Embed plate assemblies for concrete building construction

Abstract

An embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete includes a first metal plate having a thickness, the first metal plate having a first hole extending transversely through the thickness, the first metal plate having a first side and a second side, the first hole having a wall extending transversely from the first side, the first hole being threaded; and a first rod for being embedded in the concrete, the first rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being threaded to the first hole and a second end for being anchored in concrete.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a nonprovisional application claiming the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 747,458, filed Jan. 21, 2025, hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is generally directed to embed plate assemblies and particularly to embed plates and means for anchoring such embed plates in concrete.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides an embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising a first metal plate having a thickness, the first metal plate having a first hole extending transversely through the thickness, the first metal plate having a first side and a second side, the first hole having a wall extending transversely from the first side, the first hole being threaded; and a first rod for being embedded in the concrete, the first rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being threaded to the first hole and a second end for being anchored in concrete.

[0004] The present invention also provides an embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising a metal plate having a thickness, the metal plate having a first hole extending transversely through the thickness, the metal plate having an outer side for attachment to a load and an inner side for being embedded in concrete; a coupler operably attached to the inner side of the metal plate, the coupler being co-axial with the first hole; and a first rod for being embedded in the concrete, the first rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being threaded to the coupler and a second end for being anchored in concrete.

[0005] The present invention further provides an embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising a metal plate having a thickness, the metal plate has a first threaded hole extending transversely through the thickness of the metal plate, the metal plate having an outer side for attachment to a load and an inner side for being embedded in concrete; a first rod for being embedded in the concrete, the first rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being threaded to the first threaded hole; a first anchor body having a second threaded hole threaded to the second end of the first rod; the metal plate including a second hole; a plug extending through the second hole, the plug including an end portion extending from the inner side of the metal plate; and a second anchor body has a second threaded hole, the end portion of the plug being attached to the second threaded hole.

[0006] The present invention provides an embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising a first metal plate having a hole, the first metal plate having an outer side for attachment to a load and an inner side for being embedded in concrete; a removable plug received in the hole, the plug including an end portion extending past the first metal plate; an anchor body having a threaded hole attached to the end portion of the plug; and the plug for being embedded in concrete and being removable after the concrete is cured to provide a cavity in the concrete for a threaded rod to attach to the anchor body.

[0007] The present invention also provides an embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising a metal plate having a thickness, the metal plate having a hole extending transversely through the thickness, the metal plate having an outer side for attachment to a load and an inner side for being embedded in concrete; a removable plug extending through the hole, the removable plug including an end portion extending from the interior side of the metal plate; a coupler having a first end attached to the end portion of the removable plug and a second end attached to an end of a rod; and the coupler including a sight hole disposed a first distance from the second end, the end of the rod being visible in the sight hole to indicate minimum thread engagement of the rod, the coupler including a second distance from the sight hole in which the end of the rod is rotated to adjust the metal plate up or down.

[0008] The present invention further provides an embed plate assembly, comprising a metal plate having an outer side for attachment to a load and an inner side for being embedded in concrete; the metal plate having a threaded first hole; a rod threaded to the threaded first hole; and a plug disposed in a second hole in the metal plate, the plug including a detachable member supporting a screw or nail for attaching the metal plate to a form board with the outer surface facing the form board.

[0009] The present invention further provides an embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising a metal plate having a threaded hole; a rod for being embedded in the concrete, the rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being threaded to the threaded hole, the second end having an integrated anchor body.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGS. 1A-6B, 13A-13C, 15A-15C, 18A-18B, 31A-31B are perspective views, some in partial cross-section, of embodiments of an embed plate embodying the present invention.

[0011] FIGS. 7A-12B, 14A-14B, 16A-17E, 19A-30, 32A-36B are perspective views, some in partial cross-section, of embodiments of an embed plate assembly embodying the present invention.

[0012] FIGS. 37A-37M are perspective views, some in partial cross-section, of an embed plate assembly attached to a form board with breakable plugs.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, an embed plate 2 is disclosed. The embed plate is preferably a rectangular metal plate having sufficient thickness to carry a load parallel or perpendicular to its planar surface 4. The surface 4 may be considered an outer side since it is exposed after installation in concrete. The embed plate 2 has threaded holes 6 for receiving anchor rods for securing the embed plate 2 to a concrete structure, such as the top, bottom and / or sides of a concrete deck, the sides of a concrete column, the sides of a concrete wall or the top of a concrete foundation. The embed plate when secured to the concrete structure is used to attach a metal structure used in building construction, such as a steel beam or bracket, to the concrete structure. Some of the holes 6 are shown in cross-section in FIG. 1b.

[0014] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the embed plate disclosed herein may be oriented as described above to accomplish its intended purpose of providing a concrete anchored metal plate for attachment to a load.

