Gripping wedge for pipe joint restraint

A restraint apparatus for a pipe joint, the restraint apparatus comprising:

• a joint restraint comprising a housing;
• a fastener engaged with the joint restraint, the fastener comprising a distal end portion adapted to be received within the housing of the joint restraint;
• and
• a gripping wedge received within the housing of the joint restraint and adapted to be engaged by the distal end portion of the fastener;
• wherein the gripping wedge comprises:
• a first surface;
• a groove formed in the first surface, the groove having first and second curvatures;
• wherein the first curvature extends in a first plane;
• wherein the second curvature extends in a second plane;
• and
• wherein the second plane is perpendicular to the first plane;
• a projection at least a portion of which is offset from the first surface;
• wherein the projection is adjacent the groove so that at least a portion of the groove is positioned between the projection and the first surface;
• wherein the projection has a third curvature;
• wherein the third curvature of the projection is coaxial with the first curvature of the groove;
• and
• wherein the projection is adapted to dig into a pipe being restrained by the restraint apparatus;
• and
• an inclined ledge opposing the first surface in the first plane and adapted to be engaged by the distal end portion of the fastener;
• wherein the inclined ledge defines a fourth curvature, the fourth curvature extending within the second plane;
• and
• wherein the inclined ledge, including the fourth curvature, permits the gripping wedge to pivot, about the distal end portion of the fastener as the projection digs into the pipe being restrained by the restraint apparatus, and prevents, or at least resists, over-rotation of the gripping wedge.