INSERT SPACER

Abstract

A system including an insert including a body defining an inner cavity at a first end thereof. The insert includes an anchor having an opening formed therein, and the opening of the anchor is positioned in the inner cavity of the insert. The system further includes a spacer having a first end that is couplable to a second end of the insert to thereby adjust a height of the insert. The spacer is configured to be coupled to another spacer at a second end of the spacer.

Description

The present invention is directed to an insert for use with a spacer utilized in concrete construction.

BACKGROUND

Inserts are commonly used in concrete construction provide a void/opening and a structure in a concrete slab which can be gripped to lift or move the concrete slab, for example to move the slab to a vertical orientation in tilt-up construction. However, concrete slabs may be formed at differing thickness. Thus, when utilizing existing inserts, it may be necessary to store, and retain on-site, a number of inserts having varying heights/thicknesses to accommodate the differing thickness of the slab. Accordingly existing systems can lead to inefficiencies in storing, transporting and locating the appropriate inserts.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment the present invention is directed to a system including an insert and a spacer or spacers that can be coupled to the insert to adjust the height/thickness of the insert. More particularly, in one embodiment, the invention is a system including an insert having a body defining an inner cavity at a first end thereof. The insert includes an anchor having an opening formed therein, where the opening of the anchor is positioned in the inner cavity of the insert. The system further includes a spacer having a first end that is couplable to a second end of the insert to thereby adjust a height of the insert. The spacer is configured to be coupled to another spacer at a second end of the spacer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an insert, with a cover positioned thereon;

FIG. 2 shows the insert of FIG. 1, with the cover removed;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the insert of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of a spacer;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the insert of FIG. 1, in conjunction with the spacer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows the insert and spacer of FIG. 5, coupled together;

FIG. 7 is shows the insert of FIG. 1 coupled to two spacers;

FIG. 8 is a cross section of the insert and spacers of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is detail view of the area indicated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of an alternative spacer;

FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of another alternative spacer;

FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of the insert/spacer of FIG. 6, positioned within a form along with rebar positioned therein;

FIG. 13 shows the assembly of FIG. 12, filled with poured concrete;

FIG. 14 shows the assembly of FIG. 13, with the covers of the inserts removed, exposing the anchors; and

FIG. 15 shows the panel of FIG. 14 in cross section, removed from the form, tilted up and positioned on a base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-8, in one embodiment a spacer 10 is configured for use with an insert or void former 12. The insert 12 includes a body 14 that is fluid tight (or generally fluid tight) and generally semi-ellipsoid in one embodiment but can have a variety of other shapes and configurations. The insert 12/body 14 is generally or at least partially hollow, defining an inner cavity 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 8) therein having a lip 18 extending therearound. The insert 12/body 14 has a first (upper) end 17 and an opposite second (lower) end 19. The body 14 can be made of any of a wide variety of materials including polymers, plastics, thermoplastics, fiberglass or other materials which may exhibit low water absorption, relatively high strength and relatively high impact resistance.

The insert 12 includes an anchor 20 (see FIGS. 2 and 8) having a generally longitudinally extending anchor body 22. The distal (upper) end of the anchor 20 terminates in an annular tip 24 having an opening 26 formed therein. In the illustrated embodiment the tip 24 is a complete annular ring in which case the opening 26 is entirely closed, but the tip 24 can also have a slot formed therein or be generally “hook” shaped, in which case the opening 26 can be partially open. A lower end of the anchor 20 extends through an opening/hole 28 of the body 14, and in one embodiment the hole 28 is generally sealed about/around the anchor 20 in a fluid tight or generally fluid-tight manner. The anchor 20 can be made of a variety of materials, but in once case is made of metal, such as steel, iron, or other metals or high-strength material. In one case, the anchor 20 can be made of a material that is stronger than the body 14 of the insert 12.

The insert 12 can include a base 30 that is coupled to the lower end of the anchor 20. The base 30 can in one case be made of the same materials as those outlined above for the body 14. The base 30 can include a center hub 32 and a plurality of legs 34 that extend radially outwardly from the hub 32, where in one case the legs are 34 equally circumferentially spaced from each other. The hub 32 can be generally cylindrical as shown, but can also take the form of other shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 12/base 30 includes four equally circumferentially-spaced legs 34, but the insert 12/base 30 can include varying numbers of legs 34, including for example three legs 34 in one case, or more than four legs 34 in another case.

