Patent ID: 7244487
Filing Date: 2007-07-17
Classification: B29C,B32B,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A structural assembly, comprising: a first structural member having a surface and a joint surface located opposite the surface; a joint component having a base and a protrusion extending from the base, the base being mounted to and integrated with the joint surface of the first structural member, the protrusion having a longitudinal profile, a lateral cross-sectional shape that is transverse to the longitudinal profile, and a series of features formed in the protrusion, the features being spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal profile; a plurality of internal fasteners, each of which is located in one of the features of the protrusion, each of the internal fasteners having a profile that is substantially complementary to a respective one of the features in the protrusion, and a cross-sectional shape that is substantially consistent with the lateral cross-sectional shape of the protrusion such that the internal fasteners are integrated into the protrusion; a second structural member having a receptacle formed therein, the receptacle being complementary in shape to the protrusion and the internal fasteners along the longitudinal profile for receiving the protrusion and the internal fasteners, and the receptacle being joined to the protrusion and the internal fasteners with an adhesive; and a plurality of external fasteners extending through the first structural member and connected to the internal fasteners such that the external fasteners are substantially flush with the surface of the first structural member.