Technical Field

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

Background

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

There is a need to attach items such as sinks, radiators, shelves, mirrors and cupboards to cavity walls. However, using existing techniques it can be difficult to attach items in a secure and convenient manner.

For example, a well-known technique for attaching items to cavity walls involves securing a screw into an aperture in an outer wall portion and securing items to the outer wall portion via the screw. However, this technique does not typically provide a strong fixing point because the weight of an item secured by the screw is concentrated on a small area of the outer wall portion immediately adjacent to the screw. This can cause damage to the outer wall portion, particularly when the screw is supporting heavier items or the outer wall portion is composed of a soft material such as plasterboard.

Wall plugs (also sometimes known as “rawl plugs” or “anchors”) are another well- known device used to help secure items to walls. Wall plugs typically comprise an expandable sleeve that is inserted into a pre-drilled aperture in a wall. The sleeve is arranged to expand into the wall as a screw is inserted into it, thereby securing the outside surface of the wall plug into the wall.

Wall plugs can provide a stronger fixing point compared with using a screw alone. Further, wall plugs can provide a particularly secure fixing when they are secured into masonry materials. However, wall plugs are not easy to use with cavity walls. It can be difficult to insert a wall plug into an aperture in an inner wall portion of a cavity wall because the cavity makes positioning the wall plug difficult.

Furthermore, even if a wall plug could be successfully installed in an aperture in an inner wall portion of a cavity wall, the screw used to secure the wall plug would still place a large load on the area of the outer wall portion immediately adjacent to the screw, potentially causing damage or deformation to the outer wall portion.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a technique for securely and conveniently attaching items to cavity walls in a manner that obviates or mitigates some or all of these disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wall fixing for securing an item to a cavity wall. The wall fixing comprises a body comprising a body aperture extending between a first end and a second end of the body. The body further comprises a wall plug aligning element, the wall plug aligning element adapted to hold a wall plug on an axis defined by the body aperture.

Optionally, the wall fixing is configured to allow movement of the wall plug in the direction of the axis when a force is applied through the body aperture to a wall plug held by the wall plug aligning element.

Optionally, the wall plug aligning element comprises at least one region that is shaped to receive a portion of a wall plug.

Optionally, the at least one region comprises a groove.

Optionally, the groove is an annular groove.

Optionally, the wall plug aligning element comprises a plurality of annular grooves, each groove having a different diameter to retain a wall plug of a corresponding diameter.

Optionally, the wall plug aligning element comprises at least one arm, and an end of the at least one arm comprises the at least one region that is shaped to receive a portion of a wall plug.

Optionally, the at least one arm is biased towards a first position in which a wall plug is retained by the wall plug aligning element, and the at least one arm is moveable to a second position in which a wall plug is not retained by the wall plug aligning element.

Optionally, the wall plug aligning element is shaped such that applying a force to a wall plug retained by the wall plug aligning element through the body aperture causes the at least one arm to move from the first position to the second position. Optionally, the body is an inner body and the wall fixing further comprises an outer body arranged to enclose the inner body.

Optionally, the inner body is slidably connected to the outer body such that the inner body is moveable relative to the outer body.

Optionally, the slidable connection between the inner body and the outer body comprises a ratchet mechanism.

Optionally, an outer surface of the inner body comprises at least one protrusion and an inner surface of the outer body comprises at least one corresponding channel, the protrusion and channel arranged to prevent rotation of the inner body relative to the outer body.

Optionally, the inner body and outer body each comprise corresponding threaded regions arranged such that the inner body is moveable relative to the outer body via rotation of the inner body relative to the outer body.

Optionally, the inner body includes an aperture shaped to receive a threaded fixing.

Optionally, the inner body includes one or more protrusions adjacent to the aperture, the one or more protrusions arranged to engage with a threaded fixing received in the aperture such that rotation of the threaded fixing causes corresponding rotation of the inner body.

Optionally, an outer surface of the wall fixing comprises at least one surface extending radially outwardly.

Optionally, an outer surface of the wall fixing comprises a threaded portion.

