GB2528032A

GB2528032A - Anti-ligature fixtures

Info

Publication number: GB2528032A
Application number: GB1410179.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leslie Spruce
Original assignee: SPRUCE DESIGN ANTI LIGATURE SERVICES Ltd
Current assignee: SPRUCE DESIGN ANTI LIGATURE SERVICES Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-09
Filing date: 2014-06-09
Publication date: 2016-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-09
Also published as: GB201410179D0; GB2528032B

Abstract

A mount 10 comprises first 12 and second 14 main body portions releasably joinable to one another by the attraction of a magnet 56 affixed to a first one of the main body portions and a metal part affixed to a second one of the main body portions. The mount further comprises first 68 and second 70 complementary electrical connectors respectively affixed to the first and second main body portions. Alignment means 24, 26 are provided such that the first and second main body portions connect to one another at single relative orientation whereby the magnet registers with the metal part and the first electrical connector registers with the second electrical connector. The alignment means may comprise a mechanical interlock or one or more locating pins. In use, the mount provides an anti-ligature fixture for use with electrical items in particular when an applied force or load exceeds a threshold value.

Description

Title: Anti-ligature fixtures

Description:

This invention relates to fixtures, and in particular, but without limitation, to anti-ligature fixtures suitable for use with electrical items.

It is often necessary, in certain institutions, such as prisons, hospitals and the like to take precautions against strangulation and self-harm. Accordingly, a wide range of devices exist in the market that are designed to minimise the opportunity to cause self-harm or to commit suicide by hanging from a fixed point within an area where vulnerable persons are kept or cared for.

For example, break-away fixtures are now routinely used for items such as curtain rails, window blinds) clothes hooks, light fittings, fire and smoke detectors, where a strap/belt/cord could be affixed (referred to herein as a ligature point) to enable a person to hang themselves.

Known anti-ligature devices are designed to break away under the application of a force which is less than that required to enable harm to be caused (typically <20 -30kg). This can be achieved by designing into items a deliberate weakness in the attachment of the ligature point by the use of mechanical release points (clips, spring loaded catches, push fit joints or magnetic couplings), which are designed to fail when a specific level of force is exceeded.

Known anti-ligature devices are described, for example, in G523974908, which relates to a spring clip, the "TIDYJOINT" RTM 0' ring push fit connector, US2004126181A1, etc., all of which are devised primarily to cope with self-harm using curtain rails in hospitals.

More recently there has been a move to apply anti-ligature technology to a wider range of applications for which these mechanical fittings are less suitable. As a result, magnets are now often used to provide the requisite break-away functionality required to prevent self-harm. For example, GB2351758B describes a magnetic release device, which uses mounting brackets that incorporate high power magnets attached to a ferromagnetic disc. The magnet and bracket are secured to the ceiling and the ferromagnetic disc to the curtain rail thus providing a non-mechanical and more reliable release point between the two.

Further, GB2432861 describes a release system for mounting items to vertical surfaces, such as walls and this technology has been adopted more widely nowadays.

This invention is concerned with mounting electrical items to surfaces, which adds an additional level of complication because not only does the electrical item need to break away, but also electrical connections need to be made between existing wiring and the electrical item. Known anti-ligature mountings for electrical devices are formed integrally with the electrical device, i.e. the break-away connection is formed integrally with the smoke detector, fire alarm, ceiling rose, CCTV camera mount etc. This means that it is not easy to replace broken or damaged electrical components, i.e. the part fixed to the wall or ceiling cannot be used with other devices, and it is not possible to retrospectively render a light fitting, for example, ligature-proof or ligature-resistant without replacing the entire fitting. Further, known magnetic anti-ligature devices for electrical items pass an electrical current through the magnet to ensure that the electrical connection is made.

However, this complicates the construction of such devices, as they require annular contacts to render the connections orientation-independent, thus making them expensive and often undesirable.

A need therefore exists for a new way to render electrical items ligature-proof or ligature-resistant. A need also exists for a mount that can be used to retrospectively render existing electrical installations ligature-proof or ligature-resistant. A need also exists for a general purpose breakaway mount that can be used with a range of electrical items.

