WO2025012238A1

WO2025012238A1 - A fixing device

Info

Publication number: WO2025012238A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/069264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher John HANRATTY
Original assignee: Exefix Ltd
Current assignee: Exefix Ltd
Priority date: 2023-07-08
Filing date: 2024-07-08
Publication date: 2025-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-08

Abstract

A fixing device (301) is disclosed which consists of an anchor assembly which comprises an integral anchor body (302), a retainable body (304), and a retention arm (303) in which there is an integral hinge like point (314) of articulation between anchor body and the retention arm. The anchor assembly may be used with an elastic coupling to form the fixing, which may be used in a single-handed operation to provide a plasterboard fixing for a load. The anchor assembly may have a point of articulation with an integral section of resilient material acing as a resilient spring section. The fixing is easily removed and reused and is able to carry exceptionally high loads.

Description

A FIXING DEVICE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a fixing device. More particularly the present invention relates to a fixing device for providing an anchor point on cavity walls, dry walls and ceilings to enable loads to be affixed thereto.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is common practice in the building trade to construct walls and ceilings by attaching plasterboard panels or drywall panels or panels made of other materials to stud based or joist-based frameworks. When structures are attached to such walls or ceilings, they may be secured by fixings that pass through the panels and into the stud or joist framework. However, if it is desired to locate the structure at a different location on the panels, which is located away from load supporting studs or joists this is typically achieved by the use of mounting systems that are attached only to the panel and it is the panel alone which takes the load of the structure supported by the mounting system. There are a number of challenges associated with these mounting systems. One challenge is that they must be secured to the panels in such a fashion to minimise damage to the panel for aesthetic reasons; typically, this may mean use of as small a hole as possible in the panel for the mounting system. A further challenge is that they need to be able to take as large a load, both lateral and perpendicular, as possible without damaging the panel during use through failure of the panel (i.e., by the mounting system pulling through and damaging the panel under load). Generally, these challenges have been addressed by providing mountings that may, in part, be passed through a hole in the panel to form a weight bearing brace on the cavity side of the panel, which is secured in position by a part of the mounting system that is not passed through the hole in the panel but is retained on or at the surface of the panel. It has and continues to be a major technical challenge to provide mounting systems that can carry high loads with minimal damage to panel wall and ceiling systems and which are easy to use. It has also been a challenge to provide mounting systems that may be easily removed and replaced or reused with minimal damage to panels.

[0003] Various mounting systems have been proposed in the art. One such mounting system is described in WO2016177993A1; this system uses a complex multiple chord arrangement and mechanism to try and retain and align an anchor body, once passed through a hole in the panel, with a retainable body. During assembly it is not uncommon for the anchor body to become detached and lost within the cavity rendering the mounting useless. Furthermore, this mounting system is very difficult to remove and replace. It typically fails at tensile loads of approximately 70 Kg. A further mounting system is described in US2016341233A1; this system uses a complex folding system in an attempt to provide a large surface area for the brace member component of the fixing. In various conceptual embodiments springs and/or elastic wires are used to align components of the system, which has flat brace members. Apart from a high level of complexity during use the strength of this mounting system is low. A further mounting system is described in US11473604B2; this system uses a sleeve and anchor that are secured to each other via means of an elastic member that has a circular coupling portion for securing the sleeve centrally to the anchor. This arrangement is difficult to mount through a hole in a panel. The size of the anchor is also limited, and the system has low load capacity.

[0004] There is a continuing need for mounting systems that are easy to use, can accommodate high loads, are easy to remove/replace during use and low cost to manufacture.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a fixing device according to claim 1, for securing into a hole in a board and providing an anchor point for affixing a load to the front surface of a board, the fixing device comprising: an anchor assembly which comprises an anchor body, a retainable body and a retention arm.

[0006] The anchor body is configured to pass through the hole in a board and to contact the rear surface of the board in order to brace the fixing device in position during use.

[0007] The retainable body is configured to be retained within a hole in the board and preferably configured to partly abut the front surface of the board.

[0008] The retention arm may be configured to connect the anchor body either directly or indirectly to the retainable body. Indirect connection is understood to be an arrangement where the retention arm requires a mechanical means of fixing the arm to the anchor body e.g. by means of an additional separately attached mechanical hinge or spring. Directly connected means that the retention arm and anchor body are integral to each other as in, for example, being formed from the same piece of material or are hinged to each other with the reciprocal co-operating components of the hinge being integral with the retention arm and the anchor body as in, for example, where the hinge component is integrally moulded or formed from the same piece of material as the retention arm or the anchor body. It is preferred that the fixing device are integral with each other and formed from the same material. Preferably the retention arm is arranged to connect the anchor body directly to the retainable body. Preferably the retention arm is arranged substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the retainable body. In being arranged substantially perpendicular to the retainable body the retention arm may be substantially linear in side profile or may be curved or arcuate in side profile. Preferably, the retention arm is arranged to abut the rear surface of the board once the retainable body is retained within the board hole and the anchor assembly is secured to the board. The retention arm and the retainable body may be of such dimensions that when the retainable body is retained within the board hole the retention arm is arranged to be proud of the rear surface of the board once the retainable body is retained within the board hole. In a preferred arrangement for the anchor assembly the anchor body, retainable body and retention arm are integral to each other and formed from a single piece of material. In a preferred arrangement the retention arm, as an integral component of the anchor assembly, is arranged to be flexible and capable of distortion under load; this enables the same fixing device to be used with a variety of board thicknesses as the ability of the retention arm to flex and distort under load allows the anchor body to be brought into contact with the rear of the board.

[0009] Preferably the retention arm and the anchor body are arranged to move one relative to the other about a point of articulation. Preferably, the retention arm and the anchor body are secured to one another at the point of articulation. The point of articulation of the anchor body with the retention arm may be in the form of a spring clip or similar, or an integral or non-integral hinged joint, preferably an integral hinged joint, or an integral living hinge. The point of articulation may be a section of integral resilient material as a resilient spring section that connects the retention arm to the anchor body and generally holds these two components in spatial alignment with each other. This section of material may be in any shape of form, such as an angular arrangement or arcuate arrangement. Preferably, this section of material is in an arcuate form. This section of material provides an integral resilient spring that allows the anchor bar under force to be moved relative to the retention arm and once the force is removed to bring the anchor bar and retention arm back into their original alignment. Preferably, the anchor body, retention arm, retainable body and point of articulation i.e. integral hinge or integral spring are moulded or machined as a single unified piece of material to form the anchor assembly. In use the articulation of the anchor body to the retention arm is about the point of articulation and generally in a single plane of the anchor assembly that is perpendicular to the top surface of the retention arm and passes through the point of articulation and through the central axis of the retention body. It is preferred that the point of articulation comprises and a section of material acting as a resilient spring section and preferably an integral resilient spring section. The point of articulation is preferably located between the end of the retention arm remote from the retainable body and an end of the anchor body.

