Supporting chassis fastening anchor

Abstract

A fastening anchor 1 for use with panels comprises a fixing component and a chassis 1. The fixing component has a body capable of accepting and retaining a fastener, at least two arms 22 and pivotable

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to fastening anchors designed for securing fasteners into panels suitable for a variety of construction materials including gypsum, plasterboard, and other similar substrates. It is intended for use with, but not limited to, machine screws, bolts, or threaded inserts, offering versatile applications. The invention aims to provide enhanced structural integrity. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The construction, home improvement, and DIY (do-it-yourself) industries have long utilized fastening systems for attaching fixtures to a variety of wall materials, including masonry and panels. Traditional methods often involve self-tapping screws, which, while versatile, encounter challenges across different substrates. Panels, constructed from fibrous or granular materials, frequently lack the requisite structural integrity to securely hold screws under load, leading to oversized holes and the use of specialized anchors to ensure stability. To address these challenges, various anchors have been developed, featuring pivoting or articulated arms to facilitate easier access through pre-drilled holes, distribute load more evenly, and adapt automatically to walls of varying thicknesses. Among these specialized anchors, toggle bolts are designed for panel or hollow wall applications, such as drywall or plasterboard. A toggle bolt includes a fastener, usually a machine screw or bolt, and a spring-loaded toggle consisting of two wings. These wings are connected to a winged nut, attachable to the bolt, allowing the toggle to lie flat against the bolt for insertion through a pre-drilled hole from the wall's first side. Upon insertion into the hole and through to the second side of the wall, the bolt is pushed through, causing the toggle wings to pivot around the bolt to a perpendicular or an angle suitable for engagement relative to the bolt's axis, transitioning from an initially parallel alignment (approximately 0 degrees, where the wings are flat against the bolt for insertion) to an engaged position (typically between 45 to 90 degrees relative to the bolt). This pivotal action allows the toggle to open and spread out on the second side of the wall. The engagement of the bolt with the toggle wings is facilitated by the bolt being screwed into the winged nut, which, as it tightens, draws the toggle against the wall's interior surface, securing the anchor in place. In this process, the item being fixed is effectively clamped between the bolt head and the first side of the wall, ensuring a stable and secure attachment. The design of the toggle wings ensures that, upon tightening, they expand to spread the load over a larger area within the wall's internal structure, providing a robust support for the mounted object. The toggle bolt's design effectively adapts to various wall thicknesses, offering a versatile and reliable anchoring solution for securing items to panel or hollow walls. Importantly, the contact between the wings as they spread under the force of tightening effectively becomes the fulcrum point for the wings under the load from the wall. The pivotable connection between the wings and the bolt resists the tension forces exerted during tightening and load-bearing, making it a critical component for the overall load-bearing capability of the fastening anchor. This principle has seen further refinement in more advanced variations, such as the Super Toggle by PlasPlugs®, which features a multi-hinged winged fixing component encased within a separate body. This advanced design incorporates three hinged regions within each arm or wing, with the pivotable connection to the fastening body acting as the fulcrum point which comes under compression and the pivotable connection to an annular support body supporting tension forces, providing stability as the load is applied. In this configuration, both pivotable connections provide a critical factor determining the structural integrity of the fastening anchor. Another innovative design presented in GB2581539 employs a "reverse orientation" for its arms, which pivot from an initial angle of 180 degrees to approximately 90 degrees relative to the fastening device's longitudinal axis. This configuration allows the arms to rotate towards the wall, reaching an engageable position, in stark contrast to the deployment mechanism of traditional toggle bolts. The arms, designed with a roughly L-shape, are pivotally connected to a fixing component body crafted to accommodate a fastener. Within this setup, the elongated section of each arm acts as the primary loadbearing feature. Simultaneously, the shorter section, distinguished by a cam surface, is strategically positioned to interact with the fastener during the anchor's installation. This interaction induces the rotation of the arms, aligning the load-bearing sections against the wall's surface. Here, the interaction between the distal edge of the cam surfaces and the fastener generally establishes the fulcrum point, with the pivotable connection negating moments or forces - again, becoming a critical point of failure in the operation of the fastening anchor. In particular, the pivotable connections of these fastening components are critical points of failure, as they must provide sufficient flexibility or articulation means to allow for the required movement between the insertable condition and engageable condition. However, the limit of the load the fastening anchor can accept is directly correlated to its construction, leading to compromises in design. The design of the pivoting connections, therefore, requires meticulous consideration due to the inherent compromises they introduce, including added complexity in manufacturing. The construction of these components, including the choice of materials, the type of joints used, and the size of these joints, is critical in determining the maximum load or forces that the fastening anchor can withstand before failure. Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a supporting chassis fastening anchor which aims to alleviate at least one of the technical disadvantages of the prior art as discussed above, simplifying the manufacturing process while enhancing the loadbearing capacity of the system. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a supporting chassis fastening anchor for securing a fastener to panels or ceilings. This anchor includes a chassis comprising an axial aperture and a fixing component with pivotally connected arms. The arms are capable of transitioning between an insertable condition for insertion into a panel with a predrilled hole from a first side and an engageable condition wherein they are positioned to engage with the second side of the panel. The fixing component is capable of axial movement along the longitudinal axis of the fastening anchor, enabling a transition from a position distant to the second side of the panel to a position wherein the arms bear against the second side of the panel. The chassis includes an innovative arm support feature designed to mechanically stabilize each arm during engagement with the panel, thereby mitigating (reducing or eliminating) stress on the pivotable connections between the arms and the fixing component body. In certain embodiments, the chassis includes a chassis head designed to locate within the aperture of the panel. Additionally, the chassis may feature at least one engagement formation aimed at preventing the chassis from moving through the aperture when in use. This may include a flange extending radially outward from the chassis head. Some embodiments also incorporate anti-rotation formations to inhibit the chassis from rotating relative to the panel during installation, directly enhancing the anchor's overall stability and security. In some embodiments, the arm support feature is designed as a cylindrical outer wall that projects from the chassis head, forming a dedicated chamber to accommodate the fixing component securely. This outer wall is strategically engineered with slots that facilitate the guided movement of the arm's upper segment, enabling precise alignment for optimal wall engagement. Specifically, a portion of each arm is intentionally shaped and positioned to come into direct contact with the cylindrical wall's inner surface adjacent to these slots when the arm is in the engaged position. This intentional design of the contact area between the arm and the cylindrical wall is carefully optimized to distribute stress more evenly across the arms and chassis structure, effectively mitigating the potential stress concentration on the pivotable connections. In other embodiments, the chassis incorporates arm support features in the form of rail structures projecting from the chassis head. These rails are specifically configured to interact with portions of the arms, such as winged sections or protruding structures at the proximal ends, facilitating an overlap. When the arm engages with the rails, this precise overlapping configuration restricts pivotal movement in specific directions, thereby effectively transferring forces that would typically impact the pivotable connection. Additionally, the rails may be sized to a predetermined length to avoid interfering with the arms' ability to transition between the insertable and engageable conditions when the fixing component is positioned away from the panel's second side. This design ensures that the arms can freely move to engage with the panel without hindrance from the rail structures until the fixing component is adjusted closer for installation. In specific embodiments, the rails are crafted to pass through apertures located within the arms. These apertures may present configurations resembling walls that closely fit the rails, ensuring a tight engagement and allowing the arm to more effectively distribute the forces arising from panel engagement. The alignment of these apertures with the arm support features occurs when the arm reaches the engageable condition. As the fixing component is brought nearer to the panel for installation, the arm support feature begins its engagement with the arms, the engagement stabilizing the arm such that the structural stress from engagement on the pivotal connection is reduced or substantially removed. In some embodiments, the rails are configured as prongs to interface with parts of the arms, ensuring the arms resist pivotal movement when engaging with the panel. This arrangement helps to effectively mitigate or eliminate stress on the pivotal connection during normal use. The rails are available in various forms to suit different installation needs, including flat strips, curved, tubular, pins, or cross shapes. Each form offers unique advantages for supporting the arms and stabilizing the fastening anchor. Furthermore, the contact surfaces of the arm support feature and the arm itself may be designed with matching shapes or patterns to enhance their interaction. For example, some embodiments utilize a serrated pattern with sloped edges, allowing for smoother movement towards engagement while resisting forces attempting to disengage the arm. This design ensures the arm remains securely engaged with the panel, improving the arm's stability and ensuring stress is substantially not passed to the pivotable connection. In some embodiments, the