FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to reinforcing bars for use in reinforced concrete and, more particularly, to couplers for connecting reinforcing bars, and related tools and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure contemplates that reinforcing materials may be utilized with concrete to provide a composite structure with mechanical properties more desirable than concrete alone. Generally, concrete may be strong in compression, but relatively weak in tension. Accordingly, a reinforcing material having a relatively high tensile strength (e.g., steel) may be embedded in concrete to produce reinforced concrete having desirable mechanical properties when subject to compressive, tensile, and/or bending forces.

The present disclosure contemplates that steel in the form of reinforcing bars (also referred to as “rebar”) is commonly used in reinforced concrete. In some circumstances, rebar couplers (also referred to as “mechanical couplers” or “mechanical splices”) may be used to connect rebars together. Rebar couplers may be configured so that the connections between the rebars exhibit mechanical performance characteristics approximately the same as the rebar itself.

The present disclosure contemplates that some known rebar couplers may be relatively expensive, complicated, and/or difficult to use. For example, some known couplers may include many loose parts that must be assembled correctly. Other known couplers may require application using large tools, which may be difficult in confined areas or in locations close to other rebars. Accordingly, for these and other reasons, there is a need for improved rebar couplers and related methods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides reinforcing bar couplers and related tools and methods. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a coupler configured to connect a first reinforcing bar end portion of a first reinforcing bar with a second reinforcing bar end portion of a second reinforcing bar. The first reinforcing bar end portion may include a plurality of radially outwardly facing, substantially parallel, circumferentially oriented first reinforcing bar end portion grooves. The second reinforcing bar end portion may include a plurality of radially outwardly facing, substantially parallel, circumferentially oriented second reinforcing bar end portion grooves. The exemplary coupler includes a first reinforcing bar connecting portion configured to receive the first reinforcing bar end portion, the first reinforcing bar connecting portion comprising a plurality of first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements arranged to extend radially inward into the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves; and a second reinforcing bar connecting portion configured to receive the second reinforcing bar end portion, the second reinforcing bar connecting portion comprising a plurality of second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements arranged to extend radially inward into the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves.

In an exemplary embodiment, the coupler further includes a generally cylindrical collar. The collar is configured to receive the first reinforcing bar connecting portion and the second reinforcing bar connecting portion therein, and the collar is configured to radially restrain the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements in engagement with the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves and the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements in engagement with the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves.

In an exemplary embodiment, the coupler further includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented, circumferentially arranged, elongated segments. Each of the segments includes at least one of the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements, and each of the segments includes at least one of the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements. The plurality of segments forms the first reinforcing bar connecting portion and the second reinforcing bar connecting portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the segments comprises a first segment connecting feature configured to engage an adjacent one of the segments. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the segments comprises a second segment connecting feature configured to engage the first segment connecting feature of an adjacent one of the segments. In an exemplary embodiment, the first segment connecting feature comprises a circumferentially extending tab and the second segment connecting feature comprises a slot configured to receive the tab.

In an exemplary embodiment, the collar is longitudinally slidable relative to the segments. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupler includes a collar stop arranged to oppose longitudinal movement of the collar relative to the first reinforcing bar connecting portion and the second reinforcing bar connecting portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the coupler further includes a first biasing element arranged to bias the segments radially inward. In an exemplary embodiment, the first biasing element includes at least one elastic band disposed circumferentially around the segments. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic band is disposed circumferentially about the segments proximate respective first longitudinal ends of the segments. The coupler further includes a second elastic band arranged to bias the segments radially inward, the second elastic band disposed circumferentially about the segments proximate respective second longitudinal ends of the segments, the first longitudinal ends being arranged generally opposite the second longitudinal ends.

In an exemplary embodiment, (i) the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements are configured to move rotationally relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion to engage the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves; and/or (ii) wherein the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements are configured to move rotationally relative to the second reinforcing bar end portion to engage the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves. In an exemplary embodiment, the first reinforcing bar end portion includes at least one longitudinal first reinforcing bar end portion slot circumferentially adjacent to the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves, the first reinforcing bar end portion slot defining a first reinforcing bar end portion slot circumferential width. The second reinforcing bar end portion includes at least one longitudinal second reinforcing bar end portion slot circumferentially adjacent to the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves, the second reinforcing bar end portion slot defining a second reinforcing bar end portion slot circumferential width. The first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements include a plurality of radially inwardly extending first reinforcing bar connecting portion lands, the first reinforcing bar connecting portion lands defining a first reinforcing bar connecting portion lands circumferential width. The second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements include a plurality of radially inwardly extending second reinforcing bar connecting portion lands, the second reinforcing bar connecting portion lands defining a second reinforcing bar connecting portion lands circumferential width. The first reinforcing bar end portion slot circumferential width is greater than the first reinforcing bar connecting portion lands circumferential width, and the second reinforcing bar end portion slot circumferential width is greater than the second reinforcing bar connecting portion lands circumferential width.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the coupler is configured to rotate relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion and the second reinforcing bar end portion to engage the first reinforcing bar end portion and the second reinforcing bar end portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, (i) each of the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements comprises a generally rounded reinforcing bar contact surface; and/or (ii) each of the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements comprises a generally rounded reinforcing bar contact surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements includes a first reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical element, and each of the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements includes a second reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical element. In an exemplary embodiment, (I) the collar includes at least one first radially tapered surface configured to move at least one of the first reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical elements radially inward upon rotation of the of the collar relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion; and/or (ii) the collar comprises at least one second radially tapered surface configured to move at least one of the second reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical elements radially inward upon rotation of the of the collar relative to the second reinforcing bar end portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the coupler further includes a cage within the collar configured to retain the first reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical elements and the second reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical elements radially within the collar. In an exemplary embodiment, the collar is rotatable relative to the cage.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a method of connecting a first reinforcing bar end portion of a first reinforcing bar with a second reinforcing bar end portion of a second reinforcing bar, the first reinforcing bar end portion including a plurality of radially outwardly facing, substantially parallel, circumferentially oriented first reinforcing bar end portion grooves, the second reinforcing bar end portion comprising a plurality of radially outwardly facing, substantially parallel, circumferentially oriented second reinforcing bar end portion grooves. The method includes receiving the first reinforcing bar end portion in a first reinforcing bar connecting portion of a coupler, the first reinforcing bar connecting portion including a plurality of first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements extending radially inward into engagement with the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves; and receiving the second reinforcing bar end portion in a second reinforcing bar connecting portion of the coupler, the second reinforcing bar connecting portion including a plurality of second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements extending radially inward into engagement with the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes forming the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves on the first reinforcing bar end portion; and forming the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves on the second reinforcing bar end portion. In an exemplary embodiment, (I) receiving the first reinforcing bar end portion in the first reinforcing bar connecting portion of the coupler includes moving the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements radially inwardly relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion to engage the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves; and/or (ii) receiving the second reinforcing bar end portion in the second reinforcing bar connecting portion of the coupler includes moving the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements radially inwardly relative to the second reinforcing bar end portion to engage the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves.

