WO2007088335A1

WO2007088335A1 - Modular base, a panel for a modular base and garden structure having a modular base

Info

Publication number: WO2007088335A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/000294
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard William Neary; Michael Graham Roscoe
Original assignee: Richard William Neary; Michael Graham Roscoe
Priority date: 2006-02-03
Filing date: 2007-01-29
Publication date: 2007-08-09
Also published as: GB0602232D0

Abstract

A modular base (10) for supporting a garden structure comprises a plurality of panels (12), each panel formed from one or more polymeric materials. The panels are configured so that they can be arranged to form a generally planar structure on which a garden structure can be supported. In one embodiment, the panels (12) are inter-connected by means of connecting members (14), to hold the panels together in a desired relative configuration. The panels (12) may be positioned on the ground and assembled together using the connecting members (14) to form a base on which a garden structure is placed. In an alternative arrangement, the panels (12) may be affixed directly to the lower surface of a garden structure. A panel for the modular base and a garden structure having a modular base are also disclosed.

Description

MODULARBASE, APANEL FORAMODULARBASEAND GARDEN STRUCTUREHAVINGAMODULARBASE

This' invention relates to a modular base. In particular, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a modular base for supporting a garden structure such as a garden shed, greenhouse, playhouse or the like. The invention also relates to a panel for such a modular base and to a garden structure having a modular base.

It is common for garden structures to have a lesser standard of construction than is usual for permanent residential buildings. Thus, for example, it is rare for such buildings to enjoy features such as subterranean foundations, damp proofing, mains water supplies etc. Nonetheless, in order to maintain stability and improve their lifespan, it is advisable for such structures to have certain structural features, notably a secure base.

The purpose of the base is chiefly to provide a firm, level surface upon which the structure can be located. In addition, the base itself must be able to resist rotting, infestation etc. which might arise from the location of the base in or on the ground, and should separate the garden structure from the ground so as to minimise the risk that garden structure itself will be affected by such rotting, infestation, etc. There are two common types of base structure in use, namely a concrete base formed in situ, and. a base formed from individual concrete slabs.

In order to form a concrete base in situ, a suitable location must be identified and the ground cleared of any plants or other obstructions. An appropriately-sized shallow pit is then dug and lined with a suitable framework (such as timber) to contain the concrete during setting. This pit is half-filled with compacted hardcore material, which is then levelled off, and the wet concrete mix is applied on top. The concrete must be levelled and smoothed whilst still wet, and care taken during setting that the concrete does not either become waterlogged (e.g. during wet weather) or dry out and crack (e.g. in dry weather).

^■ In order to form a base from concrete slabs, the location must similarly be identified, cleared of obstacles, and a shallow pit dug. This is then filled with a dry sand/cement mix, raked level, and concrete slabs laid carefully on top of the mix. Care must be taken to ensure that each slab is level and well seated in the sand/cement mix.

It is important that the base does not spread apart or otherwise deform under the load of the garden structure. In the case of the in situ concrete base, this is achieved by the unitary nature of the base once the concrete has set. In the case of the base formed from concrete slabs, the mass of the individual slabs means that a significant force is required to push the slabs apart, and the underlying sand/cement mix sets to hold the slabs into position.

There are a number of problems with these types of bases. Most notably, there is the permanent nature of such bases; in the event of any errors in the choice of location or the size or geometry of the base will necessitate the difficult and costly destruction of the base (producing a large quantity of rubble and leaving an unsightly area in the garden) and the formation of a new base having the correct location, size and geometry. Similarly, if there are any problems with the structure of an in situ concrete base (for example, the formation of cracks during setting, or subsequent physical damage to the base), it can be very difficult to repair and may in fact require the complete destruction of the base and formation of a new base.

In the case of the formation of a base from concrete slabs, it is normally possible to replace a broken or misaligned slab immediately after laying, but this becomes difficult once the underlying sand/cement mix has hardened. In addition, the pre-formed and rigid, brittle nature of the slabs means that damage can easily occur, for instance, if the slab is dropped onto a hard surface during • transport, or the ground underneath the slab is not completely flat. Concrete has a particularly poor tensile strength, so that flexing of the slab caused by an , .underlying obstacle will readily lead to cracking from the upper surface and subsequent fragmentation. Furthermore, such bases require heavy materials for their construction.

