WO2020128438A1

WO2020128438A1 - Fixing device for securing an item to a wall

Info

Publication number: WO2020128438A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/053541
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darren Ashley PECKITT; Andrea Louise PECKITT
Original assignee: Loadfix Limited
Priority date: 2018-12-17
Filing date: 2019-12-13
Publication date: 2020-06-25
Also published as: GB201915602D0; GB201820566D0; GB2579904A

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a wall fixing for securing an item to a wall. The wall fixing comprises a body (301) arranged to be inserted into an aperture in a wall. The body comprises a body aperture extending through the body. The wall fixing also comprises at least one elongate pin (302, 303); at least one wall securing member (304, 305); and an end fitting (306) arranged to engage with a threaded fastener inserted into the wall fixing via the body aperture. The wall securing member and the end fitting are moveably connected to the body via the elongate pin such that when a threaded fastener inserted into the wall fixing via the body aperture engages with the end fitting, the end fitting displaces the wall securing member towards the body to secure the wall securing member to an inner surface of the wall.

Description

Fixing Device for Securing an Item to a Wall

Technical Field

The present invention relates to wall fixings for securing items to walls. The present invention also relates to methods of securing items to walls.

Background

Cavity walls are a well-known type of wall used in domestic and commercial buildings. Cavity walls include outer and inner wall structures separated by a cavity (i.e. a gap). Typically, the outer wall structure is a plasterboard panel and the inner wall structure is a masonry wall, although other materials can be used.

There is a need to securely and conveniently attach items such as sinks, radiators, shelves, mirrors and cupboards to walls such as cavity walls. However, existing techniques have various disadvantages.

One known technique is to insert a wall fixing into a pre-drilled aperture in an outer wall structure of a cavity wall to provide an anchor point for securing items. A wall fixing that can be used in this way is disclosed in EP2998592 A1 . The wall fixing includes a body and a collar that is movable relative to the body. The wall fixing also includes retaining members for holding the fixing relative to the wall. The retaining members are secured to the collar via respective shafts. After the wall fixing has been inserted into an aperture in a wall, the retaining members are rotated relative to the collar via the shafts and are then brought into contact with the wall by moving the collar towards the wall. This type of wall fixing has various disadvantages.

In use, a substantial load is placed on the shafts. This is because the retaining members, which distribute a large proportion of the load of an item secured to the wall fixing, are held in place against the wall by the shafts. The large loads that are applied to the shafts means that they can be vulnerable to failure, particularly when heavier items are secured to the wall fixing. Otherwise, the shafts can limit the weight of items that can be attached to the wall fixing. Additionally, the wall fixing can only be used with a selected range of wall thicknesses. Thus, multiple different designs of wall fixing (i.e. having differently shaped/configured body and collar portions) are required to use the wall fixing for a full range of wall thicknesses.

It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to reduce or eliminate these and other disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wall fixing for securing an item to a wall. The wall fixing comprises a body arranged to be inserted into an aperture in a wall, the body comprising a body aperture extending through the body. The wall fixing also comprises at least one elongate pin, at least one wall securing member, and an end fitting arranged to engage with a threaded fastener inserted into the wall fixing via the body aperture. The wall securing member and the end fitting are moveably connected to the body via the elongate pin such that when a threaded fastener inserted into the wall fixing via the body aperture engages with the end fitting, the end fitting displaces the wall securing member towards the body to secure the wall securing member to an inner surface of the wall.

Optionally, the end fitting comprises a threaded aperture arranged to engage with a threaded fastener.

Optionally, the end fitting comprises a region that is pierceable by a threaded fastener to engage with the threaded fastener.

Optionally, the wall securing member and the end fitting are slidably connected to the elongate pin such that they can move along the elongate pin.

Optionally, the body comprises a channel and the elongate pin is slidable within the channel relative to the body.

Optionally, the wall fixing is moveable between a first configuration in which the wall securing member is positioned relative to the body such that the wall fixing can be inserted into an aperture in a wall, and a second configuration in which the wall securing member is positioned relative to the body such that the wall securing member can be secured to an inner surface of a wall.

Optionally, the elongate pin and the wall securing member are connected such that rotation of the elongate pin causes corresponding rotation of the wall securing member. Optionally, the wall fixing is moveable between the first configuration and the second configuration by rotating the elongate pin.

Optionally, an end of the elongate pin is shaped to receive an actuation tool to rotate the elongate pin.

Optionally, the wall securing member comprises a plate and at least part of the plate is shaped to substantially correspond with the shape of the body.

Optionally, the plate includes a cut-out region.

Optionally, the wall fixing comprises two elongate pins and two wall securing members, and each elongate pin is connected to a respective wall securing member and to the end fitting.

Optionally, an end of the body comprises an abutment surface.

Optionally, an outer surface of the body comprises at least one wing portion extending radially out from the body.

Optionally, at least one of the end fitting and the wall securing member are composed of metal.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided method of securing an item to a wall comprising: inserting a wall fixing according to the first aspect into an aperture in a wall, and inserting a threaded fastener into the wall fixing via the body aperture such that the threaded fastener engages with the end fitting and causes the end fitting to displace the wall securing member towards the body to secure the wall securing member to an inner surface of the wall.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a wall fixing is provided. The wall fixing includes a body, a wall securing member and an end fitting. The wall securing member and the end fitting are both connected to the body by an elongate pin such that they can move relative to the body. The moveable connection is typically provided via sliding of the wall securing member and the end fitting along the elongate pin and/or via movement of the pin relative to the body.

The end fitting is typically located at a more distal part of the elongate pin than the wall securing member so that movement of the end fitting towards the body via the pin causes the end fitting to make contact with and displace the wall securing member towards the body.

During installation in an aperture in a wall, as the wall securing member is displaced towards the body by the end fitting, the wall securing member makes contact with and is secured to an inner surface of the wall by the end fitting.

Once secured to the inner surface of the wall, the wall securing member distributes the force of an item that is secured to the wall fixing over an area of the inner surface of the wall.

Because the wall securing member is held in place against the wall by the end fitting, the elongate pin does not experience a significant amount of force from an item secured to the wall fixing. The elongate pin serves primarily as a guide to enable movement of the wall securing member and the end fitting relative to the body.

The wall fixing can be used to provide an anchor point on a wall to which items can be secured. It will be understood that the term wall as used herein also includes ceiling surfaces. The wall fixing can be used to secure items to a variety of surfaces including plasterboard wall and ceiling surfaces, wall and ceiling panels (including flame- retardant panels), masonry brick and concrete block surfaces.

Advantageously, the wall fixing can support a larger load without causing damage to the elongate pin. Additionally, the same configuration of elongate pin can be used regardless of amount of load that wall fixing is expected to support because the pin is not substantially load bearing. Additionally, because the elongate pin is not substantially load bearing, it can be made from a material such as plastic. This can make the wall fixing cheaper and less complex to manufacture. In certain embodiments, the elongate pin can be removed and replaced with an elongate pin of a different length. This step may be performed by a user. Advantageously, an appropriate length of elongate pin can be selected based on the thickness of wall that the wall fixing is being secured to. This provides a user customisable wall fixing. Further, the same size body can be used for different wall thicknesses.

Various further features and aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which:

Figures 1 a to 1 c provide simplified schematic diagrams showing cross-sectional views of a wall fixing in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

Figures 2a to 2e provide simplified schematic diagrams showing cross-sectional views of a wall fixing in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 3 provides a schematic diagram of a wall fixing according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 4a to 4c provide schematic diagrams of the wall fixing of Figure 3 in partial cross section;

Figures 5a and 5b provide further schematic diagrams of the wall fixing of Figure 3 in partial cross section;

Figure 6 provides a schematic diagram of the first wall securing member of the wall fixing of Figure 3;

Figure 7 provides a schematic diagram of the first elongate pin of the wall fixing of Figure 3;

Figure 8 provides a schematic diagram of the end fitting of the wall fixing of Figure 3;

Figure 9 provides a schematic diagram of the body of the wall fixing of Figure 3;

Figure 10 provides a schematic diagram showing the wall fixing of Figure 3 in partial cross section when it is secured to a cavity wall to provide an anchor point for securing items to the wall; Figure 1 1 is a front view of a body in accordance with further examples of the invention;

Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the body;

Figure 13 is a front view of non-exhaustive range of interchangeable guide shaft;

Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of the body with the interchangeable guide shaft with one being at the maximum penetration into the body;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the retaining means;

Figure 16 is an expanded perspective view of two of the retaining means assembled on the interchangeable guide shafts which is assembled within a cross sectional view of the body;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the anchor receiving member;

Figure 18 is a front elevation of the axially retracted assembly of the anchor receiving anchor and two of the retaining means assembled on the interchangeable guide shafts which is assembled within a cross sectional view of the body;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the axially extended position of the interchangeable guide shafts, axially extended position of the retaining means and rotatably extended position of retaining means;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of the axially retracted position of the anchor receiving anchor and rotatably extended position of the retaining means drawn towards the body during installation;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of removal process of the interchangeable guide shafts into the fixing device;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of insertion process of the fixing device; Figure 23 is a perspective view of insertion process of the fixing device into a dry-lined structure;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of insertion process of the fixing device into a multi faced-plasterboarded framed structure; and

Figure 25 is perspective view of a non-exhaustive array of embodiments of the current invention of the fixing device; Figure 26 provides a schematic diagram of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 27a provides a schematic diagram of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 27b provides a further view of the wall fixing of Figure 27a; and

Figure 28 provides a schematic diagram of a further elongate pin according to certain embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 a to 1 c provide simplified schematic diagrams showing cross-sectional views of a wall fixing in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 a shows the wall fixing after it has been inserted into an aperture in a wall 100. The wall fixing includes a body 101 , first and second elongate pins 102 103, first and second wall securing members 104 105, and an end fitting 106.

The body 101 is substantially cylindrical in shape for insertion into a corresponding circular aperture formed in the wall 100. The body 101 includes an aperture 107 that extends through the body 101 from a first end to a second end of the body 101 . The aperture 107 is arranged to receive a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or screw, to allow the threaded fastener to be passed through the aperture 107 to engage with the end fitting 106.

