GB2535447A

GB2535447A - Ready-to-assemble pond

Info

Publication number: GB2535447A
Application number: GB1501181.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clapham Richard
Original assignee: Richard James Clapham
Current assignee: Richard James Clapham
Priority date: 2015-01-23
Filing date: 2015-01-23
Publication date: 2016-08-24
Also published as: GB201501181D0

Abstract

A modular pool of prefabricated sections, for use as a pond, aquarium, swimming pool or other structure for containing fluids, comprises at least two side walls 3, attachment means to join side walls ends 4 together, and at least one window 5 in at least one of the side wall sections. The window can be glass or plastics material, and can be straight or curved. The side walls may include a window housing 15 to secure the window in a range of angles. The attachment means may be an interlocking joint 70. The structure is watertight at the joints between side walls, the base 6, and between the side wall and window piece. The base may be rigid or non-rigid and constructed of plastics or rubber sheet or other waterproof material. There may be attachment means for decorative elements 36 including brick slip facing 86. In the preferred embodiment, the assembled pond has four side wall sections, four windows, and a non-rigid base, providing a watertight structure for containing fluids. In another embodiment, the pool has two connected side walls, and is attached to two pre-existing faces of a building or structure.

Description

TITLE

Ready-to-assemble pond

BACKGROUND OF THE I'sNTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of ready-to-assemble ponds which may be used as a pond, aquarium, swimming pool or other structure for containing fluids.

2. Description he Related Art

This invention relates to a ready-to-assemble or flat pack structure for use as a pond, aquarium, swimming pool or other structures for containing fluids; being herein after called a ready-to-assemble pond. In particular, but not exclusively the ready-to-assemble pond is an assembly of at least two but typically four side walls preferably constructed of 316 stainless steel which contain a window or windows. The side walls have side wall ends which comprise of attachment means for attachment to an adjoining side wall end of another side wall. The attachment means is typically an interlocking or connecting joint which provides attachment by various means. The side walls do not require a rigid base to be self-supporting against water pressure allowing for the use of a non-rigid base such as a conventional pond liner constructed of rubber or plastic sheet. While the invention is described herein in terms of a particular preferred form thereof, it will he recognized by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the principal features involved.

There is a continuing effort to improve the outdoor living space, such as the installation of a raised pond, swimming pool or aquarium structure. Particularly the installation of a raised pond or aquarium with a window in the fish keeping industry so as to increase the visual presentation and allow an improved visual health check of fish or aquatic animals, due to fish diseases such as KHV.

Accordingly, various constructions have been devised which are relatively limited in design. Raised garden ponds are typically constructed of concrete block or brickwork, this method of construction requires the employment of someone skilled in the art. The heavy nature of the concrete blocks prohibits prefabrication and significant assembly expertise in order to put together. A poured concrete pond requires shuttering to be erected with rebar reinforcing over a reinforced concrete base. This is both time consuming, costly and increases disruption to the building and surrounding area. The structure would then need to be scaled with a watertight lining. One significant disadvantage associated with concrete formed or brick built ponds is the difficultly in removal and they cannot be kept after removal.

Large preform ponds constructed of metal, fiberglass and plastic have been provided these inherently feature a bulky construction, and as a result are difficult to protect when being shipped from the manufacturer to the distributor or purchaser and are typically suitable for industrial markets as the structure cannot he easily placed into a back garden of a building. When storing or shipping these structures from their point of manufacture to their point of sale, very large volumes of valuable space are wasted. These structures are typically used for fish breeding and are not developed to be visually attractive and do not include glass or plastic panels for use as a window into the pond to view aquatic creatures from around the garden or surrounding space.

A number of flat pack ponds fabricated of wood or rattan panels, or fiberglass with an inner lining made of rubber or plastic sheet have been provided, one of the disadvantages associated with these structure is that they are designed to be small in size as their structure may distort due to water pressure, fluctuations in the weather temperature and weather conditions. Wood is relatively porous and warps after prolonged contact with water and may cause the seal or structure to break, limiting this type of pond to small sizes without windows. Larger size wooden ponds constructed of railway sleepers are time consuming to build, consisting of multiple elements and are generally considered to he unpleasing visually. In addition, fiberglass and plastic ponds in larger sizes need reinforcing by encapsulating wood or steel in with the material to give the strength needed on larger sizes. They become very bulky and transporting fiberglass ponds of any size is very labour intensive as they are prone to cracking if not handled correctly.

Lastly, aquariums are typically manufactured small in size for indoor use or large for commercial presentation areas. Commercial size aquariums require a team of workers due to the weight and skill involved to complete the installation which significantly increases expense. Fabrication is also very expensive as the edges where the window panels meet must be precision cut and sealed. A rigid base is required to increase the structures rigidity and strength to hold the water, this is impractical for an end user typically someone unskilled in the art to install particularly outdoors as the ground is typically uneven and will put torsional strain on the structure causing the seal or glass to break.

It is the chief object of this invention is to provide an improved design of a ready-to-assemble or flat pack water-tight structure for use as a pond, aquarium, swimming pool or structures for containing fluids; being herein after called ready-to-assemble pond which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages and which improves the installation markedly by providing ready-to-assemble pond with attachable side walls, a window and rigid or non-rigid base which can be shipped and sold in an unassembled condition, and later be more simply and quickly assembled within minutes by retail dealers or the ultimate purchasers at the site of use.

A principal object of the present invention therefore, is to provide a ready-to-assemble pond which is composed of as few parts as possible, all of which are susceptible of assembly by persons skilled or unskilled or of limited skill in that art to produce a satisfactory structure for containing fluids, with reasonable assurance that if simple directions are followed, a watertight ready-to-assemble pond can he produced, therefore significantly improving, the installation time and ease of construction.

A further object of the invention is to provide a ready-to-assemble pond comprising of attachable parts known as a flat pack with a water-tight seal, so that once constructed in its final state water can be contained. Therefore the parts of the ready-to-assemble pond are able to join together, between the sides wall ends to provide a watertight seal between side wall sections. The window or windows and base are sealed to the side wall or walls to provide a fully watertight structure to contain fluids and therefore if desired hold aquatic creatures.

A further object of the invention provides for minimizing the labour item in production distribution and assembly, by manufacturing conveniently and expeditiously to produce a ready-to-assemble pond so that it may always be readily available and significantly reduce cost. Manufacturing time can be reduced by creating the ready-to-assemble pond from multiple identical sections. The ready-toassemble ponds side walls may be formed from a single sheet of metal this greatly reduces the time in welding, if fabricated from several sections these sections may be easily and quickly welded together. Additionally each of the side walls may have the same construction. Lastly the final assembly labour time can he reduced by minimizing parts for the end user to construct and seal and also by the method of construction where by the side walls may be efficiently bolted together. Therefore the invention described greatly reduces final assembly time on site, as the ready-to-assemble pond only requires attachment of the side walls to each other and the base, and the side walls and base to be scaled. The window or windows may be pre-fitted during the manufacturing stage. The finishing materials may also be pre attached to backing plates such as brick slip carriers and efficiently attached into position on site. The ready-to-assemble pond design may also reduce time in preparing as a foundational base typically constructed of concrete for raised ponds is not required as the invention described can be fitted onto any relatively flat surface that is sound enough to hold the combined weight of the pond and water. The ready-to-assemble pond provided is significantly easier to transport in its flat pack state, easier to manufacture so that the structure is more readily transportable and improves storage saving space and cost.

A further object of the invention provides a structure of great strength, this is required for large pond builds which are typically desired, such as ponds seen with dimensions of around one to four meters in length one to four metes width and one meter in height these dimensions arc not limited to but stated as a gauge of scale the dimensions of the ready-to-assemble pond may be adaptable to any size the user requires. Therefore the sides of the ready-to-assemble pond are strong enough to withstand the pressure of the water and rigid enough to contain a window constructed of glass or plastic material. Any movement along the ready-to-assemble ponds side walls could cause a leek or shatter the window panel. Therefore a further object is to provide a safe window housing for a window constructed of glass or plastic material as the surfaces do not require an additional fiberglass covering on the window housing, as an additional fibreglass covering to stop to prevent leaks will not produce a flat surface for the glass and may result in torsional twisting of the glass or plastic panel from the water pressure and may ultimately cause the seal of the panel to be compromised. A pond can become a very dangerous structure if the design is not created to withstand the water pressure and external pressures that may be caused by the end user. It is very advantageous to develop a ready-to-assemble pond with side walls that link together and provide the necessary strength as a rigid base would then not be required, therefore significantly reducing the cost of the pond. A rigid base would require large scale excavation and cost to install a reinforced concrete base. In one embodiment a ready-toassemble pond build over a certain length may require attachment to the ground to improve strength.

