WO1999059900A1

WO1999059900A1 - Improved chute

Info

Publication number: WO1999059900A1
Application number: PCT/GB1998/001291
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Dennis Mccarthy
Original assignee: Ian Dennis Mccarthy
Priority date: 1997-05-14
Filing date: 1998-05-15
Publication date: 1999-11-25
Also published as: GB2326407B; GB2326407A; GB9709680D0

Abstract

A chute comprising at least one chute section (1), wherein the or each section is provided with a plurality of connectors, the chute further comprising at least two spaced apart support members (26) adapted to support one or more of the chute sections (1), wherein the said support members (26) extend in the longitudinal direction of the or each chute section (1) supported thereby, and wherein each connector consists of a clip (2) so dimensioned as to enable it to fit securely onto one of the support members (26).

Description

Improved Chute Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an improved chute used for delivering fluids, and in particular viscous fluids such as concrete, from a supply point to a desired place of use. Background to the Invention

In construction work it is often necessary to lay concrete at a point remote from a vehicular access. Trucks equipped to deliver concrete are provided with a chute for delivering concrete, but these chutes do not extend far. If a truck's chute does not extend far enough, it is necessary for the concrete to be transferred into wheel-barrows or dumper trucks in order to be moved to the place where it is to be laid. This clearly adds to labour and machinery costs. Where wheel-barrows are used injuries can be caused to workmen since the contents of the barrow are both heavy and unstable.

Once mixed, concrete starts to set. The time available for the laying of concrete is therefore critical. By agitating mixed concrete the time taken to set can be increased, but only marginally. Hence it is imperative that concrete is laid as soon as it is delivered. This means that adequate man power must be available on site to deal with the concrete. Often it is necessary to employ extra labour to move concrete from the place of delivery to the required place of use. This obviously results in additional cost and provides a logistical problem, since finding labour at short notice for short periods can be very difficult. Even when a truck can deliver to the site of use, the concrete is often dumped in large heaps which then need to be spread out, again requiring labour.

Known devices for delivering concrete to a site remote from the point of supply have relied upon conveyors or pumps.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a simplified means to enable fluid, such as concrete, to be delivered to a site remote from the point of supply. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to be able to spread concrete at the site where it is to be laid.

Often building sites do not permit chutes to be laid out in a straight line from a vehicular access to the desired point where concrete is to be laid. It would therefore be desirable to provide means to permit the chute to change direction. Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a chute comprising at least one chute section, wherein the or each chute section is provided with a plurality of connectors, the chute further comprising at least two spaced apart elongate support members adapted to support one or more of the chute sections, wherein the said support members extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the or each chute section supported thereby, and wherein each connector is adapted to securely attach one of the chute sections to one of the support members, each connector consisting of a clip so dimensioned as to enable it to be attached securely on to one of the support members.

Preferably, the clip is a snap-on or bolt on clip, thereby providing for the releasable attachment of the or each chute section to the support members.

Advantageously, each section is curved in cross-section, and each section may be essentially semi-circular in cross-section. Each section may be of plastics material, and may be provided with a metal reinforcement, such as a sheet metal sheathing. The sheet metal sheathing may be moulded to the inner or outer surface of the section. Preferably, each section is attachable to one or more adjacent sections by attachment means. The attachment means may comprise male and female fastening means. One end of each chute section may be provided with male or female connectors. Advantageously, one end of each chute section is provided with a male connector and the opposite end of the said chute section is provided with a female connector. The male connectors each consist of a pin. The female connectors each consist of a hole.

Preferably either or both ends of each chute section may be provided with a lip. Preferably the lip at the end of each chute section may interlock with the lip at the end of an adjacent chute section. Advantageously, the chute comprises a plurality of chute sections, and the inner surface of the chute is substantially smooth.

Connectors may be provided on each chute section in pairs, one connector of each pair being located to either side of the longitudinal centre-line of the chute section. A web may extend between the connectors of a pair. A web may extend from a side of the chute section to a connector.

