AU2014233639B2 - An Adjustable Plug Fix Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable plug fix assembly including a support base attachable to a first support, the support base having at least one opening therein to receive at least a part of an index block to locate the index block relative to the support base, an index block having a body portion shaped to correspond to the at least one opening in the support base and a plurality of pocket openings of at least two different depths therein, and an index disc having a body with a bore there through and at least two legs extending from the body to be received within the pocket openings of the index block, the index disc located in the index block selectively to change the height of the index disc relative to the support base. '71 Figue 3

Description

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AN ADJUSTABLE PLUG FIX ASSEMBLY 2014233639 26 Sep 2014

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable plug fix assembly for adjustable fixing of two elements relative to one another with adjustability laterally and in height.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] One issue that is faced with a fixing windows and doors into the spaces provided for them during construction or renovation of a building without the windows and doors quite often are provided with a surround frame manufactured from a metal extrusion. This metal extrusion is a hollow metal extrusion and typically, the extrusion has a relatively planar portion which is located above a pair of spaced apart flanges. This means that the planar portion is spaced from the surface relative to which the extrusion is to be mounted.

[0003] When fixing door jam extrusions to block work, packers are often required between the back of the jam and block in order to prevent the fixing screw crushing the extrusion. The number of packers will vary depending upon the extrusion. The packers are generally difficult to keep in place when fixing screw.

[0004] If the installer is inexperienced or an accident occurs, the packing material can quite often be displaced which can result in the extrusion being deformed due to the fact that there is simply nothing behind the extrusion against which the fastener can brace. Therefore, if the fastener is over tightened, the extrusion can be deformed.

[0005] Similar deformation can occur if the installer does not correctly estimate the dimension of the packing required. For example if the packing is too small, then tightening the fastener will perform the planar portion of the extrusion down towards the surface relative to which the extrusion is to be mounted on the converse is true if the packing is too large, a bow will be formed in the outer portion of the extrusion.

[0006] None of these situations is desired and all lead to not only problems during installation, but also problems during use because the extrusion which has been mounted as a surround frame for the window or door has been deformed. It is quite likely in this situation that the window or door open or close correctly or if forced to open or close, will quite likely damage the surround frame, the window or door or lead to leaking for example. 2 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 [0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to an adjustable plug fix assembly, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an adjustable plug fix assembly including a support base attachable to a first support, the support base having at least one opening therein to receive at least a part of an index block to locate the index block relative to the support base, an index block having a body portion shaped to correspond to the at least one opening in the support base and a plurality of pocket openings of at least two different depths therein, and an index disc having a body with a bore there through and at least two legs extending from the body to be received within the pocket openings of the index block, the index disc located in the index block selectively to change the height of the index disc relative to the support base.

[0010] The adjustable plug fix assembly of the present invention readily adjusts to suit different extrusion configurations and is easily locatable relative to the extrusion for the fixing hole to be drilled through the extrusion and then the fixing screw is inserted through the extrusion, and through the adjustable plug fix assembly into the adjacent block work or wall.

[0011] Normally, the support base is attachable relative to the first support and the first support will normally be the extrusion itself. This will allow the adjustable plug fix assembly of the present invention to be attached relative to the extrusion, the extrusion then located in its required position, and the fixing screw is then applied through the extrusion and the plug fix assembly into the surrounding support.

[0012] Any mechanism of attachment may be used to attach the support base relative to the first support or extrusion but a snapfit assembly is preferred. According to a preferred embodiment, a number of snap legs can be used to attach the support base to a portion of the extrusion.

[0013] Preferably, the support base is attached to an underside or rear side of the extrusion, typically within the cavity which would otherwise be deformed if the fixing screw was applied 3 without some form of packing or use of the plug fix assembly of the present invention. 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 [0014] Preferably, either end of the preferred support base has a pair of snap legs located between location flanges extending laterally from the support base. The location flanges are typically planar and will preferably define a plane with the rear extremity of the extrusion, normally at an end of the outer legs of the extrusion. The snap legs preferably have an abutment shoulder located adjacent a ramp portion in order to allow the ramp portion to abut a part of the extrusion during assembly and if force is applied to the support base, the ramp portion will force temporary deformation of the snap legs until the ramp portion passes and the abutment shoulder abuts the extrusion.