A further object is to provide a ready-to-assemble pond which comprises of a window typically in the form of a transparent panel to provide a viewing window into the pond so that visual presentation is improved and health checks of aquatic creatures are made easier It is still another object to provide a design of side wall that can be adapted to secure a window of different geometries such as straight or curved, a window panel of different thickness, shapes and sizes therefore improving the visual presentation for each individual user without significantly altering the manufacturing technique and consequently the expense. Additionally the window may be positioned at any angle in the horizontal or vertical planes from zero to forty five degrees in any direction if required. The ready-to-assemble pond would typically be constructed with four windows with which arc extended in width to enable you to sec your fish from around the surrounding area but the side walls may not limited to four windows as each side wall may have multiple windows or no window and the ready-to-assemble pond may have multiple side walls each with one, multiple or no windows. The ready-to-assemble ponds when illuminated in the evening will add subtle lighting to the surrounding area through the windows adding to the enjoyment of keeping koi and significantly improving the outdoor living space. A related object hereof is to provide a simplified pond construction having means of improving the visibility into the ready-to-assemble pond structure by locating the window forward of the inner surface of the ready-to-assemble pond side wall, as the wall thickness may he taken into consideration, therefore providing a visual enhancement to the overall ready-to-assemble pond design. If required the windows inner surface may be located in alignment or relative alignment with the inner surface of the pond wall or any location which is suitable for locating the window within the side wall.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method for attaching the side walls together therefore each side wall has side wall ends with attachment means so that the side walls can be attached together and be watertight. It is also required that the side wall ends once joined create a watertight seal and align the side walls at pre-set angles to each other from 180 degrees to zero degrees to each other in any direction. It is advantageous for the side wail ends attachment means to he as easy to assemble as possible reducing labour for the end user on site. The attachment means may be in the form of holes to receive location collars with associated nuts, bolts and washers, interlocking fixings, screws, sealant, wedges, quick resale handles, spiral connections or any other conventional attachment means such as hinges that bolt or screw on to the side walls or side wall ends. The attachment means of the side wall allows attachment to any other side wall, side end, extension joint or any other structure with suitable attachment means.

it is still another object to provide a ready-to-assemble pond which is also constructed in a manner which makes it complementary with home or office decor therefore increasing the visual presentation of the space that the ready-to-assemble pond is situated. The visual presentation can be improved by developing a structure which can have interchangeable finishing components such as bricks, brick slips, wood, decking, copping, different metallic panels, colour panels, or other convention materials. Hence the ready-to-assemble pond may replicate the look of a real brick built pond with none of the disadvantages as they are not time consuming to build and the side wall will not crack. The ready-toassemble pond may also include lights, fountains, waterfalls or other conventional presentation equipment to enhance the overall outdoor space. The ready-to-assemble pond may be painted or covered in material if required or other type of finishing decoration required by the user. In addition the ready-to-assemble pond may have the fishing components changed as the finishing components are removable therefore providing a pond that may he re-designed such as changing the brick colour to match in with changing garden trends.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a non-corroding or distorting structure, preferably made of 316 stainless steel or other material strong enough, as some pond constructions have included various grades of steel, galvanized steel and lesser grades of stainless which all have corrosive qualities. For example should the lining membrane of the pond degrade the steel pond would then be exposed to excessive moisture, which may crystallize and could cause the window seal to be compromised. The ready-to-assemble ponds frame being made from 316 stainless steel is corrosion free, is not affected by sunlight or any weather conditions, and is impervious to chemical and oil based substances. Manufacturing form stainless steel provides the strength required to the ready-to-assemble pond but other materials may be used if suitable.

It is still another object objective of the present invention to provide a structure that does not require a rigid base therefore a non-rigid base such as a conventional pond liner may be utilized to provide the base of the ready-to-assemble pond. The pond liner provides a base which is waterproof typically a pond liner or box-welded liner is used. The ready-to-assemble pond also allows the end user to have a very deep pond if required with no alteration to the side wall structure, as the box liner may be sunken below ground level increasing the volume of the ready-to-assemble pond. The increased depth of base design may also improve the structures safety for fish during cold temperature changes as the fish can sit lower where the water may not freeze.

A further object is to provide a ready-to-assemble pond which can be dismantled and moved if required with the minimum of expense, as the side walls can be easily be unattached and base removed and sealant cleaned, therefore the ready-to-assemble pond can he dismantled and be used again, therefore significantly improving the financial investment in a pond.

A further object is to provide a design of side wall that can be adaptable in shape and size and thickness if the user desires. Such as variations in length of the side walls, where a four sided readyto-assemble pond is constituted by two pairs of side walls. One pair of side walls is longer than the other pair of side walls the longer pair being herein after called front and back while the shorter sides is called simply sides. Yet another adaptation may be higher side walls which may contain larger window panel in height, or an addition where small window panels are desired, curved window, multiple window, smoked windows or as desired by the end user.

A further object is to provide a ready-to-assemble pond which may be constructed to form various different shapes when viewed from above. The ready-to-assemble pond is typically formed in the shape of a square or rectangle when viewed form above but the invention presented is not limited to these shapes as any shape consisting of at least two side wails may be formed such as a circle, hexagon, octagon, star or any suitable shape. The ready-to-assemble pond may comprises of multiple side walls and or multiple extension joints and or any other structure with suitable attachment means so that once attached a structure for containing fluids is built.

A further object still is a ready-to-assemble pond that can be built onto any flat stable surface with no need for footings. A ready-to-assemble pond with a length or width larger than six meters may require additional support which can he provided by attaching the side walls to a foundational base or bracing from one side wall to a side wall opposite within the structure or other conventional building technique for strengthening the ponds structure. On our longer ready-to-assemble ponds side extensions can be added for interest and added stability these use the same basic jointing method as the side walls. The ready-to-assemble ponds can be built onto a finished surface as inside or outside shopping centres, entrance lobby, foyers or commercial buildings or other finished surfaces which are typically flat with no necessity to anchor them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the above objectives and purposes, the invention provides a ready-to-assemble pond for use as a pond, aquarium, swimming pool or other structure for containing fluids comprising an assemhly of at least two side walk. The side wall ends of each side wall provide attachment means to attach to another side wall end of another side wall or extension joint or any other structure with suitable attachment means. At least one of the side walls includes a window constructed of glass or plastic material with straight or curved geometry. The side walls may include a window housing to secure the window in various positions, locations and angles. The side wall provides a suitable surface for a watertight seal between the window and the side wall and suitable surfaces for a watertight seal between the side walls and base. The base of the structure is not required to increase the structural strength of the ready-to-assemble pond and therefore the base may he rigid or non rigid and constructed of plastic or rubber sheet or other water tight material. Preferably when constructed the ready-to-assemble pond is an assembly of multiple side wall elements containing window elements and a non rigid base element which provide a watertight structure for containing fluids. Typically the ready-to-assemble pond is an assembly of four side wall elements, four window elements and a non-rigid base element to provide a watertight structure containing uids in the shape of a square or rectangle when viewed from above.