The base 30/each leg 34 can include a number of feet or protrusions 36, where each foot 36 is coupled to a leg 34, at or adjacent to a distal end thereof in one case. The base 30 can also include a central foot or protrusion 36a (see FIGS. 3, 5 and 8) that is aligned with the anchor 22/hub 32. Each foot 36 can extend axially downwardly from the associated leg 34/hub 32 and be oriented generally parallel with the central axis of the anchor 20/spacer 10 in one case.

The distal end of each of the feet 36 can be aligned in a plane such that, when the insert 12 is positioned on a flat, planar surface, each foot 36 is in contact with the surface and the insert 12 is stably positioned. Although each foot 36 is shown as a protrusion, it should be understood that each foot 36/protrusion can be replaced with a socket formed in each foot 36 (or in each leg 34 or hub 32, such as at a distal end thereof) that can receive a protrusion therein for purposes which will be described in greater detail below.

The body 14 or insert 12 can include a cover 40 that is manually removably coupleable to the opening 16/lip 18 of the body 14 in a generally sealed/fluid-tight manner, such as via a press-fit, snap-fit or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 40 includes a serrated, upwardly-extending edge or ridge 42 extending around a perimeter thereof. The cover 40 can also include a set of locating pins 44 protruding axially away from the upper surface of the cover 40. The cover 40 can be made of the same materials as those outlined for the body 14 and base 30, but can also be made of more flexible/pliable material, such as rubber, synthetic rubber, elastomeric materials or the like.

As will be described in greater detail below, the insert 12 can be positioned in a form 50, and liquid concrete 52 poured therein and allowed to cure. After the poured concrete is cured into a slab or panel 52, the insert 12 provides an opening 16 and/or structure 20 in the slab 52 which can be gripped to move the slab 52, for example to a vertical orientation. However, because the concrete slabs may be formed at varying thickness, the insert 12 may not have the appropriate height/thickness. Accordingly, a spacer 10 (or multiple spacers 10) as shown for example in FIGS. 4-8, can be used with the insert 12 to adjust the height/thickness of the insert 12.

It should be understood that, when in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1-14, the insert 12 and spacers 10 are arranged such that their central axes are oriented generally perpendicular to an underlying ground surface 51. In this configuration, the spacer 10 can be considered to adjust the height of the insert 12, depending upon the frame of reference. In contrast, when in the configuration shown in FIG. 15, the insert 12 and spacers 10 are arranged such that their central axes are oriented generally parallel to the ground surface 51, and the spacers 10 may be considered to adjust the thickness of the insert 12, depending upon the frame of reference. Thus, the height and thickness dimensions as used herein can be one and the same, depending upon the orientation of the insert 12 and spacers 10, and thus any reference herein to a height dimension can also be considered a reference to a thickness dimension, and vice versa.

With reference to FIGS. 4-8, the spacer 10 may include a spacer body 54 having a first (upper) end, side or surface 56, that is configured to be coupled to an insert 12 and/or another spacer 10, and an opposite, second (lower) end 58 that is configured to be positioned on an underlying support surface 51 (e.g. a ground surface, or lower surface of the form 50) and/or be configured to be coupled to another spacer 10. The spacer 10 can include a center hub 60 and a plurality of legs 62 that extend radially outwardly from the hub 60. If desired, a series of straight/linear stiffening ribs 61 can extend between adjacent legs 62 to provide stiffness and strength to the spacer 10.

The spacer 10 can include a plurality of sockets or recesses 64, each of which is configured to receive a protrusion 36 of the insert 12 therein. Each socket 64 is positioned at a radially outer end of the associated leg 34 in one embodiment. The spacer 10 can also include axially extending protrusion 66 located at a distal and of each leg 62, aligned with a socket 64 in one case, terminating in a foot 68. In the illustrated embodiment, each protrusion 66 of the spacer 10 is aligned with a socket 64 of the same spacer 10, although if desired the protrusions 66 and sockets 64 on a single spacer 10 can be offset (e.g. in the circumferential direction) if desired (e.g. with a 45 degree pattern offset in one case).

