GB2553543A

GB2553543A - Fixing device and method of removal thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2553543A
Application number: GB1615210.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Daykin Jordan
Original assignee: Uk Building Products Ltd
Current assignee: Uk Building Products Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-07
Filing date: 2016-09-07
Publication date: 2018-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-07
Also published as: GB2553543B; GB201615210D0

Abstract

A fixing device has a body 1 with an anchor receiving aperture 3 having an aperture axis, a plurality of passages 5 within the body 1, each having a shaft 21 provided within and a retaining member 27 coupled to each shaft 21 and being pivotable between an extended position and a retracted position. An activation member 31 is configured such that rotation of the activation member 31 causes each retaining member 27 to move from the extended position to the retracted position, substantially simultaneously.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Fixing device and method of removal thereof

Abstract Title: Fixing device and method of removal (57) A fixing device has a body 1 with an anchor receiving aperture 3 having an aperture axis, a plurality of passages 5 within the body 1, each having a shaft 21 provided within and a retaining member 27 coupled to each shaft 21 and being pivotable between an extended position and a retracted position. An activation member 31 is configured such that rotation of the activation member 31 causes each retaining member 27 to move from the extended position to the retracted position, substantially simultaneously.

Figure 2

Figure 1

FIXING DEVICE AND METHOD OF REMOVAL THEREOF

The present invention relates to a fixing device and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in providing an anchoring point in plasterboard cavity walls or ceilings for the purpose of affixing other items thereto, which can be easily and conveniently removed.

GB2484771 discloses a fixing device for securing into a hole in plasterboard, comprising: a body having an anchor receiving aperture, and a passage that extends within the body, spaced from the anchor receiving aperture; a shaft provided within the passage, the shaft being rotatably movable, independent of axial movement, within the passage; and retaining means coupled to the shaft and configured to be movable between an extended position, in which the fixing device is retainable in said hole, and a retracted position, in which the fixing device is removably insertable into said hole. In embodiments of this known fixing device that contain a plurality of passages, shafts and retaining means, a user must move each retaining means independently. In some circumstances, this is undesirable as uneven gripping and/or slippage of the fixing device may result from the multiple steps required by a user.

GB2530303 discloses a fixing system in which an activation tool may be used to move each retaining member from its retracted position into its extended position, substantially simultaneously. However, this document fails to disclose substantially simultaneous retraction of the retaining members.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device configured to be releasably secured into a hole in plasterboard, the fixing device comprising: a body having an anchor receiving aperture therein, the anchor receiving aperture having an aperture axis; a plurality of passages, each extending within the body, spaced from the anchor receiving aperture; a respective shaft provided within each passage, each shaft being rotatably movable within the passage; a respective retaining member coupled to each shaft, each retaining member configured to be pivotally movable about the respective shaft between an extended position, in which the fixing device is retainable in said hole, and a retracted position, in which the fixing device is removably insertable into said hole; and an activation member configured such that rotation of the activation member about an activation axis causes each retaining member to move from the extended position to the retracted position, substantially simultaneously.

The fixing device may be operated, once it has been inserted into a hole in a structure, by moving the retaining members to the extended position. For instance, a hole may be drilled in a plasterboard structure for insertion of the fixing device axially therein. The fixing device may be inserted into the hole from the front face of the plasterboard, such that the retaining members are behind the rear face of the plasterboard. Rotating the shafts causes the retaining members to move from their retracted position (i.e. their ambush position, in which they sit within the axial profile of the body) to their extended position (in which they project radially away from the body). In some embodiments, the retaining members may be moved into their extended positions substantially simultaneously by rotating the activation member (e.g. in a first rotational sense). In the extended position, the retaining members therefore substantially inhibit movement of the fixing device through the hole in the plasterboard, thus preventing removal of the fixing device from the front face of the structure. If the fixing device is recessed within the hole (either by over-insertion or if the body has a depth less than the thickness of plasterboard), then the retaining members can be drawn tight against the rear face of the plasterboard by fixing a plate (which could he, for instance, part of a hook or bracket for attachment to the plasterboard) to the front face with an anchor, received within the anchor receiving aperture. Specifically, the anchor may draw the plate and the fixing device toward each other, thereby drawing the retaining members tight against the rear face, and drawing the plate tight against the front face. Subsequent rotation of the activation member (e.g. in a second rotational sense opposite to the first rotational sense) causes the retaining members to move from their extended positions back to their retracted positions, substantially simultaneously.