The ready-to-assemble pond improves the installation time of a pond markei i ng a.

modular component ready-to-assemble pond typically with attachable side walls, a window and base which can be shipped and sold in an unassembled condition, and later be simply and quickly assembled. Once constructed i.n its final state the ready-to-assemble pond comprising of attachable parts can contain water. Therefore the parts of the ready-to-assemble pond are able to attach together, between the sides wail ends to provide a watertight seal between side wail sections, between side walls and base and between side walls and window or windows. The modular components of the ready-to-assemble pond may he dismantled and moved if required. as the side walls can be unattached and base removed and sealant cleaned, therefore the ready--to-assemble pond can be dismantled and re-used. The modular ready-to-assemble pond will typically form in a square or rectangle with an assembly of four side walls.. The ready-to-assemble pond may consist of multiple side walls and or multiple extension joints, this allows for innumerable forms to be realized as multiple side walls may be connected and or multiple other structures that have suitable attachment means, therefore the ready--to-assemble pond when viewed from above may form a star, hexagon, octagon, circle, L-shape or any other shape. The attachment means of the side walls for attachment to another side wall is preferably on the side wall ends typically utilizing mechanical fixings such as bolts with nuts or clamping devises, levers, wedges or other clamping means. The attachment means may he provided by a sealant or glue if suitable or any other attachment means suitable for attaching the side walls together. The attachment means may also provide the watertight seal between side walls but does not have to provide a watertight seal as a conventional sealant such silicone may he added after the side walls are attached. The side wall ends may he internal or external angles to align the adjoining side walls at any angle to each when viewed from above. In some forms it may be required to construct the ready-to-assemble pond with extension joints attached to the side walls these structures will aid the form of the ready-to-assemble pond so that innumerable modular constructions and shapes may be realized. The ready-to-assemble pond may be cokstnicted of metal, plastic or carbon fibre or other conventional means. The ready-to-assemble pond may comprise of a structure where by a fraction of the top beam of the side wall is removed to allow the top edge of the window to he visible, therefore proving a structure to accommodate an infinity style window. The ready-to-assemble pond may he constructed with interchangeable finishing components such as bricks, brick. slips, wood, decking, copping, different metallic panels, colour panels, or other convention materials. Hence the ready-toassemble pond may replicate the look of a real brick built pond and have the bricks replaced to change colour or style if required.

The attachment means for the window may ow housing which positions he straight or curved window at any angle from parallel to 45 degrees in the horizontal or vertical planes forward of the inner face of the ready-to-assemble pond. The window housing and side wall may he constructed to form. a curve to match the geometry of a curved window. Typically the window is held in a location close to the outer surface of the side wall but may be located in any position suitable in the side wall.

The side walls may be installed within the ready-to-assemble pond wall with all or some of the surfaces covered with a watertight sealant. The side walls may include securing strips to attach to a thundational base such as concrete to increase strength. Therefore the side walls may have downward securing strip on the bottom. beam that would be used to attach, clamp to or locate against a foundational base. The side wall may have an outward securing strip which extends outwardly from the centre of the ready-to-assemble pond or an inward securing strip which extends inwardly from the inner surface of the ready-to-assemble pond. The side wall or securing strips may have holes to receive bolts used to attach the side wall or walls to the foundational base and may provide a suitable surface area so that a watertight seal is made with the base. The beams may use any other conventional means to attach to a foundational base or have any other conventional means of strengthening the side walls such as attachment means for bracing straps that go across from one side wall to the any other side wall to withhold the water pressure exerted on the side walls to stop any distortion, deformation or movement. The side wall may be prefabricated in any shape and size and thickness if the user desires. Such as variations in length of the side walls, where a four sided readyto-assemble pond is constituted by two pairs of side walls. One pair of side wails is longer than the other pair of side walls the longer pair being herein after called front and back while the shorter sides is called simply sides. Yet another adaptation may be higher side walls which may contain larger window in height, or an addition where small window panels are desired, curved window, multiple windows, smoked windows or as desired by the end user.

The side walls may further include projection pieces (referred to as lugs) attached to the external surfaces of the side wall, with adapted positions relative to the pond structures components. The lugs may include holes for reinforcing bars for adding the carrying of the side walls during distribution and construction. The number of attached lugs may be adapted. The carrying aid may also be in the form of holes to received carrying bars.

The ready-to-assemble pond base is preferably non-rigid therefore the base may be distributed economically. The ready-to-assemble pond may also have a base which is located below ground allowing for a greater volume of water to be contained within the ready-to-assemble pond. The below ground base constructed does not require the side walls to be adapted from the constructed utilized for a ready-to-assemble pond with a ground level base. The ready-to-assemble pond may attach to a foundational base typically constructed of concrete. From the concrete foundational base a watertight seal is made with the side wall typically by means of fiberglass, pond paint, sealant, silicone, butyl liner or other conventional means.

The invention further resides in certain details of construction which, along with the other features, objects and advantages of the invention, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawing. An abstract is submitted here with. It is emphasized that this abstract is being provided to comply with the rule requiring all abstract that will allow examiners and other searchers to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not he used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, as promised by the Patent Office's. The foregoing discussion should be understood as illustrative and should not be considered to be limiting in any sense. While the inventions have been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without de-parting from the spirit and scope of the inventions as defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESOPITIO ' OF DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is an isometic view of an example side wall structure according to the invention with a. window, window housing and side wall ends including top and bottom beams and side plates with location holes.

FIGURE 2 is a side view of an example side wall structure according to the invention, including a window, window housing and side wall ends including top and bottom beams and side plates with location holes, taken from the side plane indicated by arrow 111 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a front view of an example side wail structure according to the invention, including a window, window housing and side wall ends including top and bottom beams and side plates with location holes, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 109 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of an example side wall structure according to the invention, including a window, window housing and side wall ends including top and bottom beams and side plates with location holes, taken from above in a plane indicated by arrow 110 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is an isometric view of the ready-to-assemble pond according to the invention comprising of four side walls with four windows, the side walls are attached by the side wall ends and have a base attached, the figure illustrates the finishing components.

FIGURE 6 is a front view of the side wall formed without a full top beam this provides an infinity style side wall, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 109 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is a front view of a typical side wall including a window, window housing and finishing components, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 109 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view of the ready-to-assemble pond structure as installed with a typically non-rigid base position level with the ground and bottom surface of the side wall, taken from the side plane indicated by arrow 145 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view of the ready-to-assemble pond structure as installed with a non-rigid base position at a. below ground. level location and below the bottom surface of the side wall, taken from the side plane indicated by arrow 145 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 10 i.s a sectional view of an example bottom or top beam of a side wall including section one or two of the window housing.

FIGURE 11 is a isometric view of an example bottom and top beam of a side wall including section one or two of the window housing and a downward securing strip.

FIGURE 12 is a sectional view of an example bottom and top beam of a side wall including section one or two of the window housing, a downward securing strip and extended box section top and bottom.

FIGURE 13 is a sectional view of an example bottom and top beam of a side wall including section one or two of the window housing and inward securing strip with location hole.

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view of an example bottom and top beam of a side wall including section one or two of the window housing, a downward securing strip and typical box section top and bottom.

FIGURE 15 is a sectional view of an example bottom and top beam of a side wail including section one or two of the window housing, a outward securing strip and extended box section top and bottom.

FIGURE 16 is a plan view of an example square ready-to-assemble pond according to the invention including the finishing component of the coping, taken from above in a plane indicated by arrow 146 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 17 is a plan view of an example side wall structure according to the invention, including a window housing, side wall ends and a location hole for attachment of the top finishing components such as coping, taken froth above in a plane indicated by arrow 110 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 18 is a plan view of an example side wall structure according to the invention illustrating the location hole for the attachment of the top finishing components such as coping, taken from above in a plane indicated by arrow 110 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 19 is a plan view of an example of the coping fixing bracket, taken from below in a plane indicated by arrow 148 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 20 is a front and plan view of an example brick slip carrier including location lugs and brick slip carrier flanges.

FIGURE 21 is a plan view of an example corner joint comprising of two side walls with side wall ends with attachments means including location bolts, nuts, washers and holes also illustrating the side wall end angle, neoprene gasket and ninety degree bend, taken from above in a plane indicated by arrow 146 in FIGURE 5, FIGURE 22 is a plan view of an example a formed side plate including side wall end, side wall end angle and window housing, taken from above in a plane indicated by arrow 146 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 23 is a front view of an example a formed side plate including side wall end, side wall end angle and window housing, taken front the front plane indicated by arrow 109 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 24 is a front end view of an example a side plate side wall end including location holes, taken from the side plane indicated by arrow 111 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 25 is an outline drawing showing fold lines, location and clamping holes of a pond side wall, side plate.

