Patent ID: 8573655

Claim:
An apparatus for sealing an open end of a pipe comprising: at least one generally annular shaped clamp having an inner diameter adapted to be provided over an outer surface of the pipe, the clamp including a means for circumferentially gripping the outer surface of the pipe and preventing relative axial movement there-between; a sealing plate, adapted to cover and seal the open end of the pipe; an urging means for urging the sealing plate axially towards the clamp and against the open end of the pipe when said apparatus is in use; the clamp comprising at least two clamp sections adapted to be joined together; each of the clamp sections including connecting flanges, provided at opposite ends of respective clamp sections; a plurality of first connecting elements for connecting the opposed flanges of adjacent clamp sections, when the apparatus is in use, and for tightening adjacent clamp section together; each of the clamp sections including a sealing flange extending along at least a portion of the length thereof, wherein, when said clamp sections are assembled, said sealing flanges form a generally circumferential flange on the clamp.