GB2480505A

GB2480505A - A guide arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2480505A
Application number: GB1012663A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joe Harpur
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-18
Filing date: 2010-07-28
Publication date: 2011-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 2030-07-28
Also published as: GB2480505B; GB201012663D0; GB201008219D0

Abstract

A guide arrangement is disclosed which is for use with a delivery apparatus such as a column skip. The guide arrangement comprises a support member 46, a guide device 51 incorporating a retainer 52. When the guide arrangement is in a condition ready to allow material to discharge, the support member 46 attaches to part of the delivery apparatus, and a flexible discharge column 11 of the delivery apparatus extends past the retainer. The retainer is configured to hold the flexible discharge column 11 in a folded condition when the delivery apparatus is not in use. The guide arrangement provides lateral support to the flexible discharge column 11 , whilst allowing a user to hold and position the flexible discharge column in a safe manner.

Description

Title: A GUIDE ARRANGEMENT

Description of Invention

THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a guide arrangement, and more particularly relates to a guide arrangement for use with a delivery apparatus which incorporates a flexible discharge column.

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a delivery apparatus in the form of a column skip 1. The term "column skip" is used hereinafter to describe any kind of delivery apparatus which incorporates a flexible discharge column.

A column skip such as the column skip 1 shown in figure 1 is typically used in the construction industry to deliver liquids such as concrete or powdered or granular solids, such as sand, grit and the like. For simplicity purposes, the description hereinafter will refer to concrete. The column skip 1 incorporates a skip body 2 which is generally funnel-shaped. The skip body 2 has an opening 3 to allow the skip body 2 to be filled with concrete.

A frame 4 is attached to the top of the skip body 2. The frame 4 acts as an anchor point to which a lifting device, such as a crane can attach to lift and position the column skip 1. A discharge opening 5 is provided at the lowest end of the skip body 2. A control arrangement 6 is positioned adjacent the discharge opening 5 to control a gate (not shown) to open or seal the discharge opening 5 to control the discharge of concrete through the discharge opening 5. The control arrangement 6 is activated by a user either pulling or releasing an activation rope 7.

A protective frame 8 is provided around the outlet opening 5 and the control arrangement 6 to protect these parts when the column skip 1 is being moved.

The protective frame 8 has two generally U-shaped portions which define landing legs 9,10 which extend below and on either side of the discharge opening 5.

A flexible elongate tubular discharge column 11 or hose is attached at one end to the discharge opening 5. The discharge column 11 is of a resiliently deformable material, such as rubber or plastic.

In use, the column skip 1 is hoisted into position by a crane so that the lower end of the discharge column 11 is adjacent a location where concrete is to be discharged. Once in position, a user pulls the activation rope 7 to activate the control arrangement 6 to open the discharge opening 5 to allow concrete to be discharged from the skip body 2 and out through the discharge column 11.

In most cases, the user operating the column skip 1 will hold the discharge column 11 with both hands as the concrete is being discharged to stop the discharge column 11 from moving from the required position. Users are also known to move the discharge column 11 with their hands to direct the flow of concrete from the discharge tube 11, for instance to distribute the concrete evenly in a cavity without moving the skip body 2.

A user gripping the discharge column 11 with both hands typically has their body close to the discharge column 11 and close to the concrete flowing out from the discharge column 11. It can be very dangerous if a user slips or loses their grip on the discharge column 11 because the user's body may fall under the flow of concrete and the weight of the concrete may drag the user into a cavity which is being filled with concrete.

It has been proposed previously to use a long pole to hold a discharge column at a distance. However, this technique does not allow a user to hold the discharge column as securely or position the discharge column as accurately as if the user was holding the discharge column with both hands.

Users therefore tend to revert to the basic method of holding the discharge column with both hands.

Once the required quantity of concrete has been discharged, the user activates the control arrangement 6 to close the discharge opening 5 to stop the flow of concrete. A quantity of concrete usually remains coated on the inside of the discharge column 11 and this concrete drips out from the end of the discharge column 11 after the discharge opening 5 has been closed. The dripping concrete creates a mess below the column skip 1 as the column skip 1 is moved around the construction site.