In an exemplary embodiment, the coupler includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented, circumferentially disposed segments. Each of the segments includes at least one of the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements. Each of the segments includes at least one of the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements. The plurality of segments includes the first reinforcing bar connecting portion and the second reinforcing bar connecting portion. Receiving the first reinforcing bar end portion in the first reinforcing bar connecting portion of the coupler includes radially expanding the segments.

In an exemplary embodiment, radially expanding the segments includes moving the segments radially outward against a radially inwardly biasing force, and (i) moving the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements radially inwardly relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion to engage the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves, and/ or (ii) moving the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements radially inwardly relative to the second reinforcing bar end portion to engage the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves includes moving the segments radially inward using the radially inwardly biasing force.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first reinforcing bar end portion includes at least one first reinforcing bar end portion land between two of the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves. The second reinforcing bar end portion includes at least one second reinforcing bar end portion land between two of the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves. Radially expanding the segments includes axially inserting the first reinforcing bar end portion into first reinforcing bar connecting portion so that at least one of the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements is moved radially outward by the at least one first reinforcing bar end portion land, and axially inserting the second reinforcing bar end portion into second reinforcing bar connecting portion so that at least one of the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements is moved radially outward by the at least one second reinforcing bar end portion land.

In an exemplary embodiment, the coupler includes a generally cylindrical collar that is longitudinally slidable relative to the segments. The collar is configured to receive the first reinforcing bar connecting portion and the second reinforcing bar connecting portion therein. The method includes longitudinally sliding the collar over the segments. The method includes (i) radially restraining the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements in engagement with the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves using the collar, and/or (ii) radially restraining the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements in engagement with the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves using the collar.

In an exemplary embodiment, the coupler includes a collar stop arranged to oppose longitudinal movement of the collar relative to the first reinforcing bar connecting portion and the second reinforcing bar connecting portion. The method includes longitudinally sliding the collar against the collar stop.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes rotating the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion to engage the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves and rotating the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements relative to the second reinforcing bar end portion to engage the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first reinforcing bar end portion includes at least one longitudinal first reinforcing bar end portion slot circumferentially adjacent to the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves. The second reinforcing bar end portion includes at least one longitudinal second reinforcing bar end portion slot circumferentially adjacent to the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves. The first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements include a plurality of radially inwardly extending first reinforcing bar connecting portion lands. The second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements include a plurality of radially inwardly extending second reinforcing bar connecting portion lands. Receiving the first reinforcing bar end portion in the first reinforcing bar connecting portion of the coupler includes longitudinally inserting the first reinforcing bar end portion into the first reinforcing bar connecting portion until the first reinforcing bar connecting portion lands are circumferentially aligned with the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves while the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements are rotationally aligned with the first reinforcing bar end portion slot. Receiving the second reinforcing bar end portion in the second reinforcing bar connecting portion of the coupler includes longitudinally inserting the second reinforcing bar end portion in the second reinforcing bar connecting portion until the second reinforcing bar connecting portion lands are circumferentially aligned with the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves while the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements are rotationally aligned with the second reinforcing bar end portion slot.

In an exemplary embodiment, rotating the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion and rotating the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements relative to the second reinforcing bar includes (i) deforming at least one of the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements or the first reinforcing bar end portion grooves, and/or (ii) deforming at least one of the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements or the second reinforcing bar end portion grooves.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements includes a first reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical element. Each of the second reinforcing bar connecting portion engagement elements includes a second reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical element. The method includes rotating at least a portion of the coupler relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion and the second reinforcing bar end portion. Rotating the portion of the coupler relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion and the second reinforcing bar end portion includes moving the first reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical elements and the second reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical elements radially inward. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupler includes a rotatable collar and a cage configured to retain the first reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical element and the second reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical elements radially within the collar. The collar includes at least one first radially tapered surface configured to move at least one of the first reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical elements radially inward upon rotation of the of the collar relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion. The collar includes at least one second radially tapered surface configured to move at least one of the second reinforcing bar connecting portion spherical elements radially inward upon rotation of the of the collar relative to the second reinforcing bar end portion. Rotating the portion of the coupler relative to the first reinforcing bar end portion and the second reinforcing bar end portion includes rotating the collar relative to the cage.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a tool for installing a reinforcing bar coupler. The tool includes a reinforcing bar engagement element configured to releasably engage a first reinforcing bar proximate a coupling location with a second reinforcing bar; a coupler engagement element configured to releasably engage a slidable collar of a reinforcing bar coupler for connecting the first reinforcing bar with the second reinforcing bar at the coupling location; a mechanism configured to slide the coupler engagement element relative to the reinforcing bar engagement element to longitudinally slide the slidable collar onto the coupling location or slide the slidable collar off of the coupling location; and a handle operable to operate the mechanism using a user-applied force.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanism includes an extension mechanism configured to move the coupler engagement element away from the reinforcing bar engagement element to longitudinally slide the slidable collar. In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanism comprises a slider-crank mechanism, the slider-crank mechanism includes a slider element including the reinforcing bar engagement element; a crank element including the handle, the crank element pivotably coupled to the coupler engagement element; and a linkage pivotably coupled to the slider element and pivotably coupled to the crank element between the coupler engagement element and the handle. In an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing bar engagement element includes a laterally open reinforcing bar slot, the slot having a width greater than a diameter of the reinforcing bar. In an exemplary embodiment, the slidable collar includes a radially outwardly extending flange, and the coupler engagement element includes a laterally open flange slot configured to receive the flange. In an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing bar slot is oriented generally orthogonally relative to the flange slot.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary reinforcing bar coupler, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a tubular assembly of the coupler of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-section view of the coupler of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary rebar coupler tool for use with the coupler of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of the coupler tool of FIG. 5 before operation.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the coupler tool of FIG. 5 after operation.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary rebar coupler, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10A is a perspective cutaway view of the coupler of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10B is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative coupler similar to the coupler of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another exemplary rebar coupler, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first rebar end portion for use with the coupler of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal section view of the coupler of FIG. 11 taken along line 13-13, illustrating the coupler in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal section view of the coupler of FIG. 11 similar to FIG. 13, and illustrating the coupler in a locked configuration.

