Devices for closing openings in buildings and other structures

Abstract

According to some embodiments, a plug or plug or insert device for use in closing an opening along an external surface of a structure comprises a main body including a first end to a second end, the main body extending from the first end to the second end along a longitudinal axis, a first surface located along the first end of the main body, wherein the first surface is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a second surface located along the second end of the main body, wherein the second surface is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and at least one opening or feature along the first surface, wherein the first surface comprises a non-smooth finish, wherein the plug comprises a setting or a hardening material, and wherein the plug is configured to be placed within a corresponding opening of a wall.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A plug for use in closing an opening along an external surface of a structure, the plug comprising:
 a main body including a first end to a second end, the main body extending from the first end to the second end along a longitudinal axis;   a first surface located along the first end of the main body, wherein the first surface is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;   a second surface located along the second end of the main body, wherein the second surface is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and   at least one opening or feature along the first surface, wherein the first opening or feature is configured to permit a user to manipulate the plug without directly contacting the plug;   wherein the first surface comprising a non-smooth finish;   wherein the plug comprises a setting or a hardening material;   wherein the plug is configured to be placed within a corresponding opening of a wall or other structural component of a building; and   wherein the plug is configured to remain fixed within the corresponding opening using at least one adhesive.   
     
     
         2 . The plug of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the non-smooth finish of the first surface comprises a textured surface;   wherein the setting or the hardening material comprises a cement, another binder, a concrete and/or another cementitious component; and   wherein the main body comprises a cylindrical shape.   
     
     
         3 . The plug of  claim 1 , wherein the non-smooth finish of the first surface comprises a textured surface. 
     
     
         4 . The plug of  claim 3 , wherein the textured surface comprises a stucco exterior finish. 
     
     
         5 . The plug of  claim 3 , wherein the textured surface comprises a plurality of bumps, other protrusions and/or recesses. 
     
     
         6 . The plug of  claim 1 , wherein the setting or the hardening material comprises a cement, another binder, a concrete and/or another cementitious component. 
     
     
         7 . The plug of  claim 1 , wherein the main body comprises a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         8 . The plug of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one adhesive is positioned along at least one exterior surface of the plug. 
     
     
         9 . The plug of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one exterior surface of the plug that received the adhesive is located along an exterior of the main body. 
     
     
         10 . The plug of  claim 1 , wherein the plug is manufactured using a casting process. 
     
     
         11 . A method of closing an opening in a wall or other member of a building or other structure, the method comprising:
 inserting a plug device within the opening, wherein the plug device is shaped, sized and otherwise configured to be positioned within the opening; and   securing the plug device within the opening using at least one securement technology;   wherein an exposed surface of the plug device is configured to match or substantially match a surface of the wall or other member of the building or other structure immediately adjacent to the opening.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one securement technology comprises an adhesive positioned along an exterior surface of the plug device. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the opening in the wall or other member is created using a drill or other coring device. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the opening in the wall or other member is 0.5 to 2 inches in diameter, and wherein a diameter of the plug device is between 0.5 to 2 inches. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the opening in the wall or other member is configured to allow for a scope or other visualization tool or instrument to be positioned therethrough. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the opening in the wall or other member is used for inspection purposes. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein a clearance exists between the outside of the plug device and an interior of the opening in the wall or other member. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the plug device in inserted into the opening using a handling device. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the handling device comprises an elongated member that is configured to removably secure to a hole along a surface of the plug device. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the plug device comprises a cement, a concrete or another cementitious material.