fastener is one of a bolt, a machine screw, a threaded insert itself capable of receiving and retaining a fastener, a threaded hook, or an eyebolt. In some embodiments, the chassis includes an element arranged to cooperate with the fixing component during installation to prevent the fixing component from rotating with respect to the chassis. Furthermore, in some embodiments, said feature may be formed as part of the arm support feature. In some embodiments, the pivotal connection may be a hinge joint, enabling simple pivot motion between the arm and the fixing component body. In other embodiments, the pivotal connection may involve resiliently deformable hinges integrated into designs where the arm and body are formed from a single piece of deformable material, such as plastic, allowing the arm to flex relative to the fixing component body. In further embodiments, the pivotal connection may include pin and socket joints, comprising a pin that connects the arm to a mounting block or boss on the fixing component body, allowing for rotational movement around the pin's axis. In some embodiments, the pivotal connection may comprise a snap-fit joint for ease of manufacture. In some embodiments, leaf springs or flexures are employed, utilizing the material's elasticity to allow for pivoting through material bending. In some embodiments, the or each at least one arm of the fixing component includes hinged arm means arranged to be contacted and rotated by the fastener when the fastener is inserted into the fixing component so as to open the at least two arms from a closed position such that the at least two arms is / are able to be engaged, in operation, with the second side of the panel. In some embodiments, the chassis may further comprise at least one feature that limits the distal axial movement of the fixing component ensuring the fixing component does not disengage from the chassis distal end. In certain embodiments, the fastening anchor incorporates a biasing system designed to facilitate the movement of the arms towards their engageable condition. This system significantly aids in the installation process by automatically urging the arms into a position that allows for secure engagement with the panel's interior surface. The biasing mechanism may take various forms, including but not limited to, a spring mechanism that provides a consistent force or a flexure based on the inherent elasticity of the material, such as a plastic hinge, that naturally encourages the arm towards the engageable condition without manual adjustment. The reduction in stress is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the pivotable connections, particularly under load conditions. By mitigating stress to the pivotable connections, the embodiments enhance the durability and reliability of the fastening anchor, ensuring a secure and stable attachment within various panel materials and thicknesses. In addition to the pivotal and mechanical innovations detailed above, the invention also contemplates a versatile chassis design to accommodate a variety of fastening anchor configurations. In some embodiments the chassis can support fastening anchors equipped with spring toggle mechanisms, facilitating automatic expansion of the anchor's arms upon insertion into a panel and engagement with its interior surfaces, courtesy of a biasing mechanism like a spring. This feature not only simplifies installation but also extends the fastening anchor's applicability across different panel types and thicknesses. In other embodiments the chassis is designed to be compatible with fastening anchors that include arms, which articulate from an insertable to an engageable condition upon interaction with a fastener. This disclosure comprehensively covers not only the described embodiments but also encompasses all feasible combinations of the disclosed features and embodiments, including variations and modifications thereof. The scope of this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but extends to cover combinations of features from different embodiments, even if such combinations were not explicitly discussed. This inclusive approach allows for a broad interpretation of the invention, encouraging innovative applications and implementations that leverage the synergistic effects of combining various features and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1: Front perspective view of the first embodiment's chassis featuring a central aperture and arm support rails. Figure 2: Front perspective view of the first embodiment's fixing component with a threaded aperture and pivotable arms. Figure 3: Side view of the first embodiment showing the fastening anchor with arms in an insertable condition. Figure 4: Detailed side hidden line view of the first embodiment, indicating arm engaged with arm support feature. Figure 5: Rear perspective view of the first embodiment during the initial installation phase with the fixing component inserted in the panel aperture. Figure 6: Side view of the first embodiment with the fastening anchor's arms in the initial engaged position making contact with the panel. Figure 7: Side view of the first embodiment with the chassis rails engaged with arms' support tubes. Figure 8: Side cross-sectional view of the first embodiment's completed installation with the fastening anchor's arms fully integrated and secured by the chassis support features. Figure 9: Front perspective view of the second embodiment's chassis with prongs for arm support. Figure 10: Front perspective view of the second embodiment's fixing component with reverse arm orientation and equidistant arms designed for engagement with prongs. Figure 11: Front perspective view of the second embodiment showing the fastening anchor with arms locked in an engageable