Technical Field The present invention relates generally to reinforcing for concrete or other cementitious construction. In particular, the invention is directed to a retaining clip for retaining the coupling of reinforcing bars for reinforcing concrete and is herein described in that context. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention has broader application and may be utilised in other coupling applications.

Background of the Invention

In the construction industry, structures (such as walls, floors, slabs and columns) of concrete are produced by positioning reinforcing such as steel reinforcing bars in a region where concrete is then poured to produce the structure. The bars are supported in desired positions and often there is a need to join length of bars to each other to ensure that the reinforcing not only is correctly positioned, but is able to transmit load across the coupling so that the bars can accommodate a large part or even their full axial capacity in either tension or compression.

In the past, wire ties or wraps have been secured around overlapping ends of adjacent bars to hold them relative to one another prior to the concrete pour.

Axial loads are transferred from one bar to the other overlapped bar through the concrete encasing the two joined bars. This method uses more bar than necessary as the overlapped length of bar is only useful to effect the transfer of axial loads and these overlapping lengths can form a significant mass of reinforcing bar in a structure.

In another arrangement, bars are formed with short externally threaded end portions and a sleeve with left handed and right handed internal thread portions is used to allow adj acent end of the bars to be connected to one another.

The formation of the external threaded portions on ends of the bars results in those ends being of less diameter than the remainder of the bar and thus is undesirable since engineering requirements may dictate that a bar having a predetermined diameter is used. One way to overcome this difficulty is to employ oversized bars. This ensures that the threaded end of the bar is still of a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter dictated by the engineering requirements. However, with this arrangement, most of the bars are of a gauge greater than is necessary.

Ideally the properties of the coupling, such as its axial capacity and its ductility, are at least the same as the major portion of the bars and that only limited longitudinal slip will occur when the coupling is loaded. If these properties are not within certain tolerances, then the coupling can significantly compromise the resulting structure. For example, if there is excessive longitudinal slip then this can cause excessive localised cracking thereby heightening the risk of corrosion, and may also cause excessive deflection. If the coupling is not as ductile as the main part of the bar, then this can cause localised stress concentration which potentially could result in catastrophic failure of the coupling.

The use of separate coupling elements, such as the threaded sleeve mentioned above, may be problematic where a construction site has reinforcing bars of different strength as there is a danger of a potential mismatch of the sleeve to the bars. Furthermore, the use of a threaded arrangement requires for there to be some play between the components to enable easy installation, which in turn may result in unacceptable longitudinal slip under load. Also there is an ongoing risk that the couplings are not adequately tightened on site which will compromise the coupling.

In the applicant' s earlier International application WO 2006/094320, a reinforcing bar is disclosed which includes an enlarged termination integrally formed on the reinforcing bar shaft. The termination is profiled to include locking formations that enable the termination to form part of an interlock and is disclosed as been made by deforming an end of the reinforcing bar. A process of forming the reinforcing with the profiled termination is disclosed in International application WO 2006/084321, where the reinforcing bar end is subjected to various forging and milling stages. Whilst the reinforcing disclosed in these earlier applications performs well, alternative modes of retaining the terminations with respect to one another are desirable.

A reference herein to prior art is not an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art in Australia or elsewhere. Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, disclosed is a retaining clip for a coupling comprising interlocked terminations of reinforcing bar shafts, the retaining clip comprising a body defining an opening configured to allow the clip to be laterally located about the coupling to retain the terminations with respect to one another.

In a second aspect disclosed is a method of joining reinforcing bar shafts each shaft having a termination, the method comprising positioning the terminations to form a coupling locating a clip comprising a body defining an opening over the coupling and inserting the coupling into the opening in a lateral direction.

These aspects of the invention allow for a low profile clip which beneficially can be positioned over the terminations after the terminations are placed into an engaged relationship with one another and which allows for effective bonding between the termination and cement poured about the termination.

