GB2297595A - Fixing means - Google Patents

Abstract

A fixing means for anchoring an article to a wall, particularly a plasterboard wall, is inserted into a hole in the wall and then contacts the rear face of the wall adjacent to the hole with substantially no deformation of the fixing means in the direction transverse to the axis of the hole. In Figure 5, the fixing means is a blot 10 having a head 18 eccentrically mounted on the shaft 16 which has a groove 28 engaged by a wedge 22, 30 when the bolt 10 is moved laterally in the hole 8, so as to secure the bolt 10 in the hole 8. The wedge 22 may be integral with a washer 12, and the groove 28 may be omitted. The fixing means may be a nut whose hole is eccentric, nut having pairs of extendable arms (figure 17).

Description

FIXING MEANS The present invention relates to fixing means.

In many circumstances, the need exists to fix an article to a vertical surface, for example a wall. It is very well known to employ a threaded screw to grip the sides of a hole formed in the wall, and to provide plugs which can be inserted into a preformed hole to give sufficient grip to a screw thread. However, difficulties can arise when the wall is insufficiently thick to retain the full length of a screw or plug and the rear face is inaccessible.

Proposals have been made to overcome this problem, in which the known plug is adapted to expand on insertion of the screw, so as to grip the sides of the hole, or a rear face of the wall. Also proposed is a nut with outwardly sprung wings, limited to a splay of approximately 45".

Thus, the nut can be pushed through a hole in a panel whereupon the wings spring out behind the panel.

These arrangements are generally over-complex, and non-recoverable, in that it is impossible to remove the fixing. Little consideration appears to have been given to the need for eventual removal of these devices. Often it is necessary to destroy them using a drill bit, an operation that often scars the wall.

The present invention therefore provides in its first aspect a fixing kit, comprising an engagement part having an overhanging head, a nut, and a wedge element.

The engagement part can be a bolt, whose head provides the overhanging head.

Thus, a user can drill a hole of slightly larger diameter than the shaft of the bolt, insert the bolt followed by the wedge element into the hole adjacent to the bolt, and tighten the nut. The bolt will then be retained in the hole by the head.

Preferably the fixing kit comprises a washer, in which case it is preferred if the washer and wedge element are integral in the sense of being formed of or assembled so as to form a single piece. This will prevent the wedge element from sliding too far in and falling out of the hole. It is particularly preferred if the washer and wedge element are formed as a single part, either in net shape or subsequently bent into shape. Unless the part is cast to net shape, this will limit the length of the wedge element to the diameter of the washer. However, it also enables a stronger connection between the washer and wedge element.

Alternatively, or additionally, the bolt can be formed with a longitudinal slot corresponding to the wedge element. Then, the wedge element can partly project into the slot. The slot will, generally, stop before the head of the bolt, preventing the wedge from sliding too far.

It is also possible for the washer and wedge element to be separate but interengageable, for example by way of a recess in the washer and an engaging hook at the washer end of the wedge element.

It is preferable for the wedge element to be arcuate in cross-section, to conform to the outer profile of the bolt shaft. Ideally, the wedge element will be crescentshaped in cross-section to occupy the space left by the eccentric positioning of the bolt.

If the wedge element cannot extend the full depth of the hole, then it is preferred if the wedge element is a least half as long as the hole is deep for good mechanical firmness. Clearly, since the same kit can be used for a variety of wall thicknesses, this will mean that the wedge element should be at least one third of the length of the bolt shaft, preferably at least one half.

Further, in view of this potential variability in wall thickness, the wedge element preferably has transverse notches to allow a user to break-off portions easily.

The head of the bolt is ideally eccentric, preferably sufficiently eccentric to project outside the projected cross-section of the bolt shaft on one side only. However, this is not essential, but it is preferred if the head projects further on one side than on the other.

Preferably, the rear face of the head is serrated or the like, to grip the rear face of the wall more securely. An eccentrically-headed bolt will be easier to insert into a hole. The wedge member should be positioned on the side of the shaft opposed to the eccentric head.

Preferably, the shaft end of the bolt has a visible indicia showing the orientation of an eccentric head. This will enable a user to ensure that the wedge element is in the correct orientation relative to the bolt.

It will be much easier to tighten the nut if the shaft end of the bolt can be gripped. This may be by way of a suitable projection, but a particularly preferred form is a slot for a screwdriver, of cross-head or flat blade variety. Alternatively, a hexagonal socket for an Allen key can be provided.

