fixing

Abstract

A fixing (100) for securing a ceiling rose (126) to a plasterboard ceiling (116), which fixing comprises: a support (102); and means (112) for, in use, maintaining said support (102) in a required position above a plasterboard ceiling (116) whilst said ceiling rose (126) is secured thereto by a fastener (134) which passes through said plasterboard and engages said support (102).

Description

[0001] Fixing

[0002] This invention relates to a fixing and, more particularly but not exclusively, to a fixing for securing a ceiling rose to a plasterboard ceiling and to a kit of parts comprising said fixing. The invention also relates to a method of securing an article, for example a ceiling rose, to a member, for example a plasterboard ceiling using said fixing.

[0003] Ceiling roses typically comprise a circular base and a cover which can be screwed onto the circular base. They are typically between 80mm and 100mm in diameter.

[0004] The circular base typically houses three terminal blocks and an earth terminal to which electric cables can be connected. The three terminal blocks typical comprise two blocks each having three terminals and one block of two terminals.

[0005] One of the two blocks having three terminals has a (live) loop in terminal, a (live) loop out terminal and a (live) switch terminal.

[0006] The other of the two blocks having three terminals has a (neutral) loop in terminal, a (neutral) loop out terminal and a lamp return terminal.

[0007] The block of two terminals has a (live) switch return terminal and a (live) lamp feed terminal.

[0008] In a domestic residential house it is quite common for the lights on the ground floor to be on a single circuit and the lights on the first floor to be on a separate circuit. Each circuit typically comprises a 1.5mm T&E (twin and earth cable with 1.5mm diameter separate and distinct live and neutral wires which are sheathed in brown and blue insulation respectively and an unsheathed earth wire) which starts from a consumer unit and is connected to the loop in terminals of the first (usually nearest) ceiling rose and the earth terminal.

[0009] Another length of 1.5mm T&E connects the loop out and earth terminals of the first ceiling rose to the loop in and earth terminals of the next ceiling rose and this is repeated until all the downstairs ceiling roses are connected in series.

[0010] A separate length of 1.5mm T&E is the connected to the (live) switch terminal and to the (live lamp terminal).

[0011] All three cables are normally routed above a ceiling and enter a slot in the circular base of the ceiling rose via a hole in the ceiling. The hole is often formed by pushing a screwdriver through the plasterboard although a competent electrician will drill a hole which is typically 15 to 20mm in diameter. Using a drill, for example a hole saw reduces damage to the plasterboard surrounding the hole.

[0012] Typically, for new constructions, the cables are pushed through the ceiling as part of what is referred to as the first fix and the ceiling roses are fitted after the plasterboard ceiling has been skimmed with plaster.

[0013] In theory it should be a simple matter to screw the ceiling rose to the plasterboard using wall / plastic plugs with screws or plasterboard fixings. If a ceiling rose can be secured to a joist using long screws which pass through the plasterboard then a really good fixing can be nade.

[0014] Unfortunately, all too frequently, no convenient joist is available and this often occurs when the ceiling rose is expected to have to support a heavy light fitting.

[0015] In addition, the reality is that on many occasions the plaster in the plasterboard crumbles and an adequate fix cannot be obtained. This is particularly true if new plasterboard has not been kept dry before use or the ceiling rose is being fixed to old plasterboard which has deteriorated with age. It is also very true where the hole in the plasterboard has been formed with a screwdriver or similar crude implement.

[0016] Another problem is when the pendant intended to be suspended from the ceiling rose is particularly heavy.

[0017] In either of these circumstances the usual solution is to relocate the ceiling rose to a location where it can be secured to a joist. This is much preferred wherever possible but may mean that the ceiling rose will not be sited where intended.

[0018] Another solution is to put a noggin between two joist and screw the ceiling rose to the noggin. In the case of a downstairs light fitting this can involve cutting out part of a floorboard or a sheet of chipboard on the floor above the fitting which is time consuming and expensive. In the case of an upstairs installation that can involve accessing the roof space above the ceiling, moving to the desired location, removing the insulation and fixing the noggin, which can be unpleasant if the insulation is glass fibre and also involves the risk of putting a foot through the ceiling. Also, many lofts are boarded or partially boarded which makes access difficult.