[0015] A portion of the extrusion is therefore preferably received between a surface of the location flanges and the abutment surfaces of each of the snap legs in order to maintain the preferred support base in position relative to the extrusion.

[0016] Preferably, the snap legs are separated from the support base or the location flanges on each side and attached to the support base through a root which allows flexion or deformation of the snap legs when sufficient force is applied. The snap legs are sufficiently resilient in order to return to the engaged orientation once the flexion or deforming force is removed.

[0017] The support base preferably includes a base plate with an upstanding formation into which the at least one opening is preferably formed. The base plate has a planar base plane which is generally coplanar with the free ends of the extrusion relative to which it is mounted. This means that the support base and the plug fix assembly in general can be attached to the extrusion, and then the extrusion simply butted up against the support surface without any change in dimension of the extrusion.

[0018] The upstanding formation is typically shaped, and preferably, buttressing formations are used between the base plate and the upstanding formation for strength.

[0019] The support base includes at least one opening. Typically, a single opening is provided which is divided into more than one opening part, with each opening part adapted to receive and locate the index block relative to the support base, but in different positions relative thereto. This allows a single opening to be provided within the upstanding structure which can positively locate the index block in a number of positions relative to the support base.

[0020] Any opening configuration can be used. For example, the opening may receive an external shape of the index block or the opening may be shaped to receive a peripheral flange 4 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 provided on the index block. Therefore, the particular opening configuration will depend upon the configuration of the index block itself It is preferable that the index block has a substantially continuous external periphery and therefore the opening in the support base will preferably be adapted to receive and abut the particular external peripheral shape of the index block.

[0021] As mentioned above, the preferred single opening preferably has a number of opening parts or portions located within the single opening. The opening is preferably defined by a sidewall in the upstanding structure with the sidewall having an upper edge. The upper edge will normally be substantially parallel to the base plane of the support base.

[0022] Preferably, each opening part or portion is shaped according to the shape of the index block. The preferred index block is cylindrical and therefore, the opening in the support base is preferably made up of a number of substantially circular opening parts or portions in the one opening. Three opening parts or portions are preferred but any number can be provided to adjust the number of positions in which the index block can be located relative to the support base. Preferably, there will be a pair of outer substantially circular opening parts or portions and a central opening part or portion.

[0023] Importantly, the shape of the sidewall of the opening in the support base allows insertion of the indexing block into one of the opening parts or portions but limits or prevents lateral movement of the index block once properly seated in the opening part or portion. Normally, a pair of opposed peaks is provided between each of the opening parts or portions formed by the sidewall and shaped according to the shape of the opening parts or portions. The opposed peaks extend laterally into the opening in order to divide the opening into a number of parts or portions.

[0024] Preferably, one or more formations are provided that also limit or prevent rotation or movement of the index block once properly seated in an opening part or portion. Location ribs or depressions may be provided on or into the sidewall to engage with corresponding ribs or depressions on the index block in order to prevent rotation or movement. Any number of formations can be provided but preferably at least one is provided in each of the opening parts or portions.

[0025] The index block can therefore be inserted into any one of the opening parts or portions to assume a left, right or central (or other) position relative to the support base. The lateral positioning of the index block in the support base can be important to allow for the use of the one plug fix assembly with multiple extrusion configurations. 5 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 [0026] It is also anticipated according to the present invention that the index block may be located in any one of the opening parts or portions, at one or more different heights, by providing the formations that limit or prevent rotation, of different dimension, in a manner similar to the variability provided between the index block and index disc as described below.