In one embodiment of the invention, each support member is substantially rigid and in the form of an elongate rod, bar, or tube, which may be formed from metal such as steel. Preferably, each support member is sufficiently long to support a chute comprising a plurality of sections attached one to another. Each support member may be in the form of a scaffolding pole. The support members contribute to the strength and rigidity of the chute of the invention, thereby allowing the chute to carry heavy loads of concrete from one location on a site to another. There must be sufficient fall in height from the supply point to the delivery point for concrete to flow freely down the chute. The required angle of decline of the chute depends upon the viscosity of the concrete to be laid. A 70 slump concrete requires an angle of decline of approximately 12.5 degrees, whilst a 50 slump concrete requires an angle of decline of approximately 21 degrees. The required angle of inclination may be provided by a natural gradient or by leaning the respective ends of the chute supports on objects of convenient size. Alternatively, a tripod may be provided. The chute must be sufficiently strong to bear the weight of concrete in the chute at these low angles of inclination. One embodiment of the invention provides the combination of at least one chute, a tripod adapted to elevate one end one of the chutes, and/or a junction box having at least one inlet and at least one outlet each having attachment means to which can be attached one of the said at least one chutes. The tripod may comprise a plurality of connectors, wherein each connector is adapted to connect to a support member of one of the chutes.

Preferably, each connector is mounted so as to be pivotable relative to the base of the tripod. Each connector may be mounted on a cross- member, the said cross-member being pivotable relative to the base of the tripod.

The height of the tripod may be adjustable. The length of one or more of the tripod's legs may be adjustable.

Advantageously, the or each outlet is lower than the or each inlet of the junction box.

Preferably, at least one attachment means is adapted to receive the support members of a chute. One or more of the attachment means may comprise a connector, which may be in the form of a clip, the said clip suitably being a snap-on or bolt on clip.

The attachment means may comprise a plurality of connectors each connector consisting of a clip so dimensioned as to enable it to fit securely on to one of the support members of one of the chutes of the combination.

The junction box may comprise a chamber having a rim to which one of the said attachment means may be connected. Advantageously, one of the said attachment means may be removably securable to the rim at a plurality of points thereon. The rim and attachment means may be provided with apertures through which pins can be passed to secure the attachment means to the chamber.

The junction box may be provided with attachment means comprising a lip provided with at least one male and/or female fastening means, and may further comprise apertures adjacent the lip so dimensioned and located as to receive the support members of one of the chutes.

The junction box may be provided with a base, and the base may be adapted to receive ballast.

The invention provides a simple device which enables a fluid, and in particular concrete, to be delivered from a remote supply to the point where it is to be laid. By the use of junction boxes, the device enables tortuous paths be negotiated. The provision of tripods enables the chute to be set at an angle of decline appropriate for the viscosity of the fluid passing down the chute. The ability of the tripod to pivot also enables the fluid to be spread in a desired area. The chute of the invention saves labour and reduces logistical problems when dealing with fluids such as concrete which have a limited life span in fluid form. Furthermore, the risk of injury, particularly back injury, is much reduced when concrete is moved via a chute of the invention rather than a wheelbarrow. The chute of the invention can use components that are readily available on a building site, i.e. scaffolding poles, thereby requiring only relatively light-weight chute sections to be transported, and tripods and junction boxes where used. Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the invention:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a chute section;

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the upper end of a chute section;

Figure 3 is an end elevation of the lower end of a chute section; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of two chute sections;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of a tripod;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the tripod shown in Figure 5 in assembled form;

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a junction chamber; and Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the junction chamber shown in Figure 7 from a different angle. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

In Figure 1 there is shown a chute comprising one chute section 1, the chute section having at its upper end a lip 6 and at its lower end a lip 7. Upper lip 6 is provided with a number of female connectors in the form of bores 4. Lower lip 7 is provided with a number of male connectors in the form of pins 5. It can be seen from Figure 2 that lip 6 is of reduced thickness to that of the rest of chute section 1. Likewise, it can be seen from Figure 3 that lip 7 is also of reduced thickness. This is so that when lower lip 7 is connected to upper lip 6 of an adjacent section 1 in a chute comprising a plurality of chute sections 1, the resulting inner surface is essentially smooth, ensuring that the flow of concrete down the chute is not interrupted at the points where one chute section 1 is joined to adjacent chute sections 1. The thickness of lip 6 and/or lip 7 may vary in the longitudinal direction of the section 1. Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, chute section 1 comprises three pairs of clips 2, each clip 2 of a pair being arranged on the underside of the chute section 1 and to either side of the longitudinal centre line thereof. Clips 2 are attached to the chute section 1 by means of webs 3 and 8. Webs 3 and 8 extend around the circumference of the section 1, and serve to add strength and rigidity to the assembled chute. Each clip 2 may be provided with a resilient insert 23, which in the embodiment shown is formed from rubber.