To stop concrete dripping from the discharge column 11, the standard practice is for users to fold the lower end of the delivery column 11 up on one side to provide a kink in the discharge column 11 which seals the end of the discharge column 11. A user will then wrap stiff wire around the folded end of the discharge column 11 to keep the end folded. The stiff wire is usually scrap wire which is lying around on a construction site and the ends of the wire are often sharp after being cut with pliers. This sharp wire can be very dangerous to the user operating the column skip 1 or to other people working around the column skip 1 when the column skip 1 is being moved into position because the sharp wire is often at head-height and can cut and injure the head or upper body of a person.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved guide arrangement.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guide arrangement for use with a delivery apparatus having a flexible elongate discharge column, the arrangement comprising a support member attachable to part of the delivery apparatus, and a guide device mounted from the support member, the guide device incorporating a retainer past which the discharge column of the delivery apparatus extends when the support member is attached to the delivery apparatus, wherein in use a user holds the arrangement and uses the arrangement to guide discharge from the discharge column, the retainer being operable to hold a folded end of the flexible elongate discharge column.

In one embodiment the support member is attachable to the discharge column of a delivery apparatus.

Preferably the support member is an elongate member which is attachable to the discharge column longitudinally along the length of the discharge column.

Conveniently the support member incorporates at least one further elongate member which is attachable to the discharge column longitudinally along the length of the discharge column.

Advantageously the arrangement further comprises a support element which is mounted to the support member and which extends at least partly around the discharge column to support the support member relative to the discharge column.

Preferably the support member incorporates at least one handle which protrudes outwardly from the discharge column when the support member is attached to the discharge column.

Conveniently the elongate member incorporates two handles.

Advantageously the further elongate member incorporates two handles.

Preferably the or each handle is of a resiliently deformable material and the or each handle incorporates a substantially rigid insert to increase the rigidity of a portion of the handle.

Conveniently the guide device is at least partly resiliently deformable.

Advantageously the retainer is a first arcuate member.

Preferably the guide device incorporates a second arcuate member which is connected end to end to the first arcuate member to define a guide aperture therebetween.

In another embodiment the support member is a first elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the first elongate support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the first elongate support member is mounted to the guide device.

Preferably the arrangement further comprises a second elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the second elongate support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the second elongate support member is mounted to the guide device.

Conveniently the arrangement further comprises a third elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the third support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the third support member is mounted to the guide device.

Advantageously the arrangement further comprises a fourth elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the fourth support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the fourth support member is mounted to the guide device.

Preferably the or each elongate support member is at least partly flexible.

Conveniently the guide device is moveable relative to the discharge column along the length of the discharge column when the discharge column extends through the guide aperture.

In one embodiment the guide device is a chain which is linked at each end to define a ring and wherein the retainer is a portion of the chain.

In another embodiment the guide device is a rigid ring and wherein the retainer is a portion of the ring.

Preferably the ring is an elliptic cylinder.

Conveniently the guide device is brightly coloured.

Advantageously the arrangement further comprises a further guide device which is mounted from the or each elongate support member, the further guide device incorporating a guide member past which the flexible discharge column of the delivery apparatus extends when the or each elongate support member is attached to the delivery apparatus.

Preferably the further guide device is moveable along the length of the discharge column.

In one embodiment the further guide device is releasably attached to the or each elongate support member.

Preferably the further guide device is a chain which is linked at each end to define a ring and the guide member is a portion of the chain.

In another embodiment the further guide device is a rigid ring and the guide member is a portion of the ring.

Preferably the ring incorporates a side wall having a cylindrical portion.

Conveniently the side wall incorporates an outwardly directed portion which diverges radially outwardly at one end of the side wall.

Advantageously the further guide device incorporates a plurality of mounting apertures, and wherein the or each elongate support member extends through one of the mounting apertures.

Preferably each mounting aperture is generally slot-shaped.

Conveniently the or each elongate support member is a chain.

Advantageously the slot-shaped mounting apertures are dimensioned such that the links in the or each chain can be moved through the slot in a first orientation but not in a second orientation.

