| US4452097A | 1984-06-05 | |||
| US5320391A | 1994-06-14 | |||
| US4465330A | 1984-08-14 | |||
| US1162362A | 1915-11-30 | |||
| US4561678A | 1985-12-31 | |||
| US5015013A | 1991-05-14 | |||
| US3828403A | 1974-08-13 | |||
| US2775806A | 1957-01-01 |
| 1. | A coupler for joining a first duct to a second comprising: a first coupler section having an interior surface conforming to a portion of an exterior surface of the first and second ducts; a second coupler section hingedly connected at one side to said first coupler section, said second coupler section having an inner surface conforming to another portion of the exterior surface of the first and second ducts; and a latching means connected to an opposite side of said second coupler section from said first coupler section, said latching means for joining said first coupler section to said second coupler section around the exterior surfaces of the first and second ducts. |
| 2. | The coupler of Claim 1, said first coupler section having a generally semicylindrical configuration, said second coupler section having a generally semicylindrical configuration, at least one of said first and second coupler sections having a hinge member extending therefrom and connecting with another of said first and second coupler sections. |
| 3. | The coupler of Claim 2, said first and second coupler sections and said hinge member being integrally formed together of a polymeric material. |
| 4. | The coupler of Claim 1, further comprising: a first sealing means extending along an inner surface of said first coupler section, said first sealing means for forming a generally liquidtight seal with the exterior surface of the first duct; and a second sealing means extending along an inner surface of said second coupler section, said second sealing means for forming a generally liquidtight seal with the exterior surface of the second duct. |
| 5. | The coupler of Claim 4, each of said first and second sealing means comprising: an elastomeric seal having a widened portion along a first side and a second side of said seal, said widened portion for conforming to tolerance variations between said interior surface of the coupler section and the exterior surface of the duct. |
| 6. | The coupler of Claim 1, said latching means comprising: a lever means extending outwardly from said opposite side of said second coupler section; and a receptacle formed on a side of said first coupler section opposite said second coupler section, said lever means engagable with said receptacle for drawing said first coupler section into engagement with said second coupler section around the first and second ducts. |
| 7. | The coupler of Claim 6, said lever means comprising: an extension portion extending outwardly from said opposite side of said second coupler section; and an arm member connected to said extension portion opposite said second coupler section, said arm member having an end extending outwardly from said extension member, said end receivable within said receptacle. |
| 8. | The coupler of Claim 7, said arm member having a surface conforming to a portion of an exterior surface of said first coupler section. |
| 9. | The coupler of Claim 8, said surface of said arm member residing in surfacetosurface contact with said portion of said exterior surface of said first coupler section when said first coupler section is engaged with said second coupler section. |
| 10. | The coupler of Claim 9, said latching means comprising: a retaining means formed on the exterior surface of said first coupler section, said retaining means for retaining said arm member in surfacetosurface contact with the exterior surface of said first coupler section. |
| 11. | The coupler of Claim 10, said retaining means comprising: a slot formed in said arm member distal said end of said arm member; and a hook member formed on said exterior surface of said first coupler section, said hook member extending through said slot when said arm member is in surfacetosurface contact with said exterior surface of said first coupler section, said hook member retaining said arm member in surfacetosurface contact with the exterior surface of said first coupler section. |
| 12. | The coupler of Claim 9, said extension portion being a hinge connecting said arm member to said second coupler section. |
| 13. | The coupler of Claim 1, said first coupler section having a planar side with a first curved end and an opposite second curved end, said second coupler section having a planar side with a first curved end and an opposite second curved end, said planar sides of said first and second coupler sections being in parallel relationship when said latching means joins the first coupler section to the second coupler section. |
| 14. | The coupler of Claim 13, said first curved end of said first coupler section abutting said first curved end of said second coupler section and said second curved end of said first coupler section abutting said second curved end of said second coupler section when said first and second coupler sections are joined together. |
| 15. | A coupler for joining a first duct to a second duct comprising: a first coupler section; a second coupler section hingedly connected to said first coupler section, said first coupler section having a receptacle formed along an edge thereof, said receptacle being on a side of said first coupler section opposite said second coupler section; and a lever means hingedly connected to an edge of said second coupler section opposite said first coupler section, said lever means engaging said receptacle for drawing said first and second coupler sections together over an exterior surface of the first and second ducts. |
