The invention to which this application relates is a fixing device and a method of manufacture thereof.

Although the following description refers exclusively to a fixing device for use with plasterboard surfaces, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could also be used and implemented in surfaces constructed from other materials.

It is commonplace for people to attach items to a wall via screws, studs, nails and/or the like. Usually, if a screw thread is required, a user will simply drill a hole in the wall and insert a wall plug, into which the required screw may fit. However, many walls, especially interior walls in buildings such as offices and homes, are formed from plasterboard. Merely drilling holes and inserting a screw may not be sufficient in for some items because the plasterboard is not a strong enough material to hold such a concentrated weight. Consequently, plasterboard fixings are provided in various forms to improve the anchoring of an article to a wall. One such device is disclosed in EP2998592, wherein a fixing device is provided as having a body and sheath, slidable relative to one another. Attached to a rear side of the body is a pair of rotatable wings. The device can fit into a borehole drilled into a plasterboard surface and, as it is inserted, the wings are positioned within the dimensions of the body. Once inserted, each of the wings may be rotated outwardly of the dimensions of the body by turning a pair of screws, associated with each wing, approximately 180 degrees, thereby securing the device to a plasterboard wall and allowing an item to be screwed thereon. This provides a convenient means to affix articles to a plasterboard wall. However, the small and fragile nature of the wings, which anchor the device, means that the user is limited as to the size and, importantly, weight of the article they wish to hang while using the device. A further issue that exists with such a device is that it may not necessarily be clear to the user if and to what degree the wings have been rotated once the device is in place. This can leave the user unsure, and in a worst-case scenario, the wings may not have been extended sufficiently, resulting in the device becoming dislodged from the wall once the article is attached to it.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved fixing device that overcomes the aforementioned problems in the prior art.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a fixing device that overcomes the aforementioned problems in the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a fixing device arranged to be secured into and/or around an aperture in a support surface, said device including:

a body portion and an anchor portion, said anchor portion arranged to anchor the device to a rear face of the support surface,

characterised in that the anchor portion comprises at least one anchor member provided to have a length or dimension, in at least one direction, greater than a length or dimension of the body portion in the same direction, and further said body portion and/or anchor portion includes connection means for attaching or connecting the body portion to the anchor portion.

The anchor member is provided to have a length or dimension, in at least one direction or axis which is greater than a length or dimension of the body portion in the same direction or parallel axis, so as to prevent the anchor portion from moving through the aperture in the support surface. Typically part of the anchor portion is larger than at least part of the body portion so as to prevent the device from being removed from the aperture in the support surface in use.

It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the term "rear" is intended to mean an opposing face of the support surface from that which is facing a user in use.

In one embodiment, said support surface is provided as plasterboard, medium density fibre (MDF) or the like. Typically, said support surface forms at least part of a wall of a larger structure. Preferably, the support surface will be provided as plasterboard or similar.

In one embodiment, said body portion includes first connection means thereon and said anchor portion includes second, complementary connection means thereon, for attaching or connecting the respective portions to one another in use.

Typically, said body portion and said anchor portion are detachably attachable to one another.

In one embodiment, connection means on said anchor portion include at least a centrally-located shaft portion having one or more connection members located thereon. Typically, said one or more connection members are located on an exterior surface of the shaft. Preferably, said one or more connection members are located on and around the exterior surface of the shaft.

In one embodiment, said one or more connection members are provided as a screw thread arrangement. In another embodiment, said one or more connection members may be provided as one or more formations or recesses to permit a snap-fit, push-fit and/or push-and-click connection with the body portion. Typically, said body portion includes one or more complementary recesses or formations to permit a snap-fit, push-fit and/or push-and-click connection with the anchor portion.

In one embodiment, said one or more connection members are provided as one or more ribbed or fin-like members located about the exterior wall of the central shaft.

In one embodiment, said central shaft portion comprises a distal end and a proximal end. Typically, said distal end includes one or more shaft portions. Further typically, at least one rib or fin member is provided adjacent or near a distal end of each of the shaft portions. Preferably, said one or more shaft portions are provided as resilient members.

