Abstract: A pickup device has a trunion plate that is placed across an opening formed by a tubular insert in a horizontal concrete slab or panel. A housing extends through a hole in the trunnion plate into the insert and defines an internal cavity disposed inwardly of the insert. A bore communicates an end of the housing outside the panel with the housing cavity. An axially movable actuator rod or plunger is disposed in the bore and includes a head disposed in the cavity and formed of contiguous cylindrical and conical portions. A plurality of lugs are movably mounted in housing cutouts that extend radially outward of the cavity and such lugs have sides facing the plunger head which are, respectively, parallel to the cylindrical and the conical portions of the plunger head for cooperation therewith so that the lugs are moved radially outward of the housing by the cooperating conical portion of the head and the angularly inclined lug sides.

Abstract: A concrete slab or panel poured in its horizontal position is fitted with anchor inserts embedded in the concrete that receive releasable pickup units or devices for connection of the panel to a hoist. Each insert has a tubular member of a relatively short length to which a hollow plastic mold is attached that extends into the panel. The mold for the most part remains in the panel and forms a cavity into which part of the pickup device extends. The pickup device has a trunion plate that is placed across the insert opening in the panel. A housing extends through a hole in the trunnion plate into the insert and defines an internal cavity disposed inwardly of the insert. A bore communicates an end of the housing outside the panel with the housing cavity. An axially movable actuator rod or plunger is disposed in the bore and includes a head disposed in the cavity and formed of contiguous cylindrical and conical portions.

Abstract: Tilt-up building wall panels are fitted with inserts which are cast into the panel. The inserts have threaded openings into which a collapsible split bolt is inserted. The bolt is spread apart with a longitudinally inserted wedge to secure its exterior thread to the interior thread of the insert. The panel is erected into its upright position with suitable hoisting equipment engaging the protruding portion of the split bolt. The split bolt and the hoisting equipment are removed from the ground with a ground release device that is raised overhead with extensions attached to the release device. The release device includes a support structure which has a flat end face that is positioned against the side of the upright panel and a linearly reciprocating release plate mounted to the support structure. The operator positions the release device so that the release plate engages a portion of the wedge and he then retracts the plate by pulling a suitably connected actuating cable from the ground.

Abstract: Tilt-up building wall panels are fitted with inserts which are cast into the panel. The inserts have threaded openings into which a collapsible split bolt is inserted. The bolt is spread apart with a longitudinally inserted wedge to secure its exterior thread to the interior thread of the insert. The panel is erected into its upright position with suitable hoisting equipment engaging the protruding portion of the split bolt. The split bolt and the hoisting equipment are removed from the ground with a ground release device that is raised overhead with extensions attached to the release device. The release device includes a support structure which has a flat end face that is positioned against the side of the upright panel and a linearly reciprocating release plate mounted to the support structure. The operator positions the release device so that the release plate engages a portion of the wedge and he then retracts the plate by pulling a suitably connected actuating cable from the ground.