| 16. | The coupler of Claim 15, said lever means comprising: an exterior portion extending outwardly from said opposite side of said second coupler section; and an arm member connected to said extension portion opposite said second coupler section, said arm member having an end extending outwardly from said extension member, said end receivable within said receptacle. |
| 17. | The coupler of Claim 16, said arm member having a surface conforming to an exterior surface of said first coupler section. |
| 18. | The coupler of Claim 17, further comprising: a retaining means formed on an exterior surface of said first coupler section, said retaining means for retaining said arm member in surfacetosurface contact with a portion of the exterior surface of said first coupler section. |
| 19. | The coupler of Claim 15, said first coupler section, said second coupler section, and said lever means being integrally formed together of a polymeric material. |
| 20. | The coupler of Claim 15, further comprising: a first elastomeric seal extending along an inner surface of said first coupler section, said first elastomeric seal for forming a generally liquidtight seal with the exterior surface of the first duct; and a second elastomeric seal extending along an inner surface of said second coupler section, said second elastomeric seal for forming a generally liquidtight seal with an exterior surface of said second duct, each of said first and second elastomeric seals having a widened portion along a first side and a second side of said seal, said widened portion for conforming to tolerance variations between an interior surface of the coupler section and the exterior surface of the duct. |
BACKGROUND ART It is highly desirable to protect tensioned steel cables from corrosive elements, such as de-icing chemicals, sea water, brackish water, and even rain water which could enter through cracks or pores in the concrete and eventually cause corrosion and loss of tension of the cables. In multi-strand applications, the cables typically are protected against exposure to corrosive elements by surrounding them with a metal duct or, more recently, with a flexible duct made of an impermeable material, such as plastic. The protective duct extends between the anchors and in surrounding relationship to the bundle of tensioning cables. Flexible duct, which typically is provided in 20 to 40 foot sections is sealed at each end to an anchor and between adjacent sections of duct to provide a water-tight channel. Grout then may be pumped into the interior of the duct in surrounding relationship to the cables to provide further protection.
Several approaches have been tried to solve the problem of quickly, inexpensively and securely sealing the joints between adjacent sections of duct used in multi-strand post-tensioned applications. However, all prior art devices have utilized a plurality of arcuate sections which must be assembled at a joint around the ends of adjacent duct sections. Wedges, compression bolts or the like then are used to compress the joined sections into sealing engagement with the duct and with each other. Such prior art devices have been cumbersome to use and have proved somewhat unreliable in their ability to exclude moisture or other corrosive elements from the interior of the ducts.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a coupler for sealing between adjacent sections of an elongated duct.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a coupler which facilitates installation by the user and which, when engaged with the opposed duct ends, will securely seal against the intrusion of corrosive elements.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a coupler which includes a latching mechanism for securely engaging coupler sections together and for conforming the internal seal to the surfaces of the duct.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a coupler which is of unitary construction.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a coupler which is easy to use, easy to manufacture, and relatively inexpensive.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a coupler for joining a first duct to a second duct comprising a first coupler section having an interior surface conforming to a portion of an exterior surface of the first and second ducts, a second coupler section hingedly connected to one side of the first coupler section and having an inner surface conforming to another portion of the exterior surface of the first and second ducts, and a latching means connected to an opposite side of the second coupler section from the first coupler section. The latching means serves to join the first coupler section to the second coupler section around the exterior surface of the first and second ducts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a cross-sectional side view of the coupler in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the coupler of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURES 3 and 4 show the installation of the coupler around a pair of ducts.
FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the elastomeric seals when the coupler is placed over the first and second ducts.
FIGURE 6 is a plan view of an elastomeric seal in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the elastomeric seal as taken across lines 7 - 7 of FIGURE 6.
FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the coupler of the present invention as including a grout and/or air vent.
FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the coupler of the present invention.
FIGURE 10 is a plan view of the coupler of the alternative embodiment of FIGURE 9.
