Patent ID: 8651530

Claim:
A pipe coupling comprising: an annular clamp having an opening at at least one end of its axial length for inserting therein a pipe, said annular clamp comprising two clamp members and a tightening element arranged to fasten and tighten said clamp members towards each other in a direction transverse to an axial length of said annular clamp so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on a pipe inserted in said opening; an annular seal disposed in said annular clamp for sealing around the pipe inserted in said opening; and a mechanical fastener that comprises a threaded shaft with a washer flange, said washer flange having a lower rim, said threaded shaft having opposing ends that extend from opposite sides of said washer flange, wherein both of said ends of said threaded shaft accept nuts, and wherein when nuts are tightened on both ends of said threaded shaft, said lower rim bites into said annular seal.