In another embodiment the attachment at the end of the or each elongate support member is configured to attach releasably to part of a delivery apparatus.

Preferably the or each attachment is a carabiner.

In a further embodiment the support member is an elongate tubular element through which a discharge column extends when the arrangement is attached to a delivery apparatus.

Preferably the guide device is defined by one end of the tubular element.

Conveniently the tubular element is provided with at least one handle.

Advantageously the delivery apparatus is a column skip.

In a further embodiment of the invention a column skip incorporates a guide arrangement as described above.

In a yet further embodiment, a discharge column incorporates a guide arrangement as described above.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, and so that further features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a conventional column skip, Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a guide arrangement in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, Figure 3 is a diagrammatic top view of a guide device which forms part of the guide arrangement shown in figure 2, Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the column skip shown in figure 1 incorporating the guide arrangement shown in figure 2, Figure 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a discharge column of the column skip shown in figure 4, with the end of the discharge column being retained in a folded position by the guide arrangement, Figure 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a guide arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, Figure 7 is a diagrammatic top view of a first guide device of the further embodiment of the invention, Figure 8 is a diagrammatic side view of the first guide device shown in figure Figure 9 is a diagrammatic top view of a second guide device of the further embodiment shown in figure 6, Figure 10 is a diagrammatic side view of the second guide device shown in figure 9, and Figure 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a guide arrangement in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to figure 2 of the accompanying drawings, a guide device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention incorporates four elongate flexible support members in the form of support chains 12-15. The support chains 12-15 are of metal, but in other embodiments, the support chains 12-may be of a different material, such as plastic.

Whilst in this embodiment, the flexible support members are chains, in other embodiments, the flexible support members are a different kind of flexible member, such as cables, ropes and the like. In other embodiments the arrangement incorporates two, three or more than four flexible support members.

An attachment device 16-19 is provided at one end of each of the support chains 12-15. In this embodiment, the attachment devices 16-19 are carabiners, but it is to be appreciated that they may be a different type of attachment devices in other embodiments of the invention. The attachment devices 16-19 are configured to attach to part of a column skip 1, as shown in figure 4. The attachment devices 16-19 can either attach directly to the column skip 1 or can attach to a link further down each support chain 12-15 to secure each support chain 12-15 to the column skip. The guide arrangement can therefore be retro-fitted to a conventional column skip.

In further embodiments of the invention, the attachment devices are configured to attach to corresponding attachment devices provided on a column skip. In yet further embodiments, the support chains 12-15 are configured to attach to part of the discharge column 11 of the column skip 1.

In still further embodiments, the support chains 12-15 are attached more permanently to a column skip, for instance by welding so that the support chains 12-15 are not releasably attached to the column skip.

A guide device 20 is mounted from the other end of each of the chains 12-15.

The guide device 20 is formed by an elongate chain that is attached or releasably attached at each end to define a chain ring. The guide device 20 is preferably brightly coloured. The support chains 12-15 are mounted permanently or releasably mounted to links in the guide device 20 at spaced apart positions around the ring so that the chains 12-15 support the guide device 20. The guide device 20 incorporates a retainer which is defined by a portion of the chain ring past which the discharge column extends. In this embodiment, the guide device 20 incorporates a guide aperture 20a. The diameter Dl of the guide aperture 20a is approximately 30 cm.

A further guide device 21 is releasably mounted from each of the support chains 12-15 at a position along the length of each of the support chains 12-15, between the guide device 20 and the attachment devices 16-19.

The further guide device 21 can be seen more clearly in figure 3. The further guide device 21 is of a similar chain-ring construction to the guide device 20.

The further guide device 21 incorporates a guide member which is defined by a portion of the chain ring. In this embodiment, the further guide device 21 incorporates a further guide aperture 21a. The diameter D2 of the further guide aperture 21a is approximately 30cm.

The further guide device 21 is provided with four attachment flanges 22-25.