Optionally, an outer surface of the wall fixing comprises at least one ledge extending around at least a portion of the outer surface. Optionally, the wall fixing further comprises at least one biasing member moveable between a first position in which the biasing member enables the wall fixing to be inserted into and removed from an aperture in a wall and a second position in which the biasing member prevents the wall fixing from being removed from an aperture in a wall, said biasing member biased towards the second position.

Optionally, the wall fixing further comprises a flange portion extending radially outwardly from an outer end surface of the wall fixing to prevent the wall fixing from passing entirely through an aperture in a wall.

Optionally, the body aperture comprises a slotted aperture.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a wall fixing system. The system comprises a wall fixing according to the first aspect and an actuation tool comprising a tool body and an elongate actuation element. The elongate actuation element is arranged to be inserted into the body aperture of the wall fixing to apply a force to a wall plug retained by the wall plug aligning element.

Optionally, an end portion of the elongate actuation element that is arranged to make contact with the wall plug is shaped to make contact with an edge of an end of a wall plug that is retained by the wall plug aligning element.

Optionally, the end portion of the elongate actuation element comprises at least one outwardly extending arm portion.

Optionally, the system further comprises a wall plug.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of securing an item to a cavity wall. The method comprises: providing a wall fixing according to the first aspect; forming a first aperture in an outer wall surface of the wall; forming a corresponding second aperture in an inner wall surface of the wall; attaching a wall plug to the wall plug aligning element of the wall fixing; inserting the wall fixing into the first aperture; applying a force to the wall plug through the body aperture of the wall fixing such that the wall plug moves into the second aperture; and securing a fixing through the body aperture and the wall plug and thereby securing the wall fixing to the wall.

In accordance with aspects of the invention, there is provided a wall fixing. The wall fixing includes a body including a body aperture. The body also includes a wall plug aligning element. The wall plug aligning element is configured to hold a wall plug on an axis defined by the body aperture to prevent movement of the wall plug relative to the body during insertion of the wall fixing into an aperture in a wall.

Advantageously, when the wall fixing is inserted into an aperture in an outer wall portion of a cavity wall, the wall plug aligning element can align a wall plug with an aperture in an inner wall portion (which has typically been pre-drilled by a user). This can improve the ease with which a wall plug can be installed into an inner wall portion of a cavity wall.

Advantageously, embodiments of the invention can provide a secure fixing point for securely attaching an item to a cavity wall. For example, the wall fixing can be used to securely attach items to plasterboard or lath and plaster type cavity walls.

Advantageously, the wall fixing can provide a secure fixing point because the body can be secured to an inner wall portion using a wall plug. Further, when located in an aperture of the outer wall portion, the body can distribute the weight of an item over a larger area of the outer wall portion compared with using a screw alone.

According to certain embodiments of the invention, the position of the wall plug aligning element relative to the body aperture means that a force can be applied through the body aperture to a wall plug held by the wall plug aligning element.

In certain embodiments, the wall fixing is configured so that a force can be used to selectively move the wall plug relative to the wall fixing, for example to further move the wall plug in the direction of an aperture in the inner wall portion.

In this way, the wall plug can be held in a fixed position relative to wall fixing when the wall fixing is inserted into an aperture in an outer wall portion and can then be selectively moved into place in an aperture in an inner wall portion, before a fixing such as screw is used to secure the wall fixing to the wall.

Typically, the wall plug is selectively movable when a user applies a force to the wall plug through the aperture of the body.

In certain embodiments, the wall plug aligning element is configured so that the force causes the wall plug to detach from the wall plug aligning element. In other embodiments, the wall fixing is configured so that the force causes part of the wall fixing to which the wall plug is secured to extend relative to another part of the wall fixing. In still other embodiments, the wall fixing is configured so that the force causes the wall plug to move via a combination of these movements. For example, the force initially causes part of the wall fixing to which the wall plug is secured to extend relative to the remainder of the wall fixing and subsequently the force causes the wall plug to detach from the wall plug aligning element.