[0015] The various embed plates disclosed herein are made of metal, such as steel.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, another embodiment of an embed plate 8 is disclosed. The plate 8 is thinner than plate 2. The embed plate 8 has threaded boss holes 10, preferably formed from friction drilling and formed threads. The threaded boss holes 10 have side walls 12 that extend away from the planar surface of the plate 8 to advantageously extend the length of the hole 10 to greater than the thickness of the plate 8. The side wall 12 advantageously provides the boss holes 10 with longer thread area than the thickness of the plate 8, advantageously allowing for use of a thinner plate than the plate 2. The wall 12 is advantageously tapered to prevent spreading or dilation of the thread in concrete when under load. Some of threaded boss holes 10 are shown in cross-section in FIG. 2B. The boss holes 10 are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,538,910, incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] Friction drilling melts the material around the tool from the heat generated, forming the holes 10 and the side walls 12. The process transforms the material around the holes to be stronger than the rest of the plate. Threads are then formed from cold roll forming to further transform the material around the holes to provide a stronger thread. In form threading, the material within the hole is displaced rather than cut as in a classic tapping operation. Formed threads are generally accepted as being stronger than cut threads. Friction drilling and formed threads are well known in the art. For example, see https: / / www.formdrill.com / what-is-formdrill-eng.html.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, an embodiment of an embed plate 14 is disclosed. The plate 14 has threaded holes 16 formed by friction drilling through a larger diameter counterbores 18. The counterbores 18 effectively reduces the thickness of the plate 14 through which the holes 16 are formed to extend the length of the holes 16 by the creation of the side walls 12 from friction drilling. The side walls 12 are disposed within the counterbores 18 and extend from the bottoms of the counterbores. The plate 14 is similar in thickness to the plate 2 in FIGS. 1A-1B. The counterbores 18 advantageously allow the use of form drilling to form the holes 16 in a thick metal plate that otherwise would not be suitable for friction drilling. Some of the holes 16 and the counterbores 18 are shown in cross-section in FIG. 3A.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, another embodiment of an embed plate 20 is disclosed. The plate 20 has threaded holes 22 with the side walls 12 extending above the planar surface 5 of the plate 20. The surface 5 may be considered an inner side since it is embedded in concrete after installation. Counterbores 18 are provided to advantageously reduce the thickness of the plate 20 where the holes 22 are formed from friction drilling.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, another embodiment of an embed plate 24 is disclosed. The plate 24 has holes 16 and counterbores 18 as in the plate 14 (FIGS. 3A, 3B). Additional threaded holes 26 with larger diameter than the holes 16 are provided in the counterbores 28. The counterbores 28 have a larger diameter than the counterbores 18. The counterbores 28 advantageously reduce the thickness of the plate 24 through which the holes 26 are form drilled and form tapped. The holes 26 have respective side walls 12 disposed within the respective counterbores 28.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, another embodiment of an embed plate 30 is disclosed. The plate 30 has threaded holes the threaded holes 16 and the larger threaded holes 26. The threaded holes 16 and 26 have corresponding counterbores 18 and 28. The side walls 12 are formed outside the counterbores 18 and 28 and extend above the planar surface 32.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 7A-7E, an embed plate assembly 34 is disclosed. The assembly 34 includes the embed plate 8, anchor rods 36 threaded to the threaded holes 10 and supported by rod holders 38. The rod holder 38 is disclosed in US 2023-0366203 A1, hereby incorporated by reference. The rod holders hold the rods 38 transversely relative to the form board 42 or any concrete forming surfaces, such as the ground. Anchor bodies in the form of metal plates 40 with threaded boss holes 41 are threaded to respective anchor rods 36 and tightened against respective rod holders 38. The metal plates 40 are shown rectangular, but they can be of any shape, such as hexagonal, circular, etc. The threaded holes 41 are preferably formed from friction drilling and the threads from form threading. The anchor bodies 40 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,680,400; U.S. Pat. No. 10,538,910, hereby incorporated by reference. The bottom end portions of the anchor rods 36 are fully threaded through and may pass the respective anchor bodies 40 and then threaded to the respective rod holders 38.

[0023] The rods 36 are advantageously adjustable up or down by turning any of the rod holders 38, as disclosed in US 2023-0366203 A1. By the adjustment of the rods 36, the plate 8 can be properly aligned to the same level as the outer surface of the concrete structure. The rod holders 38 are attached to the form board 42 with nails or screws. Turning the rod holders 38 counterclockwise moves the attached rods 36 downward into the holders. The opposite occurs when the rod holders 38 are rotated clockwise, moving the attached rods upward. After adjustment, the anchor bodies 40 are tightened against the rod holders 38. The rod holders 38 are then nailed or screwed to the form board 42.

[0024] Tension load path is directly from the plate 8, through the anchor rods 36, and directly to the anchor bodies 40. The assembly 34 advantageously provides for fixturing the plate 8 at the desired level. The rod holders 38 advantageously function as leveling devices. The assembly prior to being embedded in concrete is advantageously inspectable for full thread engagement.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 7B, the embed plate assembly 34 is embedded in a concrete structure 44 with the outer surface 46 of the plate 8 being at the same level or flush with the exterior surface 48 of the concrete structure. It should be understood that the orientation of the assembly 34 and the plate 8 is not limited to the orientation shown. The assembly 34 may be turned 90° to orient the plate 8 vertically, or 180° to orient the plate on a ceiling. The exterior surface 48 may the top, bottom or side of a concrete deck, the side of a concrete wall or the side of a concrete column.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 7C, anchor bodies 40 are replaced with anchor bodies 50 with threaded holes 52. The anchor bodies 50 are circular in cross section with different diameters. The anchor bodies 50 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,943,777; U.S. Pat. No. 9,097,001, hereby incorporated by reference. Other types of anchor bodies, such as a standard hex nut and those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,943,777; U.S. Pat. No. 9,097,001 may be used.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 7D, a bottom perspective view of the assembly 34 is disclosed. The concrete surrounding the side walls 12 advantageously prevents the side walls 12 from dilating from the load on the plate 8, thereby reinforcing the holding power of the threaded holes 10

[0028] Referring to FIG. 7E, a partial cross-section through the holes 10 is disclosed, showing the concrete around the side walls 12 of the threaded holes 10 advantageously providing reinforcement to the holes 10.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8G, another embodiment of an embed plate assembly 54 is disclosed. The assembly 54 is similar to the assembly 34 except that the embed plate 24 (FIGS. 5A-5B) is used. Plugs 56 are used to plug the holes 26 to seal the holes and prevent concrete slurry from fouling the threads of the holes. The plugs 56 are removable after the assembly 54 is installed in the concrete structure. The lower end portion of the plugs 56 advantageously extend past the inner surface 60 of the plate 24. The plugs 56 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 8B, the assembly 54 is shown embedded in the concrete structure 44. The plugs 56 advantageously seal the threaded holes from the concrete slurry during the concrete pouring for the concrete structure. The top of the plugs 56 are flush with the outer surface 46 of the plate 24 to facilitate in concrete finishing of the concrete structure. The outer surface 46 of the plate 24 is flush with the exterior surface 48 of the concrete structure.

