Abstract: A device for coupling a pair of square bars made of metal or some other material and arranged squarely in abutment relative to each other at a squarely abutting corner of the bars can remarkably reduce the time and effort required for the coupling operation and improve the coupling strength with which the square bars are coupled to each other and also the appearance of the coupled area. When coupling a pair of square bars, the first and second square bars provided respectively with first and second anti-release grooves are arranged to abut each other rectangularly and the first and second engagement sections of the inner joint are loosely put into the first and second anti-release grooves respectively.

Abstract: A wall framework includes top and bottom tracks, a horizontal channel and vertical studs. A first vertical stud is secured to the top track and the bottom track and has a first opening sized and shaped to permit the horizontal channel to extend therethrough and a second opening vertically spaced from the first opening. A second vertical stud is secured to the top track and the bottom track and has a third opening sized and shaped to permit the channel to extend therethrough and a fourth opening vertically spaced from the fourth opening. At least one clip extends through the first opening and the second opening. A fastener connects the horizontal channel to the clip. The clip cooperates with the fastener to secure the horizontal channel in a fixed relationship to the first vertical stud.

Abstract: The invention discloses a double locking mortise joint for joining together two members by pressing two interfitting members together. The invention creates a joint that is structurally rigid, reliable, easy to assemble and disassemble, cost efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Extra joint pieces, adhesives and fasteners are not required with this invention. The invention provides vertical and shear strengths to the members being joined. The double locking mortise joint is formed when the mortise and gusset of a first member is interlocked with the mortise of a second member, thereby forming a durable joint which can be embodied as each of the four joints connecting a table top to its legs.

Abstract: For clamping one end of a first, cylindrical strut to a second, cylindrical strut crossing the end of the first strut, a clamp comprising two clamping members, each having a first portion adapted to fit one half of the end of the first strut and a second portion unitary with its first portion and adapted to fit one half of the second strut. Each clamping member has a reinforcing rib extending along its first clamping portion and extending onto its second clamping portion. Embossments of the reinforcing rib of each clamping member define margins of fastener-receiving apertures, which receive fasteners drawing the respective members tightly around the respective struts.

Abstract: A number of snap-retention features, molded onto the inner surface of a bezel, used to guide and fasten a bezel to an equipment enclosure. Each snap-retention feature contains one or more ramp-shaped pieces flanked by two tapered guide strips. As the bezel is closed against the equipment enclosure, the guide strips guide the snap-retention feature along a snap, projecting from the equipment enclosure. The snap is guided up the ramp-shaped pieces. The snap gains tension ascending the ramp-shaped pieces. When the convex tip of the snap crests the ramp-shaped pieces, tension is released in the snap, causing the convex tip of the snap to stay fastened to the back edges of the ramp-shaped pieces.

Abstract: An modular storage rack, display or cube system formed by snap together panels with alignment guides, which may also support wheels, shelves, drawers and doors. The system is assemble-in-place and may shipped and displayed for sale in a flat pack.

Abstract: Components of and method for making a frame member framework having panel recesses accepting structural panels in a plane tangent to the exterior of the frame member. The tubes and fittings allow easy assembly of large structures. The panels secured within the panel recesses bear loads imposed on the structure and minimize torque at the fittings. The finished structure is streamlined, with flush junctions of all components. Alternative embodiments include panel recesses in angular or channeled shapes which act to secure the panels to the framework, and other panel securing means which are externally invisible on the completed structure. Panel securing means include screws, bolts, studs, pins, adhesives, welding and equivalents. End fittings are secured to frame members by any common and known ways. Frame members, fittings and panels may be made of any of a wide range of materials including metals, alloys, plastics, rubbers, wood, and composites.

Abstract: A clamping device to hold adjacent formwork panels has a backing plate against which edges of the adjacent formwork panels can be held, at least one rod extending from the backing plate, and a clamping member able to move along the rod between a clamping position where the member clamps the formwork panels against the backing plate, and a free position where the formwork panels can be removed.