Advantageously, when part of the wall fixing to which the wall plug is secured is extended relative to another part of the wall fixing, the extended part of the wall fixing bridges the space within the cavity of a cavity wall. This can provide a more secure interface between the wall fixing and a wall by preventing the wall from collapsing into the cavity. In this way, the extended part of the wall fixing acts as a support between the inner and outer wall portions of a cavity wall.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1b provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further view of the wall fixing of Figure 1a;

Figure 1c provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further view of the wall fixing of Figure 1a;

Figure 2a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing an actuation tool according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2b provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further actuation tool according to an embodiment of the invention

Figures 3a to 3c provide cross sectional views of the wall fixing of Figures 1a to 1c being secured to a cavity wall;

Figure 4 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7b provides a cross sectional view of the wall fixing of Figure 7a;

Figure 8a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing an outer body of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8b provides a simplified schematic diagram showing an inner body of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a cross section view of the wall fixing of Figures 8a and 8b in a first configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9b provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a cross section view of the wall fixing of Figures 8a and 8b in a second configuration;

Figure 10 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing part of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing an outer body of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 b provides a simplified schematic diagram showing an inner body of the further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 12a to 12c provide cross sectional views of the wall fixing of Figures 11a and 11 b being secured to a cavity wall. Detailed Description

Figures 1a to 1c provide simplified schematic diagrams showing different views of a wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention. For clarity, some reference signs have been omitted in Figures 1a to 1c.

Wall plugs include a sleeve extending between a first end and a second end. The first end of the sleeve is inserted into an aperture in a wall. A threaded fixing, such as a screw, is then inserted into the second end of the sleeve. This causes the sleeve to expand radially outwardly to secure the sleeve within the aperture.

Various types of wall plugs are known. One common type of wall plug is a split wall plug. In split wall plugs, the sleeve is not continuous but instead includes one or more gaps (i.e. regions where no material is present). This increases the distance that such wall plugs can expand radially outwardly. In some split wall plugs, the gap begins at the second end and extends through the sleeve towards the first end. Many wall plugs include a flange at the second end to prevent over-insertion into an aperture.

The wall fixing includes a body 101 . The body 101 includes a cylindrical body wall, an outer surface of which is shaped so that the body 101 can be inserted into an aperture in a wall.

The body 101 includes spaced apart protrusions 102a 102b 102c 102d. The protrusions 102a 102b 102c 102d are located on the outer surface of the body wall and each include one or more surfaces that extend radially outwardly from the body 101. In use, when the wall fixing is inserted into a suitably shaped aperture in a wall, the protrusions 102a 102b 102c 102d cut into the wall to secure the wall fixing and prevent rotation of the wall fixing relative to the wall.

The body 101 includes a flange portion 103 extending radially outwardly from the end of the body 101. The flange portion 103 is shaped to prevent the wall fixing from passing entirely through an aperture in a wall.

The body 101 includes a body aperture (also referred to herein as a channel) that extends between a first end and a second end of the body 101 and defines a body aperture axis 104. The part of the body aperture at the first end of the body 101 includes a central fixing-receiving region 105 and a slotted region 106 next to the central region 105. The fixing-receiving region 105 is shaped to receive a fixing such as a screw to secure the wall fixing to a wall. The slotted region 106 is shaped to receive (together with the central region 105) a correspondingly shaped portion of an actuation tool.

The body 101 includes a wall plug aligning element. In this embodiment, the wall plug aligning element includes a first arm portion 107 and a second arm portion 108. The arm portions 107 108 are mechanically biased towards a first position (which is shown in Figures 1a to 1c) and are moveable into a second position when a force is applied to them. In the second position, the arm portions 107 108 are displaced radially outwardly from the first position (i.e. the distance between the distal ends of the arm portions 107 108 is increased in the second position relative to the first position).

The distal end of each of the arm portions 107 108 includes a region that is shaped to receive a portion of an end of a wall plug. The region includes first and second ledges 109 110 separated by a space. The space defines a groove within which an end of a wall plug can be retained.