[0010] Preferably, the retention arm is integral with the retainable body. Preferably, the retention arm extends from the retainable body and at least a part of its top surface is co-planer with the top of the retainable body. The retention arm preferably comprises an anchor body contact surface. This contact surface is preferably a part of the top surface of the retention arm and most preferably a part of the top surface of the retention arm that is remote from the retention bod. Preferably, it is located proximate to a point of articulation of the anchor body with the retention arm.

[0011] In one arrangement an elastic coupling may be used. The elastic coupling is preferably arranged to secure the retention arm to the anchor body. Preferably the retention arm and the anchor body are arranged to accommodate the elastic coupling at a location between a point of articulation of the anchor body to the retention arm, and the central axis of the retainable body. Preferably, in this arrangement the point of articulation of the anchor body to the retention arm is in the form of a hinge and most preferably is in the form of an integral or living hinge. Preferably, in this arrangement the anchor body, retention arm retainable body and integral hinge are moulded or machined as a single unified piece of material to form the anchor assembly. In this arrangement, prior to assembly of the fixing device preferably the anchor assembly is substantially planar in form with the anchor body, retention arm, retainable body and integral hinge arranged in a substantially co-planar linear arrangement. In this arrangement, the articulation of the anchor body to the retention arm is about the integral hinge and in a single plane of the anchor assembly that is perpendicular to the top surface of the retention arm and passes through the point of articulation and through the central axis of the retention body. [0012] The hinge when integral may typically be referred to as a living hinge and may be a section of material having one or more dimensions that are smaller than the corresponding dimensions of either the anchor body and/or the retention arm. The smaller dimension or dimensions may be a material section width and/or thickness of the material. The perpendicular cross-section (thickness) of the hinge section may be smaller than the perpendicular cross-section (thickness) of the anchor body and/or the retention arm at the point of articulation; this being in a single plane of the anchor assembly that is perpendicular to the top surface of the retention arm and passes through the point of articulation and through the central axis of the retention body. Alternatively, or in addition the smaller dimension may be in the width of the hinge material compared to the width across the retention arm and/or anchor body. Thus, an integral hinge whilst being a point of articulation may have no resilience. In the arrangement which utilises an elastic member it is the combination of the elastic member with the living hinge which, working in co-operation provide resilient hinge function to the assembly.

[0013] The anchor body is preferably elongate and of length greater than the width of the top surface of the retainable body and the length of the retention arm. The anchor body may have a generally central portion of substantially uniform dimensions, and end portions extending from said central portion defining contact surfaces for the anchor body. The central portion and end portions may be integrally moulded. The anchor body preferably comprises an articulated end and a board contact end. Preferably, the anchor body is arcuate along its length and preferably has points of contact at or towards each end of the member. A first point of contact namely the board end contact braces against the back surface of the board during use of the device. Preferably the board end contact is a flat surface that may be arranged to be parallel to the back surface of the board. The second point of contact namely the arm contact is located at the articulated end of the anchor body, preferably at or proximate to the point of articulation and brace against a top surface of the retention arm during use of the fixing. Preferably, this arm contact is a flat surface that is able to engage with the flat rear surface of the retention arm. Preferably, the board end contact surface and the arm contact surface or not co-planar.

Preferably, the arm contact surface is in a plane parallel to that of the board end contact surface and the planes are separated by the thickness of the retention arm. Preferably, the rear surface of the retention arm at or proximate to the point of articulation acts in a similar fashion to the board end contact in that this rear surface makes contact with and braces against the back surface of the board during use of the device. In this regard the combination of this arm contact with this part of the retention arm correspond to and mirrors the board end contact of the anchor body. [0014] The anchor body and the retainable body of the anchor assembly may each have at least one longitudinal aperture extending therethrough and preferably each having at least one aperture capable of being longitudinally aligned with each other about the central axis of the retainable body perpendicular to the plane of the board during use of the fixing device. These aligned apertures provide a means for securing the anchor body to the retainable body during use of the device via means of an attachment device such as for example a screw or bolt.

[0015] Preferably, at least the longitudinal aperture of the anchor body comprises vertically aligned undulations or spines on its internal surface. These vertically aligned undulations or spines effectively provide at their periphery a narrow bore contact surface for engagement with the attachment device, with the main larger bore of the aperture being substantially free from contact with the attachment device. This arrangement is of particular advantage when the material used for the anchor assembly is difficult to use with self-tapping screws; the reduction of contact surface in the bore of the apertures presented by the vertical undulations or spines assists with the self-tapping process. Preferably, the aligned longitudinal aperture of the retainable body is free of vertical undulations or spines and has a bore that will accommodate the free passage of the attachment device therethrough.

[0016] Thus, the present invention further provides for an anchor body comprising at least one aperture with vertically aligned undulations or spines on its internal surface. This anchor body may be used with the fixing device of the present invention and may also be used with many other different forms of fixings, mounting systems and anchor assemblies such as those described in WO2016177993A1 or US11473604B2, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference for use with this anchor body.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, the anchor body may comprise a generally central portion formed of an upstanding wall, preferably arcuate, having two opposing, preferably arcuate, flange sections; a top flange section located at the top of the wall and a bottom flange section located at the base of the wall. Preferably, the top flange section is narrower in width along its elongate axis than the bottom flange section. Both flange sections may be of the same thickness. The flanges of the anchor body may have the same arcuate radii or may have different arcuate radii. Preferably, the wall is of greater thickness than the flanges. Preferably the end portions defining contact surfaces for the anchor body are extensions of the bottom flange. The longitudinal aperture may be located within the bore of a tubular section of the wall connecting the bottom flange to the top flange. The wall and flange arrangement with end portions may define at least one indentation on a side of the anchor body and preferably opposing indentations on opposite sides of the anchor body wall; when the anchor body is arcuate these indentations are arcuate. In a further exemplary embodiment, the indentations may comprise a plurality of anchor body struts integrally moulded with the wall and the top and bottom flanges.