Figure 3 shows two types of clip. The fit of scaffolding poles 26 into clips 2 shown mounted to the base of chute section 1 is a snap-fit. An alternative type of clip is clip 22. Clip 22 comprises two halves pivotally connected at 24. A nut and bolt fastener 25 is provided to fasten the two halves of the clip 22 together. The nut and bolt fastener 25 is unfastened so that the halves of the clip 22 fall away from each other. A scaffolding pole 26 is then inserted between the clip halves and the clip closed. Nut and bolt fastener 25 is then fastened thereby securing the scaffolding pole in the clip 22.

Each clip 2, 22 is provided on its inside with a resilient layer 23, which may be a rubber type product.

Scaffolding poles 26 fit into clips 2. The clips 2 shown in Figures 1 to 3 snap on to scaffolding poles 26. A further scaffolding pole 27 is shown in Figure 1, it being attached to the scaffolding poles 26 by means of brackets 28. Scaffolding pole 27 acts as a handle to enable the chute to be moved easily. Scaffolding poles are the substantially rigid tubular poles made from metal, generally steel, used in creating temporary structures.

Figure 1 also shows a tripod 15 which will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Two of the tripod's legs are adjustable in length. Those two legs comprise an upper tubular member 29, and a lower ground engaging member 16 which is slidably mounted in upper tubular member 29. The upper tubular member 29 is provided with two spaced apart threaded bores. The threads of bolts 18 engage with the threads of the bores, and the ends of bolts 18 engage with the outer surface of ground engaging member 16 when tightened. By tightening or releasing the bolts 18, the degree to which ground engagable member 16 protrudes from the base of tubular member 29. Providing two legs adjustable in length on the tripod enables cross-member 30 to be maintained horizontal on uneven ground. The legs of tripod 15 are joined together at the top by a collar 33 and at the base by bars 31. A cup 17 is provided in the centre of the triangle formed by bars 31, the cup being supported by supports 32.

A chute support shown generally at 34 comprises a rod 13 having four apertures 14 therein, and a T piece having a stem 10 and a cross- member 30. Stem 10 is also provided with four apertures 11. Stem 10 is hollow and of such an internal diameter that bar 13 can locate therein. By adjusting the stem relative to the bar 13, and placing pin 12 through one of apertures 11 and 14, the height of cross member 30 can be adjusted.

Bar 13 is passed through collar 33 until its lower end rests in cup 17. The assembled chute support 34 can rotate in collar 34 and cup 17.

Cross-member 30 has mounted thereon a pair of clips 35 in which can be located scaffolding poles 26 (see Figure 1). Clips 35 are mounted on collars 9 which are suitably fixed on to cross member 30.

A hook 19 is attached to one side of stem 10. Figure 5 also shows an anchor bracket 20 having at one end a hanger 36 adapted to fit over hook 19 and at the other end projecting portions 37. Referring to Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, when the chute is supported at one end by a tripod, the anchor bracket 20 is attached to the hook 19, projecting portions 37 engage with bores 21 in web 8. Scaffolding poles 26 sit in clips 35. In use, a number of chute sections 1 may be attached one to another in the manner indicated in Figure 4. Figure 1 shows how a supported chute section 1 is fitted to a tripod 15. A workman can lift the chute 1 using handle 27 pivoting the chute 1 until it is pointing in the desired direction. This enables concrete to be spread rather than piled, and hence the amount of labour required to actually lay the concrete is significantly reduced. In Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a junction box 40. This enables the chute to pass around obstacles, changing direction as required.

Junction box 40 comprises a chamber 47 having a plurality of holes 41 around its upper rim. At the base of the chamber 47 there is an outlet 52, the outlet being provided with a lip 48 to allow attachment of a chute section 1 thereto. A number of pins 49 extend from lip 48 and these pins are arranged to fit into the bores 4 of a chute section 1. Apertures 50 are so dimensioned and located as to receive the ends of scaffolding poles 26. The fitting of the poles 26 into the apertures 50 and the clips 35 is facilitated by the poles 26 extending beyond the ends of the chute section 1. This also allows one end of the chute to rest on the ground without the endmost chute section becoming damaged.

It will be seen that a bracket 42 is provided which can be attached to the rim of chamber 47 at any point on the circumference thereof. Attachment of the bracket 42 to the rim of chamber 47 is achieved by placing the bracket 42 on the said rim, and subsequently aligning holes 44 and 41 and passing a pin 46 therethrough. Clearly, in order to secure the bracket 42 to the rim, at least two pins 46 should be passed through aligned holes 41, 44 at spaced locations on the circumference of the rim. Bracket 42 is provided with a pair of spaced apart clips 45 which are adapted to receive scaffolding poles 26.

