GB2368789A

GB2368789A - Cover apparatus for a garden pond

Info

Publication number: GB2368789A
Application number: GB0107196A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roland Charles Caley; Elizabeth Nicola Caley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-09-16
Filing date: 2001-03-22
Publication date: 2002-05-15
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-22
Also published as: GB0022779D0; GB0107196D0; GB2368789B

Abstract

Cover apparatus comprises a cover which may be formed from a plurality of cover members (10), and which can be arranged over a holding member, for example a garden pond. The apparatus further includes at least one elongate support member which can extend across the water holding member to support the cover. Securing means is provided to secure the cover to an edge of the water holding member.

Description

COVER APPARATUS This invention relates to cover apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to cover apparatus for garden ponds.

It is well known that garden ponds can be hazardous to children, particularly young children. They are generally attracted to the water, but there is a considerable danger that the children could fall in.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided cover apparatus for a water holding member, the cover apparatus comprising a cover which can be arranged over the water holding member, at least one elongate support member which can extend across the water holding member to support the cover, and means for securing the cover to an edge of the water holding member.

In a first embodiment, the cover comprises a plurality of cover members, which can be arranged adjacent to one another. The elongate members may be arranged to support at least a pair of adjacent cover members.

Each of the cover members has downwardly extending portions to be received by the support member. The downwardly extending portions may comprise a plurality of tabs distributed over each cover member, preferably substantially regularly so distributed.

In addition, or alternatively, the downwardly extending portions may include an elongate flange member extending across an edge of the cover member. Preferably, two of the flange members are provided, one at opposite edges of the respective cover member. The width of each tab may be approximately twice the width of the, or each, flange member.

The cover may be in the form of a grid which may comprise a plurality of triangular grid portions.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided an elongate support member for use with a cover apparatus as described above.

The or each elongate support member may be in the form of a support beam and may define a channel therethrough. Preferably, the first channel extends the length of the support member. The beam may comprise a main body which may be in the form of a hollow member.

The or each elongate support member may include a further channel defined by a pair of elongate wall members extending upwardly from the main body. Preferably the, or some of the, downwardly extending members can be received in said further channel. In one embodiment, each of the channels is of a rectangular or square profile. In another embodiment, the first mentioned channel comprises an upper part and a lower part extending laterally outwardly beyond the upper part. In this embodiment, the elongate wall members defining the further channel include outwardly extending flanges which may extend longitudinally of the wall members.

The securing means may comprise an elongate carrier member which can extend through the first mentioned channel, and can extend beyond opposite ends of the support member to be securable to the edge of the water holding member.

The carrier member may be in the form of a flexible elongate member, e. g. a cord or rope.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a holding member for use with a cover apparatus as described above. The securing means may further include the holding member which may be adapted to hold a portion of the flexible elongate member. In a first embodiment, the holding member may comprise first and second securing portions, each being adapted to hold a portion of the flexible elongate member and prevent lengthways movement thereof in generally opposite directions.

Each of said securing portions preferably includes gripping means to prevent movement of the flexible elongate member. The gripping means may be in the form of teeth which can engage the flexible elongate member to secure it the respective securing portion. The teeth preferably extend diagonally in the respective securing portion to present an acute angle to the flexible elongate member in use whereby the flexible elongate member is substantially prevented by said teeth from moving in one lengthways direction thereof.

A casing or sleeve may be provided for the holding member which can be slid over the holding member when the flexible elongate member is held thereby. The holding member and the casing or sleeve may be of an oval profile.

In another embodiment, the holding member comprises a main body having a central member which may define a hub around which the flexible elongate member can be wound and may also include first and second channel members which preferably extend from the central member generally parallel to each other and, desirably, in generally the same direction.

The first and second channel members preferably each define a channel to receive a portion of the flexible elongate member. The central member may define a further channel around the hub.

The first channel member and, desirably, the central member may include gripping means to prevent movement of the flexible elongate member therein. The gripping means may be in the form of teeth extending diagonally from one wall of the first channel member and, desirably, of the central member. Said one wall is preferably an outer wall.

The teeth preferably extend from said wall to present an acute angle to the flexible elongate member in use whereby the flexible elongate member is substantially prevented by said teeth from moving in one direction.

This embodiment of the holding member may include a lid which may be hingedly attached to the main body, suitably by an integral hinge.

Conveniently, the lid includes clip means to enable the lid to be clipped onto the main body.

The hub of the holding member may define an aperture therethrough to receive a securing member therein. The hub may include a radially inwardly extending flange member provided around said aperture.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided an insertion member for use with a cover apparatus as described above. Where The water holding member is surrounded by softer material, for example earth, the securing means may further include the insertion member which may comprise a peg or stake which can be driven into the material surrounding the water holding member to secure in place the carrier member. In the first embodiment, the peg or stake may be provided with a recess through which tt- carrier member can pass to be secured by the peg or stake.

In one embodiment, the carrier member may be secured around the peg or stake by the holding member.

In a further embodiment, the securing member may comprise a peg or a stake having a head portion and a shank portion, the shank portion being adapted to be driven into the ground. The head portion preferably includes an outwardly extending shoulder to engage the hub member of said receiving member. Preferably the outwardly extending shoulder member is adapted to engage the inwardly directed flange member of said hub.

In another embodiment, the holding member may constitute the insertion member to be inserted into the ground. The insertion member may comprise a stake. The insertion member may include a securing portion to which the flexible member can be secured. The securing portion may include a plurality of apertures through which the flexible member can be passed and wrapped around the securing portion, to secure the flexible member to the insertion member. In one embodiment, the insertion member has a profile in the shape of a V.

Another aspect of the invention may comprise end members for the elongate support member. One end member may be provided for each end of the elongate support member. In one embodiment, each end member may define an aperture therethrough through which the elongate carrier member can extend. Preferably the aperture is shaped such that the upper region is narrower than the lower region whereby the walls of the upper region can engage the carrier member. In another embodiment, the end member defines a wall engagement surface to engage a wall of the water holding member. The wall engagement surface may close the end member.

Each end member may comprise an insertion portion which can be inserted in the end of the elongate support member preferably in the first mentioned channel. The insert portion is preferably shaped to be a tight fit within said first mentioned channel.

In another embodiment, which is suitable for use when the cover apparatus is to be fixed to a water holding member surrounded by a rigid structure, for example concrete or brickwork, the end member may comprise fixing means to fixedly mount the end member to the rigid surround. The fixing means may comprise outwardly extending portions, each defining an aperture therethrough through which a suitable bolt can extend.