This invention aims to provide a solution to one or more of the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mount as set forth in the

appendent claims and/or in the description below.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a mount comprising first and second main body portions releasably affixable to one another, in use, by the magnetic attraction of a magnet affixed to a first one of the main body portions and a metal part affixed to a second one of the main body portions) the mount further comprising first and second complementary electrical connectors respectively affixed to the first and second main body portions, and alignment means configured to permit the first and second main body portions to connect to one another at single relative orientation whereby the magnet registers with the metal part and the first electrical connector registers with the second electrical connector.

The invention thereby provides a mount whereby when the first and second main body portions are correctly aligned at the single orientation, the electrical connectors are aligned. The alignment means ensures that the electrical connectors can only connect at a single relative orientation, thereby preventing incorrect electrical connections between the first and second main body portions.

A first one of the main body portions is suitably affixable, in use, to a wall or ceiling surface.

This may be accomplished by way of screws and/or an adhesive. An electrical item, such as a light fitting, a Cclv camera) a smoke detector, a fire alarm) etc. is suitably affixed to the second one of the main body portions. Thus, the invention enables an electrical item to be affixed to a surface in a manner that permits electrical connections to be made between mains wiring, for example, and the device (via the electrical connectors) but in a manner that permits the main body portions to separate, and the power to the electrical item to be disconnected, when a force is applied to the second body portion, or to an electrical item affixed thereto.

Suitably, the first and second main body portions are connected to one another solely by the magnetic attraction of the magnet to the metal part) which means that the main body portions can be separated simply by overcoming the magnetic attraction force. Suitably, the separation force required to overcome the magnetic attraction is relatively low, preferably less than 15kg force, more preferably less than 10kg force and most preferably less than 5kg force. Such a configuration ensures that the mount will come apart (i.e. the first and second main body portions will separate) when a relatively low force is applied to one or the other. Suitably, the separation force is lower than the force that could be used to inflict bodily injury, such as strangulation by way of a ligature affixed to the removable portion of the mount.

Suitably, the first and second main body portions have rounded edges to inhibit affixing or otherwise securing a ligature thereto. Most preferably, the outer profile of the main body portions are circular) elliptical or oval in shape as this reduces the likelihood of a ligature being able to grip the main body portion if wrapped around it, unlike a square corner, for example) which may provide sufficient friction for a ligature to grip to it. Further, the sides of the main body portions may be sloped or tapered to facilitate detachment, or slipping-off) of ligatures wrapped around the mount.

Suitably, the first and second main body portions are of the same shape and configuration, such that two identical main body portions can be fitted together to form the mount. Such a configuration may reduce manufacturing costs because it may rationalise the part count or tooling for the mount.

The alignment means is configured to permit the first and second main body portions to connect to one another at single relative orientation, i.e. whereby the magnet registers with the metal part and the first electrical connector registers with the second electrical connector.

Suitably, the alignment means comprises mechanical alignment means, for example, complementarily-shaped parts of the first and second main body portions that inter-engage, inter-digitate or mechanically connect or nest with one another.

The alignment means suitably comprises complementarily shaped and positioned formations of the first and second main body portions, such as one or more locating pins receivable in respective locating tubes. Additionally or alternatively, a periphery of the main body portions may comprise respective male and female parts that inter-engage when the main body portions are in the single relative orientation.

The magnet and metal part are suitably affixed to their respective main body portions by an adhesive. This obviates the use of screws and the like, which may be used as a weapon or to self-harm.

S

Additionally or alternatively, the magnet and metal part are suitably affixed to their respective main body portions by anti-tamper screws, that is to say, by screws that can be screwed in, but which have inclined driver surfaces that inhibit or prevent unscrewing or removal of the screws. The use of anti-tamper screws reduces the likelihood that a screw could be removed for use as a weapon or to self-harm.

The metal part is suitably manufactured of a ferromagnetic material, such as steel.

The first and second complementary electrical connectors suitably comprise respective electrical contacts that make electrical connections with one another when the first and second main body portions are connected to one another. The first and second complementary electrical connectors suitably comprise a live electrical connector that is connected to, for example) a mains power supply, a low-voltage power supply, data or signal cabling; and a passive electrical connector that is operatively connected to an electrical item affixed to one of the main body portions. Suitably, at least one of the electrical connectors comprises spring-loaded electrical contacts that ensure that a good electrical connection is made between the connectors. The electrical connectors may comprise any number electrical contacts, although two or more electrical contacts are usually required to provide power to a connected electrical device, and further contacts may be provided for data or signalling purposes.

