GB2611530A

GB2611530A - Retaining device

Info

Publication number: GB2611530A
Application number: GB2114253.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Morkunas Regimantas
Original assignee: Darren And Reg Ltd
Current assignee: Darren And Reg Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-05
Filing date: 2021-10-05
Publication date: 2023-04-12
Also published as: GB202114253D0

Abstract

A retaining device for use in adjusting a position of a first component 4 connected at an adjustable distance from a second component 5 by threaded fixing means 1. The retaining device comprises a first collar arranged to be fixed in a bore 41 in the first component 4 to abut an outer face of a head of the threaded fixing means 1 rotatably to retain the head of the threaded fixing means 1 at a predetermined depth within the bore 41. The first collar comprises an aperture for passing a tool therethrough for rotating the head within the bore 41 thus rotating the threaded fixing means 1 threaded in the second component 5 to adjust a distance between the first component 4 and the second component 5. The retaining device has particular application in the adjustable fixing of a door frame or window frame in a wall opening.

Description

Retaining Device [0001] This invention relates to a retaining device for use in adjusting a position of a first component connected at an adjustable distance to a second component by a threaded fixing device and to a method of using the retaining device. At least one embodiment of the retaining device is suitable for use in fixing a door frame or a window frame within an opening in a wall.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Typically an opening into which a door frame or window frame is to be fitted has rough faces to which the frame is to be fitted and nominally vertical surfaces may not be sufficiently vertical and/or nominally horizontal surfaces sufficiently horizontal for the frame to be fitted for proper operation of the door or window without the use of shims between the frame and the opening to true up the frame. This fitting of shims is a time-consuming additional task to the screwing or nailing of the frame to the wall. Once the frame is screwed or nailed to the wall, any space between the frame and the faces of the opening is typically filled with expanding foam, preferably fire-retardant foam.

[0003] US 3,667,338 discloses a screw device for adjustably connecting a wall and a door frame comprising a bespoke screw device for screwing into the wall and a nut device journaled to a head of the screw device for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the screw device and having an external thread for engaging a bore in the door frame. The nut device is rotatably held on a shaft of the screw device between a shoulder and a circlip. Adjustment may be made when initially fitting the frame or following subsequent movement of the wall.

[0004] In use a frame is temporarily held in an opening with wedges, and a bore having the core diameter of the screw device is drilled through the frame into the wall. In the frame the diameter of the hole is then increased to the core diameter of the nut device.

[0005] Using a first end of a special two-ended tool, the screw device and the nut device are rotated together to drive the screw device into the wall and the nut device into the frame. To adjust the fitting the two-ended tool is reversed and a second end of the tool used to rotate the nut device but not the screw device to move the nut device within the bore in the frame, thereby moving the frame with respect to the wall.

[0006] WO 98/01647 discloses a further device for adjustably fitting a frame into an opening in a wall. The device comprises a sleeve with an external thread for engaging walls of a bore through the frame and an internal thread for engaging either the head of a wall plug, in a first embodiment, or the head of a bespoke screw device, in a second embodiment, the head of the wall plug or screw device having an external thread. An internal end of the sleeve is rotatably connected to the plate for abutting the portion of wall to which the frame is to be fixed.

[0007] In operation of the first embodiment, the sleeve is inserted in the frame from an outer face of the frame and then a position of the frame with respect to the wall is adjusted by driving the sleeve within the bore of the frame using a first tool from an inner face of the frame. A drill is then passed through the sleeve to drill a hole in the wall. The wall plug with the threaded head is driven with a tool by rotating the wall plug with respect to the sleeve until the head of the wall plug is approximately centrally positioned within the sleeve. A screw is then screwed into the wall plug to expand the wall plug within the wall. Subsequent adjustments may be made by screwing the sleeve along the bore in the frame.

[0008] In the second embodiment, where no wall plug is required, for example where the wall is of soft wood, the head of the screw is provided with an external thread for engaging the internal thread of the sleeve.