Abstract: A rail bracket apparatus for connecting a first rail and a second rail which includes a back piece, a bottom piece, and a bottom support system. The back piece includes screw attachment openings and the edges of the bracket are adapted to facilitate installation of a supported rail. An offset spacer is attached to the back piece to allow for air circulation around said supported piece. The bottom piece can be curved to support rounded rails and may include a water passage opening to allow for drainage. The bottom support system includes an angle bracket and the bracket joints are strengthened with fillets. Side pieces are provided for supporting and holding the installed rail. The unit may be designed with an engineered failure mode to allow for bracket failure to occur before a rail failure would occur. A rail retaining system may be used to retain the rail in position. A rail slot extension may be used to support the bracket in association with a rail cutout.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cover for a hunting stand which can be removably attached to an existing hunting stand. The present invention is adaptable to fit many sizes and shapes of existing hunting stands; however, one of the common types that it is adaptable to fit is referred to as a tripod hunting stand which comprises an upper hunting stand mounted on a tripod set of legs. The present invention comprises a framework having means for attachment to the railing of the exising hunting stand. The present invention also has a canvas cover mounted thereon which cover has multiple windows provided therein.

Abstract: A fastening bracket system for connecting two abutting members at a fixed angle includes a locking bracket having a flange and attached to one member and a channel bracket having a channel and attached to the other member. The channel or the flange, or both, is tapered. The flange is inserted into the channel until it becomes locked. Multiple locking brackets and channel brackets may be used in series to form longer joints. A method of assembling a joint from two abutting members at a fixed angle includes the steps of attaching at least one locking bracket having a flange to one of the members and at least one channel bracket having a channel to the other member, either the flange or the channel being tapered; positioning the members in the desired angle; and inserting the flange into the channel until it is locked, thereby locking the brackets together and securing the two members in position.

Abstract: A printing press racking board and corner angle support, both preferably formed via injection molding processes. The racking board is a generally flat member having stiffening ribs and stiffening rod inserts attached to the bottom surface so that the board can exhibit the required stiffness. Hand holds and finger holes are included to facilitate moving the racking board. The corner angle support has two members extending perpendicularly from each other. Each member has flanges which can support a racking board, and each member also includes stiffening ribs to increase stiffness. The racking board and supports are both lighter than the prior art, and yet both exhibit the required stiffness. Also, racking board and supports are less likely to splinter and fracture, and thus exhibit a longer user life.

Abstract: A joint structure for joining a composite beam and a column is disclosed. The composite beam includes an I-beam and a pair of wooden members. The joint structure includes a mortise pin provided on the composite beam and protruding beyond an outer surface of one of the wooden members. The mortise pin is provided with a through-hole at a predetermined position. A bottom hole is provided at a bottom surface of the column in a manner that the bottom hole is adapted to receive the mortise pin. A horizontal hole is provided at a side face of the column at a position corresponding to the through-hole of the mortise pin. The composite beam is connected with the column by first inserting the mortise pin into the bottom hole of the column and then inserting a locking pin into the through-hole of the mortise pin and the horizontal hole of the column such that joint of the composite beam and the column is firmly secured. A method of joining a composite beam and a column is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structural joint for connecting picture frames members together includes a base plate slidably residing in a channel of a first picture frame member and includes a ramped surface. A wedge plate slidably resides between the base plate and a top bearing surface of the frame and includes its own ramped surface where the ramped surface of the wedge plate is arranged in an opposite direction to the ramped surface of the base plate. The wedge plate is moved toward the base plate to cause the ramp of the base plate to bear on the ramp of the wedge plate to urge the base plate apart from the wedge plate creating a friction fit within the channel of the picture frame member thus securing the base plate relative to the frame. A second wedge plate is also provided for engagement with a second ramp on the base plate to further secure a second picture frame member to the first picture frame member, such as at a ninety degree angle relative thereto.

Abstract: A glass display case being held together by clamping fittings and a clamping fitting for the corner connection of three adjoining wall structures, especially glass panes or the like. The clamping fitting presents a central coupling member, to which are associated three rotatable and lockable connecting axles, the center longitudinal axes of which respectively stretch out or extend radially with regard to the coupling member at an angle of approximately 120 degrees from one another. At their free end opposite to the coupling member, the connecting axles present a stiffening connector articulation for the connection to an adapter element.

Abstract: An in-fill panel arrangement is designed for post and beam furniture systems of the type having overhead beams supported on vertical posts. Each of the beams has a lowermost face with a horizontal slot extending therealong, and each of the posts includes outwardly extending flanges having an end face with a slot extending vertically therealong. Beam-to-post connectors are attached to the opposite ends of the beams, and are detachably retained in the slots in the posts to mount the beams on the posts. Rigid in-fill panels are shaped to be positioned directly below the beams and above the floor to partition the space into individual work areas. Panel mounting brackets are detachably retained in the slots in the posts and the beams, and are connected with the in-fill panels.