[0031] The plug 56 provides protection from concrete entering the opening in the plate 24. The plug 56 works as a mold creating a volume of space 58 with threads in the concrete below the plate 24. The plug 56 can be color coded to indicate thread size, strength of the connection, and type of threads in the plate 24 and the concrete. Once the plug 56 is removed, the intended matching threaded rod or bolt can be threaded through the plate 24 and continually threaded into the molded concrete. The concrete molded threads provide strength and distribution of force when tension occurs.

[0032] When a threaded rod is under load, the concrete molded threads transfer load from the threaded rod, the concrete around the threaded rod resist compression and shear forces, distributing the force upon the side walls of the boss holes and the molded holes. The amount of the side wall surface area of the boss holes subject to the force depends on the length of plug-molded threads; the longer the mold, the more threads will be engaged, the more surface area of the hole will experience the force. The boss hole threads and the concrete threads work together to distribute and resist the force from the threaded rod.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 8C and 8D, the plug 56 is shown removed from the hole 26 after the concrete structure 44 has cured. The plug 56 is threaded to conform to the thread of the hole 26. A threaded cavity 58 is formed by the lower portion of the plug 56 in the concrete structure.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 8E, an attachment rod 62 shows its end portion 64 engaging the thread in the cavity 58. The end portion 64 extends past the threaded hole 26. Concrete advantageously surrounds the side walls 12 and fills the counterbores 28 to reinforce the holes 26.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 8F-8G, the assembly 54 is shown completely embedded in the concrete structure 44. The anchor bodies 50 are used. The attachment rods 62 are partly embedded in the concrete structure. The bottom ends of the rods 62 extend to the threaded holes 26 and may extend past the threaded holes 26. The plate 24 transfers force into the concrete. Differential loading occurs in the concrete. The attachment rods 62 are preferably made of mild steel and the smaller diameter anchor rods 36 are preferably made of higher strength steel. The plate 24 may be provided without the boss holes 26 in this situation. The attachment rods 62 are perpendicular to the plate, which is adjusted true to plumb via the rod holders 38.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, another embodiment of an embed plate assembly 66 is disclosed. The assembly 66 uses the embed plate 8 (FIGS. 2A-2B). Anchor rods 36 are threaded to the threaded holes 10 and the anchor bodies 40. The assembly 66 is supported on the form board 42. The boss holes 10 do not have counterbores due to the thickness of the plate.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 9B-9C, the plate 8 is provided with holes 68 for receiving screws or nails 70 used to attach the plate 8 to the form board 42.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 9D, the assembly 66 is shown embedded in the concrete structure 44. When the form board 42 is removed after the concrete is cured, the outer surface 4 of the plate 8 will be flush with the exterior surface 48 of the concrete structure.

[0039] It should be understood that the embed plates disclosed herein may be positioned in any orientation relative to the exterior surface of the concrete structure. For example, any of the embed plates may be positioned on top, bottom or side of a concrete slab, vertically on the side of a concrete wall, or horizontally on a concrete foundation.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, another embodiment of an embed plate assembly 72 is disclosed. Hex bolts 74 are threaded to respective threaded holes 6. The hexagonal heads 76 of the hex bolts 74 have shoulders that serve as integrated anchor bodies to anchor the plate 2 in the concrete structure.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 10C-10D, an embodiment of an embed plate assembly 78 is disclosed. The assembly 78 is similar to the assembly 72, except that the plate 8 is used. The hex bolts 74 are threaded to the respective threaded holes 6.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 11A-11D, another embodiment of an embed plate assembly 80 is disclosed. The assembly 80 is similar to the assembly 54 (FIGS. 8A-8E), except that the plate 30 (FIG. 6A-6B), the anchor bodies 50, additional anchor rods 36 and a modified plug 82 are used. The additional anchor rods are not attached to the rod holders 38. Rather, the additional anchor rods hang from the plate 30 and terminate with the anchor bodies 20 with a checker nut 84, such as disclose in U.S. Pat. No. 8,806,835, incorporated herein by reference. A regular hex nut may also be used. The plugs 82 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 11B, the plug 82 is threaded with a head portion 86 that fits within the counterbore 28. The plug 82 creates a threaded cavity 58 in the concrete structure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 11C, the end portion of the plug 82 extends past the hole 26 to create the cavity 58 when removed after the concrete structure is cured. The plug 82 advantageously seals the threaded hole 26 from the concrete slurry during concrete construction. The head portion 86 advantageously provides additional sealing function when received within the counterbore 28. The plug 82 may be made of plastic or metal.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 11D, the end portions 64 of the attachment rods 62 are received in the respective threaded cavities 58 to advantageously provide additional holding power to the attachment rods 62. The side walls 12 of the respective holes 26 advantageously provide additional reinforcement to prevent the dilation of the hole around the side walls 12.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12B, another embodiment of an embed plate assembly 88 is disclosed. The assembly 8 uses the plate 8. J-shaped anchor rods 90 are threaded to the respective threaded holes 10. The J-shaped anchor rods 90 advantageously combine the function of the anchor rods 36 and the anchor bodies 40 or 50. The J-shaped portion of the anchor rod 90 provides an integrated anchor body. The outer surface 46 of the plate 8 is flush with exterior surface 48 of the concrete structure.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 13A-13C, another embodiment of an embed plate 92 is disclosed. Four threaded holes 26 have their respective side walls 12 extending above the planar surface 5. Counterbores 28 are disposed in the opposite planar surface 32. The side walls 12 of the respective threaded holes 16 have are disposed in the respective counterbores 18 in the planar surface 32.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 14A-14B, another embed plate assembly 94 is disclosed. The assembly 94 uses the plate 92. The threaded holes are sealed with plugs 96 with respective conical head portions 98 and end portions that extend into the respective counterbores 28. The assembly 94 may be installed in the concrete structure with the surface 5 being flush with the concrete exterior surface 48. The plate 92 may also be installed with top of the plugs 96 being flush with the exterior concrete surface 48. The conical shape of the head portions 98 advantageously facilitates the removal of the plugs from the concrete structure. The plugs 96 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 15A-15C, another embodiment of an embed plate 100 is disclosed. The plate 100 is similar to the plate 92 (FIGS. 13A-13C), except that counterbores 18 and 28 are not used due to the plate 100 being of lesser thickness than the plate 92. The thickness of the plate 100 makes it suitable for friction drilling of the holes 16 and 26 without the need to reduce the thickness through counterbores.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 16A-16H, another embodiment of an embed plate assembly 102 is disclosed. The assembly 102 uses the plate 2 (FIGS. 1A-1B) except that the holes 7 are unthreaded. Couplers or couplers 104 are threaded to respective anchor rods 38. The coupler 104 and the hole 7 are co-axial. Plugs 82 with head portions 86 hold the respective couplers 104 to the plate 2. Counterbores or countersink 106 advantageously receive the respective head portions 86 of the plugs 82 so as to be flush with the planar surface 4 of the plate.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 16A, each coupler 104 has a larger internal threaded diameter portion 108 and a smaller internal threaded diameter portion 110. However, it should be understood that the coupler 104 may also have a single diameter hole. The smaller internal threaded diameter 110 advantageously allows the use of smaller diameter high strength rods of attachment bolts when securing a building structure to the plate 2. The plugs 82 advantageously attach the couplers 104 to the plate 100 without the use of welding. The plugs 82 are threaded to the respective couplers threaded portions 110 to force the top end of the couplers 104 to engage the bottom surface of the plate 2. The plugs 82 function to seal the thread portions 110 from the concrete slurry during installation in the concrete structure 44. The plugs 82 are removable after the plate assembly 102 has been installed in the concrete structure so as to gain access to the threaded portions 110 for attaching the attachment rods 62. The plugs 82 may be made of plastic or metal.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 16B, rod holders 112 are used to hold the anchor rods 36. The rod holders 112 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,943,777, hereby incorporated by reference. Other rod holders may be used, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 12,486,680 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,222,251, hereby incorporated by reference. Anchor bodies 50 are used to providing anchorage to the plate 2 and lock the anchor rods 36 to the rod holders 112.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 16C, the top surface 4 of the plate 2 is preferably flush with the exterior surface 48 of the concrete structure 44 to facilitate the concrete finishing of the exterior surface 48 of the concrete structure.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 16D, the plugs 82 have been removed to expose the internal threads of the couplers 104 for attachment of the attachment rods 62, which are used to connect the embed plate assembly 102 to a load. It should be understood that the load may also be attached to the plate 100 by other means, such as by welding.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 16E-16F, the plugs 82 are shown removed to install the attachment rods 62 to the couplers 104. The plate 100 may also be removed if needed, such as for replacement or for fabrication of a different plate. The plate 100 is weldable or machinable before or after installation in a concrete wall form, edge of concrete slab form, top surface of concrete, or bottom surface of the form board.