The base of the junction box 40 is provided with three holes 51, one to each side of the base and one to the rear thereof. These are provided to enable ballast to be added thereby increasing the stability of the junction box 40. Ballast may take the form of a concrete block or bricks.

Claims

1) A chute comprising at least one chute section, wherein the or each chute section is provided with a plurality of connectors, the chute further comprising at least two spaced apart substantially rigid elongate support members adapted to support one or more of the chute sections, wherein the said support members extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the or each chute section supported thereby, and wherein each connector is adapted to securely attach one of the chute sections to one of the support members, each connector consisting of a clip so dimensioned as to enable it to be attached securely on to one of the support members.

2) A chute according to Claim 1, wherein the or each chute section is curved in cross-section.

3) A chute according to Claim 2, wherein the or each chute section is substantially semi-circular in cross-section.

4) A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each chute section is of a plastics material.

5) A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each chute section is provided with a metal reinforcement. 6) A chute according to Claim 5 when dependent upon Claim 4, wherein the metal reinforcement comprises a sheet metal sheathing moulded to the inner or outer surface of the or each chute section.

7) A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the chute sections is attachable to one or more adjacent chute sections by attachment means.

8) A chute according to Claim 7, wherein the attachment means comprise a male and female fastening means.

9) A chute according to Claim 8, wherein one end of at least one of the chute sections is provided with male or female connector.

10) A chute according to Claim 9, wherein one end of each chute section is provided with a male connector and the opposite end thereof is provided with a female connector.

11) A chute according to any of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the male connector is a pin, and the female connector is a bore.

12) A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein either or both ends of the or each chute section is provided with a lip.

13) A chute according to Claim 12, wherein the lip on an end of one of the chute sections may interlock with the lip on an end of an adjacent chute section.

14) A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein the chute comprises a plurality of chute sections, and wherein the inner surface of the chute is substantially smooth.

15) A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein a number of spaced apart clips are provided on the or each chute section.

16) A chute according to Claim 15, wherein the clips are provided on each chute section in pairs, one clip of each pair being located to either side of the longitudinal centre-line of the chute section.

17) A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein the clips are snap-on or bolt on clips.

18) A chute according to any preceding claim, wherein the support members are in the form of rods, tubes or bars.

19) A chute according to Claim 18, wherein each support member is sufficiently long to support a chute comprising a plurality of chute sections attached one to another.

20) The combination of at least one chute according to any preceding claim, a tripod adapted to attach to and elevate one end of one of the said chutes, and/or a junction box having at least one inlet and at least one outlet each having attachment means to which can be attached one of the chutes of the combination.

21) The combination according to Claim 20, wherein the said tripod comprises a plurality of connectors, wherein each connector consists of a clip so dimensioned as to enable it to fit securely on to one of the support members.

22) The combination according to Claim 21, wherein each connector is mounted so as to be pivotable relative to the base of the tripod. 23) The combination according to Claim 21 or 22, wherein the tripod comprises a cross-member and each connector is mounted on the cross-member, the said cross-member being pivotable relative to the base of the tripod.

24) The combination according any of Claims 20 to 23, wherein the height of the tripod is adjustable.

25) The combination according to any of Claims 20 to 24, wherein the length of one or more of the tripod's legs is adjustable.

26) The combination according to any of Claims 20 to 25, wherein the or each outlet is lower than the or each inlet of the said junction box. 27) The combination according to any of Claims 20 to 26, wherein the junction box comprises a chamber having a rim. 28) The combination according to Claim 27, wherein the said attachment means for the inlet is removably securable to the rim at a plurality of points thereon.

29) The combination according to Claim 28, wherein the rim and attachment means are provided with apertures through which pins can be passed to secure the attachment means to the chamber.

30) The combination according to any Claims 28 or 29, wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of connectors each connector consisting of a clip so dimensioned as to enable it to fit securely on to one of the support members of one of the chutes of the combination.

31) The combination according to Claim 30, wherein the said clips is a snap-on or bolt on clips.

32) The combination according to any of Claims 20 to 31, wherein the attachment means for the outlet of the junction box comprises a lip provided with at least one male and/or female fastening means.

33) The combination according to Claim 32, wherein the said attachment means for the outlet of the junction box further comprises apertures adjacent the lip, the said apertures being so dimensioned and located as to receive the support members of one of the chutes of the combination.

34) The combination according to any of Claims 20 to 33, wherein the junction box is provided with a base adapted to receive ballast.

35) A chute substantially as described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 1 to 4.