Another aspect of the invention may comprise fixing means to fix adjacent cover members to the elongate member supporting them. The fixing means may be in the form of a clip adapted to be fitted over the downwardly extending portions received in the second channel of the elongate support member. The clip may be provided with detent means adapted to engage under the second channel thereby holding the clip means in place. An advantage of this is that it prevents lifting of the cover member by, for example, a child. In one embodiment, the clip includes a first and second downwardly extending member adapted to be arranged on either side of the beam. In a second embodiment, the clip includes one downwardly extending member having detent means on one end thereof which may be adapted to engage a flange on the elongate support member.

The apparatus may include a plurality of said clip means spaced along each of said elongate members.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a joining member to connect together longitudinally adjacent elongate members. The joining member may comprise means for engaging with the respective ends of the adjacent elongate members. Said engagement means may be in the form of a pair of insertion portions adapted to be received in the ends of the respective elongate support members. The joining member is preferably shaped to be received in the first mentioned channels of adjacent support members.

In one embodiment, the joining member may further include a downwardly extending part adapted to be mounted on an end of a support pole or strut. A foot member may be mounted on the opposite end of the support pole or strut to engage the bottom of the water holding member. Alternatively, a mounting member may be provided to which the pole or strut can be mounted. The further mounting member may be movable along the elongate support members preferably by sliding. The mounting member may be shaped to slidably receive the first mentioned channel of the elongate support member.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided further means for securing the cover to the edge of the water holding member. The further securing means may comprise a second clip adapted to be clipped over a cover member.

The second clip may comprise first and second downwardly extending arms to engage around a part of the cover member. At least one of said arms has mounted thereon, preferably at the bottom end thereof, an insert member.

Preferably, each of said arms has a portion of the insert member on the bottom end thereof.

In one embodiment, the further securing means may include a link member to link the clip to a flexible elongate member such as a cord or a line.

The link member may include first and second aperture defining members.

The first aperture defining member may define an aperture to receive the insertion member therein to secure the second clip to the link. The insertion member may have a detent extension provided therearound to engage the link member on insertion into the first aperture.

The second aperture defining member may define a second aperture through which the flexible elongate member can be threaded to be secured to the edge of the water holding member.

In another embodiment, the further clip includes end portions at the upper ends of each of the arms. Each end portion preferably defines an aperture to receive therethrough a flexible elongate member which can be secured to the ground surrounding the water holding member.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided lift prevention means to prevent lifting of the cover. In one embodiment, the lift prevention means preferably comprises a channel member for receiving a portion of the carrier member therein and may also include means for fastening the lift prevention means to the edge of the water holding member. The fastening means may comprise at least one outwardly extending flange member which may extend the length of the channel member. The fastening members for example pegs or screws can be inserted through the flange member to fasten the lift prevention means to the edge of the water holding member.

Preferably, the lift prevention means comprises a pair of said flange members extending in opposite directions from the channel members.

In one embodiment, the channel member comprises a pair of elongate detent formations which may be resiliently deformable to allow the portion of the elongate carrier to be inserted into the channel member in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of said portion.

Each of the detent formations may include an inwardly extending elongate projection to prevent removal of the carrier member in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion thereof.

In a further embodiment, the lift prevention means compris engagement member securable to the ground surrounding the water holam member, and a guide member through which the flexible elongate member can extend. The guide member can preferably engage the engagement member such that the guide member is substantially prevented from being lifted.

Preferably, the engagement member comprises a substantially planar portion and an engagement portion arranged at an angle to the planar portion. Preferably, the guide member engages the engagement member between the planar portion and the engagement portion. The guide member may comprise a tube. The planar portion may define a plurality of apertures through which securing members, for example spikes or screws, can be inserted to secure the engagement member to the ground. Alternatively, the lift prevention means includes a first and second of said guide members, one of said guide members engaging the other to prevent the cover being lifted. Preferably, the guide member furthest from the cover is secured to the ground by a clip having a ground engaging portion and a securing portion to receive the guide member.

Another aspect of the invention may comprise means to secure two of said cover members together. This securing means may be adapted to fit over adjacent edges of the cover members. Said securing means may be in the form of a further clip.

Another aspect of the invention may comprise further clip means to secure the cover member to an elongate support member at a region of the cover member spaced from a flange member thereof. The further clip means may comprise first and second downwardly extending arms, each being provided with a hook member at each end. The hook members are preferably inward facing, and the arms are preferably offset from each other.

In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of cover members which are connectable to one another. Each cover member may be provided with respective co-operating formations to co-operate with corresponding formations on an adjacent cover member. Preferably the cooperating formations comprise a tab having at least one aperture therein, and at least one projection wherein the, or each, aperture in the tab of one cover member can receive the, or a respective one of the projection, or projections on the adjacent cover member. Preferably each cover member has one of said tabs and at least one projection on opposite edges thereof.

The elongate support member may comprise a pair of adjacent grooves, each groove being adapted to receive an edge region of one or more cover members therealong. Preferably, the elongate support member comprises an upstanding member and a pair of outwardly extending members extending laterally from opposite sides of the upstanding member. Preferably, each outwardly extending member is provided with a further upstanding member extending parallel to the first mentioned upstanding member, wherein said grooves are defined between said first mentioned upstanding member and said further upstanding members.

This embodiment may further include clip means to connect the cover members to the elongate support member. The clip means may comprise first detent means to engage the cover member, and second detent means to engage the strut.

End members may be provided at each end of the elongate support members to engage the securing means to secure the cover member to an edge of the pond. The end members may be shaped to receive an end region of the elongate support member therein.

The securing means may further include a strap member having an aperture at one end thereof adapted to co-operate with a corresponding projection on each carrier member. The other end region of the strap member may define a plurality of further apertures to receive a spike, stake or peg therethrough to secure the strap member to the ground.

This embodiment may include joining members to join two adjacent

elongate support members in a lengthways configuration. The joinir members may be connectable to carrying means to carry the elongate suppOI members. The carrying means may engage the bottom of the water holding member. Each carrying means may be in the form of a pole or a tube. A foot may be provided to engage the bottom of the pond and to be mounted to the bottom of the pole. The foot may be an upturned, joining member. The joining member may define a recess shaped to conform to the bottom end region of the upstanding member on the strut.

The apparatus may further include an alarm means for providing an alarm on movement of the cover. The alarm means may include detection means for detecting movement of the cover and a sonic and/or visual emission device for emitting a sonic and/or a visual signal when movement is detected by the detection means.

The emission means may be housed within a casing and the detection means may comprise an elongate detection component extending from the casing to be attached to the cover. The elongate detection component may be in the form of a flexible cable and at least one clip may be provided to clip the elongate detection component to the beam.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a cover member; Fig. 2 shows an elongate support member; Fig. 3 shows fixing means for use in connecting the cover member of Fig.