condition by the prongs. Figure 12: Side view of the second embodiment with the fastening anchor's fixing component engaged with the chassis. Figure 13: Side view of the second embodiment's fastening anchor prior to panel insertion with arms in insertable condition. Figure 14: Side view of the second embodiment during installation with the arms transitioning to an engageable condition. Figure 15: Side view of the second embodiment with the fastening anchor in the final engaged position. Figure 16: Side cross-sectional view along line A-A of figure 15 of the second embodiment with the fastening anchor and a tightened fastener. Figure 17: Front perspective view of the third embodiment's chassis featuring a circular panel section that forms a chamber for the fixing component. Figure 18: Side cross-sectional view of the third embodiment showing the fastening anchor with serrated arm sections in engagement. Figure 19: Detailed view of the third embodiment emphasizing load distribution and arm counterbalancing in the engaged position. Figure 20: Front perspective view of the fourth embodiment's fastening anchor with standard orientation arms and deformable hinge regions. Figure 21: Perspective cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment showing the engagement between the arms and the central support bar. Figure 22: Front perspective view of the fifth embodiment's chassis with a cuboidal fixing component and blocks designed to engage arm sections. Figure 23: Cross-sectional front perspective view of the fifth embodiment during the engagement process with the chassis features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS For clarity within this document: "Arms" refer to extending members of a fixing anchor, such as arms, legs, or wings, that articulate or pivot to engage with an interior portion of a panel surrounding the insertion hole. "Fixing Component" refers to the body that accepts and retains a fastener or a threaded insert and includes the arms that secure the anchor within a panel. "Chassis" refers to the encapsulating body, washer, or component that can locates the anchor within a panel and / or connects with the fixing component, permitting axial movement. "Fastener" refers to a fastening component with a threaded body, including but not limited to, a machine screw, bolt, threaded hook, and threaded insert (itself capable of receiving a fastener). The standard orientation of pivoting arms in a fixing component is characterized by the arms transitioning from an initial position parallel or nearly parallel to the bolt's longitudinal axis ("insertable condition") to a deployed position where the arms pivot outward to engage with the panel's internal structure ("engageable condition"). Initially, the arms are parallel or nearly parallel to facilitate easy insertion through a pre-drilled panel hole. This streamlined alignment allows smooth passage through the aperture. Upon insertion to the panel's opposite side, the arms are able to pivot to an angle suitable for engagement with the panel relative to the fixing component’s axis, typically transitioning from about 0 degrees to an ending angle within a range of 45 to 90 degrees. This action distributes the load across a broader area of the panel's internal side, enhancing the anchor's stability and load-bearing capacity. The reverse orientation involves arms initially extending in a direction opposite to traditional fixing component, starting from an extended position at or near 180 degrees. Upon activation or insertion through to the opposite side of the panel, these arms pivot towards the panel to an "engageable condition," with angles typically reducing from about 180 degrees to within a range of 90 to 45 degrees, allowing effective engagement with the panel's backside. Embodiment Descriptions First Embodiment A first embodiment of the fastening anchor (1), depicted in Figure 3, showcases a chassis (10) as shown in Figure 1, featuring a head (11) with a central aperture (12) for fastener insertion. Surrounding this aperture is a flange (13), which stabilizes the chassis against the panel surface (100) and limits insertion depth. Extending from the chassis head (11) are four pin-shaped rails (14) configured in a rectangular arrangement, serving as the arm support feature. The chassis supports a fixing component (20), as shown in Figure 2. The fixing component includes a threaded aperture (21) for capable of engaging and retaining fastener such as a machine screw (200). Two bosses (23) on the fixing component serve as points for arms (22) to pivot. The fixing component has a hinge region (24) with round apertures over the bosses (23), creating a pivotal connection. The arms have a main panel engagement segment (22a) which is designed to engage with the panel during installation. The base of the arms (22b) provides connection points for each arm to limit expansion of the arms (22). Support tubes (25) extend through the contact section (22a) of the arms, with central apertures (26) designed to accommodate the chassis rails (14) when the arm is in the engageable condition. Figure 4 is a detailed view of arm (22) engaged with the arm support feature (14), wherein panel load (500) is at least partially managed by the interaction of the support tubes (25) with the arm support feature (14), translating load from the panel (501) and corresponding counteraction (502) from the rails (14). The installation process for the fastening anchor (1) in a panel (100) is illustrated in Figures 5 to 8. Initially, the machine screw (200) is used to guide the fixing component (20) through the panel aperture (101). The screw threads into the fixing component's threaded aperture (21), with the arms (22) in the insertable condition, and part of the screw extends outward to