[0009] WO 96/22442 discloses a similar device to that of WO 98/01647 but without the plate on the inner end of the sleeve for abutting the face of the wall.

[0010] US 2,323,625 discloses a similar device with two threaded elements for adjusting the width of a door by adjusting the position of a telescoping portion of the door with reference to a remaining portion of the door.

[0011] The present invention overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of the cited art.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a retaining device suitable for use in adjusting a position of a first component connected at an adjustable distance to a second component by fixing means, the retaining device comprising a first collar arranged to be fixed in a bore in the first component to abut an outer face of a head of the fixing means rotatably to retain the head of the threaded fixing means at a predetermined depth within the bore, the first collar comprising an aperture for passing a tool therethrough for rotating the head within the bore to adjust a distance between the first component and the second component.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a retaining device for use in adjusting a position of a first component connected at an adjustable distance to a second component by threaded fixing means, the retaining device comprising a first collar arranged to be fixed in a bore in the first component to abut only an outer face of a head of the threaded fixing means rotatably to retain the head of the threaded fixing means at a predetermined depth within the bore, the first collar comprising an aperture for passing a tool therethrough for rotating the head within the bore thus rotating the threaded fixing means threaded in the second component to adjust a distance between the first component and the second component.

[0014] The first collar may comprise an external thread for fixing the first collar at the predetermined depth in the bore.

[0015] The aperture may be shaped to receive an Allan key to drive the first collar to the predetermined depth within the bore.

[0016] Advantageously, the retaining device may comprise a second collar arranged to be fixed within the bore with the second collar inward of the first collar, the second collar having a depression for receiving the head of the threaded fixing means and an aperture for the thread of the threaded fixing means to pass therethrough arranged so that during adjustment an inward face of the head is in rotatable abutment with a face of the depression of the second collar and an outward face of the head is in rotatable abutment with an internal face of the first collar. The depression may take a form suitable for engagement with the underside of the head of the threaded fixing means. The depression may take the form of a chamfer.

[0017] Optionally, a diameter of the aperture of the first collar may be the same as a diameter of the second aperture of the second collar. The outer diameter of the first collar may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second collar.

[0018] Advantageously, the first collar and the second collar may be structurally the same. In this way, the second collar may function as both an inner collar and an outer collar in an arrangement using two collars. Further, the retaining device may be formed from a single type of collar which can be utilised as both the first collar and the second collar.

[0019] Conveniently, the second collar comprises an external thread for fixing the second collar at the predetermined depth in the bore.

[0020] Conveniently, the second collar comprises a second aperture shaped to receive a second Allan key to drive the second collar within the bore.

[0021] Alternatively, the second collar may conveniently comprise an aperture shaped to receive the same Allan key as the first collar.

[0022] Advantageously, the retaining device is arranged for adjusting a position of a door frame or window frame in an opening in a wall.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of adjusting a distance between a first component and a second component joined by a threaded fixing means the method comprising the steps of: forming a bore in the first component for passing the shank of the threaded fixing means therethrough; widening an outer portion of the bore to form a shoulder between the outer portion and an inner portion of the bore; passing the threaded fixing means partially through the bore and threading the threaded fixing means into the second component with a head of the threaded fixing means bearing on the shoulder in the first component; driving an outer collar into the enlarged portion of the bore to hold the head of the threaded fixing means in rotatable contact with the shoulder; and passing a tool through the outer collar to rotate the threaded fixing means to adjust a distance between the first component and the second component by moving the threaded fixing means in an inward or outward direction in the second component.

[0024] The outer collar may be provided with an external thread and the step of driving the outer collar into the enlarged portion of the bore comprises screwing the outer collar into the enlarged portion of the bore.