In particular, each retaining member may comprise a respective slot in a respective surface thereof, and the activation member may comprise a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion arranged to engage with a respective one of the slots such that rotation of the activation member about the activation axis causes each protrusion to push the respective retaining member from the extended position to the retracted position.

The activation member may further comprise a rod and/or a plate. The activation member may comprise a substantially rectangular shape. The activation member may be stainless steel, and may be coloured to match a fixing device with which it is to be used.

The activation member may further comprise a shaft portion located within the anchor receiving aperture.

The activation member may be coupled to the body, and may comprise a socket for receiving an end of a hand tool therein for rotation of the activation member about the activation axis. For instance, the socket may be a screw-drive, such that a corresponding screw driver may be inserted through the aperture to engage with the activation member. The screw driver may be removed subsequent to actuation of the retaining members, leaving the activation member behind the body.

The activation member may be permanently attached, for instance rotationally attached.

The activation axis may be coaxial with the aperture axis. The radial length of the activation member may be greater than substantially equal to a radial distance of a rotation axis of the retaining member from the aperture axis.

The plurality of passages may be disposed substantially rotationally symmetrically about the anchor receiving aperture, and each passage may have a respective passage axis that is arranged to he parallel to the aperture axis.

Each shaft may be rotatably movable, independent of axial movement, within the respective passage.

The fixing device may be suitable for securing into structures other than plasterboard, such as dry-lining, insulated plasterboard, cladding materials, masonry brick and concrete block walls. The fixing device may be suitable for securing loads of up to 45kg in a vertical wall. The fixing device may be suitable for securing loads of up to 75kg in a vertical wall. The fixing device may be either releasably securable, such that it may be reused, or non-releasably securable, such that release of the fixing device is only possible via sacrificial damage to one or more of the components of the fixing device. For instance, application of a force on the fixing device of greater than 750N parallel to the axis of the anchor receiving aperture may cause the coupling between the retaining member and the shaft to fail, thereby facilitating release of the fixing device from the structure.

The body may be substantially circular in cross-section, for convenient insertion into a circular hole drilled into a structure. However, other shapes are contemplated, such as rectangular, square and hexagonal, or other polygonal forms. The body may be substantially cylindrical in order to maximise the surface area of contact with the structure, when inserted into a circular hole, thereby achieving maximum friction between fixing device and structure for preventing relative movement.

The body may have a diameter between approximately 13mm and 25mm. The diameter may be approximately 13mm, 16mm, 20mm or 25mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the body on its rear face may be slightly less than the diameter of the body on its front, by for instance 0.2mm. The depth of the body may match a standard thickness of plasterboard, such as between 9mm and 18mm. Preferably, it may be 9.5mm, 11mm, 11.5mm, 12mm, 12.5mm, 15mm or 15.5mm so that the body will neither be proud of, nor recessed in, the surface of the plasterboard, when in use. However, it is envisaged that a body having a given depth may be used on any thickness of plasterboard, especially if that thickness is greater than the depth of the body. The diameter and depth of the body can be configured to accept different sizes and types of anchor. For instance, a larger anchor may require not only a larger anchor receiving aperture, but also a larger body.

The body may be formed from a plastics material, preferably by moulding, or from any ferrous and non-ferrous metals, white metal alloys, ceramics, lignocellulosic materials, etc.

