Improved adjustable compact lifting coupler and instructions for use

Abstract

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a concrete reinforcing bar coupler for connecting first and second structural members. The coupler includes a threaded post that can be fixed to a first reinforcing bar, an adjustable seat head having an internal threaded opening, an inner coupler member that can be permanently fixed to the end of a second reinforcing bar and has an internal cavity configured to receive the end of the threaded post, a support surface surrounding the internal cavity opening, and an enclosing coupler member that has an internal cavity sized to receive a portion of the inner coupler member, is freely slidable along the threaded post, and is formed to cover the adjustable seat head when engaged with the inner coupler member. A method of using the coupler of the present invention is also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Claiming priority) This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023901213 (filing date: April 24, 2023). The contents of the priority application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of lifting couplers for screwing, lifting, pushing apart, or otherwise aligning and fixing concrete structures via their opposing reinforcing bars during the construction of buildings.

[0003] Specifically, the improved adjustable compact lifting coupler has fewer parts and fewer screw connections between those parts than conventional couplers. Furthermore, some of the more complex parts in conventional coupling systems have been simplified. This provides a coupler that can be used even in places where the spacing between precast concrete members is narrow. [Background technology]

[0004] In most multi-story building techniques, it is necessary to connect one reinforced concrete member (e.g., a column) to another reinforced concrete member on a lower floor. To maintain the structural integrity of the building, this connection must transfer the design load between the members, which is usually done by extending the reinforcement from one member to the other.

[0005] In many cases, these components are manufactured as precast concrete members in a factory and then transported to the site. The connections of these precast concrete members at each floor level are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the building.

[0006] Conventional methods for connecting reinforcing bars are diverse, just like building structures.

[0007] The common method for connecting reinforcing bars is overlapping and securing them with binding wire, with the specified safety overlap length typically being 30 to 40 times the diameter of each individual bar. While this method is common in cast-in-place structures, it becomes more complex when opposing structural members are precast in a remote factory. As a result, this method inevitably leads to complexity and material waste. This is not only costly but also consumes a great deal of time and labor.

[0008] One solution involves extending reinforcing bars from precast concrete members and inserting them into hollow grout pipes provided in adjacent precast members. This connection is made after the concrete floor is poured, and the adjacent precast members must be supported by temporary supports. Grout must also be filled into the gaps between the hollow grout pipes and between the concrete floor and the bottom surface of the precast members.

[0009] Another method for joining reinforcing bars is to use mechanical connectors. These connectors join the ends of the reinforcing bars using screw-in or epoxy adhesive. However, the use of mechanical connectors always requires that the reinforcing bars be aligned with extreme precision, or nearly perfectly. Furthermore, this method usually yields satisfactory results only when joining a single bar to an opposing bar. In addition, this is a very labor-intensive solution, and the need for temporary supports and braces (and their subsequent removal), as well as the mixing and injection of grout, extends the floor cycle time (construction plan) in multi-story building projects.

[0010] In particular, WO2015 / 178621 discloses a mechanical connector of the form of a rebar connector, which has a pair of locking members that can be used to connect a single rebar. This prior art coupler can apply tensile force to opposing rebars, but it cannot provide compressive force, and is certainly not designed to do so. In other words, this prior art coupler does not provide a jacking function.

[0011] One advantage of the present invention is that the coupler can perform a jacking function due to the specific arrangement of the components. This is a significantly different function from other prior art couplers.

[0012] As an example of the prior art that uses a mechanical connector capable of realizing the jacking function, there is an adjustable coupler system disclosed in the international PCT patent publication WO2017 / 181244 publicly disclosed by the applicant. This discloses an adjustable coupler that enables a precast concrete member to be joined to a lower member before placing a concrete floor during building construction. This system eliminates the need for false props and grout injection on-site and provides vertical adjustability by means of a jacking function. Furthermore, sufficient lateral tolerances required for the installation of prefabricated concrete members are also ensured.

[0013] However, one drawback of this coupler is that it is very expensive because a large number of complex parts that require precise machining and assembly are needed. There would be an advantage if both the total number and complexity of the parts used in the mechanical coupler could be reduced.

