Patent Description:
Certain fasteners of the prior art generally require access from both sides of the members and the use of two tools - and which is not convenient in certain configurations. In addition, there are known fasteners which, whilst allowing an assembly from one side of the junction only, also draw the members together, being easily removable and re-usable, which can be provided as one assembly and which can be used from either side of the junction. A special configuration of such fastener is also known as a hammer-head bolt, as it shown for example in documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> or <CIT>. However, the known bolt configuration is inconvenient in view of absorbing shear forces, tensile forces or traction forces that can arise between the panels. In case of the occurrence of lateral shear forces in-between the panels there is always inherently a force component that acts laterally onto the longitudinal axis of the fastener bolt itself what leads to a misalignment of the fastener.

The present application provides provide a bolt and a fastener system being improved over the prior art insofar as being able to better divert shearing forces and/or tensile and/or traction forces. At least, the invention shall provide an improved method for an alignment and connection of such objects.

One aspect of the disclose provides a multi-head bolt in accordance with the features of claim <NUM>.

In one example, the primary plane for each pawl is parallel to two opposing lateral sides of each respective pawl.

Each pawl has an angled side that intersects the primary plane and wherein a radial distance of the angled side relative to bolt shaft linearly decreases as measured from the support surface to the first end of the bolt.

In one example, the pawls extend from the bolt shaft in a star-shape configuration symmetrically relative to an outer circumference of the bolt shaft.

In one example, at least one pawl is in the form of a fin.

In one example, the support surface extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the bolt shaft, projecting therewith radially from the bolt shaft's outer circumference.

In one example, at least one pawl is fin-shaped such that the primary plane lies on the longitudinal axis of the bolt shaft and the support surface is perpendicular to the primary plane.

In one example, a width of at least one pawl is smaller than a diameter of the bolt shaft.

In one example, the width of the at least one pawl is at least <NUM>% of a diameter of the bolt shaft and at maximum <NUM>% of the diameter of the bolt shaft.

In one example, the width of the at least one pawl is about <NUM>% of the diameter of the bolt shaft.

In one example, a width defined between the two lateral sides of the at least one pawl is substantially constant along the longitudinal axis.

In one example, the bolt shaft defines has a cone end at an opposite end relative to the multi-head to facilitate insertion of a nut.

In one example, the multi-head bolt further comprises a tension-rod-shank fixed to an end of the bolt shaft opposing the multi-head, on which shank a nut can be screwed.

In one example, the at least three pawls comprises four pawls.

In one example, the bolt shaft defines a hole extending through the bolt shaft at an opposite end relative to the multi-head a for securing a safety split pin.

In one example, the primary plane for each pawl intersects with a support surface of the pawl and an angled edge of the pawl such that the longitudinal axis lies upon the primary plane.

In one example, the primary plane for each pawl symmetrically bisects each pawl relative to lateral sides of each pawl.

In one example, the lateral sides are oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

In one example, a width between two lateral sides of each pawl decreases as measured from a support surface toward a cone-shaped portion.

In one example, the bolt shaft defines has a hexagonal attachment portion at an opposite end relative to the multi-head to facilitate engagement with a tool.

In one example, an opposite end relative to the multi-head defines a plurality of slots defining a + configuration, with each of the plurality of slots aligning with a respective pawl and being configured to provide visual guidance during bolt installation.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a fastener system in accordance with the features of claim <NUM>.

In one example, the fastener system further comprises a fastening element configured to connect the elements in a fixed manner.

In one example, the multi-head bolt has an external thread and the fastener element comprises a nut having a female thread fitting onto the external thread of the bolt.

In one example, the opening defines cut-outs in a plane direction of the element corresponding to a number and dimension of the plurality of pawls.

In one example, at least one pawl is fin-shaped and has a width that is smaller than a diameter of the bolt shaft.

In one example, a width defined between two lateral sides of the at least one pawl is substantially constant along the longitudinal axis.

In one example, the elements comprise anti-twist-structures in an element surface being adjacent to the openings, in or at which anti-twist-structure a pawl can rest, respectively, after having rotated the bolt around the longitudinal axis and having inserted the bolt through the opening.

