U.S. patent application number 10/538717 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for reinforcing bar coupler.
Invention is credited to Yong-Keun Kim.
Application Number | 20060053735 10/538717 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36729280 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060053735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Yong-Keun |
March 16, 2006 |
Reinforcing bar coupler
Abstract
A reinforcing bar coupler is provided to couple a pair of
reinforcing bars with a mechanical coupling method, thus ensuring a
prompt and easy coupling operation and allowing the reinforcing
bars to be firmly coupled to each other. The reinforcing bar
coupler includes a cylindrical base sleeve. The base sleeve is open
at a surface thereof, and has a first seating groove on an inner
surface thereof so that the ends of the reinforcing bars are seated
therein, and a pair of first locking parts each having a first
slanted surface. A cover sleeve has a second seating groove on a
surface thereof to cover the reinforcing bars seated in the first
seating groove of the base sleeve. A wedge has a pair of second
locking parts each having a second slanted surface, and is fitted
into the base sleeve to wedge the cover sleeve and the reinforcing
bars into the base sleeve.
Inventors: |
Kim; Yong-Keun; (Incheon,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GWIPS;PETER T. KWON
1600-3 SEOCHO-DONG, SEOCHO-GU,
DAELIM BUILDING, 9TH FLOOR
SEOUL
137-877
KR
|
Family ID: |
36729280 |
Appl. No.: |
10/538717 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
January 7, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR04/00012 |
371 Date: |
June 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/848 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04C 5/165 20130101;
E04C 5/163 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/726.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 3/30 20060101
E04C003/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 8, 2003 |
KR |
10-2003-0000955 |
Claims
1 to 22. (canceled)
23. A reinforcing bar coupler for coupling an overlapped first and
second reinforcing bar (1, 1a) each other, each of the first and
second reinforcing bar (1, 1a) including a plurality of
semi-annular ribs (12) and longitudinal ribs (11), the reinforcing
bar coupler comprising: a base sleeve (2, 2b) forming
semi-cylindrical shape of dual cavities with a lateral opening (23)
along with axial direction for seating the first and second
reinforcing bar (1, 1a) laid in parallel, inner surface of said
base sleeve (2, 2b) forming a plurality of semi-annular grooves
(26) for fitting the semi-annular ribs (12) and semi-cylindrical
ridges (24) for seating the first and second reinforcing bar (1,
1a), and a pair of locking parts (27) along with both edges of
lateral walls (25), a cover sleeve (3, 3b) forming dual arch shaped
cut-outs, inner surface of said cover sleeve (3, 3b) forming
semi-annular grooves (32) and semi-cylindrical ridges (31) for
fitting the semi-annular ribs (12) of the first and second
reinforcing bars (1, 1a) and a flat top surface (33) at opposite
side, and a wedge (4, 4b) having gradually decreasing thickness
along with the axial direction, and a pair of locking sections (45)
along with both edges (46) for firmly coupling the first and second
reinforcing bar (1, 1a) as axially slide advancing into said base
sleeve (2, 2b).
24. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 23, wherein said
locking parts (27) of the base sleeve (2, 2b) are integrally formed
a right-triangle shaped edge with inwardly slanted surfaces (29),
said locking sections (45) of the wedge (4, 4b) are integrally
formed a right-triangle shape groove with outwardly slanted
surfaces (46), both slanted surfaces (29, 46) having same slope for
smoothly mating each other and press-bonding the first and second
reinforcing bars (1, 1a).
25. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 23, wherein
intervals of the semi-annular grooves (26) and semi-cylindrical
ridges (24) of said base sleeve (2, 2b) have same that of the
semi-annular ribs (12) of the first and second reinforcing bars (1,
1a), and outer surface of said base sleeve (2, 2b) formed multiple
of semi-annular ribs (22) and longitudinal ribs (21) same shape as
the semi-annular ribs (12) and longitudinal ribs (11) of the first
and second reinforcing bars (1, 1a).
26. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 25, wherein an
overall length of said base sleeve (2, 2b) is a half interval of
the semi-annular ribs shorter than that of said cover sleeve (3,
3b), a set of serrations (33a) formed at one end portion of the
flat top surface (33) of the cover sleeve (3, 3b), said wedge (4,
4b) forming a flat bottom surface (43) for contacting with said
flat top surface (33) of the cover sleeve (3, 3b), a set of
serrations (43a) formed at one end portion of the flat bottom
surface (43) of said wedge (4, 4b), more than one groove (44)
formed on said flat bottom surface (43) along with the axial
direction, and a scale (48) formed at outer surface.
27. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 23, wherein an
interval of the semi-annular grooves (26) and semi-cylindrical
ridges (24) of the base sleeve (2, 2b) and the cover sleeve (3, 3b)
is a half that of the semi-annular ribs (12) of the reinforcing
bars (1, 1a).
28. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 23, wherein the
base sleeve (2b) and the wedge (4b) are produced through elastic
process with a uniform thickness of steel plate, said locking parts
(27) of the base sleeve (2b) are bent to have a clearance slightly
less than a thickness of said locking sections (45) of the wedge
(4b) for tightly press-fitting to the clearance, said locking
sections (45) of the wedge (4b) formed laterally bent-up and
gradually decreased its height along with the axial direction, a
striking head (42) formed at the higher end and a scale (48) formed
on the outer surface.
29. A reinforcing bar coupler for coupling an overlapped first and
second reinforcing bar (1, 1a) each other, each of the first and
second reinforcing bar (1, 1a) including a plurality of
semi-annular ribs (12) and longitudinal ribs (11), the reinforcing
bar coupler comprising: a base sleeve (2a) forming semi-cylindrical
shape of dual cavities with a lateral opening (23) along with axial
direction for seating the first and second reinforcing bar (1, 1a)
laid in parallel, inner surface of said base sleeve (2a) forming a
plurality of semi-annular grooves (26) for fitting the semi-annular
ribs (12) and semi-cylindrical ridges (24) for seating the first
and second reinforcing bar (1, 1a), and a pair of locking parts
(27) along with both edges of lateral walls (25), and a wedge (4a)
having gradually decreasing thickness along with the axial
direction, and a pair of locking sections (45) along with both
edges (46) for firmly coupling the first and second reinforcing bar
(1, 1a) as axially slide advancing into said base sleeve (2a).
30. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 29, wherein the
base sleeve (2a) and the wedge (4a) are produced through elastic
process with a uniform thickness of steel plate, said locking parts
(27) of the base sleeve (2a) are bent to have a clearance slightly
less than a thickness of said locking sections (45) of the wedge
(4a) for tightly press-fitting to the clearance, said locking
sections (45) of the wedge (4a) formed laterally bent-up at both
edges and gradually decreased its height along with the axial
direction, a striking head (42) formed at the higher rear end, and
a scale (48) formed on the outer surface.
31. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 29, wherein the
wedge (4a) forms a flat bottom surface (43) with a serration (43a),
a chamfered edge (41) at a thinner front end and a striking head
(42) at the thicker rear end for striking to insert, and a scale
(48) on the outer surface.
32. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 29, wherein said
locking parts (27) of the base sleeve (2a) are integrally formed a
right-triangle shape edge with outwardly slanted surfaces (29) at
both edges of the lateral walls (25), said locking sections (45) of
the wedge (4a) are integrally formed a U-shape hook with inwardly
slanted surfaces (46), both slanted surfaces (29, 46) having same
slope for smoothly mating each other and firmly press-bonding the
first and second reinforcing bars (1, 1a), a bottom surface of the
wedge (4a) formed a serration (43a), and a scale (48) formed on the
outer surface.
33. A reinforcing bar coupler for coupling a pair of butted first
and second reinforcing bar (1, 1a), each of the first and second
reinforcing bar (1, 1a) including a plurality of semi-annular ribs
(12) and longitudinal ribs (11), the reinforcing bar coupler
comprising: a base sleeve (2c, 2d) forming a semi-cylindrical
shaped cavity with a lateral opening (23) along with axial
direction for seating the first and second reinforcing bar (1, 1a)
laid in butt, inner surface of said base sleeve (2c, 2d) forming a
plurality of semi-annular grooves (26) for fitting the semi-annular
ribs (12) and semi-cylindrical ridges (24) for seating the first
and second reinforcing bar (1, 1a), and a pair of locking parts
(27) along with both edges of lateral walls (25), a cover sleeve
(3c, 3d) forming an arch shaped cut-out, inner surface of said
cover sleeve (3c, 3d) forming semi-annular grooves (32) and
semi-cylindrical ridges (31) for fitting the semi-annular ribs (12)
of the first and second reinforcing bars (1, 1a) and a flat top
surface (33) at opposite side, and a wedge (4c, 4d) having
gradually decreasing thickness along with the axial direction, and
a pair of locking sections (45) along with both edges (46) for
firmly coupling the first and second reinforcing bar (1, 1a) as
axially slide advancing into said base sleeve (2c, 2d).
34. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 33, wherein said
locking parts (27) of the base sleeve (2c, 2d) are integrally
formed a right-triangle shaped edge with inwardly slanted surfaces
(29), said locking sections (45) of the wedge (4c, 4d) are
integrally formed a right-triangle shape groove with outwardly
slanted surfaces (46), both slanted surfaces (29, 46) having same
slope for smoothly mating each other and press-bonding the first
and second reinforcing bars (1, 1a).
35. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 33, wherein said
locking parts (27) of the base sleeve (2c) are formed to taper down
from both end openings to center, a pair of the wedge (4c) are
inserted from both end openings of the base sleeve (2c) for
press-bonding the cover sleeve (3c) and the first and second
reinforcing bars (1, 1a), together.
36. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 33, wherein said
base sleeve (2c, 2d) and said cover sleeve (3c, 3d) form a space
(28, 34) slightly deeper than the semi-annular grooves (26, 32) at
their center portion for resting the ends of the butted first and
second reinforcing bar (1, 1a).
37. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 33, wherein an
overall length of the base sleeve (2c, 2d) is a half interval of
the semi-annular rib shorter than that of the cover sleeve (3c,
3d), a half of semi-annular groove (32) formed at mouth of the
cover sleeve (3c, 3d), a set of serrations (33a) formed at one end
portion of the flat top surface (33), said wedge (4c, 4d) having a
flat bottom surface (43) for contacting with said flat top surface
(33) of the cover sleeve (3c, 3d), a set of serrations (43a) formed
at one end portion of said flat bottom surface (43), at least one
linear groove (44) formed on the flat bottom surface (43) along
with the axial direction of the wedge (4, 4b), and a scale (48)
formed on outer surface.
38. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 33, wherein the
base sleeve (2e) and the wedge (4e) are produced through elastic
process with a uniform thickness of steel plate, said locking parts
(27) of the base sleeve (2e) are bent to have a clearance slightly
less than a thickness of said locking sections (45) of the wedge
(4e) for tightly press-fitting to the clearance, said locking
sections (45) of the wedge (4e) formed laterally bent-up both edges
and gradually decreased its height along with the axial direction,
a striking head (42) formed at the higher rear end, and a scale
(48) formed on outer surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to reinforcing
bar couplers and, more particularly, to a reinforcing bar coupler
which is designed to couple reinforcing bars using a mechanical
coupling method when the reinforcing bars are to be coupled to each
other in reinforced concrete work, thus ensuring a prompt and easy
coupling operation and allowing the reinforcing bars to be firmly
coupled to each other.
[0003] 2. Related Prior Art
[0004] There have been used various methods of jointing reinforcing
bars; for example, a lap-joint process, a gas pressure welding
process, a threaded-joint process, etc. Of these, the lap-joint
process, which is carried out by overlapping the ends of the
reinforcing bars for a certain length and binding them with binding
wires, is predominantly used. However, the lap-joint process has a
disadvantage in that the lapped reinforcing bars are weak in
resistance to a tensile load. The gas pressure welding process is
carried out by butting together the ends of the reinforcing bars
and welding them to each other through oxy acetylene welding.
