WO1996027743A1

WO1996027743A1 - Fixing device

Info

Publication number: WO1996027743A1
Application number: PCT/AU1996/000124
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vicko Pecotic; Ivan Tomich; Marinko Pecotic
Original assignee: Pectom Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 1995-03-07
Filing date: 1996-03-07
Publication date: 1996-09-12
Also published as: AUPN159095A0

Abstract

A fixing device (10) comprising a body (11) for reception in a hole. The body (11) has an axial passage (15) for receiving an element (26) such as a bolt selectively movable axially therealong. A pair of gripping wings (13) are mounted onto the body for pivotal movement about a common axis defined by pivot pin (33) between a retracted condition wherein the body can be introduced into the hole and an extended condition wherein the wings extend laterally of the body for resisting withdrawal of the plug from the hole. The wings (13) are movable from the retracted condition to the extended condition under the influence of a force applied thereto by the element (26) on axial movement thereof along the passage (15).

Description

Title

"Fixing Device"

Technical Field

This invention relates to a fixing device for installation in a first body of material to facilitate attachment of an object thereto.

The invention has been devised particularly, although not solely, for fixing objects such as constructional elements and fittings to walls and floors constructed of concrete, brickwork and masonry generally.

Background of the Invention

Fixing devices of the of the type described are known. One such device is disclosed in Australian Patent 412336 which discloses an expansion shell for securing the end of a bolt in a blind hole. The device employs rock-engaging lugs each mounted for pivotal movement about a respective axis between a first position in which the lug is accommodated in an aperture and a second position in which the lug extends out of the aperture to engage the side wall of the blind hole. A plunger is movable axially for engagement with the lugs to move them from the first position to the second position.

The device disclosed in Patent 412336 has the disadvantage of being of relatively complicated construction, particularly as each lug is mounted for pivotal movement about a respective axis.

A further disadvantage is that it is likely to be difficult to withdraw the device from the blind hole after being fixed therein should there later be a need to do so. The present invention seeks to provide a fixing device which overcomes, on at least reduces, the disadvantages or at least some of the disadvantages referred to above.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a fixing device comprising a body for reception in a hole, an axial passage in the body for receiving and retaining an element selectively movable axially therealoπg, a pair of gripping wings mounted onto the body for pivotal movement about a common axis between a retracted condition wherein the body can be introduced into the hole and an extended condition wherein the wings extend laterally of the body for resisting withdrawal of the body from the hole, the wings being movable from the retracted condition to the extended condition under the influence of a force applied thereto by the element on axial movement thereof along the passage.

The fixing device is of relatively simple construction because of pivotal mounting of the wings about a common axis.

Preferably, the axial passage is internally threaded for threadedly engaging the element.

The wings may be adapted for direct engagement by the element received in the axial passage.

The gripping wings may be arranged to be disposed within the confines of the body when in the retracted condition.

Preferably, the wings are positioned closely adjacent one another when in the retracted condition. - 3 -

Preferably, the element is receivable between the wings on axial movement within the body thereby to urge the wings from the retracted condition to the extended condition.

Conveniently, the wings when in the retracted condition define a recess to receive the leading end of the element on axial movement thereof.

The wings may be arranged to co-operate to limit the extent of outward lateral movement in opposing directions.

The wings may be arranged to move from the extended condition to the retracted condition upon the movement of the element out of engagement with the wings thereby permitting withdrawal of the body from the hole.

Conveniently, the wings can be rotated in a common direction about the pivot axis to extend in a direction away from the element. This feature facilitates withdrawal of the plug from the hole in certain circumstances. This may be achieved by accommodating each wing in an aperture in the body which aperture opens onto the end of the body opposite the axial passage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a fixing device according to the first embodiment in the retracted condition and a mounting bolt fitted thereto;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device in the condition shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the fixing device shown in an extended condition and a mounting bolt fitted thereto;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the fixing device in the condition shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing the fixing device according to the first embodiment installed in a blind hole;

Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the fixing device according to the first embodiment installed in a through hole;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 except that the wings are shown partly rotated;

Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing the fixing device according to the first embodiment being withdrawn from the through hole;

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a fixing device according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing a fixing device according to a third embodiment installed in a through hole;

Fig. 11 is a schematic view showing a fixing device according to the second embodiment installed in a blind hole lined with an expansion sleeve;

Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing a fixing device similar to the first embodiment installed in a through hole lined with a sleeve which has been deformed by the fixing device to enhance engagement with the hole; and Fig. 13 is a schematic view of a fixing device similar to the second embodiment installed in a tapered hole.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

The first embodiment shown in the drawings is directed to a fixing device 10 for anchoring an object 12 to a structure 14 having a hole 16 therein for receiving the fixing device to a wall or floor.