FIG. 15 is a detailed lateral section view of a portion of the coupler taken along line 15- 15, illustrating the coupler in the locked configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary reinforcing bar coupler 100, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the coupler 100 of FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a tubular assembly 128 of the coupler 100 of FIG. 1 , and FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-section view of the coupler 100 of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the coupler 100 is configured to connect a first reinforcing bar (“rebar”) 102 with a second rebar 104 at a coupling location 101. At least a portion of each rebar 102, 104 proximate the coupler 100 defines a respective rebar longitudinal axis 102A, 104A. Similarly, the coupler 100 defines a coupler longitudinal axis 100A. In the illustrated embodiment, the rebar longitudinal axes 102A, 104A and the coupler longitudinal axis 100A are oriented substantially in parallel and axially aligned and, thus, a common reference longitudinal direction 103 is mentioned in the description below.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the coupler 100 connects a first rebar end portion 106 of the first rebar 102 with a second rebar end portion 108 of the second rebar 104. In some embodiments, the coupler 100 is configured so that the connection between the rebars 102, 104 exhibits mechanical performance characteristics approximately the same as the rebars 102, 104. Referring to FIG. 4, the first rebar end portion 106 of the first rebar 102 includes a plurality of radially outwardly facing, circumferential first rebar end portion grooves 110. The first rebar end portion grooves 110 are interposed by first rebar end portion lands 112, which are generally annular and circumferentially oriented. Individual first rebar end portion lands 112 are disposed between two of the first rebar end portion grooves 110. Similarly, the second rebar end portion 108 of the second rebar 104 includes a plurality of radially outwardly facing, circumferential second rebar end portion grooves 114. The second rebar end portion grooves 114 are interposed by second rebar end portion lands 116, which are generally annular and circumferentially oriented. Individual second rebar end portion lands 116 are disposed between two of the second rebar end portion grooves 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the rebar end portion grooves 110, 112 and the rebar end portion lands 114, 116 are substantially parallel and are circumferentially oriented. As such, in this embodiment, the grooves 110, 112 are not helically or spiral shaped in the form of screw threads. In some embodiments, the rebar end portions 106, 108 may have generally constant outermost diameters. That is, the rebar end portion 106, 108 may not be tapered in the longitudinal direction 103.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the coupler 100 includes a first rebar connecting portion 118 configured to receive the first rebar end portion 106. The first rebar connecting portion 118 includes a plurality of first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 120 arranged to extend radially inward into respective first rebar end portion grooves 110. In this embodiment, the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 120 may include generally annular, radially inwardly extending projections. The first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 120 may be substantially parallel and may be circumferentially oriented such that they are not helically or spiral shaped in the form of screw threads. Similarly, the coupler 100 includes a second rebar connecting portion 122 configured to receive the second rebar end portion 108. The second rebar connecting portion 122 includes a plurality of second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 124 arranged to extend radially inward into respective second rebar end portion grooves 114. In this embodiment, the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 124 may include generally annular, radially inwardly extending projections. The first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 124 may be substantially parallel and may be circumferentially oriented such that they are not helically or spiral shaped in the form of screw threads.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in this exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the first rebar connecting portion 118 and at least a portion of the second rebar connecting portion 122 are formed from a plurality of longitudinally oriented, circumferentially disposed segments 126. In some embodiments, each segment 126 may be elongated, with a long axis extending generally parallel to the longitudinal direction 103. The rebar connecting portion engagement elements 120, 124 are provided on the segments 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the segments 126 are substantially identical and each segment 126 includes at least one of the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 120 and at least one of the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 124. That is, in some embodiments, individual segments 126 may extend from radially adjacent the first rebar end portion 106 to radially adjacent the second rebar end portion 108, and individual segments 126 may engage both the first rebar end portion 106 and the second rebar end portion 108. In some embodiments, the segments 126 may be constructed from substantially rigid materials such that the segments do not substantially deform during use.

In the illustrated embodiment, the segments 126 (e.g., eight segments 126) cooperate to form a generally tubular assembly 128. In some embodiments, the tubular assembly 128 may have a substantially constant outer diameter along its longitudinal length and/or may have a generally smooth radially outer surface, excluding minor features as described herein. For example, the outer diameter of the tubular assembly 128 may not taper substantially in the longitudinal direction 103 and/or may not include screw threads and/or toothed features. In the embodiment shown, each segment 126 provides about 45 degrees of the generally circular circumference. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a relatively small radially outward movement of an individual segment 126 may allow axial movement of the segment 126 relative to the rebar end portions 106, 108. This is in contrast to alternative segments providing about 180 degrees of circumference, which generally require substantial radial movement to disengage from the rebar end portions 106, 108. While the illustrated embodiment shown and described herein includes eight segments 126, each extending approximately over 45 degrees of the circumference, it will be appreciated that various other embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure may have different numbers of segments extending over corresponding portions of the circumference as may be suitable for a given application.