The live electrical connector suitably comprises switch means, which provides a normally closed connection between two of the electrical contacts thereof. Such a configuration usefully provides that an electrical current can flow through the said two electrical contacts when the two main body portions have been separated, but when they are brought together, the normally-closed connection is opened to allow the electrical current to flow instead between a first one of the said electrical contacts and a terminal of an electrical device, and from a second terminal of an electrical device and the second said electrical contact. Normally-closed switching may be provided between any number or, or combination of, electrical contacts of the electrical connectors.

A preferred embodiment of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first and second main body portions of a mount in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the main body portions shown in Figure 1 fitted together; Figure 3 is a side perspective view of one of the main body portions of Figure 1 showing the alignment features of it; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a mount in accordance with the invention showing the two main body portions separated; Figure 5 is a schematic cross-section of a mount in accordance with the invention with the main body portions inter-engaged; Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section of a mount in accordance with the invention with the main body portions slightly separated; Figure 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing the normally closed switch gear in a separated and connected configuration, respectively; Figure 9 is a partial exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, comprising a main body portion and an internal guard; and Figure 10 is a perspective view of one half of the mount of Figure 7.

In Figure 1, the mount 10 comprises first 12 and second 14 identical main body portions that are manufactured from injection moulded plastics. Each main body portion 12, 14 is generally formed in a dish shape having a circular base 18 surrounded by an side wall portion 20 that forms half of an internal cavity 22 of the mount 10, when the two main body portions 12, 14 are fitted together.

Integrally formed with the base 18 of each of the main body portions 12, 14 is a first alignment tube 24 and a second alignment tube 26 arranged on a straight line 23 intersecting the centre of the base 18. The outer diameter of the first alignment tube 24 is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the second alignment tube 26 such that the former can be fitted into the latter when the two main body portions 12, 14 are fitted together. This is achieved by rotating the first main body portion 12 by 180 degrees relative to the second main body portion 14 such that the respective first alignment tubes 24 slide into the ends of the respective second alignment tubes 26.

The sidewalls 20 of each of the main body portions 12, 14 also comprise an edge projection 28 that extends 180 degrees around, and which projects axially from the free edge of the side wall 20; and a recess 30 that also extends 180 degrees around the free edge of the side wall 20. Because the first 12 and second 14 main body portions are identical, when fitted together in the single orientation, the edge projection 28 is received in the recess 30 thereby interconnecting the side walls 20 of the respective first 12 and second 24 main body portions) and preventing relative rotation thereof. The projection 28 further serves to inhibit the insertion of objects into the gap formed at the join line 33 of the first 12 and second 14 main body portions.

The structure and configuration of the projection 28 and recess 30 can be most easily seen in Figure 3 of the drawings, from which it will also be noted that the projection 28 and recess 30 are located slightly radially inwardly of the external periphery of the mount 10, such that when the first 12 and second 14 main body portions are fitted together, as can be seen in Figure 2, the join line 33 is straight and the projection 28 and recess 30 are concealed from view. This serves an aesthetic purpose, but also conceals from external view the existence of the projection 28/recess 30 arrangement. It will also be noted from Figure 3 of the drawings in particular, that the ends 29 of the projection 28 are chamfered, to remove the sharp right angle, which may otherwise serve as an anchorage point for a ligature.

It will be appreciated that any type of alignment means can be used to ensure the correct relative orientation of the first 12 and second 14 main body portions. Specifically, the alignment tubes 24, 26 or the projection 28 and recess 30 arrangement described above could be used in isolation or in combination, as shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention.

Thus, as is shown particularly in Figure 2 of the drawings, the first 12 and second 14 main body portions can be fitted together to form a hollow, squat cylindrical mount 10 structure to which objects can be affixed, as described below.

Each of the main body portions 12, 14 comprises a circular base 18, which has a central, slotted through aperture 32 through which wiring (not shown) can extend into the hollow internal cavity 22 of the mount 10. The through aperture 32 communicates with a slotted surround 34 formed integrally with the interior surface of the base 18, and which has a pair of screw holes 35 therein for securing, as shown in subsequent drawings, an electrical connector to the respective main body portions 12, 14.

The interior of the base 18 also comprises a pair of utility pegs 36 having integrally formed pilot holes 38 for screws (not shown). The utility pegs, as described below, are used to affix further items within the internal cavity 22 of the mount 10, such as switch gear.