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, the insert 12 includes a center protrusion 36a and four outer protrusions 36 evenly circumferentially spaced about the center protrusion 36a, and the spacer 10 can thus include a corresponding configuration with a center socket 64a and four outer sockets 64 evenly circumferentially spaced about the center socket 64. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the spacer 10′ includes a center socket 64a, three legs 62 and three outer sockets 64 evenly circumferentially spaced about the center socket 64a, to be coupled to a correspondingly-shaped insert 12 (not shown). In one case, the spacer 10, 10′ can include at least three legs 62/sockets 64/protrusions 66 to provide a sufficiently stable structure.

The spacer 10 can include a number of protrusions 66/feet 68 and/or sockets 64, where each protrusion 66, foot 68 and/or socket 64 is coupled or positioned on a leg 62, at or adjacent to a distal end thereof in one case. The spacer 10 can also include a central protrusion 66a and a central foot 68a that are aligned with the hub 60. The spacer 10 can be made of the same materials as those outlined above for the body 14 and the base 30. The distal end of each foot 68 of the spacer 10 can be aligned in a plane such that, when the spacer 10 is positioned on a flat, planar surface, each foot 68 is in contact with the surface and the spacer 10 is stably positioned.

In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 10 has a plurality of sockets 64 positioned on an upper side/upper surface 56 thereof, and more particularly on an upper side or surface of each leg 62. Each socket 64 can be sized to closely receive a foot 36 of the insert 12 (and/or the foot 68 of another spacer 10) therein, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, such that in one case the sockets 64 grip the associated foot 36/68 positioned therein to form a removable (or, in one case, permanent) connection to the insert 12 (or another spacer 10). However, it should be understood that each foot 36/68 or protrusion can be coupled to an associated socket 64 by any of a wide variety of structures or mechanical couplings, including snap fits, magnets, interference fits, brackets, clips, inter-engaging shapes, etc.

The sockets 64 of the spacer 10 have a spacing and configuration such that some or each foot 36 of the insert 12 can be received in a socket 64 of the spacer 10 to thereby couple the spacer 10 to the associated insert 12. Similarly, the sockets 64 of the spacer 10 can have a spacing and configuration such that the associated foot 68 of another spacer 10 can be received in each socket 64 to thereby couple the spacer 10 to the other (in one case, underlying) spacer 10 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Or, stated another way, the feet 68 of the spacer 10 can have a spacing and configuration such that the feet 68 of that spacer 10 can be received in the sockets 64 of another (in one case, identically-configured) spacer 10 to thereby couple the spacer 10 to the other (in one case, underlying) spacer 10. In this manner, the spacer 10 can be used with, and coupled to, various other spacers 10 in a modular manner, and coupled to each other to adjust the height/thickness of the insert 12, as shown in FIGS. 5-8. A number of spacers 10 (two spacers 10 in the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8) can be coupled together as desired to form a stack of spacers 10 having the desired height/thickness.

It should be noted that the figures show the inserts 12 as having a foot 36 including or taking the form of a protrusion on the lower surface thereof, and each spacer 10 as having a socket 64 on an upper surface 56 thereof. However, this configuration can be reversed such that the insert 12 has a socket 64 on the lower surface thereof (e.g. on the lower surface of a foot 36, if included), and each spacer 10 has a foot/protrusion 36 on an upper surface 56 thereof. In addition, various combinations can be utilized in which the insert 12 has a combination of feet 36/sockets on the lower surface thereof, and each spacer 10 has a corresponding combination of feet/sockets 64 an upper surface 56 thereof to enable coupling thereto. In one case, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the number of feet/sockets located on one component (e.g. an insert 12 or a spacer 10) and the number of feet/sockets on the other component (e.g. a spacer 10) such that the components include exactly the same number of sockets 64 that correspond to feet 36, and vice versa. In one case, a foot/protrusion/socket, on either an insert 12 or spacer 10 is termed a “coupling structure” herein.