The fixing device 10 comprises a body 11 providing a plug, and gripping wings 13 mounted on the body.

The body 11 is of tubular construction having an axial passage 15 therein. Two diametrally opposed cut-out portions 17 are provided adjacent one end of the tubular body 11 to define a pair of legs 19 at that end of the tubular body. A threaded formation 21 is provided on the internal surface of the axial passage 15, extending inwardly from the end thereof opposite the legs 19. The threaded formation 21 is arranged to threadedly engage a threaded element such as the threaded shank 25 of a conventional bolt 26. The bolt 26 is used to mount the object 12 to the structure 14.

The gripping wings 13 comprise first and second gripping wings 31 ,32 which are pivotally mounted onto the body for movement between a retracted condition (as shown in Figs. 1 and 2) in which the wings lie within the confines of the tubular body and an extended condition (as shown in Figs. 3 and 4) in which the wings extend laterally outwardly of the body 11 for gripping engagement.

The wings 31 , 32 are pivotally mounted onto a common pivot pin 33 which is supported between the legs 19 near the free ends thereof. The pivot pin is fixed to the legs 19 in any suitable fashion such as welding or peening the ends of the pin. The wings 31,32 are each configured to present a barb formation having first and second inner faces 34, 35 and first and second outer faces 36, 37.

The first inner face 34 and the first outer face 35 are disposed angularly with respect to each other and extend towards each other in the direction away from the pivot pin 33 to meet at point 38.

The first and second outer faces 36, 37 are also disposed angularly with respect to each other and extend outwardly to meet at point 39. When the wings 31 , 32 are in the retracted condition, the second outer faces 37 thereof conform with the outer periphery of the tubular body 11 , as best seen in Fig. 2 such that the wings are accommodated within the confines of the body.

The first wing 31 has a recess 40 formed in the inner section thereof adjacent the pivot pin 33 to receive the corresponding inner section of the second wing 32. A shoulder 42 is defined on the first wing 31 adjacent the recess 40. The inner section of the second wing section 32 is provided with a cam formation 41 which serves to engage against the shoulder 42 defined by the recess in the first wing 31 when the two wings are in the extended position, as best seen in Fig. 4. This engagement provides a locking action which serves to restrict the extent of outward movement of the two wings 31 , 32 in opposed relation to each other and ensures that one wing cannot pivot beyond the limited extent while the other wing extends laterally in the opposing direction. The arrangement does, however, allow the two wings to rotate in a common direction so as to turn through 180° and assume a position in which the wings extend in the direction away from the bolt, as will be explained in more detail later in relation to Figs. 7 and 8

The free end of each wing is provided with a curved face 43 adjacent the inner side thereof. When the two wings 31 , 32 are in the retracted condition, the two first inner faces 34 thereof co-operate to define a recess 44 which can receive the free end of the threaded shank 25 of the bolt 26 whereby the free end of the shank can engage and bear against the two first inner faces 34. As the free end of the bolt 15 continues to advance axially in the direction towards the pivot pin 33 of the wings, it bares on the two gripping wings and urges them to pivot outwardly about the pivot point from the retracted condition to the extended position.

Where the fixing device 10 is installed in a blind hole 16 having a side wall 51 , the two wings 31 , 32 can provide gripping engagement with the side wall 51 , as shown in Fig. 5. Gripping engagement between the gripping wings 31 ,32 and the side wall 51 of the hole 16 prevents rotation of the fixing device 10 within the hole and removal of the fixing device from the hole.

Where circumstances do require that the fixing device be removed from the hole, it is a simple matter to rotate the bolt 26 in the direction corresponding to its extraction from the body 11. As the bolt 26 withdraws, the wings 31 ,32 are again able to again pivot. The wings 31 , 32 are thus able to swing inwardly from the extended condition to the retracted condition. It may, however, be necessary to manipulate the body 11 to achieve such movement. Because the first and second outer faces 36 and 37 are angularly disposed in opposed directions when the wings are in the extended condition within the hole 16 (as seen in Figure 5), axial manipulation of the body 11 in the hole serves to urge the wings towards the retracted condition. The retraction of the wings 31 , 32 allows the fixing device to be extracted from the hole.

The fixing device 10 may also be installed in a hole 16 in the form of a through hole in a sheet 61 having opposed faces 62, 63, as shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8. In such an arrangement, the body 11 of the fixing device extends beyond the through hole 16 such that the wings 31 , 32 can engage against the remote face 63. In circumstances where the fixing device 10 is to be removed from the through hole 16, it may be convenient to manipulate the plug so as to cause the wings 31 , 32 to rotate in a common direction about the pivot axis through the position shown in Fig. 7 and into the position shown in Fig. 8 whereby the wings extend in a direction away from the bolt 26 thereby to facilitate easy extraction of the fixing device from the hole.