The engagement part can also be a nut, with a projecting head formed additionally on at least one side.

The present invention also relates to a method of providing a fixing in a wall, comprising the steps of inserting a bolt into a hole, positioning it eccentrically within the hole, and inserting a wedge element alongside the bolt thereby to maintain it in that eccentric state.

It also relates to a bolt suitable for use within that method. Thus, it provides a bolt having an eccentric head and preferably an engagement means at its shaft end.

The present invention also relates to a washer having a transversely extending member projecting from a point adjacent a bolt receiving aperture thereof, and to a kit for assembly into such an article. Such a washer or kit might be sold separately and/or used in conjunction with a conventional bolt. However, this latter possibility is less preferred since the advantages of an eccentrically headed bolt are lost, viz. the hole would normally need to be significantly wider to accommodate the head of such a conventional bolt. In this case, the transversely extending member will preferably include a stepped portion, to accommodate the head and allow the member to project out of the hole, giving greater mechanical firmness.

Therefore, this first aspect of the present invention provides a fixing means which is removable, reusable, and easy to instal.

The present invention also provides, in its second independent aspect, a fixing means comprising a body portion having a rear portion, the rear portion having at least one engagement member movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the open position the engagement member projects further from the centre of the body portion than in the closed, the fixing means being adapted to allow movement of the members from the closed position to the open without necessitating access to the rear portion of the body portion.

Preferably, the engagement members comprise at least one winged member. More preferably, there are two, one on either side of the body portion allowing them to project in opposite directions. More wing members could be provided, although this will increase the complexity of the device.

If only one wing member is provided, it is preferred if the opposed edge of the body portion has a projecting lip to engage behind the panel, i.e. effectively a fixed wing member akin to the eccentric head of the first aspect.

The wing members can be formed as elongate arms, which are suitably rotatable about an axle extending through the body portion from the rear portion to the front face. The arms may be curved or straight. Thus, an engagement portion of the wing members at the end of the axle accessible from the front face will allow rotation of the wing arm from a closed position to an open position. The engagement means can be a simple screwdriver slot, single bladed or cross-head. Alternatively, it could be an Allen socket or the like. Preferably, the accessible end of the axle includes a visible indicia, e.g. a pointer, to show the orientation of the wing arms.

Installation of the fixing means will be simpler if in the first position the engagement member of members are substantially occluded by the body portion.

The engagement member(s) can also comprise one or more blades which can be caused to protrude outwards by access from the front face. This could be achieved by inserting a bolt or screw with a tapered tip, which would advantageously maintain the blades in the extended position during use. Removal of the bolt or screw would then enable the blades to fall back into their original position, e.g.

by rotating the body.

Thus, this second aspect of the present invention also provides a fixing means which is recoverable and essentially re-usable, yet which is no more difficult to fit than known devices.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an axial view from the exposed side of a fixing means according to the first aspect of the present invention, not fully engaged; Figure 2 is a cross-section on Il-Il of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an axial view from the rear of the fixing means shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a plan view of a blank from which can be formed a washer according to the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-section of a fixing means similar to that of Figure 2 but according to a second embodiment, of the first aspect of present invention; Figure 6 is a section on VI-VI of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a section on VII-VII of Figure 5;; Figures 8, 9 and 10 show, respectively, a washer in plan and section, and a wedge element, according to a third embodiment, of the first aspect of the present invention, Figure 9 being a section on IX-IX of Figure 8; Figure 11 shows a wedge element according to a fourth embodiment, of the first aspect of the present invention; Figures 12 to 14 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12 being a cross-section through a nut according to that embodiment, Figure 13 being a cross-section through a combined wedge element and washer of that embodiment, and Figure 14 being a cross-section through these parts as installed;; Figure 15 shows a view of the rear face of a sixth embodiment, being according to the second aspect of the present invention, in its open position, Figure 16 shows the view of Figure 15, but in a closed position, Figure 17 is a sectional view on XVII-XVII of Figure 12, Figure 18 is a view of the front face of this sixth embodiment, Figure 19 is a view of the rear face of this sixth embodiment, in an alternative open position; Figure 20 is a view from the rear of a seventh embodiment; Figure 21 is a view from the front of an eight embodiment; Figure 22 is a view in axial cross-section of a ninth embodiment; Figure 23 is a view in longitudinal cross-section of the ninth embodiment; Figure 24 is a view in longitudinal cross-section of a tenth embodiment; Figure 25 is a similar view to that of Figure 24, but showing the embodiment in the open state;; Figure 26 is a view of an alternative form of the tenth embodiment, being the eleventh embodiment; Figure 27 is a view in longitudinal cross-section of a twelfth embodiment; Figure 28 is a view from the rear of a thirteenth embodiment; Figure 29 is a view from the rear of a fourteenth embodiment; and Figure 30 is a cross-section on XXX-XXX of Figure 29.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a fixing means according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this arrangement, plates 4 and 6 are to be joined together, and to this end a hole 8 has been formed at a corresponding point in each. Through the hole extends bolt 10 on which is threaded, in order, washer 12 and nut 14. The bolt 10 is composed of a shank portion 16 extending from a head 18. The head 18 is crescent-shaped and eccentric on the shaft 16, so that it projects radially of the shaft on one side only. At the rear face 40 of the head 18, serrations can be provided. The free end of the shaft 16 is provided with a hexagonal socket 20.