[0018] Thus, the present invention provides for a further anchor body arrangement comprising a wall and flange arrangement with end contact portions that define at least one indentation on a side of the anchor body. Preferably, the anchor body comprises opposing indentations on opposite sides of the anchor body wall. Preferably, the indentations may comprise a plurality of struts integrally moulded with the wall and the top and bottom flanges. This further anchor body arrangement may be used with the anchor body assembly of the present invention and may be used with many other different forms of fixings, mounting systems and anchor assemblies such as those described in WO2016177993A1 or US11473604B2, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference for use with this anchor body.

[0019] The retainable body is generally cylindrical and proportioned to be able to be inserted into a hole in a board. Preferably, the retainable body is generally in the form of a truncated cone proportioned such that the top of the cone is able to pass into the hole of the board and on gradual insertion of the conical body the diameter of the cone brings the conical external sides of the retainable body into contact with the wall of the whole and thereby retention within the hole. The base of the cone is typically circumferentially larger than the main body of the cone and circumference of the hole in the board and extends beyond the side edges of the cone body and acts as a flange that contacts the exterior of the hole and, to varying degrees depending on its dimensions, to the front surface of the board; this flange prevents the retainable body from passing in toto into and through the hole. This flange with the retention of the retainable body within the hole acts in part as a counter brace on the front of the board to that presented by the anchor body on the back surface of the board. The dimensions of the retainable body flange structure are significantly smaller than those of the anchor body; this is because its primary function is simply to assist with retention of the retainable body within the hole during use of the fixing device and this does not result in significant weight or force being applied to this part of the fixing device during use as the majority of the force and weight applied to the assembly is carried by the anchor body bracing the back surface of the board. The top of the retainable body is generally circular and may present a generally planar top surface or a non-planar point connection to the retention arm. In preferred arrangements the top of the retainable body extends perpendicular from the retainable body to form an integral retention arm, the top surface of which is co-planar with the top surface or the connection point of the retainable body. The integrated retention arm may preferably be as wide as the top of the retainable body. In a further preferred arrangement, the top section of the retainable body further comprises a sloped section on the opposing side to the integral retention arm. This sloped section may commence from approximately the central axis of the retainable body and slope away from that point and the integral retention arm to bisect the edge of the retainable body. The slope section is generally a flat surface. The function of this sloping section it to aid insertion of the anchor assembly through the hole in the board allowing the anchor body with integral retention arm to be inserted through the hole at a suitable angle and then for the retainable body to be rotated into position before final insertion. In one arrangement the retention arm does not extend perpendicular from the vertical edge surface of the retainable body but extends from a connection point at the centre of the retainable body defined by the presence of an undercut in the retainable body. This undercut is a hollow section within the retainable body that extends from the vertical edge of the retainable body and proximate to the central axis. This arrangement allows the retention arm to have a greater degree of freedom of movement relative to the retainable body when the device is being secured through means of an attachment means. During use the retention arm and anchor body will both be drawn towards the back of the board as the attachment means is tightened. This greater degree of freedom for the retention arm means that there is minimal resistance to the movement of the anchor body towards the back surface ensuring that the bracing action is only provided at the appropriate contact. The retention arm may also comprise one or more notch like inclusions across its width. These inclusions may be present on the top surface and/or the bottom surface of the retention arm. These inclusions may in effect add a point of relative weakness in the retention arm enabling it to be more easily distorted and flexed during use of the fixing device.

[0020] The retainable body has an aperture aligned with the central axis of the retainable body for accommodating an attachment device such as a screw or bolt. This aperture is aligned with the aperture of the anchor body. The retainable body may be of substantially solid material apart from this aperture or the aperture may be located within a solid tube of material retained in place by a bottom plate or flange, a top plate or flange and a series of struts that connect the top and bottom plates or flanges with the central tube and radiate out therefrom. The top plate or flange is of smaller diameter than the bottom plate or flange and the struts are aligned with both to present a sloping edge from the top flange to the bottom flange; this arrangement together defines a truncated cone arrangement for the retainable body.

[0021] The retention arm extends substantially perpendicular from the central axis of the retainable body to such an extent, which is compatible with the size of the associated anchor body. Typically, the length of the retention arm section will be less than 50% of the length of the anchor body. The end of the retention arm remote from the retainable body and at the point of articulation may be connected to the anchor body via means of a section of material that may act as a living hinge arrangement allowing the anchor body to be articulated relative to the retention arm. The hinge material may be the same material as the retention arm and the anchor body and may be integral with both. The hinge may take the form of a section of material weakness between the anchor body and the retention arm that has been introduced to the integral assembly being the combination of the anchor body, retention arm and retainable body. This hinge section may take the form of a significant narrowing of the material used in the manufacture of the assembly at this point. This hinge section may take the form of a material connection that is significantly reduced in one or more dimensions compared to those of the anchor body or retention arm to which it is attached. This hinge section may take the form of a material connection that has a different shape or profile to that of the anchor body or retention arm to which it is attached; it may be curved. The hinge section is a section of material that is able to flex and distort under loads that are significantly less than those required to distort or flex the anchor bar and/or retention arm. This when the anchor assembly is manufactured as an integral moulding it is substantially planar in the sense that all of the integral components are aligned in the same plane including the hinge section. In this form in the arrangement utilising the elastic coupling it only requires a modest level of force to flex and distort the hinge section and to articulate the anchor body into its required spatial arrangement relative to the retention arm and retainable body so that the elastic coupling may be engaged prior to use of the fixing device.

