GB2605641A

GB2605641A - Improvements in or relating to rubble or rubbish chutes

Info

Publication number: GB2605641A
Application number: GB2105053.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Flett Kieron; Manning Wayne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-04-08
Filing date: 2021-04-08
Publication date: 2022-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2041-04-08
Also published as: GB202105053D0; GB2605641B

Abstract

An apparatus 1 for conveying material from an elevated location to a lower location, in particular rubble or rubbish for loading a skip. A plurality of chute segments 3 provided with means 4 for securing to a frame, first and second ends for coupling adjacent segments, a slide surface 6 for conveying material, where the slide surface is at least partially bound by a non-conveying return surface 11 12 that acts to maintain contact between material and the slide surface, preventing material from bouncing or escaping the chute. The return surface may extend partly over the slide surface, it may be at an acute angle. The segments may comprise a hopper, or a hexagonal cross section, the segments may be nestable. The apparatus may be affixed to a ladder (fig. 6).

Description

Improvements in or Relating to Rubble or Rubbish Chutes The present invention relates to an apparatus for safely and efficiently conveying material from a location of elevation to a lower destination under the force of gravity. In particular, the present invention relates to a rubble or rubbish chute, especially one capable of being affixed to a ladder. Further, the invention relates to use of an apparatus for safely and efficiently conveying material from a location of elevation to a lower destination under the force of gravity and, in particular, relates to use of a rubble or rubbish chute affixed to a ladder.

Conventional rubbish chutes are used at many building sites so as to convey material from a location of elevation to a destination near-enough right below where the chute starts. These chutes are typically provided by a number of hollow frusto-conical chute members having a first end which is slightly bigger than its opposed other end, such that a number of chute members can be arranged to form a chute in which the somewhat smaller end of a chute member above is located in the somewhat larger end of a chute member beneath.

These types of chute are very commonplace and typically convey the rubbish in a near vertical or vertical manner from the top of the chute to a skip or desired destination practical directly beneath. Owing to the nature of the near vertical or vertical fall of the rubbish, these rubbish chutes in no way safely control the passage of the rubbish -which typically falls from a great height and has great energy when it hits the bottom -making this falling rubbish very dangerous and hard to contain, which increases the likelihood or damage or injury to persons and/or property.

These conventional rubbish chutes are not intended, nor do they actually provide if properly connected, much if any lateral movement so as to enable the chute to deliver to a destination some lateral distance from the top of the chute. That said, one may notice various building sites where the chutes appear precariously fastened in an attempt to incorporate some additional lateral movement but, it is stressed, that cannot be safely achieved if the hollow frusto-conical members are properly connected. Further, despite the inherent lack of safety in this approach, it should be noted that such chutes are prone to excessive wear since, after a drop and the speeding up of the rubbish, any abrupt change in direction of the chute provides a restriction causing both initial damage and the material to ricochet, affecting that surface and surrounding surfaces of chute members, which causes undue wear not accounted for by the manufacturers, since this goes against the way the chutes are intended to be used.

These well-known rubbish chutes also suffer from at least the following disadvantages. It is typical that only the top-most chute member is directly secured to the building or scaffolding, as following members which descend downwards are usually only secured to the chute member above (and the one below), which makes it essential that adequate strength and support be provided at the very top of the workplace. So, it is not uncommon for the scaffolding to have to be extended outwards just to support the top of the chute and give the chute the intended near vertical fall, and the weight of the chute and potentially some of its contents is all required to be support from that single location. In addition, the following disadvantages are perceived: greater potential for blockages -leading to downtime and resulting additional costs! loss of profit; long lengths of material cannot be put down the chute as they cannot be /or are difficult to remove; the conical shape of the chute leaves it vulnerable and hazardous in high-winds and bad weather; transportation is difficult owing to its size and shape; the cost of scaffolding increases as it must be structured to allow the chute to be directed away from the load point; and/or the present prior art chute only lends itself to be used from scaffolding, and cannot be secured to any other structure.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved form of rubble! rubbish chute without the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for safely and efficiently conveying material from a location of elevation to a lower destination under the force of gravity, the apparatus comprises a plurality of chute segments, each comprising: means for securing the respective chute segment to a support frame; respective first and second ends, capable of coupling with a further chute segment; and a slide surface capable of conveying said material safely and efficiently, wherein the slide surface is at least partly bounded by a non-conveying safety return which, in use, maintains sliding contact between said material and the slide surface.

