Fixing

Abstract

A fixing to facilitate fixing ventilation equipment to plasterboard, which fixing comprises: a resilient strip having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first edge and a second edge; at least two wings which project outwardly from said outer surface; and at least one feature which, in use, inhibits separation of a wing from plasterboard which it is resting against.

Description

[0001] • FIXING

[0002] This invention relates to fixings and, more particularly but not exclusively, is concerned with a fixing to facilitate fixing ventilation equipment to plasterboard ceilings and plasterboard walls.

[0003] Bathrooms and kitchens in domestic housing are generally provided with ventilation equipment to remove water vapour and malodorous air.

[0004] Typically, the ventilation equipment in a bathroom comprises a mechanical extract ventilator (MEV) which comprises a fan rotatable in a tubular shroud which is mounted on a base plate which is screwed to the plasterboard ceiling or a plasterboard wall. The term plasterboard as used herein includes tile backer boards such as those sold under the Registered Trademark ORBRY® and other sheet and board materials.

[0005] The tubular shroud of the MEV is typically connected to a rigid PVC pipe or a flexible outlet tube which, in use, carries humid and or malodorous air to an outlet on the outer wall or on the roof of the building.

[0006] A typical MEV comprises a fan which is about 90mm in diameter and is connected to a low power motor the rotational speed of which may be varied by a humidistat in response to the humidity in the room or manually. Modem MEVs are designed to operate continuously whilst traditional MEVs were normally set to operate whilst a bathroom light was on and for a desired period of time, for example 4 minutes thereafter, to rapidly dispose of water vapour and / or malodorous air.

[0007] The fan is typically mounted coaxially within a tubular shroud of circular cross section which is mounted on and perpendicular to a base plate which is screwed to the plasterboard.

[0008] The first step in fitting such an extractor, for example in a plasterboard ceiling, is to drill a hole, typically about 100mm in diameter in the ceiling. A small hole about 10mm in diameter is then drilled through the plasterboard ceiling adjacent the 100mm diameter hole to accommodate the electric cables which, in use, will supply power to the MEV which may optionally include a shutter in addition to the fan. One end of a flexible outlet tube is then lowered through the hole and stretched over the tubular shroud and secured thereto with insulation tape or a ducting clamp.

[0009] A power supply lead is then dropped through the small hole.

[0010] The MEV is then pushed upwardly, and the base plate screwed to the plasterboard ceiling. It is at this stage that a technical problem all too frequently arises. In particular, if the plasterboard ceiling is in good condition then the job can be completed without drama. However, all too often the plasterboard is in less-than-ideal condition making a satisfactory screw fixing unobtainable. This problem is particularly apparent in old plasterboard ceiling and plasterboard ceilings where the plasterboard has been stored in damp or humid conditions before being fitted. It is also very true where the hole in the plasterboard has been formed with a screwdriver or similar crude implement or simply cut with a pad saw with insufficient care.

[0011] At the present time there is no easy solution to this problem.

[0012] If the bathroom is below a roof space the most satisfactory solution is to access the roof space, insert a noggin between adjacent joist above the plasterboard and screw the MEV to the noggin which will need to be provided with a hole to accommodate the shroud of the MEV and the flexible outlet tube.

[0013] If the bathroom is below a room then access is required through the upstairs floor.

[0014] Either solution is time consuming and thus expensive.

[0015] The present invention provides a fixing to facilitate fixing ventilation equipment to plasterboard, which fixing comprises: a resilient strip having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first edge and a second edge; at least two wings which project outwardly from said outer surface; and at least one feature which, in use, inhibits separation of a wing from plasterboard which it is resting against.

[0016] The wings and / or the at least one feature may be fast with the resilient strip but may also be moveable mounted thereon.

[0017] The resilient strip may be flat. However, it is preferable made so that the first edge and the second edge are generally circular. In such an embodiment the first edge and the second edge preferably define an arc of a circle which subtends an angle between 180° and 350°, preferably between 240° and 340° and conveniently 330°.

[0018] The wings preferably extend outwardly perpendicular to the resilient strip.

[0019] Conveniently, each fixing will be proved with 2, 3 or 4 wings although more wings may be appropriate according to the circumstances, for example, if a larger hole is cut in a ceiling in might be appropriate to use more wings. One surface of each wing will preferably be coplanar with the first edge of the resilient strip although the wing could extend outwardly from any part of the resilient strip.