[0019] Other solutions involve routing the loop-in, loop-out and switch cables to a wall switch which means that only one cable has to go through the ceiling for a single light or two cables if two or more ceiling roses are connected in series.

[0020] This arrangement is only usually practical in new builds or renovations

[0021] The present invention, in at least its preferred embodiments, mitigates this problem.

[0022] According to the present invention there is provided a fixing for securing a ceiling rose to a plasterboard ceiling, which fixing comprises:

[0023] (i) a support; and

[0024] (ii) means for, in use, maintaining said support in a required position above a plasterboard ceiling whilst said ceiling rose is secured thereto by a fastener which passes through said plasterboard and engages said support.

[0025] As used herein the term ‘plasterboard ceiling’ includes lath and plaster ceilings and ceilings constructed from insulated backer boards such as Orbury ® board which is made using polymer-modified cement.

[0026] As used herein the term ceiling rose includes fitting which are intended to be secured to a plasterboard ceiling and are intended to support a light fitting. The support conveniently comprises a strip which may be generally rectangular in plan view but which could be of other shapes, for example elliptical or a figure of eight.

[0027] The support may be rigid throughout but preferably comprises at least two wings which are preferably hinged together

[0028] More preferably the support comprises two wings separated by an intermediate section and said wings are hinged to opposite sides of said intermediate section.

[0029] The support may be provided with a recess to at least partially accommodate one of more electric cables when in use.

[0030] Typically the support will have an overall length of from 100mm to 300mm with from 100mm to 150mm being quite suitable for most applications.

[0031] Similarly, the support will typically have an overall width from 15mm to 40mm with from 20mm to 25mm being quite suitable for most applications.

[0032] The support will typically be from 2mm to 6mm thick.

[0033] Conveniently, the support can be made from a plastics material, for example Nylon ® or ABS or polyethylene.

[0034] If desired, the intermediate section could be polygonal with separate and distinct wings hinged to all or some of said sides which do not have to be of equal length. One example is a rectangular, preferably square intermediate section having a wing hingedly attached to each of its four sides.

[0035] The support may be provided with an opening and the means may comprise a rod which can be secured to said support via said opening.

[0036] The opening could comprise a threaded hole and at least one end of said rod may be shaped and threaded to engage said threaded hole.

[0037] It is also conceivable that the rod could have a hook or deformed section which could be passed through said hole and pulled downwardly to engage said support.

[0038] Alternatively, the means, for example a rod, and said support can be connected to in use, maintains a support in a required position above a plasterboard ceiling whilst said ceiling rose is secured thereto by a fastener which passes through said plasterboard and engages said support and thereafter disconnected from said support.

[0039] The rod could also be detachable secured to said support, detachment of said rod from said support being effected for example by rotating the rod relative to the support or cutting with side cutters.

[0040] Preferably, the support is proved with a plurality of holes to, in use, accommodate the fasteners which are used to secure the ceiling rose to the support. The support may optionally be provided with barbs, conical spikes, pyramidal protrusions and similar protuberances to, in use, engage the plasterboard to inhibit movement of the support relative to the plasterboard.

[0041] The support may optionally be concave to facilitate insertion into a hole in a ceiling.

[0042] It is anticipated that the fasteners will generally comprise screws and that the screws will preferable be self tapping screws.

[0043] If desired the support may be provided with a second opening which is preferably identical to the first opening and which may be used to accommodate a temporary support wire or a permanent safety wire to suspend a light fitting, more particularly but not exclusively a heavy light fitting such as a chandelier or Tiffany ® lamp.

