GB2563452A - Fixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

A fixing device (10) for fixing a frame member adjacent a generally planar surface, comprises a screw threaded bolt shaft (12) having, at one end, a socket (14) for receiving a tool to rotate said shaft (12) and, at the opposing end, a bracing member (16) configured to engage, in use, with said planar surface and remain stationary relative thereto as said bolt shaft (12) is rotated. The bolt shaft (12) is configured to be received within a channel defined through an insert member (20) that is configured to be fixedly mounted, in use, within an opening in the frame member.

Description

FIXING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a fixing device, particularly (although not necessarily exclusively) suitable for use in fixing a frame member of a window shutter within a window frame. The invention also relates to a method of fixing a frame element to a planar surface using a plurality of such fixing devices, and kit of parts including such a fixing devices.

Background of the Invention

In known methods for installing a shutter within a window recess, the shutter frame is typically fitted sideways into the recess by using plastic packers for adjustment and then screws, rawl plugs or plaster board fixings (depending on the surface) to secure the frame in place. Filler is subsequently used to fill the gap between the frame and the wall. Not only is this a complex and time consuming process, it can be messy. Furthermore, adjustment of the frame within the recess is only possible by sliding different sized plastic packers in and out between the wall and shutter frame, which is not an easy process, especially for a non professional, and is limited in terms of the degree and accuracy of adjustment that is feasible, such that an optimum fit cannot always be achieved.

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to provide a fixing device which enables the frame members of a window shutter to be accurately fixed within a window recess, quickly and easily, and with minimal visibility.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device for fixing a frame member adjacent a generally planar surface, the fixing device comprising:

a screw threaded bolt shaft having, at one end, a socket for receiving a tool to rotate said shaft and, at the opposing end, a bracing member configured to engage, in use, with said planar surface and remain stationary relative thereto as said bolt shaft is rotated; wherein said bolt shaft is configured to be received within a channel defined through an insert member that is configured to be fixedly mounted within an opening in said frame member, in use.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a fixing device substantially as described above, and an insert member configured to be fixedly mounted within an opening in said frame member, in use, and defining a channel therethrough for receiving said bolt shaft.

The insert member, which may be known in the art for other purposes, may typically comprise a generally tubular plug portion defining said channel and a circumferential collar at a first end of said plug portion having a diameter greater than that of said plug portion. The plug portion may, optionally, comprise a conical frustrum end portion at an opposing second end thereof. Optionally, an inner surface of said plug portion, defining said channel, may comprise a screw threaded profile configured to cooperate, in use, with said screw threaded bolt shaft.

The insert member may comprise, on its outer wall, at least one barb member. Indeed, beneficially, the insert member may comprise, on its outer wall, a plurality of barb members arranged circumferentially around said plug portion.

Optionally, the socket for receiving a tool may be profiled to receive a hex key.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the bracing member may comprise a generally disc-shaped member fixedly and substantially concentrically mounted at said opposing end of said bolt shaft, wherein the plane of the bracing member is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis defined by said bolt shaft. The diameter of said bracing member is beneficially greater than that of said bolt shaft. The bracing member may include at least one protrusion, such as a spike, extending from an outer surface thereof. This protrusion may extend generally centrally from an outer surface of said bracing member.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the bracing member may comprise a generally discshaped member having a receiving socket on a first surface thereof, and said opposing end of said bolt shaft includes a connecting portion, said receiving socket being configured to receive said connecting portion and couple said bolt shaft to said bracing member such that, in use, rotation of said bolt shaft causes said connecting portion to rotate within said receiving socket. In this case, at least the receiving socket of said bracing member may be formed of a resiliently flexible material, said connecting portion comprises a spherical connecting member, and said connecting member is received in said receiving socket by means of a snap-fit connection. Optionally, a frictional engaging portion may be provided on an opposing surface of said bracing member.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fixing a frame member adjacent a generally planar surface, comprising the steps of:

forming, or otherwise providing, through said frame member, a hole that extends from a first side edge to an opposing second side edge thereof, the hole comprising a first section adjacent said first side edge and a second section extending from said first section to said second side edge, the diameter of said first section being greater than that of said second section such that a stepped interface is defined therebetween;

providing a fixing device substantially as described above;

placing an insert member in said hole such that it is retained therein at said stepped interface;

screwing said bolt shaft through a channel defined by the insert member in the direction from the first side edge to the second side edge of the frame member, such that the bracing member is adjacent the first side edge;