[0025] The outer collar may be provided with an aperture for receiving an Allan key and the step of screwing the outer collar into the enlarged portion of the bore comprises screwing the outer collar into the enlarged portion of the bore with an Allan key.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of adjusting a distance between a first component and a second component joined by threaded fixing means the method comprising the steps of: forming a bore in the first component for passing the shank of the threaded fixing means partially therethrough; driving an inner collar into the enlarged portion of the bore, the inner collar comprising a depression in an outer face thereof for receiving a head of the threaded fixing means; passing a shank of the threaded fixing means partially through the bore and threading the threaded fixing means into the second component with a head of the threaded fixing means located in the depression; driving an outer collar into the bore to hold the head of the threaded fixing means in rotatable contact with the face of the depression; passing a tool through the outer collar to rotate the threaded fixing means to adjust a distance between the first component and the second component by moving the threaded fixing means in an inward or outward direction in the second component.

[0027] The inner collar may be provided with an external thread and the step of driving the inner collar into the bore comprises screwing the inner collar into the bore.

[0028] The inner collar may be provided with an aperture for receiving an Allan key and the step of screwing the inner collar into the bore comprises screwing the inner collar into the bore with an Allan key.

[0029] The outer collar may be provided with an external thread and the step of driving the outer collar into the bore comprises screwing the outer collar into the bore.

[0030] The outer collar may be provided with an aperture for receiving an Allan key and the step of screwing the outer collar into the bore comprises screwing the outer collar into the bore with an Allan key.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a partial cross section drawing of the retaining device of the invention in use; Figure 2 is a cross section view of a first collar of the retaining device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross section view of a second collar of the retaining device of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the second collar of Figure 3, with inner faces of the collar indicated by broken lines; Figure 5 is a top view of the second collar of Figures 3 and 4; Figure 6 is a side view of the first collar of Figure 2, with inner faces of the collar indicated by broken lines; Figure 7 is a top view of the first collar of Figures 2 and 6; Figure 8 is a partial cross-section drawing of a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a partial cross section drawing of the retaining device according to another embodiment of the invention in use; and Figure 10 is a partial cross section drawing of the retaining device according to a still further embodiment of the invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, a retaining device according to the invention comprises an inner collar 2 and an outer collar 3 for rotatably retaining a head of a known screw 1 within a bore 41 in a portion of a frame 4 for adjustably connecting the portion of the frame to a wall 5.

[0033] Figures 3, 4 and 5 depict a second collar 20. The second collar 20 is provided with an external thread 21 for engaging inner walls of the bore 41. Preferably the thread is a self-tapping thread for cutting a corresponding internal thread in the walls of the bore 41.

[0034] The second collar 20 has a central longitudinal bore 22 having faces 23 forming an octagonal cross-section for receiving an Allan key of a first diameter over an inner portion of the bore 22 and a depression in the form of a chamfer 24 for receiving a corresponding chamfer 14 on an inner face of a head of the known screw 1 over an outer portion of the bore 22.

[0035] As depicted in Figure 1, the second collar 20 may be used as the inner collar 2.

[0036] Figures 2, 6 and 7 depict a first collar 30 provided with an external thread 31 for engaging inner walls of the bore 41. Preferably the external thread 31 fits the internal thread in the walls of the bore 41 cut by the inner collar 2.

[0037] The first collar 30 has a central longitudinal bore 32 having faces 33 forming an octagonal cross-section for receiving an Allan key of a second diameter greater than the first diameter over the whole of the bore 32.

[0038] As depicted in Figure 1, the first collar 30 may be used as the outer collar 3. Typically, the inner collar 2 and the outer collar 3 have substantially the same external diameter.

[0039] Alternatively, as depicted in Figure 9, the second collar 20 may be used as both the outer collar 2b and the inner collar 2a. Advantageously, this means that only a single type of collar (i.e. the second collar 20) is required to achieve the technical effect, as the inner collar 2a is structurally the same as the outer collar 2b, and therefore a single component (i.e. the second collar 20) may be used as both the inner collar 2a and the outer collar 2b. Further still, as the second collar 20 is used as both the inner collar 2a and the outer collar 2b, only a single diameter of Allan key is required to adjust both the inner collar 2a and the outer collar 2b.

