GB2330887A

GB2330887A - Toggle fastener with removable screw

Info

Publication number: GB2330887A
Application number: GB9823855A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Stewart Whitelaw
Original assignee: Steven Garsden
Current assignee: Steven Garsden
Priority date: 1997-11-01
Filing date: 1998-10-30
Publication date: 1999-05-05
Also published as: GB9823855D0

Abstract

A toggle fastener comprises a fastener body 22 with a retaining head (20, Fig 6) supporting an anchor element 46 slidably movable along the fastener body 22. The anchor element 46 is pivotable from a first position parallel to the fastener body 22 to a position perpendicular to the body 22 and is slidable along the body 22 using a screw 82. When in the fastened position (see Fig 6) the screw 82 can be removed, and the anchor element 46 remains in position. To aid initial insertion through a hole or to enable the fastener to be hammered through a wall, the anchor element 46 and body 22 are pointed.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO FASTENERS Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to fasteners for attaching objects to structural members. More particularly, the present invention relates to fasteners which provide enhanced load bearing capability when utilized in conjunction with drywall, panelling, plaster, or other structural members which, when used, have a rearward cavity.

Background to the Invention One method of attaching an object to a structural member is to place a standard screw or nail through the object and directly into the structural member. However, many structural members cannot provide the necessary support for standard screws or nails to bear the weight of a suspended object. This is the case with the interior walls of many residential, commercial and industrial buildings which are fabricated from drywall, panelling, plaster or similar structural members.

The interior walls of many homes are fabricated of drywall or some type of plasterboard. For example, sheets of drywall are fixed to a wooden frame such that a rearward cavity exists behind the drywall within the wall.

Thus, when an object is affixed to the wall by means of a standard screw or nailr only a portion of the screw or nail typically remains in contact with the drywall. The remainder of the screw or nail protrudes behind the drywall into the rearward cavity, this protruding portion not providing any support for the suspended object.

An example of a wall fastener which has been developed to alleviate this problem is a wall fastener consisting of a single element which is driven directly into the wall and has a long slender shaft with a series of extending flanges or stops. Such a fastener has several disadvantages. Once the fastener is inserted into a wall, the flanges provide some resistance to fastener removal which provides the fastener with additional support. However, because the flanges are fixed and extend radially from the shaft of the fastener, portions of the wall adjacent to the bore created by the fastener are damaged by the flanges. This weakens the wall in the vicinity of the fastener, and makes it more likely that the suspended object will pull the fastener through the wall. An example of this type of wall fastener is provided in United Kingdom published patent application GB 2 275 979 A.

A second type of wall fastener includes a means for expanding the fastener within the rearward cavity once the fastener has been inserted into the wall. This type of device conventionally includes two or more separate elements, one element consisting of a fastener body and the other element providing a means for expansion.

Since such wall fasteners generally provide greater expansion within the rearward cavity, they are generally capable of retaining heavier loads than single piece fasteners. However, such fasteners are often difficult to install and use. Many of these fasteners require a predrilled hole, and the fastener is inserted into the predrilled hole. Pre-drilling the hole takes additional time and can be quite costly when large quantities of wall fasteners are being installed. An example of such a wall fastener is provided in United States patent US 5 221 169.

Another wall fastener commonly used in buildings consists of spring biased, winged toggles which extend from a threaded nut. This threaded nut is used in conjunction with a conventional screw which is inserted through the object to be supported. While the winged toggles are in their folded position, the threaded nut passes through a pre-drilled hole in the wall and enters into the rearward cavity behind the wall. Once the winged toggles enter into the rearward cavity, the spring forces the toggles open. Once this has occurred, the screw is tightened until the toggles contact the interior side of the wall. At this point, the object is retained by the screw to the wall. An example of such a wall fastener is provided in an International patent application published as WO 92/07196.

However, it is sometimes desirable to remove and replace the object being supported. To do so, it is necessary to remove the screw from the threaded nut.