placing the frame member relative to the planar surface such that the bracing member is adjacent thereto; and inserting, from said second side edge of said frame member, a tool into said socket and using it to rotate said bolt shaft so as to move said bracing member into engagement with said planar surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising one or more frame elements and one or more fixing devices substantially as described above. Beneficially, the kit may further comprise one or more respective insert members, wherein each insert member is configured to be fixedly mounted within an opening in said frame member, in use, and defines a channel therethrough for receiving a respective bolt shaft.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for fitting a shutter within a window recess, the kit comprising a plurality of frame elements, at least one shutter door, and a plurality of fixing devices substantially as described above. Beneficially, the kit may further comprise a plurality of respective insert members, wherein each insert member is configured to be fixedly mounted within an opening in said frame member, in use, and defines a channel therethrough for receiving a respective bolt shaft.

With reference to the kit aspects of the present invention referenced above, optionally, one or more of the frame elements may be pre-formed with a hole therethrough that extends from a first side edge to an opposing second side edge thereof, the hole comprising a first section adjacent said first side edge and a second section extending from said first section to said second side edge, the diameter of said first section being greater than that of said second section such that a stepped interface is defined therebetween.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fixing a shutter frame within a window recess, the shutter frame comprising a pair of opposing, substantially parallel, spaced apart frame members, and said window recess defining opposing, generally planar surfaces, the method comprising the steps of forming, or otherwise providing, through each said frame member, a hole that extends from a first side edge to an opposing second side edge thereof, each hole comprising a first section adjacent said first side edge and a second section extending from said first section to said second side edge, the diameter of said first section being greater than that of said second section such that a stepped interface is defined therebetween;

providing a pair of fixing devices substantially as described above;

providing a pair of insert members, each insert member being configured to be fixedly mounted within a respective hole in said frame member, in use, and defining a channel therethrough for receiving a respective bolt shaft; placing an insert member in each hole such that it is retained therein at said stepped interface;

screwing a bolt shaft of one of the fixing devices through the channel of each insert member in the direction from the first side edge to the second side edge of the frame member, such that the bracing member is adjacent the first side edge;

placing each frame member relative to a respective one of the opposing planar surfaces such that the bracing member of a respective fixing device is adjacent thereto;

inserting from said second side edge of said frame member, a tool into each socket and using it to rotate the respective bolt shaft so as to move its bracing member into engagement with the adjacent planar surface;

- tightening the bolt shafts by further rotation thereof; and adjusting the position of the shutter frame within the recess by tightening one of the bolt shafts to a greater degree than the other.

In contrast with prior art methods of fitting a shutter frame within a window recess, the present invention comprises creating a “shadow gap” around the shutter frame, rather than using filler, and the fixing devices allow a much greater degree of adjustment, that saves on mess and makes it much easier for a non professional to install a shutter effectively. Additional advantages include the fact that the installation process is quicker and easier, and the end result is neater than using prior art fitting methods and fixing devices.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following specific description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure lisa schematic front perspective view of a fixing device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic rear perspective view of the fixing device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the fixing device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the fixing device of Figure 1 when in use.

Figure 5 is a schematic front perspective view of a fixing device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the fixing device of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a schematic rear perspective view of the fixing device of Figure 5; and

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the fixing device of Figure 5 when in use.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, a fixing device 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is intended for use in fixing a frame member of, for example, a shutter within a window frame, wherein the walls of the window recess are formed of plaster or the like (i.e. are formed of, or have a covering of, a material that can be pierced by a sharp implement).

The fixing device 10 comprises an elongate screw-threaded bolt shaft 12 having, at one end (“the first end”), a profiled (e.g. hexagonal) socket 14 for receiving a hex key or the like. At the other end (“the second end”) of the bolt shaft 12, there is provided a fixed, concentric disc-shaped bracing member 16, the plane of the bracing member being substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the bolt shaft 12 and its diameter being greater than that of the bolt shaft 12. A spike 18 or other protrusion extends outwardly from the bracing member 16 and, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, is located generally centrally thereon.