In one embodiment, said one or more rib or fin members are arranged to engage one or more formations and/or recesses provided on an interior wall of said body portion.

In one embodiment, said body portion is sized to fit/meet the dimensions of the aperture in the support surface. Typically, said anchor member is provided to have a length or dimension, in at least one direction, greater than a length or dimension of the body portion in the same direction and, hence, the length or dimensions of the aperture.

In one embodiment, said body portion includes a substantially central aperture located therethrough. Typically, said central aperture has an interior wall. Further typically, connection means of the body portion are provided as one or more connection members located on and/or around the interior wall.

In one embodiment, said one or more connection members are provided as a screw thread arrangement.

In another embodiment, said one or more connection members may be provided as one or more formations or recesses to permit a snap-fit, push-fit and/or push-and-click connection with the body portion.

Typically, said central shaft is provided of a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the aperture located in the body portion.

Thus, the connection members provided for on the interior walls of the body portion and/or on the exterior surface of the central shaft serve to create a secure connection between the body portion and the anchor portion, thereby securing the fixing device of the present invention within the aperture of the support surface.

In one embodiment, the body portion may be provided having a length or depth which is substantially equal to the thickness of the support surface in which it is to be located. In practice, plasterboard walls/panels are provided as having a standardised set of thicknesses, for example, 12mm, 15mm and other thickness. Thus, the body portion of the device may be formed as having a length or depth to match the thickness of such plasterboard support surfaces.

In one embodiment, the body portion further includes a flange portion. Typically, said flange portion extends outwardly from said body and is arranged to prevent the body portion from passing fully through the aperture in the support surface.

In one embodiment, one or more slots/recesses may be formed on a top face of the body portion. Typically, said one or more slots/recesses are provided so as to permit or aid further turning or screwing of the body portion by a user in use.

Typically, said anchor portion includes an anchor member and a shaft portion. In one embodiment, said anchor member and shaft portion form a single integral anchor portion.

In another embodiment, said anchor portion is formed from an anchor member and separate shaft portion. Typically, said shaft portion further includes retaining means arranged to retain the anchor member thereon.

In one embodiment, spacer means can be provided to be located between the anchor member and the retaining means. Typically, said spacer means are provided in the form of a washer. Typically, said washer is formed from metal, plastic, or rubber material.

In one embodiment, a single anchor member is provided. Typically, said anchor member is provided as an elongate member having at least a length that is greater than the dimensions of the body portion and a width that is less than the dimensions of the body portion. Thus, said elongate member has at least a length that is greater than the dimensions of the aperture in the support surface, and a width that is less than the dimensions of said aperture.

In one embodiment, said anchor member includes a substantially centrally-located aperture located therein. Typically, said aperture is sized to receive the shaft portion of the connection means, but is provided with dimensions less than those of the retaining means .

In one embodiment, the anchor member may be provided to be at least partially flexible. Typically, said flexibility is provided in order to aid with the insertion of the anchor member into the aperture in said support surface. Typically, the anchor member may be formed from a plastics material.

Thus, in embodiments where the anchor portion is provided in at least two distinct parts - an anchor member and separate shaft portion - the anchor member may be provided with a hole therein to fit over the connection means, yet is retained in place at a rear face of the support surface by the retaining means . The device forms a secure arrangement in the support surface as the body portion is subsequently affixed to the shaft of the connection means.

In a preferred embodiment, the anchor member may be formed from a substantially rigid and/or inflexible material. In one embodiment, said anchor member is formed from a metal or metal alloy or the like. By forming the anchor member from a substantially rigid and/or inflexible material, this helps to ensure that when the anchor member is positioned in the rear side of the support surface and the device is arranged to bare the weight of a load being attached thereto, the structure of the anchor member remains stable and does not begin to bow under pressure. If the anchor member does begin to bow or bend, this then reduces the amount of surface area of the anchor member that is in contact with the support surface and, thus, increases the pressure on the surface. In providing a substantially rigid or inflexible anchor member, the surface area in contact with the support surface, in use, is maximised and consequently the pressure on the support surface is kept to a minimum, allowing the fixing device to support the larger load without causing damage to the support surface.