Preferably, the safety return ensures said material slides, rather than bounces or moves in an otherwise untoward fashion leading to material potentially escaping the apparatus.

Preferably, the safety return is configured to provide a surface which extends at least partly over at least a portion of the slide surface.

Preferably, the safety return is configured to provide a surface which at least partly overlies the slide surface.

Preferably, the safety return is configured to provide a surface configured at an acute angle to a plane of the slide surface.

Preferably, wherein the slide surface comprises one or more elongate planar surfaces.

Preferably, the safety return comprises one or more planar surfaces. Preferably, a first chute segment comprises a slide surface and one or more safety returns which enclose the slide surface and a second chute segment comprises a slide surface and one or more safety returns which surround the slide surface but not enclose it.

Preferably, the first chute segment is a hopper, such that the one or more safety returns are configured to: at least partially enclose the slide surface; substantially fully enclose the slide surface; or fully enclose the slide surface.

Most preferably, the hopper comprises a substantially hexagonal cross-section, such that the hopper has a shape of a hollowed hexagonal prism.

Preferably, the second chute segment comprises a slide surface, on which material may slide and a pair of oppositely disposed safety returns, for ensuring material is safely conveyed.

Preferably, the second chute segment is open-topped and, thereby the safety returns surround the slide surface but not enclose it.

Wherein the second chute comprises a cross-section equating to five sides of 30 the hexagonal cross-section of the hopper, such that the second chute is an open topped channel based upon a hexagonal prism Most preferably, the first and second ends of each chute segment are correspondingly shaped, so as to enable coupling of chute segments together.

Preferably, coupling of respective first and second ends of the chute segment with a further chute segment is provided by end to end joining and/or overlapping portions. Most preferably, coupling is provided using corresponding-shaped connectors, a loose fit, interference fit, and/or a releasable fastener Preferably, the one or more second chute segments comprises an amount of flexure but also resilience, which accommodates and also grips a further chute segment.

Preferably, the chute segments are configured to provide a relatively planar rearward-facing surface to at least part of the slide surface. Most preferably, the rearward-facing surface is configured to, in use, lie flat against said support frame making a stable and secure slide surface. Most preferably, the rearward-facing surface is configured to, in use, lie flat against the rungs and/or the uprights of a ladder.

For enhanced stability, the chute segments are preferably wider than deep.

Preferably, the means for securing is configured to be capable of slotting over a rung of a ladder or support frame. Most preferably, the means for securing is dimensioned and positioned on an intended upper-end of the hopper / chute segment so as to easily slot over a rung of a ladder or support frame. Further preferably, the means for securing comprises a hook portion formed by the means per se or by the means in combination with the chute segment.

Preferably, the first chute segment and one or more second chute segments are configured to be nestable, such that the first chute segment fits within the one or more second chute segments for storage and/or transport.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more second chute segments are configured to provide a series of chute segments that each increase in width and/or depth, enhancing the nesting character of the apparatus. Most preferably, the apparatus is configured to increase in width and depth from the hopper down to the last chute segment at the other end of said ladder.

Most preferably, any increase in chute width and/or depth is small and within a tolerance of maintaining a snug and tight fit with any interconnecting chute segment.

Preferably the chute segments are additionally secured to said support frame using a releasable fastener, preferably in the form of a chain and carabiner locking system. Most preferably, a simple but secure locking system is connected to the bracket of each chute segment / hopper, comprising a lanyard or chain -permanently fastened at one end to the bracket, with the other end having a carabiner or other releasable fastener for connecting with the bracket again or another tether point manufactured into or secured to the chute segment! hopper -for looping around the support frame / a rung of said ladder and securing back to the chute segment / hopper.

Preferably, each chute segment comprises one or more handles for ease of use.

The apparatus may be affixed to a support frame and, preferably, the support frame is scaffolding or parts thereof, or a ladder.