Abstract: A corner bracket for the manufacture of a table comprises a central bridge portion 18 having an aperture for co-operation with a leg fixing 26, together with angled rail plate portions 20 to either side of the bridge portion, each having an aperture for receiving a side rail fixing. Each rail plate portion 20 includes an angled table top plate portion 22 having an aperture for receiving a table top fixing. The bracket simplifies flat pack table construction and avoids the potential weakening of the side rails associated with conventional corner arrangements.

Abstract: A fastening device for pedals in motor vehicles has a supporting bolt (8) which is accommodated at each of its free ends in a mounting point (5, 5A) of a pedal block (2). The bolt (8) has, between the mounting points (5, 5A), a mounting point for the pedal. The pedal mounting point is arranged in a hole (7) of the pedal body (2). The supporting bolt (8) comprises two bolt halves (9, 10), which are locked with one another in the assembled state by an elastic snap holder (11). The bolt halves (9, 10) are fixed by at least one stop (13) with respect to their position to the pedal.

Abstract: A single piece coupling device for connecting a load component to a rotatable shaft. The device comprises a sleeve having a bore for containing a rotatable shaft, an externally threaded portion and a tapered engagement face on the outer surface of the sleeve. Radial compression relief associated with the tapered engagement face is provided such that when the device is fitted on a shaft, and as the threaded portion engages with a corresponding threaded region on the load component, the tapered engagement face engages the load component and the compression relief enables the sleeve to be radially compressed to grip the shaft.

Abstract: A primary connector useful for attaching a pre-cast element to a structure includes a receiver member and an attachment member. The receiver member includes a base plate and an acceptor disposed in substantially normal relation to the base plate. The attachment member is a separate plate having a front surface and a back surface with a plurality of anchors extending outwardly from the back surface and a plurality of keyhole slots formed through the plate with each of the slots be accessible from the plate's front surface so that the attachment member may be joined to the receiver member.

Abstract: A building construction framing system utilizes studs and joining members which are respectively extruded and molded from a composite plastic/wood flour material. Along its length, each stud has a central web with transverse outer edge flanges and an intermediate transverse flange that defines with the outer edge flanges a separated pair of longitudinally extending lateral pockets on each side of the web. A series of first studs are arranged in a spaced apart, parallel relationship with their opposite ends abutting parallel, spaced apart second and third studs. The joining members are positioned at the opposite ends of the first studs, are recessed in the lateral pockets of the first, second and third studs, and are secured to their adjacent studs using suitable fastening members.

Abstract: Metal connector ties for tying together the roof covering, roof sheathing, roof beams, top plate, and outside walls of existing wood structures against shear and tensional forces from strong winds or seismic activity. Two different sheet metal connectors can be used to tie together the roof beams, top plate, and outside walls by fasteners driven through the connectors, around obstructing wood trim and utility wires, and into the wood members. The roof covering, roof sheathing, and roof beams are tied together by metal connectors, rods through the roof, standard pipe connections and guide wires, that are tied to the roof beams by fasteners. All ties are used on the exterior of existing buildings without dismantling any wood trim or utility wires.

Abstract: A screw actuator comprises a rotatable input member and a non-rotatable primary output member, wherein the input member is provided with a screw thread formation within which a plurality of spherical members are received to provide a ball screw coupling between the input member and the primary output member. The actuator includes a secondary output arrangement having first and second screw threaded parts in screw treaded engagement with the input member to provide a screw thread coupling between the input member and the secondary output arrangement. The first and second screw threaded parts are axially movable relative to one another, whereby, in the event that the ball screw coupling fails, relative axial movement of the first and second screw threaded parts serves to lock the first and second screw threaded parts onto the input member, thereby to stall the actuator.

Abstract: A low permeability coupling device for coupling a first endpiece (3) extending a tube (2) with a second endpiece (10) carried by the wall (1) of a member to which the tube (2) is connected, in which the second endpiece (10) has two substantially coaxial walls (11, 12) defining between them a blind annular housing (13) for receiving the first endpiece (3), and a sealing element (15) extending between the inside face (11a) of the outer wall (11) of the second endpiece and the outside surface (8) of the first endpiece when it is in place in the above-mentioned housing (13).

