Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a protector for the inner end of pipe connector hubs which have seats in their bores which are conically shaped to receive conically shaped outer faces of lips on each end of a seal ring to be held between the hubs, and flanges having conically shaped outer ends adapted to be engaged by clamping means to draw their inner ends toward one another in order to cause the seats to be sealably engaged by the faces of the lips of the seal ring. The protector includes a cup shaped body of resilient material which has a circular, inner end wall disposable over the bore of the hub and across the inner end of the flange, an annular side wall extending from the periphery of the end wall for disposal over the outer side of the flange, and a conically shaped outer end wall extending inwardly from the free end of the side wall for disposal over the full extent of the outer end of the flange of the hub.