[0027] The buttressed formations provided preferably extend to an outer surface of a sidewall defining the at least one opening in the support base. The buttressed formations are preferred in order to minimise the amount of material used whilst providing appropriate strength and reinforcement to the sidewall.

[0028] The support base is normally moulded in a single piece and typically, will be moulded from plastic. Markings will typically be provided on the support base to allow or guide proper positioning and orientation of the index block relative thereto.

[0029] The plug fix assembly of the present invention also includes an index block having a body portion shaped to correspond to the at least one opening in the support base and having a plurality of pocket openings of at least two different depths therein.

[0030] The index block will also preferably be provided with a flange portion provided on, and preferably at one free end of the body portion in order that the underside of the flange portion can abut the upper edge of the sidewall of the upstanding formation on the support base to assist with the location of the index block. Of course, the one or more formations provided on the index block and on the sidewall of the at least one opening in the support base can be used to provide adjustable spacing between the flange portion of the index block and the upper edge of the sidewall. However this is the less preferred than having the index block substantially completely received within the at least one opening and the flange portion abutting the upper edge of the sidewall.

[0031] The flange portion can be continuous or a number of separate flange portions can be provided. The flange is preferably shaped, normally to correspond with the shape of the body of the index block and therefore, in the preferred embodiment, the flange will be annular or radiate equidistantly from the body portion.

[0032] The shape of the index block may vary but as mentioned above, the preferred shape of the body portion is cylindrical. It could however, easily be rectangular in cross section. Again, at least one, but typically more than one, location rib or depression is provided on an external portion of the body to engage with corresponding depressions or ribs provided on the sidewall of 6 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 the opening of the support base in order to minimise or prevent rotation of the index block within the opening. Due to the provision of the opposed peaks of the opening, minimal movement of the index block will be allowed laterally once positioned in one of the opening parts or portions.

[0033] In use, the index block will preferably be insertable into an opening part or portion in the at least one opening in the support base in a limited number of radial orientations in order to assist with proper placement of the index block relative to the support base.

[0034] The index block also includes a plurality of pocket openings of at least two different depths therein. Preferably, the index block will be a substantially solid block of material with the pocket openings formed thereinto. Preferably, a central bore is provided into and preferably through the height of the body portion (for a portion of the index disc to pass into or through) and the pocket openings radiate outwardly from the central bore towards the outer surface of the body. The pocket openings are formed by provision of sidewalls radiating from the central bore.

[0035] Typically, the sidewalls are angled relative to one another to form a typically triangular solid portion between each pocket opening with a sidewall on either side. A pair of adjacent solid portions will normally define a pocket opening therebetween.

[0036] Each pocket opening may also have a base wall but this is not necessarily the case. The relative locations of the base walls of the pocket openings over the height of the body portion will preferably allow height adjustability of the index disc relative to the support base. Typically, the base walls are at different levels. Normally the base walls will all be parallel to the flange portion provided. The base wall will normally close the bottom of the pocket opening in which the base wall is provided. According to the most preferred embodiment, one set of pocket openings has no base wall and when the index disc is inserted, the index disc simply abuts an upper surface of the flange of the index block.

[0037] Preferably, one or more sets of pocket openings are provided at different depths, with a number of pocket openings provided in a set at a first depth, a number of pocket openings provided in a set at a second depth and so on.

[0038] The number of sets of pocket openings can vary, typically depending upon the size of the plug fix assembly. An optimum number of sets of pocket openings has been found to be four sets.

[0039] Each set of pocket openings will have at least two pocket openings of the same depth. The number of pocket openings in the set will preferably correspond to the number of 7 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 engagement legs on the index disc. As the preferred embodiment of the index disc has three engagement legs, the number of pocket openings in each set of pocket openings will typically also be three.

[0040] It is preferred that the pocket openings of each set are offset circumferentially from one another. Each pocket opening within the same set is typically approximately 120° apart but this separation depends on the number of sets as well as the number of openings in each set. It is preferred that each set of pocket openings is offset from each adjacent set equally as equal spacing will typically result in the maximum dimension of solid body portion between each of the openings leading to the maximum strength of the index block. Further, each of the pocket openings is equally spaced in the body portion of the index block, again for maximum strength.