[0022] In the arrangement that utilises the elastic coupling the retention arm and the anchor body are arranged to provide means of engagement with the elastic coupling at a location between a point of articulation of the anchor body to the retention arm, and the central axis of the retainable body. This elastic coupling may take the form of an elastic rubber band or similar or a piece of elastic rubber arranged to engage with suitable means of engagement on the anchor body and the retention arm. Preferably the form of engagement for the elastic member are slots or indentations on the retention arm and the anchor body. Preferably these slots or indentations are located on non-adjacent opposing surfaces of the retention arm and the anchor body. These slots may be located on the top surface of the anchor bar and the bottom surface of the retention arm. The means of engagement may take the form of suitable forms of engagement such as hooks or hook like indentations in the side surfaces of the anchor bar and retention arm. During assembly the elastic member may be pushed over the hinge end of the anchor assembly and be located in these opposing slots and thus forcing the anchor body and retention arm towards each other. The elastic member is made of elastic material such as rubber that is sufficiently strong that it will hold the anchor bar in tight contact with the retention arm before and after compete insertion into the board hole. However, the elastic material must have enough elasticity to allow extension of the elastic material to allow the anchor body with hinged retention arm to easily be pushed through the board hole.

[0023] The anchor assembly may be and preferably is formed of plastics material. Preferable materials include polyolefins such as for example polypropylene and engineering polymers such as nylon. It is preferred that the material is polypropylene. The anchor assembly is preferably moulded from materials that allow the provision of a section of material acting as a resilient spring section at the point of articulation.

[0024] The present invention further provides in one embodiment for a fixing kit comprising one or more anchor assemblies, one or more elastic couplings and optionally one or more attachment means.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a fixing point for affixing a load to board using a fixing device, the method comprising: a) forming a hole in said board; b) providing an anchor assembly having an anchor body, retention arm and retainable body; c) assembling the fixing device by bringing the anchor body and retention arm into spatial alignment to and preferably in contact, d) with each other and flexibly retained in contact with an elastic member; e) inserting the free end of the anchor body component of the anchor assembly through said hole into a cavity behind said board so that it makes contact with the rear surface of the board; f) applying force to the anchor assembly to distort the elastic member to allow the anchor body to be articulated about the hinge relative to the retention arm so that they are spatially disengaged from each other whilst remaining connected and the remainder of the anchor body, the hinge section, the elastic member and the retention arm may pass through the board hole; g) aligning and engaging the retainable body with the hole in the board so that it is fully inserted and secure within the hole thereby releasing the distortion to the elastic member so that the anchor body is returned into contact with the retention arm; and h) affixing the load through means of an attachment device that draws anchor body towards the retainable body to contact with and brace against the rear surface of the board.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a fixing point for affixing a load to board using a fixing device, the method comprising: a) forming a hole in said board; b) providing an anchor assembly having an anchor body, retention arm and retainable body and a point of articulation in the form of a resilient spring; c) inserting the free end of the anchor body component of the anchor assembly through said hole into a cavity behind said board so that it makes contact with the rear surface of the board; d) applying force to the anchor assembly to distort the point of articulation to allow the anchor body to be articulated relative to the retention arm so that they are spatially separated from each other whilst remaining connected so that the remainder of the anchor body and the retention arm may pass through the board hole; e) aligning and engaging the retainable body with the hole in the board so that it is fully inserted and secure within the hole thereby releasing the distortion to the point of articulation so that the anchor body is returned into spatial arrangement with the retention arm due to the resilience of the resilient spring of the point of articulation; and f) affixing the load through means of an attachment device that draws anchor body towards the retainable body to contact with and brace against the rear surface of the board.

[0027] Removal is simply achieved by reversing these steps. One of the significant benefits of the anchor assembly of the present invention is that the anchor assembly may be utilised in a single-handed operation for insertion and alignment into a board hole. In one arrangement the elastic coupling, with indentation slot in the components and the hinge arrangement ensure that once the anchor assembly is inserted and retained within a board hole that the anchor body and retention arm with retainable body are securely aligned for the use of an attachment device such as for example a screw or bolt. In a further arrangement the presence of the point of articulation in the form of a resilient spring section that can be resiliently distorted ensures realignment of the anchor body and retention arm after insertion of the device and securing of the retainable body within the board hole. A further significant advantage is that if the attachment device such as for example a screw or bolt is removed the whole fixing may easily be removed from the board hole, in a single-handed operation if desired, with minimal or no damage to the board or board hole. A further advantage is that due to the use of a flexible and or distortable retention arm a single size of fixing device may be used with a variety of board thicknesses. A further advantage is the fixing device of the present invention does not require the use of retaining screws in order to ensure that the anchor body is maintained securely in location once the central attachment means i.e., screw is removed. The elastic coupling and the hinge arrangement working in co-operation or the point of articulation in the form of a resilient spring section that can be resiliently distorted ensure that the anchor body is securely retained once the attachment means is removed. The elastic coupling arrangement with the associated indentation slots of the components with the hinge arrangement allow the anchor body to be easily moved and articulated relative to and away from the retention arm for ease of insertion in a hole in a board and for this movement to be reversed once the retainable body is within the board hole and the anchor body and retention arm with elastic coupling are fully located at the back surface of the board.

[0028] The preceding aspects and other aspects of the present invention will be further elaborated upon in the following specific description in which embodiments of the present invention are described, by way of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its use;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device; Figure 3 is a side view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device;

Figure 4 is a top view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device; Figure 5 is a side view of a fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its use; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its use;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device; Figure 8 is a side view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device;

Figure 9 is a side view of a fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its use;

Figure 10 (a) and (b) are perspective side views of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device;

Figure 11 is a side view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device;

Figure 12 (a) and (b) are top and bottom views of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device;

Figure 13 (a), (b) and (c) show a side view of the fixing device of the present invention in use; Figure 14 (a), (b), (c) and (d) show a perspective front and rear view of the fixing device of the present invention in use:

Figure 15 is a side view of a fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 16 is a side view of a fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device; Figure 18 is a bottom side perspective view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device;

Figure 19 is a top side perspective view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device;

Figure 20 is a side view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device;

Figure 21 is a bottom view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device; Figure 22 is a top view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention prior to its assembly with an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device;

Figure 23 is a side view of an anchor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention arranged prior to attachment of an elastic coupling to provide a fixing device; Figure 24 is a perspective view of a non-integral hinge arrangement for use in a fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 25 is a perspective view of a non-integral hinge arrangement for use in a fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 26 is a side view of a detachable non-integral anchor body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 is a side view of a detachable non integral retainable body assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 28 is a perspective view of a fixing device with flexible spring section according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 29 is a side view of a fixing device with flexible spring section according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 30 (a) and (b) are bottom and top views of a fixing device with flexible spring section according to an exemplary embodiment of the present;