The anchor receiving aperture may be a hole suitable for receiving an anchor therein. The anchor receiving aperture is distinct from the shaft. The anchor receiving aperture may be between 4.5mm and 6.8mm in diameter. The anchor receiving aperture may be 4.5mm, 6.5mm or 6.8mm in diameter. The anchor receiving aperture may be threaded, for insertion of a complementary anchor such as a bolt or screw. The thread may be integrally moulded with the body, or may be provided in a threaded insert to the body. A threaded screw could cut into an internal wall of the anchor receiving aperture, thereby producing a complementary internal thread. Alternatively, the anchor receiving aperture may be splined, for ease of manufacture. The splines may project inwardly from the circumference of the anchor receiving aperture a distance of between 1mm and 1.25mm. The anchor receiving aperture may comprise multi-pointed splines. The anchor receiving aperture may be located centrally in the body.

The anchor may be a nail, a screw, a bolt, or similar fastener that is suitable for fastening any item to the fixing device. Alternatively, the anchor may be a forged steel eye bolt or other fastening for further securing a component to it.

The passage may be manufactured without an internal thread. Accordingly, manufacture is easier, and the cost of production can be decreased. Similarly, the shaft may be manufactured without an external thread. Again, the manufacture of an unthreaded shaft is both easier and cheaper than the manufacture of a threaded shaft. This is especially true when considering the high tolerances involved in the production of complementary threads. Even in the case in which both passage and shaft are threaded, if the threads are not complementary (i.e. if they do not co-operatively engage with one another) assembly of the fixing device is simplified over prior art devices. In particular, the retaining member may be coupled to the shaft before insertion into the passage. Accordingly, damage to the body will not result from the welding process, and excess glue will not bond to the threads of the passage if the coupling is by gluing.

The passage may be threaded (i.e. it may have a helical groove/ridge provided on its inner surface); however, in a preferred embodiment, the passage is not threaded, for ease of manufacture. The passage may have a smooth bore. The passage may be spaced from the edge of the body by between 0.775mm and 2.15mm. The passage may be spaced from the edge of the body by 0.775mm, 1.15mm, 1.525mm or 2.15mm. The passage may be disposed in a recess in the body. The recess may be in a substantially circular face of the body, for instance the front face. The recess may have a maximum extension inwardly from the circumferential edge of the body of between 4mm and 7.5mm. The recess may have a maximum extension inwardly from the circumferential edge of the body of 4.1mm, 4.5mm, 5.75mm or 7.5mm. In this way, one end of the shaft may remain within the recess so as not to project beyond a surface of the body. The recess may be shaped to form a guide rail in the body, to aid automatic orientation of the casing during automatic assembly. The guide rail may be substantially rectangular in form, and have a width of between 5mm and 10mm. The guide rail may have a width of 5.2mm, 7mm, 8.5mm or 10mm. The passage may pass through the body. The passage may pass from one side of the body to another opposed side. For example, the passage may pass from a substantially circular face of the body to an opposing substantially circular face. The passage may have a circular cross-section, for axial insertion of the shaft therein, which may provide free rotation of the shaft within the passage. The passage may have a diameter of between 2.25mm and 3.5mm. The passage may have a diameter of 2.25mm, 2.75mm or 3.5mm. Alternatively, the passage may be open sided, for facilitating radial insertion of the shaft therein. The passage may be a keyhole shape, having a cross-section that is defined by a circle abutting a dovetail shape at its narrowest part. Insertion of the shaft into the passage may be via a press-fit from the wide part of the dovetail, into the circle, via the constriction of the narrow part of the dovetail. A further slot may be provided in the surface of the body, adjacent and having an axis parallel to that of the passage. The slot may enable resilient biasing of the dovetail constriction for insertion of the shaft. The shaft may therefore be maintained within the passage due to a larger diameter of the shaft compared to the width of the dovetail constriction. Free rotation of the shaft within the passage may be provided. In this way, it may be possible to couple the shaft to the retaining member before inserting it into the passage.