The first and second elongate pins 102 103 extend out from the second end of the body 101 . When the wall fixing is located in an aperture in a wall, the elongate pins 102 103 extend towards an inner region of the wall. In the example of a cavity wall, the elongate pins 102 103 extend into the cavity between the outer and inner wall surfaces.

The wall securing members 104 105 extend radially out from the body 101 . The wall securing members 104 105 each include a surface that is arranged to make contact with an inner surface of the wall 100 to secure the wall fixing to the wall 100. Typically, each wall securing member comprises a plate and the surface that is arranged to make contact with an inner surface of the wall 100 is substantially planar.

The end fitting 106 includes a threaded aperture 108 arranged to engage with a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or screw, that is inserted into the wall fixing through the body aperture 107.

The end fitting 106 is slidably connected to the elongate pins 102 103. The first wall securing member 104 is slidably connected to the first elongate pin 102 and the second wall securing member 105 is slidably connected to the second elongate pin 103.

In this embodiment, the slidable connections are provided by the elongate pins 102

103 extending through apertures provided in the respective wall securing members

104 105 and the end fitting 106.

The slidable connections enable the end fitting 106 and wall securing members 104

105 to move along the length of the elongate pins 102 103 in a direction towards or away from the body 101 .

The end fitting 106 is connected to the elongate pins 102 103 at a more distal part of the pins 102 103 than the wall securing members 104 105. This means that displacing the end fitting 106 along the elongate pins 102 103 towards the body 101 causes the end fitting 106 to make contact with and thereby displace the wall securing members 104 105 towards the body 101 .

In use, once the wall fixing has been inserted into an aperture in a wall (as shown in Figure 1 a), a threaded fastener 109 is passed through the body aperture 107 and engages with the end fitting 106 via the threaded aperture 108. This is shown in Figure 1 b.

As the threaded fastener 109 is rotated within the threaded aperture 108, this causes the end fitting 106 to be displaced along the elongate pins 102 103 towards the body 101 . The end fitting 106 makes contact with and displaces the wall securing members 104 105 towards the body 101 . The threaded fastener 109 continues to be rotated until the wall securing members 104 105 make contact with the inner surface of the wall 100. This is shown in Figure 1 c.

In this configuration, the wall fixing is secured to the wall 100 and can be used to provide an anchor point to secure items to the wall 100. When an item is secured to the wall fixing, the load of the item is distributed over the wall 100 by the wall securing members 104 105. This is particularly advantageous when the wall 100 is composed of a less physically resilient material such as plasterboard because it can allow heavier items to be secured to the wall 100 without causing damage to the wall 100.

The wall securing members 104 105 are held in place against the wall 100 by the end fitting 106. This means that the elongate pins 102 103 do not experience a significant amount of force when an item is secured to the wall fixing i.e. they are not substantially load bearing. Rather, the elongate pins 102 103 serve primarily as a guide to enable movement of the wall securing members 104 105 and end fitting 106 relative to the body 101 .

Figures 2a to 2e provide simplified schematic diagrams showing cross-sectional views of a wall fixing in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. The wall fixing substantially corresponds with the wall fixing described with reference to Figures 1 a to 1 c except as otherwise described.

The wall fixing includes a body 201 , first and second elongate pins 202 203, first and second wall securing members 204 205, and an end fitting 206.

The body 201 includes first and second channels 210 21 1 . Each of the channels 210 21 1 is arranged to receive one of the elongate pins 202 203. The elongate pins 202 203 are slidable within the respective channels 210 21 1 relative to the body 201 . The channels 210 21 1 and the elongate pins 202 203 are arranged so that in use the elongate pins 202 203 are prevented from sliding out of the ends of the channels 210 21 1 .

The wall securing members 204 205 are slidably connected to the elongate pins 202 203 and the elongate pins 202 203 are slidable relative to the body 201 within the channels 210 21 1 .

The elongate pins 202 203 and the wall securing members 204 205 are connected such that rotation of each of the elongate pins 202 203 causes corresponding rotation of the associated wall securing member 204 205. In this embodiment, the elongate pins 202 203 have irregular shaped cross sections that cooperate with correspondingly shaped apertures in each of the wall securing members 203 204.

Figure 2a shows the wall fixing in a first configuration after it has been inserted into an aperture in a wall 200. In the first configuration, the wall securing members 204 205 are positioned relative to the body 201 to allow the wall fixing to be inserted into the aperture. In the first configuration, the wall securing members 204 205 do not extend radially out from the body 201 (i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the direction that the body 201 is inserted into the aperture in the wall 200). This provides a smaller cross- section of the wall fixing in the direction that the wall fixing is inserted into an aperture to improve the ease with which the wall fixing can be inserted into an aperture.

In use, the wall fixing in the first configuration is inserted into an aperture in a wall 200 as shown in Figure 2a.

Next, a force is applied to the elongate pins 202 203 in the direction denoted by arrows 212. Typically, the force is applied to the elongate pins 202 203 using a suitably shaped actuation tool. The force displaces the elongate pins 202 203 within the channels 210 21 1 in a direction away from the body 201 . This causes a corresponding displacement of the wall securing members 204 205 away from the body. This is shown in Figure 2b.

Next, the wall fixing is moved into a second configuration by rotating the wall securing members 204 205 relative to the body 201 so that they extend radially out from the body 201 . In the second configuration, which is shown in Figure 2c, the wall securing members 204 205 are positioned relative to the body 201 such that the wall securing members 204 205 can be secured to an inner surface of the wall 200. Typically, the wall securing members 204 205 are moved into the second configuration by rotating the elongate pins 202 203 using an actuation tool as shown by arrows 213.

Next, a threaded fastener 209 is passed through the body aperture 207. The threaded fastener 209 makes contact with the end fitting 206 and displaces the end fitting 206, elongate pins 202 203 and wall securing members 204 205 away from the body 201 . The threaded fastener 209 engages with the end fitting 206 via the threaded aperture 208. This is shown in Figure 2d.

As the threaded fastener 209 is rotated within the threaded aperture 208, this causes the end fitting 206 to be displaced towards the body 201 along the elongate pins 202 203. The movement of the end fitting 206 displaces the wall securing members 204 205 towards the body 201. The threaded fastener 209 continues to be rotated until the wall securing members 204 205 make contact with and are thereby secured against the inner surface of the wall 200. This is shown in Figure 2e.

In this configuration, the wall fixing is secured to the wall 200 and can be used to provide an anchor point to secure items to the wall 200.

Advantageously, as described, the wall fixing has a first“insertion” configuration and a second“fixing” configuration. This can improve the ease with which the wall fixing can be installed. The wall fixing can be moved between the first and second configuration by rotating the elongate pins, typically using a suitable actuation tool.

Due to the slidable connection between the wall securing members 204 205 and the elongate pins 202 203, in the first configuration the wall securing members 204 205 can be offset relative to each other i.e. can be located at a different position along the elongate pins 202 203 relative to the body 201 . This means that the wall securing members 204 205 can have larger surface area because they do not overlap when in the first configuration.

The wall fixing can be conveniently secured to walls having different wall thicknesses because the wall securing members 204 205 are easily displaceable away from the body 201 using the elongate pins 202 203.

Figure 3 provides a schematic diagram of a wall fixing according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The wall fixing substantially corresponds to the wall fixing described with reference to Figures 2a to 2e except as otherwise described. The wall fixing includes a body 301 , first and second elongate pins 302 303, first and second wall securing members 304 305, and an end fitting 306. These components are described in more detail with reference to Figures 6 to 9. The wall fixing is shown in Figure 3 in a second (fixing) configuration and before a threaded fastener has been inserted.

Figures 4a to 4c provide schematic diagrams of the wall fixing of Figure 3 in partial cross section.

Figure 4a shows the end fitting and first wall securing member offset from the body relative to the second wall securing member.

Figure 4b shows the wall fixing in an“insertion” configuration. The end fitting, first wall securing member and second wall securing member are located at a proximal part of the elongate pins (that is, adjacent to the body) and the wall securing members do not extend laterally outwardly from the body.

Figure 4c shows the wall fixing after the elongate pins have been displaced relative to the body and the wall securing members and end fitting have been displaced along the elongate pins. In Figure 4c, the end fitting, first wall securing member and second wall securing member are located at a distal part of the elongate pins (away from the body).

Figures 5a and 5b provide further schematic diagrams of the wall fixing of Figure 3 in partial cross section.

Figure 5a shows the wall fixing in a“fixing” configuration. The wall securing members have been rotated such that they extend radially outwardly from the body.

Figure 5b shows the wall fixing after a threaded fastener 500 has been inserted through the body aperture of the wall fixing and into the end fitting to displace the end fitting and wall securing members towards the body. In this configuration, the wall fixing can be secured to a wall and can provide an anchor point for securing items to the wall. Figure 6 provides a schematic diagram of the first wall securing member 304 of the wall fixing of Figure 3. Typically, the second wall securing member 305 substantially corresponds with the first wall securing member 304.

The wall securing member 304 comprises a plate. A portion of the plate is shaped so that it corresponds in shape with the outer shape of the body 301 . In this example, a portion of the plate is substantially circular in shape to correspond with the substantially circular outer shape of the body 301 . Flowever, it will be understood that in certain embodiments, other shapes can be used for the wall securing member 304.

The plate includes a cut-out region 600. The cut-out region 600 is shaped to accommodate the opposite elongate pin (i.e. the elongate pin that the wall securing member is not connected to) when the wall fixing is rotated from the “insertion” configuration (for example, as shown in Figure 4b) into the“fixing” configuration.

Advantageously, this arrangement can maximise the size of the wall securing member, thereby increasing the area of contact between the wall fixing and the wall.

The wall securing member 304 also includes an elongate pin-receiving aperture 601 . The aperture 601 has a non-symmetrical shape that corresponds with the shape of the elongate pin 302 so that rotation of the pin causes corresponding rotation of the wall securing member. In this embodiment, the aperture 601 is substantially circular in shape and at least a portion of the circumference of the circle includes a straight (chorded) portion.