In the case of a concrete base formed in situ, hardcore material and concrete mix must be transported to the site of the garden structure, whilst in the case of a base formed from concrete slabs, sand, cement and the slabs themselves must be transported. This requires physical strength on the part of the operator, and may require the use of specialised lifting machinery. Because of the weight and permanent nature of the bases, they must be constructed at the particular location required and cannot, for example, be supplied together with the garden structure for which they are intended. Since each base must be built individually, they cannot benefit from the economy of scale associated with mass production.

Finally, in wet weather, water will pool on the base and may take some time to drain away. This can lead to corrosion of metal-framed garden structures (such as some greenhouses), or rotting and mould growth of wooden garden structures.

The present invention has been conceived with the above problems in mind.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular base for supporting a garden structure, the base comprising a plurality of panels, each panel formed from one or more polymeric materials, the panels being configured so that they can be arranged to form a generally planar structure on which a garden structure can be supported.

It is an advantage of the modular base in accordance with the first aspect of the invention that the panels are made of a relatively lightweight polymeric material. This enables the panels to be easily transported to the desired location for the garden structure, without the need for any specialised lifting equipment, and then connected to form the base. The modular base in accordance with the invention can, therefore, be laid very easily by a user requiring little skill and the minimum of preparation.

Preferably each panel is connectable with at least one adjacent panel in the base. In a particularly preferred embodiment, all the panels in the base are inter-connectable, either directly or indirectly, so as to be held together in a desired relative configuration. The base may comprise one or more connecting members, each connecting member being configured to inter-engage at least two adjacent panels in the structure to hold them together. Each connecting member may be configured to inter-engage up to four adjacent panels in the structure to hold them together.

It is an advantage of the preferred embodiment that all the panels forming the base are held together by connecting means as the panels will not spread apart either before or whilst a garden structure is positioned on the base.

Each panel may have two or more corners and each corner of each panel may have an attachment structure configured for co-operation with a connection member.

All the panels may be substantially identical.

AU the panels may be substantially square.

Each panel may have first and second substantially parallel faces, each of said faces being configured for contact with the garden structure or the ground or other surface on which the structure is to be placed. Each panel may be configured such that each of the first and second faces has one or more supporting areas for contact with the ground or the garden structure. The support area or areas may comprise between 45% and 75%, in particular 60%, of the total surface area of each face. The first and second faces of each panel may comprise a plurality of spaced support areas. There may be holes or recess between the support areas.

Each panel may comprise a perimeter wall and a plurality of support members extending internally from the perimeter wall. The perimeter wall and at least part of at least some of the support members may form the support areas.

Each panel may comprise members for co-operatively engaging corresponding members on a further panel placed adjacent thereto. Each panel may have one or more projections extending outwardly from the perimeter wall thereof, the projection member on one panel abutting a corresponding projection on a further panel placed adjacent thereto. The projections may be configured such that each panel in the structure must be inverted relative to an adjacent panel in the structure.

The panels may be injection moulded.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular base for supporting a garden structure, the base comprising a plurality of panels, each panel formed from one or more polymeric materials, the panels being arranged to form a generally planar structure on which a garden structure can be supported, the base further comprising one or more connecting members, each connecting member co-operating with at least two adjacent panels in the structure to hold them together, the arrangement being such that all the panels which form the base are inter-connected either directly or indirectly by the one or more connecting members so as to be held together in a desired relative configuration. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a garden structure having a modular base comprising a plurality of panels, each panel being formed from one or more polymeric materials, the panels being arranged to form a generally planar structure on which the garden structure can be supported.

Each panel may be individually secured to a lower surface of the structure.

The base may further comprise one or more connecting members, each connecting member interconnecting at least two adjacent panels in the base, the arrangement being such that all the panels forming the base are inter-connected, directly or indirectly, by means of the one or more connecting members so as to be held together in a desired relative configuration.