[0044] Fixings in accordance with the present invention may be sold on their own, in packs containing multiple fixings or as a kit of parts which contains the fixings with two or more fasteners possibly with the addition of a ceiling rose and, optionally, a light pendant comprising a drop wire a light bulb holder and a drill which, in use will cut a hole of at least 30mm in diameter in a plasterboard ceiling.

[0045] It is anticipated that light fittings, more particularly heavy light fittings could be sold with a kit of parts in accordance with the present invention.

[0046] The present invention also provides a method of securing a ceiling rose to a plasterboard ceiling, which method comprises the step of: (a) drilling a hole at least 30mm in diameter in a plasterboard ceiling;

[0047] (b) pushing the support of a fixing in accordance with the present invention through said hole;

[0048] (c) manipulating said support so that it rests on the upper surface of said plasterboard ceiling;

[0049] (d) offering said ceiling rose up to the lower surface of said plasterboard ceiling;

[0050] (e) using said means to hold said support against the upper surface of said plasterboard ceiling;

[0051] (f) securing said ceiling rose to said support by a fastener which passes through said plasterboard ceiling.

[0052] For a better understanding of the invention reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Fig, 1 is a cross-section showing the support of a first embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention being pushed through a hole in a plasterboard ceiling;

[0054] Fig. 2 is a cross-section showing the support resting on the on the upper surface of the plasterboard ceiling;

[0055] Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the circular base of a ceiling rose secured to the support by two fasteners which pass through the plasterboard ceiling;

[0056] Fig. 4 is a cross-section showing the ceiling rose on the plasterboard ceiling;

[0057] Fig, 5 is a cross-section through a second embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention being pushed through a hole in a plasterboard ceiling;

[0058] Fig 6 is an underneath plan view of a third embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention;

[0059] Fig.7 is a perspective view of the fixing shown in Fig.6;

[0060] Fig.8 is an underneath plan view of a fourth embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the invention; Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the support of a fifth embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the invention; and

[0061] Figure 10 is a side elevation of the support of a sixth embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the invention.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings there is shown a fixing which is generally identified by reference numeral 100. The fixing comprises a support 102 which comprises a strip of plastics material (polyethylene) which is rectangular with a length of 120mm. a width of 15mm and a thickness of 4mm.

[0063] The support 102 has a first end 104 and a second end 106.

[0064] An ear 108 extends perpendicular to the support equidistant from the first end 104 and the second end 106 and is provided with a pivot hole 110 which accommodates a pin which projects perpendicular to a rod 112. The end 114 of the pin can be seen in Figure 1.

[0065] When it is desired to secure a ceiling rose to a plasterboard ceiling 116 a hole 118 with a diameter of 30mm is first drilled through the plasterboard ceiling 116, conveniently using a 30mm hole cutter mounted on a battery operated electric drill. Plasterboard used on ceilings is typically 9.5 to 12.5mm in thickness and may be foil backed to provide a vapour barrier. ft will be noted that this is significantly bigger than conventional holes which are rarely more than 20mm in diameter.

[0066] Three T&E cables each containing two 1.5mm diameter sheathed copper conductors and an unsheathed earth wire are then pushed through the hole. These have intentionally been omitted from the figures as they take up considerable room and make the operation of the fixing 100 difficult to see. In any event the rod 112 is pivotally attached to the support 102 and the support 102 is introduced into the space above the plasterboard ceiling 116 and between the joist 120 which are typically laid at 400mm to 600mm centres.

[0067] The fixing 100 is manipulated until the entire length of the support 102 is above the upper surface 122 of the plasterboard ceiling 116.

[0068] At this point the support 102 is manipulated until it rests on the upper surface 122 of the plasterboard ceiling 116 with the rod 112 protruding downwardly as shown in Figure 2.

[0069] At this stage the base 124 of a ceiling rose 126 Fig 4 is lifted into the vicinity of hole 118.