1 to the elongate support member of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 shows an end member which can be mounted on the opposite ends of the elongate support member shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 shows part of an assembled cover apparatus; Fig. 6 shows a holding member for holding the carrier member; Fig. 7 shows a cover for the securing means shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 shows a fastening means for fastening the carrier member to the region surrounding the water holding member; Fig. 9 shows an alternative holding member for holding the carrier member; Fig. 10 shows an alternative fastening means for use with the holding member in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 shows an alternative end member; Fig. 12 shows a view showing the fixing of an alternative elongate support member into a corresponding end member; Fig. 13 shows the end member of Fig. 11 mounted on the side of a water holding member; and Fig. 14 shows a joining member for joining adjacent elongate support members lengthwise of each other; and Fig. 15 shows a support strut for use with the joining member shown in Fig. 14; Fig. 16 shows a foot for use with the support strut shown in Fig. 15 ; Fig. 17 shows a further clip for attaching a cord to a cover member; Fig. 18 shows a link for use with the further clip shown in Fig. 17; Fig. 19 shows an embodiment of securing means for the apparatus; Fig. 19A shows a view along the lines XIX-XIX of Fig. 19; Fig. 20 shows a modification to the securing means shown in Fig. 19; Fig. 20A shows a view along the lines XX-XX of Fig. 20; Fig. 21 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a cover apparatus; and Fig. 22 is an end view of a further elongate support member; Figs. 23 and 24 are perspective views from different angles of a clip for securing the cover member shown in Fig. 1 to the elongate member shown in Fig. 22 ; Figs. 25 and 26 are perspective views from different angles of an end member which can be received on the end of the support member shown in Fig.

22; Figs. 27 and 28 are perspective views from different angles of a joining member for connecting two elongate members together end to end; Figs. 29 and 30 are perspective views from different angles of a mounting member on which the support member shown in Fig. 22 can be mounted; Figs. 31 and 32 are perspective views from different angles of a further clip for securing a cover member to the edge of a water holding member; Figs. 33 and 34 are perspective views from different angles of a cushioning member arrangeable on a cover member; Fig. 35 is a perspective view of a further clip to secure together adjacent cover members; Figs. 36 and 37 are respectively perspective and side views of another clip to secure the cover member to the elongate support member;

Fig 38 is a side view of an insertion member ; Fig. 39 is a view along the lines 1-1 in Fig. 38 : Fig. 40 is a view along the lines 11-Il in Fig. 38 ; Fig. 41 is a perspective view of part of a lift prevention means; Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a further part of the lift prevention means; Fig. 43 is a perspective view of a further part of the lift prevention means; Fig. 44 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 22 to 43 in an assembled condition on a water holding member; and Fig. 45 shows an alarm for use with the cover apparatus.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown the components of a cover apparatus, which is intended to be arranged over a water holding member, for example, a pond and second to the sides of the pond, to prevent a child falling in the water. Fig. 1 shows a cover member 10, a plurality of which joined together form a cover which could be cut to the appropriate shape and size to be arranged over a water holding member, for example, in the form of a garden pond. The cover member 10 shown in Fig. 1 is in the form of a grid comprising a plurality of diagonally and laterally extending grid members 11 which, together, define a plurality of triangular grid portions 12, each having the shape of a substantially equilateral triangle. The grid portions 12 are of a size to prevent a sphere of diameter greater than or equal to 83mm passing through, which is a suitable size to prevent the head of a child passing through. The cover member 10 shown in Fig. 1 is of a generally rectangular configuration and the example shown is substantially 600 mm by substantially 500 mm. Two opposite edges 14,16 are provided with downwardly extending flanges 18,20 which, as will be described below, are shaped to be received by an elongate support member. The cover member 10 also includes two further opposite edges 15, 17 extending at right angles to the edges 14,16. The laterally extending grid members 11 extend at substantially 900 to the edges 14,16 and the diagonally extending grid members 11 extend at substantially 300 to the edges 14,16. Within the boundary defined by the edges, 14, 15, 16,17, the grid members 11 meet at a plurality of convergence points 19.

Also extending downwardly from the cover member 10 are a plurality of regularly spaced tabs 22 which are also adapted to be received by elongate support members. The tabs are so arranged such that they form lines which are generally parallel to the two downwardly extending edges 14,16.

Fig. 2 shows an elongate support member or beam 24 comprising a main body 26 defining a first channel 28 extending lengthwise through the elongate support member, the first channel 28 having rectangular profile. The beam 24 also includes a second channel 30 defined by a pair of parallel walls 32,34 extending upwardly from the main body 26.

The second channel 30 can receive therein an abutting pair of downwardly extending flanges 18,20 of adjacent cover members 10, where the beam 24 is intended to hold up two adjacent cover members 10. (In this connection, reference is made to Fig. 5). Alternatively, where it is desired to

support a central region of one of the cover members, the second channel, 0 can receive therein a line of the downwardly extending tabs 22. The tabs 22 a : also provided such that, if it is necessary to cut one or more of the cover members 10 to a suitable shape and size to fit over the pond, the line of tabs 22 closest to the edge of the pond after cutting can be arranged in the second channel 30 of one or more of the beams 24.

Referring to Fig. 3, there is shown a clip 36 which is used to secur adjacent cover members to the beam 24 supporting them. The clip 3 comprises a pair of generally parallel arms 38,40 extending downwardly from central upper portion 42. At the lower end region of each of the arms 38, 4i ? there is provided an inwardly extending detent portion 44,46 which can clip under the main body 26 of the beam 24. Towards the upper portion 42, the arms 38,40 include an inwardly extending shoulder 47, such that the upper regions of the arms 38,40 adjacent the central region are narrower than the lower region of the arms to engage tightly the upper portions of the flange members 18, 20.

Cross referencing Fig. 3 with Fig. 5, there is shown one of the clips 36 in use, in which the downwardly extending flanges 18,20 of two adjacent abutting cover members 10 are received in the second channel 30 of the beam 24. The clip 36 is so sized such that the central portion 42 tightly engages the tops of the downwardly extending flanges 18,20, and the upper regions of the arms 38, 40 engages the upper regions of the flanges 18,20. The inwardly extending detents 44,46 are engaged under the main body 26 of the beam 24. A plurality of clips 36 may be provided in spaced arrangement along the length of the beam 24. Figs. 4 and 5 show one embodiment of an end member 48 which is adapted to be fitted to each of the ends of the beam 24. The end member 48 comprises an insert portion 50 adapted to be received into the first channel 28 in the main body 26 of the beam 24. A rectangular flange member 52 is provided on the insert portion 50 and engages over the end of the beam 24. An aperture 54 is defined through the flange member 52 and the insert portion 50.

