Method of Preparing a Pre-Assembled Pipe Coupling

A method of preparing a pre-assembled coupling for receiving pipe elements to be joined end to end, said coupling comprising first and second segments, each having first and second ends oppositely disposed and a respective connection member positioned at each said end, said method comprising:

• positioning a flexible, resilient ring within a first channel in said first segment, said ring having a ring outer surface engaging said first segment;
• engaging a second channel in said second segment with said ring outer surface so as to align each said connection member on said first segment with a respective one of said connection members on said second segment;
• attaching said first end of said first segment to said first end of said second segment, and attaching said second end of said first segment to said second end of said second segment such that said segments surround said ring and define a central space for receiving said pipe elements;
• supporting said first and second segments in spaced apart relation from one another on said ring at a distance at least sufficient to permit insertion of said pipe elements into said central space without disassembling said segments from one another.