[0070] In addition to two three gang terminal blocks, one two gang terminal block and an earth connection (not shown), the base 124 will typically be provided with a slot 128 to accommodate loop-in. loop-out and switch cables and two countersunk fixing holes 130. The cables (not shown) are pushed through the slot 128 in the base 124 of the ceiling rose 126 and the base 124 is pushed upwardly into contact with the lower surface 132 of the plasterboard ceiling 116 with the rod 112 projecting downwardly through the slot 128 in the base 124.

[0071] The electrician then checks that the fixing holes in the base are underlying the support 102.

[0072] Screws 134 are then inserted into the countersunk fixing holes 130 and driven upwardly through plasterboard ceiling 116. When the end of each screw contacts the support 102 it pushes it up.

[0073] If the electrician holds the rod 112 this will inhibit the support 102 being pushed up and the screws 134 will enter and engage the support 102.

[0074] This can be facilitated by using self tapping screws 134 rather than conventional plasterboard screws.

[0075] However, this operation is facilitated by providing the support with a plurality of apertures 136 to receive said screws 134. The lower end of the apertures are preferably tapered to help guide the tip of a screw into the apertures 136.

[0076] Once the base 124 is secured to the support 102 the rod 112 is removed, and the loop-in, loop-out and switch cables are stripped and connected in the usual manner.

[0077] The pendant cable supplying the light is then fitted and the cover 138 screwed onto the base 124 to complete the job (Figure 4). Again the wiring has been omitted for clarity.

[0078] Whilst this fixing 102 will work in many situations it does rely on it being possible to insert the support 102 though the hole 118 sufficiently to enable it to be manipulated into its desired final position.

[0079] This may not always be possible, for example if there is limited space between the upper surface 122 of the plasterboard ceiling 116 and, for example a walkway in a roof space above shallow (125mm) ceiling joist, or there is insulation and / or pipes in the way.

[0080] The embodiment shown in Figure 5 helps mitigate this problem although it can also be used in the same situations as the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0081] In particular, with reference to Figure 5 there is shown a fixing which is generally identified by reference numeral 200. '

[0082] The fixing 200 comprises a support 202 which comprises a strip of plastics material (polyethylene) which is rectangular with a length of 140mm. a width of 25mm and a thickness of 4mm.

[0083] The support 202 has a first end 204 and a second end 206.

[0084] The support 202 is divided into three sections which comprise two wings 202 A and 202C and an intermediate section 202B. The two wings 202 A and 202C are hinged to opposite sides of intermediate section 202B.

[0085] A hole 208 extends perpendicular to the support equidistant from the first end 204 and the second end 206 and is provided with a thread 210 which accommodates the threaded end 214 of a rod 212 which extends downwardly from the intermediate section 202B.

[0086] When it is desired to secure a ceiling rose to a plasterboard ceiling 216 a hole 218 with a diameter of 30mm is first drilled through the plasterboard ceiling 216, conveniently using a 30mm hole cutter mounted on a battery operated electric drill. Plasterboard used on ceilings is typically 9.5 to 12.5mm in thickness and may be foil backed to provide a vapour barrier.

[0087] It will be noted that this is significantly bigger than conventional holes which are rarely more than 20mm in diameter.

[0088] Three T&E cables each containing two 1.5mm diameter sheathed copper conductors and an unsheathed earth wire are then pushed through the hole. In any event the rod 212 is rigidly attached to the support 202 and wings 202A and 202C pivot downwardly relating to the intermediate section 202B as the support 202 is introduced through the hole 218 into the space above the plasterboard ceiling 216 and between the joists 120 which are typically laid at 400mm to 600mm centres.

[0089] As the first end 204 and the second end 206 of the support 202 clear the upper surface 222 of the plasterboard ceiling 216 the wings 202A and 202C tend to move apart so that when the intermediate section 202B is pulled down by the rod 212 they spread apart until the entire length of the support 202 is above the upper surface 222 of the plasterboard ceiling 216 and they rest on the upper surface 222 of the plasterboard ceiling 216 with the rod 212 projecting downwardly in a manner similar to the support 102 shown in Figure 2.

[0090] At this stage the base of a ceiling rose similar to that shown in Figure 4 is lifted into the vicinity of hole 218.