Figure 31 is a perspective view of a fixing device with flexible spring section according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 32 is a side view of a fixing device with flexible spring section according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 33 (a) and (b) are bottom and top views of a fixing device with flexible spring section according to an exemplary embodiment of the present;

[0029] Referring to Figure 1, a fixing device (1) comprises an anchor body (2), a retention arm (3) and a retainable body (4), which collectively are an anchor assembly in assembly with the elastic coupling (5). The anchor body (2) is arcuate and consists of two arcuate flanges; a top flange (6) and a bottom flange (7) that are connected to each other via an arcuate wall (8). It can be seen that the top flange (6) is narrower in width then the bottom flange (7). The anchor body has two key contact surfaces (not shown) located at a board end contact (9) and at an arm end contact (10). The anchor body (2) also has a longitudinal aperture (11) located withing a tubular section (12) of the wall (8), and this aperture is aligned with the central axis (X) of the retainable body (4). The retention arm (3) extends from the edge of the retainable body (4) at a perpendicular angle to the central axis (X) of the retainable body. The retention arm (3) has an arm contact section (13) at the periphery of the retention arm (3) and proximate to the arm end contact (10) of the anchor body (2); the retention arm (3) and the anchor body (2) are shown in contact with each other and are retained in contact with each other at end contact (10) and contact section (13) via means of the elastic coupling (5). The anchor body (2) and the retention arm (3) are directly connected to each other at a point of articulation (14) via a flexible integral living hinge (14) and may be articulated relative to each other about this hinge. This articulation and movement of the anchor body (2) relative to the retention arm (3) and the retainable body (4) is in a plane that is perpendicular to the surface of the retention arm (3) and passes through the central axis (X) of the retainable body(4) The retention arm (3) also has two notches (15,16); one (15) located on the top surface of the retention arm (3) the other (16) located on the bottom surface of the retainable arm (3). These notches (15,16) add additional flexibility to the retention arm (3) during use of the fixing (1). The retention arm (3) has an indentation slot (17) for accommodating and retaining the elastic coupling (5). The anchor body (2) has an indentation slot (18) on the top flange (6) and indentations (18’) on the bottom flange (7) for accommodating and retaining the elastic coupling in place (5). The retainable body (4) is generally in the shape of a truncated cone with an aperture (19) aligned with the central axis (X) of the retainable body (4). In this embodiment the aperture (19) is located within a solid tube of material (20) retained in place by a bottom plate or flange (21), a top plate or flange (22) and a series of struts (23) that connect the top (22) and bottom plates or flange (21) with the central tube (2) and radiate out therefrom. The top plate (22) or flange is of smaller diameter than the bottom plate or flange (21) and the struts are aligned with both to present a sloping edge from the top flange (22) to the bottom flange (21); this arrangement together defines a truncated cone arrangement for the retainable body (4). The retainable body (4) also has a sloping side (24) that slopes from the top plate (22) towards the edge of the body (4) remote from the retention arm (3).

[0030] With reference to Figure 2 an anchor assembly (25) is shown prior to use in the assembly of a fixing device. The features already shown in description to Figure 1 are commonly numbered in this Figure. In addition, there is shown the board end contact surface (26) of the anchor body (2), the arm end contact surface (27) of the anchor body (2), the top surface (28) of the retention arm (3) and the arm contact surface (29) of this surface (28). The anchor assembly (25) is a substantially planar integral arrangement with each of the key components arranged in sequence from retainable body (4) to retention arm (3), hinge which will define the point of articulation (14) to anchor body (2). It can be seen that the arm contact surface (29) of the retention arm (3) and the arm end contact surface (27) of the anchor body are in the same plane and are adjacent to each other separated by the hinge (14). During assembly the anchor body (2) is articulated and rotated about this hinge (14) so that the surfaces (27 and 29) make contact with each other, and the elastic coupling indentation slots (17,18 and 18’) are suitable aligned for engagement with the elastic coupling (5) not shown in this Figure.

[0031] With reference to Figure 3 in the anchor assembly (25) it can be seen that the arm contact surface (29) of the retention arm (3) and the arm end contact surface (27) of the anchor body (2) are in the same plane (A), whereas the board end contact surface (26) is in a parallel plane (B). In addition, it can be seen that the bottom flange (7) and the top flange (6) of the anchor body (2) have different arcuate radii. With reference to Figure 4, it can be seen that the hinge (14) which defines the point of articulation (14) is narrower in width compared to the widths of the retention arm (3) and the anchor body (2) to which it is integrally connected.

[0032] With reference to Figure 5, the fixing device (1) is assembled ready for use. It can be seen that the anchor body (2) has been rotated about the hinge (14) so that it is now in contact with the retention arm (2). The arm contact surface (29) of the retention arm (3) and the arm end contact surface (27) of the anchor body (2) are now in contact with each other and are aligned. Their plane of contact (A) is aligned with the top surface (28) of the retention arm (3) and the top surface (31) of the top flange (22) of the retainable body (4). It can also be seen that the board end contact surface (26) of the anchor body (2) is in the same plane (B) as the back surface (30) of the retention arm (3). It can be seen that the fixing (1) is substantially symmetrical about the central axis (x), with the aperture (11) of the anchor body (2) aligned with the aperture (19) of the retainable body (4). The anchor body (2) is retained in contact with the retention arm (3) by means of the elastic coupling (5). During use the attachment means (not shown) passes through the longitudinal apertures (11 and 19 not shown) on this axis within the anchor body (2) and the retainable body (4). As torque is applied to the attachment means it pulls the anchor body (2) with the board end contact surface (26) and back surface (30) of the retention arm (3), towards the back surface of the board (not shown) to bring these fixing (1) surfaces (26,30) into contact with the back of the board to brace the fixing (1) in position. In this embodiment that movement is aided by the top notch (15) and bottom notch (16) of the retention arm (3), which allow the retention arm (3) to flex towards the back of the board under the applied torque.

[0033] With reference to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 a fixing device (1) and assembly (25) is shown with common features to the device and assembly of Figures 1 to 5 with some further modifications. [0034] With reference to Figure 6 and 7, it can be seen that the top flange (6) of the anchor body (2) does not have a planar top surface profile as with the previous embodiment; its top surface profile is arcuate in a plane perpendicular to the axis (C) of the device. In addition, the tubular wall section (12) is not a uniform tube but is conical and defines a conical interior aperture (11). This conical arrangement provides for an entrance (not shown) to the aperture (11) at the bottom flange (7) being wider than the exit at (11) of the top flange (6); this arrangement aids alignment of the attachment means as it is inserted into the fixing (1) via the aperture (19) of the retainable body (4) during use.