The aperture 54 is wider at the lower part of the insert portion 50 and the flange member 52 and narrower at the top.

Referring again to Fig. 5, there is shown part of an assembled cover apparatus comprising, as described above a pair of adjacent cover members 10 having elongate flange members 18,20 arranged in abutment with each other along their length. Each of the flange members 18,20 are received in the second channel 30 of the beam 24. The clip 36 is fixed over the flange members 18,20 and the detents 44,46 of the clip 36 are engaged under the beam 24 such that the clip 36 holds the flange members 18,20 onto the beam 24 thereby securing the cover members 10 to the beam 24. An end member is fixed to the end of the beam 24.

In order to support the beams 24 and the cover members 10, a carrier member in the form of a flexible line or cord 56 extends longitudinally through the first channel 28 of the beams 24 and is of such a length that it extends beyond the respective opposite ends of the beams 24 to form a loop which is then secured to the ground at each end by a peg or stake, as shown in Fig. 8. In effect, each beam 24 hangs from the cord 56.

Referring to Fig. 6, there is shown a cord holding member 58 through which the cord 56 is threaded and tensioned and which holds the cord 56 tightly in its looped condition preventing relative longitudinal movement of the cord 56.

The cord holding member 58 comprises a pair of cord securing portions in the form of adjacent passages 60,62 through the cord holding member 58 which can receive side-by-side two parts A and B of the looped cord 56, the part A of the cord 56 extending from the beam 24 to be looped around a stake 74 (see below) and returning as part B which terminates at the end 59 of the cord 56. The respective parts A and B of the cord 56 are fitted, for example by threading into the passages 60,62. A plurality of teeth 64,66 extend diagonally from opposite walls 68,70 of the cord holding member 58 into the respective channels to engage the cord to prevent movement. As shown, the teeth 64 extend generally parallel to the teeth 66 and both sets of teeth 64,66 are diagonally angled relative to the walls 68,70 and thereby engage the cord 56 in such a way as to prevent longitudinal movement of the cord 56.

Diagonally angling the teeth 64,66 prevents movement of the first part A in the direction indicated by the arrow AA, and prevents movement of the part labelled B in the direction as indicated by the arrow BB. Thus, the cord 56 can be pulled tight around the peg or stake 74 by pulling in the direction X on the part A and in the direction Y on the part B, and is prevented from becoming loose by the teeth 64,66 of the cord holding member 58.

Referring to Fig. 7 there is shown a casing or sleeve 72 for the cord holding member 58 and is slid over the cord holding member 58 when the cord 56 has been fitted in place therein.

Fig. 8 shows a peg or stake 74 comprising a head 76 and a shaft 78 which can be driven into the ground adjacent the pond. The head 76 defines a recess 80, through which the cord 56 can be passed to loop around the stake 74 (as shown by dotted lines).

In use, the stake 74 is first driven into the ground near the edge of the pond, the cord 56 is then looped around the stake 74 and fitted into the recess 80. The parts A and B of the cord 56 are held in place around the stake 74 by the cord holding member 58. Indentations 79 defining teeth 79A are provided along the shaft and are provided to inhibit the stake 74 from loosening itself in the ground.

Referring to Fig. 9 there is shown an alternative cord holding member 150 comprising a main body 152 and a lid 154 hingedly attached to the main body 152 by an integral hinge 156.

The main body 152 comprises a central member 158 which includes a hub 160. An aperture 162, defined in the hub 160 for receiving a peg or a stake, as will be described below, and a wall member 164 which preferably has a generally circular configuration. An inwardly extending flange member 166 extends inwardly from the wall member 164 to define the aperture 162.

The central member 158 also includes an outer wall member 168 extending generally concentrically around the hub wall member 164. First and second channel members 170,172 extend generally parallel to each other from the central member 158 and each includes a respective outer wall member 174A, 174B extending from the outer wall member 168 of the central member 158, and a mutual inner wall member 176 extending from the hub wall member 168 between the two outer wall members 174A, 174B of the first and second channel members 170,172.

The outer wall member 174A of the first channel member 170 defines with the inner wall member 176 a first channel 178 which extends to an annular channel 180 defined between the outer wall member 168 of the central member 158 and the wall member 164 of the hub 160.

The outer wall member 174B of the second channel member 172 defines a channel 182 with the inner wall member 176. The channel 182 extends from the annular channel 180.

The end region 186 of the cord 56 is arranged within the channels 178, 180 and 182. Teeth 184 extend diagonally from the outer wall member 178, and from the annular wall member 168 to engage the cord 56. The teeth are angled relative to the cord 56 to prevent movement of the part of the cord in the channels 178 and 180 in the direction indicated by the arrows A but to allow movement in the opposite direction. Thus, the cord 56 can be pulled tight within the cord holding member 150 by pulling on the end of the cord in the direction indicated by the arrow X and is prevented from slipping back by the teeth 184.

In order to secure the cord holding member 150 to the ground a peg 190 is provided (see Fig. 10) which comprises a shank 194 for insertion into the ground and having serrations to prevent inadvertent removal therefrom. The peg 190 also includes a head 196 having a shoulder 198 extending outwardly

from the shank 192. The shank is inserted into the ground through lf aperture 162 defined by the flange 166 and the shoulder 198 of the lead 196 engages to the flange 166 to secure the cord holding member to the ground.

When the end region 186 of the cord 56 is tightly in place within the channels 178,180 and 182, and secured in place to the ground the lid 154 can be closed over the main body 152 and clipped thereto by suitable clip cooperating formations 188A, 188B on the main body 152 and the lid 154.

Referring to Fig. 11, there is shown an alternative end member 82 which can be used where the cover apparatus is to be arranged over a pond which is edged by brickwork or other suitable solid material, for example concrete.

The end member shown in Fig. 11 comprises an insert portion 84 which can be received in the first channel 28 of a beam 24, and a flange member 86 to engage the end of the beam 24. The flange member 86 has mounting portions extending outwardly on either side thereof defining apertures 90 through which bolts can be received. The mounting portions 88 are provided at the lower end of the flange member 86 and can engage the material surrounding the pond. Figs. 12 and 13 show an end member 92 which can also be used in ponds which have brickwork or other solid material around the edges. The end member 92 shown in Figs. 12 and 13 is an alternative to the end member 82 shown in Fig. 11, and co-operates with a beam 94 which is an alternative to the beam 24 as shown in Fig. 2.

The beam 94 comprises a main body 96 defining a first channel 98. A pair of generally parallel, longitudinally extending walls 100,102 extend upwardly from the main body 96 and define a second channel 104. A further pair of generally parallel, longitudinally extending walls 106,108 extend downwardly from the main body 96 and define a third channel 110. The end member 92 includes a first insert portion 112 to be received in the first channel 98, and a second insert portion 114 to be received in the third channel 110.