The attachment flanges 22-25 are fixed at spaced apart positions around the chain of the further guide device 21. Each attachment flange 22-25 incorporates an attachment aperture 26-29. The attachment apertures 26-29 are generally slot-shaped and dimensioned to enable the links in the support chains 12-15 to pass through the attachment apertures 26-29 when the chain links are oriented to align with the slot, but not when the chain links are oriented not to align with the slot.

In other embodiments of the invention, the attachment flanges 22-25 are omitted from the further guide device 21 and the further guide device 21 is configured to releasably attach to the support chains 12-15 by another means.

In one embodiment, the ends of the chain that forms the chain ring of the further guide device 21 may be detached from one another so that the chain is in the form of an elongate element. The elongate chain is dimensioned to pass through the end link in each of the support chains 12-15 to releasably attach the further guide device 21 to the support chains 12-15. Once the further guide device 21 has been threaded through links in each of the support chains 12-15, the ends of the chain are releasably attached to one another so that the further guide device 21 defines a chain ring, as shown in figure 2.

The attachment flanges 22-25 allow the further guide device 21 to be releasably and moveably attached to the support chains 12-15. The position of the further guide device 21 along the length of each of the support chains 12-15 can be adjusted by twisting each of the support chains 12-15 so that the links can be threaded through the attachment apertures 26-29 in the attachment flanges 22-25.

In use, the attachment devices 16-19 are used to attach the support chains 12-15 to the column skip 1, as shown in figure 4. The discharge column 11 extends through the guide apertures 20a,21 a of the guide devices 20,21. The guide devices 20,21 fit loosely around the discharge column 11 to allow the guide devices 20,21 to move along the length of the discharge column 11.

If necessary, the length of the support chains 12-15 hanging from the column skip 1 can be shortened by looping the support chains 12-15 round part of the column skip 1 where the support chains 12-15 are attached. The length of the support chains 12-15 is adjusted so that the guide device 20 is positioned around the lower end of the discharge column 11.

The position of the further guide device 21 on the support chains 12-15 is adjusted so that the support chains 12-15 splay out from the top of the further guide device 21. The splayed support chains 12-15 and the further guide device 20 together provide lateral support to the upper end of the discharge column 11.

The support chains 12-15 extend downwardly from the further guide 21 device at spaced apart positions around the discharge column 11. A user can hold any of the support chains 12-15 or one of the guide devices 20,21 with one hand and use the guide arrangement to move the discharge column 11 laterally to direct discharge from the discharge column 11. Since the user only needs to hold the support chains 12-15 or one of the guide devices 20,21 with one hand, the user can remain at arms length from the discharge tube 11 and at a safe distance from discharge flowing from the discharge column 11. The guide arrangement therefore allows a user to control the discharge tube 11 without having to hold the discharge tube 11 directly with both hands.

The loose fit of the guide devices 20,21 around the discharge column 11 allows movement between the guide devices 20,21 and the discharge column 11 as the user pulls the guide arrangement laterally to move the discharge column 11.

Once a desired quantity of concrete has been discharged, a user activates the control arrangement 6 to stop the flow. The user can then fold the lower end of the discharge column 11 up on one side and tuck the fold into the guide device 20, as shown in figure 5. The retainer which is formed by a portion of the guide device 20 holds the folded end of the discharge column 11 to retain the end of the discharge column 11 in the folded condition. This allows the end of the discharge column 11 to be sealed temporarily without the need for wire to be fixed around the end of the discharge column 11.

A user can loop the end of the activation rope 7 through the guide device 20 to stop the activation rope 7 flapping around when the column skip 1 is not in use. This helps prevent the activation rope 7 becoming tangled with other objects on a construction site when the column skip 1 is being moved.

Referring now to figure 6 of the accompanying drawings, a further embodiment of the invention incorporates the same elongate flexible support chains 12-15 and the attachment devices 15-19 as the preferred embodiment described above. However, this further embodiment incorporates a modified guide device 30 and a modified further guide device 31.

Referring now to figures 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings, the guide device 30 of this further embodiment of the invention is in the form of a rigid oval ring 32. The guide device 30 incorporates a retainer which is defined by a portion of the ring 32 past which the delivery column 11 extends. The ring 32 is preferably of metal, but in other embodiments, the ring 32 may be of another rigid material, such as plastic. In some embodiments of the invention, the guide device 30 is brightly coloured and coated with a bright high visibility material so that the ring 32 can be seen easily. This makes the guide device 30 stand out to people working on a construction site.