The modular base may be in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a panel for use in a modular base in accordance with any one of the first to third aspects of the invention.

The panel may have four corners, each corner having an attachment structure configured for co-operation with an associated connection member to enable the panel to connect to at least one further similar panel.

The panel may have first and second substantially parallel faces, each of said faces being configured for contact with a garden structure or the ground or other surface on which the structure is to be placed. The panel may be configured such that each of the first and second faces has one or more supporting areas for contact with a garden structure or the ground. The support area or areas may comprise between 45% and 75%, in particular between.45% and 60%, of the total surface area of each face. The first and second faces may comprise a plurality of spaced support areas. There may be holes or recess B2007/000294

between the support areas. The panel may have a perimeter wall and a plurality of support members extending internally from the perimeter wall. The perimeter wall and at least part of at least some of the support members may form the support areas.

The panel may comprise members for co-operatively engaging corresponding members on a further similar panel placed adjacent thereto. The panel may comprise one or more projections extending outwardly from a perimeter wall thereof for engagement with corresponding projections on a further similar panel placed adj acent thereto .

The panel may have one or more mounting holes by means of which it can be secured to the underside of a garden structure using suitable fasteners.

The panel may be formed by injection moulding.

The term 'garden structures' is used herein to mean garden sheds, greenhouses, gazebos, children's playhouses and other similar structures which are typically, but not exclusively, situated in a residential garden

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular base according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an individual panel forming part of the modular base of Fig. 1,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a connecting member forming part of the base of Figure 1;

Figs. 4a and 4b are perspective views showing the corner regions of two of the panels of Figure 2 arranged prior to and after insertion of a connecting member respectively;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the arrangement of Fig. 4b; Figure 6a is a perspective view from below of an alternative embodiment of a connecting member for use in forming the base of Figure 1 ■ and

Figure 6b is a perspective view from above of the connecting member of Figure 6a.

With reference initially to Figure 1, there is shown a modular base 10 for use, in particular, in supporting a garden structure. The modular base 10 comprises a number of panels 12 held together in a desired relative configuration by connecting members 14. In the base 10 as shown in Figure 1 there are six panels 12 held together by two connecting members 14 but it will be appreciated that the number of panels 12 and connecting members 14 used can be varied depending on the size and shape of the base required.

In this embodiment, each panel 12 is substantially square in shape (when viewed in plan) and indeed all the panels are identical. This has advantages in reducing manufacturing costs and in ease of assembly. In alternative embodiments (not shown) panels 12 of different shapes and sizes can be used to enable modular bases of a variety of different sizes and shapes to be formed. Each panel 12 is formed from one or more polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, by injection moulding, though it should be appreciated that other materials and other methods of manufactured can be used to form the panels.

Figure 2 shows one of the panels 12 in more detail. The panel 12 has a perimeter wall 16, the height of which defines the thickness of the panel. At a central region along each side of the panel 12, a non-linear support member or wall 18 extends into the centre of the panel to form a closed loop. The support members 18 are the same height as the perimeter wall 16 and so extend over the full thickness of the panel. In use, the exposed end faces of the perimeter wall 16 and the non-linear support members 18 will contact the ground or the garden structure, depending on which way up the panel is used, and thus define support areas in each of two parallel faces 20, 22 of the panel.

Further support areas 24 for contact with the ground or garden structure are formed in the regions bounded by each of the non-linear support members 18 and the perimeter wall 16. In the present embodiment, two further support areas 24a are formed at a first of the faces 20 of the panel in the regions defined within a first pair of opposing non-liner support members 18a, whilst another two further support areas 24b are formed at the second face 22 of the panel in the regions defined by a second pair of opposing non-liner support members 18b. The further support areas 24 are level with the end faces of the perimeter wall 16 at their respective faces and will contact either the garden structure or the ground depending on which way up the panel is being used.