However, the gas welding process is problematic in that it is
complicated and takes a longer time to execute. Further, the welded
portion of the reinforcing bars is weakened by heat, and a post
inspection is further required. The threaded-joint process is
carried out as follows: A male thread is formed on each end of each
reinforcing bar. The ends of the reinforcing bars are coupled to
each other by a coupler having an internal female thread on both
ends. However, the threaded-joint process has a problem in that the
ends of the reinforcing bars must be threaded and the long
reinforcing bars must be coupled to each other with a screw-type
motion while remaining aligned with each other, so that it is
difficult to execute the threaded-joint process. The threaded-joint
process has another problem in that the threaded end of each
reinforcing bar has a smaller diameter compared to the majority of
the reinforcing bar, so that the threaded end is weakened in
resistance to a tensile load.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in
mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a mechanical reinforcing bar
coupler which includes a base sleeve, a cover sleeve, and a wedge,
so that reinforcing bars are coupled to each other merely by
fitting the wedge into the sleeve using a simple hammering tool or
a hydraulic tool, thus ensuring a prompt and easy coupling
operation, and allowing the reinforcing bars to be firmly coupled
to each other. Further, the base sleeve is axially open at a
surface thereof to form an opening, so that a worker executes the
coupling operation while observing the interior of the base sleeve
with the naked eye; thus the coupling operation is more promptly
and conveniently carried out. Further, it is possible to fabricate
components of the reinforcing bar coupler from steel plate using a
press, thus allowing mass production of the reinforcing bar coupler
and thereby considerably reducing the cost of the reinforcing bar
coupler.
[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
mechanical reinforcing bar coupler which allows the reinforcing
bars to be coupled to each other while being lapped, thus affording
a prompt and convenient coupling operation, providing a joint with
a higher resistance to a tensile or compressive load compared to a
lap-joint process using binding wires, and allowing the length of
lapped regions of the reinforcing bars to be shorter and thereby
increasing distances between adjacent coupled reinforcing bars,
therefore allowing the concrete pouring operation to be easily
executed.
[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
reinforcing bar coupler which allows elements of the reinforcing
bar coupler to be manufactured without an additional process, such
as a threading process, thus reducing manufacturing costs of the
reinforcing bar coupler.
[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a reinforcing bar coupler capable of coupling reinforcing bars
which may have a small difference in the size of the reinforcing
bars according to manufacturing companies in spite of the same
standard, as long as the reinforcing bars have semi-annular ribs of
the same shape, and regardless of whether the semi-annular ribs of
the reinforcing bars have a circular or semicircular shape. In
order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention
provides a reinforcing bar coupler including a cylindrical base
sleeve which is open at a surface thereof, and has a first seating
groove axially provided in the base sleeve so that the ends of the
reinforcing bars are seated therein, and a pair of first locking
parts each having a first slanted surface, and including a cover
sleeve which has a second seating groove axially provided in the
cover sleeve to cover the reinforcing bars seated in the first
seating groove of the base sleeve, and including a wedge which has
a pair of second locking parts each having a second slanted
surface. In this case, the wedge is axially fitted into the base
sleeve to be placed between the first locking parts of the base
sleeve and the cover sleeve, so that the wedge wedges the cover
sleeve and the reinforcing bars into the base sleeve, thus allowing
the reinforcing bars to be firmly coupled to each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcing bar
coupler, according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of the reinforcing bar coupler of FIG.
1, in which two reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by the
reinforcing bar coupler;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG.
2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG.
2;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the reinforcing bar coupler
of FIG. 1, when the reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by
the reinforcing bar coupler;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG.
2 showing a reinforcing bar coupler according to a modification of
the first embodiment, in which the reinforcing bar coupler includes
an additional rib seat between the semi-annular grooves of a base
sleeve, and an additional rib seat between the semi-annular grooves
of a cover sleeve;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcing bar
coupler, according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wedge included in the
reinforcing bar coupler of FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a side view of the reinforcing bar coupler of FIG.
7 when shown from a leading end of the wedge, in which two
reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by the reinforcing bar
coupler;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line E-E of FIG.
9;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the reinforcing bar coupler
of FIG. 7, when the reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by
the reinforcing bar coupler;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the reinforcing bar coupler
of FIG. 7, when the reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by a
plurality of reinforcing bar couplers;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a side view of a reinforcing bar coupler
according to a modification of the second embodiment, in which
locking parts of a base sleeve and locking parts of a cover sleeve
extend outward, different from the reinforcing bar coupler of FIG.
7;
[0023] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcing bar
coupler, according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wedge included in the
reinforcing bar coupler of FIG. 14;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a wedge included in a
reinforcing bar coupler according to a modification of the third
embodiment, in which the wedge has a shape different from the wedge
of FIG. 15;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a side view of the reinforcing bar coupler of
FIG. 14 when shown from a hammering end of the wedge, in which two
reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by the reinforcing bar
coupler;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along the line G-G of FIG.
17;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line H-H of FIG.
17;
[0029] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcing bar
coupler, according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a side view of the reinforcing bar coupler of
FIG. 20, when the reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by the
reinforcing bar coupler;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG.
21;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the reinforcing bar coupler
of FIG. 20, when the reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by
the reinforcing bar coupler;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG.
21 showing a reinforcing bar coupler according to a modification of
the fourth embodiment, in which the reinforcing bar coupler is used
to couple deformed bars having semicircular ribs to each other;
[0034] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcing bar
coupler, according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a side view of the reinforcing bar coupler of
FIG. 25, when two reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by the
reinforcing bar coupler;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG.
26;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the reinforcing bar coupler
of FIG. 25, when the reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by
the reinforcing bar coupler;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG.
26 showing a reinforcing bar coupler according to a first
modification of the fifth embodiment, in which the reinforcing bar
coupler is used to couple deformed bars having semicircular ribs to
each other;
[0039] FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG.
26 showing a reinforcing bar coupler according to a second
modification of the fifth embodiment, in which the reinforcing bar
coupler is used to couple deformed bars having semicircular ribs to
each other;
[0040] FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcing bar
coupler, according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a wedge included in the
reinforcing bar coupler of FIG. 31;
[0042] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a wedge included in a
reinforcing bar coupler according to a modification of the sixth
embodiment, in which the wedge has a shape different from that of
the wedge of FIG. 32;
[0043] FIG. 34 is a side view of the reinforcing bar coupler of
FIG. 31 when shown from a hammering end of the wedge, in which two
reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by the reinforcing bar
coupler; and
[0044] FIG. 35 is a sectional view taken along the line F-F of FIG.