The arm portions 107 108 are positioned relative to each other such that in the first position an end of a wall plug is held between their respective grooves, and in the second position the wall plug is released from the arm portions 107 108.

The first ledge 109 extends from the distal end at a non-perpendicular angle to provide a wedge shape. The second ledge 110 extends from the distal end at a substantially perpendicular angle. In this way, the shape of the groove is such that a wall plug can be retained between the arm portions 107 108 until a force is applied to the wall plug in the direction of the body axis 104. When such a force is applied, the wall plug pushes on the wedge shape of the first ledge 109. This causes the arm portions 107 108 to be displaced from the first position into the second position to release the wall plug. The wall fixing can be manufacturing using a suitable process, such as additive manufacturing. The wall fixing is composed of a suitable material. Examples of suitable materials include plastic, metal or wood.

Figure 2a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing an actuation tool according to an embodiment of the invention.

The actuation tool includes a tool body 200 and an elongate actuation element 201 . The elongate actuation element 201 is arranged to be inserted into a body aperture of a wall fixing to apply a force to a wall plug retained by the wall plug aligning element.

A distal end 202 of the elongate actuation element 201 is arranged to make contact with (and apply a force to) a wall plug. The end 202 includes two outwardly extending surfaces. The surfaces distribute the force applied by the actuation tool to an edge of an end of a wall plug. This is advantageous when the actuation tool is used with a split wall plug which has a gap that extends through the sleeve of the wall plug from the second end towards the first end. This is because applying a force to the edge of the split end of the wall plug (i.e. the second end) rather than to the centre can prevent the force causing the wall plug to open (radially outwardly) before the wall plug has been fully inserted into the wall aperture. Preventing such opening can make installation easier.

Figure 2b provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further actuation tool according to an embodiment of the invention. The actuation tool substantially corresponds with the actuation tool of Figure 2a except in that the distal end 203 does not include outwardly extending surfaces.

In certain embodiments, the actuation tool is a flat-headed screwdriver.

A wall fixing will now be described in use according to certain embodiments of the invention with reference to Figures 3a to 3c, which provide cross sectional views of the wall fixing as it is secured to a cavity wall. In this embodiment, the wall fixing is the wall fixing described with reference to Figures 1a to 1c. Flowever, it will be understood that the steps (with suitable modifications) can also be used to install other wall fixings disclosed herein.

Figures 3a to 3c show a cavity wall. The cavity wall includes an outer wall portion 300 separated from an inner wall portion 301 by a cavity (i.e. a space).

First, a user forms a first aperture in the outer wall portion 300 and a corresponding second aperture in the inner wall portion 301 , typically using a drill and suitably sized drill bit. The first aperture is shaped to receive a wall fixing and the second aperture is shaped to receive a wall plug. As such, typically the first aperture has a larger diameter than the second aperture.

Next, the user attaches a suitably sized wall plug 302 to the wall plug aligning element of the wall fixing 101 . In embodiments where the wall plug aligning element includes arm portions, the user does so by displacing the arm portions radially outwardly into the second position, locating the wall plug 302 between the arm portions and allowing the arm portions to return to the first position so that the wall plug 302 is retained in the respective grooves of the arm portions.

Next, the user inserts the wall fixing 101 into the first aperture. The protrusions in the outer surface of the wall fixing 101 cut into the wall to secure the wall fixing 101 into the first aperture. After insertion, the wall plug 302 is located within the cavity. Depending on the depth of the cavity, typically the end of the wall plug 302 that is not retained by the wall plug aligning element is located within the second aperture. This is shown in Figure 3a.

Next, the user inserts an actuation tool 303 into the body aperture of the wall fixing 101 . The actuation tool may be of a type described with reference to Figures 2a or 2b. Alternatively, in certain embodiments the actuation tool may be a flat-ended screwdriver.

The user applies a force to the wall plug 302 using the actuation tool 303. The force displaces the arm portions causing the wall plug aligning element to release the wall plug 302. The wall plug 302 moves in the direction of the second aperture. The user continues to apply a force to the wall plug 302 until the wall plug 302 is fully inserted into the second aperture. This is shown in Figure 3b.