[0040] Referring again to Figure 1, in use a bore 41 is drilled though a portion of frame 4 to be fixed to a wall 5, the bore having a same diameter as a core diameter of the inner collar 2 and of the outer collar 3. The inner collar 2 is driven into the bore to approximately half the depth of the bore by use of an Allan key engaging the walls 23 of the bore 22 of the inner collar 2.

[0041] The frame is then placed in position with respect to the opening into which the frame is to be fixed and a drill bit passed though the bore 41 and the bore 22 of the inner collar 2 to drill a wall bore 51 in the corresponding portion of the wall 5. The drill bit is withdrawn and a wall plug 52 inserted through the bores 41 and 22 into the wall bore 51. However, it will be understood that alternatively the wall bore 51 may be drilled as an earlier step of the method.

[0042] A screw 1 is inserted through the bore 41 and the inner collar bore 32 and screwed, using a screwdriver 55, partially into the plug 52 causing the plug 52 to expand and become fixed in the wall in a known manner so that the frame is approximately located in the intended position and orientation in the opening, with the chamfer 14 of the underside of the head of the screw 1 abutting the chamfer 24 of the inner collar 2. It will be understood that in general that the portion of the frame 4 will be spaced from the corresponding portion of the wall 5 by an air gap 53 between the outer face of the portion of the frame 4 and the corresponding portion of the wall 5.

[0043] The outer collar 3 is then driven into the bore 41 so that the inner face of the outer collar abuts the outer face of the head of the screw 1 so that the head of the screw is rotatable within the inner collar 2.

[0044] Fine adjustment of the position of the frame with respect to the wall and to a required vertical or horizontal alignment is achieved by turning the screw 1 within the collars to move the portion of the frame 4 with respect to the corresponding portion of the wall by screwing the screw 1 in the plug in a direction into or out of the wall while holding the head of the screw 1 trapped between the inner and outer collars 2, 3 in the frame 4.

[0045] The air gap 53 may then be filled with expanding foam, preferably fire retardant expanding foam, in a known manner.

[0046] Although in Figure 1 the combined depth of the inner collar 2 and the outer collar 3 is shown as considerably less than the thickness of the frame 4, it is found that the invention can also be used with thinner frames that have a thickness of substantially the same thickness as the combined depth of the inner collar 2 and outer collar 3, even with a portion of at least one of the collars, preferably the inner collar, protruding from the frame.

[0047] Figure 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention in which the inner collar 2 is dispensed with. Instead a bore 41' through a frame 4' has an outer portion 411 having a larger diameter bore than an inner portion 412 and the outer portion 411 is joined to the inner portion 412 approximately halfway through the bore by a chamfer portion 414 having a chamfer angle corresponding to that of the chamfer on the underside of a head of a screw 1'.

[0048] In use the dual diameter bore 41' is drilled though a portion of frame 4' to be fixed to a wall, the outer portion 411 of the bore having the same diameter as a core diameter of an outer collar 3'.

[0049] As depicted in Figure 8, the first collar 30 may be used as the outer collar 3'.

[0050] Alternatively, as depicted in Figure 10, the second collar 20 may be used as the outer collar 2b'. Advantageously, this means that the retaining device as shown in Figure 10 may be made using the same components as the retaining device as shown in Figure 9, using only a single type of collar (i.e. the second collar 20).

[0051] Referring again to Figure 8, the frame is then placed in position with respect to the opening into which the frame is to be fixed and a drill bit passed though the bore 41' to drill a bore in the corresponding portion of the wall. The drill bit is withdrawn and a wall plug inserted through the bore 41' into the wall bore.