34.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] Reference should now be made to the drawings, in which the
same reference numerals are used throughout the different drawings
to designate the same or similar components.
[0046] FIGS. 1 through 6 show a reinforcing bar coupler according
to the first embodiment of the present invention. According to the
first embodiment, first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are
coupled to each other so that the ends of the is first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are lapped together, using a base sleeve
2 which is open at a surface thereof, a cover sleeve 3, and a
single wedge 4.
[0047] The base sleeve 2 has the shape of a cylinder which is
axially open at a surface thereof to form an opening 23. A pair of
seating ridges 24 is axially provided in the base sleeve 2,
arranged side by side so that the ends of the first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are seated side by side in the seating
ridges 24. Each of the seating ridges 24 has a semicircular
cross-section and a depth corresponding to about a half of a
diameter of each of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a.
A plurality of semi-annular grooves 26 having a semicircular
cross-section are provided on predetermined portions of the seating
ridges 24 to allow semi-annular ribs 12 of each of the first and
second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a to be seated therein.
[0048] Both sidewalls 25 of the base sleeve 2 extend upward from
the outer edges of the seating ridges 24 facing each other. The
distance between the sidewalls 25 is slightly longer than the
distance between outside longitudinal ribs 11 of the first and
second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a which are seated in the seating
ridges 24, thus allowing the cover sleeve 3 to be easily seated in
the base sleeve 2.
[0049] Further, the base sleeve 2 includes a pair of locking parts
27 to be locked to locking parts 45 of the wedge 4 which will be
described later herein. Each of the locking parts 27 extends
perpendicularly from the upper edge of the associated sidewall 25
to form a U-shaped cross-section. In this case, the locking parts
27 are not connected to each other, and a slanted surface 29 is
axially formed along an inner surface of each of the locking parts
27 to be in contact with an associated slanted surface 46 of the
wedge 4 described later herein.
[0050] On an outer surface of the base sleeve 2 are provided a
plurality of semi-annular ribs 22 and longitudinal ribs 21 having
the same shapes as the semi-annular ribs 12 and longitudinal ribs
11 of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a, thus
increasing the adhesive force between the first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a and the concrete.
[0051] The cover sleeve 3 is longer than the base sleeve 2 by about
a half of an interval between the semi-annular ribs 12 of each of
the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a. Further, the cover
sleeve 3 is slightly narrower than the interval between the
sidewalls 25 which upwardly extend from the outer edges of the
seating ridges 24 to face each other, so that the cover sleeve 3 is
easily seated in the space between the sidewalls 25 of the base
sleeve 2.
[0052] The cover sleeve 3 has, at a surface thereof, a pair of
seating ridges 31 which are arranged side by side to correspond to
the seating ridges 24 of the base sleeve 2, thus covering and
compressing the outer surfaces of the first and second reinforcing
bars 1 and 1a seated in the seating ridges 24. A flat surface 33 is
formed at a side opposite to the seating ridges 31. Further, a
serrated surface 33a is formed on a predetermined portion of the
flat surface 33 to engage with a serrated surface 43a of the wedge
4, thus preventing the wedge 4 from being removed from the base
sleeve 2 after the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are
coupled to each other.
[0053] Further, a plurality of semi-annular grooves 32 are formed
on the seating ridges 31 of the cover sleeve 3 to have the same
shape as the semi-annular grooves 26 of the base sleeve 2.
[0054] The wedge 4 is slightly longer than the cover sleeve 3 in
length, while being equal to the cover sleeve 3 in width. The wedge
4 includes a flat surface 43 which is in contact with the flat
surface 33 of the cover sleeve 3. The serrated surface 43a is
formed on a predetermined portion of the flat surface 43 to engage
with the serrated surface 33a of the cover sleeve 3. More than one
groove 44 are axially formed along the flat surface 43 to reduce
the surface area contacting the flat surface 33 of the cover sleeve
3, thus allowing the wedge 4 to be easily fitted into the base
sleeve 2 in such a way as to be placed between the cover sleeve 33
and the locking parts 27 of the base sleeve 2. A flat middle
section 47 is formed on a side opposite to the flat surface 43 of
the wedge 4. A pair of locking parts 45 extends from opposite sides
of the middle section 47 to form a U-shaped cross-section, thus
engaging with the locking parts 27 of the base sleeve 2. A slanted
surface 46 is axially formed along an outer surface of each of the
locking parts 45 tapering in a direction from a first end to a
second end of each of the locking parts 45, thus being in close
contact with the slanted surface 29 of each of the locking parts 27
of the base sleeve 2.
[0055] The operation of the reinforcing bar coupler according to
the first embodiment will be described below in detail.
[0056] First, the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are
placed so that the ends of the first and second reinforcing bars 1
and 1a overlap by a certain distance. A worker holds and moves the
base sleeve 2 to receive the lapped ends of the first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a in the opening 23 of the base sleeve 2.
The first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are seated in the
seating ridges 24 of the base sleeve 2. Next, the cover sleeve 3 is
axially fitted into the base sleeve 2 from an end of the base
sleeve 2 to cover the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a.
Thereafter, a leading end 41 of the wedge 4 is inserted into a
space between the flat surface 33 of the cover sleeve 3 and the
locking parts 27 of the base sleeve 2, and then a hammering end 42
of the wedge 4 is hammered using a tool, such as a hammer or a
hydraulic jack. While the wedge 4 is fitted into the base sleeve 2,
the slanted surfaces 29 of the locking parts 27 of the base sleeve
2 are in close contact with the slanted surfaces 46 of the locking
parts 45 of the wedge 4, so that the wedge 4 compresses the cover
sleeve 3 and the cover sleeve 3 strongly compresses the outer
surfaces of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a, thus
allowing the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a to be
firmly coupled to each other.