Referring to FIG. 3, each segment 126 comprises a first segment connecting feature 130 configured to engage an adjacent segment 126. Each segment 126 also includes a second segment connecting feature 132 configured to engage the first segment connecting feature 130 of the adjacent segment 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment connecting features 130 comprise circumferentially extending tabs and the second segment connecting features 132 comprise respective slots configured to receive the tabs. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, various other configurations of segment connecting features 130, 132 suitable for engaging adjacent segments 126 may be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler 100 includes at least one biasing element arranged to bias the segments 126 radially inward. Specifically, in this embodiment, the biasing elements include first and second elastic elements 134, 136 are arranged to bias the segments 126 radially inward. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic elements 134, 136 are in the form of generally annular elastic bands disposed circumferentially around the segments 126. The first elastic element 134 is disposed in a first radially outwardly facing circumferential groove 138 proximate respective first longitudinal ends 140 of the segments 126. The second elastic element 136 is disposed in a second radially outwardly facing circumferential groove 142 proximate respective second longitudinal ends 144 of the segments 126. The first longitudinal ends 140 of the segments 126 are arranged generally longitudinally opposite the second longitudinal ends 144 of the segments 126.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular assembly 128 and/or the segments 126 may be radially expanded, such as by moving the segments 126 radially outward against the radially inwardly biasing forces exerted by the first and second elastic elements 134, 136. The first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 120 are configured to move radially inwardly relative to the first rebar end portion 106 to engage the first rebar end portion grooves 110 by moving the segments 126 radially inward using the radially inwardly biasing force(s). Similarly, the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 124 are configured to move radially inwardly relative to the second rebar end portion 108 to engage the second rebar end portion grooves 114 by moving the segments 126 radially inward using the radially inwardly biasing force(s).

Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2, 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the coupler 100 further includes a generally cylindrical collar 146. When installed, the collar 146 receives the first rebar connecting portion 118 and the second rebar connecting portion 122 generally radially within the collar 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 146 is longitudinally slidable relative to the segments 126, such as to slide over the segments 126. When installed, the collar 146 radially restrains the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 120 in engagement with the first rebar end portion grooves 110 and the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 124 in engagement with the second rebar end portion grooves 114.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the segments 126 may include a collar stop 148 arranged to oppose longitudinal movement of the collar 146 relative to the first rebar connecting portion 118 and the second rebar connecting portion 122. In this embodiment, the collar stops 148 on the segments 126 cooperate to form a generally ring-shaped, circumferential flange extending generally radially outwardly from the segments 126. The collar stops 148 are located on the segments 126 forming the tubular assembly 128 so that the collar 146 is slidable onto the segments 126 from the second longitudinal ends 144 toward the first longitudinal ends 140. The collar stops 148 are configured to prevent the collar 146 from being pushed past the collar stops 148 toward the first rebar 102. Additionally, the collar stops 148 may act as a visual indicator that the coupler 100 is fully and properly assembled on the rebars 102, 104. In particular, if the collar 146 is pushed against the collar stops 148, then it may be visually apparent that each of the individual segments 126 is correctly engaged with both rebars 102, 104. In some embodiments, one or more segments 126 may include one or more protrusions 149 for engaging the radially inner surface of the collar 146. For example, the protrusions 149 of the illustrated embodiment may facilitate sliding engagement and radial centering of the collar 146 relative to the tubular assembly 128. Accordingly, some protrusions 149 may be tapered in the longitudinal direction 103 from which collar 146 will be installed.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the illustrated embodiment, one or more of the segments 126 may further include a rebar end stop 150 arranged to oppose longitudinal movement of the coupler 100 relative to the first rebar end portion 106 and/or the second rebar end portion 108. In this embodiment, the rebar end stops 150 on the segments 126 cooperate to form a generally ring-shaped, circumferential flange extending generally radially inwardly from the segments 126. The rebar end stops 150 are configured to prevent the first rebar end portion 106 from being inserted too far into the first rebar connecting portion 118 and/or to prevent the second rebar end portion 108 from being inserted too far into the second rebar connecting portion 122.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the collar 146 may further include an installation feature configured to facilitate longitudinal sliding of the collar 146 relative to the segments 126 forming the tubular assembly 128. In this embodiment, the installation feature includes generally a circumferential flange 152 disposed generally proximate one longitudinal end of the collar 146. As described below, the flange 152 is engaged by a coupler tool 200 (FIG.5) to facilitate installation and/or removal of the collar 146.

Exemplary methods of using the coupler 100 according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following operations. An exemplary method of connecting the first rebar end portion 106 with the second rebar end portion 108 includes receiving the first rebar end portion 106 in the first rebar connecting portion 118 of the coupler 100 and receiving the second rebar end portion 108 in the second rebar connecting portion 122 of the coupler 100.

In some embodiments, receiving the first rebar end portion 106 in the first rebar connecting portion 118 of the coupler 100 includes moving the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 120 radially inwardly relative to the first rebar end portion 106 to engage the first rebar end portion grooves 110. Similarly, receiving the second rebar end portion 108 in the second rebar connecting portion 122 of the coupler 100 includes moving the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 124 radially inwardly relative to the second rebar end portion 108 to engage the second rebar end portion grooves 114.

In some embodiments, receiving the first rebar end portion 106 in the first rebar connecting portion 118 of the coupler 100 includes radially expanding the segments 126. Radially expanding the segments 126 includes axially inserting the first rebar end portion 106 into first rebar connecting portion 118 so that at least one of the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 120 is moved radially outward by the at least one first rebar end portion land 112, and axially inserting the second rebar end portion 108 into second rebar connecting portion 122 so that at least one of the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 124 is moved radially outward by the at least one second rebar end portion land 116.