[0091] In addition to two three gang terminal blocks, one two gang terminal block and an earth connection, the base will typically be provided with a slot to accommodate loop-in. loop-out and switch cables and two countersunk fixing holes . The cables (not shown) are pushed through the slot in the base of the ceiling rose and the base is pushed upwardly into contact with the lower surface 232 of the ceiling with the rod 212 projecting downwardly through the slot in the base.

[0092] The electrician then checks that the fixing holes in the base are underlying the wings 202 A and 202C of the support 202.

[0093] Screws are then inserted into the countersunk fixing holes in the ceiling rose and driven upwardly through plasterboard ceiling 216.

[0094] When the end of each screw contacts the support 202 it pushes it up.

[0095] If the electrician holds the rod 212 this will inhibit the support being pushed up and the screws will enter and engage the support 202.

[0096] This can be facilitated by using self tapping screws rather than conventional plasterboard screws.

[0097] However, this operation is facilitated by providing the support with a plurality of apertures 236 to receive the screw.

[0098] Once the base is secured to the support the rod 212 is removed, and the loop-in, loop-out and switch cables are stripped and connected in the usual manner.

[0099] The pendant cable supplying the light is then fitted and the cover screwed onto the base to complete the job. Referring now to Figures 6 and 7 there is shown a fixing which is generally identified by reference numeral 300.

[0100] The fixing comprises a support 302 which comprises a strip of plastics material (Nylon® ) which is rectangular with a length of 150mm. a width of 18mm and a thickness of 6mm.

[0101] The support 302 has a first end 304 and a second end 306.

[0102] The support 302 is divided into two sections which comprise two wings 302 A and 302C which are hingedly connected to one another.

[0103] A socket 308 extends perpendicular to the support 302 from the wing 302C just to the right of a hinge line equidistant from the first end 304 and the second end 306 and accommodates a rod 312 which is fixed to the socket 308 with adhesive.

[0104] The rod 312 is sufficiently flexible to allow the wings 302A and 302C to pivot relative to one another when the support 302 is pushed through a hole in a plasterboard ceiling.

[0105] As shown in Figure 7, the upper surface of the support 302 is provided with a V-shape groove 313 which extends close to the lower surface of the support 302 leaving a thin section (about 0.5mm thick) which acts as a hinge and allows the wings 302 A and 302C to be moved relative to one another.

[0106] When it is desired to secure a ceiling rose to a plasterboard ceiling 6 a hole with a diameter of 30mm is first drilled through the plasterboard ceiling, conveniently using a 30mm hole cutter mounted on a battery operated electric drill. Plasterboard used on ceilings is typically 9.5 to 12.5mm in thickness and may be foil backed to provide a vapour barrier.

[0107] It will be noted that this is significantly bigger than conventional holes which are rarely more than 20mm in diameter.

[0108] Three T&E cables each containing two 1.5mm diameter sheathed copper conductors and an unsheathed earth wire are then pushed through the hole.

[0109] In any event the rod 312 is pushed into the socket 308, which has a small taper to grip the rod 312 and the support 302 is introduced into the space above the plasterboard ceiling and between the joists which are typically laid at 400mm to 600mm centres. During this procedure the wings 302 A and 302C pivot about the dotted line in Figures 6 and 7 and extend downwardly with their undersides facing one another and with the rod 312 therebetween. In this connection the rod 312 is sufficiently flexible to accommodate this movement if required.

[0110] The fixing 300 is manipulated until the entire length of the wings 302 A and 302C of the support 302 are above the upper surface of the plasterboard ceiling.

[0111] At this point the support 302 is manipulated until it rests on the upper surface of the plasterboard ceiling with the rod 312 projecting downwardly.