[0056] The use of the coupler 104 or any of the couplers disclosed herein advantageously provides for the use of a template in place of the actual plate 100. The template may be made of wood, fiberglass, composite product, engineered wood, etc. The template may then be removed from the concrete 44 after installation and taken to the shop for use in the fabrication of the actual embed plate. The template advantageously provides the location of the holes that align with the couplers 104 and the actual dimension that will fit inside the concrete recess 101, which can then be transferred accurately to the actual plate 100. Additional holes, brackets, etc. may then be made to the actual plate 100 in the shop before being attached to the couplers 104.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 16G, another embodiment of an embed plate assembly 114 is disclosed. The assembly 114 is similar to the assembly 102 (FIGS. 16A-16F), except that the plate 2 (FIGS. 1A-1B), a different plug 116 and a different coupler 115 are used.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 16H, the plugs 116 have respective lip portions 118 that correspond to the chamfer portions of the respective holes 7. The lip portions 118 provides a stop member when screwing the plug 116 into the threaded portion 110 of the coupler 104. The lip portion 118 further provides additional sealing function to the hole 7 and the thread portion 110. The plugs 116 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0059] Referring still to FIG. 16H, the coupler 115 includes a minimum thread engagement portion 122 and a height engagement portion 124. The minimum thread engagement portion 122 extends from the bottom edge 126 to the sight hole 128. The height adjustment portion 124 extends from the sight hole 128 to the bottom of the thread portion 110. The bottom surface 130 of the plug 116 serves as a stop for the top surface 132 of the anchor rod 36. The height adjustment portion 124 advantageously provides for adjustment of the plate 2 so as to be flush with the level of the intended exterior surface 48 of the concrete structure 44. Since the form board 42 might not be at the design level, the height adjustment portion 124 of the coupler 104 advantageously allows for the height and level adjustment of the plate 2. The sight hole 128 advantageously provides for visual inspection of the rod 36 after height adjustment is completed. The thread portion 110 provides for minimum thread engagement for the attachment rod 62. It should be understood that a single diameter coupler instead of the two-diameter type shown is also applicable.

[0060] Although shown with multiple diameter threaded holes, the coupler 115 may also have a single diameter threaded hole, as shown, for example, in FIG. 17B.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 17A-17E, another embodiment of an embed plate assembly 134 is disclosed. Another embodiment of a coupler 136 is disclosed, which is similar to the coupler 104 (FIGS. 16A and 16H), except that the coupler 136 has an exterior threaded portion 138 which is used to connect with the threaded holes 6 of the weld embed plate 2. Plugs 56 seal the interior thread of the coupler from the concrete slurry during construction. Height adjustment for the plate 2 is accomplished by the rod holders 38.