The washer 12 has a transversely extending wedge member 22 which extends from a point adjacent the central hole of the washer 12. This wedge member is slightly shorter than the diameter of the bolt 10.

To assemble the fixing means, the hole 8 is prepared in the plates 4, 6. It is assumed that the area behind plate 6 is inaccessible, and therefore all operations must be made from the free side of plate 4. First, the bolt 10 is inserted, head 18 first, into the hole. Since the hole 8 has been prepared slightly wider than the diameter of the shaft 16, the head 18 will pass through. The bolt 10 is then moved to a position slightly eccentric of the hole, in which the eccentric head 18 catches on the edge of the hole 8. The washer 12 is then placed onto the bolt, with the transversely extending wedge member directed inwardly, toward the hole 8. The washer is rotated on the shaft 16 so that the wedge member 22 is on the side of the shaft 16 opposed to the eccentricity of the head 18, as shown in Figure 2.Visible indicia (not shown) are provided on the bolt and washer to confirm that the correct orientation exists. The washer 12 is then slid along the shaft 16 from the position shown in Figure 2 to a position in which it is snug against the plate 4. In this position, the wedge member 22 will project into the hole, essentially preventing the bolt 10 from moving radially within the hole and hence disengaging the head 18. The nut 14 is then threaded onto the shaft 16 and tightened against the washer 12. To aid tightening of the nut 14, an Allen key can be inserted into hexagonal socket 20 to grip the bolt 10 firmly. Once the nut 14 is tightened, the serrations 40 (where provided) grip the surface of the plate 6. Of course, the bolt can be inserted with the washer and possibly also the nut pre-threaded onto the shaft, if the shaft is sufficiently long in relation to the depth of the hole.

A suitable dimension A for the diameter of the bolt is from 6mm to 30mm, 18mm being typical. The length B of the bolt can be from 10 to 100mm. Bolts within these length ranges can be used to secure plates of a total thickness from 3 to 75mm.

If the diameter A of the bolt is 18mm, then a suitable diameter for the eccentric head 18 is 20mm. In this case, the hole 8 would ideally be prepared at 20.5mm diameter.

In this example, a suitable size for the wedge member 22 is a depth of 2mm and a width of 6mm. Ideally, the washer and wedge member will be selected of a range of such washers and will have been selected with the particular situation envisaged in mind.

If the inner plate 6 is particularly thin, it may be necessary for the wedge element 22 is sufficiently long to project out of the hole and alongside the head 18. This will prevent the inner plate 6 from shifting sideways and disengaging from the head 18. Preferably, the wedge element 22 projects at least partly into the inner plate 6.

Hence, it will be preferred if the wedge element 22 is of sufficiently soft material for a user to cut it to length.

Of course, the degree of softness will vary according to the intended use; a DIY use might require a plastics element, but a more heavy-duty use, e.g. in the construction or automotive industry, might use a metallic element.

Figure 4 shows a suitable blank for forming the washer 12 of Figure 2. The well-known annular ring 24 is, in this case, supplemented by an internally projecting member 26 within the normally drilled-out centre. A washer 12 according to the present invention is then prepared by bending the projection 26 to right angles with the annular ring 24.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 5 to 7. This embodiment is broadly similar to the first embodiment, and where corresponding parts exist, they are shown using identical reference numbers.

