Concrete Anchor Float

Abstract

A concrete anchor float that, in one embodiment, facilitates the placement of anchor bolts that protrude from concrete constructions, such as foundations. The concrete anchor float of the present invention can be used with nearly any conventional anchor bolt to insure the correct placement and alignment of the anchor bolt and to promote a strong bond between the anchor bolt and the concrete. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the concrete anchor float generally comprises a base plate with a hole, and a cap extending from the base plate over the hole. The cap includes a cavity configured to releasably secure the anchor bolt, and a top against which the anchor bolt rests upon insertion. According to an implementation of the present invention, the base plate includes features that minimize voids and air pockets between the anchor bolt and the concrete to promote a strong bond. In other implementations, the concrete anchor float includes an impalement protection surface that prevents serious injury that may otherwise result from falling on the anchor float.

1 . An anchor float, comprising: 
 a base plate including a first hole therethrough; 
 a ridge protruding from the base plate and extending around the first hole;  
 a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from the ridge substantially in the direction of the first hole;  
   a cap extending from the base plate substantially over the first hole, wherein the cap is configured to releasably engage an anchor bolt.    
   
   
       2 . The anchor float of  claim 1  wherein the ridge extends around the base plate at a substantially uniform distance from the perimeter of the base plate.  
   
   
       3 . The anchor float of  claim 1  wherein the base plate further comprises at least one vent hole.  
   
   
       4 . The anchor float of  claim 3  wherein the at least one vent hole is located proximally to the first hole.  
   
   
       5 . The anchor float of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of ribs each terminate proximal to the edge of the first hole.  
   
   
       6 . The anchor float of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of ribs each terminate at a distance of about ⅛ to ¼ inches from the edge of the first hole.  
   
   
       7 . The anchor float of  claim 1  wherein the cap includes a cavity therein and a plurality of tabs extending along the cavity to releasably secure an anchor bolt within the cavity.  
   
   
       8 . The anchor float of  claim 7  wherein the plurality of tabs are tapered toward the ends thereof proximal to the first hole.  
   
   
       9 . The anchor float of  claim 1  wherein the base plate is substantially rectangular.  
   
   
       10 . The anchor float of  claim 1  wherein the cap is releasably attached to the base plate.  
   
   
       11 . An anchor float, comprising 
 a cap including a substantially cylindrical cavity configured to releasably secure an anchor bolt therein;    a base plate attached to the cap, and including a hole in substantial alignment with the substantially cylindrical cavity, 
 a ridge protruding from the base plate and extending around the first hole; and  
 a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from the ridge substantially in the direction of the first hole.  
   
   
   
       12 . The anchor float of  claim 11  wherein the ridge extends around the base plate at a substantially uniform distance from the perimeter of the base plate.  
   
   
       13 . The anchor float of  claim 11  wherein the base plate further comprises at least one vent hole.  
   
   
       14 . The anchor float of  claim 13  wherein the at least one vent hole is located proximally to the first hole.  
   
   
       15 . The anchor float of  claim 11  wherein the plurality of ribs each terminate proximal to the edge of the first hole.  
   
   
       16 . The anchor float of  claim 11  wherein the cap includes a cavity therein and a plurality of tabs extending along the cavity to releasably secure an anchor bolt within the cavity.  
   
   
       17 . The anchor float of  claim 16  wherein the plurality of tabs are tapered toward the ends thereof proximal to the first hole.  
   
   
       18 . The anchor float of  claim 16  wherein a first set of tabs in the plurality of tabs extend a first distance into the cavity, and wherein a second set of tabs in the plurality of tabs extend a second distance into the cavity, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.  
   
   
       19 . The anchor float of  claim 18  wherein the tabs of the first and second sets are arranged in an interleaved configuration.  
   
   
       20 . The anchor float of  claim 18  wherein the first distance is configured to releasably secure an anchor bolt in the cavity, while the second distance is configured to guide the anchor bolt during insertion into the cavity.