In one example, the anti-twist structure is a recess in which the pawl can rest, such that when resting in the recess rotational movement of the pawl is prevented when the recess receives the support surface of the pawl.

In one example, the element comprises at least one twist-stop protruding from a surface of at least one of the elements and preventing rotation of the multi-head bolt around the longitudinal axis after having inserted the bolt through the opening.

In one example, the twist-stop comprises an abutting surface against which a lateral side of the pawl abuts when being inserted and having turned the bolt until abutting the abutting surface.

In one example, the fastener system comprises a separate plate in which an anti-twist-structure is incorporated and/or at least one twist-stop protruding from the plate is provided, in which plate is to be arranged between the head of the multi-head bolt and an element surface.

In one example, a number of anti-twist structures and/or a number of twist-stop(s) is less or at least equal to the number of pawls.

In one example, the pawls are branched off from the bolt shaft in a star-shaped configuration that is essentially symmetrical around an outer circumference of the bolt shaft.

In one example, the support surface extends essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the bolt shaft projecting therewith radially from an outer circumference of the bolt shaft.

In one example, the opening is located in a frame of the element.

In one example, the elements comprises at least one of a formwork panel or a formwork element.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of aligning and connecting at least two elements together in accordance with claim <NUM>.

In one example, rotating the multi-head bolt comprises rotating the multi-head bolt and retracting the bolt in an opposite direction of an insertion direction until a support surface of the pawls abuts against a surface of one of the elements.

In one example, the method further comprises fastening the bolt relative to the elements with a fastening element.

The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which:.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a multi-head bolt <NUM> according to one or more aspects of the disclosure and <FIG> is a perspective view of the multi-head bolt <NUM> of <FIG> engaged with a nut <NUM> according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the multi-head bolt <NUM> (also referred to as bolt <NUM>) has a longitudinal shaft <NUM> having a multi-head <NUM> at one end thereof. At least a portion of the longitudinal shaft <NUM> can be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical and can define a diameter. The longitudinal shaft <NUM> can include external threading for engaging with a nut, as described in detail below. In one example, the longitudinal shaft <NUM> can define a longitudinal axis <NUM> that is co-axial or substantially co-axial relative to the longitudinal shaft and the longitudinal shaft can define an outer circumference.

The multi-head <NUM> has a plurality of pawls <NUM> that extend radially from the longitudinal axis <NUM> defined by the longitudinal shaft <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the multi-head <NUM> of the bolt <NUM> includes four pawls <NUM> that are arranged radially and symmetrically with respect to longitudinal axis <NUM> and can be arranged in a symmetrical star-shaped configuration around an outer circumference of the shaft <NUM>. In other examples, the bolt <NUM> can include greater or fewer pawls <NUM> and can be arranged radially, symmetrically and/or arbitrarily with respect to longitudinal axis <NUM>. For example, the multi-head <NUM> can include at least or exactly three pawls <NUM> that can be arranged arbitrarily or radially and symmetrically with respect to longitudinal axis <NUM>. In another example, the multi-head <NUM> can include at least or exactly five pawls <NUM> that can be arranged arbitrarily or radially and symmetrically with respect to longitudinal axis <NUM>.

Each of the pawls <NUM> can be unitarily and rigidly formed with respect to the longitudinal shaft <NUM> of the bolt <NUM> such that each of the pawls <NUM> has a fixed radial orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis. In this regard, the pawls <NUM> can be inelastic and immovable relative to the longitudinal shaft <NUM> of the bolt <NUM>. The pawls <NUM> can be generally fin-shaped and can be defined by a support surface <NUM>, lateral sides 18a, and angled side 18b. The lateral sides 18a of each respective pawl <NUM> can be parallel to one another and can be parallel to a plane extending radially with respect to longitudinal axis <NUM>. The lateral sides 18a can extend between the support surface <NUM>, the angled side 18b, and the longitudinal shaft <NUM>. The support surface <NUM> can be perpendicular to the lateral sides 18a and can extend along a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