This embodiment differs in that a longitudinal slot 28 has been formed in the shaft 16 of the bolt 10. A corresponding thicker portion 30 has been formed on the wedge member 22. Thus, when installed, the thicker portion 30 extends into the slot 28, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

This means that it is not necessary for the wedge member 22 and the washer 12 to be integrally formed. Instead, the wedge member 22 can be a separate member. However, it is preferred, for reasons of simplicity, if the wedge member 22 is integral with the washer 12. This can be achieved by the method described in association with Figure 4, or by forming them as two separate parts and connecting them.

The connection can be by spot welding, or by pressing the wedge member 22 into a tapered recess in the washer 12, or by another method. Clearly, in the embodiment of Figure 5, in which the fixing means of the present invention is securing together particularly thick panels 4 and 6, it is not possible for the method described in association with Figure 4 to be employed, since the wedge member 22 is greater than the width of the shaft 16.

Additionally, this second embodiment differs from the first in that there is no hexagonal socket 20. Instead, a slot 32 is formed for receiving the flat blade of a screwdriver.

Figures 8 and 9 show, respectively, a washer and a wedge element according to a third embodiment of the invention. Although they are considered to be a third embodiment, they are in fact suitable for use in either of the two preceding embodiments. In this embodiment, the washer 12 has a notched portion 34 formed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the notch is "L" shaped, extending through the entire depth of the washer at the inner face of the annulus, and extending to the outer face of the annulus on the outer surface of the washer. Thus, at the notched portion, only approximately a quarter of the washer remains, at the rear outer quartile.

The corresponding wedge element, shown in Figure 10, has a hook portion 36 comprising an outwardly projecting step. Thus, the wedge element 22 can engage with the notch 34 of the washer 12 and be prevented from sliding inwardly.

The "L" shaped nature of the notch 34 prevents the wedge element from interfering with the clamping action between a nut and the washer. It also allows easy removal of the wedge element should this be necessary. The "L" shaped nature of the notch 34 is, of course, not essential but preferred. A suitably shallow hook 36 might show sufficiently little interference.

Figure 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the wedge element 22, in which "V"-profiled notches are formed along its length. These notches allow a user to snap an end portion of the wedge element 22 off, allowing it to be tailored in length to the particular situation for which it is to be employed. Although this embodiment is shown as a variant on the third embodiment, it is of course applicable to any of the above embodiments disclosed herein.

Figures 12 to 14 show a fifth embodiment of this aspect of the invention. In this embodiment, the engagement part is more akin to a nut than a bolt. That is, the part 41 has a longitudinal hole 42 which is internally threaded to accept a conventional bolt. The longitudinal hole 42 is eccentric within the main body 44 of the part 41, and has a cylindrical portion 44 projecting from the front face concentrically therewith. At the rear face of the part 41, there is an overhanging head 46. The part 41 is intended to be used in conjunction with a combined wedge and washer element 48 which consists of an annular ring 49 having on one side thereof a crescentshaped rearwardly directed projection 47.In use, the annular ring 49 fits over the cylindrical projection 44 of engagement member 41 such that the crescent-shaped projection 42 projects along the side of the body portion 43 on the side opposed to the overhanging head 46.

To instal the device, a hole is prepared in a wall as shown in Figure 14, and the engagement part 41 is placed within the hole so that the overhanging head 46 engages behind a rear face of the wall. The washer and wedging element 48 is then placed in position over the cylindrical projection 44 and holds the engagement portion 41 in position within the hole as shown in Figure 14. The eccentric positioning of the through hole 42 within the body 43 ensures that in use the through hole 42 is presented at the centre of the hole. This is an advantage to users who will often determine the correct point for fixing a bolt within the wall and drill the hole to the appropriate size but centred on that point.

To allow easier insertion of the parts 41 and 48, one or both can be formed with a removable tool (not shown) which will, during fitting, project out of the hole to allow easier gripping.

Figures 15 to 19 show the sixth embodiment, according to the second aspect of the present invention. This embodiment comprises a substantially cylindrical body portion 50 comprising a central internally threaded hole 52. Directly either side of the hole 52 are a pair of internally threaded holes 54a and 54b, of slightly smaller diameter. Within these holes 54a, 54b are respective bolts 56a and 56b, which project out of the rear face of the body portion at their tip. Firmly attached (eg by gluing) to the tip of each bolt 56a, 56b is an elongate arm 58a, 58b.