[0014] This prior art coupler has a large number of individual parts, and particularly due to the configuration of these individual parts, the minimum distance between adjacent precast concrete members may become so large as to be inappropriate for system use.

[0015] Furthermore, since these prior art couplers need to accommodate a wide floor depth (meaning the distance between adjacent precast concrete members), the vertical adjustment range allowed in the system is determined by the total length of the "internal coupler". Therefore, due to the limitations arising from the configuration of the individual parts of the coupler, which is the applicant's own prior art, it is necessary to prepare many "threaded stud" sizes to accommodate the various floor thicknesses that may occur in a project.

[0016] Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a mechanical device connector, particularly an adjustable compact lifting coupler, that at least partially overcomes the drawbacks of the techniques conventionally known in this field or provides a useful alternative means.

Summary of the Invention

[0017] In a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a concrete reinforcing bar coupler (rebar coupler) for connecting a reinforcing bar of a first structural member to a reinforcing bar of a second structural member facing it, wherein the rebar coupler comprises: a threaded post that can be attached to the end of the reinforcing bar of the first structural member; an adjustable seat head having an internal threaded hole and configured to be screwed into the threaded post; an inner coupler member that can be permanently fixed to the end of the opposing reinforcing bar of the second structural member; and an enclosure coupler member having an internal cavity sized to accommodate a portion of the inner coupler member, wherein the inner coupler member comprises: an internal cavity configured to accommodate the end of the threaded post through an opening; a support surface that surrounds the opening of the internal cavity and is configured to face the first structural member side; and an outer threaded wall, wherein the opening of the internal cavity is sized to freely accommodate the end of the threaded post but not to accommodate the adjustable seat head, and the cavity faces the second structural member side It has an open end facing outwards; opposing end walls having a locking surface; an end wall opening that penetrates the end wall and is sized to allow the enclosing coupler member to slide freely along the threaded post; and an internal threaded side wall sized to engage with the outer threaded wall of the inner coupler member, and in use, the adjustable seat head can be screwed in so as to be movable along the threaded post and brought into contact with the support surface of the inner coupler member, and by moving the adjustable seat head along the threaded post, the By adjusting the extent to which the threaded post can extend through the opening in the support surface, and screwing in the adjustable seat head and pressing it against the support surface, a jacking force is generated between the first structural member and the second structural member, and by screwing the enclosure coupler member into the inner coupler member, the adjustable seat head is enclosed and fixed between the lock surface and the support surface, thereby preventing further movement of the adjustable seat head along the threaded post and connecting the reinforcing bars of the first structural member and the reinforcing bars of the second structural member.

[0018] In one embodiment, the end wall opening and the opening in the internal cavity each have a diameter larger than the diameter of the threaded post.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first structural member further comprises a female threaded socket that can be attached to the end of the reinforcing bar, the female threaded socket being sized to receive the threaded post and to fit in a screw-in manner.

[0020] In one embodiment, the threaded post is welded to the end of the reinforcing bar of the first structural member.

[0021] In one embodiment, the inner coupler member is welded to the ends of opposing reinforcing bars of the second structural member.

[0022] In one embodiment, the system further includes a lock nut that is screwable along the threaded post and positioned between the first structural member and the enclosure coupler member, wherein the lock nut is configured to tighten against the enclosure coupler member when the enclosure coupler member is screwed into the inner coupler member.

[0023] In one embodiment, the opening of the internal cavity is a laterally extending slot. In one embodiment, the laterally extending slot is adjustable with respect to the longitudinal direction of the opposing reinforcing bars.

[0024] In one embodiment, the inner coupler member is formed by a coupler base that can be fixed to an opposing reinforcing bar and a separate support element that fits therewith, the support element including at least the support surface and the opening of the internal cavity.

[0025] In one embodiment, the internal cavity of the inner coupler member is formed by the fitting of the coupler base and the support element with each other. In another embodiment, the support element further comprises the internal cavity.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one of the coupler base and the support element is formed such that the support element can be fitted with the coupler base at a plurality of angles, each of which corresponds to a different lateral direction of the laterally extending slot.

[0027] In one embodiment, the adjustable seat head is an elongated head adapted to extend beyond the end of the threaded post without losing engagement with the threads.