A first one of the main body portions 12 is affixable to a wall or ceiling surface by screws extending through break-away screw holes 40 also formed integrally with the internal surface of the base 18. The break-away screw holes 40 can be punctured, in use, by a screwdriver or the like, or by a self-tapping screw when screwing a first 12 one of the main body portions to a wall or ceiling.

An electrical item, such as a smoke detector, fire alarm, CCTV camera, ceiling rose, light fitting, etc. can be affixed to the second one of the main body portions 14 using screws extending through the break-away screw holes 40, or by an adhesive, depending on the application.

It will also be noted, from Figure 1, that each of the main body portions 12, 14 also comprises a radially offset boss 50 surrounded by an annular projection 52, both of which are integrally formed with the base 18, to which a magnet or metal disc can be affixed, as described below.

Referring now to Figure 4 of the drawings, it will be seen that various components have been affixed within the hollow interior cavity 22 of the mount 10. In Figure 4, it will be seen that a squat, tubular magnet 56 has been affixed to the radially offset boss 50 using a screw and washer arrangement 58. The magnet 56 is secures to the radially offset boss 50, and is stabilised by the annular projection 52 to form a rigid structure. The other main body portion 14 comprises a metal disc 60 which is also screwed to the respective radially offset boss 50 using a screw 62, and likewise) the metal disc 60 is stabilised by being screwed into abutment with the respective annular projection 52. It will be appreciated that when the first 12 and second 14 main body portions are offered up to one another) as shown in Figure 2, that the magnet 56 is attracted to the metal disc 60 and magnetic attraction between the two can hold the first 12 and second 14 main body portions together. However, because no screws or other fastenings (e.g. clips or adhesives) are used to secure the first 12 and second 14 main body portions to one another, they can be readily separated by the application of an axial force to either or both components. Practically speaking, this means that the first main body portion 12 can be affixed to a wall or ceiling, and the second main body portion 14 of the mount 10 can be separated therefrom by pulling axially to overcome the magnetic attraction force.

On the other hand, if say, the mount 10 is secured to a vertical surface such as a wall) the alignment pins 24, 26 and projection 28 are all that is provided to resist shear forces applied to the mount 10. Being manufactured from relatively thin plastics) the alignment pins 24) 26 and/or the projection 28 will readily snap under the application of shear forces, thus further inhibiting and/or preventing the mount 10 from being used as a ligature securement point.

In Figure 4 of the drawings, it will also be noted that respective electrical connectors 68, 70 have been screwed to the slotted surrounds 34 using screws screwed into the respective pilot holes 35. The connector 68 affixed to the "fixed" main body portion 12) i.e. the main body portion affixed to the wall or ceiling, is the "live" connector 68 and comprises two (in the illustrated embodiment) electrical contacts 72 that are wired to mains, or low-voltage wiring. The "separable" main body portion 14) i.e. the main body portion 14 to which an electrical item is affixed, comprises a "passive" electrical connector 70, also comprising a pair of electrical contacts 74 that are electrically connected to respective terminals (not shown) of an electrical item, such as a light fitting, smoke detector) etc. The alignment pins 24, 26 and the projection-recess arrangement 28, 30 ensures that that the electrical contacts 72, 74 of the live 68 and passive 70 electrical connectors only make electrical contact with one another when the first 12 and second 14 main body portions are correctly aligned (at the single orientation) and when they are properly engages such that the two 12, 14 meet correctly along the join line 33. Thus, even if the first 12 and second 14 main body portions are only slightly separated, then the electrical connections between the fixed wiring (e.g. in the wall/ceiling) are automatically disconnected from the electrical device.

Also shown in Figure 4 is normally closed (NC) switch gear 80, which has been affixed to one of the utility pegs 36 of the first main body portion 12, as shall be described below.

It is also notable about the invention that the electrical connections and the magnetic connections between the main body portions 12, 14 are independent. In other words, no electrical current or signalling flows through the magnet 5 or metal disc 60, and in fact, these items 56, 60 are electrically insulated from the electrical connectors 68, 70 by virtue of the main body portions 12, 14 being manufactured from plastics or other electrically insulative materials.