Figure 7 provides a schematic diagram of the first elongate pin 302 of the wall fixing of Figure 3. The second elongate pin typically corresponds with the first elongate pin 302. Figure 7 also shows a further elongate pin 702 that can be used as an alternative to the elongate pin 302.

The shape of the elongate pin 302 substantially corresponds with that of the aperture 601 of the wall securing member 304. This allows the wall securing member 304 to slide along the elongate pin 302. This also allows rotation of the elongate pin 302 to cause corresponding rotation of the wall securing member 304.

The elongate pin includes first and second ends 700 701 . Each of the ends includes an abutment region. The abutment region is arranged to contact a corresponding abutment region at each end of the channel that the elongate pin is arranged to slide within. This ensures that in use the elongate pin 302 is retained within the channel.

The first end 700 includes a slot. The slot is shaped to receive an actuation tool, such as a screwdriver, to be used to displace the elongate pin within the channel and to rotate the pin relative to the body.

The second end 701 includes a further slot. The further slot typically extends deeper into the elongate pin 302 than the first slot 700. The further slot is arranged to allow the second end 701 to be deformed radially inwardly, typically by a user, to reduce the width of the second end 701 . Deforming the second end 701 in this way allows the elongate pin 302 to be inserted into or removed from the channel by a user.

The further elongate pin 702 substantially corresponds with the elongate pin 302 except in that it has a greater length. Providing a longer elongate pin 702 enables the wall fixing to be secured to wall with a greater wall thickness.

In certain embodiments, the elongate pins can be inserted into and/or removed from the channel, for example by a user. This allows a user to select an appropriate length of elongate pin based on the thickness of wall that the fixing is to be secured to. In certain embodiments, the wall fixing is provided as a kit of parts for assembly, or partial assembly, by a user. The kit can include one or more threaded fasteners. In such a kit, multiple lengths of elongate pin can be provided. Advantageously, the same sized body can be used to secure the wall fixing to a range a wall thicknesses.

Figure 28 provides a schematic diagram of a further elongate pin 2800 that can be used according to certain embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 28, the elongate pin 2800 has a substantially circular cross section with two straight (i.e. chorded) portions 2801 2802. As described herein, in use the elongate pin 2800 is connected to a wall securing member that has a corresponding shaped aperture so that the wall securing member can slide up and down the elongate pin 2800 and so that rotation of the pin causes corresponding rotation of the wall securing member.

Figure 8 provides a schematic diagram of the end fitting 306 of the wall fixing of Figure 3.

The end fitting 306 includes a plate. The plate includes first and second elongate pin receiving apertures 801 802. The pin receiving apertures 801 802 are substantially circular in a shape. The plate is slidable along the elongate pins via the apertures 801 802. The plate also includes a threaded aperture 800 for engaging with a corresponding threaded fastener.

Figure 9 provides a schematic diagram of the body 301 of the wall fixing of Figure 3. The body 301 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The body 301 includes a substantially cylindrical outer body wall portion. It will be understood that in certain embodiments, a different shaped body can be provided, for example, a substantially square body.

The outer body wall portion includes a radially outwardly extending wing portion 903. The wing portion 903 is shaped to cut into the wall when the body 301 is inserted into an aperture to secure the body 301 relative to the wall and help prevent rotation of the body 301 in the wall. In certain embodiments, several wing portions can be provided spaced apart around the outer body wall portion.

An end of the body includes an abutment surface 904. The abutment surface 904 extends around at least a portion of the end of the body 301 . The abutment surface 904 is arranged to prevent over-insertion of the body 301 into the wall. In use, the abutment surface 904 holds the body 301 in place relative to the outer surface of the wall as the wall securing members are secured to the inside surface of the wall.

The body includes first and second pin receiving channels 901 902. The channels 901 902 include abutment surfaces at each end that provide stops to retain the elongate pins within the channels 901 902. Figure 10 provides a schematic diagram showing the wall fixing of Figure 3 in partial cross section when it is secured to a cavity wall to provide an anchor point for securing items to the wall. The cavity wall includes inner and outer wall structures 1001 1002 separated by a gap.

The body 301 is located within an aperture in the wall. A threaded fastener 1001 , which in this example is a bolt, extends through the body 301. The threaded fastener 1000 is engaged with the end fitting. The end fitting is holding the wall securing members against the inner surface of the outer wall structure 1002.

In certain embodiments, one or more components of the wall fixing are composed of metal. For example, in certain embodiments the end fitting and/or the wall securing members are composed of metal. Advantageously, in certain embodiments the substantially load bearing components of the wall fixing can be composed of metal and the remaining components can be composed of plastic. This can reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing the wall fixing, while also providing a wall fixing that can support a large load.

In certain embodiments, the body can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing technique.

In certain embodiments, the end fitting does not include a threaded aperture. In such embodiments, the end fitting instead includes a region that is pierceable by a threaded fastener, such as a screw, that is inserted through the body. This provides a self tapping wall fixing that can be used with a range of threaded fasteners. In such embodiments, the end fitting can be composed of a material such as plastic to facilitate piercing.

In certain embodiments, different shapes and/or configurations of the end fitting and wall securing member can be provided.

In certain embodiments, the elongate pins have a substantially square shape and the pin-receiving apertures of the wall securing members have a corresponding shape. Figure 26 provides a schematic diagram of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention. The wall fixing substantially corresponds with the wall fixing described with reference to Figure 3 except as otherwise described. For clarity, in Figure 26 an end fitting is not shown and only a single elongate pin 2601 and wall securing member 2602 are shown (alongside body 2600 and threaded fastener 2603).

The body aperture of the wall fixing is arranged so that when the threaded fastener 2603 is inserted into the body aperture, the threaded fastener 2603 is positioned to act as a physical stop to prevent over rotation of the wall securing member 2602 relative to the body 2600 (i.e. motion beyond a desired position of the wall securing member 2602 relative to the body 2600 when the wall securing member 2602 is used to secure the wall fixing to a wall).

The wall securing member 2602 is shown in Figure 26 in a position where further rotation is prevented as a result of the contact between the wall securing member 2602 and the threaded fastener 2603. Typically, the wall securing member 2602 is rotated approximately 90 degrees into the desired fixing position before it makes contact with the threaded fastener 2603.

The contact between the threaded fastener 2603 and the wall securing member 2602 also holds the wall securing member 2602 in a substantially perpendicular plane relative to the body 2600. This ensures that substantially planar contact is made between the wall securing member 2602 and a surface of a wall that the wall securing member is secured to.

Figure 27a provides a schematic diagram of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention. The wall fixing substantially corresponds with the wall fixing described with reference to Figure 26 except as otherwise described. The wall fixing includes a body 2700, elongate pin 2701 , wall securing member 2702 and threaded fastener 2703.

The wall securing member 2702 has a narrowed edge region that is shaped to interact with the threaded fastener 2703. The edge region is shaped to be located within the thread of the threaded fastener 2703 when the wall securing member 2702 is rotated into the fixing position relative to the body 2700.

Figure 27b provides a further view of the wall fixing of Figure 27a showing the edge region 2704 of the wall securing member 2702 located within the thread of the threaded fastener 2703. Similar to the wall fixing described with reference to Figure 26, the interaction between the wall securing member 2702 and the threaded fastener 2703 prevents the wall securing member 2702 from being rotated beyond a desired fixing position and also holds the wall securing member 2702 in a substantially planar orientation relative to the body 2700.

The following provides a further description of wall fixings, and techniques of using wall fixings, in accordance with examples of the invention.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device for securing into a hole in plasterboard or panel surface, comprising: a single body having an anchor receiving passage, a non-load bearing interchangeable guide shaft provided within a single piece body being substantially non-cylindrical (i.e. a cylinder with a chorded flat along the predominant length of the shaft) and rotatably and longitudinally displaceable within said body. Guide shafts incorporate an axial movement limiting stop at the distal locations of said guide shafts. Each interchangeable guide shaft comprises an interlocking retaining member that is uncoupled to the guide shaft axially but rotationally constrained to said guide shaft and an anchor receiving member that is rotatably uncoupled and axially uncoupled from said guide shaft to said distal stops contained therein.

The guide shaft is configured to be rotatably movable between a retracted position, in which the device can be removably insertable into a pre-formed hole and an extended position, in which the fixing device is retainable in said hole. Each interchangeable guide shaft comprises an overlapping retaining member that is rotatably coupled to the guide shaft but axially uncoupled upto the guide shafts distal stop, and an anchor receiving member, perpendicularly controlled to the aperture axis, axially constrained by the said guide shaft distal stop but rotationally uncoupled. The single body provides for the minimum wall passage that can be accommodated and the interchangeable guide shafts provide the plurality of passages thereafter. It is envisaged that in the preferred embodiment, a range of passages between 9.5mm and 32.5mm can be accommodated within one embodiment of the design.

The fixing device may be operated, once it has been inserted into a hole in a structure, by inserting the threaded anchor (or suitable insertion tool) into the anchor receiving passage which in turn axially displaces the overlapping retaining members and anchor receiving member from their axially retracted position to their axially extended position within the construction. The axial displacement is limited by the distal stop contained within the interchangeable guide shaft.

For instance, a hole may be drilled in a plasterboard construction for insertion of the fixing device axially therein. The fixing device may be inserted into the hole from the front face of the plasterboard. The interlocking retaining member and anchor receiving member are axially moved to their extended position from the front face, such that the retaining members and anchor receiving members are behind the rear face of the construction. Rotating the guide shaft independently causes the interlocking retaining members to move from its retracted position (i.e. its insertion position, in which it sits within the axial profile of the body) to its extended position (in which it projects radially away from the body). In the extended position, the retaining means therefore substantially inhibits 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. The retaining anchor is inserted into the anchor receiving passage in the body and rotated onto the anchor receiving member that is located behind the rear face of the plasterboard. As the anchor is rotated, the anchor forcibly rotates the interlocking members diametrically apart thereby achieving optimal load carrying separation. As the anchor is further rotated is combines coaxially with the anchor receiving member, relative to the anchor axis, and the anchor receiving member then draws each of the anchor retaining members onto the planar surface of the rear face of the plasterboard along the interchangeable guide shafts. This activation provides a substantial clamping force to the anchor retaining members to the rear face of the plasterboard wall and provides a means to ensure a planar contact between the anchor receiving member and the rear face of the plasterboard wall as there are no component tolerances to consider. The anchor has an interference connection with the retaining members so that the retaining member is maintained at 90 degrees to the anchor. In some embodiments, the retaining member edge can be housed into the thread form of the anchor.