The shaft may have a diameter of 2.2mm and 3.5mm. The shaft may have a diameter of 2.2mm, 2.25mm, 2.75mm or 3.5mm. The shaft may have a diameter less than 0.05mm less than the diameter of the passage. The shaft may have a length chosen to correspond to the depth of the body. In one embodiment, the shaft may be 13.2mm long, for a body of depth of 11.5mm. The shaft may be threaded (i.e. it may have a helical groove/ridge provided on its exterior surface), although not in such a way as to form a complimentary thread to any thread in the passage. However, in a preferred embodiment, the shaft is substantially not threaded (i.e. unthreaded or smooth along at least a substantial part of its length), for ease of manufacture. The shaft may have limiting means for limiting relative axial movement of the shaft within the passage. The limiting means may be a limiting apparatus. The limiting means may substantially inhibit any relative axial movement of the shaft within the passage. Alternatively, the limiting means may permit relative axial movement of the shaft within the passage of up to 1.5mm, preferably approximately 1.2mm. The limiting means may be an enlarged head. For instance, at an end of the shaft opposite the retaining member may be located an approximately cylindrical body, co-axial with the shaft and having a diameter larger than that of the shaft. Alternatively, the limiting means may be a non-helical, circumferential, annular or ring-like groove around the shaft provided with a spring-clip or circlip engaged therein. The groove may have a depth of between 0.375mm and 0.6mm, preferably 0.375mm, 0.425mm or 0.6mm. The groove may have a depth of approximately 1.2mm. The groove may be spaced from one end of the shaft by approximately 1.5mm. The spring-clip or circlip may be manufactured from carbon steel that is phosphate and oil finished. The spring-clip or circlip may be manufactured from stainless steel or beryllium copper. The limiting means may comprise the shaft being at least partially threaded, and a nut received thereon, such as a nyloc nut. The spring-clip, circlip, nut, or other limiting means may be removable from the shaft.

The shaft may have actuation means for moving the retaining means between the extended position and the retracted position. The actuation means may be an actuator. The actuation means may be a screw drive, for instance a slot, cross, Phillips®, Pozidrive®, hex or similar screw drive.

The retaining member may be movable between the retracted position and the extended position by axial rotation of the shaft within the passage.

The retaining member may be rigidly coupled to one end of the shaft, such as by welding or gluing; however, welding is preferred due to the increased strength provided. The retaining member may comprise a hole for receiving the shaft, and the shaft may comprise a flange against which the retaining member can be abutted for rigid coupling. The hole may have a diameter the same as the diameter of the shaft. The flange may have a diameter of between 3.5mm and 6mm. The flange may haw a diameter of approximately 3.5mm, 5mm or 6mm. The flange may have a thickness of 1mm. The shaft may comprise knurling adjacent the flange, to improve frictional contact between the shaft and the retaining member. The hole of the retaining member and the flange of the shaft arrangement may be configured to be countersunk; i.e. the hole may be shaped to receive the flange therein, such that the shaft does not project behind the retaining member. In one embodiment, the flange is configured in the shape of a truncated cone, and the hole has a corresponding profile for contact with the curved surface of the flange.

The retaining member may be referred to as retaining means.

In another embodiment, the retaining means may comprise a planar portion and a tongue that projects away from the planar portion. The tongue may be arranged to engage with a corresponding socket in the flange, when the shaft is received within the hole in the retaining means. Engagement of the tongue and socket may substantially prevent relative rotation of the shaft and retaining means, about the axis of the shaft. The tongue may hold the shaft in precisely one orientation with respect to the retaining means. The tongue and socket may have corresponding profiles. The tongue and socket may engage in a close fit. The tongue may be formed by pressing out a portion of the retaining means. The tongue may be formed by cutting a profile (for instance a partial rectangular profile) in the retaining means and folding the part inside the profile out of the plane of the retaining means. Such an arrangement obviates the need for welding, riveting or gluing the retaining means to a shaft, and enables a much simpler method of manufacture and product assembly.

The retaining means and the shaft may be manufactured from stainless steel. The retaining means and the shaft may be manufactured from carbon steel and electroplated to prevent corrosion.