The end member 92 also includes a flange member 116 to engage the end of the beam 94 and outwardly extending mounting portions 120 generally similar to the mounting portions 88 on the end member 82. Each mounting portion 120 defines an aperture 122 to receive therethrough a bolt 124 (see Fig. 13).

As can be seen, when the end member 92 shown in Figs. 12 and 13 is mounted on the end of the respective beam 94, the end member 92 can be secured to brickwork 126 at the edge of the pond by the use of appropriate bolts 124, thereby securing the beam 94 and the cover members (not shown) to the brickwork. It will be appreciated that the securing of the end member 82 and its corresponding beam 24 to the brickwork at the edge of a pond can be effected in a similar manner.

In the event that the size of the pond is larger than can be spanned by the use of a single beam 24 or 94, it is necessary to increase the length of the support member by joining two beams 24 or 94 lengthwise of each other. This is effected by the use of a joining member 128, as shown in Fig. 14 which comprises a pair of insert members 130,132 which can be received in the respective first channels 28,98 of the two beams 24,94. The joining member 128 further includes a downwardly extending mounting portion 134 onto which a support strut 136 can be fixed.

Fig. 15 shows a support strut 136 having opening in each of its upper and lower ends 138,139. The support strut 136 is in the form of a hollow cylinder which can receive the opening in its upper end 138 the mounting portion 134 of the joining member 128, whereby the two beams 24 joined by the joining member 128 are supported by the support strut 136.

A foot member 140 is shown in Fig. 16 and comprises a ground engaging member 142. A mounting portion 144 extends upwardly from the ground engaging member 142 and can be received in the opening in the lower end 139. Thus, the foot member 140 spreads the load from the beams 24 on the bottom of the pond.

Referring to Figs. 17 and 18 there is shown further means for securing a cover member 10 to the edge of the pond. This further means comprises a second clip 146 intended to be mounted over an edge of one of the cover members 10 and a link member 148 which can be secured to the second clip 146.

The second clip 146 comprises an upper connecting portion 150 and a pair of downwardly extending resilient arms 152,154 extending from respective opposite sides of the connecting portion 150.

The second clip 146 is mounted over one of the horizontally extending struts of a cover member 10, for example one of the side edges 14,16 or one of the edge members extending transverse to the edges 14,16, or to one of the members forming the triangular portions 12.

The second clip 146 is mounted over the strut by pulling apart the arms 152, 154, sliding the arms over the strut and then releasing the arms 152, 154 so that they return to their original configuration. The strut is then held securely between the arms 152,154. Extending downwardly from each of the arms 152,154 is one half of an insertion member 156, 158. This is intended to be inserted into an aperture in the link member 148, as explained below.

The link member 148 comprises a first aperture defining portion 160 angled relative to a second aperture defining portion 162. The first aperture defining portion 160 defines an aperture 164 to receive therein the two halves 156, 158 of the insertion member. The two halves 156, 158 are each provided with a detent extension 166 which engages the underside of the link member 148 when the insertion member 146 has been inserted into the aperture 164 thereby to hold the insertion member in the aperture 164.

The second aperture defining portion 162 defines an aperture 168 through which a desired length of a cored can be threaded. A suitable such cord would be a length of the cord 56 shown in Fig. 5. The cord can be threaded through the aperture 168 and then secured to the edge of the pond using either of the ways as shown in Figs. 6 to 10.

Thus by using the second clip 146, the link 148 and an appropriate length of cord, it is possible to secure the cover apparatus to the edge of the pond at places other than at the beams 24.

Referring to Figs. 19 and 19A there is shown a modification to the securing means described above in Figs. 19 and 19A. Some of the same features as described above are shown and these are designated with the same reference numeral.

In Fig. 19 the cover members 10 are secured to the edge of the pond by a cord 56, a cord holding member 58 and a fastening member 170. In this embodiment, the cord is secured to paving slabs 172 above the surface of the pond and a fastening member 170 which can be secured to such slabs is inserted therein. The cord 56 is secured around the fastening member by use of the cord holding member 58 as described above.

The cord 56 is threaded through lift prevention means in the form of an elongate cord receiving member 174 to help prevent the cover being lifted. The cord receiving member 174 comprising a cord receiving channel member 176, having an upper part 186 and a lower part 188, and a pair of flange members 178,180 extending outwardly from the channel member 176.

The flange members 178,180 are provided to enable the cord receiving member 174 to be secured to the slabs 172 at the edge of the pond by the use of, for example screws 182.

The cord receiving member 174 is formed of suitably rigid material, for example a suitable plastics material. It can be formed by extrusion to any desired length and then cut to the appropriate length for the application in question. If it is desired to form a bend in the cord receiving member 174, for example as at the bend 184, this can be done by cutting through the upper parts 186 of the channel member 176 which will then allow the lower part 188 of the channel member and the flange members 178,180 to bend.

Figs. 20 and 20A show a modification to the embodiment shown in Figs.

19 and 19A, in which the only difference is that the upper part 186 of the channel member 176 has been replaced by a pair of elongate detent formations 190,192 which are sufficiently resiliently deformable to allow the cord to be inserted therein through the top of the upper part, as indicated by the arrow Y.

Each of the detent formations 190,192 has an inwardly extending elongate projection 194 to prevent removal of the cord 56 from the top of the channel member 176.

Referring to Fig. 21, there is shown an exploded view of a further embodiment of a cover apparatus for, e. g. a garden pond. The cover apparatus comprises a cover member 210 in the form of a grid or mesh. A plurality of cover members 210 are provided to be connected together to form a cover which can be cut to the appropriate size and shape for the pond. Each cover member 210 is formed of an appropriate rigid plastics material and is provided along two opposite edges 212,214 with a depending wall in each of which is defined a recess 215 for co-operation with a clip means 238 as will be described below.

Along each of the remaining two opposite edges 212A, 214A there is provided co-operating formations in the form of an outwardly extending tab 216 defining a pair of apertures 218. The co-operating formations also include a pair of projections 220 extending downwardly from the edges 212A, 214A.

The apertures 218 in the tab of one cover member 210 receive the corresponding projections 220 of an adjacent cover member. Similarly, the projection of one cover member is received in corresponding apertures 218 in a tab 216 of the adjacent cover member 210.