Typically, the body portion, shaft portion and retaining means are formed from a plastics material.

In one embodiment, the body portion further includes engagement means located on an interior wall of the substantially central aperture. Typically, said engagement means, in use, are provided to prevent relative rotation of the body portion and a central shaft portion of the anchor portion.

In one embodiment, said engagement means may be provided as at least one protrusion formed on or from at least a part of the interior wall.

In one embodiment, said engagement means may be provided as at least one substantially flat inner wall portion located on a part of the interior wall of the central aperture of the body portion.

In one embodiment, corresponding engagement means may be provided on an outer wall of the central shaft portion of the anchor portion. Typically, said corresponding engagement means may be provided as one or more substantially flat outer wall portions formed on at least part of the central shaft portion.

Thus, as the body portion engages the anchor portion, specifically the central shaft portion thereof, and when a screw or otherwise is inserted into a central channel of the shaft and tightened, this may be done so effectively as rotation between the shaft and the body portion can be prevented by the provision of such engagement means. In one embodiment, the shaft portion further includes a central channel located therein. Typically, said channel extends through the shaft from a first, front end, to a second, rear end. Typically, said channel is provided to receive a screw, stud, nail and/ or the like.

In one embodiment, at least a part of said shaft may be formed from two or more frangibly separable members. Thus, as a screw, stud, nail or the like is inserted into the channel the members of the shaft may be urged to separate thereby strengthening the connection between it and the interior walls of the body portion, securing the fixing device and screw in place in the support surface. Consequently, the shaft may act like a wall plug/screw anchor, but provided as far more suitable for fixings in plasterboards, MDF and the like.

In one embodiment, the device further includes applicator means. Typically, said applicator means are arranged, in use, to aid in securing the device into and/or around the aperture in said support surface.

In one embodiment, said applicator means comprises attachment means, arranged for temporary attachment to the anchor portion, in use; and an elongate portion. Typically, said elongate portion is provided as a flexible, resilient member. Further typically, said attachment means are provided at a first end of the elongate portion.

In one embodiment, said attachment means are provided to extend at least partially into a central channel of the anchor portion for temporary attachment to the same. Typically, said temporary attachment may be via complementary screw threads provided on an exterior wall of the attachment means, and an interior wall of a central channel located in a shaft portion of the anchor portion.

Typically, said attachment means includes a head portion. Said head portion may be provided for gripping by a user in use, for attachment and detachment of the applicator means to and from the anchor portion.

In one embodiment, said elongate portion includes a second, opposing end. Typically, a gripping member may be provided at or adj acent said second end.

Preferably, said applicator means are provided with a maximum diameter which is less than a diameter of a substantially central aperture located through said body portion.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a fixing device as described above, said method including the steps of: forming a body portion of the device and an anchor portion of the device, characterised in that the anchor portion is formed to have at least one anchor member provided to have a length or dimension, in at least one direction, greater than the dimensions of the body portion in the same direction, and further said body portion and/or anchor portion are formed to include connection means for attaching or connecting the body portion to the anchor portion.

The present invention therefore provides a fixing device having distinct advantages over the prior art. While maintaining a simple and easy to use structure, the anchor portion of the device may be inserted into hole in plasterboard and retained in place by attaching the respective body portion, and any uncertainty as to whether or not it is extended to anchor the device to the plasterboard is removed. Furthermore, the increased size and surface area of the anchor member, in comparison to the wings shown in EP2998592 discussed above, serves to dissipate the force/weight of the article that will hang from the device, thereby reducing the pressure imposed on the plasterboard and providing a secure attachment, and permitting larger and/or heavier loads to be located on the plasterboard wall, without danger that the extra load could compromise the structural integrity of the plasterboard.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a fixing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2a — b illustrate an exploded view of another fixing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and a view of the same when inserted into a support surface;