The angled side 18b can extend from a cone-shaped portion <NUM> to the support surface <NUM>. In some examples, the angled side 18b can extend as a continuous surface from the cone-shaped portion <NUM> to the support surface <NUM>, while in other examples there can be a flat portion 18c between the angled side 18b and support surface <NUM>. The angled side 18b is coplanar with a cone-shaped portion <NUM> and forms a continuous, uninterrupted surface with the cone-shaped portion <NUM> and a plane coinciding with the angled side 18b forms an angle with the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In one example, the angle can be an acute angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees and in another example, the angle can be about <NUM> degrees. While a cone-shaped portion <NUM> is depicted, it is contemplated that the portion <NUM> can be a truncated cone shape in other examples.

The lateral sides 18a can be parallel to each other and can both be parallel with a plane extending radially with respect to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In this regard, the lateral sides can be perpendicular to the support surface <NUM>. By virtue of the configuration, a radial distance of angled side 18b relative to shaft <NUM> linearly decreases as measured from support surface <NUM> toward cone-shaped portion <NUM>.

At an opposing end of the longitudinal shaft <NUM> relative to the cone-shaped portion <NUM> is a cone end <NUM> that defines a hole <NUM> therethrough. The hole <NUM> allows the bolt <NUM> to be secured by a safety split pin to one or more formwork panels or formwork elements. The cone end <NUM> facilitates the threading of nut <NUM> onto the longitudinal shaft.

As shown in <FIG>, the bolt <NUM> can be engaged with the nut <NUM> to facilitate engagement with formwork elements (for example one or more beams) and/or formwork panels and/or any pair of elements that can connected, as will be described in greater detail below. The nut <NUM> can have a female thread and can have wings to enable hand-tightening.

A width of the pawls <NUM>, e.g., a distance between opposing lateral sides 18a, is depicted as a width b in <FIG>. The width can be measured at any portion of the pawl, and in one example the width can be measured at or near the support surface <NUM>. In one example, the width of pawls <NUM> is less than a diameter of the shaft <NUM>. In one particular example, the width can be at least <NUM>% of the shaft diameter and at most <NUM>% of the diameter of the shaft. In another example, the width can be in the range of <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the shaft diameter. In yet another example, the width b is approximately <NUM>% of a diameter of the longitudinal shaft <NUM>. In these examples, the diameter of the shaft <NUM> is measured at a middle portion of the shaft, e.g., a portion that is disposed between the panels <NUM> when secured thereto. A width of the pawl influences the load bearing capacity of the bolt in such a way that, the greater the width the greater the load-bearing capacity with respect to higher tensile force. The width also influences load-bearing capacity with respect to transverse force in an inverse manner, e.g. increasing width reduces load-bearing capacity with respect to transverse force. Above a certain width, almost no additional traverse force can be absorbed.

In one example, an extension shank <NUM> is disposed at the end of the shaft opposing the multi-head <NUM>. By way of the extension shank <NUM>, the shaft can be equipped with a tension rod. In another example, the end part of the shaft <NUM> the multi-head bolt <NUM> can be equipped with a tension rod. The shank <NUM> can have an external thread 50a on which a nut 50b can be screwed or the shank <NUM> can be in the form of an anchor that is to be fixed in the concrete. Such shank <NUM> is commercially available from DYWIDAG® known under the corresponding trademark DYWIDAG®-extension.

Each of the pawls <NUM> defines a primary plane associated therewith, the primary plane being defined as parallel to each of the lateral sides 18a and extending through the pawl <NUM> such that the longitudinal axis <NUM> lies on the primary plane. In the example of a four-pawl configuration, the primary plane of a pawl and its opposing pawl are co-planar. The primary plane of the pawl <NUM> intersects with the support surface <NUM> and angled edge 18b such that the longitudinal axis <NUM> lies upon the primary plane.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a multi-head bolt <NUM> engaged with a plurality of plates <NUM> according to one or more aspects of the disclosure and <FIG> is a perspective view of plate <NUM> having recesses according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