Each cover member 210 is supported by a longitudinally extending elongate support member in the form of a beam 222 comprising an upwardly extending member 224 and a pair of arms 226,228 extending outwardly from the upwardly extending member 224. The arms 226,228 are generally Lshaped in profile having a first portion 230 connected to the upwardly extending member 224 and a second portion 232 extending upwardly from the first portion 230. Each arm 226,228 defines with the upwardly extending member 224 a groove 234,236, such that a pair of longitudinal grooves 234, 236 extend parallel to each other along the beam 222. The grooves 234,236 can receive therein the depending wall members 212,214 of adjacent cover members 210.

A clip means 238 is provided to clip the cover members 210 to the beam 222. Each clip means 238 comprises a first detent 240 to engage the recess 215 in the cover member 210, and a second detent 242 to engage over the upwardly extending member 224.

An end member 244 is provided at each opposite end of the beam 222.

The end member 244 defines a first recess 246 to receive an end region of the upper portion of the beam 224 and a second recess 248 to receive an end region of the lower portion 225 of the beam 222.

The end member 244 also includes a projection 250 extending rearwardly therefrom. A strap member 252, defining a plurality of apertures 254 at one end region thereof is provided to secure the cover to the ground surrounding the pond. A selected one of the apertures 254 can receive therethrough a stake 256 which is driven into the ground. At the opposite end of the strap member 252 is a further aperture 258 which can receive the projection 250 from the end member 244, thereby to secure the end member and the beam 222 to the ground surrounding the pond.

Carrying members are also provided to engage the bottom of the pond and to support the cover member 210 via the beam 222. Each carrying member a pole or strut 260 and comprises a joining member 262 at each opposite e, the pole or strut 260. The joining member 262 at the lower end of the ca. pole or strut 260 is upturned in relation to the joining member 262 at the top, and the joining member at the lower end of the carrying pole or strut 260 constitutes a foot. At the lower end of the carrying pole or strut 260, the joining member 262, or foot, engages the bottom of the pond. At the upper end of the carrying pole or strut, the joining member can join adjacent beams 222 lengthwise of each other. It will be appreciated that the foot could be one of the foot members 140 described above.

The joining members 262 at the top of the carrying pole or strut 260 define a groove 264 extending therethrough which is suitably shaped to receive the lower portion 225 of the upwardly extending member 224 therein. Thus, the lower portion 225 is slid through the joining member 262 at the top of the tube until it is disposed generally centrally of the strut. The lower portion 225A of an adjacent beam 222A can also be slid into the joining member 262 from the opposite end of the groove 264 to join the beams 222 and 222A together.

Referring to Figs. 22 to 44 there is shown a further embodiment of a cover apparatus in which many of the features are similar to those shown in Figs. 1 to 20A and the embodiment shown in Figs. 22 to 44 is assembled in a similar manner.

Figs. 22 to 43 show various components of this embodiment of the cover apparatus, which is intended to be used with cover members 10 as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 44 shows the components of Figs. 22 to 43 together with the cover member 10 shown in Fig. 1 and the cord 56 shown in Fig. 5 assembled to form a cover apparatus over a water holding member in the form of a garden pond 300.

Each of the paragraphs below referring to Figs. 22 to 43 should be crossreferenced with Fig. 44.

Referring to Fig. 22, there is shown an end view of an elongate support beam 302 which defines a lower channel 304 therethrough having an upper section 306, and a lower flared section 308 extending laterally outwardly beyond the upper part. The support beam 302 also includes an upper open channel 310 defined by a pair of elongate longitudinally extending wall members 312,314. First and second opposed outwardly extending flange members 316,318 are provided along the upper edge of the respective wall members 312, 314 and extend longitudinally of the wall members 312, 314.

The second channel 310 can receive therein an abutting pair of the downwardly extending flanges 18,20 of adjacent cover members 10, or can support a line of tabs 22, in the same way as the support beam 24 shown in Fig.

2.

In order to secure the cover member 10 to the support beam 302 shown in Fig. 22, a clip 320 is provided, as shown in Figs. 23 and 24. The clip 320 comprises a cover engaging portion 322 and a beam engaging portion 324. The cover engaging portion 322 engages over the top of the edge of the cover member 10 to engage one of the edges 14,16 of the cover member 10 and the lower beam engaging portion clips under one of the flange members 316,318 of the wall members 312,314 elongate support beam 302. A tab 326 extends downwardly from the lower beam engaging portion to allow the clip 320 to be released from the support beam 302.

Referring to Figs. 25 and 26 there is shown an end member 328 which performs generally the same function as the end member 48 shown in Fig. 4, and comprises first and second insert portions 330, 332 which are shaped to be received tightly into the lower channel 304 of the support beam 302. The first insert portion 330 is adapted to be received into the upper section 306 of the lower channel 304, and the second insert portion 332 is adapted to be received into the lower section 308 of the lower channel 304. The first and second insert portions 330,332 extend from a facing member 334 which defines an aperture 336 through which the flexible cord 56 can extend, in the same way as shown in Fig. 5 so that the flexible cord 56 can be secured to the ground at the edge of the pond. The facing member 334 has a smooth curved outer surface 338 which can engage the side of the pond and prevent damage thereto.

Referring to Fig. 27 and 28 there is shown a joining member 340 which performs the same function as the joining member 128 shown in Fig. 14, i. e. the joining member 340 joins two beams 302 end to end of each other. The joining member 340 comprises a pair of insert members 342,344 which are shaped to be received tightly into the respective lower channels 304 of the two adjacent beams 302. A flange member 346 extends between the two insert members 342,344. The adjacent ends of the support beams 302 abut against the flange members 346.

Figs 29 and 30 show a mounting member 348 to which a support strut, for example a support strut designated 136 as shown in Figs. 15 and 16, can be secured. The mounting member 348 comprises a sliding member 350 defining a recess 352 which is shaped to receive therein a lower region of the beam member 302. An insertion portion 354 extends downwardly from the sliding member 350 which can be tightly inserted into the support strut 136 to secure it thereto.

The mounting member 348 is slidable along the support beam 302 and can, thus, be positioned in any desired position therealong.

Referring to Figs. 31 and 32 there is shown a further clip 356 for

securing a cover member 10 to the edge of the pond 300. The further clip 356 comprises a In-shaped flexible member 358 having a pair of arms 360, 362 resiliently joined together at their lower ends. At the upper end of each of the arms 360,362 there is provided a respective end portion 364,366, each of which defines a respective aperture 368,370, through which a flexible cord 56 (see Fig. 5) can be passed. The cord 56 extends through each of the apertures 368,370. One end of the cord 56 can then be tied, and the other end pulled tight which will pull the two end portions 364,366 together to align the apertures 368,370, thereby pulling the arms 360,362 together and gripping the cover member 302. The flexible cord 56 can then be secured to the edge of the pond 300 by securing means which are described below.