Figures 3a - c illustrate plan views of various components of a fixing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fixing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 5a — d illustrate views of component part of a fixing device shown in Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 illustrates an applicator means for a fixing device, in accordance with an embodiment of o the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates an applicator means attached to a fixing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a fixing device partially fed through a support surface using an applicator means, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 9 illustrates a fixing device attached to a support surface, prior to removal of attachment means, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to the figures and firstly Figure 1 , there is shown a fixing device 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The fixing device, in this embodiment, comprises a body portion 3 and an anchor portion 5. The anchor portion 5 includes two main parts— an elongate anchor member 7, provided to anchor the device 1 to a rear side of a plasterboard wall to which the device 1 is being affixed, and a connecting member in the form of a spine or shaft 9, which is provided to connect the anchor portion 5 and the body portion 3 together. This is achieved by providing a hole 1 1 in the body portion 3 sized to receive the shaft 9 therein. The interior walls of the body portion 3 and the exterior surface of the shaft 9 can be provided with complementary formations 13, 15 thereon, respectively, shown in Figures 1 to 2b in the form of screw threads, allowing the two portions to be connected simply by relative rotation of the two towards one another. The body portion 3 may be provided having a length or depth which is substantially equal to the thickness of a plasterboard wall 33 in which it is to be located. In practice, plasterboard walls/panels are provided as having a standardised set of thicknesses, for example, 12mm, 15mm and other thickness. Thus, the body portion 3 of the device 1 may be formed as having a length or depth to match the thickness of such a plasterboard wall 33. As described above, in order that the fixing device 1 may support a larger load without causing damage to the wall 33, the surface area of the anchor member 7 in contact with the rear face of the wall 33 needs to be maximised. This has the effect of spreading the load borne by the device 1 across the entire surface area of the anchor member 7 and consequently reducing the pressure thereon. It is important, therefore, that the body portion 3 is provided of a depth which matches the thickness of the plasterboard wall 33 in which it is located because in instances where the depth may be less than the thickness of the wall 33, a void in the aperture of the wall 33 is created between the end of the body portion 3 and the anchor member 7. When a relatively heavy load is being borne by the device 1 , in use, this puts a strain on the anchor member 7 and can pull a central portion of the anchor member 7 into the void, creating a bend in the anchor member 7 and thus reducing the surface area of the same which can contact the wall 33. In order to accommodate for discrepancies in the thickness of plasterboard into which the fixing device 1 may be inserted (for example, due to paint and other layers having been applied, or "scim-coat" plaster finishes) which may provide a thickness slightly greater than the standard thickness, the degree of separation between the anchor portion 7, or shaft 9, and the body portion 3, can be adjusted by relative rotation of the respective portions about the connecting screw threads.

Other connection means may be provided between the shaft 9 and the body portion 3, such as a snap-fit, push-fit and/or push- and-click arrangement or similar, and a preferred example of this is shown in more detail in Figures 4 to 5d. In the example shown in Figure 4, and shown as individual components in Figures 5a - d, at least part of the shaft 9 - the distal part - is provided in a number of portions 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. In the example shown, four portions are provided, however, embodiments may be provided with two, three, or more portions as required. The provision of two or more portions 9a, 9b at the distal end of the shaft 9 permits a degree of resilience and flexibility in the shaft. The exterior walls of the portions of the shaft 9 are provided with a formation in the form of a rib or fin portion 15', located adjacent or near their distal ends. The shaft 9 can then be inserted into the hole 11 of the body portion 3, which is sized to receive the end portions of the shaft 9. As the shaft 9 is inserted, the rib or fin portions 15', which have an angled face at their distal end, engage a ring portion 14' which protrudes inwardly of the interior walls of the body portion, urging the portions 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d inwardly as the rib or fin portion 15' passes the ring portion 14'. Once past the ring portion 14', the resilient nature of the portions 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d allows them to return outwardly to their original position, such that the rib or fin portion 15' rests in recess 13' of the body portion 3, thereby securing the shaft 9 to the body portion 3. Return movement is prevented as the proximal face of the rib or fin portions 15' is substantially flat and engages with the side wall of the ring portion 14', maintaining them in the recessed portion 13'. As described above with the embodiments shown in Figures 1— 2b, the degree of separation between the anchor portion 7, or shaft 9, and the body portion 3, can be adjusted in order to accommodate for discrepancies in the thickness of plasterboard into which the fixing device 1 may be inserted. This is achieved by permitting a degree of axial sliding movement of the shaft 9 within the hole 1 1 of the body portion 3 once the rib or fin portions are secure in the recessed portion 13'. In an alternative example to the present embodiment, the interior wall of the hole 1 1 of the body portion 3 may not include a protruding ring portion 14', and the fin or rib portions 13' of the shaft portions 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d may directly engage the interior walls of the body portion 3 as the respective portions are brought together. Recess 13' may then be provided in the interior walls, at which point the resilient nature of the portions 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d allows them to return outwardly to their original position.