Most preferably, the apparatus is a ladder chute.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides use of an apparatus for safely and efficiently conveying material from a location of elevation to a lower destination under the force of gravity, the apparatus comprises a plurality of chute segments, each comprising: means for securing the respective chute segment to a support frame; respective first and second ends, capable of coupling with a further chute segment; and a slide surface capable of conveying said material safely and efficiently, the slide surface is at least partly bounded by a non-conveying safety return for maintaining sliding contact between said material and the slide surface, wherein the apparatus is affixed to the support frame and located where material requires conveying safely and efficiently from a location of elevation to a lower destination under the force of gravity.

Preferably, the apparatus is affixed to a ladder.

In an alternative, the apparatus may be fixed to a scaffolding support frame, but used in, essentially, the same manner as claimed and disclosed with respect to a ladder.

Preferably, the use comprising positioning the ladder so as to lie flat on the ground and securing a first chute segment to the ladder at an intended top or upper-region of the ladder and securing a second chute segment to the ladder towards an intended lower-end of the first chute segment, such that the lower-end of the first chute segment couples with an intended upper-end of the second chute segment.

Preferably, the lower-end of the first chute segment is received in or on the upper-end of the second chute segment to provide a region of overlap of the slide surfaces. Overlapping the slide surfaces provides an uninterrupted slide surface.

Preferably, the intended upper-end of the first chute segment is directly attached to a rung of the ladder using the means for securing, with its intended lower-end coupling with an intended upper-end of the second chute segment, and so on for further segments.

Preferably, the lowest chute segment is secured to the ground or destination of choice.

Preferably, the use comprising attaching an enclosed hopper chute segment to the intended top or upper-region of the ladder, and attaching one or more open-topped chute segments along the length of the ladder.

Most preferably, the use comprising hoisting an upper-end of the ladder and apparatus to locate it ready for use against a structure, building or surrounding scaffolding, and locating a lower-end of the ladder within a skip or in a position desired to receive said material.

Most preferably, further comprising conveying material such as tiles, rubbish or waste material to a desired location or skip.

Preferably, the use further comprising an apparatus as claimed in the first aspect.

Dropping a roof tile or other material down a vertically oriented passage is not, for the purposes of this invention, considered safely and efficiently conveying material from a location of elevation to a lower destination under the force of gravity.

Such materials do not slide when dropped and, owing to the expected height of a building, the energy gained through dropping does not lend itself to any form of control, nor is the material safely received at the bottom, where it inevitably bounces or smashes, imparting its energy to its surroundings, which can lead to injury or damage to persons / property.

Advantageously, according to the present invention, material is efficiently and safely conveyed. The likelihood of damage or injury to person or property is reduced, since the material arrives at the lower destination following sliding rather than dropping.

The hopper is a fully enclosed chute which enables safe loading from the load point and also dampens bounce and undesired movement of material to provide a safe sliding flow of material from hopper to chute segment and thereon to the destination. As the hopper is fully enclosed, this aids safe loading of materials.

Further, if any material might block the chute, it will inevitably block the hopper since this provides the greatest restriction but is, being the top-most part of the chute, the easiest to reach and remedy. Further, this removes the unenviable and dangerous task of having to try to clear a blockage from the bottom! Additionally, as the chute segments below the hopper are open-topped, they are easily rodded if the need should arise.

Advantageously, the safety return(s) ensure the material / rubbish slides down the chute in a controlled manner, rather than bouncing or moving in an otherwise untoward fashion which might otherwise lead to material escaping the chute.

Provision of a chute in which the material slides down imparts control but also enables a far-wider range of destinations of choice for the material, as the slide can be used to direct the material to a destination some lateral distance from the top of the chute.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a multi-purpose refuse dispersal system designed with safety and speed in mind as the chute can safely remove rubbish and debris from height in a safe and controlled manner using the force of gravity.

Further, a number of chute segments may be joined together to provide the required overall length and/or lateral distance to the desired destination. Advantageously, the ladder chute of the present invention can be fitted to any ladder quickly and easily via its locking system, and be attached to a structure or working platform of your choice in a matter of minutes. The ladder chute is easily moved or easily redirected from area to area or skip to skip when either becomes full, reducing lost time through awaiting a replacement skip.

Respective chute segments both fit together and, in a preferred embodiment, impart an interference fit on each other such that the chute acts like a single elongate chute, which reduces the risk of rubbish falling from the chute. This is also improved by provision of the safety returns.

