GB2252141A

GB2252141A - Decorative fixing device for wall mounted items

Info

Publication number: GB2252141A
Application number: GB9111416A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Michael Crossley; Robert Nigel Crossley; Jack Crossley
Original assignee: PRIESTLEY CROSSLEY Ltd
Current assignee: PRIESTLEY CROSSLEY Ltd
Priority date: 1990-10-12
Filing date: 1991-05-28
Publication date: 1992-07-29
Also published as: GB9022204D0; GB9111416D0; GB9111464D0

Abstract

A fixing device comprises a screw 1 (or a nail) and a cup-shaped collar (3) located around the screw-head (6) and into which a cap (4) is push fitted. The cap (4) has an annular groove in which is located a seal (8) which is resiliently deformed to retain the cap (4) in position and thereby provide a decorative finish to the fixing device. An annular ridge or ridges, or serrations, may be formed on the base of the collar (3) to prevent rotation of the collar (3). <IMAGE>

Description

A FIXING DEVICE The present invention relates to a fixing device and, in particular, to a device for attaching items to a wall or other object.

When it is desired to mount items on a wall the conventional fixing means used is either a screw or a nail. However, as it usually necessary to produce a decorative or aesthetically pleasing result, screws are most often used, the head of the screw being hidden by a cap.

The present invention has been developed with a view to providing a fixing device which is decorative in use and which can be demounted easily when necessary.

According to the present invention there is provided a fixing device comprising an engagement means in the form of a screw or nail with a head and a body to retain the device and thereby an item in a fixed position with respect to a wall or other surface, a cup-shaped collar located around the head of the engagement means, and a cap with an annular groove in which is located a seal so that the cap can be pushed into the collar to cover the head with the seal being resiliently deformed to retain the cap in position to provide a decorative finish to the fixing device.

Preferably, the seal comprises an O-ring.

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows three cross-sectional views of alternative collars for use in the device as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the invention comprises a screw 1 with a decorative cover 2. The screw 1 can be any conventional screw 1, such as a wood screw.

The cover 2 comprises a substantially cup-shaped collar 3 into which can be push fitted a cap or stud 4.

The collar 3 can be of any exterior shape but its interior is hollowed, as at 5, so that it can snugly accommodate the head 6 of the screw 1. The rim of the interior df the collar 3 has dimensions substantially similar to those of the cap 4 so that the cap 4 can be simply push-fitted into the collar 3.

The cap 4 has an annular groove 7 around its edge in which is located a seal 8 such as an O-ring. Hence when the cap 4 is pushed into the collar 3 the seal 8 is resiliently deformed to retain the cap 4 in position. In addition, the small gap between the rim of the cap 4 and the rim of the collar 3 which is closed by the seal 8 enables a tool to be inserted therebetween so that the cap 4 can be levered out of the collar 3 if it is necessary to demount the fixing device.

As shown in Figure 3, the collar 3 can be provided with projections which bite into the wall when the screw 1 is tightened in position. These projections can comprise an annular ridge or ridges 9, or serrations 10 formed on the base of the collar 3 and are provided to assist in holding the collar 3 in place and to prevent the collar 3 from being rotatable about the screw head 6.

However, if required, the base of the collar 3 can be left flat as shown in the lowest of the three drawings of Figure 3 and in Figures 1 and 2.

In use, the collar 3 is located around the screw 1, which can then be used to secure an item to a wall or other object in the conventional way. The screw-head 6 locates in the hollow 5 formed in the interior of the collar 3 and holds the collar firmly against the wall, any projections such as ridges 9 or serrations 10 on the exterior thereof being forced to engage frictionally with the wall and even bite into it. After the screw 1 has been tightened, the cap 4 can be push-fitted into the collar 2 to finish the fixture by hiding the screw 1 and providing a decorative effect.

Although the fixing device has been described above as comprising a screw 1, it will be appreciated that a similar effect can be achieved using a nail instead.

In addition, in the description above a collar is used with a single screw. However, where necessary is it envisaged that a plurality of screws could be used within a single collar, for example if the fixing device has to support a heavy object.

The collar and cap of the fixing device can be made in any decorative shape with ornamentation if appropriate. The collar can also be made an appropriate shape to serve a specific purpose. For example, if the collar is provided with an annular groove, the device can be used for hanging pictures or mirrors by means of a decorative cord or chain which can locate in the groove.

In another application, the collar can be shaped so that it can be used as a door knob for a cupboard. This has the advantage that the fixing device does not show through on the inside of the door. When necessary, a washer can be used with the device and this can be also be made decorative and part of the overall design of the device.

The collar and cap of the fixing device will, in most cases be made of metal. However, it is envisaged that a plastics material, such as nylon could be used for these components. In addition for some applications, the collar and cap can be made of different materials for decorative effect.

Claims

1. A fixing device comprising an engagement means in the form of a screw or nail with a head and a body to retain the device and thereby an item in a fixed position with respect to a wall or other surface, a cup-shaped collar located around the head of the engagement means, and a cap with an annular groove in which is located a seal so that the cap can be pushed into the collar to cover the head with the seal being resiliently deformed to retain the cap in position to provide a decorative finish to the fixing device.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the seal comprises an O-ring.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which there is a gap between the edge of the cap, and the rim of the collar which is closed by the seal and into which a tool can be inserted to enable the cap to levered out of the collar.

4. A fixing device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.