Precast panel insert and attachments thereto

A panel insert configured to be integrally formed into a precast panel such that upon curing of said panel, decorative attachments may be connected thereto via said insert, said insert comprising a unitary structure and including:

• at least one attachment securing chamber defined by a pair of laterally-spaced sidewalls joined by a common base such that said pair of laterally-spaced sidewalls define an opening therebetween;
• at least one panel securing chamber defined by a pair of laterally-spaced sidewalls joined by a common base such that said pair of laterally-spaced sidewalls define an opening therebetween;
• and
• a plurality of generally planar flanges laterally disposed relative to said at least one attachment securing chamber or said at least one panel securing chamber.

A precast panel comprising:

• a precast layer defined by an outward-facing surface and an inward-facing surface;
• and
• a panel insert integrally formed into said precast layer, said panel insert comprising a unitary structure including:
• a plurality of generally planar and laterally-spaced flanges defining an opening therebetween;
• and
• an attachment securing chamber in connection with said plurality of generally planar and laterally-spaced flanges at said opening such that said opening and said attachment securing chamber together define a channel in said panel insert, said channel comprising at least one attachment retention member.

A kit for adding decorative attachments to a precast panel, said kit comprising:

• a panel insert configured to be integrally formed into a precast panel such that upon curing of said panel, said insert defines a portion of an outer face of said panel to enable attachments to be connected thereto, said insert comprising a unitary structure including:
• a pair of generally planar and laterally-spaced flanges defining an opening therebetween;
• and
• an attachment securing chamber in connection with said plurality of generally planar and laterally-spaced flanges at said opening such that said opening and said attachment securing chamber together define a channel in said panel insert;
• and
• at least one Decorative attachment comprising:
• a substantially outward-facing surface configured to present decorative indicia;
• and
• a substantially inward-facing surface with at least one protrusion therefrom, said at least one protrusion configured to fit into said channel of said attachment securing chamber.

A method of manufacturing a precast panel comprising:

• configuring a casting surface to accept form liners;
• placing at least one panel insert in a space defined by said form liners, said at least one panel insert comprising a unitary structure defined by a plurality of generally planar arid laterally-spaced flanges defining an opening therebetween and an attachment securing chamber in connection with said plurality of generally planar flanges at said opening such that said opening and said attachment securing chamber together define a channel in said panel insert, said channel comprising at least one attachment retention member;
• pouring uncured precast material into said space defined by said form liners such that said precast material covers at least said attachment securing chamber, thereby leaving the portion of an outer.;surface of said panel defined by said insert exposed to said casting surface;
• and
• curing said precast material.