[0028] In one embodiment, if the distal end of the adjustable seat head extends beyond the end of the threaded post, the further embodiment provides a cap that can be fixed to the distal end, the cap having a projection configured to be housed within the opening of the internal cavity of the inner coupler member.

[0029] A further aspect of the present invention is a method for connecting a first structural member and a second structural member using a reinforcing bar coupler, the method being a. Attach a threaded post to the reinforcing bar of the first structural member; b. Attach the inner coupler member to the opposing reinforcing bars of the second structural member; c. Slide the enclosure coupler member onto the threaded post so that the open end of the enclosure coupler member faces the inner coupler member; d. Screw the adjustable seat head onto the threaded post; e. Position the first and / or second structural members so that the threaded post aligns with the opening of the inner coupler member; f. Screw in the adjustable seat head and bring it into contact with the support surface of the inner coupler member; g. The enclosure coupler member is slid toward the inner coupler member; and, h. Screw the enclosure coupler member into the inner coupler member, and enclose and fix the adjustable seat head between the end wall of the enclosure coupler member and the support surface of the inner coupler member. The operations can be included in any appropriate order. method.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method further includes adjusting the position of the first and / or second structural members before screwing in the adjustable seat head and bringing it into contact with the support surface, so that the threaded post extends into the opening of the inner coupler member.

[0031] In one embodiment, the adjustable seat head is an elongated head configured to maintain thread engagement with the threaded post even when it extends beyond the end of the threaded post.

[0032] The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising: an operation to screw a lock nut onto the threaded post before sliding the enclosure coupler member onto the threaded post; and an operation to screw the lock nut onto the enclosure coupler member after screwing the enclosure coupler member onto the inner coupler member.

[0033] In one embodiment, the opening of the internal cavity of the inner coupler member is a laterally extending slot having an adjustable lateral direction, and the operation of positioning the first and / or second structural members so that the threaded post is aligned with the opening of the inner coupler member additionally or alternatively includes adjusting the lateral direction of the laterally extending slot to align the laterally extending slot with the threaded post.

[0034] In one embodiment, the inner coupler member is provided as a coupler base and a support element fitted thereto, and the operation of fixing the inner coupler member to the opposing reinforcing bars includes a lower operation of fixing the coupler base to the opposing reinforcing bars; and a lower operation of fitting the support element to the coupler base.

[0035] Further embodiments or alternative embodiments of the present invention may be disclosed herein or become apparent to those skilled in the art through the disclosure herein. These and other embodiments are deemed to be included within the scope and objectives of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] An embodiment of the coupler of the present invention and a cross-section thereof are shown. [Figure 2] An enlarged view of one embodiment is shown. [Figure 3] This shows an embodiment in which the structural members are not perfectly aligned. [Figure 4] One embodiment is shown, which includes a laterally extending slot. [Figure 5] A and B indicate specific radii of components of the embodiment of the present invention having an annular or circular opening. [Figure 6] This shows the specific radius of a component of an embodiment of the present invention that has a laterally extending slot. [Figure 7] Further alternative embodiments are shown, which include laterally extending slots. [Figure 8] Further alternative embodiments are shown, which include laterally extending slots. [Figure 9] An embodiment of the present invention having an alternative adjustable seat head is shown. [Figure 10] A and B illustrate embodiments of the present invention in use. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] In a first embodiment, the present invention includes a rebar coupler for connecting reinforcing bars of a first structural member to opposing reinforcing bars of a second structural member. In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1, the rebar coupler 10 comprises a threaded post 12 that can be attached to the end of a reinforcing bar 14 of a first structural member 16, an adjustable seat head 18 having a threaded hole inside and configured to be screwed into the threaded post 12, an inner coupler member 20 that can be permanently fixed to the end of an opposing reinforcing bar 22 of a second structural member 24, and an enclosure coupler member 26 formed to receive a portion of the inner coupler member 20 and engage inside it.

[0038] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 2, the inner coupler member 20 comprises an internal cavity 28, a support surface 32 configured to face the first structural member 16, and an external threaded wall 34. The internal cavity 28 is configured to receive the end 12A of the threaded post 12 through its opening 30. In one embodiment, the internal cavity opening 30 is designed to freely receive the end 12A of the threaded post 12, but not the adjustable seat head 18.