facilitate insertion, as depicted in Figure 5. Once the fixing component (20) is inserted through the panel aperture (101), it reaches an insertion position where the arms (22) are sufficiently distanced from the panel, allowing them to move towards an engageable condition extending beyond the aperture's boundary (101), driven by a biasing mechanism such as a spring (not shown). Pulling the machine screw (200) positions the arms into an initial engaged state as depicted in figure 6, where they contact the panel (100), each arm's base (22b) interacting with the other to form a new fulcrum point (503), and together with tension on the pivotal connection, achieving an initial rigid configuration. Subsequently, the chassis is positioned so its rails (14) align with the support tubes (25). Pushing towards the panel(100), the chassis flange (13) contacts the panel's exterior, with rails (14) entering the apertures (26) in the support tubes (25), as shown in figure 7. Tightening the machine screw (200) secures an object (not illustrated) against the panel, clamped between the chassis flange (13) and the screw head (202). Figure 8 depicts the complete installation, with the rails (14) fully integrated with the arms (22), where the arm support feature (14) in the form of rails can accept transferred load from the panel (100) and mitigates or substantially alleviates tension on the fixing component's hinge (24). Second Embodiment A second embodiment (2) illustrated in Figures 9 through 12 features a reverse arm orientation fastening anchor (2) comprising a chassis with rails configured as prongs (16). There are three groups (16) of these prongs radiating in a circular pattern from the chassis head (11), each group consisting of two upper prongs (17) and two lower prongs (18). The chassis head (11) itself houses a central aperture (12) for the insertion of fastening elements and is encircled by a flange (13) to ensure stability against the panel. The fixing component (20) is designed with three equidistant arms (32), each connected by a plastically deformable hinge region (34) that functions as the pivotable connection. Each arm comprises a main panel engagement segment (32a) and a lower winged section (32b) that extends outward from the based of the panel engagement segment (32a). The fixing component body (29) features six apertures (35) aligned with the lower prongs (18) for passage, while bosses (33) located above these apertures are positioned to interact with the upper prongs (17), restricting the rotational movement of the fixing component in relation to the chassis. This fixing component (20) is allowed axial movement relative to the chassis being captured by the prongs (16) and retaining clips (19). Figures 11 and 12 show the fixing component engaged with the chassis (10) in a position where the lower winged sections (32b) of the arms (32) are trapped between the upper and lower prongs of each group (16) and therefore locked in the engageable condition. Retaining clips (19) project from the chassis head (11), with a main rail section that traverses over the fixing body (39), permitting axial movement and terminating in a lower hook section that limits the movement to a maximal distal position. In this maximal distal position, the prongs release the lower winged sections (32b), allowing the arms to pivot freely between the insertable condition and engageable condition. The installation process for the second embodiment of the fastening anchor as depicted in Figures 13 through 16 is as follows: Figure 13 provides a side view of the fastening anchor adjacent to a panel (100). The fixing component (20) is shown in its distal position relative to the chassis (10). The arms (32) are in an insertable condition, with the panel engagement segment (32a) aligned for insertion into an aperture in the panel (not shown). The hinge regions (34) of the arms are plastically deformable to facilitate the pivotal movement necessary for transitioning between the insertable and engageable conditions. The retaining clips (19) on the chassis serve to hold the fixing component at a maximum distal distance from the chassis head (11), ensuring the arms' winged sections (32b) do not yet interact with the prongs (16, 17), thus allowing for the arms to pivot to the insertable condition. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the anchor during installation. Once the arms (32) have been inserted through the panel aperture (101) the fixing component (20) is in the insertion position wherein the arms can transition from the insertable condition to the engageable condition where they are positioned such that the lower winged sections (32b) align between the upper and lower prongs (16). The machine screw (210) is then passed through the central aperture (12) of the chassis head (11) and is screwed into the threaded aperture (21) within the fixing component (20), preparing to draw the fixing component towards the chassis head (11). The retaining clip (19) supports the engaging of the with threaded aperture (21) and stop fixing component (20) disengaging. Figure 15 illustrates the anchor (2) in its final engaged state. The fastener (210) has been tightened, which brings the fixing component (20) closer to the chassis head (11). The arms (32), specifically the panel engagement segments (32a), now contact the panel (100) interior surface. The lower winged sections (32b) engage with the prongs (16, 17), providing support to the arm (32) and pivotable connection (34). Figure 16 offers a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 15 along the line A-A. The fastener (210), featuring a head (211), is fully tightened, securing the fixing component (20) in the position nearest to the chassis head (11). The upper prongs (17) and the lower prongs (18) interlock with the lower winged sections (32b). The retaining clips (19) define the range of axial movement for the fixing component (20), which is vital for a smooth transition from the insertable to the engageable condition and ultimately for a stable and secure installation against the panel (100). Third Embodiment In a third embodiment (3), as depicted in Figures 17 through 19, the fastening anchor includes a chassis (10) with a circular wall section (41) extending from the chassis head (11) that forms an inner chamber (19) to accommodate the fixing component (20). This chamber (19) permits the axial movement of the fixing component (20) within it. The chassis wall (41) comprises three slots (42) that correspond with the panel engagement segment (32a) of the arms (32) on the fixing component (20), facilitating the arms' transition from an insertable to an engaged condition. Alongside each slot (42), serrated strips (43) are formed on the inner section of the chassis body wall (41) are designed to engage with a corresponding serrated upper wing section (32c) of the arms (32). Enhancing the chassis structure is a head flange (13) that interfaces with the panel (100), preventing over-insertion into the panel aperture (101). Fins (45) prevent rotational movement after installation, and a wall reinforcement strip (47) runs alongside the slots (42) on the wall's exterior, strengthening the area around the slots. Retaining hooks (44) at the distal end of the chassis body wall define the maximum distal axial position for the fixing component. An inner flange (49) towards the chassis’ proximal end engages with the head of a threaded insert (303). The fixing component (20), similar in reverse arm orientation to the third embodiment, includes a central threaded aperture (21) for the threaded insert and features three arms (32), each with a wall engagement segment (32a) and a lower wing section (32b). Hinged to the fixing component body at plastically deformable hinge regions (34) forming the pivotal connection, the arms able to pivot between insertable and engaged conditions. During installation, the threaded insert (300) engages with the threaded aperture (21), and its head contacts the inner flange (49), pulling the fixing component toward the chassis head. This movement causes the threaded insert's body to engage the lower section of the arm (32c), locking the arms (32) into the engageable condition. As the fixing body (21) is draw towards the engaged position, the serrated wing sections (32c) of the arms meshes with the serrated strip (43) within the chassis body wall (41), creating friction to prevent reverse movement, interlock with the chassis’ serrated strips (43), allowing for movement in one direction and opposing movement in the opposition direction The load-bearing part of the arm (32a) counteracts the load (500) from the panel, with the distal end of the lower section (32b) acting as a fulcrum point (503) in the locked state. The chassis body wall's reinforced structure (47) around the slot (42), along with the wall reinforcement strips (46), provides resistance (501) tension forces (502) on the hinge region (34). The serrated interaction between the arm's wing section (32c) and the chassis body wall (41) counters (505) any pulling force (504) on the lower section of the arm, clamping it between the threaded insert or fastener and the chassis body. This configuration evenly spreads the load, protecting the fixing component, especially the pivotal connection, from excessive stress. Once engaged the threaded insert (300) provides a threaded aperture (304) for engagement with secondary fastener (not shown). Fourth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment (4), as illustrated in Figure 20, the fastening anchor features arms (52) in a standard orientation. The arms transition from an insertable to an engageable position through a series of plastically deformable hinge regions (54a, 54b, 54c). The arm assembly includes two main beams interconnected by pivotal connections: the main beam pivots at connection (54a) attached to the fixing component body (59), and a secondary beam linked via a secondary connection (54b) to a support ring (56) positioned in front of the fixing body (59). The support ring includes a central aperture (57) for fastener passage. The beams are also connected at a third pivot (54c). The chassis (10) is designed with slots that accommodate the arms' movement and a rectangular bar (51) serving as the arm support feature partially extending into the slots. At the arms' proximal ends, apertures (55a, 55b) engage with the bar (51) when the arms (52) are in the engaged position, locking the arms and supporting forces on the pivot con Figure 21 displays the engagement between the arms and the central bar (51), which secures the arms (52) against the panel in the engaged condition, facilitating effective load distribution. Fifth Embodiment In the fifth embodiment (5), as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the fastening anchor uses pin-slot joints (64) for pivotal connections, enabling the arms (62) to pivot between insertable and engageable conditions. The fixing component (60), is substantially rectangular in shape, allows pins to pass through arms (62) and into the fixing component body (69). The cam surface (65) on the arms' lower sections is able interact with the fastening anchor to rotate the arms from the insertable to the engageable position. The chassis (10) includes four blocks designed to engage with cylindrical load transfer formations (66) on the arms' lower sections in the engaged position as shown in figure 23 which has a cross section view of figure 22 along the line A-A. This configuration ensures the arms (62) are securely supported when engaged with the panel.