Figures Sand 6 are cross-sections through an embodiment of a mount lOin accordance with the invention, and it will be noted from these illustrations how the first alignment pin 24 slides into the second alignment pin 26 when the two main body portions 12, 14 are offered up to one another, and how the projection 28 likewise engages with the recess 30. It can also be seen how an electrical device 94, in the illustrated example, a smoke detector (although this need not necessarily be the case) is affixed to the second main body portion 14 of the mount 10.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the normally closed switch gear 80 of Figure 4 affixed to one of the utility pegs 36 of the first main body portion 12. The switch gear 80 comprises a normally closed (NC) switch 82 that forms an electrical connection between two of the contacts 72, 72' of the first electrical connector 68. when the first 12 and second 14 main body portions are separated, as shown in Figure 7, the NC switch 82 is closed, thus allowing an electrical current from a power supply 84, 86 to from live 84, to the first electrical contact 72, via the NC switch 82 to the second electrical contact 72' and then to the neutral 86 of the mains power supply.

As can be seen in Figure 7, additional data and/or power contacts 88, 90 are provided to either side of the power contacts 72, 72'. These are not switched in the illustrated example, but they could be in alternative embodiments.

Referring now to Figure 8 of the drawing, the first 12 and second 14 main body portions have been brought together, and the utility beg 36 of the second main body portion 14 has engaged with the button of the NC switch 82. This has opened the NC switch 82 thus allowing electrical current from the live 84, to the first electrical contact 72, into the electrical contact 74 of the second electrical connector 70, via a load 94 (e.g. a light fitting, smoke detector etc.) to a second electrical contact 74' of the second connector 70, to the second electrical contact 72' of the first connector 68 and then to the neutral 86 of the mains power supply, thus completing the circuit.

The provision of NC switch gear is advantageous in certain situations, as it provides for continuity in the fixed electrical wiring regardless of whether the second main body portion 14 is affixed to the mount 10 or not. Further, the finite time it takes for the NC switch 82 to change from an "on" to an "off" state can be used to create a power pulse in the fixed wiring, which can be used to detect the connection or separation of the mount 10, that is to say, an operational status of the mount, and/or to indicate tampering.

Figures 9 and 10 show one half (the passive half) of a modified version of the mount 10 as previously described, which comprises a main body portion 14 manufactured from injection moulded plastics in a dish shape having a circular base 18 surrounded by an side wall portion 20 that forms half of an internal cavity 22 of the mount 10, when the two main body portions 12, 14 are fitted together.

Integrally formed with the base 18 of the main body portions 14 are four mounting posts that project from the base 18 to a level slightly below the edge of the recess 30. Otherwise) the configuration of the main body portion 14 is substantially the same as that described above.

A circular, internal cover plate 102 having a slightly smaller external diameter to the internal diameter of the side wall 20 is provided, which locates on the top surfaces of the mounting posts 100. The cover plate 102 comprises four countersunk through holes 106, which receive tamper-proof screws (not shown) that register 108 with pilot holes 110 in the mounting posts 100.

The internal cover plate 102 additionally comprises a circular aperture 112, which registers with the metal disc 60 (or the magnet, in the active half of the mount 10, which magnet protrudes through the said aperture 112); and a slotted through aperture 114 through which the electrical connector protrudes and/or is accessible.

It will be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment, the alignment means comprises the recess 30 and projection 28 surrounding the side wall 20 of the main body portion 14, as previously described. It will also be appreciated that additional through apertures (not shown) could be provided in the cover plate 102 to enable the alignment pins 24, 26 to be employed, as previously described.

