A fastening system for a window shade includes a first and a second clipping base, and a first and a second clipping plate. In a first configuration, the first and second clipping bases are attached to each other with each of the first and second clipping plates respectively disposed between and in contact with the first and second clipping bases, whereby a first panel can be held between the first clipping base and the first and second clipping plates and a second panel can be held between the second clipping base and the first and second clipping plates. In a second configuration, the first and second clipping bases are attachable to each other without the first and second clipping plates, whereby a single panel of a window shade can be held between the first and clipping bases.

A method or apparatus for joining a first component to a second component with an amalgamation plate includes heating the first component, the second component, the amalgamation plate, or combinations thereof, with either a joining tool or a heating element. The components are attached to the amalgamation plate with the joining tool, such that the first component, amalgamation plate, and the second component are fixedly attached to one another, and the amalgamation plate may be substantially surrounded by the first component and the second component, such that it is hidden from exposure. Portions of the amalgamation plate may be embedded into the components via rotation and/or linear force. A portion of the amalgamation plate may be recessed within the joining tool or an anvil before attaching the amalgamation plate to the either component.

A composite assembly includes a series of elongated layers joined lengthwise thereof. At least two of the elongated layers each have an upper elongated portion and a lower elongated portion secured together in an end-to-end relationship at a joint therebetween by a connector arrangement. The upper elongated portion is constructed of a wood material, and the lower elongated portion is constructed of a non-wood material. The lower elongated portion may have a reinforcing rod therein.

A fastening system for a window shade includes a first and a second clipping base, and a first and a second clipping plate. In a first configuration, the first and second clipping bases are attached to each other with each of the first and second clipping plates respectively disposed between and in contact with the first and second clipping bases, whereby a first panel can be held between the first clipping base and the first and second clipping plates and a second panel can be held between the second clipping base and the first and second clipping plates. In a second configuration, the first and second clipping bases are attachable to each other without the first and second clipping plates, whereby a single panel of a window shade can be held between the first and clipping bases.

A method for connecting at least two wooden panels for acoustic and/or thermal insulation. In a first step a metal plate or a metal strip with a thickness less than 1.5 mm with teeth, which face the surface of the at least one wooden panel, is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the metal plate or the metal strip.

An insulating element is attached to the second surface of the wood construction panel with teeth.

A second metal plate or metal strip with a thickness of 1.5 mm or less is attached on the insulating element.

A third element of a wood construction panel is attached on the second surface of the second metal plate or strip with teeth.

Screws are inserted through at least one panel and at least one plate and the screws pierce the metal plate or strip.

A method or apparatus for joining a first component to a second component with an amalgamation plate includes heating the first component, the second component, the amalgamation plate, or combinations thereof, with either a joining tool or a heating element. The components are attached to the amalgamation plate with the joining tool, such that the first component, amalgamation plate, and the second component are fixedly attached to one another, and the amalgamation plate may be substantially surrounded by the first component and the second component, such that it is hidden from exposure. Portions of the amalgamation plate may be embedded into the components via rotation and/or linear force. A portion of the amalgamation plate may be recessed within the joining tool or an anvil before attaching the amalgamation plate to the either component.

An amalgamation plate for joining a first component to a second component has a planar body configured to be placed between the first component and the second component, and a plurality of first protrusions extending from a first side of the planar body. The first protrusions are radially dispersed from an axis of the planar body, and are configured to be embedded within either the first component and the second component. The amalgamation plate may also have a plurality of second protrusions extending from a second side, opposite the first side, of the planar body. The second protrusions are radially dispersed from the axis, and are configured to be embedded within the other of the first component and the second component via application of force substantially along the axis. The first protrusions and the second protrusions may be radially symmetric about the axis of the planar body.

A method for connecting at least two wooden panels for acoustic and/or thermal insulation. In a first step a metal plate or a metal strip with a thickness less than 1.5 mm with teeth, which face the surface of the at least one wooden panel, is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the metal plate or the metal strip. An insulating element is attached to the second surface of the wood construction panel with teeth. A second metal plate or metal strip with a thickness of 1.5 mm or less is attached on the insulating element. A third element of a wood construction panel is attached on the second surface of the second metal plate or strip with teeth. Screws are inserted through at least one panel and at least one plate and the screws pierce the metal plate or strip.

A retaining plate (30) made from a rigid material having tips on each of the two faces of same, the tips of each of the faces of a length of between 1 and 3 mm making an angle in the forward direction with the face of between 30 and 60. The retaining plate is secured by the tips of one of the faces of same at the final end (28) of a first reinforcing strip (26) already positioned on the degraded portion of a pipe, and secured to the initial end (32) of a second reinforcing strip to be wound following the first reinforcing strip by the tips of the other face, said tips being tilted towards the initial end (32) of the second reinforcing strip.