Abstract: A door module assembly comprising a door module and a door component secured together by a joint so as to enable the module to be mountable, at a first position to a door casing and the door component to be mountable at a second position relative to the door casing, the joint permitting resilient relative movement between the module and component in at least two planes prior to mounting so as to enable tolerance errors between the first and second positions to be overcome.

Abstract: A mirror is framed with a molding system which includes a plurality of moldings covering the border of the mirror. Each molding has an adhesive backing covered with a removable pull-and-peel cover strip. The moldings can be accurately held in place on the mirror as the cover strips are removed. Comer caps are similarly adhesively set in place over the gaps formed between adjoining moldings.

Abstract: Components of and method for making a tube and fitting framework having panel recesses accepting structural panels in a plane tangent to the tubes. The tubes and fittings allow easy assembly of large structures. The panels secured within the panel recesses bear loads imposed on the structure and minimize torque at the fittings. The finished structure is streamlined, with flush junctions of all components. Alternative embodiments include panel recesses in angular or channeled shapes which act to secure the panels to the framework, and other panel securing devices which are externally invisible on the completed structure. Panel securing devices include screws, bolts, studs, pins, adhesives, welding and equivalents. Fittings are secured to tubes by connectors which may engage the interior of the tube in known ways, or by use of O-rings or rubber flanges. Tubes, fittings and panels may be made of any of a wide range of materials including metals, alloys, plastics, rubbers, wood, and composites.

Abstract: Connectors that may be used to join two objects together comprise a body portion having a first surface for engaging a first object and an extending member that protrudes from the body portion that is configured to fit within an aperture on a second object. In these embodiments of the invention, the first surface and the extending member are inclined relative to each other. A fastener is also provided that may be used to connect the body portion to the first object. By placing the extending member in the aperture on the second object, and by using the fastener to join the connector to the first object, the connector acts to connect the first and second objects together. The distal end of the extending member may be rotated in a direction towards the first object to provide a tighter join.

Abstract: An adjustable corner fitting suitable for use with a cable raceway duct system includes first and second interconnectable arcuate base members and first and second interconnectable covers. One of the base members has at least one arcuate slot and the other of the base members has at least one boss positionable within the at least one slot. The arcuate slot has a curvature and a length that constrains the boss within the slot and allows pivoting of the first base member relative to the second base member about a pivot point within a predetermined range of relative angular movement when the first and second interconnectable arcuate base members are mated. One of the covers has at least one slot and the other has at least one latch positionable within the slot of the one cover.

Abstract: A connector according to the present invention includes a bulk head for connection to a column and a plate extending from the bulk head for connection to a beam. The connector is preferably die cast for ease of manufacturing to avoid welded connections which may provide structural weaknesses. The bulk head has a compact tapered shape which provides a reduced surface area end surface coming into contact with the column. This reduced contact area of the end surface provides an advantageous configuration which avoids the prying action of the prior art T-shaped brackets. The plate which extends from the bulk head is adapted to be welded to a beam and includes a tapered portion that diminishes in a width dimension as the tapered portion extends away from the second surface to a free end. Preferably, the plate includes one or more tuning holes for adjusting the yield strength of the plate.

Abstract: A modular dovetail joint bracket includes a planar first flange, a planar second flange at a right angle to the first, and a dovetail-shaped tenon projecting from the second flange, adjacent the outer apex of the first and second flanges. The tenon has slots along one of its tapered faces. An alternative embodiment of the bracket has a truncated second flange.

Abstract: A corner bracket for the manufacture of a table comprises a central bridge portion 18 having an aperture for co-operation with a leg fixing 26, together with angled rail plate portions 20 to either side of the bridge portion, each having an aperture for receiving a side rail fixing. Each rail plate portion 20 includes an angled table top plate portion 22 having an aperture for receiving a table top fixing. The bracket simplifies flat pack table construction and avoids the potential weakening of the side rails associated with conventional corner arrangements.

