Patent ID: 6834890
Filing Date: 2004-12-28
Classification: E04C,F16L

Abstract:
A coupler apparatus for use with concrete segments comprising:a first duct having an end and an exterior surface; a first coupler member extending over and around said exterior surface of said duct, said first coupler member having an end opening adjacent said end of said first duct; a second duct having an end and an exterior surface; a second coupler member extending over and around said exterior surface of said second duct, said second coupler member having an end opening adjacent said end of said second duct; a first gasket received in said end of said first coupler member; a second gasket received in said end of said second coupler member, said first coupler member and said second coupler member being connected together such that said first gasket is in sealing contact with said second gasket; a first external seal affixed in generally liquid-tight relationship to an opposite end of said first coupler member and affixed to an exterior surface of said first duct; and a second external seal affixed in generally liquid-tight relationship to an opposite end of said second coupler member and affixed to an exterior surface of said second duct, each of said first and second external seals being formed of a heat shrink material, said first external seal being in compressive contact with an exterior surface of said first coupler member and with said exterior surface of said first duct, said second external seal being in compressive contact with an exterior surface of said second coupler member and with said exterior surface of said second duct.