FIGURE 26 is a plan view of an example a side wall including side wall ends and window housing, taken front above indicated by arrow 146 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 27 is a front view of an example a side wall including window housing, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 146 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 28 is a plan view of an example corner joint comprising of a gasket between two side walls, with side wall ends with attachments means including location bolts, nuts, washers and holes also illustrating the side wall end angle and ninety degree bend also including a decorative covering plate, taken from above in a plane indicated by arrow 146 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 29 is a plan view of an example a decorative covering plate to cover the attachment means of the side wall, taken from above in a plane indicated by an-ow 145 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 30 is a plan view of an example unformed profiled strip two. FIGURE 31 is a plan view of an example formed profiled strip two.

FIGURE 32 is a sectional view of the ready-to-assemble pond structure as installed with a typically non-rigid base position level with the ground and bottom surface of the side wall comprising a structure with a base that increases in depth towards the centre and includes an exit for a bottom drain, taken from the side plane indicated by arrow 147 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 33 is a sectional view of the ready-to-assemble pond structure as installed with a ram-rigid base position at a below ground level location and below the bottom surface of the side wall comprising a structure with a base that increases in depth towards the centre and includes an exit for a bottom drain, taken from the side plane indicated by arrow 147 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 34 is a front view of an example side wall structure according to the invention, including a window, window housing and finishing components which surround the window housing, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 109 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 35 is a front view of an example side wall structure according to the invention, not including a window where by the side wall is completely covered by finishing components illustrated in the example is brick slips, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 109 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 136 is a front view of an example side wall structure according to the invention, including a window reduced in width, window housing and side wall ends including top and bottom beams and side plates with location holes, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 109 in FIGURE I. FIGURE 137 is a front view of an example side wall structure according to the invention, including a window, window housing, side wall ends with location holes and no finishing components of location holes for the finishing components where by the side wall may be painted, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 109 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 38 is a plan view of an example ready-to-assemble pond comprising of two side walls including side wall ends with attachment means such as bolts which are received through holes and clamped with nuts, taken from above in a plane indicated by arrow 146 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 39 is a front view of an example ready-to-assemble pond comprising of two side walls attachment means such as bolts which are received through holes and clamped with nuts, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 147 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 40 is a front view of an example ready-to-assemble pond structure including a section covered with finishing components, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 147 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 41 is a front view of an example ready-to-assemble pond including a side wail with a window, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 147 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 42 is a front view of an example side wall including a window and formed from a single sheet of metal, with support channels welded to the inside top and bottom to form a box sections and the window location, taken from the front plane indicated by arrow 109 in FIGURE I. FIGURE 43 is an isometric view of the ready-to-assemble pond according to the invention compdsing of tour side walls with four curved windows, the side walls are attached by the side wail ends and have a straight sided non-rigid base attached, the figure illustrates the finishing components.

FIGURE 44 is an isometric view of the curved side wail accordingto the invention comprising a curved window and curved window housing.

FIGURE 45 is an isometric view of an example side wall structure according to the invention with a window, window housing and internal side wall ends including top and bottom beams and side plates with location holes.

FIGURE 46 is an isometric view of the extension joint o prising suitable attachment means to attach to a side wall end including location holes, bolts, washers and nuts.

FIGURE 47 is an isometric view of the extension joint to give an outward facing angle joint and can he modified to accommodate different angles/designs comprising suitable attachment means to attach to a side wall end including location holes, bolts, washers and nuts.

FIGURE 48 is an isometric view of the extension joint to enable an inward facing angle to give for example, a. hexagon shaped pond. Comprising suitable attachment means to attach to a. side wail end including location holes, bolts, washers and nuts.

FIGURE 49 is a plan view of an example multiple sided ready-to-assemble pond according to the invention, in an exploded view taken from above in a plane indicated by arrow 145 in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 50 is a plan view of an example multiple sided ready-to-assemble pond according to the invention in an L-shaped form, in an exploded view taken from above in a plane indicated by arrow 145 in FIGURE 5.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

2. Ready-to-assemble ponds which may he used as a pond, aquarium, swimming pool or other structure for containing fluids I Side wall 4. Side wall end 5. Window 6. Base 7. Interlocking means 8. Suitable surface area for base attachment 9. Side wall bottom surface 10. Center of base 11. Base upwardly extended sides 12. Box-welded liner 13. Ground level 14. Below ground level 15. Window housing 16. Downward securing strip 17. Extension joint 18. Foundational base 19. Outward securing strip 20. Inward securing strip 21. Securing holes 22. Top beam 23. Bottom beam 24. Side plate 25. Carrying lugs 26. Carrying holes 27. Side wall end surface 28. Gasket 29. Location holes 30. Location collars 31. Location bolts 32. Location nuts 33. Location washers 34. Pond equipment holes 35. Bottom strip 36. Decorative elements 37. Brick slip carriers 38. Brick slip location holes 39. Brickslip lugs 40. Window housing 41. Waterfall 42. Basehole 43. Straight window 44. Curved window 45. Otter surface of side wall 46. Top surface of side wall 47. Inner surface of side wall 48. Bottom surface of side wall 49. Front side wall 50. Back side wall 51. Sides 52. Laser profile 53. Profiled strip one 54. Profiled strip two 55. Forward projection 56. Section one of window housing 57. Section two of window housing 58. Section three of window housing 59. Section four of window housing 60. Rectangular box section 61. Rectangular box section top 62. Rectangular box section bottom 63. Rectangular box section front 64. Rectangular box section back 65. Key hole slots or location holes 66. Coping 67. Footings 68. Bracing strap 69. Front edge of beams 70. Corner joint 71. Outer edge 72. Location or fixing holes 73. 45 degree side wall ends 74. Square corner joint 75. Side wall end angle 76. Square pond 77. Rectangular pond 78. Hexagon pond 79. Triangular extension joint 80. V-shape outer plate 81. Side end plate surface 82. Location holes 83. V-shape flat plate 84. Arrowhead 85. Inner surface 86. Brick slips 87. Brick pillar 88. Brick slip flange top 89. Brick slip flange bottom 90. Brick slip flange window side 91. Brick slip flange outer side 92. Location hole for coping 93. Top surface 94. Curved side wall 95. Straight side wall 96. Curve geometry of side wall 97. Width of corner joint 98. Straight surface of beam 99. Inner surface of beam 100. Top surface of beam 101. Bottom surface of beam 102. Outer surface of beam 103. Straight internal edge 104. Internal extension joint 105. Internal extension triangle section 106. Internal extension outer plate 107. Internal extension straight plate 108. Internal extension location holes 109. An arrow indicating the front plane of side wall 110. An arrow indicating a plane from above the side wall 111. An arrow indicating the side plane of the side wall 112. Ninety degrees angle of the window housing top and bottom beams 113. An arrow indicating a ninety degrees angle of strip 114. An arrow indicating outwardly from the ready-to-assemble pond 115. An arrow indicating inwardly from the ready-to-assemble pond 116. An arrow indicating a ninety degrees angle of the side plate 117. An arrow indicating a ninety degrees angle of the side plate close to side wall end 118. Side wall end angle 119. V-shape angle 120. Curved side wall top beam 121. Curved side wall bottom beam 122. Curved window housing 123. Curved strip one 124. Curved strip two 125. Top surface of curved beam 126. Bottom surface of curved beam 127. Curved side wall end 128. Inner surface of curved beam 129. Outer surface of curved beam 130. Inner edge of curved beam 131. Outer edge of curved beam 132. Straight edge of inner surface of curved side wall bottom beam 133. Outer surface of curved window housing 134. Curved side plates 135. Sides of curved window housing 136. Bend of curved side plates 137. Front edge of curved side plates 138. Exterior angle 139. Interior angle 140. Internal extension joints 141. Outer plate 142. Straight plate 143. Triangular shape 144. Triangle section 145. An arrow indicating the front plane of the ready-to-assemble pond 146. An arrow indicating a plane from above of the ready-to-assemble pond 147. An arrow indicating the side plane of the ready-to-assemble pond 148. An arrow indicating a plane from below of the ready-to-assemble pond 149. Infinity side wall 150. Infinity window 151. Fixing bracket for coping 152. Decortive corner jiont cover 153. Base slope towards center 154. Top edge of window

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. There will now be described in detail, the consunction and operation of the present invention given in conjunction with the appended drawing in which like parts shown in the several figures of the drawing are assigned the same reference numeral.