The retaining means may be a retaining member. The retaining means may be an arm. The arm may be of any shape or profile; however, in a preferred embodiment the retaining means is a substantially flat arm. The flat arm may have a thickness of 1.2mm. The flat arm may be configured to have a thickness in the direction of the axis of the shaft significantly smaller than its dimensions radially from the axis of the shaft. The arm may be sized and/or configured for cutting into thermal insulation (e.g. polystyrene) behind plasterboard, such as by having sharp edges.

The fixing device's operation is not impaired by the presence of a vapour barrier plastic sheeting, or fibrous or semi-rigid insulation in the cavity walls. The flat nature of the arms permits deployment to engage in a narrow cavity less than 1.6mm wide, and permits the cutting of its own recess in plasterboard, if necessary.

The arm may have a surface area, for contact with a planar surface, of between approximately a third of the axial cross-sectional area of the body of the fixing device and approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the body of the fixing device. The arm may have a surface area, for contact with a planar surface, approximately a half of the cross-sectional area of the body of the fixing device.

The arm may have a surface area for contact with a planar surface of between 40mm² and 500mm², and a thickness of between 0.8mm and 1.2mm.

The fixing device may further be provided with a cap that covers the shaft, to prevent tampering therewith after the fixing device has been secured into a structure. The cap may be receivable within the anchor receiving aperture.

Each retaining means may be a substantially flat arm having a surface area, for contact with a planar surface, equal to that of each other arm, and the total surface area, for contact with a flat surface, of all the arms may be approximately equal to the crosssectional area of the body of the fixing device.

Each retaining means may be a substantially flat arm, and one arm may have a surface area, for contact with a planar surface, different to that of another arm, and the total surface area, for contact with a flat surface, of all the arms may be greater than the cross-sectional area of the body of the fixing device. Thus, in the retracted position, the substantially flat arms may overlap one another, but in the extended position, the fixing device may be secured more effectively, by spreading any applied load over a larger surface area than if both arms had the same surface area. Furthermore, one of the substantially flat arms may be further configured to be movable into and out of a plane coincident with another of the substantially flat arms. That is, one of the flat arms may lie substantially in a first plane, and another of the flat arms may be movable between a first location, in which it lies substantially in the first plane, and a second location, in which it lies substantially in a second plane, parallel to the first plane. In this way, the fixing device may be secured evenly, so as to prevent a load exerting a twisting force on the fixing device. For instance, in order to secure the device in a hole in a wall, the first shaft may be rotated in order to move the first flat arm from its retracted position into its extended position, then the second shaft may be moved axially to move the second flat arm into the same plane as the first flat arm, and finally the second shaft may be rotated to move the second flat arm from its retracted position into its extended position. Similarly, in order to remove the device from the hole in the wall, the reverse operation may be performed, i.e. the second shaft may be rotated to move the second flat arm from its extended position into its retracted position, the second shaft may then be moved axially to move the second flat arm out of the plane of the first flat arm, and finally the first shaft may be rotated in order to move the first flat arm from its extended position into its retracted position.

Each passage may be provided symmetrically around the body. In this way, the fixing device may be secured, in use, evenly about an axis defined by the anchor receiving aperture. However, the shafts may be provided in other configurations to suit specific needs, such as when the fixing device is in a comer or against another object, which may prevent the arms being rotated at least at one point. Each respective retaining means may have a surface area for contact with a flat surface substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the body of the fixing device divided by the number of respective retaining means. The fixing device may further comprise a stop, for maintaining the retaining means in an optimal extended position. In this way, optimal securing of the fixing device may be achieved without an operator of the fixing device having to apply a judgement as to how much to move the retaining means in order to secure the fixing device. The optimal extended position may be the position in which maximum securing is provided by the locking arm. The stop may be a projection. The projection may be integrally formed with the body. The stop may have a diameter of between 1.3mm and 2mm. The stop may have a diameter of approximately 1.3mm, 1.5mm or 1.2mm. The stop may have a depth of 1mm. The stop may be located adjacent the circumferential edge of the rear of the body.