[0057] The reinforcing bar coupler, which couples reinforcing bars
to each other in a lap-joint process, is mainly used to couple
reinforcing bars having a relatively small diameter. But, such a
reinforcing bar coupler may also be used to couple reinforcing bars
having a larger diameter during the arrangement of bars. The
reinforcing bar coupler of this invention is equal to a
conventional reinforcing bar coupler, in that reinforcing bars are
coupled to each other while the ends of the reinforcing bars are
overlapped by a certain distance. However, according to the present
invention, the reinforcing bars are coupled to each other by the
mechanical reinforcing bar coupler having the base sleeve 2, the
cover sleeve 3, and the wedge 4, as opposed to the conventional
reinforcing bar coupler using binding wires. Thus, the reinforcing
bar coupler of this invention allows the coupling operation to be
easily executed, thus reducing the time required. Further, the
reinforcing bar coupler of this invention allows the overlap length
of the coupled reinforcing bars to be reduced, thus reducing
building costs. Since distances between adjacent coupled
reinforcing bars are increased when the coupled reinforcing bars
are arranged, it is possible to thickly, deeply, and evenly pour
concrete into a mold fabricated with concrete molding panels, thus
increasing the strength of a reinforced concrete structure.
Further, the reinforcing bar coupler of this invention allows the
coupled part of the reinforcing bars to have a higher resistance to
tensile or compressive load, compared to the conventional
reinforcing bar coupler which couples the reinforcing bars with
binding wires.
[0058] FIG. 6 shows a reinforcing bar coupler, according to a
modification of the first embodiment. Additional semi-annular
grooves 26 are provided between the semi-annular grooves 26 of the
seating ridges 24 of the base sleeve 2, and additional semi-annular
grooves 32 are provided between the semi-annular grooves 32 of the
seating ridges 31 of the cover sleeve 3, thus allowing the
semi-annular ribs 12 to be seated in the semi-annular grooves 26
and 32, regardless of whether the shape of the semi-annular ribs 12
is circular or semicircular. In a detailed description, when the
first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are coupled to each
other while the ends of the reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are lapped,
the semi-annular ribs 12 of the first and second reinforcing bars 1
and 1a must be simultaneously seated in the semi-annular grooves 26
of the base sleeve 2 and the semi-annular grooves 32 of the cover
sleeve 3. In this case, the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and
1a may have the semi-annular ribs 12 of the same shape, such as a
circular or semicircular shape, but one of the reinforcing bars 1
and 1a may have semi-annular ribs 12 of a circular shape while the
other reinforcing bar 1, 1a may have semi-annular ribs 12 of a
semicircular shape. However, the additional semi-annular grooves
26, 32 are provided between the semi-annular grooves 26, 32, thus
allowing the semi-annular ribs 12 of the reinforcing bars 1 and 1a
to be simultaneously seated in the semi-annular grooves 26 and
32.
[0059] FIGS. 7 through 13 show a reinforcing bar coupler according
to the second embodiment of the present invention. The reinforcing
bar coupler of the second embodiment is equal to that of the first
embodiment, except that the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and
1a are coupled to each other by fitting only a wedge 4a into a base
sleeve 2a without using the cover sleeve 3.
[0060] The base sleeve 2a has the same construction as that of the
first embodiment. Further, additional semi-annular grooves 26 may
be provided between the semi-annular grooves 26 of the seating
ridges 24 of the base sleeve 2a so as to receive the first and
second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a having semi-annular ribs 12 of
various shapes, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0061] The wedge 4a has the same width and length as the wedge 4 of
the first embodiment. But, according to the second embodiment,
since the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are wedged
into the base sleeve 2a by only the wedge 4a without the cover
sleeve 3, the wedge 4a is formed to be thicker than the wedge 4,
thus allowing the outer surfaces of the first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a to be sufficiently compressed.
[0062] A leading end 41 of the wedge 4a is chamfered so that the
wedge 4a smoothly slides into the base sleeve 2a while not being
hindered by the outer surfaces or the semi-annular ribs 12 of the
first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a, when the wedge 4a is
hammered into the base sleeve 2a in which the first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are seated. A serrated surface 43a is
formed throughout a flat surface 43 contacting the first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a to directly compress the outer surfaces
of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a. Further, as
shown in FIG. 8, a projecting part having a cross-section of a
right triangle is provided at a hammering end 42 of a middle
section 47 of the wedge 4a so that the wedge 4a is not hindered by
the outer surfaces of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and
1a when the wedge 4a is hammered into the base sleeve 2a.
[0063] FIG. 13 shows a reinforcing bar coupler according to a
modification of the second embodiment. The reinforcing bar coupler
of FIG. 13 is the same as that of the second embodiment, except for
the cross-sections of locking parts 27 of the base sleeve 2a and
locking parts 45 of the wedge 4a. In the reinforcing bar coupler of
FIG. 13, the locking parts 27 of the base sleeve 2a extend outwards
from the upper edges of the sidewalls 25 to be perpendicular to the
sidewalls 25. A slanted surface 29 is formed along the lower
surface of each of the locking parts 27 to be slanted upward in a
direction from an outside edge to an inside edge of the lower
surface of each locking part 27. The locking parts 45 of the wedge
4a extend outward from opposite sides of the middle section 47 and
are bent downward, prior to being bent toward the serrated surface
43a to form a U-shaped cross-section. A slanted surface 46 is
formed along the upper surface of the inward extending part of each
of the locking parts 45 to correspond to the slanted surfaces 29 of
the base sleeve 2a. The general construction and operation of the
reinforcing bar coupler of FIG. 13 remain the same as those of the
reinforcing bar coupler of the second embodiment.
[0064] The coupling method using the reinforcing bar coupler
according to the second embodiment is as follows.
[0065] First, the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are
seated side by side in the seating ridges 24 of the base sleeve 2a
while the ends of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a
are overlapped by a certain distance. Next, the wedge 4a is loosely
inserted into the base sleeve 2a and placed between the first and
second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a seated in the base sleeve 2a and
the locking parts 27, and then is hammered using a hammering tool.