[0035] With reference to Figure 8 and 9, it can be seen that the top flange (6) and the bottom flange (7) of the anchor body (2) are of different cross-sectional thickness with the bottom flange (7) being thicker in cross-section than the top flange (6). In addition, it can be seen that the top flange (6) and bottom flange (7) have the same arcuate radii. It can also be seen that the bottom surface (30) of the retention arm (3) does not terminate at the edge (33) of the retainable body (4) but passes over the bulk of the retainable body (4) via an undercut (32) in that body and terminates at an end location (34) proximate to the central axis (X) of the retainable body (4). This extended portion of the retention arm (3) along with the retainable body (4) defines a hollow undercut section (32) of the retainable body (4), which aids in movement of the retention arm (3) and the anchor body (2) during use of the fixing (1).

[0036] With reference to Figures 10 (a) and (b), 11 and 12, a fixing device (1) and assembly (25) is shown with common features to the devices and assemblies of Figures 1 to 9 with some further modifications.

[0037] With reference to Figures 10 (a) and (b), 11 and 12, the bottom indentation slot (18’) in the bottom flange (7) of the anchor body (2) is now elongated with its front edge (37) being aligned with the indentation slot (18) in the top flange (6) of the anchor body (2). This arrangement allows the elastic coupling to move within the bottom slot (18’) when the fixing device (1) is used. Also shown is an additional flange section (36) to the retainable body (4), which is located between the top (22) and bottom (21) flanges of the retainable body (4) and bisects the retainable body struts (23). Also show are a series of anchor body struts (38) that are integrally moulded into the indentations present between the top (6) and bottom (7) flanges and wall of the anchor body (2). These anchor body struts (38) provide additional strength to the anchor body (2). Also shown is the longitudinal aperture (11, 11’) within the anchor body (2) with the opening at the top (11) being narrower than the opening (11’) at the bottom of the aperture. Also shown are a series of vertically aligned spines (39) on the internal upper surface of the longitudinal aperture (11). Also shown is an asymmetrical hinge (14,14’) at the point of articulation (14), with one side of the hinge (14) being co-planar with surfaces of the retention arm (3) and the anchor body (2) and the other side (14’) having an arcuate profile. Also show is a modification of the retainable body (4) to provide an internal sloping surface (35), which slopes downwards from the centre of the body (4) towards the edge (33) of the body and away from the bottom surface (30) of the retention arm (3). This sloping surface (35) is located within the hollow undercut section (32) of the body (3). This sloping surface (35) in cooperation with the hollow undercut section (32) provides for even more freedom of movement of the retention arm (3) during use of the device (1).

[0038] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the operation of a fixing device (1) having an elastic member (5) for use with a plasterboard (50), having external (51) and internal (52) surfaces and a hole (53) therein of dimensions suitable for the retainable body (3) of the device. The fixing device (1) once assembled from an anchor assembly (25) and elastic coupling (5) is ready for use. Firstly, the open end of the anchor body (2) is inserted into the hole (53) in the plasterboard (50) (Figures 13 (a) and 14 (a)). Then pressure is applied to the fixing (1) to elongate the elastic coupling (5) and to separate the anchor body (2) from the retention arm (3) at their points of connection and the point of articulation by articulating one to the other about the living hinge (14) and forcing the remainder of the anchor body (2) through the hole (53) (Figures 13 (b) and 14 (b)). Once the anchor body (2) has passed through the hole (53), the retention arm (3) may be pushed through the hole (53) with further extension of the elastic coupling (5) and movement around the point of articulation (14). This is followed by the retainable body (4) being inserted and aligned in the hole (53), with alignment of the apertures (11 and 19) of the anchor body (2) and retainable body (4). The integral point of articulation (14) ensures that the anchor body (2) and the retainable body (4) remain substantially in alignment during the insertion process and at completion of the insertion of the device (1) into the board hole (53). (Figures 13 (c), 14 (c) and 14 (d)). At this stage the elastic coupling (5) has contracted and brought the anchor body (2) and the retention arm (3) into contact an alignment on the back wall (52) of the plasterboard (50). In this position the fixing device is ready to receive an attachment means (not shown), which is passed through the load (not shown) to be fixed to the plasterboard (50) and which is passed into the aperture (19) of the retainable body (4), through that aperture (19) and into the aperture (11) of the anchor body (2). As torque is applied to the attachment means the anchor body (2) is brought into contact with the back surface (52) of the plasterboard (50) thereby retaining the load and fixing (1) to the plasterboard (50). The aperture (19) of the retainable body (4) may be of larger internal diameter than the external diameter of the attachment means so that his may pass unimpeded through the aperture (19); the aperture (11) of the anchor body (2) will have an internal diameter at least at some point in the aperture (11) which is smaller than the external diameter of the attachment means, this ensures that the attachment means will engage with the internal surface of the aperture (11) and when torque is applied to the attachment means will draw the anchor body (2) towards the retainable body (4).

[0039] With reference to Figure 15, a fixing device (150) is shown fully assembled as it would look prior to insertion into a board for fixing or after it had been inserted and correctly positioned. This fixing device (150) comprises a modified anchor body (151). This anchor body (151) has an arcuate top flange (152) and a substantially flat bottom flange (153). The bottom surface (155) of the bottom flange (153) is in contact with the top surface (157) of the retainable body (4) and the top surface (156) of the retention arm (3). During use the anchor body (151) is therefore in contact with both the retention arm (3) and the retainable body (4) and is braced against both. The end (158) of the anchor body (151) is in contact with the rear of the board to which the fixing (150) is inserted. This arrangement provides a fixing device (150), which is relatively rigid, with little or no distortion during use. There is an inclusion (154) in the anchor body (151) to accommodate the elastic coupling (5) and its housing (159) in the retention arm (3).