Figures 5,16,49,50 shows the present invention, a ready-to-assemble pond 2 for use as a pond, aquarium, swimming pool or other structure for containing fluids 2 to be situated in an indoor or outdoor environment. The ready-to-assemble pond 2 may be a construction of modular components comprising an assembly of at least two side walls 3. The side wall ends 4 of each side wall 3 provide attachment means to attach to another side wall end 4 of another side wall 3. At least one of the side walls 3 includes a window 5 constructed of glass or plastic material with straight or curved geometry. The side walls 3 may include a window housing 15 to secure the window 5 in various positions, locations and angles. The side wall 3 provides a suitable surface for a watertight seal between the window 5 and the side wall 3 and suitable surfaces for a watertight seal between the side walls and base 6. The base 6 of the structure 2 is not required to increase the structural strength of the ready-toassemble pond 2, therefore the base 6 may be rigid or non-rigid and constructed of plastic or rubber sheet or other waterproof material. Preferably when constructed the ready-to-assemble pond 2 is an assembly of multiple side wall elements 3 containing window elements 5 and a non-rigid base element 6 which provide a watertight structure for containing fluids. Typically the ready-to-assemble pond 2 is an assembly of four side wall elements 3, four window elements 5 and a non-rigid base 6 element to provide a watertight structure for containing fluids in the shape of a square or rectangle when viewed from above.

Figures 1,253,4 show a typical side wall 3 which may he devised as follows, but other methods and materials may be employed to suit a particular requirement or design necessity.

Each of the side walls 3 may be laser profiled from stainless steel sheet preferably with a thickness of three millimetres but other relative thickness of sheet may he suitable and other materials may he used if suitable. Each side wall 3 typically comprises of three pairs of identical components the pairs are described as profiled strip one 53, profiled strip two 54 and side plate 24, these components form the top beam 22, bottom beam 23 and side plates 24, when welded together they will form one side wall 3 a watertight element of the ready-to-assemble pond 2.

The top beam 22 and bottom beam 23 consist of two laser profiled strips, profiled strip one 53 and profiled strip two 54. Profiled strip one 53 consists of a forward projection 55 along part of its length that, when formed at a ninety degrees angle 112, this forward projection 55 forms either the section one of the window housing 56 or section two of the window housing 57 for locating the window 5. The two strips 54 and 55 are formed at ninety degree angles 113 along the length of the profile then both strips 54 and 55 are welded together to form a rectangular box section 60 that gives strength to the side wall 3. The forward projection 55 right angle which is the window housing 56, 57 for the window 5 also adds strength to the beams 54 and 55 and therefore the side wall 3. The rectangle box section 60 may be adapted during manufacturing to suit different sizes, lengths, thickness and shapes, such as the rectangle box section top 61 and rectangle box section bottom 62 may he increased in size over the rectangle box section front 63 and rectangle box section hack 64 to increase strength horizontally. Any element of the side wall 3 may be adapted and other modifications and variations will be apparent to a skilled reader.

The top beam 22 and bottom beam 23 have side finishing location holes 65 such as vertical location slots on the outer surface 45 of the side walls 2 so that the brick slip carriers 37 can locate in the outer face of the beams 102 top beam 22 and bottom beam 23. The top surface 100 of the top beam 22 may have a location hole or holes 92 or other location or clamping method to attach decorative elements such as coping 66.

In one embodiment of the side wall 3 according to the invention, illustrated in figure 11, the side wall 3 may have a downward securing strip 16 on the bottom beam 23 that would be used to attach, clamp to or locate against a foundational base 18 typically constructed of concrete. The downward securing strip 16 may also be an outward securing strip 19, illustrated in figure 15, which extends outwardly 114 from the centre of the ready-to-assemble pond 2 or an inward securing strip 20, illustrated in figure 13, which extends inwardly 115 from the outer surface of the ready-to-assemble pond 2. The beams 22 and 23 may have holes 72 to receive bolts used to attach the side wall 3 or walls 3 to the foundational base 18. The beams 22 and 23 may use any other conventional means to attach to a foundational base 18 or have any other conventional means of strengthening the side walls 3 such as attachment means for bracing straps 68 that go across from one side wall 3 to any other side wall 3 to withhold the water pressure exerted on the side walls 3 to stop any distortion, deformation or movement.

The side wall 3 requires a pair of side plates 24, shown in figures 21,22,23,24,25, to complete the structure, these are typically laser profiled and formed to shape. They have a forward projection 55 of identical shape to the top beam 22 and bottom beam 23 formed at a ninety degree angle 116 to provide section three and four of the window housing 58 and 59, these elements 56, 57, 58 and 59 protrude from the outer surface 45 of the side walls 3 to house the window 5. In another embodiment the location of the window 5 may be at any location through the side wall 3 as the window 5 does not need to be protruding from the side wall 3 outer surface 45 as previously describe and may also be for example aligned with the inner surface 47 of the side wall 3. The side plates 24 have a ninety degree bend 117 at a location close to the side wall end 4, the position of the side plates is located along the front edge of the beams 69 aligned with the outer surface of the side wall 45 this side plate 24 continues along the length 69 of the side wall 3 and forms the side wall end 4 to provide the attachment means for a side wall 3 to attach to another side wall 3 or extension joint 17 or any other structure with suitable attachment means.

By welding the side plate 24 around the window housing 15 and along the front edge 69 to the next bend formed at a ninety degree angle 117 to the top beam 22 and bottom beam 23, this right angle 117 allows the side plate 24 to extend towards the inner surface of the side wall 47, this is then formed at the required angle typically at forty five degrees 118 that locates the final surface of the side plate 27 along the outer edge 71 of the top and bottom beam 22 and 23 to form the side wall end 4 and therefore one half of a corner joint 70. The side wall end surface 27 would typically have locating or fixing holes 72 to facilitate alignment with the adjoining side wall end 4 typically down the centre of the side wall end surface to allow the attachment, bolting or fixing together of the two adjoining side wall ends 4 and therefore side walls 3. The side plates 24 may be fabricated to different lengths to suit a different size of window 4. shown in figures 6,7,34,36,37. The side plates when welded to the top beam 22 and bottom beam 23 provide vertical robustness to the side wall 3 structure.

When the side wall ends 4 are fabricated at forty five degrees a square corner joint 70 will be formed, therefore provide the necessary structure for square ready-to-assemble pond 76, shown in figures 5,16 when viewed from above or rectangle ready-to-assemble pond 77 when viewed from above or other pond shapes that require two side walls 3 that align at ninety degrees to each other. The side wall end 4 angle of the side wall 3 can be changed or adapted to any angle therefore allowing for innumerable ready-to-assemble pond 2 shapes to be realised, such as if the form the shape of hexagon pond 78 when viewed from above was required the side wall end 4 angle 118 would be formed at hundred and twenty degrees. The side wall ends 4 enable the side walls 3 to be fitted into different configurations so that one side wall 3 may be aligned at any angle from zero to three hundred and sixty to the next connecting said side wall 3. There are innumerable ready-to-assemble pond 2 designs which can be realized such as where a structural section can he attached to a side wall 3 or extension joint 17 or any other structure with suitable attachment means at any angle to the first adjoining side wall 3, the attachment means may all be produced using the same basic design of bolting or fixing one side wall 3 to the next side wall 3. In one embodiment the side walls 3 may be attached to an existing pond building or a house or any other structure with suitable attachment means.

in another embodiment the side walls 3 may be manufactured from a single sheet of metal, shown in figures 42, the side wall may also he formed from plastic or carbon fibre or other material using a conventional mould technique if the material is suitable for the ready-to-assemble pond 2.