The body of the fixing is manufactured as single piece design which is consistent across all passage depths, thereby, assembly is simpler and manufacturing costs reduced. Similarly, the non-load bearing guide shafts are simple to interchange into the body so may be manufactured from non-metallic materials, namely plastics. This significantly decreases manufacturing costs and assembly complexities. Prior art limits the axial movement of the fixing to within the inner and outer bodies of the fixing, thereby limiting the axial range to 7mm. This design ensures that a new fixing design is required for passages greater than 16.5mm. The retaining members planar contact to the rear face of the plasterboard wall of the current art is controlled by the close precision tolerance of the machined shafts axial limit features relative to the retaining members and the body. Assembly and machine tolerances associated with this approach results in one or more the retaining members contacting the rear face of the plasterboard in a range of oblique planes, thereby reducing the contact cross sectional area and subsequent reduction in load carry capability.

The fixing device may be a single unit, or a kit of individual pieces, comprising: a body, an interchangeable actuation member (which comprises the interchangeable guide shaft rotatably coupled and axially decoupled to the retaining member, as described above, and an anchor receiving member rotatably and axially decoupled to the guide shaft distal stops). The fixing device may be suitable for securing into structures other than plasterboard, such as wall and ceiling panel systems of all construction type and passage depths, i.e. flame retardant panels, multi-board wall configurations, dry-lining, insulated plasterboard, masonry brick and concrete block walls. The fixing device may be suitable for securing significant loads in a vertical wall or ceiling. The fixing device may be releasably securable, such that it may be reused.

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. The retaining members may be substantially overlapping and may be substantially cylindrical to maximise the planar contact surface area of the retaining members and the rear face of the construction when inserted into a circular hole, thereby achieving maximum friction between fixing device and structure for preventing relative movement.

The body may have an insertion diameter between approximately 12mm and 22mm. The depth of the body may match a standard thickness of the narrowest commercially available plasterboard, i.e. 9.5mm. All other cavity wall covering thicknesses are accommodated within the non-load bearing interchangeable guide shaft length, i.e. dry-lining, single plasterboard, single plasterboard with skim finish, double plasterboard, double plasterboard with skim finish, etc. A single device will accommodate all wall thicknesses between 9.5mm to 32.5mm such that the body will neither be proud of, nor recessed in, the surface of the construction, when in use. However, it is envisaged that a body having a given depth may be used on any thickness of plasterboard, as the range of thickness of plasterboards is accommodated by differing length of interchangeable guide shafts. It is envisaged that all other aspects of the fixing would remain consistent.

The diameter 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 passage, but also a larger body. The body accommodates a means to provide an axial guide for the anchor through the fixing device an is substantially non-load bearing.

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

The body may further comprise anti-rotation means for preventing rotation of the fixing device about an axis parallel to that of the anchor receiving aperture during anchor insertion. The anti-rotation means may comprise a plurality of wings extending 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 to 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 to approximately 3mm with a corresponding width of upto 2mm. The wings may be oblique to the axial plane of the body to aid installation into the structure and to promote the cutting of grooves within the plasterboard for optimal frictional properties and limit surface damage to the construction.

The anchor receiving passage may be a hole suitable for receiving an anchor therein. The anchor receiving passage is distinct from the interchangeable guide shaft apertures. The anchor receiving passage may be between 2.5mm and 10mm in diameter. The anchor receiving passage may be predominately the same external diameter as a threaded anchor or the shaft diameter of a self-tapping screw anchor. The anchor receiving passage may be predominantly smooth, with a single or plurality of thread forms of the receiving anchor at the anchor insertion point for insertion of a complementary anchor such as a bolt or screw. The thread form may be integrally moulded with the body. A threaded screw (i.e. self-tapping) could cut into an internal wall of the anchor receiving passage, thereby producing a complementary internal thread. The anchor receiving passage may be located centrally in the body. The anchor receiving passage is used substantially to provide a guide for the anchor and to keep the anchor axial with the fixing device to aid alignment and is substantially non-load bearing.

The anchor may be a plurality of screwed and threaded components used for fixing any items to the fixing device. In the preferred embodiment, the anchor receiving passage may be partially threaded to provide a guide for the receiving anchor.

The body may have a radially protruding edge from the front face of the body by between 0.7mm and 5.0mm to prevent over insertion of the body into the wall surface. The radially protruding edge may be substantially circular face of the body, for instance the front face.

The body may have a substantially circular cross-section, for axial insertion of the interchangeable guide shaft therein, which may provide free rotation of the guide shaft within the passage. The body may have a diameter of between 2.6mm and 6.1 mm or combinations of diameters thereof, i.e. through a counterbore design. The counterbore depth may be between 1.0mm to 8.0mm. Insertion of the interchangeable guide shaft into the body may be via a press-fit from the front face of the body. The interchangeable guide shaft may be inserted until the larger diameter head of the interchangeable guide shaft is flush with the front face of the body and the interchangeable guide shaft protrudes from the rear face of the body by a plurality of lengths dependent upon the body apertures and guide shaft dimensions. The shaft may, therefore, be maintained within the body due to a larger diameter of the interchangeable guide shaft head compared to the aperture within the body. Free rotation of the shaft within the aperture may be provided. In this way, it may be possible to couple the shaft to the retaining means after inserting the interchangeable guide shaft into the body.

The interchangeable guide shaft may have a diameter of between 2.0mm and 6.0mm. The larger diameter head at the distal point of the shaft will be upto 1 5mm larger than the corresponding shaft diameter. The shaft may have a diameter 0.1 mm less than the diameter of the body. The shaft may have a length chosen to correspond to the depth of the construction, i.e. 17.5mm, 35mm, 50mm, 65mm etc. The shaft may be of plastics material, preferably by moulding, or from any ferrous and non-ferrous metals, white metal alloys, etc. In one embodiment, the shaft may be 35mm long, for a body of depth of 10mm providing a plurality of passages of 9.5mm to 32.5mm. The interchangeable guide shaft, in a preferred embodiment, the shaft is substantially non- cylindrical encompassing one or more chorded flat surfaces along at least a substantial part of its length and is smooth along at least a substantial part of its length. The chorded flat surface, in one of the embodiments, is 2.5mm across on a 3.5mm nominal diameter interchangeable guide shaft. The interchangeable guide shaft may have limiting means for limiting relative axial movement of the shaft within the body. The limiting means may be a limiting apparatus or through a stop located at the distal points of the shaft. The limiting means may only partially limit relative axial movement preventing the shaft from being removed from the body but allow free axial movement of components assembled to said shafts between the limiting means contained within the shaft.

For instance, at the front end of the interchangeable guide shaft opposite the anchor receiving passage may be located an approximately cylindrical body, co-axial with the interchangeable guide shaft and having a diameter larger than that of the interchangeable guide shaft. The hole of the retaining means and the flange of the shaft arrangement may be configured to be counter bore. A corresponding counter bore located within the body at a diameter 0.1 mm larger than the corresponding larger diameter head of the interchangeable guide shaft with an axial depth equal to or larger than the thickness of the larger diameter of said interchangeable guide shaft. Alternatively, or in addition, the limiting means may be a modification to the distal end of the interchangeable guide shaft, incorporating a compression feature that allows the effective diameter of the shaft to be temporarily reduced to aide installation of the retaining member and anchor receiving member. Once the members are installed, the effective shaft diameter returns to nominal dimensions, which exceeds the apertures provided within said members. In a preferred embodiment, with an interchangeable guide shaft of nominal diameter of 3.5mm, a 3.7mm diameter shaft in incorporated into the distal end of the shaft. A slot with a depth of 2mm and a width of 1 mm is incorporated with oblique entry and exit profiles. As the members are installed onto the tapered shaft, the outer diameter constricts allowing the members to be axially installed onto the shaft. Once said members move beyond the constriction, the shaft returns to its uncompressed diameter, thereby creating an axial limit stop on the shaft. The assembled members can, therefore, be easily removed by the application of a coaxial force perpendicular to the enlarged head groove, thereby compressing said enlarged head to a diameter less than the corresponding retaining means apertures and anchor retaining means aperture, enabling said means to be retracted from said shafts and said shaft extracted from the body.

Alternatively, a 1 .55mm diameter hole located 2.0mm from the distal end of the interchangeable guide shaft provided with a spring pin with a length of 6.0mm. Alternatively, a non-helical, circumferential, annular or ring-like groove around the interchangeable guide shaft provided with a spring-clip or circlip engaged therein. The groove may have a depth based on commercially available spring-clips. The spring pin, spring-clip or circlip may be manufactured from plastic material, carbon steel that is phosphate and oil finished. The spring-clip, circlip, nut, or other limiting means may be removable from the interchangeable guide shaft and the shaft exchanged for one of differing lengths thereby accommodating further plurality of passages.

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, TORQ® or similar screw drive.

The retaining means may be rotatably movable between the retracted position and the extended position by axial rotation of the shaft within the passage. The retaining means may be axially uncoupled to the protruding interchangeable guide shaft at the rear face of the body, thereby allowing axial movement of said 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 and enables the interchangeable guide shaft to be easily exchanged. The interchangeable guide shafts, in this present invention, are non-load bearing allowing a plurality of material to be used for their construction.

The retaining means may comprise a chorded hole for receiving the predominantly chorded interchangeable guide shaft, with the chorded hole being approximately 0.1 mm larger than the corresponding interchangeable guide shaft to allow the retaining means uncoupled axial movement along the interchangeable guide shaft but allow rotational movement through activation of the shafts from the retracted position to the extended position.

The retaining means may be manufactured from plastics, ferrous and non-ferrous metals with appropriate anti-corrosion coatings to prevent corrosion. The interchangeable guide shaft may be made from plastics as well as ferrous and non- ferrous metals due to the shaft being non-load bearing.