[0040] With reference to Figure 16, a fixing device (160) is shown fully assembled as it would look prior to insertion into a board for fixing or after I it had been inserted and correctly positioned. This fixing device (160) comprises a modified anchor body (161). This anchor body (161) has an arcuate top flange (162) and a stepped bottom flange (163). The stepped bottom flange (163) has a stepped section (165), which is not in contact with the retainable body (4) and the retention arm (3). There is also an inclusion (164) in the anchor body (161) to accommodate the elastic coupling (5) and its housing (166) in the retention arm (3). During use the anchor body (161) is therefore not in direct contact with both the retention arm (3) and the retainable body (4) and is only braced against the retention arm (3). The end (167) of the anchor body (161) is in contact with the rear of the board to which the fixing (160) is inserted. This arrangement provides a fixing device (160), which has greater overall rigidity than the embodiment of Figure 1, but relatively less rigidity than that of Figure 15; the anchor body (161) is able to flex and move towards the retainable body (3) when the fixing device (160) is being secured to the board. [0041] With reference to Figures 17 to 23, an integrated anchor assembly (170) is shown, which comprises an anchor body (171), a retainable body (172) and a retention arm (173) and an integral living hinge (174) as the point of articulation (174). One key distinction between this anchor assembly (170) and those illustrated in the preceding figures is that the anchor body (171) is solid and does not comprise a wall and flange arrangement. Also, the retainable body (172) has a substantially solid core (175) with two engaging spines (176, 176’), which do not function structurally as struts, but do engage with the internal walls of the hole in the board to which the fixing device (170) is fixed. In addition, it can be seen in Figure 20 that the surface ends (177, 178) of the anchor body (171) are not planar with the top surface (179) of the retention arm (173); they are at an angle (a and a’), such that they slope towards the central axis (X) of the anchor body (171). During use in a fixing the anchor body (171) is flexible and distorts so that these surfaces (177, 178) become planar and approximately perpendicular to the central axis (X) of the anchor body (171) and contact the top surface (179) of the retention arm and the back surface of the board (not shown). Also, shown are retention arm indentation slot (180) and the tapered anchor bar indentation slot (181), which engage with and retain the elastic coupling once the fixing is assembled.

[0042] With reference to Figures 24 to 27, various hinge arrangements (200 and (201) are shown that may act as the point of articulation during use and may be incorporated into and preferably integral with respective non-integral anchor body (202) and non-integral retainable body assembly (203), with integral retention arm (204). With this arrangement various anchor body (202) forms and sizes may be provided with various retainable body assemblies (203) of different form and sizes with retention arms (204) of different forms and sizes. Such a kit of parts with common hinging components and associated elastic couplings may allow for a wide variety of fixing devices to be assembled and used. The cooperating hinge components may be located at the end (205) of the anchor body (202) and the end (206) of the retention arm (204) or they may be arranged at different locations on the anchor body (202) and the retention arm (204). In this non-integral embodiment, it is possible to have the anchor body (202) and the retainable body assembly (203) made from different materials. Thus, the anchor body (202) may be made of metal such as for example aluminium and the retainable body assembly (203) may be made of for example polymers such as engineering polymers. The hinger arrangements (200 and 201) are snap fit and are examples of suitable hinge arrangements that may be easily assembled and disassembled to allow easy assembly of the fixing device and interchangeability of components. Other snap fit arrangements may be suitable. [0043] It should be understood that in all the examples illustrated in Figures 1, 5, 6, 9, 13 to 16, and 23 the living hinge in those arrangements may be replaced at the point of articulation with a section of integral resilient material acting as a resilient spring section connecting the anchor body to the retention arm. With this feature, when present as an integral moulding with the other features, there is no need to assemble the fixing device and the elastic coupling is redundant as are the illustrated features of the fixing device in the remaining Figures designed to accommodate use of the elastic coupling. The fixing device comprising a point of articulation having a section of integral resilient material acting as a resilient spring section connecting the anchor body to the retention arm is the preferred arrangement.

[0044] Referring to Figures 28, 29 and 30, a fixing device (301) comprises an anchor body (302), a retention arm (303) and a retainable body (304). The anchor body (302) is arcuate, and the anchor body (302) has two contact surfaces located at a board end contact (309) and at an arm end contact (310). The anchor body (302) also has a longitudinal aperture (311). The retention arm (303) extends from the top region (312) of the retainable body (304) at a substantially perpendicular angle to the central axis (X) of the retainable body (304). The retention arm (303) has an arm contact section (313) at the periphery of the retention arm (303) and proximate to the arm end contact (10) of the anchor body (302); the retention arm (303) and the anchor body (302) are shown spatially aligned with each other within a plane that is perpendicular to the top surface of the retention arm and which passes through the central ais (x) of the device. In this arrangement they are not in contact with each other. The anchor body (302) and the retention arm (303) are directly connected to each other via a section (314) of integral resilient material acting as a resilient spring section (314), which in this arrangement is generally circular or arcuate in shape and path between the retention arm (303) and the anchor body (302) end (315). The retention arm (3) transitions into this section (314). This section (314) is a point of articulation (314) within the device (301) and may be resiliently distorted to allow spatial separation of the anchor body (302) from the retention arm (303) and retainable body (304) during insertion into a hole in a board. In this arrangement the fixing device (301) is a single moulded component with no other components other than an attachment means required for its effective use. The section of integral resilient material (314) acting as a point of articulation (314) also ensures that the anchor body (302) and retainable body (304) are aligned about central axis (x) of the device before insertion through and into a hole and also once in-situ for application of the attachment means e.g. screw are also realigned about that axis. [0045] The retainable body (304) is generally in the shape of a symmetrical cone with an aperture (319) aligned with the central axis (X) of the retainable body (304). The retainable body (304) has a bottom plate or flange (321), the retainable body (304) has a substantially solid core (322) with two engaging spines (323, 323’), which engage with the internal walls of the hole in the board to which the fixing device is fixed. The retainable body (304) has a narrow top section (312) that is integral with the body end (324) of the retention arm (303) at this point the retainable body (304) and the retention arm (303) define an undercut region (325) into the retainable body (304), and which terminates at an undercut end location (326) proximate to the central axis (X) of the retainable body (304). This hollow undercut region (325) of the retainable body (3044), aids in movement of the retention arm (303) and the anchor body (302) during use of the fixing (301). The retainable body (304) also has a sloping side (327) that slopes from the top section (312) towards the edge of the body (304) remote from the retention arm (303). This sloped section (327) aids insertion of the retainable body (304) into a hole in a board during use of the fixing device.