Some exemplary methods include longitudinally sliding the collar 146 over the segments 126. Further, some exemplary methods include (I) radially restraining the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 120 in engagement with the first rebar end portion grooves 110 using the collar 146, and/or (ii) radially restraining the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 124 in engagement with the second rebar end portion grooves 114 using the collar 146. Some exemplary methods include longitudinally sliding the collar 146 against the collar stop 148.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary rebar coupler tool 200 for use with the coupler 100 of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 is perspective view of the coupler tool 200 of FIG. 5 100 before operation. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the coupler tool 200 of FIG. 5 100 after operation.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the coupler tool 200 is configured for use in connection with installing and/or removing the collar 146 of the rebar coupler 100 of FIG. 1. The tool 200 includes a rebar engagement element 202 and a coupler engagement element 204. The rebar engagement element 202 is configured to releasably engage a first rebar (e.g., the second rebar 104) proximate the coupling location 101 with a second rebar (e.g., the first rebar 102). In this embodiment, the rebar engagement element 202 includes a laterally open rebar slot 222. The rebar slot 222 has a width 224 greater than a diameter 226 of the rebar 104. Accordingly, the rebar slot 222 can be readily placed on and removed from the rebar 104. The rebar slot 222 is tilted relative to the rebar 104 to secure the rebar slot 222 on the rebar 104 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). In the illustrated embodiment, the rebar slot 222 includes a relatively narrower neck portion 228 and a generally rounded, relatively wider inner portion 230. This shape improves the connection between the rebar slot 222 and the rebar 104 by reducing the likelihood of the rebar 104 coming out of the rebar slot 222 during use of the coupler tool 200. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, various other configurations of rebar engagement elements 202 suitable for engaging the rebar 104 may be used.

The coupler engagement element 204 is configured to releasably engage the slidable collar 146 of the coupler 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler engagement element 204 is configured to engage an installation feature of the collar 146. Specifically, in this embodiment, the coupler engagement element 204 includes a laterally open flange slot 232 configured to receive the radially outwardly extending circumferential flange 152 of the collar 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange slot 232 is formed from a generally U-shaped channel configured to receive the flange 152 of the collar 146. The U-shaped channel extends circumferentially about 180 degrees to define the generally U-shaped flange slot 232. An inner portion 234 of the circumferential U-shaped flange slot 232 is curved to engage the radially outer surface of the collar 146. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, various other configurations of coupler engagement elements 204 suitable for engaging the collar 146 may be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rebar slot 222 is oriented generally orthogonally relative to the flange slot 232. That is, the opening of the rebar slot 222 is oriented generally orthogonally relative to the opening of the flange slot 232.

The tool 200 further includes a mechanism 206 configured to slide the coupler engagement element 204 relative to the rebar engagement element 202 to longitudinally slide the slidable collar 146 onto the coupling location 101 and/or slide the slidable collar off of the coupling location 101. The tool 200 further includes a handle 208 operable to operate the mechanism 206 using a user-applied force.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism 206 is in the form of an extension mechanism configured to move the coupler engagement element 204 away from the rebar engagement element 202 to longitudinally slide the slidable collar 146. In this embodiment, the mechanism 206 may include a slider-crank mechanism, which includes a slider element 210, a crank element 212, and linkage 214. For example, the slider element 210 may comprise the rebar engagement element 202 and the crank element 212 may comprise the handle 208. The crank element 212 is pivotably coupled to the coupler engagement element 204 at a first pivot connection 216. The linkage 214 linkage pivotably coupled to the slider element 210 at a second pivot connection 218 and is pivotably coupled to the crank element 212 at a third pivot connection 220 located between the coupler engagement element 204 and the handle 208. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, various other configurations of mechanisms 206 suitable for actuating the tool 200 may be used.

Exemplary methods of using the coupler tool 200 according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following operations. To install a coupler 100 on rebars 102, 104, the collar 146 of the coupler is placed on the second rebar 104, and the tubular assembly 128 of the coupler is installed on the rebars 102, 104. The collar 146 is aligned with the tubular assembly 128. The coupler tool 200 is engaged with the rebar 104. In particular, the rebar engagement element 202 is placed on the rebar 104 and the rebar engagement element 202 is pivoted about the second pivot connection 218 to grasp the rebar 104 with the inner portion 230 of the rebar slot 222. The coupler tool 200 is engaged with the collar 146. Specifically, the coupler engagement element 204 is placed on the flange 152 of the collar 146. As shown in FIG. 6, the mechanism 206 is positioned so that the rebar engagement element 202 is relatively close to the coupler engagement element 204.

The handle 208 is used to operate the mechanism 206. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the handle 208 is pushed and/or pulled generally towards the second rebar 104. This motion extends the mechanism 206, moving the coupler engagement element 204 away from the rebar engagement element 202. In particular, this motion pivots the crank element 212 about the third pivot connection 220. The first pivot connection 216 and the second pivot connection 218 articulate as necessary to accommodate the motion of the crank element 212 while maintaining the engagement between the rebar engagement element 202 and the rebar 104 and between the coupler engagement element 204 and the collar 146. Operating the mechanism 206 as described presses the collar 146 onto the tubular assembly 128 (e.g., toward the first rebar 102), thereby assembling the coupling 100 on the coupling location 101.

In some embodiments, generally similar operations may be utilized in connection with removing an installed coupling 100 from the rebars 102, 104. In particular, the coupler tool 200 is engaged with the coupler 100 and operated in the same manner as described above, except that the coupler tool 200 is oriented in the opposite longitudinal direction relative to the coupling 100. That is, the rebar engagement element 202 is placed on the first rebar 102, and operating the mechanism 206 presses the collar 146 off of the tubular assembly 128 (e.g., toward the second rebar 104). Repeated description of similar operations is omitted for brevity.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary rebar coupler 300, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the coupler 300 of FIG. 8 and FIG. 10A is a perspective cutaway view of the coupler 300 of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 8, the coupler 300 is configured to connect a first rebar 302 with a second rebar 304 at a coupling location 301. At least a portion of each rebar 302, 304 proximate the coupler 300 defines a respective rebar longitudinal axis 302A, 304A. Similarly, the coupler 300 defines a coupler longitudinal axis 300A. In the illustrated embodiment, the rebar longitudinal axes 302A, 304A and the coupler longitudinal axis 300A are oriented substantially in parallel and axially aligned and, thus, a common reference longitudinal direction 303 is mentioned in the description below.

