Patent ID: 7975444

Claim:
The coupler system connecting a first precast concrete member to a second precast concrete member with said first concrete member having a surface adjacent an opposing surface of said second concrete member, each said concrete member including an embedded elongated solid reinforcing bar having longitudinally spaced and outwardly projecting ribs, with said reinforcing bar in said first concrete member being substantially axially aligned with said reinforcing bar in said second concrete member, said coupler system comprising a one-piece metal coupler body embedded in said first concrete member and defining an internal cavity and a side opening extending to said cavity, said coupler body including a first end portion having an internally threaded bore and a second end portion adjacent said surface of said first concrete member and having a bore aligned axially with said threaded bore, an elongated first coupling member having an externally threaded end portion axially adjustable within said threaded bore in said first end portion of said coupler body and having a tubular second end portion swaged to said ribs of said reinforcing bar within said first concrete member, an elongated second coupling member embedded in said second concrete member and having a first end portion with an internally threaded bore adjacent said surface of said second concrete member, said second coupling member including a tubular second end portion swaged to said ribs of said reinforcing bar within said second concrete member, a bolt insertable into said cavity through said side opening and having a shank portion extending through said bore in said second end portion of said coupler body and threaded into said threaded bore within said second coupling member, and said bolt including a radially outwardly projecting portion engaging said second end portion of said one-piece coupler body.