In the first embodiment, the pivot pin 33 is in the form of a solid pin affixed to the legs 19 by welding or peening the ends of the pin.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 9 is somewhat similar to the first embodiment with the exception that the pivot pin 33 is in the form of a conventional roll pin for press-fitting into position.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 10 is also similar to the first embodiment with the exception that the element threadedly received in the axial passage 15 is not a conventional bolt but rather a conventional set screw 70 having a head 71 for engagement by a suitable tool to effect rotation of the set screw. The set screw 70 is provided only for the purpose of operating the wings 31 , 32 and is not employed for mounting purposes. A mounting bolt 72 can be installed in the axial passage 15 separately of the set screw 70 for mounting an object to the fastening device. The mounting bolt 72 may be of a diameter which can be threaded straight into the axial passage 15 or it may be of a smaller diameter than the axial passage 15 in which case it is necessary to employ a threaded adaptor 74, as shown in Fig. 10.

In Fig. 5 of the drawings, the fastening device 10 according to the first embodiment is shown installed in a blind hole. In Fig. 6 of the drawings it is shown installed in a through hole.

Various other applications of fastening device according to the embodiments are shown in Figs. 11 to 13. ln Fig. 11 , there is shown a fastening device 10 installed into a hole 16 which is lined with an expansion sleeve 80 having a longitudinal slit 81. The fastening device 10 inserted into the expansion sleeve 80. The wings 31 , 32 engage against the inside of the expansion sleeve 80 as they move towards the extended position thereby causing expansion of the expansion sleeve within the hole 16. The expansion of the sleeve 80 clamps the sleeve in position within the hole 16 and the fixing device 10 is retaining in the sleeve by engagement with the sleeve. As shown in the drawing, the wings 31 , 32 are likely to deform the sleeve in the vicinity of engagement therewith.

The use of the expansion sleeve is particularly suitable in circumstances where the material in which the hole 16 is formed is brittle or otherwise weak. The sleeve serves to spread the load applied on the side wall of the hole 16 and so reduces the likelihood of damage.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 12 also employs a sleeve 85 for lining the hole 16. In this embodiment, the fastening device 10 is temporarily positioned at various axial locations along the sleeve 85 and the wings 31 , 32 extended to form deformations 87 in the sleeve. The deformations 87 assist in retaining the sleeve 85 in position. The fastening device 10 is then installed at the desired location in the sleeve 85.

Fig. 13 shows the fastening device 10 installed in a blind hole 16 which increases in cross-section area in the inward direction.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the present embodiments each provides a fixing device which is of robust construction and which can be readily installed and removed from an anchoring situation.

The anchoring devices according to the various embodiments can be formed of any suitable materials such as metal or plastics materials or a combination thereof. It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment described. In particular, it should be appreciated that a fixing device according to the embodiment may have applications in any situation where it is necessary to anchor one object to another object by forming a hole in one of the objects to receive the fixing device and then securing the other object thereto by way of a bolt or other fastening device.

Claims

1. A fixing device comprising a body for reception in a hole, an axial passage in the body for receiving and retaining an element selectively movable axially therealong, a pair of gripping wings mounted onto the body for pivotal movement about a common axis between a retracted condition wherein the body can be introduced into the hole and an extended condition wherein the wings extend laterally of the body for resisting withdrawal of the body from the hole, the wings being movable from the retracted condition to the extended condition under the influence of a force applied thereto by the element on axial movement thereof along the passage.

2. A fixing device according to claim 1 wherein the axial passage is internally threaded for threadedly engaging the element.

3. A fixing device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the element is receivable between the wings on axial movement within the body thereby to urge the wings from the retracted condition to the extended condition.

4. A fixing device according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the wings are adapted for direct engagement by the element received in the axial passage.

5. A fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wings when in the retracted condition define a recess to receive the leading end of the element on axial movement thereof.

6. A fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the gripping wings are arranged to be disposed within the confines of the body when in the retracted condition.

7. A fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wings are positioned closely adjacent one another when in the retracted condition.

8. A fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wings are arranged to co-operate to limit the extent of outward lateral movement in opposing directions.

9. A fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the wings are arranged to move from the extended condition to the retracted condition upon the movement of the element out of engagement with the wings thereby permitting withdrawal of the body from the hole.

10. A fixing device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rings are notatable in a common direction about the pivot axis to extend in a direction away from the element.

11. A fixing device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.