GB2351659A - Cover apparatus for a garden pond - Google Patents

Abstract

Cover apparatus (10) comprises a cover (12) which can be arranged over a water holding member, for example a pond and connecting means (16,54,104 and 140) for connecting the cover to an edge region of the water holding member.

Description

2351659 CONTR APPARATUS This invention relates to cover apparatus. More

particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to cover apparatus for garden ponds.

Garden ponds are well known, but suffer the disadvantage that children's and/or pet's safety is put in jeopardy should they accidentally fall into the pond.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a cover apparatus comprising a cover which can be arranged over a water holding member, and connecting means for connecting the cover to an edge region of the water holding member.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is particularly suitable for use with a pond, other embodiments can be used with other water holding members, for example water butts.

Preferably, the cover comprises a grill or mesh.

In one embodiment, the connecting means preferably comprises an elongate member fastenable to the cover, and securing means to secure the elongate member to the edge region.

The elongate member may comprise a tube or pipe having gripping means, preferably in the form of a lengthwise recess therein. Preferably the gripping means can be moved from an open condition in which the cover can be received by the gripping means and a closed condition, in which the elongate member can grip the cover.

The gripping means may be provided with engaging members adapted to engage the cover. The engaging members may be in the form of teeth.

2 Alternatively, the elongate member may comprise any other suitable means for holding the cover.

The securing means may be permanently fixable to the edge of the water holding member, and may be in the form of at least one plate adapted to extend around the water holding member. Preferably, the securing means is in the form of a plurality of plates which can be fixedly secured to the edge of the water holding member. Preferably, securing means is fixedly so secured by being cemented in place.

The, or each, plate may be provided with fastening means to fasten the elongate member to the plate. The fastening means maybe in the form of a clip adapted to receive the elongate member. The clip may comprise a curved portion to receive the elongate member, and a closable element adapted to hold the pipe in place in the curved portion. The closable element is preferably in the form of a tongue.

Preferably, a plurality of plates are provided to extend side by side around the edge of the water holding member, wherein a fastening means is provided on each plate, and each fastening means holds the elongate member.

The apparatus may further include at least one leg adapted to extend upwardly from the bottom of the water holding member. The apparatus may further include at least one arm adapted to extend across the water holding member.

The, or each, plate may define apertures adapted to receive therefrom nails or pegs to attach the plate to the ground around the edge of the water holding member.

In another embodiment, the connecting means comprises a plurality of anchor members locatable on the cover at spaced locations around it. Each anchor member may comprise a first portion locatable on the cover and a 3 second portion securable to the edge region of the water holding member. Each anchor member may further include an intermediate portion extending between the first and second portions.

The first portion and the intermediate portion may define between them a recess to receive a part of the cover. The first portion may extend upwardly from the intermediate portion.

The intermediate portion may extend upwardly from the first portion, and may be curved outwardly from the first portion. The second portion may extend downwardly from the intermediate portion and is preferably angled inwardly towards the first portion. The second portion is preferably engageable with the region surrounding the water holding member and may be formed to be driven into the ground and secured to the ground by suitable securing means, for example concrete.

The connecting means may be formed from a suitably rigid material, for example a plastics material or a steel, preferably a galvanised steel. A plurality of cap members may be provided to be fitted onto the ends of the wires or rods forming the grill or mesh. Each cap member may comprise an outwardly curved surface to engage the side of the water holding member.

The cover apparatus may further include a support member engageable with a surface defining the water holding member to support the cover. The support member is conveniently engageable with the surface beneath the cover. Preferably, the support member comprises an elongate support strut, which may be extendible to a desired length. Preferably, the support strut comprises a first elongate element, which may be telescopically or threadably received within a second elongate element.

The upper end of the support member may comprise a receiving member to receive a portion of the cover. The receiving member may comprise a pair of upwardly extending prongs which may be curved outwardly.

4 The lower end of the support member may comprise a foot member which may extend outwardly, preferably radially outwardly from the support member. The foot member may have a convexly curved lower face to engage the base of the water holding member. A plurality of support members may be provided.