The non-liner support members 18 and the perimeter wall 16 are interconnected by a web 26 of stiffening members to provide the panel with structural rigidity. The web comprises a pair of diagonal stiffening members 28 which extend between the corners of the panel and a pair of lateral stiffening members 30, the lateral stiffening members 30 extending through the centre of the panel to interconnect inner portions of the non-linear support members 18. Additional stiffening members 32 connect side portions of the non-linear support members 18 to the diagonal stiffening members. A central platform 33 is formed between the inner portions of the non-liner support members 18, and the diagonal 28 and lateral 30 stiffening members at the mid-plane of the panel between the two faces 20, 22. A number of holes 34 are formed through the platform to reduce the material used and so reduce the weight of the panel.

In the present embodiment, the members that make up the stiffening web

26 do not extend over the full height of the panel and so do not act as support areas for contact with the garden structure or the ground when the panel is in use. However, additional support areas can be formed at each face 20, 22 of the panel using parts of the web if required. In particular, additional support areas can be provided at the centre of the panel and/or adjacent each of the corners.

The design of the- panel 12 is arranged to provide it with sufficient rigidity in compression that it is able to support at least part of a garden structure and its contents whilst providing a degree of flexibility so that the panel can be bent or twisted slightly to adapt to minor irregularities in the surface of the ground. The design is also preferably optimised for injection moulding.

At each corner 36 of the panel 12 there is an attachment arrangement 38 for engagement with a connection member 14. Thus at each corner the perimeter wall 11 forms a major arcuate recess 40. An attachment member 42 extends from either side across the recess 40 at the mid-plane of the panel to define an attachment opening 44 between itself and the major arcuate recess 40.

A central portion 45 of the attachment member 42 forms a further outwardly facing minor arcuate surface 46 having a smaller radius than that of the major recess 40 formed by the perimeter wall 11. The surface 46 is recessed above

47a and below 47b a centreline of the panel to form a ridge 48 which extends across the central portion 45 of the attachment member 42.

The attachment arrangement 38 is configured so that when four panels 12 are laid out in a square, at the centre where all four panels meet, the major arcuate recesses 40 of the four panels combine to form a first larger generally circular opening into which the attachment members 42 project. A smaller generally circular gap is formed between the central portions 45 of the attachment members.

As shown in Figure 3, each connecting member 14 comprises a generally cylindrical main body portion 50 which is arranged to be received in the gap between the central portions 45 of the attachment members 42. An annular flange 52 is formed at one end of the connecting member 14 so as to depend about the main body portion 50. The annular flange 52 is arranged to be received within the major arcuate recesses 40 of the panels. Depending from a lower end of the flange 52 are four equi-spaced locating lugs 54, each of which is configured to be received in the attachment opening 44 of a respective one of the panels 12.

Figures 4a, 4b and 5 illustrate a how a connecting member 14 is used to hold two panels 12 together. Whilst Figures 4a, 4b and 5 show the connecting member used to connect two diametrically opposed panels 12, it will be appreciated that in most base structures each connecting means 14 will be used to interconnect four adjacent panels 12. However, there may be instances when a connecting member 14 is used to inter-connect only two or three adjacent panels 12.

In Figure 4a, the panels are positioned with adjacent corners aligned so that their attachment arrangements 38 are ready to receive the connecting member. With the panels located in their correct positions, the main body portion 50 of the connecting member is inserted into the gap between the central portions 45 of the attachment members, with the annular flange 52 locating within the major arcuate recesses 40 in the perimeter walls 11 of the panels. The connecting member 14 is inserted until the locating lugs 54 are received in the attachment openings 44 of the respective panels 12. Location of the lugs 54 in the openings 44 behind the attachment members 42 prevents the panels from moving apart such that the panels are held together in their required configuration. As shown in Figure 1, when constructing a base, sufficient connecting members 14 are used to ensure that all the panels 12 making the base are held together.

The connecting members 14 are retained in position between the panels 12 by means of 'snap-fit' projections 56 which project from the main body 50. The 'snap-fit' projections 56 are resiliently attached to the main body 50 at their lower edge and are dimensioned so that in their resting positions they project outside the circumference of the main body 50. When the main body 50 of the connecting member 14 is inserted into the gap between the central portions 45 of the attachment members 42, the projections 56 are moved inwardly as they pass between ridges 48 on two opposed attachment members 42. Once the connection member 14 is folly inserted, the projections 56 snap outwardly as their free ends move below the ridges 48 to engage the lower surfaces of the ridges 48. This prevents the connecting member 14 from being inadvertently removed. A cavity 58 is formed in an upper surface of the connecting member 14.