FIGURE 11 is a plan view of the alternative embodiment of the coupler of FIGURE 9 as including an air and/or grout vent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGURE 1, there is shown at 10 the coupler of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Coupler 10 is designed so as to join a first duct to a second duct therein. The coupler 10 includes a first coupler section 12, a second coupler section 14 and a latching member 16. In particular, it can be seen that the first coupler section 12 has an interior surface 18 which generally conforms to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the first and second ducts. The second coupler section 14 is hingedly connected at 20 to the first coupler section 12.
The second coupler section 14 has an inner surface 22 which also conforms to another portion of the exterior surface of the first and second ducts. The latching member 16 is connected at 24 to an opposite side of the second coupler section 14 from the first coupler section 12. As will be described hereinafter, the latching member 16 serves to join the first coupler section 12 to the second coupler section 14 around the exterior surfaces of the first and second ducts.
As can be seen in FIGURE 1, the first coupler section 12 has a generally semi-cylindrical configuration. Along one side of the first coupler section 12 is a receptacle 26. The receptacle 26 is a slot which is configured so as to receive an end 28 of the latching member 16. The operation of the end 28 of the latching member 16 and the receptacle 26 will be described hereinafter. A retaining member 30 is formed on the exterior surface of the first coupler section 12.
The second coupler section 14 also has a semi-cylindrical configuration. The hinge 20 serves to connect the second coupler section 14 with the first coupler section 12. As used herein, the term "hinge" can includes mechanical hinges which are attached to the coupler sections 12 and 14 or a hinge formed of plastic material in the molding of the coupler sections 12 and 14. As shown in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first coupler section 12 and the second coupler section 14 are integrally formed together of a polymeric material.
The latching member 16 includes a lever 32 which extends outwardly from a side of the second coupler section 14 opposite the first coupler section 12. The lever 32 includes an extension portion 24 which extends outwardly from this opposite side of the second coupler section 14. The lever 32 also includes an arm member 34 which is connected to the extension portion 24. The arm member 34 has an end 28 which extends outwardly from the extension portion 24. The end 28 is of a size and configuration which is receivable within the receptacle 26 on the side of the first coupler section 12.
It can be seen that the arm member 34 has a curved configuration which generally conforms to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the first coupler section 12. A slot 36 is formed in the arm member 34 of the lever 32. In normal use, and as will be described hereinafter, the slot 36 will pass over and be received by the retainer 30 on the exterior surface of the first coupler section 12. In the present invention, the first coupler section 12, the second coupler section 14, the extension portion 24, and the arm member 34 are integrally formed together. Each of the coupler sections 12 and 14 will includes elastomeric seals which serve to maintain liquid-tight contact between the interior surfaces of the coupler sections 12 and 14 and the exterior surfaces of the ducts.
FIGURE 2 illustrates an interior view of the coupler 10 of the present invention. As can be seen, the interior surface of the first coupler section 12 has a configuration which generally conforms to an exterior surface of the ducts. The actual configuration of the first coupler section 12 and the second coupler section 14 will depend upon the configuration of the ducts upon which the coupler is placed.
The configuration of ridges and planar sections formed on the interior surfaces of the coupler sections 12 and 14, as illustrated in FIGURE 2, serve to match with one type of conventional duct. However, various other configurations of the interior surfaces of the coupler sections 12 and 14 can be made so as to conform with the shape of the duct.
In FIGURE 2, it can be seen that the first coupler section 12 is joined to the second coupler section 14 by hinge member 20. The hinge member 20 is shown as a polymeric strip which extends generally across the entire width of the first and second coupler sections. Importantly, the coupler sections 12 and 14 incorporate a unique form of seal.
Coupler section 12 includes a seal 40 extending along an interior surface of the first coupler section 12. A seal 42 is positioned along an interior surface of the second coupler section 14. The seals 40 and 42 serve to form a generally liquid-tight seal with the exterior surface of the ducts. As will be described hereinafter, since the coupler 10 of the present invention has a "lever-type" action, the edges of the seals 40 and 42 are widened so as to be deformable and compressible between the interior surface of the coupler sections and the exterior surfaces of the ducts. The elastomeric seals 40 and 42 are illustrated with particularity in FIGURES 6 and 7 herein.
In FIGURE 2, it can be seen that the hinge portion 24 serves to connect an edge of the second coupler section 14 with the lever member 32. The lever member 32 has a width generally matching the width of the coupler sections 12 and 14. The end 28 of the arm 34 of the lever member 32 also extends across the width of the arm 34.