As noted above, the spacers 10 can have a variety of shapes and configurations, including the spacer 10′ shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 shows another alternative spacer 10″ in which the legs 62′ are not generally radially extending, but instead are somewhat circumferentially-extending (arranged as chords relative to a polar coordinate system), and extend in a straight line and at ninety degrees angles (or in one case, at an angle between about sixty degrees and about one hundred and twenty degrees) in one case between adjacent sockets 64/protrusions 66 to form a square or rectangle shape. In this embodiment the spacer 10″ may lack a center socket 64a and/or center protrusion 66a, and may be used with an insert that 12 that also lacks a center protrusions 66a and/or center socket 64a. In addition, as can be seen, in one case the spacer 10″ may lack any center structure and/or any radially-extending structure extending from a center of the spacer 10″. In this case, and in other cases, the insert 12 can include a plurality of outer protrusions 66 or sockets 64 evenly circumferentially spaced about a center thereof, and the spacer 10, 10′, 10″ can include a plurality of outer protrusions 66 or sockets 64 evenly circumferentially spaced about a center thereof. In addition, if desired the spacer can include both radially-extending legs/structure and circumferentially-extending (or chord oriented) legs/structure.

Each spacer 10 can have a predetermined height/thickness h extending in the height direction H shown in FIG. 5. In one case, the height/thickness h of each spacer 10 corresponds to the total height the spacer 10 adds to the insert 12 when coupled thereto, and in one case can be measured from the bottom of the socket 64 to the bottom of the feet 68, as shown in FIG. 5. The height dimension h can determine the height/thickness that the spacer 10 adds to the insert 12 when coupled to the insert 12. The height dimension h can have any of a wide variety of values as desired, such as ½ inch in one case, or 1 inch in another case, but other values are contemplated. In this manner, each spacer 10 provides a known height/thickness adjustment to the insert 12. Thus, if a 1½ inch height/thickness adjustment is required, then three ½ inch spacers 10 can be used, or a 1 inch spacer 10 in combination with a ½ inch spacer 10 can be used, etc. In one case the height dimension of the spacer 10 is carried directly on the spacer 10, such as printed on a sticker, printed on the spacer 10, integrally molded on the spacer 10, etc. for ease of use.

The insert 12 is typically coupled to/embedded in a panel (or other concrete structure) 52, and the spacer(s) 10 assist in properly locating the insert 12 in the panel 52. With reference to FIG. 12, the insert 12 can first be positioned in a form 50 used for forming the panel 52. The form 50 can include or take the shape of an outer rectangular frame or formwork 70 in the illustrated embodiment, where the frame 70 can be made of wood or other materials suitable for containing poured concrete. A plurality of intersecting/perpendicularly rebars 72, or other reinforcing structures can be positioned in the form 50 such that the rebar 72 will be embedded in the panel 52 after the panel 52 is poured/formed.

In order to utilize the insert 12 and spacer 10, an insert 12 is selected, and the desired number of spacer(s) 10 at the desired height/thickness are selected to ensure the insert 12 has the desired height/thickness. In one case, the insert 12 may be desired to be positioned at a height/thickness such that the lip 18 of the insert is generally aligned with the upper edge of the panel 52 to be poured (e.g. in one case, the upper edge of the form 50). A user can thereby determine the amount of additional height/thickness that is needed for the insert 12 by measurement and then selecting the desired spacers 10, or by trial-and-error in trying different combinations of spacers 10. Once the desired spacers 10 are determined and coupled to the insert 12, the combined insert 12/spacer(s) 10 assembly is positioned in the form 50 and positioned on an underlying horizontal surface 51, such as a floor, panel, ground surface or the like. The inner cavity 16 of the insert 12 may be facing upwardly with respect to a gravitational frame of reference, with the cover 40 positioned thereon.

After the system of FIG. 12 is assembled, the form 50 can be filled with wet or liquid concrete up to the lip 18 of the body 14 or slightly higher, as shown in FIG. 13, and the concrete is allowed to cure/harden to form the panel 52. The locating pins 44 and/or serrated ridge 42 of the cover 40 may be generally flush with, or protrude outwardly from, the upper surface of the panel 52 to aid a user/operator in locating the insert 12, and the cavity 16 can form an opening formed in or adjacent to the upper surface. In addition, the serrated ridge 42 can provide at least a partial break in the concrete positioned over the cover 40/insert 12 to provide ease of removing the cover 40. The cover 40 is then removed to provide access to the inner cavity 16 and the anchor opening 26, as shown in FIG. 14. In one case, the inner cavity 16 lacks any stiffening ribs or other structure (or significant structure) or any other components located therein or extending thereacross, besides the anchor 20, to provide ease of access to the anchor 20.