However, when the screw is removed from the threaded nut, the threaded nut falls away from the pre-drilled hole into the rearward cavity. Thus, such anchors cannot readily be reused. An example of such a fastener is provided in United States patent US 4 449 873.

Most fasteners require complex arrangements to achieve blind control and such arrangements may compromise the strength of the fastener. Also, where relatively complex devices are used to achieve a gripping effect on the inner face of a support structure, eg, spreadable arms or toggles, the wall must have an opening large enough to receive such a device.

Accordingly, an advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the provision of a fastener which can be installed through a pre-drilled hole, or alternatively, by hammering or drilling the fastener into a support structure.

A further advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the fastener may permit multiple removal and reinsertion of an actuating element, and may remain in position for reuse after the actuating element is removed.

Still another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the fastener is such that it may minimize the damage caused to the support structure adjacent to the installed fastener.

Yet another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the fastener may enhance the load bearing capacity by increasing the support structure retention spread width.

A still further advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the fastener may be used on support structures of varying thicknesses.

Summarv of the Invention According to the present invention in a first aspect there is provided a fastener for providing an attachment site in a structural member having an exterior face, an interior face and a rearward cavity adjacent said interior face for releasably attaching an object to the exterior face, the fastener comprising a longitudinally extending fastener element supporting an anchor element slideably movable along the fastener element, the anchor element being pivotable by actuating means from a first position substantially parallel to the fastener element towards a position substantially perpendicular to the fastener element which actuating means is removable from the fastener element whereby the fastener can be inserted in the structural element with the anchor element in the first position and when the anchor passes into the rearward cavity the anchor element may be pivoted by the actuating means into the second position to impede withdrawal of the fastener from the structural element and in which when the actuating means is withdrawn from the fastener the anchor element remains substantially in the second position.

Using this fastener, an object can be releasably attached to the exterior face of the structural element.

The invention provides a fastener which may be inserted in a structural member, such as a wall, either through a pre-drilled hole or otherwise.

Suit ably, the fastener further comprises piercing means at one end. The piercing means may comprises a tapered head. Preferably, the tapered head is pointed.

Preferably, both the fastener element and the anchor element comprises a pointed head. Preferably the pointed head is arrow shaped. The edges of the piercing means may be serrated. Preferably, the piercing means is stepped to allow the fastener to pierce a structural member.

The presence of piercing means at one end of the fastener allows the fastener to be inserted into a structural member by hammering or the like. This obviates the need for a pre-drilled hole in which to insert the fastener and therefore reduces the steps necessary to provide an attachment site. Furthermore, use of the piercing means may reduce break out at the interior face of the structural member.

The piercing means may comprise a drilling tip. The presence of such a drilling tip on the fastener may allow the fastener to drill its own hole, concurrently with inserting the fastener.

Suitably, the fastener further comprises retaining means for precluding movement of the fastener element beyond the exterior face of the structural member towards the interior face.

Suitably, the fastener element comprises an elongate aperture. Suitably, the anchor element is supported within the elongate aperture. Suitably, each longitudinal side of the elongate aperture comprises a longitudinal recess.

Suitably, the anchor element comprises lugs which are received within the longitudinal recesses in the fastener element. Suitably, the lugs on the anchor element are slideably received within the longitudinal recesses.

Suitably, the anchor element comprises two lugs, one opposite and in line with the other, on each of the elongate sides of the anchor element.

The slidable engagement of the anchor element lugs within the fastener element recesses allows the anchor element to be slideably movable along the fastener element. Furthermore, the lugs in the recesses provide a pivot axis for the anchor element to pivot in relation to the fastener element from a first position substantially parallel to the fastener element towards a position substantially perpendicular to the fastener element.

The anchor element may be slideably moved along the fastener element by actuating means. Suitably, the fastener element comprises a reception aperture for receiving actuating means. Suitably, the reception aperture extends from an end of the fastener element into the elongate aperture within the fastener.

Suitably, the reception aperture is configured such that actuating means may be received in the reception aperture, pass through into the elongate aperture and contact the anchor element within the elongate aperture.

