Patent ID: 7695021

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 connected to said first duct, said first coupler member having a connector at an end thereof opposite said first duct, said connector having a channel formed therein so as to open longitudinally outwardly therefrom; a second precast concrete segment comprising: a second duct having an end and an exterior surface; a second coupler member connected to said second duct, said second coupler member having a planar abutment surface at an end thereof opposite said second duct, said abutment surface facing said channel and extending in transverse planar relation to a longitudinal axis of said second coupler member; a gasket member received in said channel of said connector of said first coupler member and extending outwardly therefrom, said gasket member being in compressive contact with said abutment surface of said second coupler member, said channel of said connector of said first coupler member having an outer side wall in spaced relation to an inner side wall, said channel having an interior wall extending between said outer side wall and said inner side wall, said gasket member positioned between said outer and inner side walls, said gasket member having a generally U-shaped cross-section with a first leg residing against said outer side wall and a second leg residing against said inner side wall and a curved end extend outwardly of an opening of said channel; and said first coupler member being connected by a first flexible boot to said first duct, said second coupler member being connected by a second flexible boot to said second duct.