Patent ID: 7686347

Claim:
A coupler apparatus for use with concrete segments comprising: a first precast concrete segment comprising: a first duct having an end and an exterior surface; a first coupler member having a connector and a flexible boot extending therefrom, said flexible boot having an end opposite said connector extending over and around said exterior surface of said first duct at said end thereof, said flexible boot suitable for allowing a longitudinal axis of said connector to extend at a non-linear orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of said first duct; a second precast concrete segment comprising: a second duct having an end and an exterior surface; a second coupler member having a connector and a flexible boot extending therefrom, said flexible boot of said second coupler having an end opposite said connector extending over and around said exterior surface of said second duct at said end thereof, said flexible boot of said second coupler member suitable for allowing a longitudinal axis of said connector of said second coupler member to extend at anon-linear orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of said first duct; and a gasketing means received in said connectors of said first and second coupler members for forming a liquid-tight seal between said first and second ducts.