Each of the plates <NUM> can engage with formwork panels or formwork elements, or in another example can be integrally formed with the formwork panel or formwork element, for example by welding or the like. Each of the plates <NUM> (e.g., a frame of the plate <NUM>) define respective an opening 32a for receiving the bolt <NUM>, with the opening 32a corresponding to an outer diameter of the longitudinal shaft <NUM>. The opening 32a of the plates <NUM> can define cut-outs <NUM> shaped to receive the pawls <NUM> and to allow the pawls <NUM> to pass through the opening 32a. In this regard, the cut-outs <NUM> are positioned to correspond to radial positions of the pawls <NUM> and the number of cut-outs <NUM> corresponds to the number of pawls <NUM>. For example, in the example of three pawls <NUM>, the panel <NUM> defines three cut-outs <NUM>.

The plates <NUM> can also define recesses <NUM> (e.g., anti-twist structures) that are circumferentially adjacent to the cut-outs <NUM>. In this regard, the recesses <NUM> do not extend an entire thickness of the plates <NUM> and have a thickness that is less than the overall thickness of the plate <NUM>. This thickness arrangement creates a space to receive the pawls <NUM>, and in one example, the support surfaces <NUM>, to ensure a locking arrangement, which will be explained in greater detail below. In one example, the recesses <NUM> can define chamfered edges to provide easier movement and insertion of the pawls <NUM> relative to the opening 32a and recesses <NUM>. In one example, the recesses <NUM> can define a stepped design along a thickness direction of the plate <NUM> corresponding to a shape of the pawls <NUM>. The plates <NUM> can also include stoppers <NUM> (e.g., twist-stop(s)) protruding from a surface of the plate <NUM> and extending above a surface of the plates <NUM> arranged circumferentially adjacent to the recesses <NUM> to prevent rotation of the bolt <NUM> and pawls <NUM> beyond a locking position and to prevent the respective pawls <NUM> from aligning with a cut-out <NUM> different from the cut-out through which it was advanced. In this regard, rotation of the pawls <NUM> and the multi-head can be prevent or limited when a lateral side 18a (e.g., an abutting surface or any other surface of the pawl) abuts against an abutting surface of the stopper <NUM>. The number of stoppers <NUM> (e.g., twist-stop(s)) can be less than or at least equal to the number of pawls.

This provides a stable configuration for diverting a shear force and/or tension force from the bolt <NUM> to the plate <NUM>. In the example of a star-like arrangement of the at least three pawls around the bolt shaft, any shear force is diverted in the plane of the panel irrespective from which direction it is caused. This provides a positive high clamp load and, in particular by virtue of the at least three pawls a high capability to absorb sheer loads and/or tensions loads aiding therewith to divert any shear force and/or tension force into those objects as fastened by the system, e.g., onto the panel's surface.

<FIG> depict various stages of connecting a plurality of plates <NUM> with a multi-head bolt <NUM> according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the bolt <NUM> is inserted into both of the respective openings 32a defined by the plates <NUM>. In this regard, each of the pawls <NUM> of the multi-head <NUM> are aligned with the corresponding cut-outs <NUM> of the plates <NUM>, allowing the pawls <NUM> and the bolt <NUM> to pass through the openings 32a.

By virtue of the relationship between cone-shaped portion <NUM> and angled edge 18b, the bolt <NUM> can be easily inserted through the openings 32a of the plates <NUM>. Further, if the plates <NUM> are slightly out of alignment, the bolt <NUM> and the cone-shaped portion <NUM> and pawls <NUM> provide a centering function between the plates <NUM>. For example, if the plates <NUM> are slightly out of alignment, pushing the bolt <NUM> with truncated cone <NUM> will automatically orient the plates <NUM> such that the openings 32a are aligned since the bolt <NUM> can only pass through the openings 32a and the pawls <NUM> can only pass through the cut-outs <NUM> when they are in alignment.