Claims

20 12 241. A supporting chassis fastening anchor for use with panels, the fastening anchor comprising:a fixing component having a body capable of accepting and retaining a fastener,5 at least two arms and at least two pivotable connections connecting the arms tothe body, wherein the arms are capable of transitioning between:an insertable condition, wherein the fixing component is removably insertable into an aperture of a panel from a first side, andan engageable condition, wherein the arms are engageable with a second10 side of the panel;a chassis comprising an axial aperture, a chassis head, and at least one arm support feature, wherein:the fixing component is capable of axial movement relative to the chassis, enabling a transition from an insertion position, wherein the fixing15 component is distanced from the second side of the panel such that thearms can move between the insertable and engageable conditions, to an engaged position, wherein the arms are engaged with and bear against the panel's second side, andengagement of the at least one arm support feature with the fixing20 components arms supports the structural integrity of the pivotableconnections in the engaged position.

2. The fastening anchor according to Claim 1, wherein each arm comprises:a base segment that provides a connection point to the pivotable connection,a panel engagement segment extending from the base segment, arranged to25 engage with the second side of the panel in the engaged position, anda load transfer formation configured to engage with a complementary arm support feature on the chassis, designed to support stress on the pivotable connections when the panel engagement segment is under load from engagement with the panel.30 3. The fastening anchor according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the arm support20 12 24feature comprises a plurality of rails extending from the chassis head parallel to the axis, wherein said rails are configured to be engageable with a complimentary load transfer formation on each arm.

4. The fastening anchor according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the arm support5 feature comprises a plurality of prongs extending from the chassis head parallel to the axis, wherein said prongs are configured to be engageable with a complimentary load transfer formation on each arm.