FIGURES 3 and 4 show how the coupler 10 can be positioned around a pair of ducts 44. In normal use, ducts 44 will be positioned in generally end-to-end relationship. So as to assure a proper seal around the ends of the ducts 44, it is necessary to place the coupler 10 therearound. In FIGURE 3, it can be seen that the first coupler section 12 is rotated around hinge 20 so as to form a generally cylindrical configuration with the second coupler section 14 around the ducts 44. The rotation of the first coupler section 12 with respect to the second coupler section 14 can be done manually. After these coupler sections 12 and 14 are placed around the ducts 44, the receptacle 26 will reside in close proximity to the hinge portion 24 of the latching member 16.
Additionally, one edge of the coupler section 12 will reside in proximity with an opposite edge of the second coupler section 14. In this configuration, the arm 34 continues to extend outwardly from the hinge portion 24.
It can be seen in FIGURE 4 that it is relatively easy to establish a proper sealing relationship between the coupler sections 12 and 14 through the use of the arm 34 and its lever-type action. Initially, the end 28 of the arm 34 is inserted into the receptacle 26. The arm 34 is then pushed toward the outer surface of the first coupler section 12 until the slot 36 passes over the retainer 30. This action will cause the seals on the interior of the coupler sections 12 and 14 to compress against the outer surfaces of the ducts 44. The strong lever-type forces that are imparted by the movement of the arm 34 relative to the receptacle 26 will cause an extremely strong sealing force. When the arm 34 is released, the hook-like retaining member 30 will retain the inner surface of the arm 34 in surface-to-surface contact with the exterior surface of the first coupler section 12.
As can be seen, installation of the coupler 10 around the ducts 44 is accomplished in a quick and easy manner. Since all of the components of the coupler 10 of the present invention are integrally formed together, there is no need for assembly at the job site. The unique combination of the lever-type action of the arm 34 and the configuration of the seals 40 and 42 on the interior of the coupler sections 12 and 14, respectively, assures a very strong liquid-tight seal between the inner surface of the coupler sections 12 and 14 and the exterior surface of the ducts 44.
FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of the coupler 10 as positioned over a first duct 50 and a second duct 52. It can be seen that the first coupler section 12 resides in generally surface-to-surface contact with an outer surface 54 of the second duct 52 and an outer surface 56 of the first duct 50. The elastomeric seal 40 is compressed in liquid-tight contact between the annular portion of the ducts 50 and 52 and the interior surface of the first coupler section 12. Similarly, it can be seen that the elastomeric seal 42 of the second coupler section 14 is also compressed in the same manner as the first seal 40. The arm 34 will reside in generally surface-to-surface contact with at least a portion of the exterior surface of the first coupler sections 12. The relationship of the seals 40 and 42 with the surfaces of the ducts 50 and 52 and the interior surfaces of the coupler sections 12 and 14 will prevent liquid intrusion into the interior area 58.
FIGURE 6 shows the configuration of the elastomeric seal 40 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The elastomeric seal 40 has a similar configuration to that of the elastomeric seal 42, described herein previously. It can be seen that the elastomeric seal 40 includes a central portion 60 suitable for insertion into an interior area of the first coupler section 12. Transverse portions 62 and 64 extend from the central portion 60. A widened seal area 66 extends from the end of the transverse portion 64. Similarly, a widened portion 68 extends from the transverse portion 62. The widened portions 66 and 68 provide a great amount of compressibility and deformability in the areas between the exterior surface of the ducts and the interior surfaces of the coupler sections. As such, the configuration of the present invention facilitates the ability of the widened portion to conform to tolerance variations between the interior surface of the coupler section and the exterior surface of the duct. As such, extremely precise tolerances for the seal, for the duct and for the coupler sections are not necessary. The strong lever-type action of the arm of the present invention assures that the elastomeric material used for the widened portion 66 and 68 of the seal 40 will properly deform to fill any voids in passageways that may exist between the coupler section and the duct.
FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the elastomeric seal 40. As can be seen, the central portion 60 is suitable for conforming to the interior configuration of the first coupler section 12. The widened portions 66 and 68 extend outwardly beyond the outer surface 70 of the seal 40. When the coupler sections 12 and 14 are properly joined together, the end 72 of the widened portion 66 and the end 74 of the widened portion 68 will abut with similar portions on the elastomeric seal 42 of the second coupler section 14.
