Abstract: The present invention provides a female coupling member for use with a male coupling tenon having a free end, a narrow interconnecting shank and a root end all arranged in mutually axial relation with the shank interconnecting the free end and the root end. The female coupling member comprises two adjacent side walls having mutually opposed, convergent faces defining an opening therebetween, through which the shank of the male member extends with the free end positioned within the interior of the coupling member. Axial tensioning of the coupling urges the free end of the male member against the converging faces of the two side walls, in wedged interfering relation. Forces exerted on these faces by tensioning of the coupling are distributed from the female member into adjacent portions of the panel.