The fixing device may further comprise anti-rotation means/part for preventing rotation of the fixing device about an axis parallel to that of the anchor receiving aperture. In this way, insertion of an anchor into the anchor receiving aperture may be made easier, in that the fixing device may not rotate as an anchor is rotatably driven therein. The anti-rotation means may be anti-rotation apparatus. The anti-rotation means may comprise any number of wings parallel to the anchor axis. For instance, the anti-rotation means may be a single wing parallel to the axis of the anchor receiving aperture. The anti-rotation means may be a pair of wings parallel to the axis of the anchor receiving aperture, and located diametrically opposite one another. The wings may extend radially away from the outer surface of the body to thus create friction with the surface of the structure into which the device is placed so as to prohibit or, at least reduce, rotation of the device relative to the structure. The wings may cut into the structure around the hole on insertion of the fixing device into that hole. The wings may extend radially away from the outer surface of the body a distance of approximately 3mm. The wings may have a thickness of between 1mm and 1.5mm. The wings may have a thickness of approximately 1mm, 1.2mm or 1.5mm. The wings may have a depth equal to the depth of the body.

The fixing device may further comprise a cap that covers the shaft(s), to prevent tampering with the shaft(s) after the fixing device has been secured to a structure. The cap may be secured with an anchor into the anchor receiving aperture.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device may be assembled by: providing a body having an anchor receiving aperture and a passage that extends within the body, spaced from the anchor receiving aperture, and a shaft having an enlarged head; inserting the shaft through the passage; and coupling a retaining means to the shaft.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device may be assembled by: providing a body having an anchor receiving aperture and a passage that extends within the body, spaced from the anchor receiving aperture, and a shaft having a circumferential groove; coupling a retaining means to the shaft; inserting the shafts through the passage; and providing a circlip on the circumferential groove.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device may be assembled by: providing a body having an anchor receiving aperture and a passage that extends within the body, spaced from the anchor receiving aperture, and a shaft having an enlarged head; coupling a retaining means to the shaft; and inserting the shafts into the passage radially through an open side thereof.

The fixing device may comprise at least one over-insertion stop arranged to project away from the body in a direction substantially parallel to the first face such that over-insertion of the body into a hole is prevented. The over-insertion stop may be configured to be moveable between a first position adjacent to the first face of the body, and a second position spaced from the first face of the body in a direction away from the second face of the body, such that the body is insertable into a hole to a depth greater than a distance between the first face and the second face.

In this way, the body of the fixing device may be inserted into a hole in a, for instance plasterboard, wall such that the retaining members may be extended to hold the fixing device in the wall. The over-insertion stops prevent over-insertion of the body into the hole and subsequent loss of the fixing device into a cavity behind the plasterboard. Movement of the over-insertion stops allows the fixing device to be used with a variety of thicknesses of plasterboard wall.

Specifically, on a plasterboard wall having a thickness greater than the depth of the body, the body may be inserted into a hole up to a depth equal to the depth of the body plus the distance between the first and second positions of the over-insertion stop; however, insertion beyond this depth is prevented, and therefore loss of the fixing device into a cavity behind the plasterboard is prevented.

In contrast, on a wall having a thickness equal to the depth of the body, the over-insertion stops may be maintained in the first position adjacent to the first face of the body; thus, the retaining members engage with a rear face of the plasterboard, while the over-insertion stops engage with a front face of the plasterboard. If the body is over-inserted into the plasterboard, then movement of the over-insertion stops permits the body to move down into the hole by a distance equal to the depth of the body plus the distance between the first and second positions of the over-insertion stop; however, the over-insertion stops prevent loss of the fixing device into the cavity behind the plasterboard.

Accordingly, the present invention may provide a fixing device that may be used over a range of plasterboard wall thicknesses, but without the risk of the fixing device being lost into a cavity behind the plasterboard.

The fixing device may further comprise a collar on which the over-insertion stop is provided, the collar configured to slidably receive the body therein.

In alternative embodiments, the fixing device may comprise a runner, or a plurality of runners, moveable within the body upon which the over-insertion stop is provided.