In a further aspect disclosed is a coupling assembly for a reinforcing bar, the assembly comprising a termination having a body extending in a longitudinal direction between opposite first and second ends, and a lateral engagement face formed on the body, in use the first end is joined to an end of a reinforcing bar, and the engagement face incorporates locking formations thereon arranged to interfit with a complementary shaped termination to form an interlock arranged to accommodate loading applied in the longitudinal direction and a clip adapted to be located over the interlock, the clip comprising a body defining an interior cavity in which the interlock is located in use, the body being open at one side to allow the interlock to be positioned laterally within the clip. In some forms the clip and termination configuration allows for the clip to be positioned over the coupling from more than one direction or orientation allowing for work in confined spaces. Further in some forms the clip has a low profile with respect to the terminations. Description of the Drawings

It is convenient to hereinafter describe an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be appreciated however that the particularity of the drawings and the related description is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling of one embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the coupling of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a top view of a coupling of one embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 4 is a side cross sectional view of the coupling of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an end cross sectional of the coupling of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the retaining clip of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a cross- sectional view of a coupling of a second embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the coupling of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the coupling of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the coupling of Fig. 7;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a retaining clip of a third embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 12 is a top view of the clip of Fig. 11 ;

Fig. 13 is a detail of the clip of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a side view of the clip of Fig. 11 ;

Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the clip of Fig. 11;

Fig 16 is a side view of the clip of Fig. 11; and,

Fig 17 is a cross sectional view of the clip of Fig. 1 1

Fig 18 is and end view of a clip of a fourth embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig 19 is a side view of the clip of Fig. 18

Fig 20 is a perspective view of the clip of Fig. 18;

Fig 21 is a bottom view of the clip of Fig. 18.

Substitute Sheet

(Rule 26) RO/AU Detailed Description of the Drawings

Disclosed in some forms is a retaining clip for a coupling comprising interlocked terminations of reinforcing bar shafts, the retaining clip comprising a body defining an interior cavity having an opening configured to allow the clip to be laterally located about the coupling to retain the terminations with respect to one another.

In some forms the clip is composed of a flexible material. In some forms the clip is configured in use to substantially align with the coupling when located over the coupling.

In some forms the clip comprises a u-shaped bracket having three walls defining the interior cavity and opening.

In some forms at least one of the walls extends to an end section and includes a lip positioned at the end section.

In some forms the lip is configured to define the opening.

In some forms the lip comprises a hook shaped end section.

In some forms the lip comprises a skirt shaped section. Further disclosed is a method of joining reinforcing bar shafts each shaft having a termination, the method comprising positioning the terminations to form a coupling and locating a clip comprising a body defining an interior cavity having an opening over the coupling by inserting the coupling into the opening in a lateral direction. In some forms the clip is composed of a flexible material and the coupling and clip are configured such that the width of the opening increases as the clip is moved into position over the coupling and decreases once the clip is in position over the coupling.

Further disclosed is a termination assembly for a reinforcing bar, the termination having a body extending in a longitudinal direction between opposite first and second ends, and a lateral engagement face formed on the body, in use the first end is joined to an end of a reinforcing bar, and the engagement face incorporates locking formations thereon arranged to interfit with a complementary shaped termination to form an interlock arranged to accommodate loading applied in the longitudinal direction.

In some forms the termination assembly further comprises a second termination adapted to interfit with the first termination.

Turning now to Figs. 1 - 6, a coupling 2 is disclosed which is formed from

interconnection of the termination 1 of one reinforcing bar shaft 3 with a

complementary termination of another like reinforcing bar shaft.

The coupling 2 is formed by interconnecting the terminations 1 to form an interlock 6 with the projections 7 of one termination 1 interfitting within corresponding recesses 8 ofjthe other termination. The interlock 6 extends along an axis which, in the illustrated form, is coaxial with the central axis of the respective reinforcing bar shafts 3.

The coupling 2 also includes a retaining device 10 which is arranged to prevent separation of the terminations 1. In the illustrated form, the retaining device 10 is in the form of a clip 1 1. The clip is typically a metal clip, though alternative materials may be used.

The clip 1 1 in the illustrated form comprises a bracket shaped body 15 having a substantially U-shaped configuration formed by walls in the form of a web 12 extending between two flanges 13. The body 15 defines an interior cavity which in the illustrated form is substantially square in cross section. The clip 1 1 is adapted to be laterally positioned on the coupling 2 such that the coupling is positioned in the interior cavity. The clip 1 1 comprises three sides and when in position on the coupling has a low profile with respect to the coupling.