The ring 32 is an elliptic cylinder with a curved side wall 33. The side wall 33 preferably incorporates at least one rib 34 or another strengthening feature to maximise the rigidity of the ring 32.

The ring 32 incorporates a guide aperture 32a. The length Li of the guide aperture 32a is preferably approximately 30 cm. The width Wi of the guide aperture 32a is preferably approximately 15cm.

The guide device 30 incorporates four attachment loops 35-38 which protrude from the top of the ring 32 at spaced apart positions around the ring 32. The attachment loops 35-38 extend through the end link of each of the support chains 12-15 to mount the support chains 12-15 to the guide device 30. In other embodiments, however, the support chains 12-15 may be welded directly to the guide device 30 or may be releasably mounted to the guide device 30 by mounting devices such as carabiners.

In use, the guide device 30 provides a rigid structure around the lower end of the delivery column 11 which supports the lower end of the delivery column 11 laterally. The guide device 30 can still move along the length of the discharge tube 11. The elliptic shape of the guide device 30 helps retain the folded end of the discharge tube 11 in the folded position to prevent concrete or other discharge from dripping from the end of the discharge column 11. It is, however, to be appreciated that in other embodiments of the invention the guide device 30 is not elliptic, but is instead cylindrical with a circular cross-section.

In further embodiments, the guide device is an elongate member which may be arcuate, but which does not define a guide aperture. In these embodiments, the retainer is defined by at least a portion of the elongate member.

Referring now to figures 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings, the further guide device 31 is generally cylindrical in shape. The further guide device 31 is provided with a further guide aperture 31 a. The diameter D3 of the further guide device 31 is approximately 23 cm. The further guide device 31 incorporates a guide member which is defined by a portion of the guide device 31.

The further guide device 31 incorporates a mounting flange which extends radially outwardly from the lower edge of the further guide device 31. The attachment flange 39 is provided with four attachment apertures 40-43 which equate to the attachment apertures 26-29 of the preferred embodiment described above. The attachment apertures 40-43 are generally slot-shaped to enable the further guide device 31 to releasably attach to the support chains 12-15 in the manner described above.

The further guide device 31 incorporates a curved side wall 44 which is cylindrical at its base but which curves radially outwardly towards its upper end to define a bell shape. The height Hi of the further guide device 31 is approximately 8 cm. The bell shape defines a curved deflection surface 45 which is positioned above the attachment apertures 40-43 so that, in use, the support chains 12-15 which extend upwardly through the attachment apertures 40-43 are deflected outwardly by the deflection surface 45. This outward deflection of the support chains 12-15 helps keep the support chains 12-15 in the splayed configuration which stabilises the further guide device 31.

The guide arrangement of embodiments of the invention provides an adaptable guide which can be attached to a column skip to provide lateral support to the discharge column of the column skip. The guide arrangement allows a user to hold the guide device and to direct the flow of concrete through the discharge tube safely and securely. The guide arrangement also allows a user to retain the discharge column in the folded condition easily, without having to fasten wire around the discharge column.

Referring now to figure ii of the accompanying drawings, a guide arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is configured to attach or releasably attach directly to a discharge column ii.

The arrangement incorporates a support member 46 which is formed from two elongate support members 46a and 46b. In other embodiments, the support member 46 is formed from just one elongate support member.

The elongate support members 46a, 46b are substantially identical to one another and are each attached to the discharge column ii on opposing sides of the discharge column 11. The elongate support members 46a,46b are configured to attach to the discharge column 11 longitudinally along the length of the discharge column 11, as shown in figure 11. For the purposes of simplicity, only the first elongate support member 46a will be described hereinafter.