Once the cover 40 is removed, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, access is providing to the anchor 20/anchor opening 26 such that the panel 52 can be gripped with a crane, hoisting device, lifting hook or the like. The form 50 extending around the perimeter of panel 52 is then removed and the panel 52 is released/separated from the underlying horizontal surface, and can be lifted or tilted up to a vertical position and positioned on a base 73, with the insert 12 and associated spacers 10 embedded therein. The panel 52 can have a generally planar outer surface 76, and the insert 12 is embedded in the panel 52 such that the inner cavity 16 defines an opening in the concrete panel 52 formed in and intersecting the outer surface 76. The insert 12 and spacers(s) 10 are embedded in the panel 52 such that the lip 18 is generally aligned with the outer surface 76.

As noted above and shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, in some cases the spacer 10 can include a set of stiffening ribs 61 that extend between adjacent legs 62 to provide strength and stiffness to the spacer 10. The ribs 61 and legs 62 can thereby form a series of openings 63 therebetween, which are generally triangular in top view in the illustrated embodiment. The spacer 10 may be configured such that the openings 63 (and any other openings formed therein when viewed in the axial direction), have a relatively large surface area. Providing the relatively large surface area ensures that concrete sufficiently flows through the insert 12/openings 63 during pouring to avoid or minimize the formation of voids. Thus, each opening 63 may have a surface area equal to or greater than that of a circle with a ¾ inch diameter, or greater than about 0.44 square inches. In addition, the spacer 10 may lack any openings that have a surface area of less than about 0.44 square inches in one case, or less than about 0.3 inches in another case, or less than about 0.6 inches another case, or less than about 1 inch in yet another case.

The spacer 10 thereby provides a modular component or system that is easy and intuitive to use, reduces part counts on-site, and is robust and enables quicker and more efficient construction of panels.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to the various embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A system including:

an insert including a body defining an inner cavity at a first end thereof, wherein the insert includes an anchor having an opening formed therein, wherein the opening of the anchor is positioned in the inner cavity of the insert; and

a spacer having a first end that is couplable to a second end of the insert to thereby adjust a height of the insert, wherein the spacer is configured to be coupled to another spacer at a second end of the spacer.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein a distal end of the anchor is positioned outside the inner cavity of the insert and positioned adjacent to the second end of the insert.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein insert includes a cover that is removably coupleable to the body of the insert such that when the cover is coupled to the body the cover generally covers and seals the inner cavity.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the insert includes a plurality of protrusions or sockets extending in an axial direction and positioned at the second end thereof, and wherein the spacer includes a plurality of the other one of protrusions or sockets at the first end thereof, wherein each protrusion or socket of the spacer is configured to be coupled to a corresponding protrusion or socket of the insert to thereby couple the spacer to the insert.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the spacer includes exactly the same number of protrusions or sockets as the number of corresponding protrusions or sockets of the insert.

6. The system of claim 4 wherein the insert includes a center protrusion or socket positioned at a center of the insert and a plurality of outer protrusions or sockets evenly circumferentially spaced about the center protrusion or socket of the insert, and wherein the spacer includes a center protrusion or socket positioned at a center of the spacer and a plurality of outer protrusions or sockets evenly circumferentially spaced about the center protrusion or socket of the spacer.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the insert includes a center protrusion and exactly four outer protrusions, and wherein the spacer includes a center socket and exactly four outer sockets.

8. The system of claim 6 wherein the insert includes a center protrusion and exactly three outer protrusions, and wherein the spacer includes a center socket and exactly three outer sockets.

9. The system of claim 4 wherein the wherein the insert includes a plurality of protrusions or sockets circumferentially spaced about a center thereof, and wherein the spacer includes a plurality of protrusions or sockets circumferentially spaced about a center thereof.