At this time, the slanted surfaces 29 of the base sleeve 2a come
into close contact with the slanted surfaces 46 of the wedge 4a so
that the serrated surface 43a of the wedge 4a strongly compresses
the outer surfaces of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and
1a, thus allowing the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a to
be firmly coupled to each other.
[0066] The reinforcing bar coupler of the second embodiment may be
used to couple reinforcing bars to each other while the ends of the
reinforcing bars are overlapped, in place of binding wires. The
reinforcing bar coupler of the second embodiment has more
convenient operation and allows the reinforcing bars to be more
firmly coupled to each other in comparison with the coupling
operation using binding wires. Further, one or more reinforcing bar
couplers may be installed on the overlapped portions of the
reinforcing bars, as shown in FIG. 12. As such, the number of the
reinforcing bar couplers may be adjusted as desired.
[0067] FIGS. 14 through 19 show a reinforcing bar coupler according
to the third embodiment of the present invention. The reinforcing
bar coupler of the third embodiment has the same construction and
elements as the first embodiment, except that the base sleeve 2b
and the wedge 4b are both manufactured to have a constant thickness
by plastically deforming a steel plate of a predetermined thickness
using a pressing machine. Accordingly, the entire portion of the
base sleeve 2b has a constant thickness, and semicircular
projecting ribs are formed on the outer surfaces of the seating
ridges 24 of the base sleeve 2b at positions corresponding to the
semi-annular grooves 26 of the seating ridges 24, thus serving as
the semi-annular ribs 24 of the base sleeve 2, 2a. Further, the
wedge 4b is manufactured by plastically deforming a steel plate
using the pressing machine, so that the entire portion of the wedge
4b has a constant thickness. In order to prevent the wedge 4b from
being removed from its position between a cover sleeve 3b and
locking parts 27 of the base sleeve 2b, a serrated surface 43a is
formed on a predetermined portion of a flat surface 43. Or, an
inner surface of each of the locking parts 27 is formed to have a
width which is slightly smaller than the width of each of the
locking parts 45 of the wedge 4b, so that the portions of the
locking parts 45 adjacent to the leading end 41 are securely locked
to the locking parts 27 of the base sleeve 2b, thus preventing the
wedge 4b from being removed from the base sleeve 2b. As shown in
FIG. 15, a hammering end 42 of a middle section 47 of the wedge 4b
projects away from the flat surface 43, thus forming a V-shaped
projecting part. The V-shaped projection allows the hammering area
of the wedge 4b to be increased, thus allowing the wedge 4b to be
easily hammered without being hindered by the first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a. Further, a steel plate of a constant
thickness is cut to have a trapezoidal shape, and then is bent
upwards at both side edges thereof with a pressing machine to form
the locking parts 45 of the wedge 4b. A slanted surface 46 is
formed along each of the locking parts 45 in such a way that the
height of the slanted surface 46 is tapered from a first end to a
second end of each of the locking parts 45. As shown in FIG. 16, a
groove 44 having a V-shaped cross-section is axially formed along
the middle section 47 of the wedge 4b, so as to reduce the surface
area contacting with the cover sleeve 3b.
[0068] The coupling method using the reinforcing bar coupler
according to the third embodiment remains the same as the first
embodiment.
[0069] In the reinforcing bar coupler of the third embodiment, the
base sleeve 2b is open at a surface. Therefore, it is possible to
manufacture the base sleeve 2b by forming a steel plate using the
pressing machine, thus accomplishing mass production of the
reinforcing bar coupler and thereby considerably reducing the cost
of the reinforcing bar coupler.
[0070] FIGS. 20 through 24 show a reinforcing bar coupler according
to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The reinforcing
bar coupler of the fourth embodiment couples the first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a in a row without lapping the ends of the
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a. The reinforcing bar coupler includes a
base sleeve 2c open at a surface thereof, a cover sleeve 3c, and a
pair of wedges 4c. The general construction and operation of the
reinforcing bar coupler of the fourth embodiment remain the same as
the first embodiment, except that the first and second reinforcing
bars 1 and 1a are coupled in a row. Thus, the reinforcing bar
coupler of the fourth embodiment is constructed as follows. A
single seating groove 24 is provided along an inner surface of the
base sleeve 2c, and a single seating ridge 31 is provided along a
surface of the cover sleeve 3c, and the wedge 4c comprises a pair
of wedges 4c.
[0071] Slanted surfaces 29 of the locking parts 27 of the base
sleeve 2c are formed to have a diameter which increases in a
direction from a central portion to opposite ends of the base
sleeve 2c so that the pair of wedges 4c are fitted into the base
sleeve 2c from the opposite ends having the enlarged diameter.
Since the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are coupled in
a row, the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are axially
fitted into the base sleeve 2c so that the leading ends of the
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a reach central portions of both the
seating groove 24 of the base sleeve 2c and the seating ridges 31
of the cover sleeve 3c. On the central portions of the seating
ridges 24 and 31 are provided space 28 and 34, respectively. Each
of the space 28 and 34 has a width corresponding to a width between
three semi-annular ribs 12 and is slightly deeper than the
associated rib seat 26, 32. Therefore, in case the leading ends of
the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are bent during a
cutting process using a pressing machine or there exist projecting
parts which have larger diameters than the first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a, the space 28 and 34 allow the bent
leading ends or the projecting parts to be completely received
therein, thus allowing the semi-annular ribs 12 of the first and
second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a to be completely seated in the
base sleeve 2c and the cover sleeve 3c.
[0072] A pair of serrated surfaces 33a is formed on opposite ends
of a flat surface 33 of the cover sleeve 3c. The wedge 4c comprises
a pair of wedges 4c, and has a length corresponding to about a half
of the length of the base sleeve 2c. A serrated surface 43a is
formed on one end of a flat surface 43 of each of the wedges
4c.
