nut and the piping element; and a grip band positioned at least partially between the nut and the gasket, the grip band defining a first axial end and a second axial end, the grip band including a plurality of teeth extending from the first axial end, each of the plurality of teeth configured to rotate with respect to an axis of the grip band in transition between an uncompressed condition and a compressed condition to change a corresponding angle of attack of each of the plurality of teeth with respect to the pipe length.

A preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.

A preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.

A polymer-lined fluid transmission line includes various structures, including a first polymer-lined pipe, a second polymer-lined pipe, and one or more sleeve retainers installed at a pipe junction between the polymer-lined pipes. Among other things, the sleeve retainers may include one or more protuberances to frictionally engage the polymer-lined pipes or a one or more portions that protrude into a space between the polymer-lined pipes to help retain and protect polymer sleeves.

A preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.

A preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.

A pipe coupling for coupling a first pipe to a second pipe wherein a gap exists between a first pipe end and a second pipe end. The pipe coupling includes a tubular insert configured to fit within the gap and match an inside diameter and outside diameter of the pipes, thereby providing a through-butt joint between the insert and the pipes. The pipe coupling also includes a half-tubular first fitting section and a half-tubular second fitting section, configured to snap-lock and form a tubular shape over the insert, the first pipe end and the second pipe end. In some embodiments, the insert is integral with the fitting sections.

A pipe coupling for coupling a first pipe to a second pipe wherein a gap exists between a first pipe end and a second pipe end. The pipe coupling includes a tubular insert configured to fit within the gap and match an inside diameter and outside diameter of the pipes, thereby providing a through-butt joint between the insert and the pipes. The pipe coupling also includes a half-tubular first fitting section and a half-tubular second fitting section, configured to snap-lock and form a tubular shape over the insert, the first pipe end and the second pipe end. In some embodiments, the insert is integral with the fitting sections.