A coupling joining pipe elements (56, 58) in end to end relation, said coupling comprising said pipe elements (56, 58); a plurality of segments (42, 44) attached to one another end to end and surrounding a central space, each of said segments (42, 44) having a channel extending circumferentially around and facing said central space; connection members being positioned at opposite ends of each of said segments (42, 44), said connection members being adjustably tightenable for drawing said segments (42, 44) toward one another; a seal positioned between said segments (42, 44), said seal comprising: a ring having a peripheral wall extending circumferentially therearound, said ring being received within said channels; a first lobe attached to said peripheral wall, said first lobe extending circumferentially around said ring; a first sealing surface positioned on said first lobe, said first sealing surface extending circumferentially around said ring; at least a first projection extending from said first sealing surface; a second lobe attached to said peripheral wall opposite to said first lobe, said second lobe extending circumferentially around said ring; a second sealing surface positioned on said second lobe, said second sealing surface extending circumferentially around said ring; said segments (42, 44) being supported in a pre-assembled state in spaced apart relation sufficient to permit said pipe elements (56, 58) to be inserted into said central space while said segments (42, 44) are attached to one another, said first and second sealing surfaces respectively contacting said pipe elements (56, 58), said first projection engaging one of said pipe elements (56, 58) and maintaining a portion of said first sealing surface in spaced relation away therefrom; wherein tightening of said connection members draws said segments (42, 44) toward one another thereby compressing said portion of said first sealing surface into sealing engagement with said one pipe element (56, 58) thereby closing said leak path, wherein the coupling has one of the following features: - said first lobe comprises a free edge, said first projection being positioned proximate to said free edge; - said first lobe comprises a free edge, said first projection being positioned distal to said free edge. a ring having a peripheral wall extending circumferentially therearound, said ring being received within said channels; a first lobe attached to said peripheral wall, said first lobe extending circumferentially around said ring; a first sealing surface positioned on said first lobe, said first sealing surface extending circumferentially around said ring; at least a first projection extending from said first sealing surface; a second lobe attached to said peripheral wall opposite to said first lobe, said second lobe extending circumferentially around said ring; a second sealing surface positioned on said second lobe, said second sealing surface extending circumferentially around said ring; said segments (42, 44) being supported in a pre-assembled state in spaced apart relation sufficient to permit said pipe elements (56, 58) to be inserted into said central space while said segments (42, 44) are attached to one another, said first and second sealing surfaces respectively contacting said pipe elements (56, 58), said first projection engaging one of said pipe elements (56, 58) and maintaining a portion of said first sealing surface in spaced relation away therefrom; wherein tightening of said connection members draws said segments (42, 44) toward one another thereby compressing said portion of said first sealing surface into sealing engagement with said one pipe element (56, 58) thereby closing said leak path, wherein the coupling has one of the following features: - said first lobe comprises a free edge, said first projection being positioned proximate to said free edge; - said first lobe comprises a free edge, said first projection being positioned distal to said free edge. - said first lobe comprises a free edge, said first projection being positioned proximate to said free edge; - said first lobe comprises a free edge, said first projection being positioned distal to said free edge.