End cap locking mechanism for connecting pre-cast concrete structures

Abstract

An end cap locking mechanism used to protect attachment means connecting pre-cast concrete structural members from exposure to adverse environmental conditions having an end cap and a connection sleeve, wherein the end cap is inserted into an end of the connection sleeve and engaged therein prohibiting any exposure of the attachment means to precipitation, which if exposed to such, could possibly corrode the attachment means. The position of the end cap is locked when inserted into the end of the connection sleeve by protrusion rings and cooperating recesses within both the end cap and the receiving section of the connection sleeve.

1 . An end cap locking mechanism for connecting pre-cast concrete structures comprising an end cap and a connection sleeve, 
 the connection sleeve has an expanded tubular section disposed at one end, a receiving unit disposed at the other end, and an elongated tubular section disposed therebetween, and being of a width smaller than the widths of both the expanded tubular section and the receiving unit,    the receiving unit has a holding member and a washer housing, wherein the holding member receives and holds the end cap and the washer housing provides the needed space for a washer to move therein to accommodate for the adjustments of an attachment member, said washer housing has a larger width than that of the holding member,    disposed on and around the circumference of the end cap is a protrusion ring that directly engages a recess disposed within and around the circumference of the holding member, thereby locking the end cap within the receiving member.    
   
   
       2 . The end cap locking mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the end cap and the connection sleeve are unitary bodies.  
   
   
       3 . The end cap locking mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the end cap and the connection sleeve are made from polyethylene.  
   
   
       4 . The end cap locking mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein a shoulder is formed within the washer housing enabling the washer to adjustably abut thereagainst.  
   
   
       5 . The end cap locking mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein an additional protrusion ring is disposed on and around the circumference of the end cap and an additional recess is disposed within and around the circumference of the holding member.  
   
   
       6 . An end cap locking mechanism for connecting pre-cast concrete structures comprising an end cap and a connection sleeve, 
 the end cap having a pair of inwardly tapering protrusions and a v-shaped recess disposed therebetween, wherein the pair of inwardly tapering protrusions and the v-shaped recess is disposed on and around the circumference thereof,    the connection sleeve has an expanded tubular section disposed at one end, a receiving unit disposed at the other end, and an elongated tubular section disposed therebetween, and being of a width smaller than widths of the expanded tubular section and the receiving unit,    an inwardly extending protrusion ring is disposed within and around the circumference of the receiving unit, wherein the protrusion ring of the receiving unit engages the v-shaped recess of the end cap, thereby locking the end cap within the receiving unit.    
   
   
       7 . The end cap locking mechanism of  claim 6 , wherein the end cap and the connection sleeve are each made as unitary bodies.  
   
   
       8 . The end cap locking mechanism of  claim 6 , wherein the end cap and the connection sleeve are made from polyethylene.  
   
   
       9 . The end cap locking mechanism of  claim 6 , wherein a shoulder is formed within the receiving unit to support a washer of an attachment means.  
   
   
       10 . The end cap locking mechanism of  claim 6 , wherein the receiving unit has a flat section which directly engages one of the inwardly tapering protrusions.