Once work has been completed, all the chute segments and the hopper fit neatly inside one another saving space when transported or stored, and may be easily strapped securely to ladders or the roof rack of a vehicle.

The invention will now be disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an end-perspective view of a nested ladder chute; Figure 2 is a side-perspective view of the ladder chute of Figure 1; Figure 3a is a side and top perspective view and Figure 3b is a bottom and side perspective view of a hopper of the ladder chute of Figure 1; Figure 4a is a side and top perspective view and Figure 4b is a bottom and side perspective view of a chute segment (non-hopper) of the ladder chute of Figure 1; and Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the ladder chute of Figure 1 affixed to a ladder.

A ladder chute, hereinafter identified by reference 1, is shown in Figures 1 to 6 and includes a hopper 2, and a plurality of (non-hopper) chute segments 3, of which six are shown in Figures 1 and 2, although there could be any number of chute segments 3. The ladder chute 1 is initially shown in its nested form, in which it is typically stored or transported. Individual parts are easily separated by being slid one from another.

Each of the hopper 2 and chute segments 3 is provided with a bracket 4, for securing to a support frame, for instance a rung of a ladder or to scaffolding (not shown), and each is further provided with one or more carry handles 5, for ease of use. The hopper 2 and chute segments 3 are preferably manufactured from mainly polyurethane so as to be resistant to heat and abrasion from sliding, whilst being durable. Although polyurethane is mentioned, there are, of course, a number of other materials that could be used for the ladder chute 1. Theoretically, this could also include other plastics or some light-weight metals for enhanced durability. The carry handles 5 are preferably nylon, although this is not essential, and any hardware attached to the hopper 2 / chute 3 is made from aluminium or other material resistant to rust, including the bracket 4 and any fasteners connecting the bracket 4 and/or carry handles 5 to the main part of the hopper 2 / chute 3.

As can be noted from Figures, the hopper 2 and chute segments 3 are hollowed members designed to convey material safely and efficiently within from a top of a building or scaffolding to a skip or desired destination for the material. Hopper 2 and chute segment 3 include a slide surface 6 located internally which is provided by a central surface 6a, the back of which -surface 7 -is intended to rest upon a ladder in use, and upwardly inclined surfaces 6b and 6c, which are intended to convey material but also channel such material towards the central surface 6a.

Each of the hopper 2 and chute segments 3 have respective ends corresponding to an intended upper-end 8 and lower-end 9 -orientation of which is taken from the ladder chute 1 when in use. The bracket 4 is secured to surface 7, being the back of the slide surface 6, at an intended upper-end 8 of the hopper 2 / chute segments 3.

As will be noted from Figures 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b in particular, the hopper 2 differs from the chute segment 3 in that the hopper 2 provides a fully enclosed slide surface 6, having an upper surface 10 which is opposite the slide surface 6a, and the chute segments 3 are open-topped -i.e. they specifically do not have an upper surface opposite surface 6a.

Both the hopper 2 and chute segments 3 are provided with return surfaces 11 and 12 which overlie and cover pads of the slide surface 6, especially surfaces 6b and 6c, which are provided to ensure material slides down the ladder chute 1 rather than bounces or moves in an otherwise untoward fashion which might lead to material potentially escaping the ladder chute 1; however, it should; be noted that the central surface 10 of the hopper 2 also provides the same function. Those return surfaces 11 and 12 provide a surface configured at an acute angle to a plane of the slide surface 6a.

The hopper 2 has a hexagonal cross-section along its entire length and the dimensions of the product are the same at both ends, making the shape of the hopper a hollowed hexagonal prism. Each of the chute segments 3 is also of uniform cross-section along its length and, is manufactured to have the same dimensions at both ends; however, the cross-section equates to five sides of the hexagonal cross-section of the hopper -to accommodate for there being no upper surface akin to surface 10-such that the second chute is an open-topped channel based upon a hexagonal prism. Despite the difference, as the dimensions are the same and each based upon the same approximate hexagonal cross-section, there are no difficulties connecting a hopper 2 to a chute segment 3. Further owing to some flex in the polyurethane material and some resilience, manufacturing to the same dimensions does not prevent a lower-end 9 of the hopper 2 (or a chute segment 3) being located within an upper-end 8 of a (further) chute segment, as the material easily flexes a small amount to accommodate this. This is not seen as a disadvantage and, quite to the contrary, is actually seen as an advantage because the material is also resilient such that, having flexed around an end, the outer chute segment 3 firmly grips the inner hopper 2 (or chute segment 3) providing an improved coupling.