An insert member 20 is mounted coaxially on the bolt shaft 12 for use. The insert member 20, which may be known for other purposes, comprises a generally tubular plug portion 22 defining a longitudinal channel therethrough. The internal walls of the channel may be formed with a screw thread configured to cooperate with the screw thread on the bolt shaft 12 in the manner of a conventional nut, although if the plug portion 22 is formed of a resiliently flexible material, the same function could be achieved by a frictional/compression fit between the inner walls of the channel and the outer walls of the bolt shaft 12. Suffice it to say that rotation of the bolt shaft 12 relative to the insert member 20 causes the bolt shaft 12 to move longitudinally through the plug portion 22 (in a direction dependent on the direction of rotation).

At one end of the plug portion 22, there is provided a coaxial collar 24 having a diameter greater than that of the plug portion 22. The opposing end of the plug portion 22 is gently tapered to form a conical frustrum end portion 26. The outer wall of the plug portion 22, between the end portion 26 and the collar 24, is provided with circumferential barbs 28. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the barbs 28 are arranged in sets of three longitudinally aligned barb members, each set of barbs being circumferentially spaced from the adjacent sets. Each barb member is angled away from the end portion 26 (toward the collar 24).

The bolt shaft 12, including the bracing member 16 and protrusion 18 may be integrally formed of a rigid metal such as exterior grade stainless steel, although alternative materials such as steel or tough ridge plastic may be used, and the present invention is not intended to be limited in this regard. The insert member 20 may also be formed of a rigid material such as pressed steel, although other resiliently flexible (but hard wearing) materials such as plastic or silicone rubber may be considered, and the present invention is not intended to be in any way limited in this regard.

In use, and referring additionally to Figure 4 of the drawings, a user first forms a hole 32 through a shutter frame member 30 (although if a kit is provided, the hole 32 may be preformed in the frame members supplied therein). The hole 32 extends from one side edge of the frame member 30 all the way through to the opposing side edge. The hole itself consists of two sections. A first hole section 32a, adjacent a first side edge of the frame member 30 (“the outer edge”) extends a short way into the frame member 30 (e.g. 5 - 30% of the total width) and is of a first diameter. A second hole section 32b extends from the first hole section 32a all the way through to the second side edge of the frame member 30 (“the inner edge”) and is of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, such that a stepped interface 32c is defined between the first and second hole sections. It will be appreciated that the diameter of the first hole section 32a needs to be sufficient to accommodate the collar 24 of the insert member 20, whereas the diameter of the second hole section 32b needs to be sufficient to accommodate the bolt shaft 12.

Next, an insert member 20 is inserted into the hole (via the first hole section 32a) and with the end portion 26 thereof facing the into the hole. Once the end portion 26 is abutting the stepped interface 32c, a force is required to push the plug portion 22 into the entrance of the second hole section 32b to lodge it there, with the collar 24 abutting the stepped interface 32c. The collar 24 thus prevents further movement of the insert member 20 into the hole and the barbs 28 prevent movement of the insert member 20 in the opposite direction.

A bolt shaft 12, including the bracing member 16 is now inserted into the hole, again via the first hole section 32a at the outer side edge of the frame member 30. The first end of the bolt shaft 12 is pushed into the channel through the plug portion 22 of the insert member 20 and the shaft 12 can be manually rotated (via the bracing member 16) until the first end thereof has passed all the way through the plug portion 22 of the insert member 20 and protrudes through the end portion 26 thereof.

At this point, the frame member 30 can be placed within the window recess in which it is to be mounted, with the outer edge thereof facing the planar surface (e.g. wall) against which it is to be fixed. Finally, a hex key (or similar tool) is inserted into the socket 14 at the first end of the bolt shaft 12 (via the entrance to the hole at the inner edge of the frame member 30) and the bolt shaft 12 is turned thereby. As the bolt shaft 12 is turned, it moves longitudinally through the channel in the plug portion 22 of the insert member 20 (which is lodged in the hole at the stepped interface 32c), causing the bracing member 16 to move toward the wall adjacent the outer edge of the frame member 30. When the bracing member 16 meets the wall, the protrusion 18 pierces the outer skin of the wall and lodges the bracing member 16 in place, preventing further lateral or rotational movement thereof. The bolt shaft 12 can now be tightened to adjust the position of the frame (including the frame member 30), as will be described in more detail later, and, ultimately, to secure the frame member 30 in place (see Figure 4) without producing unwanted lateral movement thereof.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 7 of the drawings, a fixing device 110 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is intended for use in fixing a frame member of, for example, a shutter within a window recess, wherein the walls of the window recess are formed of, or covered with, a material that cannot be pierced by a sharp implement, e.g. ceramic bathroom tiles.