In another embodiment the side walls 3 may be manufactured to include projection pieces here on in refen-ed to as lugs 25 attached to the external surfaces of the side wall 3, with adapted positions relative to the pond structures components. The II1gN 25 may include holes 26 for reinforcing bars for adding the carrying of the side walls 3 during distribution and construction. The number of attached lugs 25 may be adapted. The carrying aid may also be in the form of holes 2.6 on the external surfaces of the side wall 3 to receive carrying bars. The side walls 3 may also include holes for pond equipment sitioned in suitable locations and holes for water to exit such as for the use of a Ovate 41 or pond pump, In another embodiment the ready-to-assemble pond 2 may comprise of a structure where by a section of the top beam 22 of the side wall 3 is removed to allow the top edge 154 of the window 5 to he visible, therefore proving an infinity type structure, shown in figures 6,7,43.

The side walls 3 of the ready-to-assemble pond 2 comprising side wall ends 4 having attachment means to attach to another side wall end 4 of another side wall 3 may he attached together by clamping with nuts and bolts or other conventional clamping devices, the side wall ends 4 may have location holes 29 and, or apertures in the surface of the side wall end 27. The attachment means of the side walls 3 for attachment to another side wall 3 is preferably on the side wall ends 4 typically utilizing mechanical fixings such as bolts with nuts or clamping devises, levers, wedges or other clamping means. The attachment means may be provided by a sealant or glue if suitable or any other attachment means suitable for attaching the side walls 3 together. The attachment means may also provide the watertight seal between side walls 3 but does not have provided a watertight seal as a conventional sealant such silicone may he placed after the side walls 3 are attached. The angle 118 of the side wall ends 4 may he formed at any angle from zero to three hundred and sixty, with exterior angles 138 or interior angles 139, shown in figure 45, typically the ready-to-assemble pond is manufactured with a forty five degree angle that would produce side walls that are aligned at ninety degrees to each other when viewed from above suitable for a square 76 or rectangular ready-toassemble pond 77. For example if this angle 118 was changed to sixty degrees, a hexagon pond 78 would be produced. In one embodiment the corner joint 70 the ready-to-assemble pond may be covered by a decorative cover 152 as shown in figures 28,29 the decorative cover 152 may be fabricated form any material suitable.

For ready-to-assemble ponds 2 with a greater number of side walls 3 or for longer side wall 3 structures it may be practical to insert a extension joint 17, shown in figure 46,47,48 between the side walls 3. An extension joint 17 may attach to any side wall end 4 or other extension joint with suitable attachment means, the extension joints allow for the side walls 3 to he aligned to each other at any angle 118 from zero to three hundred and sixty in any direction.

One embodiment of a side wall 3 extension joint 17 may involve a triangular extension joint 79 consisting of two elements a V-shape outer plate 80 and a V-shape flat plate 83 to provide a triangular shape when viewed from above. The extension joints 17 have compatible fixings and positions to align with a side wall 3. The V-shape outer plate 80 is formed into a V-shape to suit the surface of the side wall end 27 to form a suitable surface for attachment to the side wall end 4. The angle of the V-shape 119 would depend on the required angle of alignment between the two adjoining side walls 3 or extension joints 17 to the extension joint 17. The V-shape flat plate 83 may have location holes 82 located at the same positions as the side wall ends 3 location holes 29 to provide a necessary attachment means, these may receive nuts and bolts or other conventional attachment means. The extension joints 17 may need to have the bolts, washers and location collars welded to the inside face of the extension joint in either of the plates 80 or 83 to determine an internal or external joint 17. The V-shape flat plate 83 is welded into the triangular extension joint 79 along both open sides to form a triangle when viewed from above. The height of the extension joints 17 may be the identical to the side walls 3 to provide a suitable structure for the coping 66 to be attached and a surface of similar structure to the surface of the side wall plates 27 for placing a sealant for creating a watertight attachment. If suitable the sealant may also provide the attachment means for attaching the extension joint 17 to a side wall end 4. The height should ideally match the side walls 3 bottom inner surface of the bottom beam 100 for the base to be attached. The V-shape flat plate 83 may also be formed with an inward facing V-shape, when viewed from above it could be described as an arrowhead shape 84. The side walls 3 may intersect at the centre of the corner joint 70 to provide a continued flat area for the base from elements angle to the adjoining elements angle. A ninety degree extension joint 17 can be used to fit between two straight side walls 95 to provide a straight side wall 3 with a greater length.

The ready-to-assemble pond 2 may have finishing components such as brick slips, these may he attached to brick slip carriers 37, shown in figure 20, ideally fabricated from stainless steel sheet and have brick slips 86 attached. To create a look of real bricks the brick slips 86 may he fixed and grouted onto the brick slip carriers 37 this will resemble a real brick pillar 87, shown in figures 5,43 typically thirteen and a half inches wide and formed at the full height of the side wall 3 in one embodiment the bricks slip carries 37 will he reduced in height as during assembly they are required to be lifted and then slotted down into the desired position other conventional means of attachment to the side walls 3 may be fabricated. The brick slips 86 may be attached to stainless strips 37 that have lugs 39 formed at ninety degrees to align with location holes 38 in the top and bottom beams 22, 23. Another embodiment is to fabricate brick slip carries 37 that may be constructed with formed bends or flanges on at least one side but typically all four sides' top 88, bottom 89, window side 90 and outer side 91 to increase strength and stability. The top 88. bottom 89 and window side 90 flanges are outward facing at ninety degrees to the brick slip carriers 37, the outer side 91 flange faces inward typically at forty five degrees for square or rectangle ready-to-assemble ponds 2 as it is on an outside corner and abuts against another brick slip carrier outer side 91 which is attached to the adjoining side wall 3.

The brick slip carrier 37 attachment means for attaching to a side wall 3 may he in any conventional means such as holes to receive bolts or screw, the use of glue or adhesive or lugs to be received in holes or slots 38. In one embodiment the bricks slip carries 37 attachment means may be in the form of four laser cut stepped lugs 39 that are formed outwards at ninety degrees to the back surface of the brick slip carrier 37 or perpendicular to the brick slips 86, on the back of the carriers these have small downward projections or brick slip carrier lugs 39 that locate in four location holes 38 in the side wall 3 typically in the top 22 and bottom beams 23 Once the brick slip carrier lugs 39 have been located into the location holes 38 they will drop down and the brick slip carrier lugs 39 will secure them onto the side wall 3.

In one embodiment a side wall 3, shown in figure 34 may be required to be completely covered in brick slips 86, shown in figure 35, therefore having a side wall 3 with no window 4 in this embodiment the bricks slip carries 37 would have all four flanges top 88, bottom 89, window side 90 and outer side 91 extending outwardly. As would be the case if the window 4 was reduced in size as the brick slip carriers 37 may be used to decoratively cover the side wall 3. The appropriate number of location holes or slots 38 would be added to the side wall 3 typically in positions in the top 22 and bottom 23 beams The brick slips 86 are made by conventional means either by wire cutting a real brick to a thickness of approximately twenty millimetres, as used in this case, or by creating a brick slip to the required thickness from clay and firing it in a kiln.

The brick slip carriers 37 may also have other types of materials attached such as granite, stone, wood, plastic or any other decorative element or elements. The brick slip carriers 37 may also he fabricated with a double skin so that a stainless steel finish can be used, these may also be sprayed in different colours as required. The brick slip carriers 37 are developed to cover the side wall ends 4 attachment means which is required to be accessible so that the ready-to-assemble pond 2 may be assembled and dismantled without causing any damage to the structure of the ready-to-assemble pond 2. In one embodiment the decorative elements may also be directly attached to the side walls 3. The ready-to-assemble pond 2 may also have function elements attached to the side walls 3 such as solar panels.

The ready-to-assemble pond 2 may have decorative elements attached to the top surfaces 46 of the side walls 3 conventional coping 66 is used such as wood or granite, as shown in figures 16,18,19. The side wall 3 may include a keyhole slot 65 in the top beam 22 for attachment of the coping 66 this attachment means allows for expansion and contraction rates of the different materials and facilitates fitting and removal. The decorative materials for the top 46 of the side walls 3 may also he directly attached to the side walls 3.

