Method and apparatus for forming a joint in a confined space between two abutting ends of conduit liners

#The present invention relates to the repair and reconditioning of buried conduits such as sewage lines, drainage lines, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to the coupling of abutting ends of liners for buried conduits with the coupling being performed within the limited confines of an excavation.

#In the past, it has been common to use masonry and clay conduits buried in the ground for sewage systems, drainage systems, and the like. Although these buried systems have been quite satisfactory for their purpose, it has been found that over a period of time, these conduit systems can deteriorate and become damaged. This deterioration can be as a result of many causes, such as root action, soil movement, deterioration of the pipe material, and the like. The conventional method of repairing buried conduit systems is to completely excavate the system and repair the damaged portions thereof. The disadvantages of this conventional repair method is apparent when it is considered that the systems are commonly positioned under the street or roadway, and are buried in the ground from 6 to 30 feet. Thus, substantial expenses can be involved in the excavation and repair.

#In addition, when the systems are located below roadways and other structures, complete excavation will require that these structures be disturbed and repaired. In addition, this method can require substantial periods of time, and during this time, use of the sewage system and roadways is restricted.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an excavation illustrating a coupling installed on abutting ends of conduit liners;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of abutting conduit liner sections illustrating the step of placing the sleeve around the exterior at one of the sections;

#FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the step of attaching the ends of the conduit sections together by use of a tape material;

#Referring now to the Drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is illustrated in FIG. 1, a buried sewer main conduit 10, which has been opened and relined with right and left hand conduit liner sections 12 and 14, respectively. The sections 12 and 14 have their extending ends coupled together by an improved coupling 16 which is installed according to the improved method of the present invention.

#In the practice of the improved method of the present invention, access to the conduit 10 is provided by forming an excavation 18. In the alternative, access can be provided through existing manholes. Although only one excavation 18 is illustrated, it is to be understood, of course, that numerous excavations are made at points spaced along the length of the conduit 10.

#Next, the conduit 10 is opened and cleaned of roots and other debris by conventional well-known methods in the art. Thereafter, due to the flexibility of the liner material, a right hand liner 12 of suitable material such as polyethylene, is axially inserted into the conduit 10 in the direction of arrow 20. Next, the left hand liner 14 is axially inserted in conduit 10 in the direction of arrow 22. These liner sections 12 and 14 are of sufficient length to span the distance between the adjacent excavations.