Next, the user removes the actuation tool 303 from the body aperture. This is shown in Figure 3c. In this arrangement, the wall fixing 101 is secured to the outer wall portion 300 and the wall plug 302 is fully inserted into the second aperture in the inner wall portion 301 .

Next, the user inserts a suitably sized fixing such as a screw through the body aperture and into the wall plug 302. The user then tightens the screw. This causes the wall plug 302 to expand into the inner wall portion 301 , thereby securing the outside surface of the wall plug 302 into the wall.

The user can then use the wall fixing 101 to secure items to the wall (using the screw that secures the wall fixing 101 or by attaching items directly to the wall fixing 101 itself).

In embodiments where the wall plug 302 is of a split type, after the user has attached the wall plug 302 to the wall plug aligning element, they can rotate the wall plug 302 so that the wall plug aligning element is in contact with the part of the wall plug 302 where the split is present. In such embodiments, an actuation tool that includes a surface arranged to apply a force to the non-split edge of the wall plug 302 can be used. A suitable actuation tool is described with reference to Figure 2a. This can prevent the force applied to the wall plug 302 causing the wall plug 302 to open, which can make installation more difficult.

In certain embodiments, the wall plug 302 is displaced into the second aperture by applying a force to a fixing (such as a screw) located within the wall plug 302 rather than to the wall plug directly. In such embodiments, after the wall plug 302 has been attached to the wall plug aligning element and the wall fixing 101 has been located within the first aperture, the user inserts a fixing into the wall plug. Next, the user applies a force to the fixing. Typically, the force is applied by striking the fixing with a hammer. This causes the wall plug 302 to move in the direction of the second aperture so that the wall plug 302 is fully inserted into the second aperture in the inner wall portion 301 .

Figure 4 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention. The wall fixing substantially corresponds with the wall fixing described with reference to Figures 1a to 1c except in that the outer surface of the body has a different shape.

The outer surface of the body comprises a threaded region 400. The threaded region 400 extends over a substantial part of the outer surface of the body. The threaded region 400 is shaped so that when the wall fixing is inserted into an aperture, the threaded region 400 improves the mechanical securing of the wall fixing with the wall.

To install the wall fixing, a user locates the wall fixing next to a suitably shaped aperture. Next, the user applies a force to the wall fixing in the direction of the aperture while rotating the wall fixing in a clockwise direction. This causes the threaded region 400 to bite into the wall. Once fully inserted, the threaded region 400 can provide a strong and resilient fixing.

Figure 5 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention. The wall fixing substantially corresponds with the wall fixing described with reference to Figures 1a to 1c except as otherwise described.

The wall fixing includes a body 500 which includes a cylindrical body wall. In this embodiment, the cylindrical body wall includes a plurality of spaced apart body wall portions 501 a 501 b 501 c 501 d. Each of the body wall portions 501 a 501 b 501 c 501 d includes at least one annular flange portion 502 that extends radially outwardly. The flange portions 502 are substantially wedge shaped to facilitate movement of the wall fixing into an aperture.

The body wall portions 501a 501 b 501c 501 d together with their respective flange portions 502 act as biasing members to selectively allow or prevent the wall fixing from being removed from an aperture once it has been inserted. In a first position (which is shown in Figure 5), the body wall portions 501a 501 b 501c 501 d are positioned so that the respective flange portions 502 make contact with an inner surface of a wall to prevent the wall fixing from being removed from the wall. In a second position, the body wall portions are displaced radially inwardly 501a 501b 501c 501 d to allow the wall fixing to be inserted into an aperture.

A plurality of flange portions 502 can be provided at different positions on the body wall so that the wall fixing can be secured to walls of different depths.

Figure 6 provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention. The wall fixing substantially corresponds with the wall fixing described with reference to Figures 1a to 1c except as otherwise described.