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 of predominantly circular cross section area approximately equal to that of the body. The flat arm may have a thickness of upto 3.0mm. The flat arm may be configured to substantially overlap the opposite flat arm, thereby significantly increasing the planar contact area of the fixing device to the rear face of the plasterboard. In the preferred embodiment , the arm may be configured for cutting into thermal insulation (e.g. Polystyrene, rockwool, etc) behind plasterboard, such as by having a sharp faced radial cutting hook. The arm may have a surface area, for contact with a planar surface, of between approximately 30% and 100% of the axial cross-sectional area of the body of the fixing device and approximately equal to 160% 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 30% to 100% 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 200mm 2 and 800mm 2, and a thickness of between 1 2mm and 3.0mm.

The fixing device may have: a body provided with an anchor receiving passage and one of more shaft receiving apertures: a shaft provided within each or only some of the apertures, the shafts being rotatably and axially movable within their respective apertures and retaining means coupled to each shaft and configured to be axially movable between a respective extended position and retracted position relative to plasterboard wall thickness. The shaft rotatably configured in which the device is retainable in a hole, and a respective retracted position, in which the fixing device is removably insertable into said hole. 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 160% the cross-sectional area of the body of the fixing device.

Each retaining means may be a substantially flat arm, 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 substantially 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 prior art. Furthermore, both of the substantially flat arms may be further configured to be movable into and out of a plane coincident with the body.

The anchor retaining means may comprise a hole for receiving the interchangeable guide shaft, with the hole being 0.1 mm larger than the corresponding interchangeable guide shaft to allow the said shaft free rotation within the anchor retaining means. The anchor retaining means is free to axially move along the length of the protruded interchangeable shaft guide between the axial stop located at both distal ends of the said shaft. The anchor retaining means is maintained in a coaxial plane to the anchor simplifying alignment.

The anchor retaining means may be substantially flat arm for planar contact with the retaining means of the fixing device. The planar contact area of the anchor retaining means and the retaining means is between 20 mm2 and 100 mm2 in the retaining means extended position. The fixing device may be secured more effectively, by spreading any applied load over a larger clamping area than prior art. Furthermore, the anchor retaining means prevents out of plane movement of the retaining means coincident with the body as load is applied to the fixing device. The anchor receiving means may consist of an anchor receiving aperture of internal threaded construction or pilot hole for self-tapping screw anchors. The anchor retaining means may consist of interchangeable guide shaft apertures of a larger diameter than the said shaft. The anchor retaining means may be manufactured from plastics and ferrous and non- ferrous metals with appropriate anti-corrosion coatings to prevent corrosion. The anchor retaining means may have a thickness of 0.8mm to 3mm. The anchor retaining means may be cylindrical but other shapes are envisaged. The anchor retaining means may be configured to be moveable into and out of a plane coincident with the body.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, the fixing device may be assembled by:

Providing a body having an anchor receiving passage that extends within the body, an interchangeable guide shaft having an enlarged head with actuation means within the body and extends beyond the rear face of the body. An axially uncoupled, rotationally coupled overlapping retaining means is assembled to each extending shaft, with full overlapping of each retaining means, and an anchor retaining means that is axially and rotationally uncoupled but coaxial to the body. The distal end of each shaft having a compression embodiment permitting the retaining means and anchor retaining means to compress the outer diameter of the interchangeable guide shaft allowing assembly of said means on the shaft prior to the said shaft diameter restoring back to said shafts interference diameter, thus providing an axial stop to the retaining means and the anchor receiving means. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the fixing device may be assembled by: inserting the interchangeable guide shaft into the body aperture until the shaft larger diameter head is flush with the front face of the body. The retaining means is then press-fit onto each the extended shafts with the retaining means overlapping each other such that in the retracted position they are within the body diameter of the fixing device. The interchangeable guide shaft compression feature can be compressed though a compression actuator and anchor retaining means and retaining means removed and said shafts exchanged.

Figure 1 1 shows the first embodiment of the body 1 , of the fixing device. The body is of substantially cylindrical form have a depth of approximately 10mm and may have a diameter of 22mm. It is envisaged that the diameter may increase or decrease dependent upon the load carrying requirement of each fixing device. The body includes an anchor receiving passage, 2, which passes axially through the body and used for the purposes of guiding the anchor through the body. The anchor receiving passage 2, consists of an aperture substantially that of the diameter of the anchor. The anchor receiving aperture is substantially internally smooth and substantially circular in the cross section. The anchor receiving passage, 2, may contain an internal diameter 3, equal to the root diameter of the anchor that may be internally threaded or self-cut by the anchor. The body includes shaft apertures, 4,5 which extend through the body with a variety of diameters to suit the interchangeable guide shafts (not shown in figure 1 1 ). The shaft apertures 4,5, are positioned diametrically opposite one another, are internally smooth and substantially circular in cross section. The shaft apertures, 4,5 consist of a counterbore design, 17, 18 (not shown in this figure) to accommodate the interchangeable guide shafts enlarged heads and provides an axial limiting stop to said shafts in the extended position. The body, 1 , has engagement face, 6, that is substantially cylindrical form and has a depth approximately 1.5mm and a diameter of upto approximately 6mm larger than the body 1 , diameter. This engagement face, 6, prevents over insertion of the body, 1 into the wall construction (not shown in this figure). Anti-rotation wings, 7,8 extend radially away from the engagement face, 6, to thus create friction with the surface of the structure (not shown in this figure) into which the body, 1 is engaged. The wings may be oblique relative to the body 1 , axial axis, increasing the antirotation properties. The wings, 7,8 may extend radially away from the outer surface of the body 1 , to a distance not exceeding 3mm with a corresponding width of 2mm. Radial apertures, 1 1 ,12, of substantially arc form around the body 1 , centreline passes axially through the body, 1 . This may provide manufacturing savings through material usage reductions. Radial aperture, 1 1 , 12 may leave a corresponding wall thickness, 13, 14, 15, of not less than 1 mm to the corresponding shaft apertures and anchor receiving passage.

Figure 12 shows the first embodiment of the body 1 , of the fixing device sectioned across the centerline. The body 1 , includes an anchor receiving passage, 2, which passes axially through the body 1 , and used for the purposes of guiding the anchor through the body. The anchor receiving passage 2, consists of an aperture substantially that of the diameter of the anchor. The anchor receiving passage, 2, may contain an internal diameter 3, equal to the root diameter of the anchor that may be internally threaded or self-cut by the anchor. The body includes shaft apertures, 4,5 which extend through the body with a variety of diameters to suit the interchangeable guide shafts (not shown in figure). The shaft apertures, 4,5 consist of a counterbore design to accommodate the enlarged heads of the shafts (not shown in this figure). The counterbore depth 17,18, may have a depth equal to the depth of the shafts enlarged head (not shown) or upto approximately 8mm.

Figure 13 shows various embodiments of the non-load bearing interchangeable guide shaft, 19, 20. The guide shaft is substantially non-cylindrical in form with an extended flat surface, 23,24 along a substantial section of the shaft. The interchangeable guide shaft may have a diameter of between 2.5 mm and 6mm. The interchangeable guide shafts 19,20, may have an enlarged activation head, 25,26. The enlarged head, 25,26 may have an activation apparatus enabling activation rotatably around the interchangeable guide shaft, 19, 20 axis. In one particular embodiment the activation is created by a slot, 32. The enlarged activation head limits axial displacement of the shaft 19,20 within the body to the depth of the associated counterbore (not shown in this figure). The enlarged activation head, 25,26, may be approximately 1 5mm larger than the corresponding shaft diameter and a depth of approximately 1 mm to 3mm. The interchangeable guide shaft has a cylindrical form, 27, 28, beneath the enlarged head for insertion into the body, 1 (not shown in this figure). The depth of the cylindrical form, 27, 28, is proportion to the depth of the counterbore, 17, 18 in body 1 (not shown in this figure). The interchangeable guide shaft, 19,20, may have a length chosen to correspond to the depth of the hollow wall construction, i.e. 17.5mm (19), 35mm (20), 50mm, 65mm etc. (not shown in this figure). The interchangeable guide shafts, 19,20, may be of plastics material, preferably by moulding, or from any ferrous and non-ferrous metals, white metal alloys, ceramics, woods, lignocellulosic materials, etc. In one embodiment, the shaft may be 17.5mm long, for a body of depth of 10mm providing a plurality of passages of 8.5mm to 16mm. This embodiment would be specific for wall constructions in which there is limited distance between the front face of the masonry wall and the corresponding adhered plasterboard (not show in this figure). In another embodiment, the interchangeable guide shaft 20, may be 35mm long, for a body of depth of 10mm providing a plurality of passages of 8.5mm to 32.5mm. This embodiment would be specific for most wall constructions comprises a single or plurality of plasterboard wall constructions (not shown in this figure) constructed on a timber or metal framework. All other fixing device components (not shown in this figure) remain consistent. At the distal end of the interchangeable guide shaft 19,20, may have an enlarged head 29,31. The enlarged head, 29, 31 , may consist of a slot, 30 of approximately 2mm deep and 1 mm wide. The distal end of the shaft is oblique, 41 ,42 to the shaft axis to allow smaller diameter components, i.e. retaining means and anchor receiving means (not shown) to compress the enlarged head, 29,31 , temporarily reducing the nominal shaft diameter permitting the retaining means and anchor receiving means to be installed onto the guide shaft, 19,20 but then axially constrained. Once the retaining means and anchor retaining means are assembled, the guide shaft returns to nominal diameter, thereby creating an axial stop for the assemble component. To remove the shaft, compression apparatus will be employed to compress the distal end of the shaft, thereby permitting the retaining means and anchor receiving means to be removed from said shaft. A second embodiment on shaft 33, is a non-helical, circumferential, annular or ring-like groove, 34, around the interchangeable guide shaft, 33 provided with a spring-clip 35 creates an end stop for the axial movement of the fixing assembly (not shown in this figure). The groove 34, dimensions will be based on commercially available spring-clips, 35. The interchangeable guide shaft, 33, can be simply removed and replaced with alternative length shafts by removing the spring-clip, 35 and withdrawing the shaft from the fixing device (not shown) and replacing it with a suitable shaft length for the given wall construction (not shown). Figure 14 shows the embodiment of the interchangeable guide shaft, 20a, 20b in a cross sectioned view of the body 1. Interchangeable guide shaft 20a is depicted at its axially extended position, 36, highlighting the enlarged activation head, 26a, 26b, and the axial stop created by the counterbore 17, 18 feature. Interchangeable guide shaft, 20b is depicted at it retracted position, 37, within body 1 . Rotation activation of the interchangeable guide shafts, 20a, 20b, is through screw drive slots, 32a, 32b, in the enlarged head, 26a, 26b.