The first elongate support member 46a comprises two arched portions which each define a handle 47a,48a which extend radially outwardly from the discharge column 11. The elongate support member 46a is of a resiliently deformable material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, rubber or hard silicone. Each handle 47a,48a incorporates a rigid insert (not shown), for instance of nylon, which increases the rigidity of the handle 47a,48a. The handles 47a,48a are dimensioned so that they can be held firmly by a user so that the user can use the arrangement to support and position the discharge column 11.

The support member 46 is attachable to the discharge column 11 by attachments 49. In this embodiment, the attachments 49 are of nylon, but it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments the attachments may be of a different material. The attachments 49 allow the arrangement to be retro-fitted to a discharge column 11 of a column skip.

The arrangement incorporates a support element or collar 50 which is mounted to the ends of the two elongate support members 46a,46b. The support collar 50 is dimensioned to fit snugly around the discharge column 11 to provide further support to the arrangement when the arrangement is attached to the discharge column 11. In this embodiment, the support collar extends around the discharge column 11, but in other embodiments the support element or collar 50 extends only partway around the discharge column 11.

A guide device 51 is mounted from the support member 46. The guide device 51 incorporates a retainer in the form of a first arcuate member or strap 52 past which the delivery column 11 extends. The guide device 51 also incorporates a second retainer in the form of a second arcuate member or strap 53. The arcuate members or straps 52,53 are preferably at least partly of a resiliently deformable material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer or rubber. The ends of each arcuate strap 52,53 are connected to flanges 54a,54b which are provided on the first and second elongate support members 46a,46b. The arcuate straps 52,53 are thus connected end to end to define a guide aperture 55 therebetween. In use, the discharge column 11 extends past the or each retainer 52,53.

The guide device 51 is dimensioned so that the diameter of the guide aperture 55 is approximately 30 cm. The diameter of the guide aperture 55 is, in any event, larger than the diameter of the discharge column 11.

In use, a user holds one or more of the handles 47a,48a and uses the guide arrangement to guide discharge from the discharge column 11. The handles 47a,48a enable the user to grip the arrangement securely to support and control the discharge column 11 with one hand, in a safe manner. After material has been discharged from the discharge column 11, the end of the discharge column 11 can be folded up and held in the folded condition by one of the retainer straps 52,53 of the guide device 51 to stop discharge flowing out from the end of the discharge column 11.

A guide arrangement in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is similar to the embodiment shown in figure 11, but the further embodiment has a modified guide device 51 which incorporates only one retainer strap 52,53.

A guide arrangement in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the invention is similar to the embodiment shown in figure 11, but the yet further embodiment incorporates elongate support members which attach to the discharge funnel of a column skip instead of or in addition to attaching directly to the discharge column.

A guide arrangement in accordance with a still further embodiment of the invention incorporates a support member in the form of an elongate tubular element which fits around a discharge column. One end of the tubular element defines a guide device. A portion of the guide device defines a retainer past which a discharge column extends when the tubular element is attached to part of a delivery apparatus. The tubular element may incorporate one or more handles to allow the tubular element to be supported and guided manually.