In a further embodiment, the cover apparatus may include at least one carrier member to carry the cover. Preferably, the apparatus includes a plurality of carrier members. The, or each, carrier member may be elongate and the cover member may be secured to each carrier member.

The carrier members may be arranged substantially parallel to each other and each carrier member may have a principal axis extending generally parallel to the plane of the cover, in use.

The cover may be secured to the, or each, carrier member by a mechanical securing means or by other securing means, for example by bonding, conveniently by an adhesive, or by welding, for example by heat sealing or by ultrasonic welding.

The, or each, carrier member may be provided with a formation to cooperate with the connecting means to attach the, or each, carrier member to the connecting means. The formation may be adapted to receive a part of the connecting member, and the formation may comprise an aperture in the carrier member to receive the part of the connecting member. Preferably, the, or each carrier member is hollow, whereby the carrier member is in the form of a tube, and the formation may comprise the base extending through the tube. Conveniently, the tube has a substantially triangular cross-section, but may be square of other suitable shapes. The aperture extending into or through the, or each, carrier member may be of substantially triangular cross-section or may be square or other suitable cross-section.

The connecting means may comprise a first part to engage the edge region of the water holding member and a second part to engage the, or one, carrier member.

The first part may be in the form of a flexible member, which may define a plurality of apertures for receiving therethrough locating means, for example a spike, peg or nail. The flexible member may, in use, conform to the shape of the region surrounding the water holding member. The flexible member may be in the form of a substantially flat strip.

The second part may comprise an elongate rigid member, which may be configured to be received in the aperture of the, or one, carrier member. Preferably, the second part is of a triangular cross-section to fit within the aperture in the, or one, carrier member.

The apparatus preferably further includes rigidifying means which preferably extends from the carrier member or, where the apparatus includes a plurality of carrier members, the rigidifying means may extend between adjacent carrier members.

Preferably, the, or each, carrier member defines opposed holes and the rigidifying means may extend through the, or each, carrier member via the holes.

The rigidifying means preferably comprises at least one elongate member, and preferably two or three elongate members. The, or each, elongate member may be in the form of a rod. Where the rigidifying means includes two elongate members, each of the two elongate members may extend through the, or each carrier member adjacent the opposite end regions of each carrier member. Where the rigidifying means also includes a third elongate member, the third elongate member may extend through a central region of the, or each carrier member.

In another embodiment, the cover apparatus may include at least one 6 carrier member to carry the cover. Preferably, the apparatus includes a plurality of carrier members. The, or each, carrier member may be elongate and the cover member may be secured to each carrier member.

The carrier members may be arranged substantially parallel to each other and each carrier member may have a principal axis extending generally parallel to the plane of the cover, in use.

The cover may be attached to the, or each, carrier member by a mechanical securing means, which may be in the form of cooperating formations on the cover and on the, or each, carrier member. The cooperating formations may comprise a channel in one of the carrier member and the cover and a projecting portion in the other of the carrier member and the cover. Preferably, the channel is formed in the carrier member, and the projection is formed on the cover.

The cover may comprise a plurality of cover members, each cover member being provided at its opposite edges with the respective cooperating formations. Preferably, an elongate projection is provided along each of two opposite edges of the cover member. Each carrier member may be provided with a pair of cooperating formations to cooperate with adjacent cover members. Each of the cooperating formations on the, or each, carrier member may be in the form of an elongate channel, and each of the cooperating formations on the, or each, cover member may be in the form of an elongate projection which can be received in the channels.

Each channel may be generally T-shaped and may comprise a first portion extending inwardly from the edge of the carrier member and a second portion, wider than the first portion extending inwardly from the first portion. Preferably, each channel extends the length of the carrier member.

The projection may be generally T-shaped and may comprise an outwardly extending first portion attached to the cover member, and a second 7 portion extending from the first portion, the second portion being wider than the first portion. The cover member may include a guide member at opposite edge regions thereof, adjacent the cooperating formation to guide the projection into the channel member. The guide member may comprise a pair of outwardly extending elements on either side of the cover member. The outwardly extending elements may correspond to the shape of the carrier member.