FIGURE 8 is an alternative embodiment 80 of the coupler of the present invention. It can be seen that the coupler 80 includes a first coupler section 82, a second coupler section 84, and a lever 86. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 8, a grout vent 88 is formed on the exterior surface 90 of the second coupler section 84. The grout vent 88 is adapted so as to allow one to pump grout into the interior area between the coupler 80 and the ducts received therein. Additionally, the grout vent 88 can also serve to bleed air out of the area between the coupler 80 and the ducts received therein.
FIGURE 9 shows an alternative embodiment 100 of the present invention. The coupler 100 of the present invention is designed so as to be suitable for use on ducts that have a planar surface configuration. The coupler 100 includes a first coupler section 102, a second coupler section 104, and a lever mechanism 106. It can be seen that the first coupler section 102 includes a planar surface 108 with a first curved end 110 and a second curved end 112. Similarly, the second coupler section 104 has a planar section 114 with a first curved end 116 and a second curved end 118. The first coupler section 102 is joined at hinge 120 to the second coupler section 104. As with the previous embodiment, each of the coupler sections 102 and 104 has an interior surface which conforms to the configuration of the interior surface of the ducts received therein.
A receptacle 122 is formed at the end of the curved end 110 of the first coupler section 102. A retainer 124 is also formed on the exterior surface of the planar section 108.
The lever mechanism 106 includes an arm 126 which is connected to an edge of the second coupler section 104 at the end of the curved end 118. A hinge portion 128 extends from the curved end 118 to the arm 126. The arm 126 includes an end 130 having a size suitable for receipt within the receptacle 122 on the first coupler section 102.
In normal use, the first coupler section 102 will be rotated about hinge 120 so as to extend around the exterior surfaces of a first and second duct received therein. When the end 110 of the first coupler section 102 is in proximity to the end 114 of the second coupler section 104, the end 130 of the arm 126 is inserted into the receptacle 122. As a result, the strong lever-type action of the arm 126 can be used so as to establish a strong seal between the interior surface of the coupler sections 102 and 104 and the exterior surfaces of the ducts received therein. Retainer 124 is positioned so as to receive the end 134 of the arm 126. The inner surface 136 of the arm 126 will reside in surface-to-surface contact with the exterior surface of the planar section 108 of the first coupler section 102.
FIGURE 10 illustrates the interior configuration of the alternative embodiment 100 of the present invention. It can be seen that the first coupler section 102 is joined to the second coupler section 104 by the hinge 120. The arm 126 extends outwardly from the hinge portion 128. End 130 extends across the width of the arm 126. Elastomeric seals, having a configuration resembling that of the previous embodiment, can be fit into the interior areas 140 and 142 of the coupler sections 102 and 104, respectively. Each of the elastomeric seals will have widened edge portions so as to assure a proper liquid-tight seal between the ducts received within the interior of the coupler 100, after the coupler is installed.
FIGURE 11 shows another alternative embodiment 200 of the configuration shown in FIGURES 9 and 10 of the coupler of the present invention. The coupler 200 includes a first coupler section 202 and a second coupler section 204. A grout vent 206 is formed on the planar portion of the second coupler section 204 so as to allow the user to pump grout into the interior of the coupler 200 or to bleed air out of the interior. The vent 206 can function either vent air or to pump grout. The actual function of the vent 206 will depend upon the profile of the ducts upon which it is installed.
The present invention has a large number of advantages over the prior art. The present invention is a one-piece coupler. There are no separate pieces to assemble. As a result, proper assembly of the coupler of the present invention is assured. No tools are required to install the coupler onto and over the ducts. The strong lever-type action of the latch assures the tight securement of the coupler around the exterior of the ducts. As a result, proper liquid-tight seals are assured. The assembly and installation times required for the installation of such ducts are greatly reduced with the configuration of the present invention. The unitary configuration of the present invention allows for easy storage, transportation, and shipment. The arrangement also can be configured so as to nest with one another for easy stacking. The coupler of the present invention can be adapted for all of the sizes of ducts that are conventionally in use.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.