[0020] The at least one feature may comprise a tab which projects outward from the resilient strip and which, in use, engages the lower surface of the plasterboard to inhibit upward displacement of the fixing.

[0021] Each tab preferably extends outwardly perpendicular to the resilient strip and, is preferable disposed between adjacent wings.

[0022] The distance between the wings and the tabs is preferably the thickness of the plasterboard, typically 9.5mm, 12.5mm, 15mm or 19mm or 25mm to accommodate double thickness plasterboard It will be appreciated that carrying a selection of fixing to cover all eventualities is not ideal.

[0023] To address this problem, the fixing could comprise a tab, a post fast with one of said tab and said resilient strip, and a receptor associated with the other of said resilient strip and said tab for accommodating said post, wherein said post has a surface, for example a toothed surface which, in use, can co-operate with said receptor to allow said tab to be moved towards a wing but inhibit movement in the opposite direction.

[0024] The receptor could comprise a separate and distinct part but preferably comprises, for example a socket formed on the inner or outer surface of the resilient strip. However, it is more conveniently provided in a (and preferably each) wing.

[0025] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the fixing shown in Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 3 is a top plan view of the fixing shown in Figures 1 and 2 squeezed inwardly to enable it to be inserted in a hole in a plasterboard ceiling;

[0029] Figure 4 is a side view, partly in section, shows the fixing being inserted into a hole in a plasterboard ceiling;

[0030] Figure 5 is a section showing the fixing in position in a plasterboard ceiling;

[0031] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an MEV intended to help understand details of the final fix;

[0032] Figure 7 is a top plan view of part of a second embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing parts of the fixing shown in Figure 7 below and about to be located in a hole in a plasterboard ceiling; and

[0034] Figure 9 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 an d 2 of the drawings there is shown a fixing for facilitating the fixing of a mechanical ventilation (MEV) unit to a ceiling.

[0036] The fixing, which is generally identified by reference numeral 100 comprises a resilient strip 102 of plastics material which is 300mm in length, 13.5mm in depth, and 2mm in thickness.

[0037] The resilient strip 102 comprises a plastics material, typically ABS or NYL0N®_ and has an inner surface 104, an outer surface 106, a first (upper) edge 108, a second (lower) edge 110, a first end 112 and a second end 114.

[0038] Four wings 116, 118, 120 and 122 project outwardly from the resilient strip 102. The upper surfaces of the wings 116, 118, 120 and 122 are coplanar with the first edge 108 of the resilient strip 102.

[0039] The wings 116, 118, 120 and 122 are perpendicular to the outer surface 106 of the resilient strip 102.

[0040] The resilient strip 102 is also provided with three features which comprise tabs 124, 126 and 128 which project outwardly from the outer surface 106 and are spaced equidistant between wings 116 and 118, wings 118 and 120 and wings 120 and 122 respectively.

[0041] The lower surfaces of the tabs 124 126 and 128 are coplanar with the second edge 110 of the resilient strip 102.

[0042] The vertical distance between the top of tabs 124, 126 andl28 and the bottom of wings 116, 118. 120 and 122 is 9. 5mm.Each of the wings 116, 118, 120 and 122 is provided with a plurality of locating holes 129 the lower ends of which are countersunk to facilitate entry of the tip of a screw.

[0043] The way in which this fixing 100 is used will be now be described with reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5.

[0044] Firstly, a hole 130 (Figure 4) with a diameter of 100mm is cut in a plasterboard ceiling conveniently using a hole cutter or a pad saw. A second hole (not shown), about 10mm in diameter, is also conveniently drilled alongside the hole 130 to accommodate a power cable for the MEV.

[0045] The fixing 100 is then compressed, conveniently using the index finger, middle finger and thumb of one hand and inserted into the hole 130 in the direction of the arrow (Figure 4).

[0046] The fixing is then manipulated into position and released at which time its resilience allows it to expand to come to rest with the wings 116, 118, 120 and 122 resting on top the plasterboard ceiling 132, the tabs 124, 126 and 128 lightly pressing against the bottom of the plasterboard ceiling 132 and the outer surface 106 of the fixing 100 lightly pressing against the edge of the hole 130.