Whilst in the embodiments described above, the guide arrangement is configured to releasably attach to a column skip, in other embodiments of the invention a column skip is provided with the guide arrangement already attached.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. A guide arrangement for use with a delivery apparatus having a flexible elongate discharge column, the arrangement comprising: a support member attachable to part of the delivery apparatus, and a guide device mounted from the support member, the guide device incorporating a retainer past which the discharge column of the delivery apparatus extends when the support member is attached to the delivery apparatus, wherein in use a user holds the arrangement and uses the arrangement to guide discharge from the discharge column, the retainer being operable to hold a folded end of the flexible elongate discharge column.
2. A guide arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the support member is attachable to the discharge column of a delivery apparatus.
3. A guide arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the support member is an elongate member which is attachable to the discharge column longitudinally along the length of the discharge column.
4. A guide arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the support member incorporates at least one further elongate member which is attachable to the discharge column longitudinally along the length of the discharge column.
5. A guide arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement further comprises a support element which is mounted to the support member and which extends at least partly around the discharge column to support the support member relative to the discharge column.
6. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the support member incorporates at least one handle which protrudes outwardly from the discharge column when the support member is attached to the discharge column.
7. A guide arrangement according to claim 6 as dependent on claim 3, wherein the elongate member incorporates two handles.
8. A guide arrangement according to claim 6 as dependent on claim 4, wherein the further elongate member incorporates two handles.
9. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the or each handle is of a resiliently deformable material and the or each handle incorporates a substantially rigid insert to increase the rigidity of a portion of the handle.
10. A guide arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide device is at least partly resiliently deformable.
11. A guide arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer is a first arcuate member.
12. A guide arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the guide device incorporates a second arcuate member which is connected end to end to the first arcuate member to define a guide aperture therebetween.
13. A guide arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the support member is a first elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the first elongate support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the first elongate support member is mounted to the guide device.
14. A guide arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the arrangement further comprises a second elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the second elongate support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the second elongate support member is mounted to the guide device.
15. A guide arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the arrangement further comprises a third elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the third support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the third support member is mounted to the guide device.
16. A guide arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the arrangement further comprises a fourth elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the fourth support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the fourth support member is mounted to the guide device.
17. A guide arrangement according to any one claims 13 to 16, wherein the or each elongate support member is at least partly flexible.
18. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the guide device is moveable relative to the discharge column along the length of the discharge column.
19. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the guide device is a chain which is linked at each end to define a ring and wherein the retainer is a portion of the chain.
20. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the guide device is a rigid ring and wherein the retainer is a portion of the ring.
21. A guide arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the ring is an elliptic cylinder.
22. A guide arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide device is brightly coloured.
23. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the arrangement further comprises: a further guide device which is mounted from the or each elongate support member, the further guide device incorporating a guide member past which the flexible discharge column of the delivery apparatus extends when the or each elongate support member is attached to the delivery apparatus.
24. A guide arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the further guide device is moveable along the length of the discharge column.
25. A guide arrangement according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the further guide device is releasably attached to the or each elongate support member.
26. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the further guide device is a chain which is linked at each end to define a ring and the guide member is a portion of the chain.
27. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the further guide device is a rigid ring and the guide member is a portion of the ring.
28. A guide arrangement according to claim 27, wherein the ring incorporates a side wall having a cylindrical portion.
29. A guide arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the side wall incorporates an outwardly directed portion which diverges radially outwardly at one end of the side wall.
30. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the further guide device incorporates a plurality of mounting apertures, and wherein the or each elongate support member extends through one of the mounting apertures.
31. A guide arrangement according to claim 30, wherein each mounting aperture is generally slot-shaped.
32. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 31, wherein the or each elongate support member is a chain.
33. A guide arrangement according to claim 32 as dependent on claim 31, wherein the slot-shaped mounting apertures are dimensioned such that the links in the or each chain can be moved through the slot in a first orientation but not in a second orientation.
34. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 33, wherein the attachment at the end of the or each elongate support member is configured to attach releasably to part of a delivery apparatus.
35. A guide arrangement according to claim 34, wherein the or each attachment is a carabiner.
36. A guide arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the support member is an elongate tubular element through which a discharge column extends when the arrangement is attached to a delivery apparatus.
37. A guide arrangement according to claim 36, wherein the guide device is defined by one end of the tubular element.
38. A guide arrangement according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the tubular element is provided with at least one handle.
39. A guide arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery apparatus is a column skip.
40. A column skip incorporating a guide arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.
41. A discharge column incorporating a guide arrangement in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 39.
42. A guide arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figures 2 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.
43. A guide arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figures 6 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.