[0041] The preferred depths of the pocket opening sets are 21.5 mm, 27.5 mm, 29.2 mm and 33 .2 mm but again, these depths can be varied according to the preferred end use of the plug fix assembly and the dimensions of the extrusion(s).

[0042] One or more markings may be provided on the index block, and preferably the flange of the index block in order to indicate the location of the different sets of pocket openings. A simple, non-numeric marking regime is preferred in order that the plug fix assembly be usable as broadly as possible. As with the support base, the index block is typically moulded in a unitary configuration, typically of plastic. However any material can be used.

[0043] The plug fix assembly of the present invention includes an index disc having a body with a bore therethrough and at least two engagement legs extending from the body to be received at least partially within the pocket openings of the index block.

[0044] In this specification, the term “disc” is not used in a conventional sense to designate a planar circular member. The body of the index disc will typically be cylindrical in order to be received within the bore of the index block. The bore will extend through the preferred cylindrical body to allow a fastener to extend through the index disc.

[0045] Typically, a flange will be provided at one end of the body of the index disc, preferably radiating outwardly from the body. A central, annular upstand, standing proud of the surface of the flange and surrounding the upper end of the bore will typically be provided on the index disc in order to provide tactile and/or audible feedback as to the proper location of the index disc in the opening formed in the extrusion to receive the fixing screw. An annular depression can be provided surrounding the upstand. 8 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 [0046] Again, typically markings or indications are provided on the flange of the index disc in order to indicate the alignment of the index disc with the markings or indications on the index block and/or support base.

[0047] The legs of the index disc preferably radiate outwardly from the outer surface of the preferred cylindrical body. Any number of legs can be provided, but typically, the number of legs provided will correspond to the number of pocket openings provided in each set in the index block. According to the preferred embodiment, three legs are provided at approximately 120° of separation about the preferred cylindrical body.

[0048] The legs are preferably shaped to correspond to the shape of the pocket openings in order to be closely received within the pocket openings. It is also preferred that the legs be substantially rectangular and formed of solid material. Each leg will typically have a pair of opposed side surfaces, an outer end edge and a lower end edge in order to abut a base wall of the respective pocket opening where provided. The upper end of the legs will typically merge with the underside of the flange provided on the index disc.

[0049] An upper side of the flange will typically abut and support the underside of the extrusion. Again, the index disc will typically be a unitary, normally manufactured of plastic, and normally moulded although any material and mechanism of formation can be used.

[0050] In use, the index disc is located in the index block in order to select the height required and then the index block is typically located in the opening part or portion in the support base in order to select the desired lateral position of the index disc. The support base is then preferably snapfit to the extrusion which is then located against a surface and an elongate fastener such as a screw is driven through the opening in the extrusion, through the bore of the index disc and into the adjacent surface with the plug fix assembly of the invention bracing the outer portion of the extrusion against deformation by the fastener.

[0051] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0052] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 9 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 [0053] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0054] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of an adjustable plug fix assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 3 is an axonometric view of an index disc of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 4 is a view from below of the index disc illustrated in Figure 3.

[0058] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the index disc illustrated in Figure 3.

[0059] Figure 6 is a plan view of the index disc illustrated in Figure 3.

[0060] Figure 7 is an axonometric view of an index block of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0061] Figure 8 is a view from below of the index block illustrated in Figure 7.

[0062] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the index block illustrated in Figure 7.

[0063] Figure 10 is a plan view of the index block illustrated in Figure 7.

[0064] Figure 11 is a sectional side elevation view of the index block illustrated in Figure 10 along line E-E.

[0065] Figure 12 is a schematic view of a marking regime used on an index block according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 13 is a plan view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0067] Figure 13 A is a side view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 [0068] Figure 14 is a sectional view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 13 along line A-A. ίο 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 [0069] Figure 15 is a detailed view of the portion identified with the reference letter H in Figure 14.