Referring to Figs. 33 and 34, there is shown a cushioning member 372 which is adapted to be fitted over any cut ends of the grid members 11, after the cover member 10 has been cut to the appropriate size to fit inside the pond 300. Each cushioning member 372 defines a hollow receiving portion 373 to receive therein an end of one of the grid members 11. Each cushioning member 372 also has an engaging portion 374 having a curved face 375 which can engage the side of the pond. This prevents any sharp edges on the grid members 11, which may be formed when they are cut, damaging the side of the pond 300.

Fig. 35 shows a further clip 380 which is adapted to secure together a pair of adjacent grid members 10. The further clip 380 comprises an upper engaging portion 382, a lower securing portion 384, and a connecting portion 386 connecting the upper engaging portion 382 and the lower securing portion 384 together. The upper engaging portion 382 fits over the top of two abutting edges 15 or 17 of adjacent cover members 10, and the lower securing portion 384 engages a lower edge of one of the abutting edges 15,17. The further clip 380 tightly engages the abutting edges 15 or 17 of the adjacent covering members 10, and prevents the cover members 10 sliding relative to each other when in place. A tab 388 provided to facilitate removing the lower securing portion 384 from under the lower edge of the abutting edges 15 or 17.

Figs. 36 and 37 show a further clip 390 which is intended to secure the cover member 10 to a support beam 302, where the support beam 302 supports the cover member at a region spaced from one of the edges 14,16 of the cover member 10.

Particularly, the clip 390 shown in Figs. 36 and 37 is adapted to be attached to the cover member 10 at the convergence points 19 (as shown in Fig 1), if the cover members 10 are supported by a beam 302 along a line of convergence points 19. As can be seen, the clip 390 comprises an ur connecting portion 392 and a pair of offset resilient arms 394,346 having hooK portions 398 at their lower ends. The upper connecting portion 392 engages the grid members 11 at the convergence point 19 and the hook portions 398 engage the outwardly extending flanges 316,318 of the support beam 302 underneath. A tab 400 is provided on each of the hook portions 398 to facilitate removal of the hook portion 398 from the flanges 316,318. It will be appreciated that the clip 390 could be used at positions on the cover member 10 other than at the convergence points 19, as shown in Fig. 44.

Figs. 38 to 40 show means for securing the cover member to the ground surrounding the pond 300, the securing means being in the form of a metal stake 402. The stake has a V-shaped configuration as shown in Fig. 40 and is formed from an appropriate metal such as steel. The stake 402 is tapered inwardly from its upper end region 404 to its lower end region 406 to facilitate insertion into the ground. The upper end region 404 of the stake defines a plurality of apertures 408, and a recess 410, whereby the cord 56 can be threaded around and securely fastened to the stake 402.. Referring to Fig. 41, there is shown part of a lift prevention means, namely a lift prevention bracket 412 which is secured to the ground. The bracket includes a main portion 414, and an engagement portion 416 which is inclined downwardly from the main portion 414. The engagement portion 416 defines a plurality of apertures 420. The main portion 414 is secured to the ground, by the use of appropriate pegs, spikes or screws, inserted through apertures 418 in the main portion 414, and the engagement portion extends over the edge of the pond 300. The purpose of the lift prevention means is to prevent the cover apparatus being lifted away from the pond 300. The lift prevention means also includes a cylindrical tube 419 defining a through bore 421, as shown in Fig. 42. The tube 419 extends from the end member 328 (see Figs. 25 and 26) to the bracket 412, engaging underneath the engagement portion 416 of the bracket 412. The cord 56 extends through the tube 419 and is wound through the apertures 420 defined in the engagement portion 416 to secure the cord 56 to the engagement portion 416. If desired, the flexible member 56 can extend from the engagement portion 416 of the bracket 412 to one of the stakes 402 for further fastening to the ground, and is secured to the stake 402 as described by being wound through the apertures 408 and the recess 410. Alternatively, the user could rely on the fastening of the bracket 412 to the ground by the pegs, spikes or screws. The engagement portion 416 of the bracket 412 which engages the tube 419 prevents the tube 419 from being lifted and, thereby, prevents lifting of the cover member 10.

As an alternative to the support bracket 412, a further tube 419 could be provided on the surface of the ground through which the cord 56 could extend.

The further tube 419 can be secured to the ground by appropriate clips 422, as shown in Fig. 43. Since the clip 422 prevents the tube 419 lying along the ground from being lifted, the tube 56 extending from the cover member 10 can also not be lifted. Therefore the cover member 10 can also not be lifted.

The clips 422 are formed from a strip 424 of a suitably flexible material, for example a plastics material. The clips 422 are shaped to provide a tube receiving portion 426 in a central region thereof, and a securing means 428 at opposite end regions 430,432. The end regions 430,432 define aligned apertures through which a spike, peg or screw (not shown) is extended to secure the clips 427 to the ground.

Referring to Fig. 45, there is shown alarm means 450 for use with the embodiments described above. The alarm means 450 comprises a sonic emission device 452 held in a casing for emitting a sonic alarm signal. The alarm means also includes an elongate detection device in the form of a cable 454. The device 452 may be provided with spikes 456 to be driven into the ground adjacent the pond 300 so that the device 452 can be screwed in place.

The sonic emission device is arranged on the ground adjacent the pond covered by the cover apparatus. The cable 454 is extended along one the beams 24,222, 302 and clipped thereto by a suitable clip. For example in the case of the first embodiment, where the cable 454 is clipped to a beam 24, the clip could be similar or the same as one of the clips 36 shown in Fig. 3.

When the detection device of the cable 454 detects movement, for example, a person falling onto the cover, the emission device emits a sonic alarm.