As shown in <FIG>, the bolt <NUM> has been inserted into both plates <NUM> and will be rotated according to the directional arrow. The pawls <NUM> having previously been aligned with cut-outs <NUM> will rotate out of position with cut-outs <NUM> and the support surfaces <NUM> of the pawls will engage with a face of the plate <NUM> (or within recesses <NUM>, for example by retracting the bolt in a direction opposite of the insertion direction and allowing the pawls to rest and engage within the space defined by the recesses and preventing further rotation).

As shown in <FIG>, the bolt has been rotated (e.g., by <NUM> degrees or a geometric multiple) and the pawls <NUM> are <NUM> degrees out of alignment with the cut-outs <NUM>, thereby preventing the bolt <NUM> from being removed from the plates <NUM> without additional rotation. In one example, the rotation of the pawls can be ceased or limited by one or more stoppers <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the plates <NUM> are aligned and engaged with one another by virtue of the bolt <NUM>. A nut <NUM> (and optional washer) can be threaded onto the bolt <NUM> to secure the plates <NUM> relative to one another.

<FIG> depict examples of multi-head bolt geometries not in accordance with the claims. As shown, the multi-head of the bolt can be a triangle, a three-pawl, four-pawl, or five-pawl arrangement. Various multi-head configurations are their corresponding openings and cut-outs in an exemplary plate are depicted in <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts a five-pawl configuration in which five pawls are arranged symmetrically with respect to bolt shaft. In this regard, there is approximately <NUM> degrees between each of the pawls. With this multi-head, the plate can be configured with an opening that defines five cut-outs, five recesses, and five stoppers.

<FIG> depicts a four-pawl configuration in which four pawls are arranged symmetrically with respect to bolt shaft. In this regard, there is approximately <NUM> degrees between each of the pawls. With this multi-head, the plate can be configured with an opening that defines four cut-outs, four recesses, and four stoppers. In this example, each of the pawls can be diametrically opposed to a respective pawl. In this regard, each pawl can have an oppositely oriented pawl disposed <NUM> degrees therefrom.

Since the design of pawls as extending from the shaft simultaneously define and dictate the negative profile in an opening of the plate to push the bolt through, meaning the cut-outs for the pawls that extend from the cut-out for the circumference of the shaft, in one example the number of pawls is advantageously four. This allows for a configuration that each pawl namely decreases the support area on the surface of the plate on which the pawl can rest on after fastening the bolt - which is also dependent from the width of a pawl.

<FIG> depicts a three -pawl configuration in which three pawls are arranged symmetrically with respect to bolt shaft. In this regard, there is approximately <NUM> degrees between each of the pawls. With this multi-head, the plate can be configured with an opening that defines three cut-outs, three recesses, and three stoppers. Such a three-pawl configuration provides a well-balanced force distribution in the horizontal plane on the panel's surface in any direction around <NUM>°.

<FIG> depicts a multi-head having a triangular cross-section, with each corner defining a pawl and thus a three-pawl configuration. With this multi-head, the plate can be configured with an opening that defines three cut-outs, three recesses, and three stoppers.

<FIG> is a perspective view a multi-head bolt <NUM> according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. <FIG> is a side view a multi-head bolt <NUM> according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. <FIG> is a rear view a multi-head bolt <NUM> according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, the multi-head bolt <NUM> (also referred to as bolt <NUM>) has a longitudinal shaft <NUM> having a multi-head <NUM> at one end thereof. At least a portion of the longitudinal shaft <NUM> can be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical and can define a diameter. The longitudinal shaft <NUM> can include external threading <NUM> for engaging with a nut, as described in detail above. In one example, the longitudinal shaft <NUM> can define a longitudinal axis <NUM> that is co-axial or substantially co-axial relative to the longitudinal shaft and the longitudinal shaft can define an outer circumference.