[0047] In a new build the procedure so far described may be part of the first fix. The MEV is then fitted at a convenient time as part of the second fix, for example after the plasterboard ceiling 132 has been taped and skimmed and / or even mist coated or emulsioned.

[0048] At this stage, typically the electrician will put his hand through the centre of the fixing 100, locate a pre-positioned power supply wire for the MEV 160 (Fig. 6) and drop it through the second hole (not shown). He will then locate the end of a prepositioned flexible duct, pull it through the fixing and attach it to a shroud 162 which houses the fan 164 of the MEV. The flexible duct will then be secured to the shroud using tape or a suitable clip.

[0049] The shroud of the MEV 160 will then be pushed upwardly through the hole 130 until the base 166 of the MEV 160 engages the lower surface of the plasterboard ceiling 132.

[0050] At this stage countersunk screws 136, 138, 140 and 142 are inserted into bores in the base 166 of the MEV 160, screwed / pressed through the plasterboard ceiling and screwed into an available locating hole 129 in the wings 116, 118. 120 and 122 respectively. The bores are arranged circumjacent the shroud 162 and three 168, 170 and 172 can be seen in Fig 6.

[0051] The tabs 124,126 and 128 maintain the wings 116, 118, 120 and 122 in position against the top of the plasterboard ceiling 132 whilst the countersunk screws 136,138, 140 and 142 are inserted.

[0052] It will be appreciated that the MEV 160 is supported by the wings 116, 118, 120, 122. The lower ends of each of the locating holes 129 are countersunk to facilitate entry of the tip of a countersunk screw.

[0053] In the UK plasterboard tends to be supplied in thicknesses of 9.5mm, 12.5mm and 19mm. It is also not uncommon for ceiling to comprise two layers of plasterboard, for example for soundproofing and / or fire resistance.

[0054] It will be appreciated that in order to accommodate most ceilings it would be necessary for an installer to carry numerous fixings with different distances between the undersides of the wings and the upper surface of the tabs. Figure 7 there shows a second embodiment of a fixing in accordance with the present invention which helps mitigate this problem.

[0055] The fixing is generally identified by reference numeral 200.

[0056] Many of the items shown in this embodiment are similar to the items in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 and parts having similar functions are shown with similar reference numerals but in the 200 series.

[0057] The essential difference is that instead of the features (tabs 124,126 and 128) being secured to the bottom of the resilient strip 102, the features are tabs which are separate and distinct entities.

[0058] Figure 8 shows two such tabs 224 and 226 each of which is provided with an upwardly extending post 244, 246 of rectangular cross section which is approximately 40mm in overall length and a surface of which is provided with teeth 248, 250 respectively.

[0059] The wings 216, 218, 220 and 222 are also each provided with a receptor in the form of corresponding rectangular slot 252. 254, 256 and 258 which can accommodate an upwardly extending post 244, 246 and which, in use, co-operates with the teeth 248, 250 to allow the posts to be moved upwardly towards the wings but prevents them from being withdrawn.

[0060] The fixing 200 is installed and used in much the same way as the fixing 100 except that the features (the tabs with upwardly extending posts) enable the fixing to be used with ceilings of significantly different thicknesses.

[0061] Finally, Figure 9 is intended to make it clear that whilst the resilient strip 102, 202 is preferably pre-curved, the fixing could be supplied as a resilient linear strip 302 which could be curved at the time of installation. The embodiment shown in Figure 9 is not shown with the accompanying features which would be similar to those shown in the second embodiment and in this case each of the holes have been replaced by rectangular slots which could serve to accommodate either posts associated with tabs or countersunk screws. The resilient strip 302 could be of any convenient length and its surface could be proved with grooves at various intervals to enable it to be easily broken into a length require by a hole of a particular diameter. Indeed, the diameter of the hole could be stamped into the resilient strip 302 to enable it to be broken at the appropriate length.

[0062] Various modifications to the embodiments described are envisaged. For example, instead of the posts being fast with the tabs they could be fast with or detachably mounted on the resilient strip and a receptor mounted on or formed in a tab.