The cavity is divided into two by a central wall 60 which forms a grip to enable a user to handle and insert the connecting member 14. The grip 60 is positioned so that when it is aligned with the diagonal stiffening members of two of the adjacent panels 12, the locating lugs 54 are correctly positioned for entry into the attachment openings 44 on each of the panels and the 'snap fit' projections 56 are aligned with opposing ones of the attachment members 42. It will be appreciated, however, that other means of ensuring that a connecting member is correctly aligned can be used.

In the embodiment described above and as shown in Figure 3, the connecting members have a spike 62 which extends from the lower end of the main body portion 50. The spike 62 is arranged to project beyond the lower faces of the panels so that it can be inserted into the ground to help locate the base. However, the spike may be omitted so that no part of the connecting member 14 projects beyond either face 20, 22 of the panels 12. An example of a connecting member 14'in which the spike is omitted is shown in Figures 6a and 6b. The modified connecting member 14' also differs from the previous embodiment 14 in that it has four snap fit projections 56 and that two arrows 65 project from the annular flange 52 to align the member with the diagonal stiffening members instead of a central wall 60. The arrows 65 also serve as . abutment means for a user to use in turning the connecting member to ensure correct alignment. In other respects, the modified connecting member 14' works in a similar way to the earlier embodiment 14 with the spike. It will be appreciated that features of the two embodiments could be combined so that, for example, a spike 62 could be added the modified connecting member 14' or indeed the spike 62 could be omitted from the first embodiment 14.

Other means of connecting the panels 12 together to form the modular base 10 can also be used. For example, alternative connecting members may be used which might, for example, only connect two adjacent panels together at a time. Alternatively, the panels may be provided with integral connecting means that interlock or otherwise inter-engage to hold the panels together. However, separate connecting members 14 are preferred as this allows the panels to be assembled and re-positioned very simply before connecting them together. By arranging for a connecting means to connect adjacent panels at their corners, a single connecting means 14 can be used to inter-connect up to four panels 12 thus keeping the number of components required to a minimum.

To assist in the initial formation of the base 10, the panels 12 have lugs 64 which project from the outer surface of the perimeter wall 11. Each side of the panel has two lugs 64, one at either end. Each lug 64 extends from the edge of the major arcuate recess 40 inwardly along the length of the side for a distance. The lugs 64 are all positioned adjacent one of the faces 22 of the panel 12 and extend in height to the mid-plane of the panel. The arrangement is such that adjacent panels 12 must be inverted relative to one another in order that their perimeter walls 11 can be brought into abutment, in which position, the lugs 64 of one panel 12 will locate underneath or on top of the corresponding lugs 64 of the adjacent panel. The contact between the lugs 64 on adjacent panels 12 helps to retain the panels 12 in position until they are permanently fixed together by a connection member during assembly of the base. The arrangement also helps to spread the load of the garden structure throughout the panels 12 as the load is transferred from one panel 12 to another through the inter-connecting lugs 64.

In order to form a base 10, the location of the garden structure is chosen, and any major obstacles are removed. If the ground is particularly uneven, then it may be advisable to roughly level the surface, although it is not necessary that the surface should be completely fiat. A first panel 12a is placed on the ground.

The first panel can be placed any way up so that either of the first and second faces 20, 22 are on the ground. A second panel 12b can then be positioned next to the first. Due to the arrangement of the lugs 64, the second panel 12b must be inverted relative to the first 12a in order that their perimeter walls 11 can be brought into abutment. Further panels can then be added until the base 10 is of the desired size and shape.

Once all the panels are in position, the size and location of the base 10 can be checked, and, if necessary, the panels 12 rearranged or further panels 12 added so that the base 10 has the required shape and orientation. Once the base 10 has the correct shape and orientation, the connecting members 14 are inserted as necessary to hold all the panels together. The garden structure can then be placed on the base 10. The connecting members 14 ensure that the panels 12 do not spread apart or become dislodged as the garden structure is moved into position.