[0062] The plug 56 protects the internal threads of the coupler 136. The plugs 56 are flush with the outer surface of the plate 2 and the exterior concrete surface. This advantageously allows concrete finishing machines to travel over the plate 2. The plugs 56 may be color coded to the size of the threads or the holes. The plugs 56 ensure that the minimum thread engagement of the attachment rods 62 is achieved when the plugs are removed.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 17D, a coupler 141 is provided with a shoulder 140 for engagement with the bottom surface the plate 2. The plug 56 is used to seal the interior thread of the coupler 136.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 17E, the plate 2 is provided with threaded counterbores 142 in the respective unthreaded holes 7. A plug 144 in the form of a cap is used to seal each of the unthreaded holes 7. The plug 144 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 18A-18B, another embodiment of an embed plate 146 is disclosed. The plate 146 regular threaded holes 6 and threaded boss holes 26 in respective counterbores 28. The holes 26 are used to attach the attachment rods 62 to the plate 146.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 19A-19D, an embed plate assembly 148 using the plate 146 is disclosed.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 19B, each of the counterbores 28 may be provided with air vent holes 150 to advantageously allow any trapped air inside the counterbores to escape, thus allowing the concrete inside the counterbores to fully occupy the space and strengthen the side walls 12 of the threaded holes 26. Plugs 56 are used to seal the respective holes 26 from the concrete slurry during construction. The plugs 56 extend beyond the holes 26 to create a threaded cavity 58 in the concrete structure. This advantageously allows the attachment rods 62 to have threaded engagement in the cavity 58, thereby strengthening the attachment of the attachment rods to the plate.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 19C-19D, a cap 152 may be used to fill the space in the counterbore 28. The cap 152 may made of hard plastic or metal to counteract possible dilation of the side walls 12 when load from the attachment rods to the holes 26 is applied to the plate.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 20A-20G, an embed plate assembly 154 is disclosed. The assembly 154 has an embed plate 156 attached to an anchor rod 36, an anchor body 50 and a rod holder 38. The embed plate 156 may be interchanged with any of the embed plates disclosed herein. The anchor body 50 may also be substituted with any of the anchor bodies disclosed herein. The rod holder 38 may also be substituted with any of the rod holders disclosed herein. An embed plate assembly may be configured using any of the components disclosed herein.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 20B-20G, disclosed are various ways of attaching the embed plate to the anchor rod that may be used in any embed plate assembly using any of the components disclosed herein.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 20B, a boss threaded hole 10 is used to attach the plate 156 to the anchor rod 36.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 20C, the plate 156 is removably attached to the coupler 104 with the use of the removable plug 82. The anchor rod 36 is threaded to the coupler 104. The hole 7 is unthreaded. Although shown in a specific orientation, the coupler 104 may be flipped around so that the larger diameter hole is attached to the plug 82 and the smaller diameter hole to the rod 36. The coupler 104 may also have a single diameter hole.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 20D, the coupler 115 is used to removably attach the plate 156 to the anchor rod 36 with the use of the plug 116, which is threaded to the coupler 115. The anchor rod 36 is threaded to the coupler 115. The hole 7 is unthreaded.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 20E, the coupler 136 is threaded to the threaded hole 6 of the plate. The anchor rod 36 is threaded to the coupler 136. The plug 56 is threaded to the coupler 136.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 20F, the coupler 136 is threaded to the threaded counterbore 142 in the plate. The anchor rod 36 is threaded to the coupler 136. The hole 7 is unthreaded and sealed with the cap 144.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 20G, the coupler 141 is threaded to the threaded hole 6. The plug 56 is threaded to the coupler to seal the inside thread of the coupler. The anchor rod 36 is threaded to the coupler 141.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 21A-21D, an embodiment of an embed plate assembly 160 is disclosed. The assembly 160 has an embed plate 162 with an unthreaded hole 164. A plug 166 has a threaded end portion 168 to which a hex nut 170 is attached. The plug 166 has a conical portion 167 with a larger diameter than the threaded portion 168 to facilitate the attachment of the attachment rod 62 to the embedded hex nut 170. The conical portion 167 also facilitates in the removal from the concrete structure 44 after the concrete has cured. The plug 166 is used to seal the hole 164 from the concrete slurry during installation in the concrete structure 44. The plug 166 creates a cavity 172 with an end portion 174 which is threaded when the plug is removed, leaving the hex nut 170 embedded in the concrete structure. The end portion 174 extends past the hex nut 170 to advantageously provide additional thread engagement for the attachment rod 62. The cavity 172 is advantageously oversized to the diameter of the attachment rod 62. The plug 166 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0078] The plug 166 advantageously eliminates the use of the anchor rod 36. The attachment rod 62 also functions as the anchor rod when attached to the hex nut 170. The load, such as a bracket attached to a beam, pre-cast wall, etc., may be attached to the attachment rod 62 with a hex nut (not shown) threaded to the attachment rod 62 to press the load against the plate. The plug 166 locates the hex nut 170 a sufficient distance from the plate 162 to provide adequate anchorage for hex nut in the concrete structure. The hole 164 has a chamfer 120 that conforms to the lip portion 118 of the plug to provide proper sealing of the hole 164.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 22A-22C, the hex nut 170 (FIG. 21A) may be replaced with the anchor body 50.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 23A-23C, the hex nut 170 (FIG. 21A) may be replaced with the anchor body 40.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 24A-24D, an embodiment of an embed plate assembly 175 is disclosed. The assembly 175 is similar to the assembly 160 (FIG. 160A), except that the plug 166 is replaced with a plug 176 with thread 178 extending from the hole 164 to past the hex nut 170. The plug 176 creates a threaded cavity 180 corresponding to the extent of the thread 178. The threaded cavity 180 is created when the plug 176 is removed from the concrete structure 44. The attachment rod 62 is threaded to the thread cavity 180 and the hex nut 170. The plug 176 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 25A-25C, the hex nut 170 used in the assembly 175 may be replaced with an anchor body 50.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 26A-26C, the hex nut 170 used in the assembly 175 may be replaced with an anchor body 40.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 27A-27D, an embodiment of an embed plate assembly 182 is disclosed. The assembly 182 is similar to the assembly 175, except that the hole 164 is replaced with the threaded boss hole 10 (FIG. 2B). The plug 176 is completely threaded in this assembly.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 28A-28C, an embodiment of an embed plate assembly 184 is disclosed. The assembly 184 is similar to the assembly 102 (FIG. 16A), except that the coupler 104 is reversed so that the smaller internal diameter portion 110 is attached to the anchor rod 36 and the larger internal diameter portion 108 is attached to the attachment rod 62. This allows the use of a smaller diameter high strength rod and a larger diameter mild strength rod. Plug 116 is used in an unthreaded hole 7.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 29, an embodiment of an embed plate assembly 186 is disclosed. The assembly 186 is similar to the assembly 102 (FIG. 16B), except that the rod holder 112 and the anchor body 50 are replaced by a sheet metal rod holder 188 and a hex nuts 170. The sheet metal rod holder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,097,001, hereby incorporated by reference.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 30, another embodiment of an embed plate assembly 190 is disclosed. The assembly 190 is similar to the assembly 34 (FIG. 7A), except that the anchor body 40 and the rod holder 38 are replaced by the sheet metal rod holder 188 and the hex nuts 170.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 31A-31B, a metal plate 192 is disposed on top of the embed plate 20 (FIG. 4B). The metal plate 192 has an opening 194 with a side wall surface 196 that conforms to the exterior surface 198 of the side wall 12. The opening 194 advantageously reinforces the side wall 12 when a load is attached to the plate 20.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 32A-32C, the side walls 12 of the openings 22 of the plate 20 (FIG. 4B) are advantageously reinforced by a modified hex nut 200. The hex nut 200 has an internal circumferential conical surface or beveled edge 202 to engage an upper portion of side wall surface 198 to advantageously reinforce the side wall 12 when load is applied to the attachment rod 62. The nut 200 squeezes the side wall 12 inwardly around the center of the attachment rod 62, generally shown by the forces 201, thereby preventing the side wall 12 from spreading outwardly when under load.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 33A-33C, the plug 166 (FIG. 21B) is modified as a plug 204 where the unthreaded body portion 206 is cylindrical with a larger diameter than the diameter of the threaded portion 168. A cylindrical cavity 208 and a threaded cavity are created when the plug 204 is removed. The diameter of the cavity 208 is advantageously oversized to the diameter of the attachment rod 62 to facilitate attachment of the rod 62 to the embedded hex nut 170. The plug 204 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 34A-34C, an embodiment of an embed plate assembly 210 where the embed plate is directly attached to the form board 42 is disclosed. The assembly 210 is similar to the assembly 66 (FIG. 9A) except that holes are provided in the plate 68 and plugs with nails or screws are received in these holes for attaching the plate 68 to the form board. It should be understood that the other embed plates disclosed herein may also be used for directly attaching to the form board.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 34B, a threaded plug 212 with a central hole 214 is threaded to a hex nut 170. A nail or screw 70 attaches the plug 212 to the form board 42. The plug 212 may be used for additional purposes other than attaching to the form board.