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

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to 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.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Cover apparatus for a water holding member, the cover apparatus comprising a cover which can be arranged over the water holding member, at least one elongate support member which can extend across the water holding member to support the cover, and means for securing the cover to an edge of the water holding member.
2. Cover apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the cover comprises a plurality of cover members, which can be arranged adjacent to one another, the elongate members being arranged to support at least a pair of adjacent cover members.
3. Cover apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein each of the cover members has downwardly extending portions to be received by the support member.
4. Cover apparatus according to Claim 3 wherein the downwardly extending portions comprise a plurality of tabs distributed over each cover member.
5. Cover apparatus according to Claims 3 or 4 wherein the downwardly extending portions comprise an elongate flange member extending across an edge of the cover member.
6. Cover apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein two of the flange members are provided on each cover member, one at opposite edges of the respective cover member.
7. Cover apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the cover is in the form of a grid which comprises a plurality of triangular grid portions.
8. Cover apparatus according to any preceding claim including an elongate support member comprising a support beam defining a channel therethrough.
9. Cover apparatus according to Claim 8 wherein the channel extends the length of the support member, and the beam comprises a main body which is in the form of a hollow member.
10. Cover apparatus according to Claim 9 wherein the or each elongate support member includes a further channel defined by a pair of elongate wall members extending upwardly from the main body.
11. Cover apparatus according to Claim 10 wherein each of the channels is of a rectangular or square profile.
12. Cover apparatus according to Claim 10 wherein the first mentioned channel comprises an upper part and a lower part extending laterally outwardly beyond the upper part, the elongate wall members defining the further channel include outwardly extending flanges which extend longitudinally of the wall members.
13. Cover apparatus according to any of Claims 8 to 12 wherein the securing means comprises an elongate carrier member which can extend through the first mentioned channel, and can extend beyond opposite ends of the support member to be securable to the edge of the water holding member.
14. Cover apparatus according to Claim 13 wherein the carrier member may be in the form of a flexible elongate member.
15. Cover apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the securing means may further include a holding member which may be adapted to hold a portion of the flexible elongate member.
16. Cover apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein the holding member comprises first and second securing portions, each being adapted to hold a portion of the flexible elongate member and prevent lengthways movement thereof in generally opposite directions.
17. Cover apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein each of said securing portions includes gripping means to prevent movement of the flexible elongate member, the gripping means being in the form of teeth which can engage the flexible elongate member to secure it the respective securing portion.
18. Cover apparatus according to Claim 17 wherein the teeth extend diagonally in the respective securing portion to present an acute angle to the flexible elongate member in use so that the flexible elongate member is substantially prevented by said teeth from moving in one lengthways direction thereof.
19. Cover apparatus according to any of Claims L6 to 18 wherein a casing or sleeve is provided for the holding member which can be slid over the holding member when the flexible elongate member is held thereby.
20. Cover apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein the holding member comprises a main body having a central member which defines a hub around which the flexible elongate member can be wound and also includes first and second channel members which extend from the central member generally parallel to each other and in generally the same direction.
21. Cover apparatus according to Claim 20 wherein the first and second channel members each define a channel to receive a portion of the flexible elongate member, and the central member defines a further channel around the hub.
22. Cover apparatus according to Claim 21 wherein the first channel member and the central member include gripping means to prevent movement of the flexible elongate member therein, the gripping means being in the form of teeth extending diagonally from one wall of the first channel member and of the central member.
23. Cover apparatus according to Claim 22 wherein the teeth extend from said wall to present an acute angle to the flexible elongate member in use so that the flexible elongate member is substantially prevented by said teeth from moving in one direction.
24. Cover apparatus according to any of Claims 20 to 23 wherein the hub of the holding member defines an aperture therethrough to receive a securing member therein, the hub including a radially inwardly extending flange member provided around said aperture.
25. Cover apparatus according to any of Claims 15 to 24 wherein the securing means further includes an insertion member which can be driven into the material surrounding the water holding member to secure in place tr carrier member.
26. Cover apparatus according to Claim 25 wherein the insertion member comprises a peg or a stake.
27. Cover apparatus according to Claim 26 wherein the peg or stake is provided with a recess through which the carrier member can pass to be secured by the peg or stake, the carrier member being secured around the peg or stake by the holding member.
28. Cover apparatus according to any of Claims 20 to 24 wherein the securing means includes a peg or a stake having a shank portion which can be driven into the ground, and a head portion including an outwardly extending shoulder to engage the hub of said holding member.
29. Cover apparatus according to Claim 28 wherein the outwardly extending shoulder of the securing means is adapted to engage the inwardly directed flange member of said hub.
30. Cover apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein the holding member is in the form of an insertion member to be inserted into the ground.
31. Cover apparatus according to Claim 30 wherein the insertion member includes a securing portion to which the flexible member can be secured, the securing portion including a plurality of apertures through which the flexible member can be passed and wrapped around the securing portion, to secure the flexible member to the insertion member.
32. Cover apparatus according to Claim 2, or any of Claims 3 to 31 when dependent or ultimately dependent on Claim 2, including fixing means to fix adjacent cover member to the elongate member supporting them, the fixing means being in the form of a clip adapted to be fitted over the downwardly extending portions received in the second channel of the elongate support member.
33. over apparatus according to Claim 32 wherein the clip is provided with detent means adapted to engage under the second channel thereby holding the clip means in place.
34. Cover apparatus according to Claim 33 wherein the clip includes first and second downwardly extending members adapted to be arranged on either side of the elongate support member.
35. Cover apparatus according to Claim 33 wherein the clip includes one downwardly extending member having detent means on one end thereof which is adapted to engage a flange on the elongate support member.
36. Cover apparatus according to Claim 2 or any of Claims 3 to 35 when dependent or ultimately dependent upon Claim 2 including further securing means for securing the cover to the edge of the water holding member, the further securing means comprising a clip adapted to be clipped over one of the cover members.
37. Cover apparatus according to Claim 36 wherein the clip comprises first and second downwardly extending arms to engage around a part of the cover member, at least one of said arms having mounted thereon at the bottom end thereof, an insert member.
38. Cover apparatus according to Claim 36 or 37 wherein the further securing means includes a link member to link the clip to a flexible elongate member, the link member including first and second aperture defining members, the first aperture defining member defining an aperture to receive an insertion member therein to secure the second clip to the link, and the second aperture defining member defining a second aperture through which the flexible elongate member can be threaded to be secured to the edge of the water holding member.
39. Cover apparatus according to Claim 36 or 37 wherein the clip includes end portions at the upper ends of each of the arms, each end portion defining an aperture to receive therethough a flexible elongate member which can be secured to the ground surrounding the water holding member.
40. Cover apparatus according to Claim 14 or any of Claims 15 to 39 when dependent or ultimately dependent upon Claim 14 including lift prevention means to prevent lifting of the cover the lift prevention means comprising an engagement member securable to the ground surround the water holding member, and a guide member through which the flexible elongate member can extend, the guide member being adapted to engage the engagement member such that the guide member is substantially prevented from being lifted.
41. Cover apparatus according to Claim 40 wherein the engagement member comprises a substantially planar portion and an engagement portion arranged at an angle to the planar portion, whereby the guide member engages the engagement member between the planar portion and the engagement portion.
42. Cover apparatus according to Claim 2 or any of Claims 3 to 41 when dependent or ultimately dependent upon Claim 2 including clip means to secure the cover member to an elongate support member at a region of the cover member spaced from a flange member thereof, said clip means comprising first and second downwardly extending arms, each being provided with a hook member at each end, the hook members being inwardly facing, and the arms being offset from each other.
43. Cover apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
44. 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.