Of course it will be appreciated that some of the panels 12 may be connected together with a connecting member 14 before the whole base is completed. It will also be appreciated that the base could be constructed at a location other than the site for the garden structure and moved to the site later. Indeed, the base 10 could be constructed and attached to the garden structure by means of screws or other fixings rather then being placed on the ground first. This arrangement would enable garden structures to be sold with bases ready formed and attached. Prefabrication of the base 10 away from the site on which it is to be laid may be assisted by using connecting members 14' in which the ground engaging spikes 62 are omitted. To assist in connecting the panels 12 to the under surface of a garden structure, elongate slots 24c are provided in the support areas 24a, 24b through which screws or other fasteners can be inserted.

Due to the rigid nature of the panels, and the strength afforded to the base by the connection of the panels together, it is not necessary to provide the base with foundations. Thus, in contrast to the prior art bases described above, the base 10 of the present invention does not require extensive digging and preparation of the ground before use. Where the ground is substantially level, then it may be possible to simply lay the base panels on the ground and connect them together to form the base. If the ground is very uneven, then some extra stability may be afforded by roughly levelling the ground first, but without the need to do extensive digging and applying either hardcore or sand, as in the prior art. It may be preferable to place a weed inhibiting membrane between the base and the ground to prevent weeds growing up through the panels.

Because only a relative small area of each face of the panels 12 touches either the ground or the garden structure, the load on the panels is concentrated in the support areas. Thus where the base 10 is used on relatively soft ground, the panels can bed-in to the ground and thus compensate for any minor unevenness. This reduces the likelihood of the garden structure rocking on the base 10. In addition, each panel has a limited degree of flexibility and there is a limited amount of relative movement between the panels 12 themselves, all of which enables the base 10 to compensate for minor unevenness in the ground surface. Preferably, the support areas on each face 20, 22 of the panels make up between 45% and 75% of the total surface area of the face. In particular, it is preferred that the support areas make up between 45% and 60% of the total surface area of each face. It is a further advantage of the- modular base 10 in that all the components can be manufactured from polymeric materials which are not liable to rotting. Furthermore, the holes in the panels will allow surface water to drain away so that the garden structure does not sit in standing water and so will be less liable to rot itself.

The panels 12 will typically be 610mm square so that they can be assembled together to form a base for all the most popular shed sizes. However, the panels can be made in any convenient size and shape. The base 10 will usually be constructed so that it is slightly wider and longer than the shed or other garden structure it is to support but this is not essential. The base may be constructed so that it projects beyond the front of the garden structure to form a step.

Where desired, the base may, following initial construction and placement, serve as a container or former for a concrete base. This might be necessary, for example, where the base 10 is to be used for a greenhouse and it is necessary to form a floor of the greenhouse. In this case, the base 10 could first be constructed to enjoy the advantages described above. For example, due to the low weight and ease of manufacture of the base, it would be possible to change the location or geometry of the base as required, without needing to dig up the garden. Once the preferred location and geometry have been established, a layer of waterproof membrane would be inserted underneath the base, and the base would be filled with concrete. There would be no need to dig or line a pit, or to provide a crushed hardcore foundation, since the modular base would serve both to contain the concrete and to provide the required stability.

Whilst it is preferred that the panels 12 are inter-connected by the connecting members 14, it will be appreciated that a base for a garden structure could be constructed by simply placing the panels 12 in the desired positions but without use of the connection members. Such an arrangement may be suitable, for example, where the base is to be located in a previously excavated recess which will serve to hold the panels 12 in position. It would also be possible to form a base without the use of connecting members 14 when the panels 12 are each secured to the under surface of the garden structure rather than being laid out on the ground. In this arrangement, each panel will be held in position by virtue of its being affixed to the under surface of the garden structure.

It should be understood that the term "ground" as used throughout this specification, including the claims, is intended to encompass any suitable surface, whether indoors or outdoors, on which it is desired to place a garden structure or the like.

