Self-gripping, no-slip rebar coupler
OwnerImran N. Khaninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention comprises an improved rebar coupler designed to simplify joining rebar while minimizing slippage. It features a male and female threaded external housing, an internal cylinder, springs, and tightening members with wedges. The coupler creates an opposing force to lock rebar securely, addressing challenges in existing methods. Available in two-piece and three-piece configurations, it accommodates various rebar sizes without modification. The design allows for single-person operation, reduces manual labor, and enhances structural integrity. The rebar coupler meets stringent standards like CalTrans CT670, offering advantages over existing products by eliminating heavy equipment needs and complex installation procedures.
Claims16
A rebar coupler comprising:
- a male threaded external housing;
- a female threaded external housing;
- an internal cylinder configured to directly contact and apply an outward force directly upon tightening members to create mechanical interlock with inserted rebar pieces;
- wherein the internal cylinder is formed of steel;
- at least one spring extending through the internal cylinder;
- a first set of tightening members comprising a plurality of pre-assembled tapered wedges having teeth configured to create mechanical interlock with and grip into a surface of a rebar;
- and
- a second set of tightening members comprising a plurality of pre-assembled tapered wedges having teeth configured to create mechanical interlock with and grip into a surface of a rebar;
- wherein the male threaded external housing and female threaded external housing are configured to be directly screw-coupled to enable the internal cylinder to create an opposing force on the tightening members in contact with the internal cylinder that locks inserted rebar pieces in place through direct mechanical interlock between the teeth and rebar surfaces.
A method of coupling rebar comprising:
- inserting a first piece of rebar into one end of a rebar coupler until it meets an internal stop or reaches a predetermined distance of insertion;
- inserting a second piece of rebar into an opposite end of the rebar coupler until it meets an internal stop or reaches a predetermined distance of insertion;
- applying torque to a male threaded external housing and a female threaded external housing of the rebar coupler to tighten them together, thereby
- causing an internal cylinder to apply uniform outward force directly upon pre-assembled tapered wedges having teeth;
- forcing the pre-assembled tapered wedges towards a center of the rebar coupler;
- and creating mechanical interlock between the teeth and surfaces of the inserted rebar pieces through the uniform outward force of the internal cylinder.
A rebar coupler system configured to comply with CalTrans CT670 test methods, the system comprising:
- a male threaded external housing;
- a female threaded external housing;
- an internal cylinder formed of steel and configured to directly contact and apply an outward force upon tightening members to create mechanical interlock with inserted rebar pieces;
- at least one spring extending through the internal cylinder;
- a first set of tightening members comprising a plurality of pre-assembled tapered wedges having teeth configured to create mechanical interlock with and grip into a surface of a rebar;
- a second set of tightening members comprising a plurality of pre-assembled tapered wedges having teeth configured to create mechanical interlock with and grip into a surface of a rebar;
- and
- wherein the system is configured to
- minimize or eliminate slip between coupled rebar pieces under cyclic loading conditions;
- function independently of surrounding concrete;
- provide direct mechanical connection between the rebar pieces without requiring specialized equipment or bar end preparation;
- and
- exceed 125% of specified yield strength as defined by ASTM A615 and achieve 100% of ultimate tensile strength requirements as specified in ACI 318.
A rebar coupler comprising:
- a male threaded external housing;
- a female threaded external housing;
- an internal cylinder formed of steel and configured to directly contact and apply an outward force upon tightening members to create mechanical interlock with inserted rebar pieces;
- at least one spring extending through the internal cylinder;
- a first set of tightening members comprising a plurality of wedges;
- and
- a second set of tightening members comprising a plurality of wedges;
- wherein the male threaded external housing and female threaded external housing are configured to be coupled with a central housing piece positioned therebetween to create an opposing force that locks inserted rebar pieces in place;
- wherein the central housing piece maintains proper alignment of the internal cylinder;
- and;
- wherein the internal cylinder extends through the central housing piece without a stop plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.