The connecting means may comprise a first member adapted to engage the region surrounding the water holding member, which may be apertured to allow through securing members, for example in the form of spikes to be inserted into the region surrounding the water holding member. The first member may be a substantially L-shaped, and may comprise a pair of parts arranged transverse to each other. The first part is preferably provided with means to allow the connection means to be secured to the region surrounding the water holding member. The second part may extend downwardly from the first part and a receiving element may extend outwardly from the second part to receive therein an end region of one of the carrier members. The receiving element may define opposed slots each being adapted to receive therethrough an edge of adjacent cover members.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. I is a schematic view of one embodiment of a cover apparatus; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of an end region of a tube or pipe adapted to grip a cover for use with the embodiment shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a view of securing means for use with the embodiment shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a view of fastening means of the securing means for use with the embodiment shown in Fig. 1; 8 Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a cover apparatus; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of connecting means forming part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a side view of a support member forming part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a side view of a cap member mountable on an edge of the cover member shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a cover apparatus; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a carrier member forming part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a side view of connecting means forming part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9; Fig. 1 1A is a view along the lines X1-Xl in Fig. 11; Fig. 12 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 9; Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the cover apparatus; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a carrier member forming part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is an end view of the carrier member shown In Fig. 14; 9 Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a cover member for use with the invention shown in Fig. 13; Fig. 17 is an end view of an edge region of the cover member shown in Fig. 16; Fig. 18 is a perspective view of connecting means forming part of the embodiment shown in Fig. 13; and Fig. 19 shows examples of support members.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows cover apparatus 10 for a water holding member in the form of a garden pond, the apparatus 10 comprising a cover 12 comprising mesh in the form of a lattice and connecting means 14 in the form of a tube 16 adapted to grip the mesh 12 and a plurality of securing members 18 spaced around the edge of the mesh 12, adapted to be fixedly secured to the edge of the garden pond.

Referring to Fig. 2, there is shown an end of a tube 16. As can be seen, the tube 16 is elongate, and defines gripping means in the form of a recess 20 therein extending substantially the length of the tube 16. The recess is provided with engaging members in the form of teeth 22 to enable the tube 16 to grip the edge of the cover 12. The tube 16 is movable from a non-gripping position, as shown in Fig. 2 in which the recess 20 is open, and a gripping position, in which the recess is closed and the teeth 22 can grip the edge of the cover 12.

In the embodiment shown, the tube 16 extends substantially wholly around the edge of the cover 12, gripping the edge of the cover 12 substantially wholly around the cover.

Each securing member 18 comprises a plate 24 formed of metal or suitable plastics material having provided along an edge 26 fastening means in the form of a clip 28. Each plate 24 defines a pair of apertures 30 of a suitable size to receive therethrough pegs 32 which can be driven in the ground to secure the plate 24 to the ground. As an additional means of securing each plate 24 to the ground, the plates can be concreted into place.

Referring to Fig. 4, there is shown a clip 28 which comprises a portion 36 extending downwardly from the plate 24 and an upwardly curved portion 38 to define a space 40 to receive the tube 16. Holding means in the form of a tongue 42 extends from the downwardly extending portion 36 to engage the curved portion 28 to hold the tube 16 in the space 40. The clip 28 is integral with the plate 24. Alternatively, the clip 28 may be separate from the plate 24 for attachment thereto by appropriate attaching means.

If desired, the apparatus 10 may include upstanding legs to extend from the bottom of the pond to the cover 12 to support the cover. Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus 10 can also include arms extending across the pond to provide support for the cover 12.

Referring to Figs. 5 to 9, there is shown a further embodiment of the cover apparatus. In this embodiment, the cover apparatus 10 comprises a mesh or grid 52 formed of a suitably rigid material, for example galvanised steel, and is in the form of a lattice. The cover apparatus 52 is cut to an appropriate size and configuration to match the pond to which it is to be fitted, as shown. The apparatus 10 further includes connecting means in the form of a plurality of anchors 54 to connect the edges of the grid S2 to the sides of the pond.