Referring to FIG. 9, the coupler 300 connects a first rebar end portion 306 of the first rebar 302 with a second rebar end portion 308 of the second rebar 304. Generally, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the coupler 300 is configured to rotate relative to the first rebar end portion 306 and/or the second rebar end portion 308 to engage the first rebar end portion 306 and/or the second rebar end portion 308. In some embodiments, the coupler 300 is configured so that the connection between the rebars

302, 304 exhibits mechanical performance characteristics approximately the same as the rebars 302, 304.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rebar end portion 306 of the first rebar 302 includes a plurality of radially outwardly facing, circumferential first rebar end portion grooves 310. The first rebar end portion grooves 310 are interposed by first rebar end portion lands 312, which are generally annular and circumferentially oriented. Individual first rebar end portion lands 312 are disposed between two of the first rebar end portion grooves 310. Similarly, the second rebar end portion 308 of the second rebar 304 includes a plurality of radially outwardly facing, circumferential second rebar end portion grooves 314. The second rebar end portion grooves 314 are interposed by second rebar end portion lands 316, which are generally annular and circumferentially oriented. Individual second rebar end portion lands 316 are disposed between two of the second rebar end portion grooves 314. In the illustrated embodiment, the rebar end portion grooves 310, 312 and the rebar end portion lands 314, 316 are substantially parallel and are circumferentially oriented. As such, in this embodiment, the grooves 310, 312 are not helically or spiral shaped in the form of screw threads. In some embodiments, the rebar end portions 306, 308 may have generally constant outermost diameters. That is, the rebar end portions 306, 308 may not be tapered in the longitudinal direction

303.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10A, the coupler 300 includes a first rebar connecting portion 318 configured to receive the first rebar end portion 306. The first rebar connecting portion 318 includes a plurality of first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 arranged to extend radially inward into respective first rebar end portion grooves 310. In this embodiment, the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 may include generally annular, radially inwardly extending projections. The first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 may be substantially parallel and may be circumferentially oriented such that they are not helically or spiral shaped in the form of screw threads. Similarly, the coupler 300 includes a second rebar connecting portion 322 configured to receive the second rebar end portion 308. The second rebar connecting portion 322 includes a plurality of second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 arranged to extend radially inward into respective second rebar end portion grooves 314. In this embodiment, the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 may include generally annular, radially inwardly extending projections. The first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 may be substantially parallel and may be circumferentially oriented such that they are not helically or spiral shaped in the form of screw threads. Although the illustrated embodiment includes generally V-shaped engagement elements and grooves, it will be appreciated that other suitable shapes may be used in other embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 are configured to move rotationally relative to the first rebar end portion 306 to engage the first rebar end portion grooves 310. Similarly, the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 are configured to move rotationally relative to the second rebar end portion 308 to engage the second rebar end portion grooves 314.

Referring to FIG. 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the first rebar end portion 306 includes one or more (e.g., four) longitudinal first rebar end portion slots 326 circumferentially adjacent to the first rebar end portion grooves 310. Each first rebar end portion slot 326 defines a first rebar end portion slot circumferential width 328. Similarly, the second rebar end portion 308 includes one or more (e.g., four) longitudinal second rebar end portion slots 330 circumferentially adjacent to the second rebar end portion grooves 314. Each second rebar end portion slot 330 defines a second rebar end portion slot circumferential width 332.

Referring to FIG. 10A, the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 include radially inwardly extending first rebar connecting portion lands 334. The first rebar connecting portion lands 334 define a first rebar connecting portion land circumferential width 336. Similarly, the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 include radially inwardly extending second rebar connecting portion lands 338. The second rebar connecting portion lands 338 define a second rebar connecting portion lands circumferential width 340. In the embodiment shown, the first rebar end portion slot circumferential width 328 is greater than the first rebar connecting portion lands circumferential width 336. Likewise, the second rebar end portion slot circumferential width 332 is greater than the second rebar connecting portion lands circumferential width 340.

Accordingly, when the first rebar 302 is rotationally and axially aligned with the coupler 300 so that the first rebar end portion slots 326 are aligned with the first rebar connecting portion lands 334, the first rebar end portion 306 may be inserted into the first rebar connecting portion 318 of the coupler 300. Similarly, when the second rebar 304 is rotationally and axially aligned with the coupler 300 so that the second rebar end portion slots 330 are aligned with the second rebar connecting portion lands 338, the second rebar end portion 308 may be inserted into the second rebar connecting portion 322 of the coupler 300.

Referring to FIG. 10A, in the illustrated embodiment, the coupler includes a rebar end stop 342 arranged to oppose longitudinal movement of the coupler 300 relative to the first rebar end portion 306 and/or the second rebar end portion 308. In this embodiment, the rebar end stop 342 is in the form of a generally ring-shaped, circumferential flange extending generally radially inwardly within the coupler 300. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10A, the rebar end stop 342 is configured to prevent the first rebar end portion 306 from being inserted too far into the first rebar connecting portion 318 and/or to prevent the second rebar end portion 308 from being inserted too far into the second rebar connecting portion 322.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rebars 302, 304 and the coupler 300 include cooperating, rotation limiting features. It will be understood that substantially similar anti-rotation features may be utilized for each rebar 302, 304, and for brevity, repeated description is omitted. Referring to FIG. 9, a longitudinal end face 344 of the first rebar end portion 306 includes one or more (e.g., four) longitudinally extending bosses 346. Referring to FIG. 10A, a longitudinal face 348 of the rebar end stop 342 includes one or more (e.g., four) longitudinally extending bosses 350. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10A, in this embodiment, when the rebars 302, 304 are fully inserted into the coupler 300, the bosses 346 of the rebar end portions 306, 308 cooperate with the bosses 350 of the rebar end stop 342 to limit rotation of the rebars 302, 304 relative to the coupler 300. For example, the bosses 346, 350 may be positioned so that the rebars 302, 304 may be rotated about 1 /8th of a turn from the angular positions in which the rebars 302, 304 are inserted into the coupler 300. After rotation, the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 extend radially inward into engagement with the first rebar end portion grooves 310 and the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 extend radially inward into engagement with the second rebar end portion grooves 314.