[0093] For example, an end portion of the plug 212 is received inside an unthreaded hole 164 in the embed plate. A hex nut 170 on top of the plate 68 is threaded to the plug 212. A screw or nail 70 secures the plug 212 to the form board 42.

[0094] In another example, a longer plug 212 with an anchor body 50 has one end threaded to a threaded hole 6 in the embed plate. The anchor body 50 is threaded to another end of the plug. The plug 212 positions the anchor body 50 at a distance away from the embed plate to provide sufficient anchorage. A nail or screw 70 attaches the plug 212 to the form board 42.

[0095] In still another example, the plug 212 is threaded to a boss hole 10 and attached to the form board 42 with nail or screw 70. The plug 212 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 34C, the plugs 212 leave respective threaded cavities 216 in the concrete structure when the form board 42 and the plugs 212 are removed from the concrete 44. The hex nut 170 and the anchor body 50 are left embedded in the concrete structure. When the form board 42 is removed after the concrete has cured, the nail or screw shaft will be exposed. A tool (not shown) such a drill may be used to remove the plugs from the concrete structure.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 35A-35C, an embed plate assembly 217 is disclosed. The assembly 217 is similar to the assembly 66 (FIG. 9B), except that the assembly is attached to the form board 42 with a nail or screw via a coupler 104 threaded to a threaded plug 218. A head portion 220 of the plug is disposed in an unthreaded hole 168 in an embed plate 222. The head portion 220 functions to seal the hole 168.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 35C, the end portion of the plug 218 creates a threaded cavity 216 when the plug is removed from the concrete structure. The threaded cavity 216 is advantageously used to engage an end portion of an attachment rod 62 when threaded to the smaller diameter threaded hole 110, thereby increasing the strength of the connection. The plug 218 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 36A-36B, an embodiment of an embed plate assembly 224 is disclosed. An embed plate 226 is provided with couplers 104 with respective sight holes 228. A plug 212 has one end in hole with a nail hole. The plug 212 may be made of metal or plastic.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 37A-37C, an embed plate assembly 232 is shown attached to a vertical form board. The assembly 232 is provided with breakable or tearable plugs 234 inside respective holes 236. Plastic checker nuts 256, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,806,835, hereby incorporated by reference, are used to lock the respective anchor bodies to the respective anchor rods 36. A standard hex nut may also be used in lieu of the checker nut 256. Each plug 234 is preferably friction fitted in the respective hole 236 to prevent inadvertent separation from the embed plate assembly 232 during handling or installation. The plugs 234 are used to attach the plate 14 of the embed plate assembly 232 to a form board 42, which may be oriented vertically, horizontally or along an angle. The plug 234 is preferably made of plastic.

[0101] The assembly 232 is shown with the embed plate 14 (FIGS. 3A-3B) only for illustration purposes. It should be understood that the plugs 234 may be used with the other plates already disclosed herein when there is a need to attach the plate directly to a vertical or horizontal or angled form board.