An opening 18 is located between the flanges 13 and defined by the flanges. The opening 18 allows the coupling 2 to be laterally inserted into the clip 1 1

The coupling 2 has a regular cross section and, in the illustrated form, the cross section of the coupling 2 is substantially square when the terminations 1 are located and interlocked with respect to one another. This allows for the clip 1 1 to be fitted onto the coupling from top, bottom or sides of the coupling 2 which is of benefit in

circumstances where access to the coupling is limited. In the illustrated form, as best shown in Fig. 6, the retainer 10 in the form of a clip 1 1 comprises a body 15 having a generally U-shaped or bracket shaped cross-section. The body 15 comprises a web 12 extending between two flanges 13. The web 12 includes a distended section 14 forming a convex outwardly positioned projection. The web further includes ribs 25 extending from the distended section 14. The web 12 is turned through 90 degrees or greater than to meet the flanges 13 at rounded corners 16.

The flanges 13 extend from the web 12 to an end section 17 which is turned in with respect to the flanges 13. The end section 17 curves inwardly and is rolled about itself to define the narrowest point of opening 18. The end sections 17 extend from each flange and in use act to retain the clip 1 1 in position over the coupling 2. The flange further includes ribs 25 extending from the web 12 to the end section 17.

In some forms the clip 1 1 is composed of metal or an alternative flexible but strong material. The clip 1 1 is formed of a flexible material such that the flanges 13 of the clip 1 1 are moveable away from one another but are biased toward one another. As such the clip is sprung to allow for a slight widening of the opening 18 to allow a coupling to be inserted therein and to allow the clip to revert to shape around the coupling upon insertion. In use, the clip 1 1 is configured to be positioned over a coupling 2 such as that seen in

Figs. 1 and 2. The coupling comprises two terminations 1 in an interlocking relationship to form the coupling 2. The clip 1 1 is positioned over the coupling 2 by pressing the coupling through the opening 18 in the clip. The flanges 13 which define the opening 18 are biased together but moveable outwardly to allow the coupling to be fitted into the space between the flanges 13 and the web 12 and held therein.

The opening 18 and clip 1 1 are configured such that the clip can be fitted laterally from any side of the coupling 2. This allows for fitting the clip to the coupling in locations or orientations that are difficult to access. As best shown in Fig. 6, the clip can be positioned over the coupling from either the side at which the terminations meet or a side at which there is just the rear face of a single termination. The shape of the coupling, 2, which in some forms has a substantially regular or square cross section allows for the clip 1 1 to be positioned from various angles.

Once positioned over the coupling 2, the end sections 17 of the clip 1 1 retain the clip in position with respect to the coupling.

Turning now to Figs. 7 through 10, disclosed is one embodiment of a clip 1 1 adapted to be laterally positioned on a coupling. The clip 1 1 comprises a body 15 having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The body 15 comprises a lower web 12 extending between two flanges 13. The web 12 includes a distended section 14 forming a convex outwardly positioned section. In the illustrated form the web 12 is turned through greater than 90 degrees to meet the flanges 13 at rounded corners 16.

In this embodiment, the flanges extend substantially perpendicularly to the web to meet end sections 17 of the flanges 13. The end sections 17 include a hook 29 which is turned about creating a cane shape for the flange 13. The hook is oriented such that the opening 18 in the clip 1 1 is narrower than the widest part of the cavity defined by the clip 1 1 and narrower than the width of the web 12. In another embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 1 through 17, disclosed is a clip 1 1, having a generally U-shaped profile which is configured to fit around a coupling between reinforcing bars. The clip 1 1 extends about three sides of an internal cavity 31 configured to retain the coupling. An opening 18 in the clip is configured to allow the coupling to be laterally inserted therein. The opening is narrower than the cross sectional width of the internal cavity 31 such that a coupling inserted into the cavity 31 is retained therein.

The clip 1 1 comprises a ridged wall 33 extending about three sides of the cavity 31 and terminating at each end in a hooked portion 34 which curves inwardly with respect to the walls and is oriented to project across the opening 18 to retain the coupling within the cavity.

The walls 33 comprise ridges 36 extending from a depression 35 in the wall. The depression projects outwardly from the internal cavity 31 and runs across one wall of the clip 1 1. The ridges 36 extend to a position proximal the end hooked portions 34 of the walls. The ridges extend outwardly of the clip 1 1. The hooked portions 34 include a cut out portion 37 which is positioned centrally in the hooked portions 37. The walls 33 further include an indentation 39 projecting outwardly from the cut out portion 37.