In some embodiments, the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 may be secured in engagement with the first rebar end portion grooves 310 and/or the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 may be secured in engagement with the second rebar end portion grooves 314. For example, one or both of the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 or the first rebar end portion grooves 310 may be constructed for tightening engagement with the other as the rebar 302 is rotated relative to the coupler 300. In particular, the shape and/or size of the stops first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 and/or the first rebar end portion grooves 310 may vary circumferentially so that relative rotation causes the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 or the first rebar end portion grooves 310 to grip each other. For example, the angle between the projections forming the first rebar connection portion engagement elements 320 may narrow along the circumferential length. This gripping action may include elastic and/or plastic deformation of the engaged elements. The second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 may be secured in engagement with the second rebar end portion grooves 314 in a similar manner.

Exemplary methods of using the coupler 300 according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following operations. An exemplary method of connecting the first rebar end portion 306 with the second rebar end portion 308 includes receiving the first rebar end portion 306 in the first rebar connecting portion 318 of the coupler 300 and receiving the second rebar end portion 108 in the second rebar connecting portion 322 of the coupler 300.

Some exemplary methods include rotating the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 relative to the first rebar end portion 306 to engage the first rebar end portion grooves 310 and rotating the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 relative to the second rebar end portion 308 to engage the second rebar end portion grooves 314.

In some exemplary methods, receiving the first rebar end portion 306 in the first rebar connecting portion 318 of the coupler 300 includes longitudinally inserting the first rebar end portion 306 into the first rebar connecting portion 318 until the first rebar connecting portion lands 334 are circumferentially aligned with the first rebar end portion grooves 310 while the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 are rotationally aligned with the first rebar end portion slot 326. Similarly, in some exemplary methods, receiving the second rebar end portion 308 in the second rebar connecting portion 322 of the coupler 300 includes longitudinally inserting the second rebar end portion 308 in the second rebar connecting portion 322 until the second rebar connecting portion lands 338 are circumferentially aligned with the second rebar end portion grooves 330 while the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 are rotationally aligned with the second rebar end portion slot 330.

In some exemplary methods, rotating the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 relative to the first rebar end portion 306 and rotating the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 relative to the second rebar end portion 308 include (I) deforming at least one of the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 320 or the first rebar end portion grooves 310 and/or (ii) deforming at least one of the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements 324 or the second rebar end portion grooves 314. In some embodiments, such deformation operates to secure the coupler 300 on the rebars 302, 304.

FIG. 10B is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative coupler 300A, which is similar to the coupler 300 of FIG. 8. Except as detailed below, the alternative coupler 300A is substantially similar to the coupler 300 described above, and repeated description is omitted for brevity. Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, in each coupler 300, 300A, the first rebar connecting portion lands 334, 334A are positioned relative to the second rebar connecting portion lands 338 at an angular offset 335, 335A (e.g., relative to the longitudinal direction 303 shown in FIG. 8). In FIG. 10A, the angular offset 335 is about 45 degrees. In FIG. 10B, the angular offset 335A is about 10 degrees. In some applications different angular offsets may be useful, such as when the coupling engages one or more angled rebars. It will be appreciated that the angular offsets 335, 335A in FIGS. 10A and 10B are merely exemplary and that other angular offsets (e.g., 0-180 degrees) may be utilized in various couplings according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another exemplary rebar coupler 400, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first rebar end portion 406 for use with the coupler 400 of FIG. 11 , FIG. 13 is a longitudinal section view of the coupler 400 of FIG. 11 taken along line 13-13, illustrating the coupler 400 in an unlocked configuration, FIG. 14 is a longitudinal section view of the coupler 400 of FIG. 11 similar to FIG. 13, and illustrating the coupler 400 in a locked configuration, and FIG. 15 is a detailed lateral section view of a portion of the coupler 400 taken along line 15-15, illustrating the coupler 400 in the locked configuration. Referring to FIG. 11 , the coupler 400 is configured to connect a first rebar 402 with a second rebar 404 at a coupling location 401. At least a portion of each rebar 402, 404 proximate the coupler 400 defines a respective rebar longitudinal axis 402A, 404A. Similarly, the coupler 400 defines a coupler longitudinal axis 400A. In the illustrated embodiment, the rebar longitudinal axes 402A, 404A and the coupler longitudinal axis 400A are oriented substantially in parallel and axially aligned and, thus, a common reference longitudinal direction 403 is mentioned in the description below.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the coupler 400 connects a first rebar end portion 406 of the first rebar 402 with a second rebar end portion of the second rebar 404. The second rebar end portion is substantially similar to the first rebar end portion 406. In some embodiments, the coupler 400 is configured so that the connection between the rebars 402, 404 exhibits mechanical performance characteristics approximately the same as the rebars 402, 404.

Referring to FIG. 12, the first rebar end portion 406 of the first rebar 402 includes a plurality of radially outwardly facing, circumferential first rebar end portion grooves 410. The first rebar end portion grooves 410 are interposed by first rebar end portion lands 412, which are generally annular and circumferentially oriented. Individual first rebar end portion lands 412 are disposed between two of the first rebar end portion grooves 410. Similarly, the second rebar end portion of the second rebar 404 includes a plurality of radially outwardly facing, circumferential second rebar end portion grooves interposed by second rebar end portion lands, which are generally annular and circumferentially oriented. Individual second rebar end portion lands are disposed between two of the second rebar end portion grooves. In the illustrated embodiment, the rebar end portion grooves 410 and the rebar end portion lands 412 are substantially parallel and are circumferentially oriented. As such, in this embodiment, the grooves 410 are not helically or spiral shaped in the form of screw threads. In some embodiments, the rebar end portions 406 may have generally constant outermost diameters. That is, the rebar end portions 406 may not be tapered in the longitudinal direction 403.

