Patent ID: 7273238
Filing Date: 2007-09-25
Classification: E04C,F16L,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a first duct having a rib formed on an exterior surface thereof, said rib having an outer surface with a side wall extending therefrom; a second duct having a rib formed on an exterior surface thereof, said first and second ducts extending in longitudinal alignment, said rib of said second duct having an outer surface with a side wall extending therefrom; a collar receiving said first and second ducts therein in generally end-to-end relationship, said collar having a first end and a second end; a first coupler element translatably secured to said collar; a first seal interposed between a surface of said first coupler element and a surface of said collar, said first coupler element translatable between a first position in which said first seal is spaced from said side wall of said rib of said first duct and a second position in which said first seal is juxtaposed against said surface of said rib of said first duct; a second coupler element translatably secured to said collar; and a second seal interposed between a surface of said second coupler element and a surface of said collar, said second coupler element translatable between a first position in which said second seal is spaced from said side wall of said rib of said second duct and a second position in which said second seal is juxtaposed against said side wall of said rib of said second duct.