[0063] If desired, the fixing could be made of metal which could optionally be provided with a fire-retardant coating. Such a fixing could be used in situations where a fire-retardant interface is desired.

[0064] Although primarily intended for use with MEV’s the fixing could also be used to support a passive ventilation device, for example a tube optionally provided with a shutter.

[0065] The number of tabs on the first embodiment can be varied as desired. If desired a tab could be provided at or close to the ends of the resilient strip. If desired, instead of being perpendicular to the outer surface of the resilient strip the wings and / .or tabs could be inclined thereto, for example so that the outer extremity of the or each wing and / or tab could be closer to the plasterboard ceiling than the innermost extremity of the wing and / or tab.

[0066] It is not essential that the wings and tabs are rectangular. They can be of any convenient shape, for example elliptical, triangular or circular.

[0067] It is not absolutely essential that the wings be provided with locating holes although these are very much preferred.

[0068] If desired, the resilient strip could be formed as a complete circle with sufficient resilience to enable it to be distorted sufficient to enable it to be distorted to enable it to be inserted into a hole in a plasterboard ceiling and then allowed to snap back into an operative position.

[0069] Instead of providing a separate and distinct second hole for accommodating the power supply wire to the MEV the perimeter of the first hole could be provided with a cut out so that the power supply wire can pass through the plasterboard ceiling closely adjacent the shroud either with the resilient strip therebetween or in the gap between the first end and the second end of the resilient strip.

[0070] An alternative solution to having a fixing which can be used withy different thicknesses of plasterboard would be to have a fixing similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 6 but make the resilient strip deformable in the vertical direction. Thus, for example, the wings and the tabs could initially be separated by 19mm, but when the countersunk screw passing through the base of the MEV is tightened the resilient strip deforms until the wings rest on the top of the plasterboard ceiling which could be, for example 12.5mm or 15mm in thickness. To facilitate this deformation without causing undue sideways bulging the strip can be provided with one or more slots which could be arranged parallel to the upper edge of the strip or inclined at at angle thereto, for example between 40° and 60°.

[0071] Such a strip could also be used with the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, and Figure 9 if desired.

[0072] Although primarily intended for fixing MEV’s fixings in accordance with the invention can be used to facilitate mounting a variety of devices, for example security cameras, speakers (vibration can result in these becoming detached from ceilings if they are simply secured to the ceiling by screws and even heavy light fittings such as chandeliers.

[0073]

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 22 April 2026 (22.04.2026)1. A fixing to facilitate fixing ventilation equipment to plasterboard, which fixing comprises: a resilient strip having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and the second edge being generally circular and defining an arc of a circle which subtends an angle between 180° and 350°; at least two wings which project outwardly from said outer surface; and at least one feature which, in use, inhibits separation of a wing from plasterboard which it is resting against.

2. A fixing as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said angle is between 240° and 340°3. A fixing as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said angle is 330°.

4. A fixing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said wings extend outwardly perpendicular to said outer surface.

5. A fixing as claimed in any preceding Claim, provided with 2, 3 or 4 wings.

6. A fixing as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein one surface of each wing is coplanar with the first edge of the resilient strip.

7. A fixing as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein said feature comprise a tab which projects outward from the resilient strip and which, in use, engages the lower surface of the plasterboard to inhibit upward displacement of the fixing.

8. A fixing as claimed in Claim 7, wherein each tab extends outwardly perpendicular to the resilient strip.

9. A fixing as claimed in Claim 7 or claim 8, wherein each tab is disposed between adjacent wings.

10. A fixing as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein said feature comprises a tab, a post fast with one of said tab and said resilient strip, and a receptor associated with the other of said resilient strip and said tab for accommodating said post, wherein said post has a surface which, in use, can co-operate with said receptor to allow said tab to be moved towards a wing but inhibit movement in the opposite direction.

11. A fixing as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said surface is a toothed surface.

13. A fixing as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein said feature comprises a riser the upper portion of which has a projection which can, in use, bear on the first edge of the rim of the resilient strip and which riser has a toothed surface which can engage the toothed surface of the inside of a socket formed on or attached to a tab, the arrangement being such that the projection, which can optionally be in the form of ahook, can bear on the first edge of the resilient strip and the tab can be moved along the riser until the required distance between the wing and the tab is reached.

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