The fixing device 110 once again comprises an elongate screw-threaded bolt shaft 112 having, at one end (“the first end”), a profiled (e.g. hexagonal) socket 114 for receiving a hex key or the like. At the other end (“the second end”) of the bolt shaft 112, there is provided a fixed, concentric disc-shaped bracing member 116, the plane of the bracing member being substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the bolt shaft 112 and its diameter being greater than that of the bolt shaft 112. In this case, however, rather than a spike or similar protrusion being provided on the bracing member 116, a flat pad portion 118 is provided instead, which, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, is located generally centrally thereon. The pad portion 118 may be formed of a frictional material such as silicon rubber or similar non-slip material, or the device could be manufactured with an integral non-slip end portion. . In the example shown, the pad portion 118 has a diameter smaller than that of the bracing member 116, but in other embodiments, the diameter of the non-slip area could be made larger to create more surface area and, therefore, offer more non-slip surface. The bracing member 116, in this case, is formed of plastic, or similar resiliently flexible material, and comprises a cap-like member that defines a recess on its inner surface. The end of the bolt shaft 112 is provided with a spherical connecting portion 119 over which the bracing member 116 snap fits (via the above-mentioned recess). In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the recess is formed by a set of tabs 121 extending rearwardly from the bracing member 116 and are arranged to form a socket for receiving the connecting member. The tabs 121 flex outward to receive the connecting member and then return to their original configuration to hold the connecting member 119 in place and, thus, couple the bracing member 116 to the end of the bolt shaft 112 in a manner that, in use, allows the bracing member 116 to remain stationary as the bolt shaft 112 is being rotated.

An insert member 120 is once again mounted coaxially on the bolt shaft 112. The insert member 120 comprises a generally tubular plug portion 122 defining a longitudinal channel therethrough. The internal walls of the channel may be formed with a screw thread configured to cooperate with the screw thread on the bolt shaft 112 in the manner of a conventional nut, although if the plug portion 122 is formed of a resiliently flexible material, the same function could be achieved by a frictional/compression fit between the inner walls of the channel and the outer walls of the bolt shaft 112. Suffice it to say that rotation of the bolt shaft 112 relative to the insert member 120 causes the bolt shaft 112 to move longitudinally through the plug portion 122 (in a direction dependent on the direction of rotation).

At one end of the plug portion 122, there is provided a coaxial collar 124 having a diameter greater than that of the plug portion 122. The opposing end of the plug portion 122 is gently tapered to form a conical frustrum end portion 126. The outer wall of the plug portion 122, between the end portion 126 and the collar 124, is provided with circumferential barbs 128.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the barbs 128 are arranged in sets of three longitudinally aligned barb members, each set of barbs being circumferentially spaced from the adjacent sets. Each barb member is angled away from the end portion 126 (toward the collar 124).

The bolt shaft 112, may be formed of a rigid metal such as exterior grade stainless steel, but the present invention is, as before, not intended to be limited in this regard. The insert member 120 may also be formed of a rigid material such as pressed steel, although, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, a resiliently flexible (but hard wearing) material such as plastic or silicone rubber may be considered and the present invention is not intended to be in any way limited in this regard.

In use, and referring additionally to Figure 8 of the drawings, a user first forms a hole 132 through a shutter frame member 130 (although if a kit is provided, the hole 132 may be preformed in the frame members supplied therein). The hole 132 extends from one side edge of the frame member 130 all the way through to the opposing side edge. The hole itself consists of two sections. A first hole section 132a, adjacent a first side edge of the frame member 30 (“the outer edge”) extends a short way into the frame member 130 (e.g. 5 - 30% of the total width) and is of a first diameter. A second hole section 132b extends from the first hole section 132a all the way through to the second side edge of the frame member 130 (“the inner edge”) and is of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, such that a stepped interface 132c is defined between the first and second hole sections. It will be appreciated that the diameter of the first hole section 32a needs to be sufficient to accommodate the collar 124 of the insert member 120, whereas the diameter of the second hole section 132b needs to be sufficient to accommodate the bolt shaft 112.