[0039] In one embodiment, the enclosure coupler member 26 includes an internal cavity 36. The internal cavity 36 includes an open end 36A facing the second structural member 24, an opposing end wall 38 having a locking surface, an end wall opening (through hole) 40 penetrating the end wall 38, and an internal threaded side wall 42 sized to engage in a screw-in manner with the outer threaded wall 34 of the inner coupler member 20. In one embodiment, the end wall opening 40 is sized to allow the enclosure coupler member 26 to slide freely along the threaded post 12.

[0040] When in use, the adjustable seat head 18 can be screwed in so that it moves along the threaded post 12, thereby pressing against the support surface 32 of the inner coupler member 20. Moving the adjustable seat head 18 along the threaded post 12 adjusts the degree to which the threaded post 12 extends through the internal cavity opening 30, thereby adjusting the distance between the first and second reinforcing bars 14 and 22. Furthermore, screwing in the adjustable seat head 18 and pressing it against the support surface 32 generates a jacking force between the first structural member 16 and the second structural member 24, pushing them apart. Alternatively, if the first and second structural members 16 and 24 are already correctly positioned, screwing in the adjustable seat head 18 and pressing it firmly against the support surface 32 can simply induce a firm and secure contact, improving the stability of the coupler 10.

[0041] The enclosure coupler member 26 is screwed into the inner coupler member 20. This encloses and fixes the adjustable seat head 18 between the end wall 38 and the support surface 32. This prevents the adjustable seat head 18 from moving further along the threaded post 12 and connects the first and second reinforcing bars 14 and 22 to each other.

[0042] In another embodiment, the end wall opening 40 and the internal cavity opening 30 may each have a diameter wider than the diameter of the threaded post 12. Without limiting the scope of the invention by theory, it is assumed that by making the opening and / or opening diameter larger than the threaded post diameter, the lateral or transverse tolerance T when connecting the first and second reinforcing bars 14 and 22 can be improved. Referring in particular to Figure 3, by increasing the opening / opening diameter, it is possible to ensure a lateral displacement tolerance T between the threaded post and the second reinforcing bar 14 without hindering the ability of the enclosure coupler member 26 to screw into the inner coupler member 20. As shown in Figure 3, the threaded post 12 is not aligned with the second reinforcing bar 14. Nevertheless, the inner coupler member 20 and the enclosure coupler member 26 can screw into each other and connect the first reinforcing bar 14 and the second reinforcing bar 22.

[0043] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1, the rebar coupler 10 may further comprise a female threaded socket 44 that can be attached to the end of the rebar 14 of the first structural member 16. In this embodiment, the female threaded socket 44 may be sized to receive and screw into a threaded post 12. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the threaded post 12 may be welded directly to the end of the rebar 14 of the first structural member 16.

[0044] In one embodiment, the inner coupler member 20 may be welded to the ends of opposing reinforcing bars 22 of the second structural member 24.

[0045] In one embodiment, with further reference to Figure 1, the rebar coupler 10 may further include a lock nut 46 that can be screwed along the threaded post 12. When in use, the lock nut 46 is positioned between the first structural member 16 and the enclosure coupler member 26. The lock nut may be configured to tighten against the enclosure coupler member 26 when the enclosure coupler member 26 is screwed into the inner coupler member 20.

[0046] In another embodiment, the wrench engagement portion 26A of the enclosure coupler member 26 may be configured to be positioned close to the position where the lock nut 46 engages. By positioning the engagement portion 26A adjacent to the lock nut 46, it becomes possible to tighten both components using a wrench. Furthermore, the gap between the first structural member 16 and the second structural member 24 can be reduced to an absolute minimum, i.e., to a gap sufficient for a wrench to pass through in order to tighten the enclosure coupler member 26 and the lock nut 46.

[0047] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, the internal cavity opening 30 is a slot 48 that extends horizontally, and the opposing reinforcing bars 22 extend vertically. FIG. 4 shows a first dashed line and dotted arrow indicating the direction W of the horizontally extending slot 48, and a second dashed line and double-dashed arrow indicating the longitudinal direction L of the opposing reinforcing bars 22. As shown, the arrows / directions L and W are perpendicular to each other.