Figure 15 shows the embodiment of the retaining means 38. The retaining means, 38, may be substantially cylindrical in form with a diameter equal to the diameter of the body, 1 , and a depth of 0.8mm to 2.0mm. The retaining means, 38, includes an interchangeable guide shaft passage, 39, which passes axially through the body and used for the purposes of guiding the retaining means, 38, through the wall cavity. The passage, 39, may be a flat edged hole providing the means to be rotatably activated but unconstrained in the longitudinal axis. The retaining means, 38, may incorporate a hook form, 40. The hook form, 40, may allow the retaining means, 38, to be housed in the rotatably retracted position (not shown in this figure). The hook form, may be sharp edged enabling cutting of the wall insulation (not shown in this figure).

Figure 16 shows the cross-sectional view of embodiments described thus far. The interchangeable guide shafts, 20a, 20b, are inserted into the body 1 shaft apertures, 4,5 and are shown in their respective axially retracted position, 37a, 37b. The retaining means, 38a, 38b, are depicted in the axially retracted position, 37a, 37b, and the rotatably retracted position, 38a-1 , 38b-1 . Rotation of the retaining means 38a, 38b, is limited by the diametrically opposite interchangeable guide shaft, 20b, 20a, respectively, through the hook form, 40a, 40b within the retaining means, 38a, 38b. The feature positions the retaining means, 38a, 38b, to the insertion position, i.e. within the diameter of the body 1 , enabling installation into the wall construction (not shown). The interchangeable guide shaft, 20a, 20b, prevents unintended rotation of the retaining means, 38a, 38b through the friction created by the flat face, 24a, 24b within the interchangeable shaft guide 20a, 20b. Axial movement of the retaining means, 38a, 38b, may be limited by the enlarged compressive shaft head, 31 a, 31 b. Rotation activation of the interchangeable guide shafts, 20a, 20b, is through screw drive slots, 32a, 32b.

Figure 17 shows the perspective view of the embodiment of the anchor receiving means 43. The anchor receiving means, 43, may be substantially, but not limited to, cylindrical in form, have a depth of 1 mm to 5mm and may have a diameter equal or less than the diameter of the body. The anchor receiving means may include an anchor receiving aperture, 44, which passes axially through the centre of the anchor receiving means, 43. The anchor receiving aperture, 44 may be internally threaded to accept the anchor such as a threaded screw (not shown) or self-cut through a screwed anchor. The anchor receiving aperture, 44 may be an interference hole for self-tapping screw anchors (not shown). The anchor receiving means, 44, includes interchangeable guide shaft passages, 45,46, passing axially through the anchor receiving means 43. The interchangeable guide shaft passages, 45,46 are substantially internally smooth and substantially circular in the cross section. The interchangeable guide shaft passages, 45,46 have a diameter larger than the interchangeable guide shafts, 20a, 20b (not shown) to permit the said shaft to freely rotate within shaft passages, 45, 46.

Figure 18 shows the front view embodiments described thus far. The figure shows two embodiments of the fixing design. The first embodiment depicts the approximately 35mm interchangeable guide shafts, 20a, 20b, in their axially retracted position, 37a, 37b. The second embodiment depicts the 17.5mm interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b, in their axially retracted position. Both embodiments depict the fixing device in the construction insertable position, i.e. the rotatably retracted position and axially retracted positions of the retaining arms, 38a, 38b and the anchor receiving means, 43a, 43b.

Figure 19 shows the perspective view of the fixing device in the extended axial position and extended rotatable position, 38a-2, 38b-2. Fixing device is in the axially installed position within a given structure with body 1 flush with the front face of the construction (not shown in this figure). The retaining means, 38a, 38b, are rotatably activated through the interchangeable guide shafts, 20a, 20b. The anchor retaining means, 43, is co-axial with the anchor passage, 2, and aligned to accept the anchor. Figure 20 shows the perspective view of the fixing device in two embodiments of the fixing device installed and load bearing position. The retaining means 38a, 38b, are diametrically opposite and held within their respective rotatably extended position, 38a-3, 38b-3 by the anchor (not shown). As the anchor is rotatably inserted into the anchor receiving means, 43, the anchor receiving means is drawn axially towards the body, 1. As the anchor receiving means is drawn axially, it contacts the retaining means, 38a, 38b and axially draws each means substantially simultaneously towards the rear face of the construction position 43-2 (not shown). Different construction profiles can be accommodated within the non-load bearing interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b, 20a, 20b.

Figure 21 shows the installation and removal process of the interchangeable guide shafts 20a, 20b. The interchangeable guide shaft, 20a, 20b, consists of a diametrically compressible enlarged head, 31 a, 31 b. The diameter of said shaft can be constricted through application of an axial force applied to the oblique profiles, 41 a, 41 b to the enlarged head, 31 a, 31 b of the shaft. Said axial force provides a compression of said shaft to reduce the shaft diameter to a diameter smaller than or equal to that of the retaining means, 38a, 38b, and anchor retaining means, 43. This permits the retaining means, 38a, 38b and anchor retaining means, 43, to be axially assembled to said shaft. The interchangeable guide shaft, 20a, can be withdrawn for the anchor retaining means, 43, the retaining means, 38a, 38b and body 1 , through application of an co axial force perpendicular to the groove, 30a. This application of force reduces the diameter of the enlarged head, 31 a, 31 b allowing is to pass through said fixing device. Reassembly with alternative interchangeable shaft guide, 19a, 19b (not shown in this figure) is through axial insertion of said the shaft through the fixing device. The interchangeable guide shaft, 20a, is inserted into the body, 1 . Said shaft freely passes through body, 1 , to the depth of the counterbore, 17, 18 (not shown in this figure). Axial force is applied and the enlarged head, 31 a, and the oblique profile 41 a, temporarily constricts the enlarged head, 31 a, to a diameter equal to or less than the guide shaft passage 4,5 within the body, 1 . The guide shaft, 20a, protrudes from body, 1 , and is axially free to move within the body, 1 , to the enlarged head, 26a, at the distal end of the shaft, 20a. The retaining means, 38a, 38b, and anchor retaining means, 43, are assembled to the shaft in same said process. Figure 22 shows the insertion of one embodiment of the fixing device. The fixing device is in the axially retracted and rotatably retracted position, i.e. the insertion position, figure 22A. The body 1 , is forcibly inserted into a construction (not shown). The enlarged head, 6, of the body 1 , prevents over insertion of body 1 , into a given construction. The wings, 7,8,9, 10 (plurality of wings not shown) limit rotation of the body, 1 , when inserted into the construction. Anchor 47, or suitable alternative activation device is inserted into the anchor receiving passage internal thread form, 3, and rotatably activated, figure 22B. As the anchor, 47, is rotatably activated, said anchor, 47, axially moves towards the rear face of the body, 1 , in which it comes in planar contact with the retaining means, 38b to position 38b-1 . The anchor 47, is further rotated and the retaining means 38a, 38b and the anchor receiving means, 43, are axially displaced in the construction cavity until the retaining means, 38a, 38a are clear of the rear face of the construction, position 38a-1 , 38b-1. The enlarged head 31 a, 31 b of the interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b, create an axial limit stop preventing the retaining means, 38a, 38b and anchor receiving means, 43, from being removed from the interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b and the counterbore, 17, 18, create an axial limit stop restricting the interchangeable guide shafts in the axial direction. The anchor, 47, is then rotatably retracted from the body, 1 . Interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b, are independently rotatably actuated which rotatably moves the retaining means, 38a, 38b, from the retracted (insertable position) to the extended (retainable) position, 38a-2, 38b-2, within the construction figure 22C. The hook, 40a, 40b, during the rotation activation cuts through any insulation material contained with the construction. The anchor, 47, is rotatbly inserted into the body 1 , and onto the planar face of the anchor retaining means, 43. The anchor 47, has an interference contact with the retaining means, 38a, 38b, preventing unintentional rotational movement of said retaining means from their opposite diametrical positions. The anchor 47, engages with the internal anchor receiving aperture, 44 (internal thread from in this embodiment). As the anchor, 47, is rotated, Figure 22D, the anchor receiving means, 43, is drawn axially to the rear face of the construction, position 43- 1 . The anchor receiving means, 43, draws the retaining means, 38a, 38b, substantially simultaneously towards the rear face of the construction until planar contact with the construction is made, position 38a-3, 38b-3. Further rotation to the anchor, 47, can be applied, embedding the retaining means into the rear face of the construction, thereby increasing the anti-rotational properties of the fixing device and increasing the load carrying capacity of the fixing device.

Figure 23 shows the insertion of the fixing device into a dry-lined plasterboard wall construction. Due to the limited space between the rear face of the plasterboard, 49, and the wall construction 48, interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b are employed, i.e. shaft length of approximately 17.5mm.

Figure 24 shows the insertion of this particular embodiment of the fixing device into a double skinned plasterboard construction, 49. Plasterboard is substantially affixed to a framed support system (not shown) not less than 50mm in depth and predominantly manufactured from timber or metal profiles. Wall construction depicted is substantially employed in commercial constructions in which an increased level of fire protection is required over domestic type applications. Insertion of the fixing device is per the description contained within figure 22. This particular embodiment incorporates interchangeable guide shafts, 20a, 20b, i.e. shaft length of approximately 35mm, which provides a plurality of framed plasterboard wall constructions to be accommodated. This particular embodiment can accommodate a single plasterboard construction of a framed support system (not shown in this figure), typically used in domestic construction applications.