[0112] At this stage the base of a ceiling rose is lifted into the vicinity of the hole in the plasterboard ceiling. In addition to two three gang terminal blocks, one two gang terminal block and an earth connection, the base will typically be provided with a slot to accommodate loop-in. loop-out and switch cables and two countersunk fixing holes. The cables (not shown) are pushed through the slot in the base of the ceiling rose and the base is pushed upwardly into contact with the lower surface of the ceiling with the rod 312 projecting downwardly through the slot in the base .

[0113] The electrician then checks that the fixing holes in the base are underlying the respective wings 302 A and 302C of the support 302.

[0114] Screws are then inserted into the countersunk fixing holes in the base of the ceiling rose and driven upwardly through plasterboard ceiling.

[0115] When the end of each screw contacts the support 302 it pushes it up.

[0116] If the electrician holds the rod 312 this will inhibit the support 302 being pushed up and the screws will enter and engage the support 302.

[0117] This can be facilitated by using self tapping screws rather than conventional plasterboard screws.

[0118] However, this operation is facilitated by providing the support with a plurality of apertures 336 to receive said screws. These apertures 336 are preferably provided with tapered entrances to help guide the point of a screw into the apertures 336,

[0119] It will be appreciated that the V-shaped groove 313 will allow the wings

[0120] 302 A and 302C to be pushed up a little when the screws engage them. Our initial reaction was to replace the V-shaped groove 313 with a slot which would restrict upward movement of the wings 203 A and 203 C. However, it appears that the movement may facilitate engagement of a self tapping screw in an aperture 336 and whilst both alternatives work it may be that the V-shaped groove will be more practical.

[0121] Once the base is secured to the support the rod 312 is withdrawn from the socket 308 or cut and the loop-in, loop-out and switch cables are stripped and connected in the usual manner.

[0122] The pendant cable supplying the light is then fitted and the cover screwed onto the base to complete the job.

[0123] The socket 308 and the rod 312 could be made as a single piece integral with the wing 302C and the rod 312 cut with a wire cutter at an appropriate time.

[0124] Figure 8 shows the support of a fourth embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the invention.

[0125] The fixing 400 shown in Figure 8 is similar to the fixing shown in Figures 6 and 7 with the exception that it is provided with a recess 440 which can accommodate up to three 1.5mm T&E loop-in, loop-our and switch cables to allow the T&E cables to be raised or lowered with respect to the base to allow the electrician to provide a neat and professional finish and to inhibit the T&E cables being pinched.

[0126] Turning now to Figure 9 there is shown the support 502 of a fifth embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the invention. The support 502 is similar to those shown in Figure 6 and 7 and Figure 8 except that the top of the support 502 is provided with two ribs 542, 544 of rectangular crosssection which are secured to wings 502C and 502A| respectively. This arrangement helps maintain the wings 502 A, 502C in engagement with the upper surface of the plasterboard while the screws are being inserted.

[0127] In the embodiment of the support shown in Figure 10 the ribs 542 and 544 shown in Figure 9 have been replaced with relatively deep ribs 642 and 644 which are 3mm deep so that the total depth of the support is 6 mm.

[0128] In use, any upward force on the wings is resisted by the adjacent walls of the ribs 642 and 644 coming together. Each rib 642, 644 is provided with a respective hole one of which is used to accommodate a rod and the other a safety wire which can be used to support a lamp during installation or left permanently as a safety wire.

[0129] Whilst the fixings so far described are primarily intended for supporting the ubiquitous domestic ceiling rose they can be used in many other application including supporting relatively heavy ceiling lighting such as small chandeliers and pendant Tiffany® lamps. In such cases the conventional ceiling rose is often replaced by a support plate which will be screwed to a joist or, more usually a noggin extending between and secured to adjacent joist.

[0130] Embodiments of fixings in accordance with the present invention can support such object d’art.

[0131] In particular, with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the intermediate section 202B could be provided with four wings each hinged thereto. Alternatively the intermediate section 202B could be replaced by an intermediate polygonal section having three of more sides with wings hingedly attached to one or more thereof to enable the weight of the object d'art to be distributed over a larger surface area of the top of a sheet of ceiling plasterboard.