Each of the pawls <NUM> can be unitarily and rigidly formed with respect to the longitudinal shaft <NUM> of the bolt <NUM> such that each of the pawls <NUM> has a fixed radial orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis. In this regard, the pawls <NUM> can be inelastic and immovable relative to the longitudinal shaft <NUM> of the bolt <NUM>. The pawls <NUM> can be generally fin-shaped and can be defined by a support surface <NUM>, lateral sides 518a, and angled side 518b. The lateral sides 518a of each respective pawl <NUM> can be symmetrically opposed to one another and form an acute angle relative to a plane extending radially with respect to longitudinal axis <NUM>. The lateral sides 518a can extend between the support surface <NUM>, the angled side 518b, and the longitudinal shaft <NUM>. A transition between longitudinal shaft <NUM> and support surface <NUM> can be a right angle or can be rounded due to manufacturing tolerances. In some examples, the rounded transition can be rounded in such a manner that the rounding can be felt upon handling but may not visible to the eye. A transition between longitudinal shaft <NUM> and lateral sides 518a can be angled or can be rounded due to manufacturing tolerances. In some examples, the rounded transition can be rounded in such a manner that the rounding can be felt upon handling but may not visible to the eye. A transition between support surface <NUM> and flat portion 518c can be a right angle or can be rounded due to manufacturing tolerances. In some examples, the rounded transition can be rounded in such a manner that the rounding can be felt upon handling but may not visible to the eye. A transition between flat surface 518c and angled side 518b can be an angled or can be rounded due to manufacturing tolerances. In some examples, the rounded transition can be rounded in such a manner that the rounding can be felt upon handling but may not visible to the eye. The support surface <NUM> can extend radially with respect to the longitudinal axis <NUM> and the longitudinal shaft <NUM> and can extend along a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

The angled side 518b can extend from a cone-shaped portion <NUM> to the support surface <NUM>. In some examples, the angled side 518b can extend as a continuous surface from the cone-shaped portion <NUM> to the support surface <NUM>, while in other examples there can be a flat portion 518c between the angled side 518b and support surface <NUM>. The angled side 518b is coplanar with a cone-shaped portion <NUM> and a continuous, uninterrupted surface with the cone-shaped portion <NUM> and a plane coinciding with the angled side 518b forms an angle with the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In one example, the angle can be an acute angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees and in another example, the angle can be about <NUM> degrees. Cone-shaped portion <NUM> can include a substantially flat portion 522a, such that cone-shaped portion <NUM> is a truncated cone shape with the flat portion 522a being perpendicular the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

At an opposing end of the longitudinal shaft <NUM> relative to the cone-shaped portion <NUM> is a threaded portion <NUM> that defines a hole <NUM> therethrough and a hexagonal attachment portion <NUM> that defines a plurality of slots 524a. The hole <NUM> allows the bolt <NUM> to be secured by a safety split pin to one or more formwork panels or formwork elements. The cone end <NUM> facilitates the threading of nut (e.g., nut <NUM> described above) onto the longitudinal shaft.

The bolt <NUM> can be engaged with a nut (e.g. nut <NUM>) to facilitate engagement with formwork elements (for example one or more beams) and/or formwork panels and/or any pair of elements that can connected, as will be described in greater detail below. The nut can have a female thread and can have wings to enable hand-tightening.

While the example of <FIG>, the lateral sides 18a are parallel, as shown in <FIG>, the lateral sides 518a are not parallel with one another and are arranged at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis and the primary plane. This is depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, with lateral sides 518a defining a plane AE that forms an acute angle relative to the primary plane PP, with the longitudinal axis <NUM> lying on the primary plane PP (with the primary plane PP bisecting the pawl <NUM> and the lateral sides 518a being symmetric relative to the primary plane PP). As depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lateral sides 518a extend outwardly from the longitudinal shaft <NUM> and define two tapers: <NUM>) the lateral sides 518a are tapered or slightly tapered toward each other from the longitudinal shaft <NUM> toward the angled side 518b relative to the primary plane PP when viewed from the hexagonal attachment portion <NUM> in <FIG>, resulting in an acute angle between PP and AE as viewed from the hexagonal attachment portion <NUM>, and <NUM>), opposing lateral sides 518a taper toward each other from the support surface <NUM> toward the cone-shaped portion <NUM> when viewed from the side in <FIG>, resulting in a narrowing/decrease in width of the angled side 518b from the support surface <NUM> toward the cone-shaped portion <NUM>. In this regard, a width of the pawls <NUM> can decrease as measured from the support surface <NUM> toward the cone-shaped portion <NUM>. In some examples, the acute angle for each lateral side 518a between AE and PP can be approximately <NUM> degrees or less. In one example, the acute angle for each lateral side 518a between AE and PP can be approximately <NUM> degrees. In some examples, the cone-shaped portion <NUM> is shaped as a truncated cone, with a substantially flat portion 522a.