[0048] Although not limiting the scope of the invention by theory, it is considered that for an inner coupler member 20 of a specific size, a horizontally extending slot can provide a greater horizontal tolerance than an annular opening. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a predetermined inner coupler member 20 having a radius C1 has an internal horizontal radius tolerance T1 in all horizontal directions. In one configuration, the inner coupler member 20 includes an internal cavity 28 having an annular or circular opening 30 of radius I1 and a support surface 32 of surface length B1. The threaded post 12 has a radius P1, and the adjustable seat head 18 has a radius H1 and a surface length S1, where H1 = S1 + P1. Those skilled in the art will understand that the surface length S1 depends on the material properties of the components of the coupler 10 and the forces generated within the coupler 10 during use. The characteristics when a predetermined inner coupler member 20 has a desired internal horizontal radius tolerance T1 are as follows: T1 = I1 - P1 → I1 = T1 + P1(1) B 1,min = S 1,min = H 1,min - P1(2) C 1,min = I1 + B 1,min → C1 ,min = I1 + H 1,min - P1(3) H 1,min =(2I1 - P1)+ S 1,min → H 1,min =(2T1 + P1)+ S 1,min → H 1,min ∝ 2T1(4) C 1,min =(3I1 - 2P1)+ S 1,min → C 1,min =(3T1 + P1)+ S 1,min → C 1,min∝3T1(5)

[0049] As the series of equations above shows, the minimum radius C1 of the inner coupler member 20 is proportional to three times the desired radial tolerance. On the other hand, the minimum radius of the adjustable seat head 18 is proportional to twice the desired radial tolerance. This is because, referring to Figure 5B, the adjustable seat head 18 must be able to press against the support surface 32 on both sides of the opening 30 in order to ensure a proper and even distribution of force throughout the coupler 10, regardless of the lateral position of the threaded post 12 within the opening 30. This is without considering the material thickness or the shear forces acting on the adjustable seat head 18 and the support surface 32. These affect the minimum value of the surface length S1 of the adjustable seat head 20, so C 1、 The true minimum values ​​of B1 and H1 will be even larger.

[0050] In contrast, referring to Figure 6, the inner coupler member 20 with radius C2 is 、 It has an internal lateral radius tolerance T2 in one direction. In one configuration, the inner coupler member 20 is 、 An internal cavity 28 having a laterally extending slot 48 having a half-slot length L2 and a half-slot width i2 、 Surface length B 2a and B 2b The threaded post 12 has a radius P2, and the adjustable seat head 18 has a radius H2 and a surface length S2. 、 H2 = S2 + P2. Those skilled in the art will understand that the surface length S2 depends on the material properties of the components of the coupler 10 and the forces generated within the coupler 10 during use. The characteristics of a given inner coupler member 20 having a desired inner lateral radial tolerance T2 are as follows: T2 = I2 - P2 → I2 = T2 + P2 (6) B 2a,min =S 2,min =H 2,min -P2(7) C 2,min =I2+B 2a,min → C 2,min =I2+(H 2,min-P2) (8) H 2,min =i2+S 2,min → i2=P2→ H 2,min =P2+S 2,min (9) C 2,min =I2+(P2+S 2,min )-P2→ C 2,min =I2+S 2,min → C 2,min ∝I²(10)

[0051] As the series of equations above shows, the minimum radius of the inner coupler member 20 is 、 It is directly proportional to the desired radial tolerance T2. This is because the slot width i2 does not change regardless of how long the slot length I2 is (except when curved slot ends are present). As a result, the minimum radius H2 of the adjustable seat head 18 must be large enough to be supported on both sides 48A, 48B of the laterally extending slot 48, regardless of the position of the threaded post 12. Furthermore, the above formula does not take into account the thickness of the material or the shear force acting on the adjustable seat head 18 and the support surface 32. These affect the minimum value of the surface length S2, so C 2、 The true minimum values ​​of B2 and H2 will be larger.

[0052] In one embodiment, the lateral W of the laterally extending slot 48 is adjustable. In one embodiment, the support surface 32 of the inner coupler member 20 is rotatable about an axis formed by a longitudinal arrow L. In another embodiment, referring to Figures 7 and 7A, the inner coupler member 20 consists of a coupler base 20-1 that can be fixed to an opposing reinforcing bar 22 and a separate support element 20-2 that fits thereto. In this embodiment, the support element 20-2 may include at least a support surface 32 and an internal cavity opening 30.

