The recessed-key panel interlocking device is intended to provide a mechanical joint that can connect two panels using a single fastening key. Accordingly, the device connects two panels by interlocking uniform gaps and fingers that have been formed on the edges of each panel, by a small cylindrical key that holds them together. To accomplish this, a channel that can hold the key is formed along the edge region of both panels when the panels are oriented normally to one another. Further, when the panels are interlocked, the key is completely recessed within the panel material. Furthermore, while the panel edges that form the joint must be uniformly rectilinear and meet at right angles at the joint itself, beyond the joint they can assume any shape and bend to any angle, so that parts joined by the joint do not have to be panel-shaped or perpendicular to each other overall.

The recessed-key panel interlocking device is intended to provide a mechanical joint that can connect two panels using a single fastening key. Accordingly, the device connects two panels by interlocking uniform gaps and fingers that have been formed on the edges of each panel, by a small cylindrical key that holds them together. To accomplish this, a channel that can hold the key is formed along the edge region of both panels when the panels are oriented normally to one another. Further, when the panels are interlocked, the key is completely recessed within the panel material. Furthermore, while the panel edges that form the joint must be uniformly rectilinear and meet at right angles at the joint itself, beyond the joint they can assume any shape and bend to any angle, so that parts joined by the joint do not have to be panel-shaped or perpendicular to each other overall.

A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more board engagement elements extending from a portion of the spacer block. The board engagement elements can clamp the board, between an upper and/or lower surface of the board and a groove of the board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.

A bracket for coupling frames of solar panels includes a spacer for positioning between frames. An elongated body passes through a slot in the spacer and is positionable within channels formed in the frames. A clamp secures to the spacer and is biased toward the slot and elongated body, such as by means of a spring. The clamp defines seats for receiving portions of the frames of the solar panels. Sloped portions on end portions of the clamp facilitate insertion of the frames between the elongated body and the clamp. Another type of bracket includes a spacer and clamp, the spacer having protuberances for insertion into channels in the frames. A flange extends from the spacer such that it extends between the frames when the protuberances are positioned within the channels. An L-foot or other fixture may secure to the flange to secure the solar panels to a structure.

A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more board engagement elements extending from a portion of the spacer block. The board engagement elements can clamp the board, between an upper and/or lower surface of the board and a groove of the board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.

A connector system for mechanically connecting two structural elements to each other, consisting of a connector element and mating grooves in each structural element. The connector element is comprised of a base plate having a split-tongue element at each side or end of said base plate. Each joined element has a mating groove formed into its connector-receiving surface. The mating groove is designed to allow fabrication via four sequential circular saw cuts, without loss of saleable decorative surface, and at a rate consistent with economical commercial production of vinyl, laminate, or hardwood flooring. The connector element is readily extruded in a variety of polymers, including PVC. The connector and mating grooves interact so as to generate a force component acting to forcibly draw the connector into the mating grooves. The connector system operation is relatively insensitive to geometric deviations associated with normal manufacturing methods.

Embodiments include portable support systems configured to support structures, and corresponding methods. The portable support systems include two individual segments, pieces and/or panels that couple or combine and fit together to form the support systems. The support systems of embodiments are configured for the spanning and/or support of structures including pipes, hoses, and/or cables over structures, voids, and/or obstacles, thereby preventing dislodging and insufficient support of pipes, hoses, and/or cables from the support systems. The support systems of embodiments are configured to prevent improperly supported walls from collapse as a result of improper support of objects spanning the wall.

A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more resilient compression elements joined with the spacer block. The resilient compression elements can be vertically compressible so at least a portion of it can move from an open mode to a compression mode and fit within, then forcibly expand within, the groove, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.

Some embodiments relate to a stand that complies with safety standards. The stand includes a first shelf, wherein the first shelf comprises two first elongated slots and two first holes located in the vicinity of each end of the first shelf. The stand also includes a second shelf. Additionally, the stand includes a first wall, wherein the first wall comprises two third elongated slots and a first notch, wherein the two third elongated slots are sized to slide and fit into one of the first elongated slots and one of the second elongated slots respectively. The stand also includes a second wall. Additionally, the stand includes two connecting bars each is sized to fit into one of the two first holes and one of the two second holes respectively, the two connecting bars each further comprises a flange sized to fit into the first notch and the second notch respectively.

A mechanical sliding connector that mates to an identical mechanical connector by a sliding action. The connector can be slid into another connector or another connecter can slide on to it, allowing the connectors to connect in either direction. The connector features a latching mechanism that engages with no interaction required by the operator other than sliding the connectors together. Unlatching the connectors can be accomplished by unlatching either of the connectors and sliding them apart. The connector latch resets automatically after it's disconnected enabling it to be ready for another connection without user action. This feature along with a latch locking feature provides for easy one hand operation.