The presented invention of the ready-to-assemble pond 2 requires no structural stability from rigid a base 6, therefore the base 6 can he made from a flexible watertight material if required such as a conventional pond liner, shown in figures 5,8,9,32,33,43. The preferred non-rigid base would he a butyl or similar EPDM rubber liner as this material can be fabricated into a sealed box-welded pond liner 12 and can be formed with an upward extending flange 11 to match the height of the bottom beam 23. The upward extending flange 11 of the box liner 12 can then be attached and sealed to the inner surface of the bottom beam 99, therefore providing a watertight ready-to-assemble pond 2.

Alternative embodiments may require the base 6 to be the full depth of the ready-to-assemble pond 2 with the pond liner attached along the top surface of side walls 46 or a suitable location at the top of the pond on the inner surface of the side walls 47 and around the window 4 or window housing 15 area if the side wall 3 contains a window 4 by means of silicone or other conventional sealant or liner jointing tape system.

In another embodiment the non-rigid base 6 may be attached to the bottom surface 48 or outer surface 45 of the side walls 3 or any other suitable surface. The base 6 may also in some embodiments be fully or partly non-rigid.

Typically the base 6 is positioned at ground level 13 having a bottom surface which may be positioned level or remotely level with the bottom surface 48 of the side wall 3. In one embodiment the ready-to-assemble pond 2 may also have a base 6 which is located below ground level 14, having a bottom surface which may be positioned below the bottom surface 48 of the side wall 3 allowing for a greater volume of water to be contained within the ready-to-assemble pond 2. The below ground base construction does not require the side walls 3 to be adapted. from the construction utilized for a ready-to-assemble pond 2 with a ground level 13 base 6. In another embodiment the ready-toassemble pond 2 may also attach to a foundational base 18 typically constructed of concrete. From the concrete foundational base 18 a watertight seal is made with the side wall 3 typically by means of fiberglass, pond paint, sealant, siiieone, butyl liner or other conventional means, The non-rigid base 6 may also attach to the side walls 3 using an attachment means such as silicone or other conventional waterproof sealant or polymer. The ready-to-assemble pond 2 may be situated on any level ground. In some embodiments the ready-to-assemble pond 2 may be constructed on relatively level ground or any area the user requires, that is structurally sound enough for the total weight of the complete readyto-assemble pond 2 structure and the water contained in ready-to-assemble pond 2.

Figures 38,40,41,43,44,49 shows a curved side wall 94 which may have the same basic structure as a straight side wall 95, figures 1,2,3,4, including the attachment means of a curved side wall end 127 so as to be interchangeable with other side wall 3 side wall ends 4, extension joints 17 or any other structure with suitable attachment means to attached to the curved side wall end 127. The curved side walls 94 are typically made from three millimetre stainless steel sheet.

The curved side walls 94 have a curved top beam 120 and curved bottom beam 121, both beams may be fabricated from two separate pieces a profiled curved strip one 123 and curved strip two 12 they may also include the a curved window housing 122 which is forward protruding and formed at ninety degrees for housing the window 44 similar in construction a straight side wall top 22 and bottom beams 23 and therefore the side wall 3 previously described.

The curved top beam 120 and bottom beam 121 may be formed from a laser profiled curved strip one 123 and curved strip two 124, the required curve of these strips 123 and 124 would typically be fabricated to align with the curve of a chosen and suitable curved window 44. The top 125 and bottom 126 surfaces of the curved top 120 and bottom 121 beams may have the same width as a straight top 22 or bottom 23 beam, so as to match and he of equal width at the side wall ends 4 and 127 and therefore side walls 3 and 94 may he equal in width. In one embodiment the curved side wall 94 may have a form where the curve of the curved window 44 and curved top 120 and bottom 121 beams where the curve of the window ends may be smaller in size then the curved side wall 94 therefore does not fill the curved side wall 94 from curved side wall end 127 to curved side wall end 127 and may have a straight section of side wall 96 at either end to accommodate a brick slip carrier 37 or other finishing components.

The inner surface 128 of the beams 12.0 and 121 would he curved to suit the inner edge 130 of the top and bottom 121 beams and would he the required suitable height for providing strength to the heams 120 and 121 and would he welded into position. The outer surface 129 of the beams 120 and 121 would be curved to suit the outer edge 130 of the top 120 and bottom 121 beams and would be the required suitable height for providing strength to the beams 120 and 121 and would be welded into position. The curved top beam 120 and curved bottom beam 121 have curved window housing 122 in the form of a ninety degree forward facing protrusion this is typically level with the bottom surface 126 of the top beam 120 and top surface 125 of the bottom beam 126, this protrusion may be the thickness of the curved window 44. The curved window housing 122 protrusion would then he formed downwardly at ninety degrees to form the outside surface 133 of the curved window housing 122 which is typically in a location outward of the outer surface 129 of the curved top 120 and bottom 121 beam. The top 120 and bottom 121 curved beams are typically fabricated rectangle box sections.

In one embodiment the curved bottom beam 121 of the curved side wall 44 will have the same curved outer surface 129 that aligns with the curve of the curved window 44 and the outer surface 129 of top beam 120 but the curved bottom beam 121 instead may have a curved outer surface 129 and a straight inner surface 132 to provide a straight suitable surface for the base 6 to attach.

The curved side wall 94 has curved side plates 134, similar in form to the side plates 24 of a straight side wall 3 that when welded into position will form the sides of the curved side wall 94 window housing 135. The curved side plates 134 have a right angle recess to provide a window housing 135 for the curved window 44 that is typically held forward of the main body of the curved side wall 94 equivalent to the thickness of the curved window 44. The curved side plates 134 have a bend at ninety degrees that positions the curved side plates in alignment with the outer surface 129 of the curved top 120 and bottom 121 beam. The curved side plates 134 continue along to the curved side wall end 127 this forms the joint for attaching to another curved side wall 94, side wall 3 or extension joints 17 or any other extension structure with suitable attachment means.

By forming the curved side plates to the curve of the curved top 120 and bottom 121 beams and welding the curved side plates 134 around the curved window housing 122 and along the front edge 137 to the bend which is formed at a ninety degree angle to the curved top 120 and bottom 121 beam, the form allows the curved side plates 134 to extend to the rear of the beams 120 and 121 towards the curved side wall end 127, the curved side plate 134 is then formed at an angle of forty five degrees or any angle that the user requires this curved side wall end 134 surface continues to the outer corner of the frame to form the curved side wall end 134 and one half of a corner joint 70 with the next side wall 3, 94 section. The forty five degree angle would typically have location holes to attach to and facilitate alignment with the adjoining curved 94 or straight side wall 3 or joint extension 17. There may also typically he a row of location holes 29 in the surface of the curved side wall end 134 and therefore corner joint 70 to allow the bolting or fixing together of the two adjoining components. The attachment means of the components may be provided by a conventional sealant or glue.

These curved side plates 134 can he made in different lengths to accommodate a different size of window 5, 44 or windows and when welded to the beams 120, 121 provide vertical and horizontal strength to the side wall 3, 94.

Another embodiment of an extension joint 17, shown in figures 46,47,48,49,50 would he an internal extension joint 140. Internal extension joints 140 would involve a triangular section which may be fabricated consisting of two parts an outer plate 141 and a straight plate 142 to make the triangular shape 144 when viewed from above. The internal extension joints 140 outer plates 141 will he formed into an outward facing ninety degree V-shape. The last section is a straight plate 142 typically formed to match the width of two surfaces of side wall end 4 and therefore the corner joint 70 to allow for attachment. The straight plate 142 would have location holes 29 which may he laser cut at the same positions as the side wall ends 4 location holes 29 to provide the suitable attachment means for the internal extension joint 140 to attach to a side wall end 4 or other extension joint 17 or any other structure with suitable attachment means. The location holes 29 may receive stainless steel bolts and have washers which may be welded to the inside of the straight plate 142. The straight plate 142 with the bolt threads pointing outwardly is welded into the outer plate 141 along both open sides to form a triangle when viewed from above. The height of the internal extension joints 140 will he the same as the side walls 3 to provide a suitable surface for sealing and attachment of the base 6 typically along the bottom in alignment with the bottom beams inner surface 130. Location holes 29 may be fabricated on the internal extension joints 140 that would correspond to location holes 29 in the side walls 3 to aid with alignment of the attachment means such as bolts or sealant and therefore aid alignment of the side wall ends 4.