Next, an insert member 120 is inserted into the hole (via the first hole section 132a) and with the end portion 126 thereof facing the into the hole. Once the end portion 126 is abutting the stepped interface 132c, a force is required to push the plug portion 122 into the entrance of the second hole section 132b to lodge it there, with the collar 124 abutting the stepped interface 132c. The collar 124 thus prevents further movement of the insert member 120 into the hole and the barbs 128 prevent movement of the insert member 120 in the opposite direction.

A bolt shaft 112, including the bracing member 116 is now inserted into the hole, again via the first hole section 132a at the outer side edge of the frame member 130. The first end of the bolt shaft 112 is pushed into the channel through the plug portion 122 of the insert member 120 and the shaft 112 can be manually rotated (via the bracing member 116) until the first end thereof has passed all the way through the plug portion 122 of the insert member 120 and protrudes through the end portion 126 thereof.

At this point, the frame member 130 can be placed within the window frame in which it is to be mounted, with the outer edge thereof facing the planar surface (e.g. wall) against which it is to be fixed. Finally, a hex key (or similar tool) is inserted into the socket 114 at the first end of the bolt shaft 112 (via the entrance to the hole at the inner edge of the frame member 130) and the bolt shaft 112 is turned thereby. As the bolt shaft 112 is turned, it moves longitudinally through the channel in the plug portion 122 of the insert member 120 (which is lodged in the hole at the stepped interface 132c), causing the bracing member 116 to move toward the wall adjacent the outer edge of the frame member 130. When the bracing member 116 meets the wall, it becomes lodged there by the frictional engagement between the pad portion 118 and the wall, preventing further lateral or rotational movement thereof. The bolt shaft 112 can now be tightened (causing the spherical connecting member 119 to rotate within the socket defined by the tabs 121) to adjust the position of the frame (including the frame member 130) within the recess, as will be described hereinafter and, ultimately, to secure the frame member 130 in place (see Figure 8) without producing unwanted lateral movement thereof.

It will be appreciated that, whilst the socket (14, 114) in both of the above-described exemplary embodiments is configured to receive a hex key (or similar tool), in alternative exemplary embodiments, it may be configured to receive a different type of bolt-tightening tool, such as a slotted screw driver, square drive, star drive, etc. and the present invention is not necessarily intended to be limited in this regard.

In use, when fitting a shutter frame within a window recess using either of the two types of fixing device described in detail above, pairs of oppositely aligned fixings would typically be used. Thus, in an exemplary method, a typical shutter frame for a square window might require two fixings at each corner, each spaced (say) around 65mm from the respective corner, i.e. a total of eight fixings (or four pairs of oppositely aligned fixings). A key advantage of the fixing device of the present invention is that it permits the position of the shutter frame to be adjusted, and therefore perfectly aligned, within the window recess. Thus, when one of the fixing devices of a pair is loosened, the other of the pair can be tightened, which results in the whole frame moving toward the fixing device that is being tightened. Such movement could be lateral or vertical, depending on the pair of fixing devices being adjusted.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, from the foregoing description, that modifications and variations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (22)

1. A fixing device for fixing a frame member adjacent a generally planar surface, the fixing device comprising:

a screw threaded bolt shaft having, at one end, a socket for receiving a tool to rotate said shaft and, at the opposing end, a bracing member configured to engage, in use, with said planar surface and remain stationary relative thereto as said bolt shaft is rotated; wherein said bolt shaft is configured to be received within a channel defined through an insert member that is configured to be fixedly mounted, in use, within an opening in said frame member.

2. A kit of parts comprising a fixing device according to claim 1, and an insert member configured to be fixedly mounted within an opening in said frame member, in use, and defining a channel therethrough for receiving said bolt shaft.

3. A kit of parts according to claim 2, wherein said insert member comprises a generally tubular plug portion defining said channel and a circumferential collar at a first end of said plug portion having a diameter greater than that of said plug portion.

4. A kit of parts according to claim 3, wherein said plug portion comprises a conical frustrum end portion at an opposing second end thereof.

5. A kit of parts according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein an inner surface of said plug portion, defining said channel, comprises a screw threaded profile configured to cooperate, in use, with said screw threaded bolt shaft.

6. A kit of parts according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein said insert member comprises, on its outer wall, at least one barb member.

7. A kit of parts according to claim 6, wherein said insert member comprises, on its outer wall, a plurality of barb members arranged circumferentially around said plug portion.

8. A fixing device according to claim 1, wherein said socket for receiving a tool is profiled to receive a bolt tightening tool.