5. The fastening anchor according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the arm support feature comprises a cylindrical outer wall extending from the chassis head, creating10 a chamber capable of accommodating the fixing component, this cylindrical outer wall includes slots facilitating arm movement to the engaged position in the engageable condition, and an inner surface adjacent to these slots provides a contact surface for engagement with the load transfer formations of the arms when in the engaged position.15 6. The fastening anchor according to any one of Claims 2, 3, or 4, wherein each armload transfer formation is characterized by at least one integral aperture designed to engage with a complimentary arm support feature when the arms are in the engageable condition and move towards the engaged position.

7. The fastening anchor according to Claim 6, wherein the at least one aperture is20 further defined by wall structures protruding from the perimeter of each at least one aperture.

8. The fastening anchor according to Claims 2 to 5, wherein each arm's load transfer formation includes one or more projecting formations positioned on one or both sides of the base segment.25 9. The fastening anchor according to Claim 8, wherein the projecting formation(s) arecharacterized as winged extensions that emanate laterally from the base segment of the arm.

10. The fastening anchor according to Claim 8, wherein the projecting formation(s) consist of bars or rods that extend laterally from the base segment of the arm.30 11. A fastening anchor according to any one of Claims 1 to 10 wherein each armsupport feature is equipped with a structured contact surface that mechanically engages with a complimentary structured surface on each arm's load transfer20 12 24formation, providing additional support for the pivotable connection when the fixing component is in the engaged position.

12. The fastening anchor according to Claim 11, wherein the structured contact surface on both the arm support feature and each arm's load transfer formation features a 5 serrated pattern, providing increased resistance to disengagement forces in one direction, while permitting engagement movement in the opposite direction.

13. The fastening anchor according to any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the pivotable connection comprises a pin connecting the arm to a mounting block on the fixing component body.10 14. The fastening anchor according to any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the fixingcomponent body, the arms and pivotable connections are an integrally formed unit wherein the pivotable connection is a resiliently deformable hinge region.

15. The fastening anchor according to any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the pivotable connections are constituted by cooperative features on the arms and the body, 15 facilitating the pivotable movement of the arms.

16. A fastening anchor according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the chassis includes an anti-rotation feature that engages with a corresponding feature of the fixing component to prevent the fixing component from rotating in relation to the chassis.20 17. A fastening anchor according to Claim 16, wherein the fixing component's antirotation feature is arranged to permit axial movement of the fixing component with respect to the chassis, so that when the fastener is screwed into the fixing component, the fixing component can move axially towards the head of the fastener and the panel.25 18. A fastening anchor according to any one of the preceding Claims further comprisinga biasing system that is configured to urge the arms to the engageable condition.

19. A fastening anchor according to any one of the preceding Claims, further comprising at least one retaining element for preventing the fixing component from completely separating at a distal end of the chassis.30 20. A fastening anchor according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein thechassis includes anti-rotation panel engagement features to prevent the chassis and fixing component from rotating relative to the panel.20 12 2421. A fastening anchor according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the chassis comprises at least one over-insertion features to prevent insertion of the chassis beyond a predetermined depth in the aperture of the panel.

22. A fastening anchor according to Claim 21, wherein at the at least one over-insertion 5 feature is characterized by a flange extending around the head of the chassis.

23. A fastening anchor according to any one of Claims 20, 21 or 22 wherein at least one fin projects radially from the periphery of the chassis to provide at least one of an anti-rotation panel engagement feature and over insertion feature.

24. A fastening anchor according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the fixing 10 component includes pivotally connected arms arranged to be contacted and rotated by the fastener when inserted into the fixing component to cause the arms to articulate from the insertable condition to the engageable condition.

25. A fastening anchor according to any one of the preceding Claims wherein the arms articulate around an axis tangential to the axis of the chassis and fixing component 15 body.

26. The fastening anchor according to any preceding Claims, wherein the fixing component body has a threaded aperture capable of receiving at least one:a machine screw,a bolt,20 a protruding threaded bolt portion,an eyebolt,a hook with thread bolt portion,magnet with thread bolt portion,bracket with thread bolt portion,25 a threaded insert capable of accepting and retainer a fastener.

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