[0046] The anchor body (302) is solid and in addition, it can be seen in figure 29 that the surface ends (309, 310) of the anchor body (302) are not planar with the top of the retention arm (303); they are at an angle (a and a’) (as shown in Figure 20), such that they slope towards the central axis (X) of the anchor body (302). During use in a fixing the anchor body (302) is flexible and distorts under pressure from the applied torque to the attachment means so that these surfaces (309,310) become planar and approximately perpendicular to the central axis (X) of the anchor body (302) and contact the top of the retention arm (303) and the back surface (not shown) of the board. As can be seen in Figures 30 (a) and (b) the section of integral resilient material acting as a resilient spring section is of narrow cross-sectional dimensions than that of the anchor body (302).

[0047] During use the board end of the anchor body (302) is fed into the hole in a board and this is then fed through the hole with distortion of the spring section (314) allowing that section and the retention arm (303) to pass through the hole so that the retainable body (304) may be aligned with and secured within the hole in the board. In this position the resilient properties imparted to the spring section (314) by the nature of its structure and the material used to manufacture the fixing device, ensures that the anchor body (302) and retention arm (303) and retainable body (304) are brought back into alignment about central axis X. The anchor body (302) of the fixing device (301) may now be securely brought into contact with and braced against that back of the board by means of a screw or similar attachment means. The flange (321) of the retainable body (304) and the bulk of the retainable body (304) maintains that body (304) securely in place within the hole of the board.

[0048] Referring to Figures 31, 32 and 33, a fixing device (401) shown has an anchor body (402), retention arm (403) and retainable body (404), which have many features in common with the device as illustrated in Figures 10 (a), (b) to 12 (a), (b). With the exception that features required for the elastic member are omitted and the living hinge (14) illustrated in those figures is replaced by a section (414) of integral resilient material acting as a resilient spring section (414), and which constitutes a point of articulation (414) for this fixing device (401). In addition, fixing device (401) has the anchor body (402), a retention arm (403) and a retainable body (404) that are in fixed alignment about central axis X, which passes through the centre of the aperture (411) of the anchor body (402) and the aperture (419) of the retainable body (404).

[0049] This is the as manufactured alignment for all arrangements comprising a section of integral resilient material acting as a resilient spring section, and which constitute a point of articulation for the fixing device. The only relative movement of the anchor body in these arrangements to the retention arm and the retainable body are about this point of articulation when pressure is applied to the anchor body, retention arm and or retainable body. The nature of this spring like section is such that once the pressure is removed all the components move back into realignment around the central axis of the fixing device.

[0050] While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been described herein, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any combinations of the individual features of the exemplary embodiments described herein and the principles described herein and to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Claims

1. A fixing device comprising: a) an anchor assembly which comprises an anchor body, a retainable body and a retention arm, the anchor body being connected to the retainable body via the retention arm.

2. A fixing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a point of articulation of the anchor body relative to the retention arm.

3. A fixing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the anchor body is connected to the retention arm at the point of articulation.

4. A fixing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retention arm connects the anchor body directly or indirectly to the retainable body.

5. A fixing device as claimed on claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the point of articulation is a hinge.

6. A fixing device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the hinge is an integral living hinge between the anchor body and retention arm.

7. A fixing device as claimed on claim 2, wherein the point of articulation comprises a section of integral resilient material acting as a resilient spring section. A fixing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retainable body comprises an external sloping surface.

8. A fixing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hollow section is defined between the retainable body and the retention arm.

9. A fixing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retainable body comprise an internal sloping surface.

10. A fixing device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the internal sloping surface is within a hollow section defined between the retainable body and the retention arm retainable body.

11. A fixing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retention arm comprises one or more notches.

12. A fixing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anchor body comprises an elongated notch in its lower flange.

13. A fixing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anchor body comprises two arcuate flanges attached to each other via an arcuate wall.

14. A fixing device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the arcuate flanges have different radii.

15. A fixing device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the arcuate flanges have the same radii.

16. A fixing device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the top arcuate flange is narrower than bottom flange.

17. A fixing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anchor body and retention arm have at least one co-planer surface.

18. An anchor body comprising at least one aperture with vertically aligned undulations or spines on its internal surface.

19. An anchor body comprising a wall and flange arrangement with end contact portions that together define at least one indentation on at least one side of the anchor body.

20. A fixing kit comprising one or more anchor assemblies, one or more elastic couplings and optionally one or more attachment means.

21. A method of providing a fixing point for affixing a load to board using a fixing device, the method comprising: a) forming a hole in said board; b) providing an anchor assembly having an anchor body, retention arm and retainable body and a point of articulation in the form of a resilient spring; c) inserting the free end of the anchor body component of the anchor assembly through said hole into a cavity behind said board so that it makes contact with the rear surface of the board; d) applying force to the anchor assembly to distort the point of articulation to allow the anchor body to be articulated relative to the retention arm so that they are spatially separated from each other whilst remaining connected so that the remainder of the anchor body and the retention arm may pass through the board hole; e) aligning and engaging the retainable body with the hole in the board so that it is fully inserted and secure within the hole thereby releasing the distortion to the point of articulation so that the anchor body is returned into spatial arrangement with the retention arm due to the resilience of the resilient spring of the point of articulation; and f) affixing the load through means of an attachment device that draws anchor body towards the retainable body to contact with and brace against the rear surface of the board.

22. A method of providing a fixing point for affixing a load to board using a fixing device, the method comprising: a) forming a hole in said board; b) providing an anchor assembly having an anchor body, retention arm and retainable body; c) assembling the fixing device by bringing the anchor body and retention arm into contact with each other and flexibly retained in contact with an elastic member; d) inserting the free end of the anchor body component of the anchor assembly through said hole into a cavity behind said board so that it makes contact with the rear surface of the board; e) applying force to the anchor assembly to distort the elastic member to allow the anchor body to be articulated about the hinge relative to the retention arm so that they are disengaged and the remainder of the anchor body, the hinge section, the elastic member and the retention arm may pass through the board hole; f) aligning and engaging the retainable body with the hole in the board so that it is fully inserted and secure within the hole thereby releasing the distortion to the elastic member so that the anchor body is returned into contact with the retention arm; and g) affixing the load through means of an attachment device that draws anchor body towards the retainable body to contact with and brace against the rear surface of the board.