[0070] Figure 16 is a plan view of the support base of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0071] Figure 17 is a sectional view of the support base illustrated in Figure 16 along line J-J.

[0072] Figure 18 is an axonometric exploded view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 with the index disc set for 21.5 mm in height and the centre.

[0073] Figure 19 is a side view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 18 attaching an extrusion.

[0074] Figure 20 is a plan view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 18.

[0075] Figure 21 is an axonometric exploded view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 with the index disc set for 27.5 mm in height and the centre.

[0076] Figure 22 is a side view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 21 attaching an extrusion.

[0077] Figure 23 is a plan view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 21.

[0078] Figure 24 is an axonometric exploded view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 with the index disc set for 29.2 mm in height and the centre.

[0079] Figure 25 is a side view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 24 attaching an extrusion.

[0080] Figure 26 is a plan view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 24.

[0081] Figure 27 is an axonometric exploded view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 with the index disc set for 33.2 mm in height and the left side.

[0082] Figure 28 is a side view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 27 attaching an extrusion.

[0083] Figure 29 is a plan view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 27.

[0084] Figure 30 is an axonometric exploded view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 11 with the index disc set for 33.2 mm in height and the right side. 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 [0085] Figure 31 is a side view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 30 attaching an extrusion.

[0086] Figure 32 is a plan view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 30.

[0087] Figure 33 is an exploded axonometric view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 with an extrusion and a fixing screw showing the connection.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0088] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, and adjustable plug fixing assembly 10 is provided.

[0089] The adjustable plug fix assembly 10 illustrated in the accompanying Figures includes a support base 11 attachable to an extrusion 12 to be attached to a support (not shown). The support base 11 has an opening 13 therein to receive at least a part of an index block 14 to locate the index block 14 relative to the support base 11. The index block 14 has a body portion 15 shaped to correspond to a part of the opening 13 in the support base 11 and a plurality of pocket openings 16 of at least two different depths therein. An index disc 17 with a body 18 having a bore 19 therethrough and three legs 20 extending from the body 18 is provided to be received within the pocket openings 16 of the index block 14. In use, the index disc 17 is located in the index block 14 selectively to change the height of the index disc 17 relative to the support base 11.

[0090] In use as illustrated simply in Figure 33, the index disc 17 is located in the index block 14 in order to select the height required and then the index block 14 is typically located in the opening 13 the support base 11 in order to select the desired lateral position of the index disc 17. The support base 11 is then preferably snapfit to the extrusion 12 which is then located against a surface and an elongate fastener 70 such as a screw is driven through the opening 71 in the extrusion 70, through the bore 19 of the index disc 17 and into the adjacent surface with the plug fix assembly 10 bracing the outer portion of the extrusion 12 against deformation by the fastener 70.

[0091] As illustrated in Figures such as Figure 19, the support base 11 of the preferred embodiment is attachable relative to the extrusion 12. This will allow the adjustable plug fix assembly 10 to be attached relative to the extrusion 12, the extrusion 12 then located in its 12 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 required position, and the fastener 70 applied through the extrusion 12 and the plug fix assembly 10 with confidence that the plug fix assembly is in the correct location.

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment of the support base 11 illustrated in Figures 15 to 17 in particular, a number of snap legs 21 can be used to attach the support base 11 to a portion of the extrusion 12.

[0093] Both ends of the preferred support base 11 has a pair of snap legs 21 located between location flanges 22 extending laterally from the support base 11. The location flanges 22 are typically planar and will preferably define a plane with the rear extremity of the extrusion, normally at an end of the outer legs of the extrusion as illustrated in Figure 19 for example. The snap legs 21 illustrated each have an abutment shoulder 23 located adjacent a ramp portion 24 in order to allow the ramp portion 24 to abut a part of the extrusion 12 during assembly and if force is applied to the support base 11, the ramp portion 24 will force temporary deformation of the snap legs 21 until the ramp portion24 passes and the abutment shoulder 23 abuts the extrusion 12.