The wall fixing includes a body 600 which includes a cylindrical body wall. In this embodiment, the cylindrical body wall includes cut away regions 601a 602b. Each of the cut away regions 601a 602b is located next to an arm portion 602a 602b of a wall plug aligning element. The cut away regions 601a 601b increase the distance that the distal ends of the arm portions 602a 602b can be displaced radially outwardly. This means that the wall plug aligning element can retain wall plugs having a larger diameter.

The outer surface of the body wall includes spaced apart protrusions 603a 603b 603c. The protrusions 603a 603b 603c are substantially wedge shaped. After the body 600 has been inserted into an aperture in a wall, the body 600 is rotated. This causes the wedge shaped protrusions 603a 603b 603c to cut into the wall, thereby securing the fixing to the aperture. In certain embodiment, the body 600 is rotated by approximately 45 degrees.

A further arrangement of protrusions is shown in Figure 10, which provides a simplified schematic diagram showing part of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention. The wall fixing includes a body 1000 which includes a cylindrical body wall. The outer surface of the body wall includes protrusions 1001a 1001 b. The protrusions 1001a 1001 b are substantially triangular shaped.

After the body 1000 has been inserted into an aperture in a wall, the body 1000 is rotated. This causes the protrusions 1001 a 1001 b to cut into the wall, thereby securing the fixing to the aperture. Due to the shape of the protrusions, the body 1000 can be rotated in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

Figure 7a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention and Figure 7b provides a cross sectional view of the wall fixing of Figure 7a. The wall fixing substantially corresponds with the wall fixing described with reference to Figures 1a to 1c except as otherwise described.

The wall fixing includes a body 700. The outer surface of the body 700 includes spaced apart protrusions 701a 701 b. The protrusions are substantially wedge shaped for securing the wall fixing into an aperture.

In this embodiment, the wall plug aligning element comprises a region of an inside surface of the body 700. The region comprises a plurality of annular grooves 702a 702b that extend around part of the inside surface of the body 700. The grooves 702a 702b are shaped to receive a portion of an end of a wall plug and to retain the wall plug until a suitable force is applied to the wall plug. In this embodiment, the grooves 702a 702b are substantially U-shaped. The grooves include a tapered profile. This allows non-flanged wall plugs to be retained by the grooves.

A plurality of grooves 702a 702b of different diameters are provided to accommodate a range of wall plug sizes.

The body 700 includes a ledge 703. The ledge 703 extends out from the main part of the body 700. The ledge 703 includes a further annular groove to increase the range of diameters of wall plugs that the body 700 can retain. Figure 8a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing an outer body 800 of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention and Figure 8b provides a simplified schematic diagram showing an inner body 804 of the further wall fixing.

The outer body 800 includes a cylindrical wall. The wall is shaped to enclose the inner body 804 and includes a first end 806 and a second end 807. An inner surface of the wall includes a channel 801 that extends between the first and second ends 806 807. The channel 801 is shaped to receive a corresponding protrusion 805 of the inner body 804. The inner body 804 and outer body 800 are slidably connectable via the channel 801 and protrusion 805.

An inner surface of the outer body 800 includes a toothed portion 802 and an outer surface of the inner body 804 includes a corresponding toothed portion 805 (part of the protrusion 805). The toothed portions 802805 together form a ratchet mechanism. The toothed portions 802 805 are configured such that in use they engage to only allow relative movement of the inner and outer body 804800 in one direction (i.e. from the second end 807 to the first end 806.

The outer surface of the outer body 800 is arranged to make contact with a wall aperture in use. The outer surface includes at least one protrusion 803 that extends radially outwardly to assist with securing the wall fixing into an aperture, as described herein. In this embodiment, the protrusion 803 is substantially wedge shaped. Flowever, other suitable numbers and configurations of protrusion, including those described herein, could be used.

The outer surface of the outer body 800 also includes a flange to prevent over-insertion of the wall fixing into an aperture.

The inner body 804 includes a wall plug aligning element. In this embodiment, the wall plug aligning element comprises a plurality of annular grooves 808 on an inner surface of the inner body 804. Each groove 808 is arranged to hold an end of a wall plug. The grooves 808 substantially correspond with the grooves described with reference to Figures 7a and 7b. In other embodiments, other arrangements of wall plug aligning element can be used, including those described herein.

