In an apparatus for receiving a series of loops (L) descending along a vertical path from the delivery end of a conveyor (12) and for accumulating the thus received loops (L) into an annular coil, a device for horizontally distributing the descending loops (L). The device includes a ring (18) surrounding the vertical path. The ring (18) has a cylindrical vertical wall (18a) and a radially outwardly extending horizontal ledge (18b). A curved guide member (32) extends around a segment of the ring (18) and has leading and trailing ends (32a,32b). The guide member (32) protrudes inwardly from the ring (18) into the vertical path, with the extent of the inward protrusion being greater at the trailing end (32b) than at the leading end (32a). The guide member (32) is in mechanical interengagement with the horizontal ledge (18b) and in horizontal abutting engagement with the vertical wall (18a) to thereby accommodate vertical placement and removal of the guide member (32) onto and off of the ring (18) without attendant radial displacement of the guide member (32) with respect to the ring (18).