In use, the clip 1 1 is configured to be positioned over a coupling 2 such as that seen in Figs. 1 and 2. The coupling comprises two terminations 1 in an interlocking relationship to form the coupling 2. The clip 1 1 is positioned over the coupling 2 by pressing the coupling through the opening 18 in the clip. The flanges 13 which define the opening 18 are biased together but moveable outwardly to allow the coupling to be fitted into the space between the flanges 13 and the web 12 and held therein.

The opening 18 and clip 1 1 are configured such that the clip can be fitted laterally from any side of the coupling 2. This allows for fitting the clip to the coupling in locations or orientations that are difficult to access. The shape of the coupling, 2, which in some forms has a substantially regular or square cross section allows for the clip 1 1 to be positioned from various angles.

Once in position over the coupling 2, in the first illustrated form the indentations 20 on the lip 19 of the flanges 13 are configured to be seated in a recess 24 in the coupling to allow for greater retention of the clip 1 1 with respect to the coupling. In the second and third embodiments the hooked portions 34 are adapted to be seated in an indentation in the coupling or to hook over a lip on the coupling.

In the form illustrated in Figs. 18 through 21 the flanges 13 extend from the web 12 and are angled generally toward one another to form the sides of the substantially U shaped cross section. The end sections 17 of the flanges 13 define an opening 18 in the clip 1 1.

Because of the angled orientation of the flanges 13, the opening 18 has a width less than the width of the web 12.

The end sections 17 of the flanges 13 include a lip 19 which incorporates an indentation 20 to define the narrowest point of the opening 18. The lip 19 extends through the indentation 20 to a projection 21 at the distal end of the flanges 13.

Once in position over the coupling 2, the indentations 20 on the lip 19 of the flanges 13 is seated in a recess 24 in the coupling to allow for greater retention of the clip 1 1 with respect to the coupling 2. In use, the reinforcing bar shafts are arranged to be embedded in concrete so as to accommodate load induced in the resulting structure. Typically there are two types of loading conditions. The first is axial loading which extends primarily in the direction of the bars axis CL. This axial loading may be in tension or in compression. The other loading condition is shear where the loading is in a direction normal to the centreline CL. The coupling 2 is arranged to accommodate loading in both these conditions. The retaining device 10 in the form of the clip 11 is adapted to hold the terminations 1 of the coupling 2 in position with respect to one another. Under axial load, the reinforcing bars shafts may be biased apart (under tension) or biased together, with tensile loading being the predominant condition. This axial loading is accommodated by the coupling 2 through interengagement of projections 28 on correlating profiled surfaces 29 of the two terminations 1. In particular, the projections 28 are arranged to engage along their bearing surfaces 31 formed in the side walls 32 of the profiled surface. These form the regions of contact of the projections 28 under axial loading.

In some forms, to accommodate the shear load, the retaining device 10 in the clip 11 is sufficient to accommodate the design shear loading.

In setting up the reinforcing for the slab, the reinforcing bar shafts can simply be connected to the adjacent reinforcing bar shafts by forming an interlock through interconnection of the termination 1 with a correlating termination on an adjacent shaft. The clip 11 is then laterally positioned over the interlocks or coupling to retain the terminations 1 in engagement with one another.

Once the reinforcing has been connected and positioned, the concrete can then be poured. The low profile of the clip 11 with respect to the coupling 2 through the correlation between the shape of the clip 11 and the cross section of the coupling 2 allows for the concrete to easily move between the coupling and the reinforcing and fosters an effective bind between the concrete and the reinforcing.

An advantage of the coupling and retaining device is that it is easy to assemble onsite and easy to ascertain onsite whether the coupling has been properly installed. If the terminations have not been properly connected together, then it may not be possible to locate the retaining device over the coupled terminations and/or it is clearly visible as part of a termination projects beyond the sleeve length.

The option of preforming the terminations and then subsequently joining those terminations to reinforcing bars, enables the resultant reinforcing to be made without the need for highly specialised equipment, thereby providing flexibility in the manufacture of the product and in particular allows for distributed manufacturing which can reduce transporting and handling costs, and if desired on site manufacture. While specific embodiments of the clip have been described, it will be clear to someone skilled in art that alternative shapes and configurations of clip are available to provide a low profile bracket shaped clip which can be positioned laterally over a coupling.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.