Figure 9a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing a cross sectional view of the wall fixing of Figures 8a and 8b in a first configuration and Figure 9b shows the wall fixing in a second configuration. The wall fixing will now be described in use. The wall fixing is used and operates in substantially the same manner as the wall fixing described with reference to Figures 3a to 3c except as otherwise described below.

Initially, the wall fixing is in a first configuration, which is shown in Figure 9a. The inner body 804 is located within the outer body 800. In this configuration, a wall plug (not shown) can be secured to the wall plug aligning element. Subsequently, the wall fixing is located within an aperture in an outer wall portion of a cavity wall such that the outer body 800 is secured relative to the wall.

Next, a user applies a force to the wall plug through an aperture 900 in the outer body 800. This causes the inner body 804 to slide relative to the outer body 800 so that the wall plug secured by the wall plug aligning element moves towards an aperture in an inner wall portion of a wall. This moves the wall fixing into a second configuration, which is shown in Figure 9b. The ratchet mechanism prevents the inner body 804 from moving back towards the outer body 800 once it has been extended.

When extended, the inner body 804 can improve the ability of the wall fixing to support heavier loads because it can help prevent the outer wall portion from collapsing into the cavity when a load is applied. This is particularly advantageous when the outer wall portion is a plasterboard panel because such panels can be particularly susceptible to collapsing under heavy loads.

In certain embodiments, when the wall plug is fully inserted into an aperture in the inner wall portion, the wall plug is still held by the wall plug aligning element. Alternatively, when the distance that the inner body 804 can extend relative to the outer body 800 is less than the distance of the cavity, initially the force applied to the inner body 804 causes the inner body 804 to move relative to the outer body 800. Subsequently, when the inner body 804 reaches maximum extension, applying further force to the wall plug causes the wall plug to detach from the wall plug aligning element and move into the aperture in the inner wall portion.

Subsequently, a fixing such as a screw is provided through the aperture 900 and the wall plug to secure the wall fixing to the wall.

Figure 11 a provides a simplified schematic diagram showing an outer body 1100 of a further wall fixing according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 11 b provides a simplified schematic diagram showing an inner body 1101 of the further wall fixing.

The wall fixing of Figures 11a and 11 b substantially corresponds with the wall fixing of Figures 8a and 8b except as otherwise described and depicted below.

An inner surface of the outer body 1100 includes a threaded region 1102. An outer surface of the inner body 1101 includes a corresponding threaded region 1103. The threaded regions 1102 1103 are configured to engage to enable rotation of the inner body 1101 relative to the outer body 1100.

As described in more detail below, when the outer body 1100 is held in a fixed position, typically after being inserted into an aperture in a wall, rotation of the inner body 1101 relative to the outer body 1100 causes the inner body 1101 to extend away from the outer body 1100 via interaction between the corresponding threaded regions 1102 1103.

The inner body 1101 includes an aperture 1104 that is shaped to receive a threaded fixing such as a screw. The inner body 1101 includes protrusions adjacent to the aperture 1104 that are shaped to engage with a threaded fixing inserted into the aperture 1104. In this way, rotation of a threaded fixing received within the aperture 1104 causes corresponding rotation of the inner body 1101.

The outer body 1100 also includes an aperture 1106 through which a threaded fixing can be inserted. The inner body 1101 includes a wall plug aligning element 1107. In this embodiment, the wall plug aligning element 1107 comprises a plurality of annular grooves on an inner surface of the inner body 1101 , each groove arranged to hold the end of a wall plug of a certain diameter. The grooves substantially correspond with the grooves described with reference to Figures 7a and 7b.

In other embodiments, other suitable arrangements of wall plug aligning element described herein can be used.

The outer body 1100 includes wedge shaped protrusions 1105 to prevent rotation of the outer body 1100 relative to a wall in use.

In certain embodiments, the inner and/or outer body 1100 1101 include a stop to prevent further rotation of the inner body 1101 relative to the outer body 1100 beyond a predetermined extension limit.