[0053] In one embodiment, the internal cavity 28 of the inner coupler member 20 is formed by the interlocking of the coupler base 20-1 and the support element 20-2. In another embodiment (not shown), the internal cavity 28 is substantially located within the coupler base 20-1, with the support element 20-2 forming its upper end. As shown in another embodiment, Figure 7, the internal cavity 28 may be located partially within the coupler base 20-1 and partially within the support element 20-2. Referring to another embodiment, Figure 8, the internal cavity 28 may be entirely housed within the support element 20-2.

[0054] Referring to Figure 7 as one embodiment, at least one of the coupler base 20-1 or the support element 20-2 may be formed such that the support element 20-2 fits with the coupler base 20-1 at multiple angles. Those skilled in the art will understand that each of these angles corresponds to a different lateral direction W of a laterally extending slot 48. Figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the support element 20-2 has a circumferential recess 50 and the coupler base 20-1 has complementary shoulders 52 into which it fits. The support element 20-2 can be rotated to any required lateral angle while seated on the coupler base 20-1 so that the recess 50 and the shoulders 52 fit together.

[0055] Referring to the insets in Figures 9 and 9A as one embodiment, the adjustable seat head 18 may be an elongated head that can extend beyond the end 12A of the threaded post 12 while maintaining the threaded state. This embodiment is useful in situations where the gap between the first and second reinforcing bars 14 and 22 is larger than expected. This embodiment also allows the use of a threaded post 12 that is shorter than normally required.

[0056] In another embodiment, particularly with reference to Figure 9A, the coupler 10 may further include a cap 54 that can be fixed to the distal end 18A of the adjustable seat head 18 when the distal end 18A extends beyond the end 12A of the threaded post 12. In yet another embodiment, the cap 54 may have a projection 56 adapted to be housed within an internal cavity opening 30 of the inner coupler member 20.

[0057] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate two examples of use of an embodiment of the coupler 10 of the present invention. Figure 10A shows an example where the first and second structural members 16 and 24 are parallel to each other, and in particular, an example where the reinforcing bars 22 facing the reinforcing bar 14 are substantially parallel to each other. In contrast, Figure 10B shows an example where the first structural member 16 and the second structural member 24 are not parallel to each other. In the particular example shown, the reinforcing bars 22 facing the reinforcing bar 14 are substantially perpendicular to each other. As shown, in such an arrangement, the threaded post 12 is attached perpendicular to the reinforcing bar 14. If necessary, the threaded post 12 may be fixed to a plurality of reinforcing bars 14A, 14B within the first structural member 16 to ensure that the threaded post 12 is securely fixed. The threaded post 12 can be fixed to the opposing reinforcing bars by any suitable means known to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0058] As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the coupler 10 may be provided as a recess in either or both of the first structural member 16 and the second structural member 24. In particular, in embodiments where the engaging portion 26A of the surrounding coupler member 26 is adjacent to the lock nut 46, it becomes possible to tighten both components using a wrench. Furthermore, as shown in the figures, it becomes possible to reduce the gap between the first structural member 16 and the second structural member 24 to an absolute minimum.

[0059] Figure 10A shows one embodiment of the inner coupler member 20 as a single unit, and Figure 10B shows one embodiment of the inner coupler member 20 consisting of a coupler base 20-1 and a support element 20-2. However, this should not be interpreted as limiting the different embodiments of the inner coupler member to specific arrangements of the first and second structural members 16 and 24 shown in each figure.

[0060] A further aspect of the present invention is a method for connecting a first structural member and a second structural member using a reinforcing coupler, comprising the following operations in any suitable order: a. Attaching threaded posts to the reinforcing bars of the first structural member; b. Attaching an inner coupler member to the opposing reinforcing bars of the second structural member; c. Slide the enclosure coupler member onto the threaded post so that its open end faces the inner coupler member; d. Screw the adjustable seat head onto the threaded post; e. Adjusting the position of the first and / or second structural members so that the threaded post aligns with the opening of the inner coupler member; f. Screw in the adjustable seat head and bring it into contact with the support surface of the inner coupler member; g. Sliding the enclosure coupler member toward the inner coupler member; and, h. Screw the enclosure coupler member into the inner coupler member, and enclose and fix the adjustable seat head between the end wall of the enclosure coupler member and the support surface of the inner coupler member.