It will be appreciated that the provision of an internal cover plate 102 on either or both of the halves of the mount 10 (but preferably at least on the active half, which is connected to the fixed wiring of the building) inhibits tampering and reduces the likelihood that any of the internal components of the mount 10 could be used as ligature anchorages.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments, which are merely exemplary of the invention. For example, the materials and methods of manufacture, the shape and configuration of the various components are illustrative of the invention, and it will be appreciated that structural and functional equivalents may also fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims: 1. A mount comprising first and second main body portions releasably affixable to one another, in use, by the magnetic attraction of a magnet affixed to a first one of the main body portions and a metal part affixed to a second one of the main body portions, the mount further comprising first and second complementary electrical connectors respectively affixed to the first and second main body portions, and alignment means configured to permit the first and second main body portions to connect to one another at single relative orientation whereby the magnet registers with the metal part and the first electrical connector registers with the second electrical connector.
2. The mount of claim 1, wherein a first one of the main body portions is affixable, in use, to a wall or ceiling surface, and further comprising an electrical item affixed to the second one of the main body portions.
3. The mount of claim 2, wherein the electrical item is any one or more of the group comprising: a light fitting; a CCTV camera; a smoke detector; a PIR sensor; and a fire alarm.
4. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second main body portions are connected to one another solely by the magnetic attraction of the magnet to the metal part.
5. The mount of claim 4, wherein the separation force required to overcome the magnetic attraction is less than 15kg force.
6. The mount of claim 4, wherein the separation force required to overcome the magnetic attraction is less than 10kg force.
7. The mount of claim 4, wherein the separation force required to overcome the magnetic attraction is less than 5kg force.
8. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second main body portions comprise rounded edges.
9. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the outer profile of the main body portions are circular, elliptical or oval in shape.
10. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the sides of the main body portions are sloped or tapered.
11. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second main body portions are of the same shape and configuration) such that two identical main body portions can be fitted together to form the mount.
12. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the alignment means is configured, in use, to permit the first and second main body portions to connect to one another at single relative orientation whereby the magnet registers with the metal part and the first electrical connector registers with the second electrical connector.
13. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the alignment means comprises mechanical alignment means.
14. The mount of claim 13, wherein the mechanical alignment means comprises complementarily-shaped parts of the first and second main body portions that inter-engage, inter-digitate or mechanically connect or nest with one another.
15. The mount of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the alignment means comprises complementarily shaped and positioned formations of the first and second main body portions.
16. The mount of claim 15, wherein the complementarily shaped and positioned formations of the first and second main body portions comprise one or more locating pins receivable in respective locating tubes.
17. The mount of claim 1 comprising a first alignment tube and a second alignment tube, the outer diameter of the first alignment tube being slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the second alignment tube, whereby, in use the former can be fitted into the latter when the two main body portions are fitted together.
18. The mount of claim 15, wherein the complementarily shaped and positioned formations of the first and second main body portions comprise a periphery of the main body portions which comprise respective male and female parts that inter-engage when the main body portions are in the single relative orientation.
19. The mount of claim 18, wherein the male part comprises a projection extending from the periphery of the main body portion, and wherein the female part comprises a recess of the periphery of the main body portion.
20. The mount of claim 19, wherein the sidewalls of each of the main body portions comprises an edge projection that extends substantially 180 degrees around, and which projects axially from the free edge of, the said side wall; and a recess extending substantially 180 degrees around the free edge of the side wall, and wherein the first and second main body portions are identical, such that when fitted together in the single orientation, the edge projection is received in the recess thereby interconnecting the side walls of the respective first and second main body portions, and inhibiting relative rotation thereof.
21. The mount of claim 18 or 19, wherein the ends of the projection are chamfered.
22. The mount of any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the recess and projection are radially inset from an outer periphery of the main body portion.
23. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the magnet and metal part are affixed to their respective main body portions by an adhesive.
24. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the magnet and metal part are affixed to their respective main body portions by anti-tamper screws.
25. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the metal part is manufactured of a ferromagnetic material.
26. The mount of claim 25, wherein the metal part is manufactured of steel.
27. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second electrical connectors comprise respective electrical contacts that make electrical connections with one another when the first and second main body portions are connected to one another.
28. The mount of claim 27, wherein the first and second complementary electrical connectors comprise a live electrical connector connectable, in use, to a mains, low-voltage, data or signal cabling; and a passive electrical connector operatively connectable, in use, to an electrical item affixed to one of the main body portions.
29. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the electrical connectors comprises a spring-loaded electrical contact.
30. The mount of any of claims 27 to 29, further comprising switch means adapted in use, to provide a normally closed connection between two of the electrical contacts.
31. The mount of any preceding claim, further comprising an internal cover plate.
32. The mount of claim 31, wherein the internal cover plate is affixable to the or each main body portion by tamper-proof screws that engages the mounting posts of the respective main body portion.