[0132] Fixing in accordance with the invention can also be used on walls and are particularly useful on plasterboard partition walls. They can also be used on partition walls and ceilings made of fibreboard and plywood although these materials normally allow a good direct fix.

[0133] If desired, the supports can be provided with a layer of intumescent material which, in the event of a fire, will swell and impede the rate at which fire can spread from a room to the space above the plasterboard ceiling.

[0134] 100 fixing 200 fixing 300 fixing 400 fixing

[0135] 102 support 202 support 302 support 502 support

[0136] 202 A wing 302 A wing 502 A wing

[0137] 202 B intermediate section 502 C wing

[0138] 202 C wing 302C wing

[0139] 104 first end 204 first end 304 first end

[0140] 106 second end 206 second end 306 second end

[0141] 108 ear 208 hole 308 socket 408 socket

[0142] 110 pivot hole 210 thread

[0143] 112 rod 212 rod 312 rod

[0144] 313 V-shaped groove

[0145] 114 end 214 threaded end

[0146] 116 plasterboard ceiling 216 plasterboard ceiling

[0147] 118 hole 218 hole

[0148] 120 joist 220 joist

[0149] 122 upper surface 222 upper surface

[0150] 124 base

[0151] 126 ceiling rose

[0152] 128 slot

[0153] 130 countersunk fixing holes

[0154] 132 lower surface 232 lower surface

[0155] 134 screws

[0156] 136 apertures 236 apertures 336 apertures

[0157] 138 cover 440 recess

[0158] 542 / 544 rib 642 / 644 rib

Claims

Claims:

1. A fixing for securing a ceiling rose to a plasterboard ceiling, which fixing comprises:(i) a support; and(ii) means for, in use, maintaining said support in a required position above a plasterboard ceiling whilst said ceiling rose is secured thereto by a fastener which passes through said plasterboard and engages said support.

2. A fixing as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said support comprises a strip.

3. A fixing as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said strip comprises two wings which are hinged together.

4. A fixing as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the support comprises two wings separated by an intermediate section and said wings are hinged to opposite sides of said intermediate section.

5. A fixing as claimed in Claim in Claim 3 or 4, wherein said support is provided with a recess to at least partially accommodate one or more electric cables when in use.

6. A fixing as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said intermediate section is rectangular.

7. A fixing as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said support is provided with a hole and said means comprises a rod shaped to engage said hole.

8. A fixing as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said hole in threaded and an end of said rod is threaded to threadedly engage said threaded hole.

9. A fixing as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein said means comprises a rod and said support and said rod can be connected to in use, maintains said support in a required position above a plasterboard ceiling whilst said ceiling rose is secured thereto by a fastener which passes through said plasterboard and engages said support and thereafter disconnected from said support.

10. A fixing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said support is provided with a plurality of apertures to accommodate the fasteners which are used to secure the ceiling rose to the support.

11. A fixing as claimed in Claim 10, wherein at least some of said apertures are provided with a conical entrance to, in use, facilitate entry of a screw intended to join a ceiling rose to said support.

12. A fixing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said support is provided with a layer of intumescent material.

13. A kit of parts comprising a fixing as claimed in any preceding Claim and a ceiling rose.

14. A kit of parts as claimed in Claim 13, including a drill bit which, ion use, will cut a hole at least 30mm in diameter in a plasterboard ceiling.

15. A lamp and a kit of parts as claimed in Claim 13 or 14.

16. A method of securing a ceiling rose to a plasterboard ceiling, which method comprises the step of:(a) drilling a hole at least 30mm in diameter in a plasterboard ceiling;(b) pushing the support of a fixing as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9 upwardly through said hole;(c) manipulating said support so that it rests on the upper surface of said plasterboard ceiling;(d) offering said ceiling rose up to the lower surface of said plasterboard ceiling;(e) using said means to hold said support against the upper surface of said plasterboard ceiling;(f) securing said ceiling rose to said support by a fastener which passes through said plasterboard ceiling.

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