Abstract: An apparatus for internally framing a vinyl gate suitable for use with vinyl fencing provides completely hidden structures formed of sheet metal and assembled for greater strength and rigidity. Beams may be formed as channels from sheet metal, which may be placed together. with open edges of the channel juxtaposed and positioned within each other, in order to provide fully closed perimeters for beams. Various types of corner ties are provided to support loads and squareness required between vertical and horizontal members of the frame. In various embodiments, vinyl sleeves may be placed over various beams before or after the beams have been fully assembled, as appropriate, possible, or required. In certain embodiments, the entire systems of gate framing may be shipped in a long format appearing primarily as linearly-extending, channel-shaped stock. Likewise sheathing can ship as long stock.

Abstract: A corner arrangement for frame sections for securing together two frame sections (1, 2) located at an angle with respect to each other by means of a comer piece (3) comprising two legs (3a, 3b) located at a desired angle with respect to each other, the legs being arranged to be received by axial grooves (5) in the frame sections (1, 2) and both being equipped with at least one locking screw (4) in order to lock the corner piece (3) with respect to the frame sections. A point (6) of the locking screw (4) is of the shape of a cone or a truncated cone, and a counter surface (8) of the 10 locking screw in the frame section (1, 2) is correspondingly inclined with respect to the shape of the point of the locking screw such that the screw (4) subjects the profile (1, 2) to a force which forces the profile in the direction of the inner corner defined by the profiles therebetween.

Abstract: A device (10) for fastening components (11) has a mounting element (12), which rests each with a respective joining face (16) on the components (11) to be connected, and which is covered with a cap (14). The cap (14) has extensions (38), which positively engage recesses (30) embodied on the mounting element (12). This assures a secure hold of the cap (14) even after a relatively long time.

Abstract: Connectors that may be used to join two objects together comprise a body portion having a first surface for engaging a first object and an extending member that protrudes from the body portion that is configured to fit within an aperture on a second object. In these embodiments of the invention, the first surface and the extending member are inclined relative to each other. A fastener is also provided that may be used to connect the body portion to the first object. By placing the extending member in the aperture on the second object, and by using the fastener to join the connector to the first object, the connector acts to connect the first and second objects together. The distal end of the extending member may be rotated in a direction towards the first object to provide a tighter join.

Abstract: A bracket and method for connecting two component members, where the bracket is concealed from the outside of a joint formed by the two component members. The bracket includes a first flange having a hole for receiving a securing member and at least one second flange, including at least one protrusion for engaging a cavity in a first member to be secured. This design may use a single screw or bolt, and therefore saves assembly time and reduces product cost.

Abstract: An modular storage rack, display or cube system formed by snap together panels with alignment guides, which may also support wheels, shelves, drawers and doors. The system is assemble-in-place and may shipped and displayed for sale in a flat pack.

Abstract: A mechanical joint for joining a pair of structural components. The mechanical joint includes a bracket having a pair of legs, a first recess formed in the first structural component, and a second recess formed in the second structural component. The first recess accommodates a first leg of the bracket, while the second recess accommodates a second leg of the bracket. The first leg of the bracket is positioned in the first recess and is affixed to the first structural component. The second structural component is placed in abutting relationship with the first structural component, covering the first recess and resting atop the second leg of the bracket, with the second leg of the bracket positioned in the second recess.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting heavy glass panels in a bathing enclosure without opaque metal frames or metal clips. The supporting apparatus includes transparent plastic support brackets and fasteners that attach to the heavy glass panels. These brackets and fasteners are used in a panel assembly to join an adjacent wall or pan to a fixed glass panel or panels and to join adjacent fixed glass panels to each. Although not relied on for support, clear sealant in the joints of the assembly enhances the overall integrity of the support. The combination provides dependable support while giving the enclosure a more transparent look. The brackets and fasteners are preferably molded of clear polycarbonate, which has the characteristics of transparency, strength, and moisture resistance needed, and the sealant is preferably silicone.

Abstract: A rack for a switch cabinet, having frame pieces which in the floor area of the switch cabinet form a base frame surrounding an opening which can be closed by base panels. The base frame can be or is connected to a base. By simple, lengthened U-profile frame sections and corner elements configured as bent, cut pieces, a simple, economical base frame for the rack is created which requires little space and can be used for fastening the base panels directly without the need for additional structured supporting shapes.

Abstract: A mounting element (12, 12a, 12b) for securing components, in particular profile bars, and a cap (14, 14a, 14b) for covering the mounting element (12, 12a, 12b) are provided. Indentations (31, 39) are provided in lateral ribs (22, 36) of the mounting element (12, 12a, 12b) and/or of the cap (14, 14a, 14b). This makes the grip better and/or facilitates aligning the mounting element (12, 12a, 12b) and/or the cap (14, 14a, 14b).