In another example, the exterior walls of the shaft 9 may be provided with one or more ribbed or fin-like members located therearound. These, and variations thereof, may be more commonly known in the art as "pine tree clip" arrangements, and enables a user simply to connect the body portion 3 via a push-in action, rather than screwing/rotating. These may be provided in either removable or non-removable forms. Corresponding ribbed or fin-like portions may be provided on the interior wall of the body portion 3 in order to make the connection more secure. However, while the present embodiments show examples of the present invention having an anchor portion 5 and a body portion 3 including complementary connection means, it will also be appreciated that certain embodiments may only require connection means present on one of the two portions. For example, where a "pine tree clip" arrangement or connection 15 is provided on, for example, the exterior surface of the shaft 9, the friction fit between that and the interior walls of the body portion 3 may be sufficient to hold the device 1 in place. The same would also apply if the connection means 13 are provided solely on the interior walls of the body portion 3.

The body portion 3 of the fixing device 1 is sized to fit neatly into an appropriately sized hole drilled into the plasterboard wall. Generally, the body portion 3 will be constructed in sizes/diameters to match that of standard drill-bit dimensions used for creating such holes. Importantly, the anchor member 7 is then provided as an elongate member having at least a length which is greater than that of the dimensions of the body portion 3 and, hence, the bore-hole in the plasterboard. The width of the anchor member 7 will then be smaller than the dimensions of the body portion 3 and, consequently, the bore-hole, in order that it may conveniently fit through the same. The screw- threads l 3, 15 (or other connection means such as fins 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), therefore, serve to create a secure connection between the body portion 3 and the anchor portion 5, thereby securing the fixing device 1 of the present invention within the bore-hole in the plasterboard wall. Once secured into the wall, a user may insert a screw, stud or nail 21 into a channel 23 formed in the shaft 9. The screw 21 will, consequently, be more securely attached to the wall and be better able to support articles as seen fit by a user than if it were inserted directly into the wall without such a fixing device.

In order to ensure the body portion 3 does not inadvertently slip/pass through the hole in the plasterboard, a flanged portion 17 is provided at the front or top face of the body. The flange 17 extends a distance outwardly from the exterior walls of the body 3. Once fitted into the hole of the plasterboard, a user may choose to gently hammer in the device 1 slightly to create a flush surface where the device 1 rests. Turning briefly to Figure 3a, the front face of the body portion 3 may be further provided with slots or recesses 19, which allow a user to screw the body to tighten the connection with the anchor portion 5, further securing the device 1 to the wall in which it is located.

As depicted in Figure 1 , the anchor portion 5 of the fixing device may be provided as a single, integral portion. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 2a - b, the anchor portion may in fact be provided as two distinct parts. Fixing device 101 in Figures 2a - b include a body portion 3 as previously described, however, the anchor member 7 is provided as a separate, elongate member from the shaft 9, which now constitutes a retaining portion 25 having a shaft 9 as previously described and retaining means 27. The anchor member 7 now includes a central hole 29, best viewed in Figure 3b, which is sized to fit over the shaft 9 but has a smaller dimension than that of the retaining means 27. Optionally, a rubber, metal or plastic spacer 31 may be provided to be located between the anchor member 7 and the retaining means 27, to further improve the seal between the two when in use. Thus, in embodiments where the anchor portion 5 is provided in at least two distinct parts — an anchor member 7 and separate connection means shaft 9 — the anchor member 7 is provided with a hole 29 therein to fit over the shaft 9, yet is retained in place at a rear face of the plasterboard by the retaining means 27. The fixing device 1 , 101 of the present invention forms a secure arrangement in the plasterboard as the body portion 3 is subsequently affixed to the shaft 9.