[0052] A screw 1' is inserted through the bore 41' and screwed partially into the wall plug causing the wall plug to expand and become fixed in the wall in a known manner so that the frame is roughly located in the intended position and orientation in the opening with the chamfer 14' of the underside of the head of the screw 1' abutting the chamfer portion 414 of the bore 41'. It will be understood that in general that the portion of the frame 4' will be spaced from the corresponding portion of the wall by an air gap between the outer face of the portion of the frame 4' and the corresponding portion of the wall.

[0053] The outer collar 3' is then driven into the bore 41' so that the inner face of the outer collar abuts the outer face of the head of the screw 1' so that the head of the screw is rotatable within the frame between the outer collar 3' and the chamfer portion 414.

[0054] Fine adjustment of the position of the frame with respect to the wall and to a required vertical or horizontal alignment is achieved by turning the screw 1' to move the portion of the frame 4' with respect to the corresponding portion of the wall by rotating the screw 1' in the wall plug in a direction into or out of the wall while holding the head of the screw 1' trapped in the bore 41' in the frame 4'.

[0055] The air gap may then be filled with expanding foam, preferably fire retardant expanding foam, in a known manner.

[0056] Although the invention has been described for use with a screw with a chamfered head it will be understood that the invention can be equally used with any other shape head such as a cylindrical head. In such cases, a corresponding change to the respective collar may be made, to allow for rotational engagement therebetween. The shape of the depression in of the outer face of the inner collar in the first embodiment or to the portion of the bore between the inner portion and the outer portion in the second embodiment without an inner collar may be adjusted in line with the shape of the head of the screw to be used.

[0057] Moreover, although the invention has been described with a screw with a slotted or cross-slotted head, the invention may be used with any other means of driving the screw.

Moreover, the invention is not limited to use with a screw but can also be used with such other threaded fixing devices such as a bolt.

[0058] Furthermore, although the invention has been described for fixing door frames and window frames in an opening in a wall, it can be used in many other applications where an adjustable fixing device is required, for example for fixing window sills to walls.

[0059] The invention can also be used, particularly in the first embodiment, for fixing cabinets and cupboards to walls and for attaching battens for plasterboard to walls, and is particularly beneficial in fixing battens to a wall with an uneven surface. It will be understood that there is usually no requirement for back filling with expandable foam in such applications.

[0060] In addition, although collars have be described which have an external thread for fixing within a bore, it will be understood that other means of fixing a collar within a bore may be used, such as a friction fit or the use of an adhesive.

[0061] The invention provides at least the advantages of being usable with standard screws and tools, such as a screwdriver bit and Allan key, and the method comprises relatively fewer steps compared with the known art.

[0062] The invention also provides the advantages of reduced installation time compared with the known art, and avoids the use of shims, which must be provided in a plurality of thicknesses in the known art. Furthermore, in particular where, for example, the space between a fitted frame and a wall is filled with expandable foam after adjustably fitting the frame to the wall using at least the outer collars of the invention, the foam on setting will firmly hold the frame in place, and the at least the outer collar and screw may be removed for re-use. It will be understood that in the first embodiment the inner collar may also be removed for re-use.

[0063] In this description "inward" is used to indicate a direction away from a centre of a frame and towards a wall to which the frame is connected where the context allows and "outward" means in an opposite direction and "inner" and "outer" have corresponding meanings.

