This disclosure relates to a modular construction mat system wherein each individual mat is made of two layers to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. In use the finished mats can then be adjoined to adjacent mats to complete a large mat system for roadways, walkways, and other support structures using a unique floating nut system to create a single firmly joined modular mat system.

A panel assembly can include a first panel having a peripheral side located between an upper and a lower surface of the first panel and a first opening. The panel assembly can also include a second panel having a second opening. An elongated insert can be coupled to the first panel, the elongated insert having a coupling side, where the first opening of the first panel can be sized and shaped to coupleably receive the elongated insert such that the coupling side is positioned proximal to the peripheral side. The panel assembly can also include a fastening insert, where the second opening of the second panel can be sized and shaped to receive the fastening insert. A fastener can be received by the fastening insert and the elongated insert, the fastener coupling the first panel to the second panel via the fastening insert and the elongated insert. Related methods for assembling the panel assembly are also provided.

A panel assembly can include a first panel having a peripheral side located between an upper and a lower surface of the first panel and a first opening. The panel assembly can also include a second panel having a second opening. An elongated insert can be coupled to the first panel, the elongated insert having a coupling side, where the first opening of the first panel can be sized and shaped to coupleably receive the elongated insert such that the coupling side is positioned proximal to the peripheral side. The panel assembly can also include a fastening insert, where the second opening of the second panel can be sized and shaped to receive the fastening insert. A fastener can be received by the fastening insert and the elongated insert, the fastener coupling the first panel to the second panel via the fastening insert and the elongated insert. Related methods for assembling the panel assembly are also provided.

A torque-limiting device may include a shaft extending axially through upper and lower shanks, a spring, and a nut to an end opening of a handle. The upper and lower shanks may be under a force from the spring and further configured to selectively engage within a predetermined torque limit and disengage at above the predetermined torque limit. Accordingly, the shaft may receive torque up to the predetermined limit as provided by a user operating a handle of the torque-limiting device. The torque-limiting device may be disposable, reusable, economical, and have high torque capabilities. The shaft may be of a plastic material and include a lumen extending there through, and through which a variety of devices and materials may be delivered to a workpiece.

A panel assembly can include a first panel having a peripheral side located between an upper and a lower surface of the first panel and a first opening. The panel assembly can also include a second panel having a second opening. An elongated insert can be coupled to the first panel, the elongated insert having a coupling side, where the first opening of the first panel can be sized and shaped to coupleably receive the elongated insert such that the coupling side is positioned proximal to the peripheral side. The panel assembly can also include a fastening insert, where the second opening of the second panel can be sized and shaped to receive the fastening insert. A fastener can be received by the fastening insert and the elongated insert, the fastener coupling the first panel to the second panel via the fastening insert and the elongated insert. Related methods for assembling the panel assembly are also provided.

A fastener system is provided. The fastener system includes a pair of nuts having a beveled end and opposed flats, a nut housing having a cavity, the cavity including an end wall with an aperture and a tapered interior portion to engage the beveled end, and opposing internal flats to engage the nut flats, a resilient member to urge the beveled ends against the tapered portion; and retaining element. The nuts may include tapered thread edges to accommodate damaged male threads, or cutting thread edges to repair damaged male threads.

A thread-cleaning tool comprises a partially hollow nut for use with a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electrical nut-running power tool. The nut comprises a plurality of brushes mounted in alignment with the outside corners of the nut, and facing inward to the central orifice of the nut, such that the nut abrasively removes corrosion and particulates from the threads of a shaft. In an embodiment, the brushes of the nut are mounted upon brush assemblies comprising rotating cam members, located in recesses spaced to align with the outer corners of the nut, providing a mechanism for the brushes to move back and forth as the nut is rotated up and down the thread. The brush assemblies can be easily removed or substituted as wear and tear accumulates.

A thread repair assembly is provided. The thread repair assembly comprises a cutting-nut housing including a first axial end, a second axial end and an internal cutting-nut interface, the first and second axial ends each having an opening. The thread repair assembly further includes a cutting nut at least partially enclosed by the cutting-nut housing and including a plurality of cutting threads configured to engage a threaded element when the assembly is urged in a first axial direction and disengage the threaded element when the thread repair assembly is urged in a second axial direction opposing the first axial direction.

Blind fasteners and methods of fastening are provided. A blind fastener comprises a sleeve and a mandrel. The sleeve is adapted for installation into a threaded bore in a structure. The sleeve comprises a head portion configured to receive a torque, a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, an elongate portion extending intermediate the first sleeve end and the second sleeve end, and a cavity extending from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end. The mandrel is at least partially disposed through the cavity of the sleeve. The mandrel comprises a first mandrel end disposed adjacent to the first sleeve end. The first mandrel end comprises an enlarged portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the cavity. The elongate portion is configured to at least partially deform into threads of the threaded bore responsive to forcible contact between the enlarged portion and the sleeve.

An assembly includes a housing having an internal bore defined by a bore surface and a fastener that is insertable within the internal bore. A receiving portion is located within a vehicle body structure and has an opening that is aligned with the internal bore. The fastener includes threads that cut into the bore surface as the fastener is rotated relative to the housing to secure the housing to the vehicle body structure via the receiving portion, or the fastener cooperates with an insert positioned within the internal bore to secure the housing to the vehicle body structure via the receiving portion.