The collar may further comprise an interior flange and/or the body may further comprise an exterior flange. The interior and exterior flanges may be arranged to cooperate such that movement of the over-insertion stop beyond the second position is prevented.

In fact, movement of the over-insertion stop beyond the second position may be prevented. Moreover, movement of the over-insertion stop beyond the first position may be prevented; in particular movement of the over-insertion stop may be limited to between the first and second positions, and various means and mechanisms for achieving this are envisaged. However, in preferred embodiments movement of the over-insertion stop beyond the first position may be permitted, such that the fixing device may be disassembled (for instance by removing the body from the collar) and/or re-assembled.

The interior of the collar may have a profile that substantially conforms to that of the exterior of the body, such that smooth and/or sliding motion of the collar relative to the body is enabled. In particular the collar and/or the body may comprise corresponding rails and respective grooves to guide relative movement therebetween.

The fixing device may comprise a single over-insertion stop, which may run around a periphery of the body. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing device may comprise a plurality of over-insertion stops, which may be spaced around a periphery of the body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of removing a fixing device from a hole in plasterboard, the method comprising the steps of: providing a fixing device according to the first aspect; inserting the fixing device into a hole in a surface, such that the retaining members are placed behind a rear face of the surface; moving the retaining members of the fixing device move from their retracted position to their extended position; and rotating the activation member such that the retaining members of the fixing device move from their extended position to their retracted position, substantially simultaneously.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a fixing device which can be easily and conveniently removed from a hole in a plasterboard wall.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fixing device of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a rear plan view of the fixing device of figures 1 and 2, shown with its retaining members in the retracted position.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances.

The principles of the invention will now be descfbed by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features of the invention. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Figure f is an exploded view of a fixing device which can be easily and conveniently removed from a hole in a plasterboard wall. The fixing device comprises a substantially cylindf cal main body f having a central aperture 3 for receiving an anchor therein. Two through holes 5 are located diametfcally opposite one another, and arranged parallel to the aperture 3. Each through hole is disposed in a recess 6 in the upper surface of the body f. Offset by 90 degrees around the cylindrical body f from the through holes 5 are disposed two diametrically opposed guide channels 7. An outwardly extending flange 9 is located around an upper periphery of the body 1.

The fixing device also comprises a collar 11 into which the body 1 may be inserted. Inwardly projecting rails 13 cooperate with the guide channels 7 to permit axial movement of the body 1 with respect to the collar 11. An inwardly projecting flange 15 is provided around a lower periphery of the collar 11; the inwardly projecting flange 15 configured to engage with the outwardly extending flange 9 to inhibit axial movement of the body 1 within the collar 11 beyond a predetermined point. Around an exterior perimeter of the collar 11 are provided four equally-spaced anti-rotation members 17, configured to cut into plasterboard into which the fixing device is to be inserted, to prevent rotation of the fixing device about the aperture's axis. Atop each anti-rotation member 17 is an over-insertion stop 19 configured to prevent overinsertion of the fixing device into a plasterboard wall.

Shafts 21 are provided for insertion through the through holes 5 for rotation therein. The shafts 21 may be inserted into the through holes 5 from beneath, and held in place by a spring-clip/circlip (not shown) around a reduced diameter portion 23 of the shaft 21. An optional screw drive 25 is provided on the top of each shaft for manual rotation thereof. Affixed to a lower end of each shaft is a substantially flat, planar retaining arm 27, having a substantially semi-circular profile. The retaining arms 27 are affixed to the shafts 21 rigidly such that rotation of a shaft 21 within its respective through hole 5 causes rotational movement of the retaining arm 27 about the axis of the shaft 21. In an upper surface of each retaining arm 27 is a longitudinal channel 29.