[0064] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0065] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0066] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A retaining device for use in adjusting a position of a first component connected at an adjustable distance from a second component by threaded fixing means, the retaining device comprising a first collar arranged to be fixed in a bore in the first component to abut an outer face of a head of the threaded fixing means rotatably to retain the head of the threaded fixing means at a predetermined depth within the bore, the first collar comprising an aperture for passing a tool therethrough for rotating the head within the bore thus rotating the threaded fixing means threaded in the second component to adjust a distance between the first component and the second component.
2. A retaining device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first collar comprises an external thread for fixing the first collar at the predetermined depth in the bore.
3. A retaining device as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the aperture is shaped to receive a first Allan key to drive the first collar to the predetermined depth within the bore 4.
A retaining device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a second collar arranged to be fixed within the bore with the second collar inward of the first collar, the second collar having a depression for receiving the head of the threaded fixing means and an aperture for the thread of the threaded fixing means to pass therethrough arranged so that during adjustment an inward face of the head is in rotatable abutment with a face of the depression of the second collar and an outward face of the head is in rotatable abutment with an inward face of the first collar.
A retaining device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the second collar comprises an external thread for fixing the first collar at the predetermined depth in the bore.
6. A retaining device as claimed in claims 4 or 5 wherein the second collar comprises a second aperture shaped to receive a second Allan key to drive the second collar within the bore
7. A retaining device as claimed in claims 4 or 5 wherein the second collar comprises a second aperture shaped to receive the first Allan key to drive the second collar within the bore.
8. A retaining device as claimed in claim 6 wherein a diameter of the aperture of the first collar is the same as a diameter of the second aperture of the second collar.
A retaining device as claimed in any of claims 4-7 wherein the first collar is structurally the same as the second collar.
10. A retaining device as claimed in any of the preceding claims arranged for adjusting a position of a door frame or window frame in an opening in a wall.
11. A method of adjusting a distance between a first component and a second component joined by threaded fixing means the method comprising the steps of: a. forming a bore in the first component for passing the shank of the threaded fixing means therethrough; b. widening an outer portion of the bore to form a shoulder between the outer portion and an inner portion of the bore; c. passing the threaded fixing means through the bore and threading the threaded fixing means into the second component with a head of the threaded fixing means bearing on the shoulder; d. driving an outer collar into the enlarged portion of the bore to hold the head of the threaded fixing means in rotatable contact with the shoulder; and e. passing a tool through the outer collar to rotate the threaded fixing means to adjust a distance between the first component and the second component by moving the threaded fixing means in an inward or outward direction in the second component.
12. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the outer collar is provided with an external thread and the step of driving the outer collar into the enlarged portion of the bore comprises screwing the outer collar into the enlarged portion of the bore.
13. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the outer collar is provided with an aperture for receiving an Allan key and the step of screwing the outer collar into the enlarged portion of the bore comprises screwing the outer collar into the enlarged portion of the bore with an Allan key.
14. A method as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10 arranged for locating a door frame or window frame in an opening in a wall.
15. A method as claimed in any of claims 9-12, wherein the outer collar is structurally the same as the inner collar.
16. A method of adjusting a distance between a first component and a second component joined by a threaded fixing means the method comprising the steps of: a. forming a bore in the first component for passing the shank of the threaded fixing means therethrough; b. driving an inner collar into the enlarged portion of the bore, the inner collar comprising a depression in an outer face thereof for receiving a head of the threaded fixing; c. passing a shank of the threaded fixing means through the bore and threading the threaded fixing means into the second component with a head of the threaded fixing means located in the depression; d. driving an outer collar into the bore to hold the head of the threaded fixing means in rotatable contact with the face of the depression; e. passing a tool through the outer collar to rotate the threaded fixing means to adjust a distance between the first component and the second component by moving the threaded fixing means in an inward or outward direction in the second component.
17 A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the inner collar is provided with an external thread and the step of driving the inner collar into the bore comprises screwing the inner collar into the bore.
18 A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the inner collar is provided with an aperture for receiving an Allan key and the step of screwing the inner collar into the bore comprises screwing the inner collar into the bore with an Allan key.
19 A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the outer collar is provided with an external thread and the step of driving the outer collar into the bore comprises screwing the outer collar into the bore.A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the outer collar is provided with an aperture for receiving an Allan key and the step of screwing the outer collar into the bore comprises screwing the outer collar into the bore with an Allan key.21 A method as claimed in any of claims 13-17, wherein the outer collar is structurally the same as the inner collar.22 A method as claimed in any of claims 12 to 16 arranged for locating a door frame or window frame in an opening in a wall 23 A retaining device substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying Figures.24 A method of adjusting a distance between a first component and a second component joined by a threaded fixing means substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying figures.