[0073] FIG. 24 shows a reinforcing bar coupler according to a
modification of the fourth embodiment. The reinforcing bar coupler
of FIG. 24 is used to couple deformed bars 1 and 1a which are
designed so that semi-annular ribs 12 thereof are staggered with
respect to associated longitudinal ribs 11, without the necessity
of using a cover sleeve different from the cover sleeve 3c. The
reinforcing bar coupler of FIG. 24 may be applied to couple the
deformed bars 1 and 1a to each other, regardless of whether the
semi-annular ribs 12 of each of the deformed bars 1 and 1a have a
circular or semicircular shape. In order to allow the deformed bars
1 and 1a to be coupled to each other using a single kind of
reinforcing bar coupler, the cover sleeve 3c is manufactured to
have a length which is longer than the base sleeve 2c by about a
half of the interval between the semi-annular grooves 32. Further,
outside semi-annular grooves 32 are provided at opposite ends of
the cover sleeve 31, thus allowing semi-annular ribs 12 of all
shapes to be seated in the semi-annular grooves 32. Further, the
flat surface 33 of the cover sleeve 3c is formed to be flat while
not being slanted, and the flat surface 43 of each wedge 4c is also
formed to be flat. Thus, when the cover sleeve 3c is fitted into
the base sleeve 2c, the position of the cover sleeve 3c may be
adjusted so that the cover sleeve 3c projects axially from an end
of the base sleeve 2c by about a half of one interval between the
semi-annular ribs 12. In this case, the pair of wedges 4c are
respectively inserted into the base sleeve 2c from opposite ends of
the base sleeve 2c and placed between the cover sleeve 3c and the
locking parts 27 of the base sleeve 2c. At this time, the pair of
wedges 4c is inserted from the opposite ends of the base sleeve 2c
to the same depth. Thus, the wedges 4c evenly wedge the entire
portion of the flat surface 33 of the cover sleeve 3c, so that the
cover sleeve 3c sufficiently compresses the outer surfaces of the
first and second deformed bars 1 and 1a seated in the base sleeve
2c. Thereby, the first and second deformed bars 1 and 1a are firmly
coupled to each other. Further, the deformed bars 1 and 1a, which
have the same standard thickness but have semi-annular ribs 12 of
different shapes, can be coupled to each other by the reinforcing
bar coupler having a single kind of cover sleeve 3c, so that it is
unnecessary to prepare different cover sleeves according to the
shapes of the semi-annular ribs 12 of the first and second deformed
bars 1 and 1a, thus causing convenience for a worker, allowing
elements of the reinforcing bar coupler to be easily managed, and
allowing the coupling operation to be conveniently carried out.
[0074] Although reinforcing bars have the same standard, there may
exist a small difference in the size of the reinforcing bars
according to manufacturing companies. However, the reinforcing bar
coupler of the fourth embodiment allows the insertion depth of each
of the wedges 4c to be adjusted according to the thickness of each
of the reinforcing bars, thus allowing the reinforcing bars to be
firmly coupled to each other and thereby overcoming problems of the
conventional reinforcing bar coupler using the cover sleeve.
[0075] The operation of the reinforcing bar coupler according to
the fourth embodiment will be described in the following in
detail.
[0076] The first reinforcing bar 1 is fitted into the base sleeve
2c while the worker confirms that the leading end of the first
reinforcing bar 1 reaches the depression 28 of the base sleeve 2c.
At this time, the position of the first reinforcing bar 1 is
adjusted so that the semi-annular ribs 12 of the first reinforcing
bar 1 are seated in the semi-annular grooves 26 of the seating
groove 24. Next, the second reinforcing bar 1a is fitted into the
base sleeve 2c in the same manner as the first reinforcing bar 1.
Thereafter, the cover sleeve 3c is axially fitted into a space
between the sidewalls 25 of the base sleeve 2c from an end of the
base sleeve 2c in such a way that the semi-annular ribs 12 of the
first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are seated in the
semi-annular grooves 32 while an end of the cover sleeve 3c
projects slightly from the base sleeve 2c or is flush with the end
of the base sleeve 2c. Subsequently, the leading ends 41 of the
pair of wedges 4c are aligned with the opposite ends of the base
sleeve 2c, and then the wedges 4c are is fitted into the base
sleeve 2c from the opposite ends of the base sleeve 2c using a
hammering tool or a hydraulic tool so that the locking parts 45 of
the wedge 4c are securely locked to the locking parts 27 of the
base sleeve 2c. At this time, the slanted surfaces 29 of the
locking parts 27 of the base sleeve 2c are in close contact with
the slanted surfaces 46 of the locking parts 45 of the wedge 4c,
strongly compressing the cover sleeve 3c toward the outer surfaces
of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a, so that the
first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a are firmly coupled to
each other. Further, the serrated surfaces 33a of the cover sleeve
3c engage with the serrated surfaces 43a of the pair of wedges 4c,
respectively, thus preventing the wedges 4c from being removed from
the base sleeve 2c.
[0077] In the reinforcing bar coupler according to the fourth
embodiment, wherein the pair of wedges 4c are fitted into the base
sleeve 2c from opposite ends of the base sleeve 2c, each of the
wedges 4c has a length corresponding to about a half of a length of
the base sleeve 2c. When it is assumed that the slanted surface of
the fourth embodiment has the same slant angle as a slanted surface
of the fifth embodiment which will be described hereinafter, the
thickness of the hammering end 42 of each locking part 45 may be
thinner and the insertion depth of each wedge 4c into the base
sleeve 2c may be shorter compared to the fifth embodiment, where a
length of a wedge 4d is almost equal to that of the cover sleeve
3d. Thus, the reinforcing bar coupler of the fourth embodiment
allows the hammering operation to be easily carried out. Further,
the reinforcing bar coupler of the fourth embodiment is suitable
for coupling thick reinforcing bars to each other.
[0078] FIGS. 25 through 30 show a reinforcing bar coupler according
to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The general
construction of the reinforcing bar coupler of the fifth embodiment
remains the same as that of the fourth embodiment. The reinforcing
bar coupler of the fifth embodiment couples first and second
reinforcing bars 1 and 1a to each other using a base sleeve 2d open
at a surface thereof, a cover sleeve 3d, and a single wedge 4d. In
the reinforcing bar coupler of the fifth embodiment, a slanted
surface 29 of each of the locking parts 27 of the base sleeve 2d
has a constant slant angle from a first end to a second end of each
of the locking parts 27, different from the reinforcing bar coupler
of the fourth embodiment where the slanted surfaces 29 are formed
to have a diameter which increases in a direction from a central
portion to the opposite ends of the base sleeve 2c. However, the
general construction of the cover sleeve 3d remains the same as
that of the cover sleeve 3c of the fourth embodiment, except that a
serrated surface 33a is formed on an end of a flat surface 33.