9. A fixing device according to claim 1 or claim 8, wherein said bracing member comprises a generally disc-shaped member fixedly and substantially concentrically mounted at said opposing end of said bolt shaft, wherein the plane of the bracing member is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis defined by said bolt shaft.

10. A fixing device according to claim 9, wherein the diameter of said bracing member is greater than that of said bolt shaft.

11. A fixing device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein said bracing member includes at least one protrusion extending from an outer surface thereof.

12. A fixing device according to claim 11, wherein said protrusion is a spike.

13. A fixing device according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said protrusion extends generally centrally from an outer surface of said bracing member.

14. A fixing device according to claim 1, wherein said bracing member comprises a generally disc-shaped member having a receiving socket on a first surface thereof, and said opposing end of said bolt shaft includes a connecting portion, said receiving socket being configured to receive said connecting portion and couple said bolt shaft to said bracing member such that, in use, rotation of said bolt shaft causes said connecting portion to rotate within said receiving socket.

15. A fixing device according to claim 14, wherein at least said receiving socket of said bracing member is formed of a resiliently flexible material, said connecting portion comprises a spherical connecting member, and said connecting member is received in said receiving socket by means of a snap-fit connection.

16. A fixing device according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein a frictional engaging portion is provided on an opposing surface of said bracing member.

17. A method of fixing a frame member adjacent a generally planar surface, comprising the steps of:

forming, or otherwise providing, through said frame member, a hole that extends from a first side edge to an opposing second side edge thereof, the hole comprising a first section adjacent said first side edge and a second section extending from said first section to said second side edge, the diameter of said first section being greater than that of said second section such that a stepped interface is defined therebetween;

providing a fixing device according to any of the preceding claims;

placing said insert member in said hole such that it is retained therein at said stepped interface;

screwing said bolt shaft through the channel defined by the insert member in the direction from the first side edge to the second side edge of the frame member, such that the bracing member is adjacent the first side edge;

placing the frame member relative to the planar surface such that the bracing member is adjacent thereto; and inserting, from said second side edge of said frame member, a tool into said socket and using it to rotate said bolt shaft so as to move said bracing member into engagement with said planar surface.

18. A kit of parts comprising one or more frame elements and one or more fixing devices according to any of claims 1 or claims 8 to 16 .

19. A kit of parts for fitting a shutter within a window recess, the kit comprising a plurality of frame elements, at least one shutter door, and a plurality of fixing devices according to any of claims 1 or claims 8 to 16.

20. A kit according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein one or more of the frame elements is pre-formed with a hole therethrough that extends from a first side edge to an opposing second side edge thereof, the hole comprising a first section adjacent said first side edge and a second section extending from said first section to said second side edge, the diameter of said first section being greater than that of said second section such that a stepped interface is defined therebetween.

21. A kit according to any of claims 18 to 20, further including one or more respective insert members, each insert member being configured to be fixedly mounted within an opening in said frame member, in use, and defining a channel therethrough for receiving said bolt shaft.

22. A method of fixing a shutter frame within a window recess, the shutter frame comprising a pair of opposing, substantially parallel, spaced apart frame members, and said window recess defining opposing, generally planar surfaces, the method comprising the steps of:

forming, or otherwise providing, through each said frame member, a hole that extends from a first side edge to an opposing second side edge thereof, each hole comprising a first section adjacent said first side edge and a second section extending from said first section to said second side edge, the diameter of said first section being greater than that of said second section such that a stepped interface is defined therebetween;

providing a pair of fixing devices according to any of claims 1 or claims 8 to 16; providing a pair of insert members, each insert member being configured to be fixedly mounted within a respective hole in said frame member, in use, and defining a channel therethrough for receiving a respective bolt shaft; placing an insert member in each hole such that it is retained therein at said stepped interface;

screwing a bolt shaft of one of the fixing devices through the channel of each insert member in the direction from the first side edge to the second side edge of

5 the frame member, such that the bracing member is adjacent the first side edge;

placing each frame member relative to a respective one of the opposing planar surfaces such that the bracing member of a respective fixing device is adjacent thereto;

inserting from said second side edge of said frame member, a tool into each socket

10 and using it to rotate the respective bolt shaft so as to move its bracing member into engagement with the adjacent planar surface;

- tightening the bolt shafts by further rotation thereof; and adjusting the position of the shutter frame within the recess by tightening one of the bolt shafts to a greater degree than the other.