Figure 2b illustrates an example of fixing device 101 (equally applicable to fixing device 1) in use. The body portion 3 is located securely in a bore-hole of the plasterboard wall 33, and screw 21 has been inserted to secure an article 35 to the wall 33, the screw being retained in the channel 23 of shaft 9. The anchor member 7 lies on the rear side of the wall 33 maintaining the arrangement in place and that, in turn, is secured by the retaining means 27. In the example of Figure 1 , the anchor member and retaining portion for a single, integral entity as described above.

Inserting the device 1 , 101 into the plasterboard wall 33 as shown in Figure 2b can be achieved in a number of simple steps. Once an appropriately sized hole has been made in the desired wall, the user may then, where the anchor portion 5 is formed from a separate anchor member 7 and shaft/retaining portion 25, place the anchor member 7 over the shaft 9, such that it is retained thereon by the retaining means 27. Where the anchor portion 5 is a single integral portion, this step is obviously omitted. Next, and in order to improve grip of the anchor portion 5, the user may partially insert an end of a screw/stud/nail 21 into the channel 23 of the shaft 9. A first end of the elongate anchor member 7 is then fed into the hole. As the first end of the anchor member 7 and part of the retaining portion 25 are inserted into the hole, the second opposing end of the anchor member may then be urged into the hole. As the length of the member 7 is provided as greater than the body portion 3 and, hence, the hole in the plasterboard 33, there may be some resistance to the insertion of the second end. Consequently, the anchor member 7 is generally constructed to have a degree of flexibility that allows it to flex slightly as it is inserted into the hole, and once inserted is sufficiently resilient to retain its shape against the rear face of the wall 33. The retention of its original shape is aided as the device becomes more securely attached to the wall 33.

Once inserted, the user may then take the body portion 3 and, using the screw 21 as a guide, fit it into the hole 33; the screw 21 subsequently passing through the central hole 1 1 in the body 3. In instances where the head of the screw 21 has a diameter greater than that of the hole 11 in the body portion 3, the body portion 3 may be slid or passed down the stem or shaft of the screw 21 prior to the insertion of the end of the screw 21 into the channel 23 of the shaft 9. The connection members 13 of the body portion 3 may then engage the connection members of the shaft 9 to secure the portions together and, consequently, securing the device 1 , 101 to the wall 33. The portions may engage via a traditional screw-thread arrangement, a snap-fit, push-fit and/or push-and-click arrangement, a "pine tree clip" arrangement, or other, as discussed above. Once the device 1 , 101 is secured in the wall 33, the screw 21 may be removed if desired, and the required article may be affixed to the wall 33 using the fixing attachment. Alternatively, the screw 21 may be inserted more fully into the channel 23 of the shaft 9, allowing for an article to be hung thereon, as desired by the user.

In some circumstances, the above method for inserting the device 1 , 101 may prove cumbersome or tricky for a user. Thus, as shown in Figures 6— 9, the invention may also provide an applicator 37 to aid in the insertion of the device 1 , 101 into the wall 33. The applicator includes a thin, elongate portion 39, at one end of which is located an attachment member 41. The elongate portion 39 is provided as a flexible, resilient member. The attachment member 41 is provided to be inserted at least partially into and engage with the channel 23 of the shaft 9 in the anchor member 7. The engagement may simply be via complementary screw threads provided on an exterior wall 43 of the attachment member, and an interior wall of the channel 23. The attachment member also includes a head portion 45 provided for gripping by a user in use, for attachment and detachment of the applicator 37 to and from the shaft 9.