According to the fifth embodiment, the wedge 4d comprises a single
wedge having a length which is almost equal to the cover sleeve 3d,
and a slanted surface 46 of each of the locking parts 45 has a
constant slant angle from a first end to a second end of each of
the locking parts 45 so as to correspond to the slanted surface 29
of the base sleeve 2d. Therefore, as the wedge 4d is fitted into
the base sleeve 2d, the cover sleeve 3d compresses the outer
surfaces of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a.
[0079] The reinforcing bar coupler having only a single wedge 4d is
applied to a case where each of the first and second reinforcing
bars 1 and 1a has a relatively small diameter. As such, in a case
where each of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a has a
relatively small diameter, a long base sleeve 2d is not required,
different from the base sleeve 2c of the fourth embodiment. Thus,
the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a having a smaller
diameter may be coupled to each other using only a single wedge 4d,
without the necessity of inserting a pair of wedges into the base
sleeve from opposite ends of the base sleeve. The smaller the
diameter of each of the first and second reinforcing bars 1 and 1a,
the shorter the length of the base sleeve 2d. The reinforcing bar
coupler of the fifth embodiment needs only a single wedge 4d, thus
reducing the number of elements.
[0080] FIGS. 29 and 30 show a reinforcing bar coupler according a
modification of the fifth embodiment. The reinforcing bar coupler
is used to couple deformed bars 1 and 1a which are designed so that
semi-annular ribs 12 thereof are staggered with respect to the
associated longitudinal ribs 11, using a single kind of cover
sleeve 3d. The reinforcing bar coupler may be applied to couple the
deformed bars 1 and 1a to each other, regardless of whether the
semi-annular ribs 12 of the deformed bars 1 and 1a have a circular
or semicircular shape. The reinforcing bar coupler allows the
deformed bars 1 and 1a to be coupled to each other using a single
kind of reinforcing bar coupler 3d. The operational principle of
the reinforcing bar coupler remains the same as that of FIG.
24.
[0081] The operation and coupling sequence of the reinforcing bar
coupler according to the fifth embodiment remain the same as the
fourth embodiment, except that the reinforcing bar coupler of the
fifth embodiment has a single wedge 4d. Thus, according to the
fifth embodiment, the wedge 4d is fitted into the base sleeve 2d,
from the end of each locking part 27 that has a larger diameter,
using a hammering tool or a hydraulic tool, thus allowing the first
and second deformed bars 1 and 1a to be firmly coupled to each
other.
[0082] FIGS. 31 through 35 show a reinforcing bar coupler according
to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The general
construction and elements of the sixth embodiment are equal to the
fifth embodiment, except that each of a base sleeve 2e and a wedge
4e are manufactured to have a constant thickness by plastically
deforming a steel plate of a predetermined thickness using a
pressing machine. Thus, the entire portion of the wedge 2e has a
constant thickness. A plurality of semi-annular grooves 26 are
formed along the wedge 2e by a press mold, and a plurality of
semicircular projecting parts are formed on an outer surface of the
base sleeve 2e at positions corresponding to the semi-annular
grooves 26 so as to serve as the semi-annular ribs 22. Further, the
wedge 4e is manufactured by plastically deforming a steel plate
using a pressing machine so that the thickness of middle section 47
is equal to the thickness of each of the locking parts 45. In order
to prevent the wedge 4e from being undesirably removed from an
inserted position between a cover sleeve 3e and the locking parts
27 of the base sleeve 2e, a serrated surface 43a is formed on a
flat surface 43. Alternatively, each of the locking parts 27 of the
base sleeve 2e that contact the leading end 41 of the wedge 4e is
formed to have a width which is slightly smaller than a width of
each of the locking parts 45 of the wedge 4e, so that the locking
parts 27 of the base sleeve 2e are securely locked to the locking
parts 45 of the wedge 4e. As shown in FIG. 32, a hammering end 42
of the middle section 47 of the wedge 4e projects away from the
flat surface 43 of the wedge 4e, thus forming a V-shaped projecting
part. Such a projecting part allows the hammering area of the wedge
4e to be increased, thus allowing the wedge 4e to be easily
hammered. Further, a steel plate of a constant thickness is cut to
have a trapezoidal shape, and then is upwardly bent at both side
edges thereof with a pressing machine to form the locking parts 45
of the wedge 4e. A slanted surface 46 is formed along each of the
locking parts 45 in such a way that a height of the slanted surface
46 is tapered from a first end to a second end of each of the
locking parts 45.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 33, a V-shaped groove 44 is axially formed
along the middle section 47 of the wedge 4e, so as to reduce the
surface area in contact with the cover sleeve 3e.
[0084] The bar coupling method using the reinforcing bar coupler
according to the sixth embodiment is equal to that of the fifth
embodiment.
[0085] Further, a scale rule 48 is provided on an outer surface of
the middle section 47 of the wedge 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e extending
from the hammering end 42 to a predetermined position. Thus, when
reinforcing bars of the same standard which are produced by the
same manufacturing company are coupled to each other, the scale
rule 48 allows the wedge 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e to be inserted to a
predetermined position in the base sleeve 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e.
The subsequent coupling operation is carried out so that the wedge
4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e is inserted is to a predetermined position in
the base sleeve 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e using the scale rule 48.
Thus, the scale rule 48 allows uniformly coupled reinforcing bars
to be obtained, in addition to ensuring an easy
post-inspection.
[0086] The elements of the reinforcing bar coupler according to the
present invention may be selected out of cast steel, cast iron,
steel sheet, high-strength plastic, a special alloy, etc.
considering suitability, manufacturing costs, and other issues.
Further, the elements may be processed through several methods
including casting, forging, press process, and injection molding,
considering the material chosen and workability.
* * * * *