[0094] A portion of the extrusion 12 is therefore received between a surface of the location flanges 22 and the abutment surfaces 23 of each of the snap legs 21 in order to maintain the support base 11 in position relative to the extrusion 12.

[0095] The snap legs 21 are separated from the support base 11 and the location flanges 22 on each side and attached to the support base through a root which allows flexion or deformation of the snap legs 21 when sufficient force is applied. The snap legs 21 are sufficiently resilient in order to return to the engaged orientation once the flexion or deforming force is removed.

[0096] The support base 11 illustrated includes a base plate 25 with an upstanding formation 26 into which the opening 13 is formed. The base plate 25 has a planar base plane which is generally coplanar with the free ends of the extrusion 12 relative to which it is mounted. This means that the support base 11 and the plug fix assembly 10 in general can be attached to the extrusion 12, and then the extrusion 12 is simply butted up against the support surface without any change in dimension of the extrusion 12.

[0097] The upstanding formation 26 is typically shaped according to the opening 13, and preferably, buttressing formations 27 are used between the base plate 25and the upstanding formation 26 for strength.

[0098] As illustrated, the opening 13 provided in the support base 11 is divided into three 13 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 opening part 28, with each opening part 28 adapted to receive and locate the index block 14 relative to the support base 11, but in different positions relative thereto. This allows a single opening 13 to be provided within the upstanding structure 26 which can positively locate the index block 14 in a number of positions relative to the support base 11.

[0100] The particular opening configuration will depend upon the configuration of the index block 14. It is preferred that the index block 14 has a substantially continuous external periphery and therefore the opening 13 in the support base 11 is adapted to receive and abut the particular external peripheral shape of the index block 14.

[0101] The opening 13 is defined by a sidewall 29 in the upstanding structure 26 with the sidewall 29 having an upper edge 30 which is substantially parallel to the base plate 25of the support base 11.

[0102] Each opening part 28 is shaped according to the shape of the index block 14. The preferred index block 14 is cylindrical and therefore, the opening 13 in the support base is preferably made up of a number of substantially circular opening parts 28 in the one opening. Three opening parts 28 are preferred as illustrated with a pair of outer substantially circular opening parts and a central opening part.

[0103] Importantly, the shape and configuration of the sidewall 29 of the opening 13 in the support base 11 allows insertion of the index block 14 into one of the opening parts 28 but limits or prevents lateral movement of the index block 14 once properly seated in the opening part 28. Normally, a pair of opposed peaks 31 is provided between each of the opening parts 28 formed by the sidewall and shaped according to the shape of the opening parts 28. The opposed peaks 31 extend laterally into the opening 13 in order to divide the opening into a number of opening parts 28.

[0104] Location ribs 32 are provided that also limit or prevent rotation or movement of the index block 14 once properly seated in an opening part 28. The location ribs 32 are provided on the sidewall to engage with corresponding depressions 33 on the index block 14 in order to prevent rotation or movement.

[0105] The index block 14 can therefore be inserted into any one of the opening parts 28 to assume a left, right or central (or other) position relative to the support base 11. The lateral positioning of the index block 14 in the support base 11 can be important to allow for the use of the one plug fix assembly with multiple extrusion configurations. 14 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 [0106] The buttress formations 27 provided extend to an outer surface of a sidewall 29 defining the opening 13 in the support base 11. The support base 11 is normally moulded in a single piece and typically, is moulded from plastic. Markings as illustrated in Figure 16 in particular are provided on the support base 11 to allow or guide proper positioning and orientation of the index block 14 relative thereto.

[0107] The preferred index block 14 illustrated in Figures 7 to 12 in particular is provided with a flange portion 34 provided at one end of the body portion 15 in order that the underside of the flange portion 34 can abut the upper edge 30 of the sidewall 29 of the upstanding formation 26 on the support base 11 to assist with the location of the index block 14.