44. A guide arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.
45. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A guide arrangement for use with a delivery apparatus having a flexible elongate discharge column, the arrangement comprising: a support member attachable to part of the delivery apparatus, and a guide device mounted from the support member, the guide device incorporating a retainer past which the discharge column of the delivery apparatus extends when the support member is attached to the delivery apparatus, wherein in use a user holds the arrangement and uses the arrangement to guide discharge from the discharge column, the retainer being operable to hold a folded end of the flexible elongate discharge column.2. A guide arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the support member is attachable to the discharge column of a delivery apparatus.Cy) 3. A guide arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the support Q member is an elongate member which is attachable to the discharge column (Y) longitudinally along the length of the discharge column.4. A guide arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the support member incorporates at least one further elongate member which is attachable to the discharge column longitudinally along the length of the discharge column.5. A guide arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement further comprises a support element which is mounted to the support member and which extends at least partly around the discharge column to support the support member relative to the discharge column.6. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the support member incorporates at least one handle which protrudes outwardly from the discharge column when the support member is attached to the discharge column.7. A guide arrangement according to claim 6 as dependent on claim 3, wherein the elongate member incorporates two handles.8. A guide arrangement according to claim 6 as dependent on claim 4, wherein the further elongate member incorporates two handles.9. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the or each handle is of a resiliently deformable material and the or each handle incorporates a substantially rigid insert to increase the rigidity of a portion of the handle.10. A guide arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide device is at least partly resiliently deformable. C')Q 11. A guide arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, (Y) wherein the retainer is a first arcuate member.12. A guide arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the guide device incorporates a second arcuate member which is connected end to end to the first arcuate member to define a guide aperture therebetween.13. A guide arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the support member is a first elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the first elongate support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the first elongate support member is mounted to the guide device.14. A guide arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the arrangement further comprises a second elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the second elongate support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the second elongate support member is mounted to the guide device.15. A guide arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the arrangement further comprises a third elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the third support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the third support member is mounted to the guide device.16. A guide arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the arrangement further comprises a fourth elongate support member which incorporates an attachment at one end to attach the fourth support member to part of a delivery apparatus, and wherein the other end of the fourth support member is mounted to the guide device.17. A guide arrangement according to any one claims 13 to 16, wherein the or each elongate support member is at least partly flexible.(Y) 18. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein 0 the guide device is moveable relative to the discharge column along the length of the discharge column.19. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the guide device is a chain which is linked at each end to define a ring and wherein the retainer is a portion of the chain.20. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the guide device is a rigid ring and wherein the retainer is a portion of the ring.21. A guide arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the ring is an elliptic cylinder.22. A guide arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide device is brightly coloured.23. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the arrangement further comprises: a further guide device which is mounted from the or each elongate support member, the further guide device incorporating a guide member past which the flexible discharge column of the delivery apparatus extends when the or each elongate support member is attached to the delivery apparatus.24. A guide arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the further guide device is moveable along the length of the discharge column.25. A guide arrangement according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the further guide device is releasably attached to the or each elongate support member.26. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the further guide device is a chain which is linked at each end to define a ring Q and the guide member is a portion of the chain.27. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the further guide device is a rigid ring and the guide member is a portion of the ring.28. A guide arrangement according to claim 27, wherein the ring incorporates a side wall having a cylindrical portion.29. A guide arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the side wall incorporates an outwardly directed portion which diverges radially outwardly at one end of the side wall.30. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the further guide device incorporates a plurality of mounting apertures, and wherein the or each elongate support member extends through one of the mounting apertures.31. A guide arrangement according to claim 30, wherein each mounting aperture is generally slot-shaped.32. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 31, wherein the or each elongate support member is a chain.33. A guide arrangement according to claim 32 as dependent on claim 31, wherein, in use, the links in the or each chain can be moved through the slot in a first orientation but not in a second orientation.34. A guide arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 33, wherein the attachment at the end of the or each elongate support member is Q configured to attach releasably to part of a delivery apparatus. C)Q 35. A guide arrangement according to claim 34, wherein the or each attachment is a carabiner.36. A guide arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the support member is an elongate tubular element through which a discharge column extends when the arrangement is attached to a delivery apparatus.37. A guide arrangement according to claim 36, wherein the guide device is defined by one end of the tubular element.38. A guide arrangement according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the tubular element is provided with at least one handle.39. A guide arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery apparatus is a column skip.40. A column skip incorporating a guide arrangement in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.41. A discharge column incorporating a guide arrangement in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 39.42. A guide arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figures 2 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.43. A guide arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figures 6 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.44. A guide arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in figure 11 of the accompanying drawings. C)