Suitably, the anchor element comprises a recess at its end adjacent the aperture. Suitably, the recess is frustoconical. Suitably, when actuating means abut the anchor element, the actuating means cause the anchor element to slide along the fastener element. As the actuating means move along the recess in the anchor element the anchor element is caused to pivot from a first position substantially parallel to the fastener element towards a second position substantially perpendicular to the fastener element.

Suitably, the anchor element comprises an aperture, Suitably, the aperture is adapted to receive actuating means. Suitably, the recess in the anchor element terminates at the aperture in the anchor element.

Suitably, the narrower end of the frustoconical recess is adjacent the aperture in the anchor element.

Suitably, the centre of the anchor element aperture is located approximately along the pivot axis provided by the lugs on the anchor element.

Suitably, the arrangement of the fastener element and the anchor element is such the actuating means may be inserted through the fastener element, through the reception aperture, into the elongate aperture, to within the anchor element recess, to slide and pivot the anchor element within the fastener element and to enter into the aperture in the anchor element.

Suitably, anchor element aperture is configured such that the actuating means may only enter the anchor element aperture when the anchor element is no longer substantially parallel to the fastener element and preferably is substantially perpendicular to the fastener element.

Suitably, the anchor element aperture is internally screw threaded. The actuating member may be externally screw threaded. The actuating member may be screwed within the anchor element aperture to provide secured engagement.

The anchor element aperture may be plain to accept a self tapping screw.

Suitably, rotation of the actuating member within the threaded anchor element aperture draws the anchor element up the threaded actuating member.

In use, movement of the actuating member inserted in the anchor element aperture causes the anchor element to slide within the fastener element aperture.

Suitably, rotation of the threaded actuating member within the threaded anchor element aperture causes translational movement of the anchor element within the fastener element aperture, in that the anchor element slides within the fastener element aperture.

Suitably, rotation of the threaded actuating member within the threaded anchor element in a first direction causes progressive sliding of the anchor element in a first direction. In use, the threaded anchor element may be drawn back to abut the interior face of the structural member into which the fastener is inserted, by rotation of the actuating means in a first direction.

Suitably, the actuating means comprises a conventional externally threaded screw. Suitably, the width of the fastener is more than the depth. Suitably, the fastener comprises at least two separable components.

Suitably, the fastener element and anchor element are separable.

Suitably the fastener comprises a screw receiving head, which screw receiving head is expandable to receive screws of varying sizes.

Suitably, the fastener is made from hard wearing material, such as steel, sprung steel, plastic or other suitable material.

According to the present invention in a second aspect there is provided a method of providing an attachment site for fastening objects to a structural assembly, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a fastener comprising a longitudinally extending fastener element and an anchor element slideably movable along the fastener element and pivotable from a first position substantially parallel to the fastener element towards a position substantially perpendicular to the fastener element; b) inserting the fastener in the structural element with the anchor element in the first position until the anchor element is fully within the rearward cavity; c) when the anchor element is fully within the rearward cavity inserting actuating means through the fastener to pivot the anchor element into the second position to impede withdrawal of the fastener from the structural element.

Suitably, the method comprises a further step of drawing the anchor element back along the actuating means to abut the interior face of the structural member.

The inserted fastener provides a secure attachment site to which to releasably attach an object to the exterior face of the structural member. The actuating means may be inserted through the object to be attached to the structural member prior to insertion of the actuating member into the fastener. Alternatively, the actuating means may be removed from the fastener when the anchor element has been pivoted to the second position and then inserted through the object to be support before reinserting the actuating member in the fastener.

The fastener may be inserted into the structural member by hammering of the like. Alternatively, the fastener may be inserted in the structural member through a pre-drilled hole. Furthermore, the fastener with a drilling tip may be used to drill the fastener into the structural member.

