WO1998046926A1 - Raccord pour conduits pourvu d'un mecanisme a levier articule - Google Patents

Raccord pour conduits pourvu d'un mecanisme a levier articule Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998046926A1
WO1998046926A1 PCT/US1997/006141 US9706141W WO9846926A1 WO 1998046926 A1 WO1998046926 A1 WO 1998046926A1 US 9706141 W US9706141 W US 9706141W WO 9846926 A1 WO9846926 A1 WO 9846926A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
coupler
coupler section
section
exterior surface
duct
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/006141
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Felix L. Sorkin
Original Assignee
Sorkin Felix L
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sorkin Felix L filed Critical Sorkin Felix L
Priority to AU27287/97A priority Critical patent/AU2728797A/en
Priority to PCT/US1997/006141 priority patent/WO1998046926A1/fr
Publication of WO1998046926A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998046926A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L21/00Joints with sleeve or socket
    • F16L21/08Joints with sleeve or socket with additional locking means
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L21/00Joints with sleeve or socket
    • F16L21/06Joints with sleeve or socket with a divided sleeve or ring clamping around the pipe-ends

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a duct coupler, and more especially to a coupler for providing a water-tight joint between adjacent sections of duct used to provide a channel for multi-strand post-tensioning of concrete structures.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the first coupler section 12 has a generally semi-cylindrical configuration.
  • a 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.
  • the term "hinge” can includes mechanical hinges which are at'tached to the coupler sections 12 and 14 or a hinge formed of plastic material in the molding of the coupler sections 12 and 14.
  • 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.
  • the slot 36 will pass over and be received by the retainer 30 on the exterior surface of the first coupler section 12.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGURE 4 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the first coupler section 102 includes a planar surface 108 with a first curved end 110 and a second curved end 112.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 .

Abstract

L'invention concerne un raccord (10) permettant de relier un premier conduit (50) à un second conduit (52), comprenant une première section de raccord (12), une seconde section de raccord (14) reliée de façon articulée à la première section, et un levier (32) relié de façon articulée à un bord de la seconde section de raccord (14) opposée à la première section de raccord (12). La première section de raccord (12) présente un logement (26) formé le long d'un de ses bords. Ce logement (26) est placé sur un côté de la première section de raccord (12) opposé à la seconde section de raccord (14). Le levier (32) peut venir s'engager dans le logement (26) pour serrer la première et la seconde section de raccord (12, 14) ensemble sur la surface extérieure du premier et du second conduit (50, 52). Le levier (32) comporte un prolongement (24) qui s'étend vers l'extérieur depuis le côté opposé de la seconde section de raccord (14) et un bras (34) qui est relié audit prolongement (24). Ce bras (34) présente une extrémité (28) s'étendant vers l'extérieur depuis le prolongement (24) de façon à pouvoir se loger dans le logement (26).
PCT/US1997/006141 1997-04-14 1997-04-14 Raccord pour conduits pourvu d'un mecanisme a levier articule WO1998046926A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU27287/97A AU2728797A (en) 1997-04-14 1997-04-14 Duct coupler with hinged lever mechanism
PCT/US1997/006141 WO1998046926A1 (fr) 1997-04-14 1997-04-14 Raccord pour conduits pourvu d'un mecanisme a levier articule

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1997/006141 WO1998046926A1 (fr) 1997-04-14 1997-04-14 Raccord pour conduits pourvu d'un mecanisme a levier articule

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998046926A1 true WO1998046926A1 (fr) 1998-10-22

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ID=22260703

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/006141 WO1998046926A1 (fr) 1997-04-14 1997-04-14 Raccord pour conduits pourvu d'un mecanisme a levier articule

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2728797A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998046926A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1369632A1 (fr) 2002-06-07 2003-12-10 Legris Sa Moyens de connexion de deux éléments de conduite
WO2013049343A3 (fr) * 2011-09-28 2013-10-03 Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc. Soufflet de test fendu
US9291290B2 (en) 2012-05-21 2016-03-22 Havaco Technologies Foldable HVAC conduit and duct collar

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1162362A (en) * 1912-06-26 1915-11-30 Alfred E Hyland Coupling for pipe, hose, shafts, &c.
US2775806A (en) * 1953-09-09 1957-01-01 Kac Ltd Adjustable girth clamping ring
US3828403A (en) * 1972-04-10 1974-08-13 D Perrin Pipe coupling
US4452097A (en) * 1981-07-16 1984-06-05 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft Tubular window drive mechanism particularly for motor vehicles
US4465330A (en) * 1980-01-17 1984-08-14 Cenzo Herbert A De Clam-shell coupling for joining beaded tubes
US4561678A (en) * 1983-05-04 1985-12-31 Victaulic Company Of America Pipe coupling
US5015013A (en) * 1989-02-08 1991-05-14 Labinal S.A. Connector fitting for connecting corrugated conduit sections
US5320391A (en) * 1991-04-07 1994-06-14 Vsl International Ag Device for connecting two sheaths

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1162362A (en) * 1912-06-26 1915-11-30 Alfred E Hyland Coupling for pipe, hose, shafts, &c.
US2775806A (en) * 1953-09-09 1957-01-01 Kac Ltd Adjustable girth clamping ring
US3828403A (en) * 1972-04-10 1974-08-13 D Perrin Pipe coupling
US4465330A (en) * 1980-01-17 1984-08-14 Cenzo Herbert A De Clam-shell coupling for joining beaded tubes
US4452097A (en) * 1981-07-16 1984-06-05 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft Tubular window drive mechanism particularly for motor vehicles
US4561678A (en) * 1983-05-04 1985-12-31 Victaulic Company Of America Pipe coupling
US5015013A (en) * 1989-02-08 1991-05-14 Labinal S.A. Connector fitting for connecting corrugated conduit sections
US5320391A (en) * 1991-04-07 1994-06-14 Vsl International Ag Device for connecting two sheaths

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1369632A1 (fr) 2002-06-07 2003-12-10 Legris Sa Moyens de connexion de deux éléments de conduite
FR2840667A1 (fr) * 2002-06-07 2003-12-12 Legris Sa Moyens de connexion de deux elements de conduite
US6832791B2 (en) 2002-06-07 2004-12-21 Legris Sa Connection means for interconnecting two duct elements
WO2013049343A3 (fr) * 2011-09-28 2013-10-03 Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc. Soufflet de test fendu
US9958096B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2018-05-01 Franklin Fueling Systems, Llc Split test boot
US9291290B2 (en) 2012-05-21 2016-03-22 Havaco Technologies Foldable HVAC conduit and duct collar

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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