10. The system of claim 4 wherein the spacer includes a plurality of protrusions or sockets extending in an axial direction positioned at a second end of the spacer, wherein each protrusion or socket at the second end of the spacer is configured to be coupled to another spacer such that the spacer can be coupled to the another spacer in a modular manner.

11. The system of claim 4 wherein the anchor has a generally longitudinally extending anchor body, wherein the anchor body is oriented generally parallel to the plurality of protrusions or sockets of the insert, and wherein the anchor is made of a stronger material than the body.

12. The system of claim 4 wherein each protrusion or socket has a length of at least about ¾ “and less than about 3”.

13. The system of claim 4 wherein the spacer includes a plurality of generally radially-oriented legs, and wherein each of the plurality of protrusion or sockets of the insert is positioned at or adjacent to a distal end thereof.

14. The system of claim 1 further comprising a supplemental spacer having the same size, shape and configuration as the spacer, wherein the spacer and the supplemental spacer are configured to be coupled together in a modular manner to thereby adjust the height of the insert.

15. The system of claim 1 further comprising a concrete structure having a generally planar outer surface, wherein the insert is embedded in the structure such that the inner cavity defines an opening in the concrete structure formed in the outer surface, and wherein the spacer is embedded in the structure.

16. A system including a spacer configured to be coupled to an insert, the spacer including at least three coupling structures circumferentially spaced about a center of the insert, wherein each coupling structure is positioned and configured to be coupled to a corresponding coupling structure of an insert to thereby couple the spacer to the insert.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein each coupling structure of the insert include a protrusion and each coupling structure of the spacer includes a socket.

18. The system of claim 16 wherein the spacer further includes at least three supplemental coupling structures, each of which is aligned with an associated coupling structures of the spacer, and wherein each supplemental coupling structure is positioned and configured to be coupled to a corresponding coupling structure of another spacer to thereby couple the spacer to the another spacer.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein each coupling structure of the spacer includes a socket and each supplemental coupling structure of the spacer includes a protrusion.

20. The system of claim 16 wherein the spacer includes a center coupling structure positioned at a center of the spacer.

21. The system of claim 16 further including an insert including a body defining an inner cavity at a first end thereof, wherein the insert includes an anchor having an opening formed therein, wherein the opening of the anchor is positioned in the inner cavity of the insert, and wherein the spacer is configured to be coupled to the insert at a second, opposite end thereof.

22. The system of claim 16 wherein the spacer includes a plurality of generally radially-oriented legs, and wherein each coupling structure of the spacer is positioned at or adjacent to a distal end thereof.

23. The system of claim 16 wherein the spacer includes a plurality of legs extending between adjacent coupling structures.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein the plurality of legs are arranged at ninety degree angles relative to each other to form a rectangular or square shape.

25. A method comprising:

accessing an insert including a body defining an inner cavity at a first end thereof;

coupling a first end of a spacer to a second end of the insert to thereby adjust a height of the insert, wherein the spacer is configured to be coupled to another spacer at a second end thereof;

positioning the insert and spacer in a form;

pouring concrete into the form to generally immerse the insert and spacer in concrete; and

allowing the concrete to cure into a structure such that the inner cavity defines an opening in the structure that is formed in or adjacent to an outer surface of the structure.

26. The method of claim 25 further comprising accessing a supplemental spacer and, prior to the positioning step, coupling the supplemental spacer to the spacer to thereby further adjust the height of the insert, wherein the insert includes an anchor having an opening formed therein, and wherein the opening of the anchor is positioned in the inner cavity of the insert.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein, during the pouring step, a cover is coupled to the insert to generally fluidly seal the inner cavity from the concrete during the pouring step, and wherein the method further includes removing the cover after the pouring step to expose the inner cavity.

28. A system comprising:

a concrete structure having an outer surface;

an insert embedded in the concrete structure, the insert including a body defining an inner cavity at a first end thereof such that the inner cavity defines an opening in the concrete structure formed in the outer surface; and

a spacer having a first end that is coupled to a second end of the insert to thereby adjust at least one of a height or thickness of the insert.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein the insert includes an anchor having an opening formed therein, wherein the opening of the anchor is positioned in the inner cavity of the insert, and wherein the spacer is configured to be coupled to another spacer at a second end thereof.