According to the present invention in a third aspect there is provided a structural assembly providing a reusable attachment site in a structural member for releasable attachment of an object to an exterior face of the structural member, the structural assembly comprising a structural member having an exterior face, an interior face and a rearward cavity adjacent the interior face; the structural member having a fastener extending between its exterior face and its interior face, providing an aperture therebetween to accept a longitudinal member by which to attach the object to the structural member, the fastener comprising an anchor element slideably supported by a fastener element such that the anchor element is retained within the rearward cavity in the absence of the longitudinal member such that the fastener may provide a permanent secure attachment site to which items may be releasably attached.

The present invention includes any combination of the herein referred to features or limitations.

Brief DescriPtion of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a plan view of a fastener element of a fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1B shows a side view of the fastener element shown in Figure 1A.

Figure 2A shows a plan view of an anchor element of a fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B shows a side view of the anchor element shown in Figure 2A.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of a fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention, assembled from the fastener element shown in Figures 1A and 1B and the anchor element shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

Figure 4 shows a side view of a fastener according to Figure 3, inserted through a wall.

Figure 5 shows a fastener as shown in Figure 4, with the anchor element being rotated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a fastener as shown in Figures 4 and 5, positioned for use in a wall, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of a fastener according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 8A and 8B show side views of the fastener of Figure 7.

Figure 9 shows an end view of the fastener of Figures 7, 8A and 8B.

DescriDt on of Preferred Embodiments Referring to Figures 1A and 1B of the drawings that follow, there is shown a fastener element 10, having an arrow shaped head 12 adjacent one end 14 of the fastener element 10 and a collar 16 adjacent the opposite end 18 of the fastener element 10. The collar 16 is adjacent a retaining head 20 which is generally circular in configuration and is preferably of greater dimension than the rest of the fastener element 10 such that in use the retaining head 20 will be retained on the exterior surface of a wall and will not enter into a wall opening when the fastener element 10 is pushed into a wall.

The fastener element 10, between the arrow shaped head 12 and the collar 16, has a generally planar and rectangular fastener body 22 which has in it a generally rectangular aperture 24.

The aperture 24 is defined by two parallel inner sides 26 and 28 which run longitudinally from the arrow shaped head end 14 to the collar end 18 of the aperture 24 and two parallel inner sides 30, 32, inner side 30 being adjacent the arrow shaped head end 14 and inner side 32 being adjacent to the collar end 18. Extending longitudinally in each of the inner sides 26 and 28 is a guide recess indicated by dashed lines 34 and 36.

At the corners where inner sides 26 and 28 meet, inner side 32, are two indents, 38 and 40, such indents 38, 40 extending predominantly along the inner sides 26, 28.

The retaining head 20 has an aperture indicated within dashed lines 42, extending through it, into the collar 16 and ending on the inner side 32 of the aperture 24. The aperture at 42 is cylindrical and is adapted to receive activating means, preferably in the form of a threaded screw.

The arrow shaped head 12 of the fastener element 10 is substantially half the thickness of the fastener body 22 as shown at 44 in Figure 1B for reasons which will be described below.

Referring to Figures 2A and 2B of the drawings that follow, there is shown an anchor element 46, adapted to engage with the fastener element 10 shown in Figures 1A and 1B as will be described below.

Anchor element 46 has an arrow shaped head 48 at one end 49 and has adjacent to the arrow shaped head 48 a rectangular anchor body 50. The anchor body 50 has an aperture 52 extending through it from an upper face 54 to a lower face 56. The aperture 52 is internally threaded and is adapted to receive a threaded activating means in the form of a screw (not shown). The top edge 55 of aperture 52 is located approximately half way up the anchor body 50. End 58 of the anchor element opposite to end 49 has a frustoconical recess 59, with the narrower end of the frusto cone recess 59, terminating at the aperture 52. Extending between the upper face 54 and lower face 56 of the anchor body 50 are sides 60 and 62.

Each side 60, 62 has a lug 64, 66 protruding therefrom, in line with each other and with the centre of aperture 52.

The arrow shaped head 48 of the anchor element 46 is substantially half the thickness of the anchor body 50, as shown at 68 in Figure 2B, for reasons which will be described below.