Although the preceding description contains significant detail, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. As an example, the window frame 16 illustrated could take many forms. One alternative can he a window frame structure 16 with multiple side members 14 to form a shape of a star when viewed from the front plane 10. Such a variation would not materially alter the nature of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should he fixed by the following claims rather than any specific examples provided.

Having described my invent or I claim:

Claims

CLAIMSL A ready-to-assemble pond for use as a pond, aquarium, swimming pool ar other structure for containing fluids comprising: a. of at least two side walls.h. of at least one of the said side walls comprises a window.c. said side walls include side wall ends to provide attachment means to attach to another said side wall end of another said side wall or any other suitable structure with suitable attachment means.d. a rigid or non-rigid base.e. a said ready-to-assemble pond that may be adapted to ifferent shapes, arrangements and sizes.
2. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, comprising a watertight structure.
3. The attachment means according to claim 1, provides a watertight seal between said side walls ends and therefore between said side walls.
4. A side wall end according to claim 1, comprising said attachment means which may be in the form of an interlocking joint.
5. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, comprising said side wails, said window and said base that can be adapted to different shapes, sizes, thicknesses and curved geometries.
6. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, comprising of multiple connecting said side walls.
7. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim I, comprising a structure that can be built on any relatively or completely or partly flat surface, that is structurally strong enough for the total weight of the pond and water.
8. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, comprising said side walls which are adaptable for different lengths, heights, widths and curved geometries.
9. A side wall according to claim 1, providing a suitable surface area for the base to be attached for a watertight seal between said base and a said side wall or walls.
10. A side wall according to claim 1, providing a suitable surface area or areas for a box liner or other conventional means of pond liner to be attached for a watertight seal between said base and said side wall or walls.
11. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, contains extension joints to enable said side walls to be fitted into different configurations so that one said side wall may be aligned at any angle from zero to three hundred and sixty to the next connecting said side wall.
12. A side wall according to claim 1, provides a suitable surface area or areas on said side wall ends where a sealant can be placed to make a watertight seal between side wall ends.
13. The attachment means according to claim 1, allows for the said side walls to be attached together at any angle from zero to three hundred and sixty degrees.
14. A hase according to claim 1, which is not required to have any portion of the area rigid, therefore the said base may be constructed of plastic or rubber sheet or other water proof material.
15. A base according to claim 1, may be provided by a concrete foundational base.
16. A window according to claim 1, comprises a construction of glass or plastic or other conventional material for use as a window.
17. A base according to claim 1, having a bottom surface which may be positioned level or remotely level with the bottom surface of the said side wall.
18. A base according to claim 1, having a bottom surface which may be positioned level or remotely level with the bottom surface of the said side wall and increasing in depth towards the centre of the said base.
19. A base according to claim 1, having a bottom surface which is positioned level or remotely level with the bottom surface of the said side wall with upward extended sides, typically known as a box liner, where the upward extended sides are secured to the said side walls to produce a watertight seal.
20. A base according to claim 1, adaptable to have a bottom surface at a below ground level or below the bottom surface of the said side walls location.
21. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises a window housing with attachment means for the said window which can be adapted to be different sizes in length, width, height, angles and curved geometries.
22. A side wall according to claim 1, comprising a downward, outward or and inward securing strip which extends downwardly outwardly or and inwardly from the said side wall side to secure on a surface of a foundational base.
23. A downward, outward or inward securing strip according to claim 22, comprises securing holes to receive bolts or other conventional means for securing the said downward, outward or and inward securing strip and therefor the said ready-to-assemble pond to a foundational base.
24. A downward, outward or inward securing strip according to claim 22, comprises a suitable surface with attachment means for the rigid or non-rigid base constructed of fiberglass, rubber sheet or plastic sheet or other conventional means to be attached and sealed.
25. A side wall according to claim 1, that may comprise of a box or multiple box sections located along the length of the said side wall above the said window of said side wall.
26. A side wall according to claim 1, that may comprise of box sections located along the length of the said side wall below the window of said side wall.
27. A side wall according to claim 1, that may comprise of a structure fabricated from box sections.
28. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises a fabrication that is watertight.
29. A side wall according to claim 1, comprising a construction of metal.
30. A side wall according to claim 1, comprising a construction of plastic.
31. A side wall according to claim 1, comprising a construction of 316 stainless steel or any other suitable material.
32. A ready-to-assemble pond, aquarium, swimming pool or other water tight structure for containing fluids according to claim 1, may comprise of multiple side walls and or multiple extension joints and or any other suitable structure with suitable attachment means.
33. A window housing according to claim 21, comprises surfaces which may be adapted to position a straight or curved said window at any angle from parallel to forty five degrees in any direction.
34. A window housing according to claim 21, provides a suitable flat surface for a sealant to provide a watertight seal between the said window and said window housing.
35. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises carrying lugs attached to the external surface of the said side wall in positions suitable for receiving a rope or bar or other carrying aid for transporting the said side wall.
36. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises carrying holes in the external surface of the said side wall in positions suitable for receiving a rope or bar or other carrying aid for transporting the said side walls.
37. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises a structure adaptable to have curved geometry when viewed from above.
38. The attachment means according to claim 1, provides attached to any other element with suitable attachment means.
39. The extension joints according to claim 11, may attach to the said side wall ends at any angle.
40. A side wall end according to claim 1, provides a suitable surface for a sealant such as silicon or other conventional means to provide a watertight seal.
41. A side wall end according to claim 1, provides a suitable surface for a gasket constructed of conventional means to provide a watertight seal.
42. A side wall end according to claim 1, comprising of clamping devises, levers, wedges or other clamping means to secure one side wall end to another side wall end.
43. A side wall end according to claim 1, comprises location holes to receive components for attaching adjoining side wall ends together.
44. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, comprises a structure that can be covered in fibreglass.
45. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises holes for pond equipment.
46. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises top and bottom beams
47. A bottom beam according to claim 46, includes holes for pond equipment.
48. A top beam according to claim 1, includes holes for pond equipment.
49. A side wall according to claim 46, includes holes for screws for attachment of an additional strip.
50. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, comprising a structure which can be assembled by a person unskilled in the art.
51. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, comprising a two sided structure with a base and one window which can be delivered to an end user in as few as three separate parts not including fixing components
52. A side wall according to claim 1, includes attachment means for attaching a decorating element or elements such as wood, tiles or other conventional means of decoration.
53. A side wall according to claim 1, includes attachment means on the external surfaces for attaching a decorating element or elements such as wood, tiles, decking, bricks, brick slips or other conventional means of decoration.
54. A window housing according to claim 21, adaptable to locate the said window at different positions through the said side wall.
55. A side wall according to claim 1, has attachment means for an additional window housing strip to secure the said window and maintain a water tight structure.
56. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises holes, bolts, or other elements to secure the said side wall to a foundational base such as concrete or other conventional foundational base means.
57. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises of a structure that may be fabricated out of a single sheet of metal.
58. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises of a structure that may be fabricated out of a single sheet of stainless steel.
59. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises of a waterfall.
60. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises of attachment means for brick slip carriers.
61. A side wall according to claim 1, comprises of attachment means for brick slips.
62. A side wall according to claim 1, may comprise of an outlet for water to exit the said ready-toassemble pond.
63. A base according to claim 1, comprises a hole or holes for a bottom drain pump or other convention pond cleaning equipment.
64. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, comprising a structure that may be in the form of an L-shape when viewed from above.
65. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, comprising a structure that may be in the form of a circle, square, rectangle, star, octagon, hexagon or any other shape that may be formed from the said ready-to-assemble ponds components when viewed from above.
66. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, comprising a structure which is prefabricated in modular components.
67. A ready-to-assemble pond according to claim 1, provides a structure which may attach to an existing pond, aquarium, building, house or structure.