The bolt 56 projects into an end of the arm 58. Thus, the arms 58 can be rotated relative to the body 50 by turning the bolts 56. At the front face of the body, the bolts 56 end with a head 60 which has a screwdriver slot to facilitate rotation, and a pointer 62 which extends from a side of the head 60 and shows the instantaneous orientation of the arms 58.

The fixing means according to this embodiment is used by inserting the body into a pre-prepared hole in a panel 64 with the arms in the closed position, shown in Figure 13. Preferably, the body is a snug fit in the hole. A screwdriver is then inserted in the heads 60a and 60b and used to rotate the arms 58 to an open position, e.g. that shown in Figure 15. A bolt 66 can then be screwed into the central hole 52, preferably in combination with a washer 68 to give the arrangement shown in Figure 17. Thus, if desired, an article can be held against the panel 64 between it and the washer 68. To help during screwing of the bolt 66, the side faces of the body 50 and/or the rear panel engaging faces of the arms 58 can be serrated.

Figure 19 shows a rear view of this embodiment, in which an open position has been chosen in which the arms 58a and 58b are at a right-angle. This allows the fixing means to be installed in the corner of a panel 64, not possible with known devices such as the "sprung wing" nut.

Figure 20 shows a rear view of a seventh embodiment, similar to the sixth. In this embodiment, the winged members 58a and 58b are arcuate and thus follow generally the outer edge of the body portion 50. This allows the central hole 52 to be larger in relation to the body portion 50, or alternatively for the exterior diameter of the body portion 50 to be smaller for a given size of central hole 52.

Figure 21 shows an eighth embodiment, from the front.

This embodiment is generally based on the sixth embodiment, in which there is provided a single winged member 58 which comprises a circular disc initially concentric with the circular body 50 but rotatable about an axis thereon which is eccentric. Thus, when in the open position shown in this Figure, the disc 58 projects to one side to provide an engagement part.

Figure 22 shows a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an annular body portion 50 includes a plurality of blades 70. The radial dimension of these blades 70 is greater than the radial thickness of the annular body portion 50. The blades 70 are held in part circumferential slots (not shown) within the body 50 and thus depending on their precise radial position project either into the central portion of the body or external of the body portion 50. The internal face of the body portion 50 is threaded. Thus, if a bolt having a tapered tip is screwed into the annulus, blades 70 will be forced outwardly into the position shown dotted in Figure 22. If the body portion 50 is at that time within a hole in a wall 64 (Figure 23) then the blades will be caused to grip the wall.It can be seen from Figure 23 that the blades are clustered towards the rear face of the wall, since this provides better gripping characteristics by avoiding "flaking" of the front face of the wall.

The blades are crescent-shaped in profile, as seen in Figure 22, so that a sudden rotation of the body portion 50 after removal of the bolt may cause the blades to fall back into their original position and allow withdrawal of the fixing member.

Figures 24 and 25 show a tenth embodiment of the invention. A body portion 72 has a concentric longitudinal hole 74, which is smooth. Sliding within that hole is a cylindrical member 76 which is an interference fit in the hole 74 and has an internally threaded concentric hole 78.

Projecting from the rear portion of the body 72 are a pair of wings 80a and 80b. These wings 80a and 80b are rotatable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body 72, and have internally directed cam surfaces 82a and 82b.

At the rear part of the cylindrical member 76 is a wider head portion 84 which has rearwardly directed teeth 86. Thus, tightening of a screw in the internally threaded hole 78 causes the oversize head 84 of the embodiment to be drawn back towards the body portion 72. Thus, it acts on cam surfaces 82a and 82b and causes the wing members 80a and 80b to assume the open position shown in Figure 25.

The teeth 86 of the head portion 84 can be used to cut a correctly sized hole in a wall 64. It will be easier to effect cutting of a hole in wall 64 if the head portion is provided with a lead point for rotation, eg an elongate pointed member action to a broadest bradawl centred on the central axis of the head 84 and extending slightly beyond the teeth 86. Thus, this pointed member will engage first and provide an axis for rotation, preventing sideways "creep" of the head 84. The pointed tip may also be threaded if desired.

Figure 26 shows an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, in which the teeth 86 of the head portion are omitted in favour of a simple oversize head 84. Otherwise, the eleventh embodiment is identical to the tenth.

Note that the root of the tenth and eleventh embodiments have a slight rim 88 formed with a chamfered aspect at its rear face. This allows the body portion 72 to "bed in" in a hole formed for it and helps ensure that the body portion 72 is centred within that hole. This structural feature is not seen as limited to the tenth and eleventh embodiments, but is indeed potentially applicable to all embodiments described herein.