In order to assemble a fastener 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, the fastener element 10 of Figures 1A and 1B is engaged with the anchor element 46 of Figures 2A and 2B. This assembly will now be described with reference to Figures 1A, lB, 2A, 2B and 3 of the drawings that follow.

With the fastener element 10 in the position shown in Figure IB, that is with the arrow shaped head 12 extending from the bottom of the fastener body 22, the anchor element 46, with the arrow shaped head 48 extending from the top of the anchor body 50, is inserted at end 58 into the aperture 24 in the fastener body 22, with the anchor element 46 parallel to the retaining head 18 and perpendicular to the fastener body 22.

The anchor body 50 is impeded from fully passing through the aperture 24 in the fastener body 22 by the protruding lugs 64, 66 on the anchor body 50. The anchor body 50 is then moved longitudinally towards inner side 32 of the aperture 24 such that the lugs 64 and 66 can fit into indents 38 and 40. The lugs 64 and 66 can then be slideably moved along the guide recesses 34, 36 in the fastener body 22, towards inner side 30 of the aperture 22.

When the anchor element 46 is moved a sufficient distance along the guide recesses 34, 36 in the fastener body 22 from inner side 32 of the aperture 24 that its pivotal movement is not impeded, the anchor element 46 is pivoted through 90 degrees about a pivot axis defined by the lugs 64 and 66 until the anchor element 46 is parallel and in contact with the fastener body 22. The anchor element 46 may be slideably pushed back towards inner side 32 of the aperture 24 until the arrow shaped head 12 of the fastener element 10 and the arrow shaped head 48 of the anchor element 46 come together. As both arrow shaped heads 12, 48 are only half of the thickness of the bodies 22, 50 to which they are connected when the arrow shaped heads 12, 48 come together that end 72 of the fastener 70 is not substantially thicker than the rest of the assembled fastener 70.

The assembled fastener 70 shown in Figure 3 of the following drawings will now be described in use, with reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings that follow.

The fastener 70 can be inserted through a wall 74 having an inner face 76 and an outer face 78 such that the arrow shaped end 72 of the fastener 70 pierces the wall 74 and the retaining head 20 abuts the outer face 78 of the wall 74. The arrow shaped end 72 of the fastener 70 allows the fastener 70 to be hammered into the wall 74, as indicated by arrow 75. Alternatively, the fastener 70 may be placed in the wall 74 through a pre-drilled hole.

Once the fastener 70 is inserted through a wall 74 such that the anchor element 46 of the fastener 70 is on the inner side 80 of the wall 74 and the retaining head 20 of the fastener element 10 abuts the outer face 78 of the wall 74 the fastener 70 is ready for anchoring in the wall 74.

At this stage, the item to be supported (not shown) may be used. Alternatively, for heavy or awkward items, the fastener may be anchored in the wall before screwing the item to the fastener.

A threaded screw 82 is pushed into the aperture at 42 of the fastener element 10 until it is slideably received in the frustoconical recess 59. As the screw 82 moves from the wider to the narrower end of the frustoconical recess, the screw 82 pivots the anchor element 46 from a position essentially parallel with the fastener body 22 to a position essentially perpendicular to the fastener body 22, pivoting about a pivotal axis provided by the lugs 64, 66 acting in the guide recesses indicated by 34, 36 on Figure 1A.

Once the anchor element 46 is perpendicular to the fastener body 22, the threaded screw 82 engages with the internally threaded aperture 52. Rotation of the threaded screw 82 at the outer face 28 of the wall 74 causes the anchor element 46 to be drawn along the threaded screw 82.

When the anchor element 46 is drawn sufficiently along the threaded screw 82 that the anchor element 46 abuts the inner face 76 of the wall 74, the fastener 70 is configured for use.

In this configuration, the anchor element 46 of the fastener 70 provides increased load bearing capacity for the fastener by increasing the retention spread width.

Furthermore, as the anchor element 46 merely abuts the inner face 76 of the wall 74 it minimises the damage caused to the wall 74 adjacent the installed fastener 70.