[0061] In one embodiment, the rebar coupler may be the rebar coupler in one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0062] In one embodiment, the method may further include adjusting the position of the first and / or second structural members before screwing in the adjustable seat head and bringing it into contact with the support surface, so that the threaded post extends into the opening of the inner coupler member. In another embodiment, the adjustable seat head may have an elongated head configured so as not to lose thread engagement with the threaded post even if it extends beyond the end of the threaded post. In such an embodiment, the threaded post does not need to extend into the opening of the inner coupler member.

[0063] In one embodiment, the method may further include the operation of screwing in a lock nut before the operation of sliding the enclosure coupler member onto the threaded post. In another embodiment, the method may further include the operation of screwing in a lock nut and pressing it against the enclosure coupler member after the operation of screwing the enclosure coupler member onto the inner coupler member.

[0064] In one embodiment, the internal cavity opening of the inner coupler member is a laterally extending slot having an adjustable lateral direction, the operation of positioning the first and / or second structural members so that the threaded post is aligned with the opening of the inner coupler member may additionally or alternatively include an operation of adjusting the lateral direction of the laterally extending slot so that the laterally extending slot is aligned with the threaded post.

[0065] In one embodiment, the inner coupler member is provided as a coupler base and a support element that fits thereto, the operation of fixing the inner coupler member to the opposing reinforcing bars may further include the lower operations of fixing the coupler base to the opposing reinforcing bars and fitting the support element to the coupler base.

[0066] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be embodied in many forms, variations, and modifications other than those specifically described. The present invention includes all such variations and modifications. It also includes all steps, features, components, and / or apparatus mentioned or shown individually or collectively in the specification, as well as any combination of steps or features, or combinations of two or more.

[0067] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the word “includes” has a non-exclusive meaning of “at least include,” rather than an exclusive meaning of “consisting only of.” Similar grammatical changes apply to other forms of “include,” such as “include.”

[0068] Further definitions of specific terms used herein are set forth in the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art in which the invention pertains.

[0069] Any promises made herein should be understood to relate to certain embodiments of the invention and not to all embodiments of the invention. Where there are any promises that appear to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant / patentee reserves the right to remove them from the following description and shall not rely on these promises for the acceptance or subsequent granting of a patent in any country.

Claims

1. A concrete reinforcing bar coupler (rebar coupler) for connecting the reinforcing bars of a first structural member and the reinforcing bars of a second structural member facing it, wherein the rebar coupler is A threaded post that can be attached to the end of the reinforcing bar of the first structural member; An adjustable seat head having an internal threaded hole and configured to screw into the threaded post; An inner coupler member that can be permanently fixed to the opposing ends of the reinforcing bars of the second structural member; An enclosed coupler member having an internal cavity sized to accommodate a portion of the aforementioned inner coupler member, It is equipped with, The inner coupler member is, An internal cavity configured to house the end of the threaded post through an opening; A support surface is provided that surrounds the opening of the internal cavity and faces the first structural member; External threaded wall and It is equipped with, The opening of the internal cavity is a laterally extending slot that is large enough to accommodate the end of the threaded post but not large enough to accommodate the adjustable seat head. The aforementioned cavity is The open end facing the second structural member; Opposing end walls having a locking surface; The end wall opening penetrates the end wall and is sized to allow the enclosure coupler member to slide freely along the threaded post; The inner coupler member has an internal threaded side wall of a size that engages with the outer threaded wall and It has, When using, The adjustable seat head is screwed in so as to be movable along the threaded post and can be brought into contact with the support surface of the inner coupler member. By moving the adjustable seat head along the threaded post, the extent to which the threaded post can extend through the opening in the support surface is adjusted. When the adjustable seat head is screwed in and pressed against the support surface, a jacking force is generated between the first structural member and the second structural member. By screwing the enclosure coupler member into the inner coupler member, the adjustable seat head is enclosed and fixed between the locking surface and the support surface, thereby preventing further movement of the adjustable seat head along the threaded post and connecting the reinforcing bars of the first structural member and the reinforcing bars of the second structural member. Rebar coupler.

