the method of the present invention compresses the area by having the outer rim contact the roof first and as the bolt is tightened the plate applies pressure to the roof at a certain 30 45 degree angle before the center contacts the roof the roof bolt plate and method of the present invention spread the support out and up from the base of the bolt giving a broader support to the mine roof weathering effect when the roof area around the base of a roof bolt and plate deteriorates and falls to the mine floor leaves a space between the plate and the remaining roof the weathered area then is considered to be unsupported and unsafe the method of the present invention cups the area and prevents the weathering condition by confining the immediate roof into a cone shape the apparatus and method of the present invention require no filler the apparatus and method of the present invention operate to have the plate compress the roof and surrounding area by plate to roof contact in as many points as possible in the apparatus and method of the present invention the plate bends to conform to the roof and hold pressure between the roof and the plate by having the plate bend the plate apparatus and method.