Patent ID: 8016230

Claim:
A method for assembling panels with a fastenerless joint, the method comprising: positioning a first panel having a first edge portion proximate a second panel having a second edge portion to create a panel assembly such that the first and second edge portions cooperatively form an interior recess on an interior side of the panel assembly and an exterior recess on an exterior side opposite the interior side; applying adhesive to at least one of the recessed interior side of the panel assembly and a plug configured to occupy the interior recess; inserting the plug into the interior recess, the plug including a core situated between a first skin and a second skin, the first skin creating a cap that extends beyond the interior recess and overlaps adjacent portions of the first and second panels, and the second skin overlapping the first and second edge portions of the panel assembly; applying adhesive to at least one of a splice and an exterior side opposite from the interior side; and attaching the splice on the exterior side with the adhesive and without additional fasteners by inserting the splice in the exterior recess.