Abstract: A section of heat treated solid steel rod receives a phosphate solution treatment and is inserted into a blind cavity of a first die member within a cold forging press. A punch is forced axially into the rod section in successive steps to cold-forge a first bore and a tubular first end portion of a coupler body. A second end portion of the coupler body is also cold-forged in successive steps after treatments and is either reduced in diameter to receive external threads or is formed with a second bore. Each of the first and second bores receives an end portion of a concrete reinforcing bar after which the tubular end portion of body is compressed or swaged inwardly to secure the body to the reinforcing bar. The second bore may also be machined with internal threads for receiving the external threads on another coupler.
Abstract: A firefighter's boot of this invention is of a configuration and has dimensions which provide a boot which is significantly lighter in weight than a conventional boot of a firefighter which is constructed of the same material. Thus, stress upon a firefighter is significantly less than when a conventional boot is worn by the firefighter. A firefighter's boot of this invention is adapted to be worn in conjunction with firefighter's trousers which cover the legs of the firefighter. A firefighter's boot of this invention is relatively short in height and has a dimension to provide protection which, under certain conditions, may not be provided by the trousers. The firefighter's boots and trousers are adapted to be stored as a unit. The firefighter's boot of this invention is of sufficient height to extend above firefighter's trousers which are compressed around the boots for storing the boots and trousers as a unit.