Furthermore, the screw 82 can be removed from the fastener 70 and the fastener 70 will stay in the same configuration, such that the fastener may be reused.

If it is desired to fasten an item, for example a mirror (not shown), to a wall, the threaded screw 82 may first be passed through a pre-drilled hole in the mirror before inserting the screw 82 in the aperture of the fastener 70.

The fastener 70 with the arrow shaped head end 72 allows the fastener 70 to pierce the wall 74. Further ends of the fastener 70 are envisaged, for example an arrow shaped head end with a serrated edge, such that the fastener may more easily pierce and pass through a wall 74 or other support structure. If using the fastener 70 with a pre-drilled hole in a wall 74 or other support structure, it is not necessary for the arrow shaped head end to be present to provide piercing means. Fasteners with curved ends for passing through a pre-drilled hole in a wall are envisaged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 7-9 of the drawings that follow there is shown a fastener element 110 sufficiently similar to that of Figure 1 that only its main features are described.

Fastener element 110 comprises a head 112 distant from a collar 116 defining a head 117, between which there is an anchor element 118 in which there is provided an aperture 120, and a fastener body 122. Anchor element 118 comprises a single, bent, pressed sprung steel strip.

Fastener body 122 comprises a single, bent, pressed sprung steel strip. Anchor element 118 includes lugs 124 for slideably locating anchor element 118 in longitudinal recesses 126 in fastener body 122. The head 117 is split to be expandable to receive different sized screws (not shown).

The fastener element 110 operates in a substantially similar fashion to that of the Figure 1 embodiment.