[0108] The shape of the preferred index block 14 is cylindrical. A number of depressions 33 are provided on an external portion of the body 15 to engage with corresponding location ribs 32 provided on the sidewall 29 of the opening 13 of the support base 11 in order to minimise or prevent rotation of the index block 14 within the opening. Due to the provision of the opposed peaks 31 of the opening 13, minimal movement of the index block 14 is possible laterally once positioned in one of the opening parts 28.

[0109] In use, the index block 13 is insertable into an opening part 28 in the opening 13 in the support base 11 in a limited number of radial orientations in order to assist with proper placement of the index block 14 relative to the support base 11.

[0110] The index block 14 of the preferred embodiment is a substantially solid block of material with the pocket openings 16 formed thereinto. A central bore 35 is provided into the body portion 15 (for a portion of the index disc 17 to pass into) and the pocket openings 16 radiate outwardly from the central bore 35 towards the outer surface of the body 15. The pocket openings 16 are formed by provision of sidewalls radiating from the central bore 35.

[0111] As illustrated in Figures 10 and 12 in particular, the sidewalls of the pocket openings 16 are angled relative to one another to form a triangular solid portion between each pocket opening 16 with a sidewall on either side. A pair of adjacent solid portions will normally define a pocket opening 16 therebetween.

[0112] Each pocket opening 16 may also have a base wall 36 but this is not necessarily the case. The relative locations of the base walls 36 of the pocket openings 16 over the height of the body portion 15 allows height adjustability of the index disc 17 relative to the support base 11. Typically, the base walls 36 are at different levels but parallel to the flange portion provided. The 15 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 base wall 36 close the bottom of the pocket opening 16 in which the base wall 36 is provided as illustrated in Figure 11. According to the most preferred embodiment, one set of pocket openings 16 has no base wall 36 and when the index disc 17 is inserted, the index disc 17 simply abuts an upper surface of the flange 34 of the index block 14.

[0113] The pocket openings 16 are provided in sets at different depths, with a number of pocket openings provided in a set at a first depth, a number of pocket openings provided in a set at a second depth and so on. An optimum number of sets of pocket openings has been found to be four sets.

[0114] As the preferred embodiment of the index disc 17 has three engagement legs 20, there are also three pocket openings 16 in each set.

[0115] As illustrated in Figure 12, the pocket openings of each set are offset circumferentially from one another. Each pocket opening within the same set is typically approximately 120° apart.

[0116] The preferred depths of the pocket opening sets are 21.5 mm, 27.5 mm, 29.2 mm and 33.2 mm but again, these depths can be varied according to the preferred end use of the plug fix assembly and the dimensions of the extrusion(s).

[0117] One or more markings may be provided on the index block, and preferably the flange of the index block in order to indicate the location of the different sets of pocket openings. A simple, non-numeric marking regime is preferred in order that the plug fix assembly is usable as broadly as possible. One form of marking regime is illustrated in Figure 12.

[0118] The body 18 of the index disc 17 of the illustrated embodiment is cylindrical in order to be received within the bore 35 of the index block 14. The bore 19 extends through the preferred cylindrical body 18 to allow a fastener 70 to extend through the index disc 17.

[0119] A flange 37 is provided at one end of the body of the index disc 17, radiating outwardly from the body 18. A central, annular upstand 38, standing proud of the surface of the flange 37 and surrounding the upper end of the bore 19 is provided on the index disc 17 in order to provide tactile and/or audible feedback as to the proper location of the index disc 17 in the opening 71 formed in the extrusion 12 to receive the fastener 70. An annular depression 39 is provided surrounding the upstand.

[0120] Again, typically markings or indications are provided on the flange of the index disc 16 2014233639 26 Sep 2014 17 in order to indicate the alignment of the index disc 17 with the markings or indications on the index block 14 and/or support base 11.

