Seal with rigid stop ring

摘要

A seal (12) for pipe couplings (10) and a method of connecting pipe elements. The seal (12) has an elastic ring (24) surrounding a rigid ring (50). The elastic ring (24) has side portions (26,28) connected by a recessed center portion (30). The recessed center portion (30) has a diameter no greater than the final diameter of the elastic ring (24) in its deformed shape which effects a fluid tight joint. The seal (12) is positioned between segments (14,16) of a pipe coupling (10). Pipe elements are inserted into the elastic ring (24) against the rigid ring (50) from opposite sides of the coupling (10). The segments (14,16) are drawn toward one another by fasteners (18), compressing the side portions (26,28) and effecting the fluid tight joint.