Abstract A concealed means for joining two abutting elements. The first element has at least an engaging surface and an access surface oriented angularly with respect to the engaging surface. An anchor means is secured within the engaging surface such that the axis thereof extends outwardly from the engaging surface. The second element also has an engaging surface that can be abutted to the engaging surface of the first element. The first element has an ingressive passage that opens through its access surface and communicates with the anchor means. The ingressive passage is oriented obliquely to the axis of the anchor means, and the actual fastening of the first and second elements is achieved by a screw means that extends through the anchor means of the first element and penetrates the engaging surface of the second element. Tightening and loosening the screw means is accomplished by driving means having a flexible shaft for negotiating the oblique intersection of the ingressive passage with the axis of the anchor means and for permitting actuation of the screw means by rotation of the shaft from exteriorly of the first element.
A method for joining first and second elements comprising the steps of, boring an ingressive passage through an access surface of the first element, recessing an anchor cavity to open through the engaging surface of the first element and obliquely to intersect the ingressive passage, orienting an anchor means that supports a screw within said anchor cavity, inserting a flexible driving means through said ingressive passage to engage the screw and turning said driving means to tighten the screw within the anchor means and into an engaging surface on the second element juxtaposed against the engaging surface on the first element.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for joining first and second elements comprising the steps of, boring an ingressive passage through an access surface of the first element, recessing an anchor cavity to open through the engaging surface of the first element and obliquely to intersect the ingressive passage, orienting an anchor means that supports a screw within said anchor cavity, inserting a flexible driving means through said ingressive passage to engage the screw and turning said driving means to tighten the screw within the anchor means and into an engaging surface on the second element juxtaposed against the engaging surface on the first element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method for joining first and second elements, as set forth in claim 1, in which the following additional step is utilized, securing an anchor means in the form of a dowel in said cavity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for joining first and second elements, as set forth in claim 2, in which the following additional step is utilized, piercing a starting aperture axially of the dowel to receive the screw.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method for joining wooden members, as set forth in claim 2, in which the following additional step is utilized, plugging said ingressive passage after the screw is satisfactorily tightened and the flexible driving means is removed from the ingressive passage.