[0121] The engagement legs 20 of the index disc 17 radiate outwardly from the outer surface of the cylindrical body 18. According to the preferred embodiment, three legs 20 are provided at approximately 120° of separation about the cylindrical body 18.

[0122] The legs 20 are shaped to correspond to the shape of the pocket openings 16 in order to be closely received within the pocket openings 16. The legs 20 are substantially rectangular and formed of solid material. Each leg 20 has a pair of opposed side surfaces, an outer end edge and a lower end edge in order to abut a base wall 36 of the respective pocket opening 16 where provided. The upper end of the legs 20 will typically merge with the underside of the flange 37 provided on the index disc 17.

[0123] An upper side of the flange 37 abuts and supports the underside of the extrusion 12. Again, the index disc will typically be a unitary, normally manufactured of plastic, and normally moulded although any material and mechanism of formation can be used.

[0124] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0125] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0126] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (20)

1. An adjustable plug fix assembly including a support base attachable to a first support, the support base having at least one opening therein to receive at least a part of an index block to locate the index block relative to the support base, an index block having a body portion shaped to correspond to the at least one opening in the support base and a plurality of pocket openings of at least two different depths therein, and an index disc having a body with a bore there through and at least two legs extending from the body to be received within the pocket openings of the index block, the index disc located in the index block selectively to change the height of the index disc relative to the support base.

2. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support base includes a base plate with an upstanding formation into which the at least one opening is formed.

3. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in either one of the preceding claims wherein the support base includes a single opening divided into more than one opening part, with each opening part adapted to receive and locate the index block relative to the support base, but in different positions relative thereto.

4. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the single opening in the support base is preferably made up of a number of substantially circular opening parts allowing insertion of the indexing block into one of the opening parts but at least limiting lateral movement of the index block relative to the support base once properly seated in the opening part.

5. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein one or more formations including one or more location ribs on or depressions into a sidewall of at least one of the opening parts to engage with corresponding ribs or depressions on the index block to at least limit rotation of the index block once properly seated in an opening part.

6. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the index block is located in any one of the opening parts, at one or more different heights, utilising the one or more formations that at least limit rotation of the index block.

7. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the index block is provided with a flange portion provided at one free end of the body portion in order that the underside of the flange portion abuts a portion of the support base to assist with the location of the index block relative thereto.

8. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one location rib or depression is provided on an external portion of the body of eth index block to engage with corresponding depressions or ribs provided on a sidewall of the opening of the support base in order to at least limit rotation of the index block within the opening.

9. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a central bore is provided at least into the body portion of the index block and the pocket openings radiate outwardly from the central bore towards an outer surface of the body.

10. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each pocket opening has a base wall with relative locations of the base walls of the pocket openings over the height of the body portion allowing height adjustability of the index disc relative to the support base.

11. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more sets of pocket openings are provided at different depths, with all of the pocket openings in a set at a similar depth.

12. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein each set of pocket openings has at least two pocket openings of the same depth and the number of pocket openings in each set corresponding to the number of engagement legs on the index disc.

13. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the pocket openings of each set are offset circumferentially from one another.

14. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a flange is provided at one end of the body of the index disc radiating outwardly from the body.

15. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein an upstand, standing proud of the surface of the flange and at least partially surrounding the upper end of the bore is provided on the index disc in order to provide tactile and/or audible feedback as to the proper location of the index disc in an opening formed in an extrusion.

16. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein any the number of legs on the index disc provided corresponds to the number of pocket openings provided in each set in the index block.

17. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the legs of the index disc are shaped to correspond to the shape of the pocket openings in order to be closely received within the pocket openings.

18. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein an upper side of the flange abuts and supports an underside of a member mounted using the adjustable plug fix assembly.

19. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein in use the index disc is located in the index block in order to select the height required and then the index block is located in an opening part or portion in the support base in order to select a desired lateral position of the index disc.

20. An adjustable plug fix assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein markings are provided on any one or more of the support base, index block and index disc to guide orientation of the index block relative to the support base and/or the index disc relative to the index block.