Patent ID: 6860672

Claim:
A reinforcing bar coupling, comprising: a cylindrical sleeve ( 2 ) having a cross sectional area sufficient to accommodate two reinforcing bars ( 1 ) inserted through end openings, one-half of an inside of said cylindrical sleeve ( 2 ) having a semi-circular uneven inner surface having patterns similar to an outer ribbed surface of said reinforcing bars ( 1 ), the patterns intended to directly contact each other, and an opposite half of the inside of said cylindrical sleeve ( 2 ) having a varying cross sectional area along its length, an intermediate pad ( 3 ) having a semi-circular uneven inner-surface on one-side for mating with said reinforcing bars ( 1 ), and a narrow flat surface on an opposite-side, thereby providing a gap between said cylindrical sleeve ( 2 ) and said intermediate pad ( 3 ) such that the gap varies along its length, and a wedge element ( 4 ) inserted into said gap through the end openings, wherein at least one side of said wedge element ( 4 ) is tapered for frictional contact with said intermediate pad ( 3 ) and said cylindrical sleeve ( 2 ).