Abstract: A connecting element for connecting two adjacent profiled rods, whose longitudinal axes enclose an angle &agr;, is to be further developed such that its production is simplified with respect to different angles &agr;.

Abstract: An apparatus for permanently securing a grating sheet having parallel and transverse bars that form a pattern of openings to a structural member. The apparatus includes an elongated generally L-shaped connector having an upper plate section generally rectangular in shape for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheet and a downwardly extending sidewall formed integrally with the plate section and adapted to extend along a longitudinal edge of the grating sheet. The L-shaped connector also can include a plurality of downwardly extending teeth formed integrally with the plate section and spaced apart from each other for insertion in between the grating bars. At least one generally right-angled brace is attached to the outer surface of the sidewall for permanently securing the L-shaped connector to the structural member.

Abstract: A connection element for at least two mounting rails (1, 2, 30, 33, 38) and including a base member (4, 20, 28, 34) at least one attachment member having at least one connection opening (6, 39), and connection elements (7, 35, 36) for reasonably connecting the attachment member (5, 25, 31, 32, 37) with the base member (4, 20, 28, 34).

Abstract: A device for the face end coupling of profile bars that are provided with undercut, continuous longitudinal grooves and incorporate a central core that forms the base of the longitudinal grooves and, projecting from same, webs that encompass the longitudinal grooves and have angled web shoulders, having a fastening member that is fixable with a shaft section at the face end in the core of a first profile bar in such a way that a head of the fastening member extends into a longitudinal groove of a second profile bar that is to be connected crosswise, characterized in that a fastening surface of the fastening member facing the shaft section or face end of the first profile bar has a distance to inside surfaces of web shoulders that encompass the longitudinal grooves, and that a wedge-shaped locking element can be brought into close-lying engagement with a tensioning surface against the fastening surface on one hand, and with a support surface against the inside surfaces of the web shoulders on the other hand, a

Abstract: Roof trusses (2, 4, 6, 8) are fixed together by a snap-fit connection system. The roof truss assembly includes a first truss (2) including an aperture having an enlarged portion (26) and a slot portion (28) communicating with the enlarged portion and extending away from the enlarged portion in a slot direction and a second truss (4, 6) including a pin (22) having a neck portion (30) and a head portion (32). The enlarged portion (26) of the aperture is adapted to receive the head portion (32) of the pin (22) during converging relative movement of the trusses. Subsequent relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in the slot direction causes the neck portion (30) of the pin (22) to be received in the slot portion (28) of the aperture whereat diverging relative movement of the trusses is prevented. The truss assembly further includes a locking member (24) for preventing reverse relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in a direction opposite to the slot direction.

Abstract: A device for coupling/fastening a pair of square bars made of metal or some other material and arranged squarely in abutment relative to each other at a squarely abutting corner of the bars can remarkably reduce the time and effort required for the coupling operation and improve the coupling strength with which the square bars are coupled to each other and also the appearance of the coupled area. Such a device can find a variety of applications. When coupling a pair of square bars, the first and second square bars 1, 2 provided respectively with first and second engagement/anti-release grooves 1b, 2b are arranged to abut each other rectangularly and the first and second engagement sections 3a, 3b of the inner joint 3 are loosely put into the first and second engagement/anti-release grooves 1b, 2b respectively.

Abstract: A connector made of two pieces, each piece being a single one-piece stamping, the pieces having mutually engaging hooks forming camming elements. The pieces are mounted on the exterior surfaces of the members of the frame to be connected. The connectors at certain locations in the frame are opposite and symmentrical, but otherwise identical in construction.

Abstract: A fastener for securely attaching a board perpendicularly to an edge of a composite board that includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a dowel that fixedly engages in a blindbore in the edge of the composite board, a washer that removably abuts against the dowel and the edge of the composite board and limits travel of the dowel in the blindbore, glue that is disposed on the dowel and in the blindbore and fixedly engages the dowel in the blindbore, and an installation screw that extends through the washer and threadably into the dowel, and when tightened, holds the first portion together as a unit, while the unit is being installed in the blindbore, and once the unit is installed, the installation screw and the washer are removed, with the glue maintaining the first portion in the blindbore.