Void plug lift insert assembly for a cast concrete product

Abstract

Articles and a method are disclosed useful for providing a lift insert for a cast concrete product, such as a cast concrete slab or panel. The articles include a threadless plug for temporary insertion into an insert for receiving a lifting device in a cast concrete product, an insertion tool therefor, and the insert assembly. The threadless plug is characterized by an elastomeric tubular member having closure and/or abutment means on each end and dimensioned such that, in its operative position in the lift insert, such as a coil insert, the portion of the tubular member between the ends is placed in tension to positively seal against ingress of concrete into the top of the coil or insert and between the void plug and the coil during casting. The tool and method involve laterally inserting a flattened and then folded lower portion of the threadless tubular plug into a tubular tool member, longitudinally inserting the plug and tool member into the top of a cylindrical lift insert, longitudinally stretching the plug by frictional engagement with the tubular tool member and contemporaneous engagement of the upper abutment means with the lift insert, while withdrawing the tool member from the insert, and compressively affixing the lower abutment means in overlying intimate contact with the lower end of the insert upon total withdrawal so as to place the intermediate portion of the plug between the abutment means in tension.