As described above, a width of the pawls <NUM>, e.g., a distance between opposing lateral sides 518a, can decrease as measured from the support surface <NUM> toward the cone-shaped portion <NUM> by virtue of the acute angle relationship of the lateral sides 518a relative to the longitudinal axis.

In one example, the width of pawls <NUM> is less than a diameter of the shaft <NUM>. In one particular example, the width can be at least <NUM>% of the shaft diameter and at most <NUM>% of the diameter of the shaft. In another example, the width can be in the range to <NUM>% of the shaft diameter. In yet another example, the width b is approximately <NUM>% of a diameter of the longitudinal shaft <NUM>. In these examples, the diameter of the shaft <NUM> is measured at a middle portion of the shaft, e.g., a portion that is disposed between the panels <NUM> when secured thereto, and the width of the pawls <NUM> is measured at a portion near the support surface <NUM> (e.g., where the width of the pawl <NUM> is greatest, by virtue of the acute angle orientation of lateral sides 518a).

As described above, a width of the pawl influences the load bearing capacity of the bolt in such a way that, the greater the width the greater the load-bearing capacity with respect to higher tensile force. The width also influences load-bearing capacity with respect to transverse force in an inverse manner, e.g. increasing width reduces load-bearing capacity with respect to transverse force. Above a certain width, almost no additional traverse force can be absorbed.

Each of the pawls <NUM> can define a primary plane associated therewith, the primary plane being defined as a plane that symmetrically bisects each pawl <NUM>, and intersects both the support surface <NUM> and angled edge 518b of the pawl such that the longitudinal axis <NUM> lies on the primary plane. In the example where the lateral sides 518a are not parallel, the lateral sides 518a would be oriented at the same acute angle relative to the primary plane as they are to the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a rear end <NUM> defines a hexagonal attachment portion that is configured to be engaged with a tool, such as an open end wrench, for efficient rotation of the bolt <NUM>. The rear end <NUM> can also define one or more slots 524a that generally define a "+" (e.g., plus sign) configuration. As shown, the slots of the + configuration align with the pawls <NUM> such that the primary plane of each pawl <NUM> would intersect with its respectively aligned slot 524a. During insertion of the bolt <NUM> through an opening and/or corresponding cutouts (e.g., of plate <NUM>, or any other type of formwork elements (for example one or more beams) and/or formwork panels and/or any pair of elements that can connected), the slots 524a can provide visual alignment to the worker installing the bolt <NUM> such that, upon rotation of the bolt <NUM> to engage with the element (as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG> above), angular rotation of the pawls <NUM> results in corresponding angular rotation of the slots 524a, providing the worker with visual guidance regarding engagement of the bolt <NUM> with the element.

Claim 1:
A multi-head bolt (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising
a bolt shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining a longitudinal axis (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the multi-head bolt;
a multi-head (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed at a first end of the bolt shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>), the multi-head comprising at least three pawls (<NUM>), each pawl having a fixed radial orientation relative to the bolt shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) and having a primary plane (PP) being aligned with the longitudinal axis (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the bolt shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) and having a support surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) and having an angled side (18b, 518b) that intersects the primary plane and wherein a radial distance of the angled side (18b, 518b) relative to bolt shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) linearly decreases as measured from the support surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the first end of the bolt (<NUM>, <NUM>), characterized in that the bolt shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) defines at least one of a cone shape or a truncated cone shape at the first end of the bolt shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein at least a portion of the angled side (18b, 518b) is coplanar with the cone shape or the truncated cone shape of the first end of the bolt shaft (<NUM>, <NUM>) and forms a continuous, uninterrupted surface with the cone shape or the truncated cone shape.