Figure 25A - shows a fixing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising a body 1 of a substantially cylindrical form, having an axial depth of approximately 10mm mm and a diameter of approximately 22mm further refenced in figure 1 1 . The body includes an anchor receiving passage 2, which passes axially through the body, is substantially smooth, and has a diameter of approximately 8mm. The body also includes non-load bearing interchangeable guide shafts 19a, 19b, of a substantially flat sided cylinder like shape, further described with reference to figure 14. The shafts 19a, 19b are provided within respective passages, 4,5 (shown in figure 1 1 ), which extend through the body 1 , each passage having an axis parallel to, and spaced from, the axis of the anchor receiving passage 2. The passages 4, 5 are disposed diametrically opposite one another around the body 1 , set in from the edge of the body 1 , are substantially circular in cross-section with a counter bore 0.1 mm larger than the enlarged head of the shaft, 19a, 19b. The passages 4, 5 are internally substantially smooth. The enlarged head of the shaft, 25, (shown in figure 13) are provided within the shafts 19a, 19b, respectively, to limit axial movement of the shafts 19a, 19b. The shafts 19a, 19b have respective slot screw drives 26a, 26b (shown in figure 14), in respective ends, for receiving a slot screw driver for rotating the shafts 19a, 19b. The body 1 is also provided with a plurality of wings 7a, 7b for preventing rotation of the body 1 about the axis of the anchor receiving aperture 2. The wings 7a, 7b are substantially rectangular with an oblique face and project radially outward from the surface of the body 1 , parallel to the axis of the body 1 . The wings 7a, 7b, are disposed around the exterior surface of body 1 , incrementally offset by 90 degrees from each wing. The interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b, have a plurality of lengths from 17.5mm (depicted) that are simple to interchange. The shafts, 19a, 19b, pass through the substantially circular retaining means, 38a, 38b, that substantially over lap each other. Retaining means, 38a is substantially rotatably limited by the diametrically opposite shaft 19b and hook profile, 40a. Retaining means, 38b is substantially rotatably limited by the diametrically opposite shaft 19a and hook profile, 40b. Retaining member, 38a, 38b has a chorded aperture (shown in figure 15) that allows both rotatable movement around the axis of the interchangeable guide shaft, 19a, 19b and axial movement along the surface of said shafts, 19a, 19b. The shafts, 19a, 19b, pass through the substantially rectangular flat arm anchor retaining means, 55. Anchor retaining means, 55, is internally threaded to accept the thread form of the anchor, namely 8mm. The anchor retaining means, 55, is rotatably uncoupled from the interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b but axially limited by the compressible enlarged head, 29a, 29b (Shown in figure 13).

Figure 25B shows a fixing device to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fixing device as figure 25A but the anchor retaining member, 43, is substantially cylindrical.

Figure 25C shows a fixing device to third embodiment of the present invention. Comprising a body 50 of a substantially cylindrical form, having an axial depth of approximately 10mm and a diameter of approximately 18mm further refenced in figure 1 1 . The body includes an anchor receiving passage 60, which passes axially through the body, is substantially smooth, and has a diameter of approximately 6mm. The body also includes non-load bearing interchangeable guide shafts 19a, 19b, of a substantially flat sided cylinder like shape, further described with reference to figure 14. The shafts 19a, 19b are provided within respective passages, which extend through the body 50, each passage having an axis parallel to, and spaced from, the axis of the anchor receiving passage 2. The passages are disposed diametrically opposite one another around the body 50, set in from the edge of the body 50, are substantially circular in cross-section with a counter bore 0.1 mm larger than the enlarged head of the shaft, 19a, 19b. The passages are internally substantially smooth. The enlarged head of the shaft, 25, (shown in figure 13) are provided within the shafts 19a, 19b, respectively, to limit axial movement of the shafts 19a, 19b. The shafts 19a, 19b have respective slot screw drives 26a, 26b (shown in figure 14), in respective ends, for receiving a slot screw driver for rotating the shafts 19a, 19b. The body 50 is also provided with a plurality of wings 61 a, 61 b for preventing rotation of the body 50 about the axis of the anchor receiving aperture 2. The wings 61 a, 61 b are substantially rectangular with an oblique face and project radially outward from the surface of the body 50, parallel to the axis of the body 50. The wings 61 a, 61 b, are disposed around the exterior surface of body 50, incrementally offset by 90 degrees from each wing. The interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b, have a plurality of lengths from 17.5mm (depicted) that are simple to interchange. The shafts, 19a, 19b, pass through the substantially circular retaining means, 52a, 52b, that substantially over lap each other. Retaining means, 52a is substantially rotatably limited by the diametrically opposite shaft 19b and hook profile, 62a. Retaining means, 52b is substantially rotatably limited by the diametrically opposite shaft 19a and hook profile, 62a. Retaining member, 52a, 52b has a chorded aperture (shown in figure 15) that allows coupled rotatable movement around the axis of the interchangeable guide shaft, 19a, 19b and uncoupled axial movement along the surface of said shafts, 19a, 19b. The shafts, 19a, 19b, pass through the substantially rectangular flat arm anchor retaining means, 57. Anchor retaining means, 57, is internally threaded to accept the thread form of the anchor, namely 6mm. The anchor retaining means, 57, is rotatably uncoupled from the interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b but axially limited by the compressible enlarged head, 29a, 29b (Shown in figure 13).

Figure 25D shows a fixing device to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fixing device as figure 25C but the anchor retaining member, 56, is substantially cylindrical. It should be noted that the interchangeable guide shafts, 19a, 19b, are consistent across the fixing devices this described.

Figure 25E shows a fixing device to fifth embodiment of the present invention. Comprising a body 51 of a substantially cylindrical form, having an axial depth of approximately 10mm and a diameter of approximately 12mm further refenced in figure 1 1 . The body, 51 , includes an anchor receiving passage 63, which passes axially through the body, is substantially smooth, and has a diameter of approximately 4.7mm. The body also includes non-load bearing interchangeable guide shafts 54a, 54b, of a substantially flat sided cylinder like shape, further described with reference to figure 14. The shafts 54a, 54b are provided within respective passages (not shown), which extend through the body 51 , each passage having an axis parallel to, and spaced from, the axis of the anchor receiving passage 63. The passages are disposed diametrically opposite one another around the body 51 , set in from the edge of the body 51 , are substantially circular in cross-section with a counter bore 0.1 mm larger than the enlarged head of the shaft, 54a, 54b. The passages are internally substantially smooth. The enlarged head of the shaft are provided within the shafts 54a, 54b, respectively, to limit axial movement of the shafts 54a, 54b. The shafts 54a, 54b have respective slot screw drives (shown in figure 14), in respective ends, for receiving a slot screw driver for rotating the shafts 54a, 54b. The body 51 is also provided with a plurality of wings 66a, 66b for preventing rotation of the body 51 about the axis of the anchor receiving aperture 63. The wings 66a, 66b are substantially rectangular with an oblique face and project radially outward from the surface of the body 51 , parallel to the axis of the body 51 . The wings 66a, 66b, are disposed around the exterior surface of body 51 , incrementally offset by 90 degrees from each wing. The interchangeable guide shafts, 54a, 54b, have a plurality of lengths from 17.5mm (depicted) that are simple to interchange. The shafts, 54a, 54b, pass through the substantially circular retaining means, 53a, 53b, that substantially over lap each other. Retaining means, 53a is substantially rotatably limited by the diametrically opposite shaft 54b and hook profile, 65a. Retaining means, 53b is substantially rotatably limited by the diametrically opposite shaft 54a and hook profile, 62b. Retaining member, 53a, 53b has a chorded aperture (shown in figure 15) that allows coupled rotatable movement around the axis of the interchangeable guide shaft, 53a, 53b and uncoupled axial movement along the surface of said shafts, 53a, 53b. The shafts, 53a, 53b, pass through the substantially rectangular flat arm anchor retaining means, 59. Anchor retaining means, 59, has an aperture of approximately 2.5mm diameter to receive the thread form of a self-tapping anchor. The anchor retaining means, 59, is rotatably uncoupled from the interchangeable guide shafts, 54a, 54b but axially limited by the compressible enlarged head, 64a, 64b. The interchangeable guide shafts, 54a, 54b are approximately 2.5mm in diameter.

Figure 25F shows a fixing device to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fixing device as figure 25E but the anchor retaining member, 58, is substantially cylindrical.

The present disclosure also includes the following numbered clauses:

1 . A fixing device configured to be releasably secured into a hole in a plurality of plasterboard or other panel coverings, 49. The fixing device comprising: a body, 1 , having are receiving passage, 2, therein. A respective guide shaft aperture, 4,5, provided within the body, 1 and a interchangeable guide shaft 20, inserted into each aperture, 4,5. Each shaft 20, being rotatably and axially moveable within the body shaft aperture, 4,5; a retaining member 38a, 38b, rotatably coupled to each interchangeable guide shaft, 20, but axially unconstrained, and an anchor receiving member, 43, rotationally uncoupled and axially uncoupled to the compressible limit stop, 31 a, 31 b, incorporated into the interchangeable guide shafts. Each retaining member, 38a, 38b, and anchor receiving member, 43, is configured to be axially activated; a plurality of passages, each extending within the interchangeable guide shaft 20, axially extended to position, 26a, 26b, axially spaced from the fixed body, 1 . Each retaining member, 38a, 38b and anchor receiving member 43, is axially displaced from the body 1 , to the respective insertion position along the axis of the interchangeable guide shaft, position 26a, 26b, by the threaded anchor, 47, or suitable alternative activation tool, to the axially extended position of the retaining members, 38a-2, 38b-2 and anchor retaining member, 43-2 . The activation tool axially displaces the two retaining members, 38a, 38b, and anchor receiving member, 43, from the body into said aperture such that the retaining members, 38a, 38b, are clear of the plasterboard planar rear surface, 49, position 38a-2, 38b-2 and 43-2. Each retaining member, 38a, 38b, configured to be rotatable about the respective shaft aperture, 4,5, between an extended position 38a-3, 38b-3, in which the fixing device is retainable in said hole, and a retracted position, 38a-2, 38b-2, in which the fixing device is removeable in said hole through slot, 32a, 32b, in said interchangeable guide shaft, position 26a, 26b. From the retaining members rotatable and axial extended position, 38a-3, 38b-3, the threaded anchor, 47, is inserted into the body receiving aperture, 2, and engaged with anchor receiving member, 43 at position 43-2. The threaded anchor, 47, provides an antirotation device to the retaining members in their extended position, 38a-3, 38b-3. As the threaded anchor, 47, is rotated, the anchor receiving member in the extended axial position, 43-2, is drawn towards the plasterboard planar surface, 49, drawing the rotational ly fixed extended retaining arms, 38a, 38b, in their extended axial and rotational position 38a-3, 38b-3, substantially simultaneously from position 38a-3, 38b-3 to the axial retracted position 38a-4, 38b-4. Upon contact with the plasterboard planar surface, 49, the anchor receiving member, 43, clamps the receiving members, 38a, 38b, onto the plasterboard planar surface, 49.