Figure 27 shows a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a generally cylindrical body portion 90 again has a concentric through hole which is internally threaded for receipt of a bolt 94. Within that through hole initially lie a number of L-profile engagement members 92a and 92b. At the tip of the L, these members are connected to an interior face of the throughhole and are rotatable about that fixing point around an axis transverse to the through-hole. Two such members are illustrated in Figure 27, but this number is purely illustrative and more or less can be provided.

As will be appreciated from Figure 27, screwing the bolt 94 further into the through-hole of the body 90 will cause the engagement members 92a and 92b to be pressed against the side of the through-hole. Preferably, there are recesses (not shown) in the side of the hole that the members can take up. More preferably, the external faces of the members 92a and 92b are threaded to conform with the threading of the through-hole. In this way, the side-arms of the L-profile members 92a and 92b will be caused to project outside the radial extent of the body 90. Thus, they can be used to engage behind a wall member (not shown). Removal of the bolt 94 may allow the members 92a and 92b to fall back into their original position, permitting withdrawal of the body 90.

Figure 28 shows a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is generally similar to the sixth, except that the wings 58a and 58b are pivotally mounted on a central bar 96 which is rotatable relative to the body 50 about an axis that is concentric therein. At the centre of the bar 96 is a screwdriver slot 97 which may be engaged by inserting a screwdriver through the central hole 52 (not visible). Mounted on the rear face of a body 50 are abutment pillars 98a and 98b. Thus, rotation of central bar 96 causes the wing members 58a and 58b to rotate relative thereto by interaction with the abutment pillars 98a and 98b respectively. Thus, the wings are moved from their closed to their open position.

Figures 29 and 30 show a fourteenth embodiment of the invention, broadly similar to the thirteenth except that the abutment pillars 98a and 98b are provided instead by edges of apertures 100 formed within a concentric surround 102 about the bar 96 and wing members 58a and 58b. This protects the wings members 58a and 58b as the body 50 is being inserted.

The materials from which the elements described above can be made are not particularly limited. For light use, a suitable plastics material might be suitable, or for more heavy-duty use, a suitable steel might be preferred. For outdoor use, or use in a corrosive environment, more specialised alloys or stainless steel might be preferred.

Of course, the parts need not all be of the same material.

For the embodiments of the first aspect, a high tensile steel bolt with a plastic washer and wedge element might be suitable in certain environments.

A skilled person will appreciate that the abovedescribed embodiments are by way of illustrative example only, and that numerous modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

1. A fixing means for providing an anchoring point in a wall by insertion through a hole in the wall wherein, once in place, the fixing means contacts a rear face of the wall adjacent the hole with substantially no deformation of the fixing means in the direction transverse to the axis of the hole.

2. A fixing means according to claim l suitable for use in a plasterboard wall.

3. A fixing means according to claim 1 or claim 2 suitable for use in a wall of less than 20 mm thickness.

4. A fixing means according to any preceding claim being a kit comprising an engagement part having an overhanging head, a nut, and a wedge element.

5. A fixing means according to claim 4 wherein the engagement part comprises an elongate shaft having a screw thread at at least one end, and an eccentric head at the other end.

6. A fixing means according to claim 5 wherein the degree of eccentricity is such that the head is flush with the shaft on one side but overhangs on the opposed side.

7. A fixing kit according to any one of claims 4 to 6 comprising a washer for the engagement part, the washer being integral with the wedge element.

8. A fixing means according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the engagement part has a longitudinal trench into which the wedge element can partly project, thereby to rotationally fix the wedge element relative to the engagement part.

9. A fixing means according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the fixing means comprises a body portion having a rear portion, the rear portion having at least one engagement member moveable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the open position the engagement member projects further from the centre of the body portion than in the closed, the fixing means being adapted to allow movement of the members from the closed position to the open without necessitating access to the rear portion of the body portion.

10. A method of providing an anchoring point in a wall, comprising the steps of inserting a bolt into a hole in the wall, positioning it eccentrically within the hole, and inserting a wedge aligned alongside the bolt thereby to maintain it in that eccentric state.

11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the bolt has an eccentric head.

12. A bolt having an eccentric head.

13. A washer having a transversely extending member projecting from a point adjacent a bolt receiving aperture thereof.

14. A fixing means substantially as any one herein disclosed with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 30.