[0102] Plug 234 has a main body 237 and a detachable member 238 with a central hole 240 supporting a screw or nail 70 for attaching the embed plate assembly 232 to the form board 42. The hole 240 is preferably a friction fit for the screw 70 so that the plate assembly 232 may be shipped with the screw or nail already attached to the plug 234 to facilitate the attachment to the form board. The main body 237 may be in the form of a cylindrical tube with a flange portion 242 for supporting the plug in the hole 236. The detachable member may be a cylindrical member disposed inside the main body 237. The main body 237 has an opening 247 large enough for the head of the screw 70 to pass through the main body 237. The detachable member 238 is attached to the side wall 244 of the main body 237 with a breakable or tearable rib 246. Although shown at the bottom end portion of the detachable member 238, the rib 246 may be positioned at any location inside the plug that will hold the detachable member 238 to the main body 237 prior to the rib breaking or tearing during removal of the form board. The rib 246 may be disposed circumferentially around the detachable member 238. The circumferential rib 246 may also be divided into several partly circular sections and distributed around the detachable member at different axial locations to distribute the perpendicular weight of the embed plate assembly along the length of the detachable member and the nail or screw.

[0103] The holding strength of the rib 246 for an embed plate attached to a vertical form board may be configured based on the thickness of the plate 14, the diameter of the hole 236, the location of the embed plate 14, the weight of the embed plate assembly, the length of the anchor rods 36, the additional weight of ancillary hardware or rebar that the plug 234 may need to support, and the number of plugs to support the weight of the embed plate assembly.

[0104] The rib 246 may be moved nearer the head of the nail or screw 70 or more plugs may used at the top portion of the embed plate to counteract the weight and the torque of the assembly. The holding strength of the rib 246 is much less than the force required to rip the form board 42 from the concrete structure.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 37D-37E, when the form board 42 is removed after the concrete 44 in which the embed plate 232 is embedded has cured, the detachable member 238 breaks or tears away and separates from the side wall 244 of the tubular main body 237, along with the screw 70. The main body 237 remains with the embed plate assembly 237 while the detachable member 238 along with the screw or nail 70 stays with the form board 42. The break occurs at the rib 246. The screw 70 and the detachable member 238 passes through the opening 247. The plug 234 advantageously eliminates the task of removing the screws or nails that would otherwise remain in the concrete structure after the form board is removed.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 37F-37G, the plug 234 may be modified as plug 248 where the main body 237 is provided with thread 250 where the hole 236 is threaded. A slot 252 is provided at the top end of the detachable member 238 to facilitate the use of a screw driver when inserting the plug 248 in the hole 236. The plug 248 works the same way as the plug 234 as described above.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 37H-37J, the plugs 234 and 248 may be modified to replace the plugs 212 shown in FIG. 34B. For example, the plug 248 may be modified as plug 254 for use in positioning the anchor body 50 in the concrete 44. The breakable or tearable rib 246 is located at the top end of the detachable member 238. It should be understood that the rib 246 may be located at any other location on the detachable member 238, including the perpendicular or angled surface at either end of the main body member 237.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 37K, the detachable member 238 and the associated screw 70 are shown attached to the form board 42 and separated from the main body 237 when the form board is removed after the concrete has cured. The detachable member 238 separates from the main body 237 at the breakable or tearable rib 246. Accordingly, in a single operation of removing the form board, the attaching screw 70 is also removed at the same time.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 37L-37M, the main body 237 when removed from the concrete 44 leaves a threaded void 216 for attachment of a threaded rod 62 to the anchor body 50. The threaded void 216 further provides threaded engagement with the rod 62. A slot 252 may be provided at the bottom of the plug 254 for use with a screw driver for removing the main body 237 from the concrete. The plug 254 works the same way as the plug 234 as described above.

[0110] The plugs disclosed herein may be color coded to indicate size, length, strength, type of fastener application, type of material the plug is made, screw or nail diameter, or as identifier on product evaluation reports and installation drawings.

[0111] The use of the plugs disclosed herein advantageously provides for quick and precise embed plate installation.

[0112] The breakaway plugs disclosed herein may be used not only for the embed plate assemblies but also for other surface bracket connection, anything that can be screwed or nailed to a concrete forming surface, where the nail or screw stays attached to the concrete form during and after the form is removed.

[0113] The breakaway plugs disclosed herein allows fast and economical fabrication and utilization of shear punched hole in steel, instead of the more costly drilled, milled, or cut holes. Punching of holes takes seconds compared to minutes using other methods. Use of the breakaway plugs creates a new opportunity to utilize an economical punched hole to attach embedment plates onto concrete form panels.

[0114] Form removal speed, labor, and finished appearance are improved using the breakaway plugs disclosed herein. Screws are removed along with the form panels simultaneously. The detachable members of the plugs break or snap free from the embedment plate and concrete, as the form boards are peeled away from the concrete surfaces. The breakaway plugs facilitate the removal of screws or nails without cutting, scrapping, or grinding. Use of a screw with the breakaway plug also causes less damage to the form's surface, because of a screw's greater grip strength to a form panel. Thus, a smaller diameter screw may be used, with much less damage, especially compared to damage caused by larger diameter nails that are required to achieve friction grip strength.

[0115] When a nail is used with a the breakable plug, there may be certain situations where nails do not have enough grip friction to the form board during removal, causing the detachable member not to break free from the main body of the plug, the nail may then be removed from the plug by pulling the nail, thereby breaking / snapping of the detachable member from the rest of the plug without cutting, scrapping or grinding.

[0116] Use of a screw with the breakable plug advantageously causes less damage to the form board surface by using a smaller diameter screw. Due to the greater grip strength of a screw to the form board, a smaller diameter screw may be used, with much less damage to the form board, especially compared to damage caused by larger diameter nails that are required to achieve friction grip strength.

[0117] It should be understood that the various features shown in a particular combination in an embodiment of the embed plate, embed plate assembly, the rod holder, the anchor body, and the coupler are equally applicable and may be interchanged with the other features shown in another configuration of the embed plate, embed plate assembly, the rod holder, the anchor body, and the coupler to arrive at different configurations even though not specifically disclosed in combination with the other embodiments.