33. The mount of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the internal cover plate comprises through apertures through which the magnet, metal disc and electrical connectors project or are accessible.
34. The mount substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows:-Claims: 1. A mount comprising first and second main body portions releasably affixable to one another, in use, by the magnetic attraction of a magnet affixed to a first one of the main body portions and a metal part affixed to a second one of the main body portions, the mount further comprising first and second complementary electrical connectors respectively affixed to the first and second main body portions, and alignment means configured to permit the first and second main body portions to connect to one another at single relative orientation whereby the magnet registers with the metal part and the first electrical connector registers with the second electrical connector wherein, the first and second main body portions are of the same shape and configuration, such that two identical main body portions can be fitted together to form the mount.LI) 2. The mount of claim 1, wherein a first one of the main body portions is affixable, in use, to a wall or ceiling surface, and further comprising an electrical item affixed to the second one of the main (0 body portions.3. The mount of claim 2, wherein the electrical item is any one or more of the group comprising: a light fitting; a CCTV camera; a smoke detector; a PIR sensor; and a fire alarm.4. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second main body portions are connected to one another solely by the magnetic attraction of the magnet to the metal part.5. The mount of claim 4, wherein the separation force required to overcome the magnetic attraction is less than 15kg force.6. The mount of claim 4, wherein the separation force required to overcome the magnetic attraction is less than 10kg force.7. The mount of claim 4, wherein the separation force required to overcome the magnetic attraction is less than 5kg force.8. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second main body portions comprise rounded edges.9. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the outer profile of the main body portions are circular, elliptical or oval in shape.10. The mount of any preceding claim) wherein the sides of the main body portions are sloped or tapered.11. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the alignment means is configured) in use, to permit the first and second main body portions to connect to one another at single relative orientation whereby the magnet registers with the metal part and the first electrical connector registers with the second electrical connector.12. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein thealignment means comprises mechanical alignment means.13. The mount of claim 12, wherein the mechanical alignment means comprises complementarily-LI) shaped parts of the first and second main body portions that inter-engage) inter-digitate or mechanically connect or nest with one another.o 14. The mount of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the alignment means comprises complementarily shaped and positioned formations of the first and second main body portions.15. The mount of claim 14, wherein the complementarily shaped and positioned formations of the first and second main body portions comprise one or more locating pins receivable in respective locating tubes.16. The mount of claim 15 comprising a first alignment tube and a second alignment tube, the outer diameter of the first alignment tube being slightly smallerthan the internal diameter of the second alignment tube, whereby, in use the former can be fitted into the latter when the two main body portions are fitted together.17. The mount of claim 16, wherein the complementarily shaped and positioned formations of the first and second main body portions comprise a periphery of the main body portions which comprise respective male and female parts that inter-engage when the main body portions are in the single relative orientation.18. The mount of claim 17, wherein the male part comprises a projection extending from the periphery of the main body portion, and wherein the female part comprises a recess of the periphery of the main body portion.19. The mount of claim 18, wherein the sidewalls of each of the main body portions comprises an edge projection that extends substantially 180 degrees around, and which projects axially from the free edge of, the said side wall; and a recess extending substantially 180 degrees around the free edge of the side wall, and wherein the first and second main body portions are identical, such that when fitted together in the single orientation, the edge projection is received in the recess thereby interconnecting the side walls of the respective first and second main body portions, and inhibiting relative rotation thereof.20. The mount of claim 19 or 20, wherein the ends of the projection are chamfered.LI) 21. The mount of any of claims 19 to 20, wherein the recess and projection are radially inset from an outer periphery of the main body portion.o 22. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the magnet and metal part are affixed to their (\J respective main body portions by an adhesive.23. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the magnet and metal part are affixed to their respective main body portions by anti-tamper screws.24. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the metal part is manufactured of a ferromagnetic material.25. The mount of claim 24, wherein the metal part is manufactured of steel.26. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second electrical connectors comprise respective electrical contacts that make electrical connections with one another when the first and second main body portions are connected to one another.27. The mount of claim 26, wherein the first and second complementary electrical connectors comprise a live electrical connector connectable, in use, to a mains, low-voltage, data or signal cabling; and a passive electrical connector operatively connectable, in use, to an electrical item affixed to one of the main body portions.28. The mount of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the electrical connectors comprises a spring-loaded electrical contact.29. The mount of any of claims 26 to 28, further comprising switch means adapted in use, to provide a normally closed connection between two of the electrical contacts.30. The mount of any preceding claim, further comprising an internal cover plate.31. The mount of claim 30, wherein the internal cover plate is affixable to the or each main body portion by tamper-proof screws that engages the mounting posts of the respective main body portion.32. The mount of claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the internal cover plate comprises through apertures LI) through which the magnet, metal disc and electrical connectors project or are accessible.33. The mount substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to, and as illustrated in, the (0 accompanying drawings. (Si