In use, the attachment member 41 of the applicator is firstly inserted into the channel 23 of the shaft 9. When the anchor portion 5 is provided as two separate components, the anchor member 7 is placed over the shaft 9. The anchor portion 5 of the fixing device 1 , 101 is subsequently inserted into the aperture in the wall 33, as shown in Figure 8. An aspect of the applicator 37 which makes insertion of the anchor member 7 into the wall 33 easier is that the elongate portion 39 is provided as a flexible member along its length. Thus, the shaft 9 and anchor member 7 may be inserted through the hole in the wall 33 in whatever way is convenient to the user, the shaft 9 and anchor member 7 being easily manipulated and the elongate portion 39 simply bends to accommodate the manipulation. The applicator 37 is provided with a maximum diameter which is less than that of the hole 11 in the body portion 3, and so the body portion 3 of the fixing device 1 , 101 may then simply be slid down the elongate portion 39 from a second opposing end to the attachment member 41. The user may then grip a gripping portion 47 of the applicator, located at the second end, pulling the applicator 37 away from the wall 33. Consequently, this action brings the shaft 9 of the anchor portion 5 of the fixing device into the hole in the wall, with the anchor member 7 located firmly on the rear side of the wall 33. The user may then connect the body portion 3 with the shaft 9, securing the device 1 , 101 in place in the wall 33. Once secure, the attachment portion of the applicator 37 may then be removed from the channel 23 of the shaft 9, and a screw, nail or stud 21 , may subsequently be inserted, as required by the user. The applicator 37 may then be reused for any further fixing devices 1 , 101 that are required to be fixed into the wall 33 or other walls. Thus, the provision of the applicator 37 with the fixing device 1 , 101 of the present invention provides a novel and effective means by which to insert the device 1 , 101 into a wall 33 and subsequently bring the component parts of the device 1 , 101 together, with minimal fuss, saving the user time and effort.

The anchor member 7, when provided as a separate body, is preferably formed from a metal or metal alloy or the like, for increased strength. In alternatives, the anchor member 7 may be formed from a plastics material. Typically, the body portion 3, shaft 9 and retaining means 27 are formed from a plastics material.

In order to receive the screw 21 in a secure fashion, the shaft 9 includes a central channel 23 located therein, as mentioned above. The channel 23 generally extends through the shaft 9 from a first, front end, to a second, rear end. Typically, the shaft 9 can be formed from two or more frangibly separable sections, as can be seen in Figure 3c. Thus, as the screw 21 is inserted into the channel 23 the members of the shaft 9 may be urged to separate, consequently strengthening the connection between it and the interior walls of the body portion 3, securing the fixing device 1 and screw 21 in place in the plasterboard. Consequently, the shaft 9 may act like a wall plug/screw anchor, but provided as far more suitable for fixings in plasterboards.

The body portion 3 of the device 1 , 101 may also include engagement means located on the interior wall of the hole 1 1 , provided so as to prevent relative rotation of the body portion 3 and the shaft portion 9 when the two are connected. The engagement means (not shown) may be provided as at least one protrusion formed on or from at least a part of the interior wall, and preferably are provided in the form of at least one substantially flat inner wall portion located on a part of the interior wall. Corresponding engagement means may also be provided on an outer wall of the shaft 9 or retaining means 25, and which are provided as one or more substantially flat outer wall portions formed thereon. Thus, as the body portion 3 engages the shaft 9, and when a screw 21 or otherwise is inserted into a central channel 23 of the shaft 9 and tightened, this may be done so effectively as rotation between the shaft 9 and the body portion 3 is prevented by the provision of such engagement means.

The present invention therefore provides a fixing device 1 , 101 having distinct advantages over the prior art. While maintaining a simple and easy to use structure, the anchor portion 5 of the device 1 , 101 may be inserted into hole in plasterboard 33 and retained in place by attaching the respective body portion 3, and any uncertainty as to whether or not it is extended to anchor the device to the plasterboard is removed. Furthermore, the increased size and surface area of the anchor member 7, in comparison to the wings shown in EP2998592 discussed above, serves to dissipate the force/weight of the article that will hang from the device 1 , 101 , thereby reducing the pressure imposed on the plasterboard and providing a secure attachment, and permitting larger and/or heavier loads to be located on the plasterboard wall 33, without danger that the extra load could compromise the structural integrity of the plasterboard 33.