Abstract: An improved dowel fastener for compressive insertion within a recess, bore or aperture in each of two joint members of wood, metal, plastic or combinations thereof to frictionally retain one joint member to the other. The dowel fastener includes a flexible, resilient, tubular body having a preferably spiral slot extending from end to end and at least one and preferably two spaced tabs at positions along the slot. The tabs each extend from one slot edge across the slot toward the opposing slot edge and engage the inside surface of the tubular body adjacent the opposing slot edge. The body provides a cylindrical exterior gripping surface for engagement with the sides of the joint apertures and is sufficiently flexible for compression from its normal, uncompressed diameter for insertion in a smaller fastening aperture.

Abstract: A fastener clip assembly for forming a substantially concealed joint between panels of furniture, a shelf assembly or the like includes a pair of clips telescopingly assembled with one another to form a joint which prevents rotation between the clips and joint members. The clips are secured to respective joint members and assembled with a portion of the second clip received through the slot of the first clip such that offset engagement sections overlap one another while a resilient, flexible inclined section on at least one, but preferably both, of the engagement sections draws the clips and joint members together. An engaging member which resists disassembly of the clips may be included.

Abstract: A fastener clip assembly for forming a substantially concealed joint between panels of furniture, a shelf assembly or the like includes a pair of clips telescopingly assembled with one another to form a joint which prevents rotation between the clips and joint members. The clips are secured to respective joint members and assembled with a portion of the second clip received through the slot of the first clip such that offset engagement sections overlap one another while a resilient, flexible inclined section on at least one, but preferably both, of the engagement sections draws the clips and joint members together. An engaging member which resists disassembly of the clips may be included.

Abstract: A fastener clip for forming a joint between two furniture panels includes a pair of flanges spaced from a central member by a pair of legs. The central member is defined by a pair of arms having a slot therebetween. Preferably, the slot includes inclined wedging surfaces. One of the arms of the central member is connected to an access member, which opposes the other arm of the central member. The access member permits the securing stud to engage the slot of the central member by being moved laterally into registry with the slot, while the opposing arm of the central member prohibits contact between the securing stud and the furniture panel. An upwardly extending flap positioned in the leg opposing the closed end of the slot prevents contact between the securing stud and the furniture panel when the securing stud is disengaged from the slot.

Abstract: A one-piece, resilient fastener clip especially useful for securing furniture shelving, and particularly metal shelving, to side supports via headed studs extending from the supports. The clip is preferably formed from spring steel and includes a pair of resiliently interconnected flanges for securing the clip to a downwardly extending end flange on the shelf. The flanges preferably include slots for slidably receiving a stud, inclined ramp means to draw the shelf toward the support, and a tab for holding the clip on the shelf. The clip allows the shelf to rest on the stud and includes releasable locking means in the form of a third flange resiliently interconnected with one of the other flanges and having a locking aperture therein which is receivable over the stud head. The clip pulls the shelf toward its support with a maximum force when the locking aperture is received over the stud head.

Abstract: A dowel fastener for frictionally engaging the sides of recesses, bores or apertures in wood, metal, and/or plastic joint members to hold the joint members together is disclosed. The dowel has a flexible, resilient, compressible tubular body with a spiral slot extending along its length. At least one end of the dowel is tapered and preferably includes inwardly angled, segmented, end flanges terminating in a circular, free end edge of smaller diameter than said body. The flanges lead the dowel into a reduced width or diameter recess or aperture upon assembly into a joint. The opposite end may also be tapered for insertion in a similar recess or include an apertured, planar end preferably formed from bent end flanges for securing the dowel to a surface with a screw or other fastener. Preferably, the diameter of the free end edge of the tapered end or ends is sized to prevent compressive insertion in an aperture or recess which is too small and would otherwise cause deformation or failure of the dowel.

Abstract: A fastener clip and joint structure incorporating same especially adapted for use with thin or narrow furniture parts, panels, or the like to reduce splitting or fracture of the parts when joined and/or stressed. The clip is formed from a one-piece metal plate, preferably of annealed spring steel for flexibility, having a raised, central, slotted portion and a pair of end flanges for securing the clip to one joint member. One end flange extends outwardly away from the central portion while the other extends under the central portion. A stud on an opposite joint member is slid along an inclined slot in the central portion to draw the joint members together. In one embodiment, an enlarged opening in the slot allows access through the slot to the end flange beneath the slot for fastening the flange to the joint member.

Abstract: A slippage preventing locking furniture fastener, method of making same, and a joint structure which includes a flexible locking clip and shouldered screw. The clip has a raised central portion having an inclined slot therein which is connected to a furniture piece by securing flanges. An internal locking flange extends at an upward angle toward the raised central portion and terminates below the slot, adjacent the head of a shouldered screw received in a seating area. The free end of the locking flange is wider than the slot to prevent the locking flange from passing through the slot or allowing the joint to loosen, even when substantial force is applied to the joint including the clip.A method for forming the clip is also disclosed including cutting a configured tab in a metal blank and bending the blank. The bending includes positioning the tab as a locking flange with its free end adjacent a narrower slot portion in a raised central portion.

Abstract: The specification discloses a rigid furniture assembly and assembly method for providing shelving and the like wherein no fasteners or fastener-receiving openings are visible after assembly. The assembly includes joined panels having abutting joint surfaces lying in three mutually perpendicular planes. At least two parallel panels are secured to a perpendicular third panel, the two panels with the third attached thereto also being joined to parallel, commonly facing surface portions of a fourth panel. The panels are joined using pockets recessed in edges of the panels, which pockets receive slidingly engageable, recessed fastening means including slotted clips and headed, shouldered screws received in the clips. The panels slide together without the necessity of any bending or distortion such that all recessed pockets and fasteners are hidden after assembly.