The wall fixing of Figures 11a and 11 b will now be described in use with reference to Figures 12a to 12c. The wall fixing 1200 is used and operates in substantially the same manner as the wall fixing described with reference to Figures 8a to 8b except as otherwise described below.

In this example, the wall fixing 1200 is being secured to a cavity wall. The cavity wall includes an outer wall portion 1202 separated from an inner wall portion 1201 by a cavity.

First, a suitably sized aperture is made in the outer wall portion 1202 to accommodate the outer body of the wall fixing 1200. A suitably sized aperture is also made in the inner wall portion 1201 to accommodate a wall plug.

A wall plug 1203 is then secured to the wall plug aligning element. The wall fixing 1200 is then inserted into the aperture in the outer wall portion 1202, as shown in Figure 12a. The outer body of the wall fixing 1200 makes contact with the outer wall portion 1202 so that substantial rotation of the outer body relative to the wall is prevented. On insertion into the wall, the wall fixing 1200 is in a first configuration in which the inner body is located entirely or substantially within the outer body.

Next, a threaded fixing 1204, such as a screw, is inserted into the wall fixing 1200 through the aperture of the outer body 1200 using a suitable actuation tool 1205, such as a screwdriver.

The threaded fixing 1204 engages with the inner body (via the fixing receiving teeth of the inner body) so that rotation of the threaded fixing 1204 causes corresponding rotation of the inner body relative to the outer body (which is held in a fixed position relative to the wall). Due to the threaded connected between the inner body and the outer body, the rotation of the inner body causes the inner body to extend out from the outer body. This causes the wall plug 1203 secured by the wall plug aligning element of the inner body to move towards the inner wall portion 1201 and into the aperture in the inner wall portion 1201.

The threaded fixing 1204 continues to be rotated and the inner body continues to extend from the outer body until the inner body makes contact with the inner portion of the wall 1201 . This is shown in Figure 12b. In this position, the wall fixing 1200 is in a second configuration in which the inner body is extended out from the outer body.

Alternatively, if the distance that the inner body can extend relative to the outer body is less than the depth of the cavity, the inner body initially moves towards the inner wall portion 1201 until the inner body reaches maximum extension. Subsequently, continuing to rotate the threaded fixing 1204 applies a force to the wall plug 1203 which causes the wall plug 1203 to detach from the wall plug aligning element and move into the aperture in the inner wall portion 1201.

The threaded aperture 1204 continues to be rotated, as shown in Figure 12c, until it is fully inserted into the wall plug 1203 in a fixing position in the wall.

In certain embodiments, the wall fixing can be removed from a wall by rotating the threaded fixing in the opposite direction to the direction used to extend the inner body relative to the outer body. In this way, the wall fixing can be easily removed from a wall. Once removed, the wall fixing can be re-installed.

Advantageously, providing a threaded connection between the inner and outer body of the wall fixing can further improve the ease with which the wall fixing can be installed. The process of installing the wall fixing can be further simplified because the action of securing a threaded fixing into the wall fixing can be used to actuate the wall fixing via rotation of the inner body relative to the outer body, and thereby move a wall plug into a securing position in an aperture in a wall. As such, the number of steps required to install the wall fixing can be reduced.

Further, in the fixing configuration, the threaded connection between the inner and outer body can prevent unwanted movement of the wall fixing in use.

Advantageously, in use, when the inner body is extended relative to the outer body, the inner body bridges the space between the inner and outer wall portion of a cavity wall. This can provide a more secure interface between the wall fixing and wall by preventing the wall from collapsing into the cavity. In this way, when extended, the inner body acts as a support between the inner and outer wall portions of a cavity wall.

It will be understood that in embodiments where a wall fixing includes an inner and outer body, the dimensions of a particular inner body make the inner body suited to extending across a particular depth (or range of depths) of cavity (i.e. the distance between the inner and outer wall portions). In certain embodiments, a wall fixing can be provided as a kit comprising two or more inner bodies. Each inner body can be dimensioned to suit a predetermined range of cavity depths.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

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

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