Pipe coupling assembly

A method of making locking mechanism for use with a coupler assembly for sealing pipe, the method comprising the steps of:

• forming a partially hollow cylindrical body having a first end opposite a second end along a common axis;
• defining first and second arcuate openings within the body;
• forming within the body a first cord path connecting the first end to the first arcuate opening;
• forming within the body a second cord path, separate from the first cord path, connecting the second end to the second arcuate opening;
• forming a first tab coupled to the body and wherein responsive to a force over a force threshold being applied to the first tab, the first tab extends into and out of the first cord path;
• and
• forming a second tab that is coupled to the body and wherein responsive to the force over the force threshold being applied to the second tab, the second tab extends into and out of the second cord path.

A locking mechanism for use with a coupler assembly for sealing pipe comprising:

• a partially hollow cylindrical body having a first end opposite a second end along a common axis, the body defining:
• a first cord path connecting the first end to a first arcuate opening defined in the body;
• at least one of a first tab and a second tab along the first cord path, the at least one of the first tab and the second tab comprising a plurality of teeth that extend into the first cord path, the at least one of the first tab and the second tab flexibly connected to the body, wherein responsive to a force directed into the body, the at least one of the first tab and the second tab flexes into the first cord path and responsive to force directed out of the body the at least one of the first tab and the second tab flexes out of the first cord path;
• a second cord path connecting the second end to a second arcuate opening defined in the body, wherein the first cord path and the second cord path comprise separate paths;
• and
• at least one of a third tab and a fourth tab along the second cord path, the at least one of the third tab and the fourth tab comprising a plurality of teeth that extend into the second cord path, at least one of the third tab and the fourth tab flexibly connected to the body, wherein responsive to the force directed into the body, the at least one of the third tab and the fourth tab flexes into the second cord path and responsive to force directed out of the body the at least one of the third tab and the fourth tab flexes out of the second cord path, the at least one of a first tab and the second tab spaced from the at least one of the third tab and the fourth tab by the first and second arcuate openings.