Patent ID: 9423059
Filing Date: 2016-08-23
CPC Classification: E04C,F16L

Claim Text:
1. A coupler apparatus for use with concrete segments comprising: a first duct having an end and an exterior surface; a first coupler member having a connector at an end thereof, said first coupler member being connected to said first duct; a second duct having an end and an exterior surface; a second coupler member having a connector, said second coupler member being connected to said second duct; and a gasket having a first end portion received by said connector of said first coupler member and a second end portion received by said connector of said second coupler member and an intermediate portion between said first and second end portions, said intermediate portion extending radially outwardly beyond adjacent ends of both of said connectors of said first and second coupler members, said intermediate portion having a bulge portion of a thickness greater than a thickness of said first end portion and greater than a thickness of said second end portion, said gasket having a depression in an inner wall of said gasket in a location corresponding to said bulge portion, said first end portion extending linearly into said connector of said first coupler, said second end portion extending linearly into said connector of said second coupler, said bulge portion extending linearly, the length of said bulge portion greater than the length of the first end portion and greater than the length of the second end portion, said gasket and said first and second coupler members forming a liquid-tight seal between said first and second ducts.