2. The fixing device in Clause 1 in which: The body 1 , comprises predominantly cylindrical mounting body adapted for being inserted into a complimentary opening in the plurality of passages, 49; a flat front surface disposed at a first distal end of said mounting body, 1 , and including an enlarged flange, 6, extending beyond the diameter of said mounting body 1 , wherein said flange engages an exterior surface of the plurality of passages, 49, so that said front surface, 6, is disposed generally flush with said exterior surface of the plurality of passages, 49, when mounted and thus prevents over insertion: An anchor receiving passage, 2, extending through said body, 1 , along a longitudinal axis from said front surface to said rear surface; comprising of 1 or more anchor internal thread forms, 3, providing a substantially non-structural guide or said anchor through body 1. Shaft apertures, 4,5, from said front surface to said rear surface accommodating the rotational and axial displacement of said interchangeable guide shafts, 20. An axial stop, 26a, 26b, located on the interchangeable shaft, limits the axial displacement in the shaft aperture, 4,5 together with the counter bore embodiment, 17, 18.

3. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the depth of the body, 1 , is predominantly cylindrical and approximately 10.0mm wide. 4. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the activation axis is co axial with the aperture axis.

5. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the body 1 , incorporates counter bores, 17, 18 together with enlarged heads of the guide shafts, 26a, 26b, preventing over insertion of the guide shaft, 20, within body 1 .

6. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the body 1 , anchor receiving passage, 2, describes a substantially non-structural anchor guide through the body 1. The anchor receiving passage, 2, consists of a singular or plurality of internal anchor thread forms, 3, to substantially axially align the anchor, 47, with the anchor receiving member, 43, whilst providing the provision of the anchor, 47, to forcibly apply an axial force to the retaining members, 38a, 38b, to longitudinally displace the retaining members, 38a, 38b and anchor retaining member, 43 axially within the passage, 49.

7. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the plurality of passages, 49, are disposed of substantially by the longitudinal displacement along the plurality of guide shaft lengths of the retaining members 38a, 38b and the anchor retaining means, 43.

8. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the interchangeable guide shafts, 20, can be simply replaced within the fixing device with alternative guide shafts of differing lengths, (i.e. guide shaft 19), thereby increasing the plurality of passages, 49, that can be disposed by the fixing device.

9. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the interchangeable guide shaft, 20 is predominantly smooth and non-cylindrical with a substantial chorded flat surface along the length, 24.

10. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the interchangeable guide shaft, 20a, 20b, has means for relative longitudinal movement within the passage of the body, 4,5. 1 1 . The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the interchangeable guide shaft, 20a, 20b, supports coupled rotational activation of the interchangeable retaining members, 38a, 38b.

12. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the interchangeable guide shaft, 20, is substantially non-load bearing.

13. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the interchangeable shaft, 20, provides longitudinal limit stop through a compressible enlarged head, 31 , with oblique face 42, and slot, 30 that allows the compressible enlarged head, 31 , to compress to a diameter less than or equal to the retaining members, 38a, 38b, axial passage, 39, and the anchor retaining member, 43, axial passages, 45,46, allowing a press-fit assembly in one longitudinal direction and a limit stop in the opposite longitudinal direction.

14. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the removal of the retaining members, 38a, 38b and the anchor retaining means, 43, from the interchangeable guide shafts, 20a, 20b, is achieved through the application of a co-axial force adjacent to the enlarged head, 31 , and slot, 30, thereby compressing the enlarged head to a diameter less than that of the assembled components, allowing said assembled components to be removed. The interchangeable guide shaft can then be removed from the body, 1 , and suitable alternative guide shaft installed into the fixing device.

15. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the interchangeable guide shaft, 20, has independent rotatable actuation, 32a, 32b, for moving the retaining members, 38a, 38b between the rotational extended position, 38a-3, 38b-3 and rotationally retracted positions, 38a-2, 38b-2.

16. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the interchangeable retaining members, 38a, 38b are predominantly flat arm and substantially cylindrical or sectors of a cylinder thereof.

17. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the retaining member has a surface area, for contact with the planar surface 49, of between approximately half the cross-sectional area of the body, 1 , and three quarters of the cross-sectional area of the body, 1 .

18. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the means of increasing the planar contact cross-sectional area above the cross-sectional area of the fixing device can be through substantially overlapping retaining members, 38a, 38b.

19. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which each retaining members is predominantly flat arm and have a surface area, for contact with a planar surface, equal to that of the other arm, and in which the total surface area for contact with a flat surface, of all the arms is between 90% and 200% of the area of body, 1 , of the fixing device.

20. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which each retaining members, 38a, 38b are rotatably limited in the rotationally retracted position, i.e. insertion position, by the diametrically opposing guide shaft, i.e. retaining member 38a is rotationally limited by interchangeable guide shaft 20b.

21 . The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the retaining member, 38, axial passages, 39, are substantially not cylindrical.

22. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the anchor receiving member, 43, axial passage 44 is of internally threaded construction or is self-cut by a screw type anchor.

23. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the anchor receiving member, 43, is between 30% and 100% of cross-sectional area of the body, 1 , of the fixing device.

24. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the anchor receiving member, 43, is configured to be rotationally decoupled from the interchangeable guide shaft, 20, through the anchor retaining passages, 45,46. 25. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the anchor receiving member, 43, is configured together with the retaining members, 38a, 38b and two interchangeable shafts, 20a, 20b, allowing the assembly to be axially moveable from its contracted position, 20, 38a-1 , 38b1 , 43-1 , to its extended position 26a, 26b, 38a- 2, 38b-2, 43-2.

26. The fixing device of any preceding clause, in which the retracted retaining arms 38a, 38b, and anchor receiving anchor, 43 is configured to be forcibly displaced longitudinally from body, 1 , from its contracted position, 38a1 - 38b-1 , 43-1 to its extended position, 38a2, 38b-2, 43-2, within the passage, 49.

27. The fixing device of any preceding clauses, in which the anchor receiving member, 47, forcibly rotates the retaining means to be diametrically opposed and secures them in said position.

28. The fixing device of any preceding clauses, in which the anchor receiving member, 43, draws said extended retaining arms, 38a, 38b, towards said planar surface, 49, from position 43-2, 38a-3, 38b-3 to 43-3, 38a-4, 38b-4 until contact is achieved with said planer surface, 49, through rotational activation by the threaded anchor, 47.

29. The fixing device of any preceding clauses, further compromising anti-rotation means for preventing the rotation of the fixing device about an axis parallel to that of the anchor receiving aperture.

30. A fixing device substantially as herein before described with reference to the attached photographs.

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. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). 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.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as“open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as“having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as“includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g.,“a” and/or“an” should be interpreted to mean“at least one” or“one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A wall fixing for securing an item to a wall, the wall fixing comprising:

a body arranged to be inserted into an aperture in a wall, the body comprising a body aperture extending through the body;

at least one elongate pin;

at least one wall securing member; and

an end fitting arranged to engage with a threaded fastener inserted into the wall fixing via the body aperture; wherein

the wall securing member and the end fitting are moveably connected to the body via the elongate pin such that when a threaded fastener inserted into the wall fixing via the body aperture engages with the end fitting, the end fitting displaces the wall securing member towards the body to secure the wall securing member to an inner surface of the wall.

2. A wall fixing according to claim 1 , wherein the end fitting comprises a

threaded aperture arranged to engage with a threaded fastener.

3. A wall fixing according to claim 1 , wherein the end fitting comprises a region that is pierceable by a threaded fastener to engage with the threaded fastener.

4. A wall fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall securing

member and the end fitting are slidably connected to the elongate pin such that they can move along the elongate pin.

5. A wall fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a channel and the elongate pin is slidable within the channel relative to the body.

6. A wall fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall fixing is

moveable between a first configuration in which the wall securing member is positioned relative to the body such that the wall fixing can be inserted into an aperture in a wall, and a second configuration in which the wall securing member is positioned relative to the body such that the wall securing member can be secured to an inner surface of a wall.

7. A wall fixing according to claim 6, wherein the elongate pin and the wall

securing member are connected such that rotation of the elongate pin causes corresponding rotation of the wall securing member.

8. A wall fixing according to claim 7, wherein the wall fixing is moveable between the first configuration and the second configuration by rotating the elongate pin.

9. A wall fixing according to claim 8, wherein an end of the elongate pin is

shaped to receive an actuation tool to rotate the elongate pin.

10. A wall fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall securing

member comprises a plate and wherein at least part of the plate is shaped to substantially correspond with the shape of the body.

11. A wall fixing according to claim 10, wherein the plate includes a cut-out

region.

12. A wall fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall fixing

comprises two elongate pins and two wall securing members, and wherein each elongate pin is connected to a respective wall securing member and to the end fitting.

13. A wall fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein an end of the body comprises an abutment surface.

14. A wall fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein an outer surface of the body comprises at least one wing portion extending radially out from the body.

15. A wall fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the end fitting and the wall securing member are composed of metal.

16. A method of securing an item to a wall comprising:

inserting a wall fixing according to any of claims 1 to 15 into an aperture in a wall;

inserting a threaded fastener into the wall fixing via the body aperture such that the threaded fastener engages with the end fitting and causes the end fitting to displace the wall securing member towards the body to secure the wall securing member to an inner surface of the wall.