In addition, the chute segment 3 closest to the ground is preferably provided with one or more tether points to allow it to be securely anchored to the ground or destination of choice.

In a particular configuration, chute segments and the hopper are each around 6 foot (approx. 1.83m) in length, having a sliding surface of around 12 inches (approx. 30cm) wide. The hopper includes inclined sliding surfaces and returns of around 6 inches (approx. 15cm) each, and the chute segments all have returns of around 6 inches (approx. 15cm), with inclined sliding surfaces ranging from around 7 inches (approx. 18cm) to around 9% inches (approx. 24cm). Those skilled in the art will know that standard ladder rungs are generally around 12 inches apart, and the length of the hopper! chute segments are chosen to cover 6 ladder rungs plus some provision for overlap of the respective chute segments, which may be up to an additional 6 inches (approx. 15cm) at each end. This is considered an appropriate compromise based upon ease of use and the required number of chutes for any given length of ladder, and the ladder chute 1, having a hopper and six chute segments, is specifically aimed at a three-story ladder. Of course, the ladder chute 1 is designed such that less than six or more than six chute segments may be used with a single hopper, so as to suit any ladder of choice. Further, it is also conceived that more than one ladder chute 1 may be used in series.

In use, and as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the hopper 2 and a plurality of chute segments 3 may be located on a ladder 20. For the purposes of this example, only the hopper 2 and one chute segment 3 is shown in Figures 5 and 6, but those skilled in the art would understand that additional chute segments 3 may be required for a longer ladder.

The ladder 20 has a first end 21 at an intended top of the ladder 20 or upper-region when in use and a second end 22 at an intended base of the ladder 20, which is shown in Figures 5 and 6 as being wider than the first end 21, as is commonplace in ladder design these days.

The ladder 20 is placed upon the ground, such that the surface of use is uppermost. The hopper 2 is first secured to a top rung 23 of the ladder 20 using its bracket 4 by sliding the bracket 4 over rung 23, and surface 7 is located to lie along a part of the length of the ladder 20 so as to rest upon the ladder 20. Although bracket 4 may allow the hopper to easily slide on and off the rung 23, owing to orientation of the bracket 4, the hopper 2 will stay in place when the ladder 20 is lifted from its first end 21 (i.e. the top of the ladder 20). However, a chain and carabiner locking system may be used in addition.

The bracket 4 of chute segment 3 is located on an intermediate rung 24, which lies just below the lower end 9 of the hopper 2, in a similar manner to connecting the hopper 2, such that an amount of overlap 25 of the hopper 2 and chute segment 3 is formed at the lower-end of the hopper 2 and upper-end of the chute segment 3. This is achieved by the lower-end 9 of the hopper 2 being lifted slightly so as to enable sliding on and around it the upper-end 8 of chute segment 3. Alternatively, the upper-end 8 of chute segment 3, in particular its returns 11 and 12 may be flexed so as to allow the hopper 2 to sit within that upper-end 8 of the chute segment 3. As such, the slide surface may be considered continuous despite being provided by different overlapping segments of the ladder chute 1. Although preferred, but optional, the hopper 2 and/or chute segment 3 may be additionally secured around a rung of the ladder 20 using a releasable fastener (not shown) for added security.

Of course, those skilled in the art would understand that further chute segments 3 could be added in the same way if warranted.

Once so assembled, and as can be seen from Figure 6, an upper-end 21 of the ladder 20 is hoisted into position to rest against a building 26 or scaffolding (not shown), such that the top (21) rests against the building 26 or scaffolding, and the base (22) is located either in a skip (not shown) or at a designated destination for waste material. In addition, the chute segment closest to the ground is preferably tethered to be securely anchored to the ground or destination of choice.

Owing to health and safety, it is important that the ladder chute 1 is applied to the ladder 20 whilst the ladder is on the ground; however, theoretically, one could apply the hopper 2 and chute segments 3 to the ladder whilst in situ, but this is mentioned just for reference and not recommended.