The apparatus 10 may also include at least one support member 56. In the embodiments shown, there are two support members S6, although it will be appreciated that any desired number of support members can be used. The support members 36 are adjustable in length and extend from the bottom of the pond to the grid 52.

The grill 52 comprises a plurality of laterally and longitudinally extending wires or rods 58. At the end of each wire or rod 58 there is provided a cap 60 which will engage the side of the pond, and prevent damage from the end of the wire or rod 58.

Referring to Fig. 6, there is shown one of the anchors 54 which comprises a first portion 62 locatable on the grill 52, and a second portion 64 engageable with the ground surrounding the pond. A curved intermediate portion 66 extends between the first and second portions.

The first portion 62 extends upwardly from the intermediate portion 66. The first portion 62 and the intermediate portion 66 define between them a recess 68 which can receive a wire or rod 58 of the grill 52.

An intermediate portion 66 curves upwardly and away from the first portion 62. The second portion 64 extends downwardly from the intermediate portion 66 at the opposite end thereof to the first portion 62. The second portion 64 is angled inwardly towards the first portion 62. The second portion 66 can be driven into the ground and secured therein by the use, for example, of concrete.

Referring to Fig. 7, there is shown one of the support members 56 in the form of an elongate support strut. The support member 56 is adjustable in length and comprises a first lower elongate element 68 and a second upper elongate element 70. The lower elongate element 68 can be received within the upper element 70 and comprises an external thread 72 which can threadably engage an internal thread 74 on the upper elongate element 70.

The upper end of the upper elongate element 70 is provided with a receiving member 76 to receive a portion of one of the rods or wires 58 of the grill 52. The receiving member 76 comprises a pair of upwardly extending projection or prongs 78, the wire or rod 58 being received between the prongs 78.

12 The lower end of the lower members 68 is provided with a radially outwardly extending foot member 80 comprising a convexly curved base 82 which can engage the base of the pond. The foot member 80 is provided to prevent damage to the base of the pond.

Referring to Fig. 8, there is shown one of the cap members 60 mounted on an end of one of the rods or wires 58 forming the grill 52. As can be seen, the cap member 60 comprises a receiving portion 86 to receive into the cap member 84 the end of the rod or wire 58. The cap member 60 also includes a radially outwardly extending engagement member 88, which may be in the form of a hemi-sphere, and which has an outwardly facing convex surface 90. The surface 90 engages the side of the pond to prevent damage thereto.

Referring to Figs. 9 to 12 there is shown a further embodiment of the cover apparatus 10. In Figs. 9 to 12, the cover apparatus 10 comprises a mesh 90 formed of a flexible plastics material fixedly mounted on a plurality of carrier members 92 by suitable means known in the art, for example by the use of an appropriate adhesive or by heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.

The carrier members 92 are arranged in spaced relation from each other and are substantially parallel to each other. A pair of elongate rods 94 formed of a rigid material extend through the carrier members at respective opposite edge regions of the carrier members.

Referring to Fig. 10, there is shown one of the carrier members 92. The carrier 92 is of a triangular cross-section, having an upwardly facing surface 96 and a pair of further surfaces 98 extending downwardly from the surface 96. Apertures 100 extend in alignment at one end region of the carrier 92 through both faces 98, and apertures 102 extend in alignment with each other through both faces 98 at the opposite end region of the carrier 92. The rods 94 extend through the respective pairs of apertures 100, 102.

The cover apparatus 10 shown in Figs. 9 to 12 is connected to the side of 13 the pond by connecting means 104 as shown in Figs. I I and I IA. The connecting means 104 comprises a first portion in the form of an elongate member 106 of triangular configuration. The cross-section of the member 106 is of a suitable size and shape to be received in the triangular bore 99 of a respective carrier member 92.

The elongate member 106 of each connecting member 104 is removably attached to the elongate strip 108 by, for example, an appropriate screw which can be received through the elongate strip 108 and threadably received in the elongate element 106.