Referring to FIGS. 11-14, in the illustrated embodiment, the coupler 400 includes a first rebar connecting portion 418 configured to receive the first rebar end portion 406. The first rebar connecting portion 418 includes one or more (e.g., five) first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 420 arranged to extend radially inward into the first rebar end portion grooves 410. The coupler 400 includes a substantially similar second rebar connecting portion 422 configured to receive the second rebar end portion. The second rebar connecting portion includes a plurality of second rebar connecting portion engagement elements arranged to extend radially inward into the second rebar end portion grooves in generally the same manner as the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 420. In various exemplary embodiments, the coupler 400 may include additional generally similar connecting portion engagement elements spaced apart longitudinally to engage additional first rebar end portion grooves 410. For example, one embodiment includes five longitudinally spaced apart sets of rebar connecting portion engagement elements configured to engage each rebar 402, 404.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 420 are configured to move radially inwardly relative to the first rebar end portion 406 to engage the first rebar end portion grooves 410. Similarly, the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements are configured to move radially inwardly relative to the second rebar end portion to engage the second rebar end portion grooves in a substantially similar manner.

Referring to FIG. 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion engagement elements 420 may each include a generally rounded rebar contact surface 432. In this embodiment, the connecting portion engagement elements 420 may be generally spherical (e.g., ball-shaped), and may form rebar connecting portion spherical elements. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, various other configurations of connecting portion engagement elements 420 suitable for engaging the rebars 402, 404 may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13-15, in the illustrated embodiment, the coupler 400 further includes a generally cylindrical collar 446. Radially within the collar 446 is a generally tubular cage 428, which at least partially forms the first rebar connecting portion 418 and the second rebar connecting portion. The cage 428 engages and retains the first connecting portion engagement elements 420 and the second connecting portion engagement elements radially within the collar. The collar 446 receives the cage 428 generally radially within the collar 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 446 is rotatable relative to the cage 428. In this embodiment, the cage 428 does not rotate relative to the rebars 402, 404, so the collar 446 is configured to rotate relative to the first rebar end portion 406 and the second rebar end portion to engage the first rebar end portion 406 and the second rebar end portion.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the collar 446 may include one or more first radially tapered surfaces 434 configured to move one or more of the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements (e.g., spherical elements) 420 radially inward upon rotation of the of the collar 446 relative to the first rebar end portion 406. The collar 446 may include at least one substantially similar second radially tapered surface configured to move at least one of the second rebar connecting portion spherical elements radially inward upon rotation of the of the collar relative to the second rebar end portion.

Referring to FIG. 13, in the unlocked configuration, the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements (e.g., spherical elements) 420 are substantially radially outward relative to the grooves 410 and lands 412 of the first rebar end portion 406. To transition the coupler 400 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the collar 446 is rotated. From the perspective of FIGS. 13 and 14, the collar 446 is rotated counter-clockwise to move from the unlocked configuration (FIG. 13) to the locked configuration (FIG. 14). Rotating the collar 446 causes the tapered surfaces 434 to bear radially inwardly on the connecting portion engagement elements 420, thereby causing the connecting portion engagement elements 420 to move radially inward into the grooves 410 of the first rebar end portion 406. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, in the locked configuration, the collar 446 radially restrains the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 420 in engagement with the first rebar end portion grooves 410. Some exemplary couplers 400 may be transitioned from the locked configuration (FIG. 14) to the unlocked configuration (FIG. 13) by rotating the collar 446 clockwise from the perspective of FIGS. 13 and 14. This motion aligns the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 420 with the radially deeper portions of the tapered surfaces 434, thereby allowing the first rebar connection portion engagement elements 420 to move radially outward from the grooves 410. The coupler 400 operates in a substantially similar manner with respect to the second rebar 404, and repeated description is omitted for brevity.

Exemplary methods of using the coupler 400 according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following operations. An exemplary method of connecting the first rebar end portion 406 with the second rebar end portion includes receiving the first rebar end portion 406 in the first rebar connecting portion 418 of the coupler 400 and receiving the second rebar end portion in the second rebar connecting portion 422 of the coupler 400. In some embodiments, receiving the first rebar end portion 406 in the first rebar connecting portion 418 of the coupler 400 includes moving the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 420 radially inwardly relative to the first rebar end portion 406 to engage the first rebar end portion grooves 410. Similarly, receiving the second rebar end portion in the second rebar connecting portion 422 of the coupler 400 includes moving the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements radially inwardly relative to the second rebar end portion to engage the second rebar end portion grooves.

Some exemplary methods include rotating at least a portion of the coupler 400 relative to the first rebar end portion to engage the first rebar connecting portion engagement elements 420 with the first rebar end portion grooves 410. Similarly, some exemplary methods include rotating at least a portion of the coupler 400 relative to the second rebar end portion to engage the second rebar connecting portion engagement elements with the second rebar end portion grooves. In some exemplary methods, rotating at least a portion of the coupler 400 moves the first rebar connecting portion spherical elements 420 and the second rebar connecting portion spherical elements radially inward. In some exemplary embodiments, rotating at least a portion of the coupler 400 includes rotating the collar 446 relative to the cage 428.

Various exemplary methods described above may further include preparing rebars for use with a coupler 100, 300, 400. For example, in preparation for use a with the coupler 100, 300, 400, some exemplary methods may include forming the first rebar end portion grooves 110, 310 410 on the first rebar end portion 106, 306, 406 and/or similar operations on the second rebar 104, 304, 404.

While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features shown and described herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept.