Patent ID: 7032286
Filing Date: 2006-04-25
Classification: B21K,E04C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A new method of making a rebar coupler and for rigidly connecting the coupler to opposing end portions of two substantially cylindrical concrete reinforcing bars each having longitudinally spaced and outwardly projecting ribs, comprising the steps of: forming a cylindrical cavity in a die member; inserting a solid steel rod section into the cavity of the die member; forcing a first cylindrical punch along an axis of the cavity into a first end portion of the solid rod section to forge a first cylindrical bore and a first tubular end portion of a coupler body; forcing a second cylindrical punch along the axis of the cavity into a second end portion of the solid rod section with the second cylindrical punch having the same diameter as the first cylindrical punch to forge a second cylindrical bore and a second tubular end portion of the coupler body with the first and second tubular end portions of the coupler body having the same outer diameter and with the first and second bores having the same inner diameter; extending the end portions of the concrete reinforcing bars into the first and second tubular end portions of the coupler body; and compressing the first and second tubular end portions of the coupler body radially inwardly against the ribs on the corresponding end portions of the concrete reinforcing bars to form a rigid connection between the reinforcing bars.