The connecting means 104 further includes a second portion extending upwardly from one end of the elongate member 106. The second portion is in the form of a flexible elongate strip 108 which engages the ground surrounding the pond and is sufficiently flexible to correspond in shape to the configuration of the ground. A plurality of apertures (not shown) extend one after the other along the length of the strip 108, and each aperture can receive through it suitable fastening means, for example a nail or spike which can be driven into the ground to secure the connecting means 104 to the ground surrounding the pond.

Referring to Fig. 12, there is shown a side view of the apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 9.

In order to assemble the cover apparatus 10 shown in Figs. 9 to 12, the apparatus 10 is supplied with the mesh 90 previously fixed to the plurality of carrier members 92. The mesh 90 is cut, and the carrier members 92 are sawn such that the overall configuration of the mesh 90 and the carrier members 92 conforms to the shape and size of the pond to be covered. When this has been done, the rods 94, which are also cut to appropriate length, are inserted through the respective apertures 100, 102 at the edge regions of the carrier members 92 to provide a rigid apparatus 10.

14 A respective elongate element 106 is then inserted into the triangular boards of each carrier member 92, and the elongate strips 108 are then arranged in engagement with the ground. Suitable spikes or nails are then driven through the apertures in the strips 108, as desired in order to secure them to the ground. This, thereby, secures the carrier members 92 and the mesh 90 to the pond.

Referring to Figs. 13 to 18, there is shown another embodiment of the cover apparatus 10 which comprises a cover in the form of a plurality of cover members 120, each being in the form of a grid formed by moulding from a rigid or semi-rigid plastics material.

Adjacent cover members 120 are connected together by elongate carrier members 122 having the same length as the cover members 120. Each of the carrier members 122 comprises a pair of elongate channels 124 which are shown more clearly in Figs. 14 and 15. Each of the channels 124 are generally T-shaped and can receive lengthwise therein corresponding projections 126 on the edges of adjacent cover members 120. In this connection, reference is made to Fig. 16 which shows a cover member 120 and the projections 126 attached thereto.

The channels 124 comprise a first inwardly extending region 128 extending inwardly from an external surface of the carrier member 122, and also comprises a second region 130 extending inwardly from the first region 128. The second region 130 is wider than the first portion 128.

Referring to Fig. 16, each cover member 120 comprises a grid 132 of a rectangular configuration and in the form of a lattice. Guide members 134 are provided along a pair of opposite edges of the grid 132 and serve to guide the projecting portions 126 into the channel members 124 of the carrier members 122.

Each projecting portion 126 is generally T-shaped and comprises a first section 136 extending outwardly from one of the guide members 134, and a second section 138 extending outwardly from the first section 136. The first section 136 corresponds in shape to the first portion 128 of the channel member 124. Similarly, the second section 138 of the projection 126 corresponds in shape to the second portion 130 of the channel member 126. It will be appreciated that the size of the first and second sections 136, 138 of the projection 126 are such that the projection 126 can be received lengthwise along the channel section 124. Thus, adjacent cover members 120 are connected together at opposite edges by the projecting portions 126 being received in the channels 124 of the carrier members 122.

When a desired number of cover members 120 have been fitted together, using an appropriate number of carrier members 122, to cover the pond, the cover members 120 and the carrier members 122 can then be cut or sawn to the desired shape and configuration to match the pond. The cover member can then be mounted on the pond by use of means 140 (see Fig. 18). The connection means 140 may comprise an L-shaped plate member 142 which comprises a downwardly extending plate 144 and an outwardly extending plate 146. A pair of lugs 148 extend from the outwardly extending plate 146 and define apertures 150 therein to receive spikes 152 which can be driven into the ground to secure the connection means 140 to the ground adjacent the pond.

Extending forwardly from the downwardly extending plate 146 is a receiving element 154 which can receive therein an end region of one of the carrier members 122. The receiving element 154 defines a pair of opposed slots 156 through which the grid 132 can extend. A plurality of the connecting members 140 are spaced around the edge of the pond to hold the opposite end regions of each of the carrier members 122.

