Patent ID: 7520539

Claim:
A pipe clamp for connecting two tubular bodies, comprising: a band extending circumferentially and continuously from a first end to a second end and having a pair of axial ends, said band including a radially protruding rib located inwardly of said axial ends and extending continuously at least part way between said first and second ends, wherein said first and second ends of said band comprise radially extending flanges; a tightening mechanism connected to said flanges to draw said first and second ends toward and away from each other for tightening and loosening of said band; a split sleeve disposed within said band and located at least within said rib such that, when tightened, said band compresses said sleeve via direct contact between a radially inward surface of said rib and an outer surface of said sleeve, said split sleeve extending circumferentially from a first mating end to a second mating end; and a gasket disposed radially within said sleeve such that said gasket is located at least partially within said rib.