The fixing device also comprises an activation member 31 for location within the aperture 3. The actuation member 31 comprises two diametrically opposed support arms 33. The support arms 33 carry optional abutment members 35 configured to abut (and in use push) an edge of the retaining arms 27. The support arms 33 also carry respective pegs 37 configured to engage within the longitudinal channels 29. A screw drive 39 in the activation member 31 is accessible to a user via the aperture 3, and rotation of the activation member 31 with a suitable screw driver causes the pegs 37 (and where present the abutment members 35) to describe a circle around the aperture's axis. This movement of the pegs 37 cause the retaining arms 27 to rotate about the axis of their respective shafts 21, thereby moving the retaining arms between their extended and their retracted positions.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the fixing device of figure 1 shown assembled in particular with the body 1 inside the collar 11 (but again with retaining springclips/circlips not shown). Rotation of the activation member 31 via the screw drive 39 causes the retaining arms 27 to move between their retracted and extended positions, through interaction with the longitudinal channels 29.

Figure 3 is a rear plan view of the fixing device of figures 1 and 2, shown with its retaining members 27 in the retracted position. Oversized heads on the shafts 21 are shown rigidly coupling the shafts 21 to the retaining members 27.

Claims

1. A fixing device configured to be releasably secured into a hole in plasterboard, the fixing device comprising:

a body having an anchor receiving aperture therein, the anchor receiving aperture having an aperture axis;

a plurality of passages, each extending within the body, spaced from the anchor receiving aperture;

a respective shaft provided within each passage, each shaft being rotatably movable within the passage;

a respective retaining member coupled to each shaft, each retaining member configured to be pivotally movable about the respective shaft between an extended position, in which the fixing device is retainable in said hole, and a retracted position, in which the fixing device is removably insertable into said hole; and an activation member configured such that rotation of the activation member about an activation axis causes each retaining member to move from the extended position to the retracted position, substantially simultaneously.

2. The fixing device of claim 1, in which:

each retaining member comprises a respective slot in a respective surface thereof; and the activation member comprises a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion arranged to engage with a respective one of the slots such that rotation of the activation member about the activation axis causes each protrusion to push the respective retaining member from the extended position to the retracted position.

3. The fixing device of claims 1 or claim 2, in which the activation member is coupled to the body, and the activation member comprises a socket for receiving an end of a hand tool therein for rotation of the activation member about the activation axis.

4. The fixing device of any preceding claim, in which the activation axis is coaxial with the aperture axis.

5. The fixing device of any preceding claim, in which the plurality of passages are disposed substantially rotationally symmetrically about the anchor receiving aperture, and each passage has a respective passage axis that is arranged to be parallel to the aperture axis.

6. The fixing device of any preceding claim, in which each shaft is rotatably movable, independent of axial movement, within the respective passage.

7. The fixing device of any preceding claim, in which each retaining member is a substantially flat arm.

8. The fixing device of any preceding claim, in which each retaining member has a respective surface area, for contact with a planar surface, equal to that of each other arm, and in which the total surface area, for contact with a flat surface, of all the arms is approximately equal to a cross-sectional area of the body.

9. The fixing device of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one antirotation part for preventing rotation of the fixing device about an axis parallel to that of the anchor receiving aperture.

10. The fixing device of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one overinsertion stop arranged to project away from the body in a direction substantially parallel to the first face such that over-insertion of the body into a hole is prevented, wherein the over-insertion stop is configured to be moveable between a first position adjacent to the first face of the body, and a second position spaced from the first face of the body in a direction away from the second face of the body, such that the body is insertable into a hole to a depth greater than a distance between the first face and the second face.

11. The fixing device of claim 10, further comprising a collar on which the overinsertion stop is provided, the collar configured to slidably receive the body therein.

5

12. The fixing device of claim 11, wherein the collar further comprises an interior flange and the body further comprises an exterior flange, the interior and exterior flanges arranged to cooperate such that movement of the over-insertion stop beyond the second position is prevented.

10

13. A method of removing a fixing device from a hole in plasterboard, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a fixing device according to claim 1;

inserting the fixing device into a hole in a surface, such that the retaining members are placed behind a rear face of the surface;

15 moving the retaining members of the fixing device move from their retracted position to their extended position; and rotating the activation member such that the retaining members of the fixing device move from their extended position to their retracted position, substantially simultaneously.

14. A fixing device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1615210.0