There is thus described several embodiments for providing a cover apparatus over existing ponds to help prevent children and/or animals falling into the pond. The above described apparatus allows the cover to be securely held in place and to be easily removed, for example, for drainage or cleaning 16 purposes. The apparatus may also be modified to enable it to be fitted to other water holding members, for example water butts, Referring to Fig. 19 there is shown examples of several support members, to support the grid or mesh of any of the embodiments of the invention. The support member designated 2 10 is in the form of a generally V-shaped member, comprising a pair of struts 214, each having a receiving member 76 at the upper ends thereof, and an apex 212 is defined between the two struts 214. Each receiving member 76 comprises a pair of upwardly and outwardly extending prongs 78 to define a receiving member to receive a portion of the grid or mesh. The apex 212 engages the bottom of the pond.

The support member designated 220 is the same as the support member 56 shown in Fig. 7 and consists of many of the same features which have been designated with the same reference numeral. An elongate strut 222 extends between the foot member 80 and the receiving member 76.

The support member designated 230 is similar to the support member 210 in that it comprises an elongate strut 231 and a receiving member 78 at the upper end thereof. However it differs in that it comprises a forked portion 232 comprising a first arm 234 extending from the strut 231 to a first foot member 236, and a second arm 238 extending to a second foot member 240.

The support member designated 230 comprises a pair of upwardly extending spaced struts 252, each being provided at an upper end with a receivingmember 78. An elongate connecting member 254 extends from the lower ends of the struts 252 to connect the struts 252 together. In use, the connecting member 254 engages the bottom of the pond.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to

17 those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

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Claims (53)

CLAIMS:-

1. A cover apparatus comprising a cover which can be arranged over a water holding member, and the connecting means for connecting the cover to an edge region of the water holding member.

2. A cover apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a grill or mesh.

3. A cover apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting means comprises an elongate member fastenable to the cover, and securing means to secure the elongate member to the edge region.

4. A cover apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the elongate member comprises a tube or pipe having gripping means in the form of a lengthwise recess therein, the gripping means being movable from an open condition in which the cover can be gripped by the gripping means and a closed condition, in which the elongate member can grip the cover.

5. A cover apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the gripping means is provided with engaging members in the form of teeth to engage the cover.

6. A cover apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing means is permanently fixable to the edge of the water holding member and is in the form of at least one plate adapted to extend around the water holding member.

7. A cover apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the securing means is in the form of a plurality of plates which can be fixably secured to the edge of the pond.

8. A cover apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the, or each, plate is provided with fastening means to fasten the elongate member to the plate.

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9. A cover apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the fastening means is in the form of a clip adapted to receive the elongate member.

10. A cover apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the clip comprises a curved portion to receive the elongate member, and a closable element adapted to hold the pipe in place in the curved portion.

11. A cover apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein a plurality of plates are provided to extend side-by-side around the edge of the water holding member, wherein fastening means is provided on each plate and each fastening means holds the elongate member.

12. A cover apparatus according to any preceding claim, further including at least one leg adapted to extend from the bottom of the water holding member and at least one arm adapted to extend across the water holding member.

13. A cover apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting means comprises a plurality of anchor members locatable on the cover at spaced locations around it, each anchor member comprising a first portion locatable on the cover, and a second portion securable to the edge region of the water holding member.

14. A cover apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each anchor member further includes an intermediate portion extending between the first and second portions wherein the first portion and the intermediate portion define between then a recess to receive a part of the cover, and the first portion extending upwardly from the intermediate portion.

15. A cover apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the intermediate portion extends upwardly from the first portion and is curved outwardly therefrom, and the second portion extends downwardly from the intermediate portion and is angled inwardly towards the first portion.

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16. A cover apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second portion is engageable with the region surrounding the water holding member and is formed to be driven into the ground or secured to the ground by securing means.

17. A cover apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the connecting means is formed from a rigid material.

18. A cover apparatus according to any preceding claim, further including a support member engageable with a surface defining the water holding member to support the cover.

19. A cover apparatus according to Claim 18, wherein the support member comprises an elongate support strut extendible to a desired length.

20. A cover apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the support strut comprises a first elongate element which may be received within a second elongate element and secured thereto at any desired position.

21. A cover apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the upper end of the support member comprises a receiving member to receive a portion of the cover. The receiving member being in the form of a pair of upwardly extending prongs or projections.

22. A cover apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 2 1, wherein the lower end of the support member comprises a foot member extending outwardly from the support member and having a convexly curved portion to engage the base of the water holding member.

23. A cover apparatus according to claim 1, further including at least one carrier member to carry the cover, the cover being secured to the or each carrier member.

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24. A cover apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the, or each, carrier member is elongate.

25. A cover apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, including a plurality of carrier members, and the carrier members are arranged substantially parallel to each other and each carrier member has a principal axis extending generally parallel to the plane of the cover, in use.

26. A cover apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the cover is secured to the or each securing member to provide waterproof attachment.

27. A cover apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the or each carrier member is provided with a formation to cooperate with the connecting means to attach the, or each, carrier member to the connecting means, the formation being adapted to receive a part of the connecting means, and the formation comprising an aperture in the carrier member to receive the part of the connecting means.

28. A cover apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the, or each carrier member is hollow, whereby the carrier member is in the form of a tube.

29. A cover apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 28, wherein the connecting means comprises a first part to engage the edge region of the water holding member and a second part to engage the, or one, carrier member.

30. A cover apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the first part is in the form of a flexible member which may define a plurality of apertures for receiving therethrough locating means.

31. A cover apparatus according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the second part comprises an elongate rigid member configured to be received in the aperture in the, or one, carrier member.

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32. A cover apparatus according to any of claims 23 to 3 1, further including rigidifying means extending from the carrier member or, where the apparatus includes a plurality of carrier members extending between adjacent carrier members.

33. A cover apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the, or each, carrier member defines opposed apertures, and the rigidifying means may extend through the, or each, carrier member via the apertures.

34. A cover apparatus according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the rigidifying means comprises at least one elongate member.

35. A cover apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the rigidifying means comprises two elongate members each of which may extend through the, or each, carrier member adjacent the opposite edge regions of the, or each, carrier member.

36. A cover apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the rigidifying means includes a third elongate member extending through a central region of the, or each carrier member.

37. A cover apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the, or each, elongate member is in the form of a rod.

38. A cover apparatus according to claim 1 further including at least one carrier member to carry the cover, wherein the, or each, carrier member and the cover are provided with cooperating formations to enable the cover to be attached to the, or each, carrier member.

39. A cover apparatus according to claim 38, wherein one of the, or each, carrier member and the cover is provided with a recess, and the other of the carrier member and the cover is provided with a projection, wherein the projection is received in the recess to attach the cover to the, or each, carrier 23 member.

40. A cover apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the recess and the projection are elongate.

41. A cover apparatus according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the recess is defined in the carrier member, and the projection is provided on the cover.

42. A cover apparatus according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the recess is in the form of a channel, and the projection can be slidably received within the channel.

43. A cover apparatus according to any of claims 38 to 42, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of cover members, each cover member being provided at its opposite edges with the respective cooperating formations.

44. A cover apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the cover is in the form of at least one cover member, and the projection is generally Tshaped and comprises a first section extending from the, or each, cover member, and a second section extending from the first section, and the channel is generally Tshaped and comprises a first region extending inwardly from the outer surface of the carrier member, and a second region extending inwardly from the first region, the second region being wider than the first region.

45. A cover apparatus according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the cover member includes a guide member to guide the projection into the channel.

46. A cover apparatus according to any of claims 38 to 44, wherein the connecting means comprises a first member adapted to engage the region around the water holding member, and a receiving element extending from the first member, wherein the receiving element is configured to receive an end region of one of the carrier members.

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47. A cover apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the first member has a substantially L-shaped profile, and comprises a first part arranged transverse to a second part, the first part being provided with means to allow the connection means to be secured to the region surrounding the water holding member, and the receiving element may extend outwardly from the second part.

48. A cover apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the first and second parts of the connection means are in the form of plates.

49. Cover apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. I to 4.

50. Cover apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8.

51. Cover apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 9 to 12.

52. Cover apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 13 to 18.

53. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.