Grooved pipe coupling with improved sealing

A pipe coupling assembly for coupling pipe elements in an end-to-end relationship, the pipe coupling assembly comprising:

• first and second coupling segments, each coupling segment comprising:
• a curved portion having a first end and a second end, and an inner surface extending between the first and second ends, the inner surface defining a channel shaped and sized to receive a portion of an annular seal therein;
• a fastening lug member extending radially outward from the second end of the curved portion, the fastening lug members of the first and second coupling segments being configured to be drawn towards each other to close said first and second coupling segments around said pipe elements;
• and
• at least one elevated protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the curved portion and configured to impart a radially inward force on said annular seal,
• wherein the curved portion comprises two lateral gaps formed between the outer surface and the seal, the two lateral gaps are not in contact with the at least one elevated protrusion,
• and wherein the at least one elevated protrusion applies pressure to locally deform the seal into lateral gaps.