[0118] While this invention has been described as having preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and / or adaptations following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising:a) a first metal plate having a thickness, the first metal plate having a first hole extending transversely through the thickness, the first metal plate having a first side and a second side, the first hole having a wall extending transversely from the first side, the first hole being threaded; andb) a first rod for being embedded in the concrete, the first rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being threaded to the first hole and a second end for being anchored in concrete.

2. The embed plate assembly as in claim 1, wherein the wall is tapered.

3. The embed plate assembly as in claim 2, wherein a nut is threaded to the first rod, the nut including an internal circumferential beveled edge to squeeze the wall around the first rod.

4. The embed plate assembly as in claim 1, wherein the first hole has a counterbore in the first side of the first metal plate.

5. The embed plate assembly as in claim 1, wherein the first metal plate is attached to a form board during installation with the second side facing the form board.

6. The embed plate assembly as in claim 1, wherein the first hole is made by friction drilling.

7. The embed plate assembly as in claim 1, wherein:a) the metal plate includes a second hole; andb) a plug is disposed in the second hole, the plug including a central hole for receiving a nail or screw for attaching the metal plate to a form board.

8. The embed plate assembly as in claim 7, whereina) the plug includes a main body and a detachable member attached to the main body, the detachable member being disposed inside the main body; andb) the detachable member and the screw or nail are separable from the main body so as to remain fixedly attached to the form board when the form board is removed.

9. The embed plate assembly as in claim 8, wherein:a) the main body is a cylindrical tube with a side wall;b) the detachable member is attached to the side wall with a breakable rib that tears to separate the detachable member from the main body when the form board is removed.

10. The embed plate assembly as in claim 9, wherein the detachable member comprises a cylindrical member and the central hole for receiving the nail or screw is disposed in the cylindrical member.

11. The embed plate as in claim 10, wherein the rib is disposed at a bottom portion of the cylindrical member.

12. The embed plate assembly as in claim 10, wherein the rib is disposed at a top end portion of the cylindrical member.

13. The embed plate assembly as in claim 10, wherein the cylindrical member has an upper edge supporting the screw or nail.

14. The embed plate assembly as in claim 7, wherein:a) the plug includes an end portion extending from the first side of the metal plate;b) a second anchor body has a second threaded hole attached to the end portion of the plug, the second anchor body for being embedded in concrete; andc) the plug being removable to provide access for a second threaded rod to attach to the second anchor body.

15. The embed plate assembly as in claim 7, wherein the plug is threaded to form a threaded cavity in concrete after removal for threaded attachment of a second rod for connecting to a load.

16. The embed plate assembly as in claim 1, wherein an anchor body is attached to the second end of the first rod.

17. The embed plate assembly as in claim 16, wherein the anchor body comprises a second metal plate.

18. The embed plate assembly as in claim 16, wherein the anchor body is circular.

19. The embed plate assembly as in claim 1, wherein the second end of the first rod is attached to a rod holder for holding the first rod in a transverse position relative to a form board.

20. The embed plate assembly as in claim 19, wherein an anchor body is disposed on top of the rod holder.

21. The embed plate assembly as in claim 1, wherein:a) the first metal plate includes a threaded second hole; andb) a second rod is threaded to the second hole, the second rod extending from the second side.

22. The embed plate assembly as in claim 21, wherein the first metal plate is embedded in concrete and the second rod extends out of the concrete for connection to a load.

23. An embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising:a) a metal plate having a thickness, the metal plate having a first hole extending transversely through the thickness, the metal plate having an outer side for attachment to a load and an inner side for being embedded in concrete;b) a coupler operably attached to the inner side of the metal plate, the coupler being co-axial with the first hole; andc) a first rod for being embedded in the concrete, the first rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being threaded to the coupler and a second end for being anchored in concrete.24-33. (canceled)34. An embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising:a) a metal plate having a thickness, the metal plate has a first threaded hole extending transversely through the thickness of the metal plate, the metal plate having an outer side for attachment to a load and an inner side for being embedded in concrete;b) a first rod for being embedded in the concrete, the first rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being threaded to the first threaded hole;c) a first anchor body having a second threaded hole threaded to the second end of the first rod;d) the metal plate including a second hole;e) a plug extending through the second hole, the plug including an end portion extending from the inner side of the metal plate; andf) a second anchor body has a second threaded hole, the end portion of the plug being attached to the second threaded hole.35-45. (canceled)46. An embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising:a) a first metal plate having a hole, the first metal plate having an outer side for attachment to a load and an inner side for being embedded in concrete;b) a removable plug received in the hole, the plug including an end portion extending past the first metal plate;c) an anchor body having a threaded hole attached to the end portion of the plug; andd) the plug for being embedded in concrete and being removable after the concrete is cured to provide a cavity in the concrete for a threaded rod to attach to the anchor body.47-54. (canceled)55. An embed plate assembly for being anchored in concrete, comprising:a) a metal plate having a thickness, the metal plate having a hole extending transversely through the thickness, the metal plate having an outer side for attachment to a load and an inner side for being embedded in concrete;b) a removable plug extending through the hole, the removable plug including an end portion extending from the interior side of the metal plate;c) a coupler having a first end attached to the end portion of the removable plug and a second end attached to an end of a rod; andd) the coupler including a sight hole disposed a first distance from the second end, the end of the rod being visible in the sight hole to indicate minimum thread engagement of the rod, the coupler including a second distance from the sight hole in which the end of the rod is rotated to adjust the metal plate up or down.56-57. (canceled)58. An embed plate assembly, comprising:a) a metal plate having an outer side for attachment to a load and an inner side for being embedded in concrete;b) the metal plate having a threaded first hole;c) a rod threaded to the threaded first hole; andd) a plug disposed in a second hole in the metal plate, the plug including a detachable member supporting a screw 4 nail for attaching the metal plate to a form board with the outer surface facing the form board.59-73. (canceled)

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