The ladder chute 1 of the present invention is particularly intended for use by roofers, such that the material to be removed is a combination of old tiles and other roofing materials which have been stripped from a roof of a building for maintenance.

The apparatus has been designed with the building trade in mind but lends itself to many other applications when removing rubbish or material from height.

Claims

Claims: 1.) An apparatus for safely and efficiently conveying material from a location of elevation to a lower destination under the force of gravity, the apparatus comprises a plurality of chute segments, each comprising: means for securing the respective chute segment to a support frame; respective first and second ends, capable of coupling with a further chute segment; and a slide surface capable of conveying said material safely and efficiently, wherein the slide surface is at least partly bounded by a non-conveying safety return which, in use, maintains sliding contact between said material and the slide surface.
2.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety return is configured to provide a surface which extends at least partly over at least a portion of the slide 15 surface.
3.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the safety return is configured to provide a surface which at least partly overlies the slide surface.
4.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the safety return is configured to provide a surface configured at an acute angle to a plane of the slide surface.
5.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a first chute segment comprises a slide surface and one or more safety returns which enclose the slide surface and a second chute segment comprises a slide surface and one or more safety returns which surround the slide surface but not enclose it.
6.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first chute segment is a hopper, such that the one or more safety returns are configured to: at least partially enclose the slide surface; substantially fully enclose the slide surface; or fully enclose the slide surface.
7.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the hopper comprises a substantially hexagonal cross-section, such that the hopper has a shape of a hollowed hexagonal prism.
8.) An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the second chute segment is open-topped and, thereby the safety returns surround the slide surface but not enclose it.
9.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second chute segment comprises a slide surface, on which material may slide and a pair of oppositely disposed safety returns, for ensuring material is safely conveyed.
10.) An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second chute segment comprises a cross-section equating to five sides of the hexagonal cross-15 section of the hopper, such that the second chute is an open topped channel based upon a hexagonal prism.
11.) An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the first and second ends of each chute segment are correspondingly shaped, so as to enable coupling of chute segments together.
12.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more second chute segments comprises an amount of flexure but also resilience, which accommodates and also grips a further chute segment.
13.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the chute segments are configured to provide a relatively planar rearward-facing surface to at least part of the slide surface.
14.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for securing is configured to be capable of slotting over a rung of a ladder or support frame.
15.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first chute segment and one or more second chute segments are configured to be nestable, such that the first chute segment fits within the one or more second chute segments for storage and/or transport.
16.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is affixed to a support frame.
17.) An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is a ladder chute 18.) Use of an apparatus for safely and efficiently conveying material from a location of elevation to a lower destination under the force of gravity, the apparatus comprises a plurality of chute segments, each comprising: means for securing the respective chute segment to a support frame; respective first and second ends, capable of coupling with a further chute segment; and a slide surface capable of conveying said material safely and efficiently, the slide surface is at least partly bounded by a non-conveying safety return for maintaining sliding contact between said material and the slide surface, wherein the apparatus is affixed to the support frame such that material may be conveyed safely and efficiently from a location of elevation to a lower destination under the force of gravity.19.) Use of an apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the apparatus is affixed to a ladder.20.) Use of an apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, the use comprising positioning the ladder so as to lie flat on the ground and securing a first chute segment to the ladder at an intended top or upper-region of the ladder and securing a second chute segment to the ladder towards an intended lower-end of the first chute segment, such that the lower-end of the first chute segment couples with an intended upper-end of the second chute segment.21.) Use of an apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the lower-end of the first chute segment is received in or on the upper-end of the second chute segment to provide a region of overlap of the slide surfaces.22.) Use of an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the intended upper-end of the first chute segment is directly attached to a rung of the ladder using the means for securing, with its intended lower-end coupling with an intended upper-end of the second segment, and so on for further segments.23.) Use of an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, the use comprising attaching an enclosed hopper chute segment to the intended top or upper-region of the ladder, and attaching one or more open-topped chute segments along the length of the ladder.24.) Use of an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23, the use comprising hoisting an upper-end of the ladder and apparatus to locate it ready for use against a structure, building or surrounding scaffolding, and locating a lower-end of the ladder within a skip or in a position desired to receive said material.25.) Use of an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 24 further comprising sliding material down the slide surfaces of the chute segments.