Figure 8B shows the fastener element 110 in a configuration in which a screw (not shown) is partially inserted.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A fastener for providing an attachment site in a structural member having an exterior face, an interior face and a rearward cavity adjacent said interior face for releasably attaching an object to the exterior face, the fastener comprising a longitudinally extending fastener element supporting an anchor element slideably movable along the fastener element, the anchor element being pivotable by actuating means from a first position substantially parallel to the fastener element towards a position substantially perpendicular to the fastener element which actuating means is removable from the fastener element whereby the fastener can be inserted in the structural element with the anchor element in the first position and when the anchor passes into the rearward cavity the anchor element may be pivoted by the actuating means into the second position to impede withdrawal of the fastener from the structural element and in which when the actuating means is withdrawn from the fastener the anchor element remains substantially in the second position.
2. A fastener according to claim 1, in which the fastener further comprises piercing means at one end.
3. A fastener according to claim 2, in which the piercing means comprises a tapered head.
4. A fastener according to claim 3, in which the tapered head is pointed.
5. A fastener according to claim 4, in which both the fastener element and the anchor element comprises a pointed head.
6. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the piercing means comprises a drilling tip.
7. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the fastener further comprises retaining means for precluding movement of the fastener element beyond the exterior face of the structural member towards the interior face.
8. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the fastener element comprises an elongate aperture.
9. A fastener according to claim 8, in which the anchor element is supported within the elongate aperture.
10. A fastener according to claim 8 or claim 9, in which each longitudinal side of the elongate aperture comprises a longitudinal recess.
11. A fastener according to claim 10, in which the anchor element comprises lugs which are received within the longitudinal recesses in the fastener element.
12. A fastener according to claim 11, in which the lugs on the anchor element are slideably received within the longitudinal recesses.
13. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the anchor element comprises two lugs, one opposite and in line with the other, on each of the elongate sides of the anchor element.
14. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the anchor element may be slideably moved along the fastener element by actuating means.
15. A fastener according to claim 14, in which the fastener element comprises a reception aperture for receiving actuating means.
16. A fastener according to claim 15, in which the reception aperture extends from an end of the fastener element into the elongate aperture within the fastener.
17. A fastener according to claim 15 or claim 16, in which the reception aperture is configured such that actuating means may be received in the reception aperture, pass through into the elongate aperture and contact the anchor element within the elongate aperture.
18. A fastener according to any one of claims 14 to 17, in which the anchor element comprises a recess at its end adjacent the aperture.
19. A fastener according to claim 18, in which the recess is frustoconical.
20. A fastener according to any one of claims 14 to 19, in which when actuating means abut the anchor element, the actuating means cause the anchor element to slide along the fastener element.
21. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the anchor element comprises an aperture.
22. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the aperture is adapted to receive actuating means.
23. A fastener according to claim 21, in which a recess in the anchor element terminates at the aperture in the anchor element.
24. A fastener according to claim 13, in which the centre of the anchor element aperture is located approximately along the pivot axis provided by the lugs on the anchor element.
25. A fastener according to claim 15, in which the arrangement of the fastener element and the anchor element is such the actuating means may be inserted through the fastener element, through the reception aperture, into the elongate aperture, to within the anchor element recess, to slide and pivot the anchor element within the fastener element and to enter into the aperture in the anchor element.
26. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which anchor element aperture is configured such that the actuating means may only enter the anchor element aperture when the anchor element is no longer substantially parallel to the fastener element and preferably is substantially perpendicular to the fastener element.
27. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the anchor element aperture is internally screw threaded.
28. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which rotation of the actuating member within the threaded anchor element aperture draws the anchor element up the threaded actuating member.
29. A fastener according to claim 28, in which rotation of the threaded actuating member within the threaded anchor element aperture causes translational movement of the anchor element within the fastener element aperture, in that the anchor element slides within the fastener element aperture.
30. A fastener according to claim 28 or claim 29, in which rotation of the threaded actuating member within the threaded anchor element in a first direction causes progressive sliding of the anchor element in a first direction.
31. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the actuating means comprises a conventional externally threaded screw.
32. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the width of the fastener is more than the depth.
33. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the fastener comprises at least two separable components.
34. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the fastener element and anchor element are separable.
35. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the fastener comprises a screw receiving head, which screw receiving head is expandable to receive screws of varying sizes.
36. A fastener according to any preceding claim, in which the fastener is made from hard wearing material, such as steel, sprung steel, plastic or other suitable material.
37. A method of providing an attachment site for fastening objects to a structural assembly, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a fastener comprising a longitudinally extending fastener element and an anchor element slideably movable along the fastener element and pivotable from a first position substantially parallel to the fastener element towards a position substantially perpendicular to the fastener element; b) inserting the fastener in the structural element with the anchor element in the first position until the anchor element is fully within the rearward cavity; c) when the anchor element is fully within the rearward cavity inserting actuating means through the fastener to pivot the anchor element into the second position to impede withdrawal of the fastener from the structural element.
38. A method according to claim 37, in which the method comprises a further step of drawing the anchor element back along the actuating means to abut the interior face of the structural member.
39. A method according to claim 37 or claim 38, in which the actuating means is inserted through the object to be attached to the structural member prior to insertion of the actuating member into the fastener.
40. A method according to claim 37 or claim 38, in which the actuating means is removed from the fastener when the anchor element has been pivoted to the second position and then inserted through the object to be support before reinserting the actuating member in the fastener.
41. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, in which the fastener is inserted into the structural member by hammering of the like.
42. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, in which the fastener is inserted in the structural member through a pre-drilled hole.
43. A method according to any one of claims 37 to 40, in which the fastener with a drilling tip is used to drill the fastener into the structural member.
44. A structural assembly providing a re-usable attachment site in a structural member for releasable attachment of an object to an exterior face of the structural member, the structural assembly comprising a structural member having an exterior face, an interior face and a rearward cavity adjacent the interior face; the structural member having a fastener extending between its exterior face and its interior face, providing an aperture therebetween to accept a longitudinal member by which to attach the object to the structural member, the fastener comprising an anchor element slideably supported by a fastener element such that the anchor element is retained within the rearward cavity in the absence of the longitudinal member such that the fastener may provide a permanent secure attachment site to which items may be releasably attached.
45. A structural assembly as claimed in claim 44, in which the fastener is modified according to any one of claims 1 to 36.
46. Fasteners substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying figures.