2. The end wall opening and the opening in the internal cavity each have a diameter larger than the diameter of the threaded post. The rebar coupler according to claim 1.

3. The first structural member further comprises a female threaded socket that can be attached to the end of the reinforcing bar, The female threaded socket is sized to receive the threaded post internally and to fit into it in a screw-in manner. The rebar coupler according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The threaded post is welded to the end of the reinforcing bar of the first structural member. The rebar coupler according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The inner coupler member is welded to the ends of opposing reinforcing bars of the second structural member. A rebar coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The lock nut is screwable along the threaded post and is positioned between the first structural member and the enclosure coupler member, The lock nut is configured to be tightened against the surrounding coupler member when the surrounding coupler member is screwed into the inner coupler member. A rebar coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The lateral direction of the aforementioned laterally extending slot is adjustable with respect to the longitudinal direction of the opposing reinforcing bar. The rebar coupler according to claim 6.

8. The inner coupler member is formed by a coupler base that can be fixed to the opposing reinforcing bar and a separate support element that fits therewith. The support element includes at least the support surface and the opening of the internal cavity. The rebar coupler according to claim 7.

9. The internal cavity of the inner coupler member is formed by the fitting of the coupler base and the support element together. The rebar coupler according to claim 8.

10. The support element further comprises the internal cavity The rebar coupler according to claim 8.

11. At least one of the coupler base and the support element is formed such that the support element can be fitted with the coupler base at multiple angles, each of which corresponds to a different lateral direction of the laterally extending slot. A rebar coupler according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The adjustable seat head is an elongated head adapted to extend beyond the end of the threaded post without losing engagement with the threads. A rebar coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. If the distal end of the adjustable seat head extends beyond the end of the threaded post, it is further provided with a cap that can be fixed to the distal end. The cap has a projection configured to be housed within the opening of the internal cavity of the inner coupler member. The reinforcing bar coupler according to claim 12.

14. A method for connecting a first structural member and a second structural member using a reinforcing bar coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Attach the threaded post to the reinforcing bar of the first structural member; The inner coupler member is attached to the opposing reinforcing bars of the second structural member; Slide the enclosure coupler member onto the threaded post so that the open end of the enclosure coupler member faces the inner coupler member; Screw the adjustable seat head onto the threaded post; Adjust the position of the first and / or second structural member so that the threaded post is aligned with the opening of the inner coupler member; Screw in the adjustable seat head and bring it into contact with the support surface of the inner coupler member; The enclosure coupler member is slid toward the inner coupler member; and, The enclosure coupler member is screwed into the inner coupler member, and the adjustable seat head is enclosed and fixed between the end wall of the enclosure coupler member and the support surface of the inner coupler member. The operations can be included in any appropriate order. method.

15. Before screwing in the adjustable seat head and bringing it into contact with the support surface, the positions of the first and / or second structural members are adjusted so that the threaded post extends into the opening of the inner coupler member. Further operations The method according to claim 14.

16. The adjustable seat head is an elongated head configured to maintain thread engagement with the threaded post even when it extends beyond the end of the threaded post. The method according to claim 14.

17. Before sliding the enclosure coupler member onto the threaded post, the lock nut is screwed onto the threaded post; and, After screwing the enclosure coupler member into the inner coupler member, the lock nut is screwed in and pressed against the enclosure coupler member. Further operations The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

18. The opening of the internal cavity of the inner coupler member is a laterally extending slot having an adjustable lateral direction. The operation to adjust the position of the first and / or second structural members so that the threaded post is aligned with the opening of the inner coupler member additionally or alternatively includes adjusting the lateral direction of the laterally extending slot to align the laterally extending slot with the threaded post. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17.

19. The inner coupler member is provided as a coupler base and a support element that fits therein. The operation of fixing the inner coupler member to the opposing reinforcing bar is as follows: Lower operations for fixing the coupler base to the opposing reinforcing bars; and, The support element is fitted into the coupler base. Includes suboperations The method according to claim 18.

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