Whereas the invention has been described in relation to what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed arrangements but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent constructions included within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, a modular base 10 in accordance with the invention can also be used to provide a foundation for a patio or the like. Thus the modular base is constructed as described above and then filled concrete. This has the advantage of avoiding the need to dig out the patio area and fill with hardcore. This concept may be claimed independently.

Claims

1. A modular base for supporting a garden structure, the base comprising a plurality of panels, each panel formed from one or more polymeric materials, the panels being configured so that they can be arranged to form a generally planar structure on which a garden structure can be supported.

2. A modular base as claimed in claim 1, in which each panel is connectable with at least one adjacent panel in the base.

3. A modular base as claimed in claim 2, in which all the panels in the base are inter-connectable, either directly or indirectly, so as to be held together in a desired relative configuration.

4. A modular base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the base comprises one or more connecting members, each connecting member being configured to inter-engage at least two adjacent panels in the structure to hold them together.

5. A modular base as claimed in claim 4, in which each connecting member inter-engages up to four adjacent panels in the structure to hold them together.

6. A modular base as claimed in claim 5, in which each panel has two or more corners and each corner of each panel has an attachment structure configured for co-operation with a connection member.

7. A modular base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, in which all the panels are substantially identical.

8. A modular base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, in which all the panels are substantially square.

9. A modular base as claimed in any one of the previous claims, in which each panel has first and second substantially parallel faces, each of said faces being configured for contact with the garden structure or the ground or other surface on which the structure is to be placed.

10. A modular base as claimed in claim 9, in which each panel is configured such that each of the first and second faces has one or more supporting areas for contact with the ground or the garden structure.

11. A modular base as claimed in claim 10, in which the support area or areas comprise between 45% and 75%, in particular 60%, of the total surface area of each face.

12. A modular base as claimed in claim 11, in which the first and second faces of each panel comprise a plurality of spaced support areas.

13. A modular base as claimed in claim 12, in which there are holes or recess between the support areas.

14. A modular base as claimed in any one of the previous claims, in which each panel comprises a perimeter wall and a plurality of support members extending internally from the perimeter wall.

15. A modular base as claimed in claim 14 when dependent on any one of claims 10 to 13, in which the perimeter wall and at least part of at least some of the support members form the support areas.

16. A modular base as claimed in any one of the previous claims, in which each panel comprises members for co-operatively engaging corresponding members on a further panel placed adjacent thereto.

17. A modular base as claimed in claim 16, in which each panel has one or more projections extending outwardly from a perimeter wall thereof, the projection member on one panel abutting a corresponding projection on a further panel placed adjacent thereto.

18. A modular base as claimed in claim 17, in which the projections are configured such that each panel in the structure must be inverted relative to an adjacent panel in the structure.

19. A modular base as claimed in any one of the previous claims in which the panels are injection moulded.

20. A modular base for supporting a garden structure, the base comprising a plurality of panels, each panel formed from one or more polymeric materials, the panels being arranged to form a generally planar structure on which a garden structure can be supported, the base further comprising one or more connecting members, each connecting member co-operating with at least two adjacent panels in the structure to hold them together, the arrangement being such that all the panels which form the base are inter-connected either directly or indirectly the one or more connecting members.

21. A garden structure having a modular base comprising a plurality of panels, each panel being formed from one or more polymeric materials, the panels being arranged to form a generally planar structure on which the garden structure can be supported.

22. A garden structure as claimed in claim 21, in which each panel is individually secured to a lower surface of the structure.

23. A garden structure as claimed in claim 21, in which the base further comprises one or more connecting members, each connecting member interconnecting at least two adjacent panels in the base, the arrangement being such that all the panels forming the base are inter-connected, directly or indirectly, by means of the one or more connecting members.

24. A garden structure as claimed in claim 21, comprising a modular base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20.

25. A panel for use in a modular base as claimed in any one of the previous claims.

26. A panel as claimed in claim 25, in which the panel has four corners, each corner having an attachment structure configured for co-operation with an associated connection member to enable the panel to be connected to at least one further similar panel.

27. A panel as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, in which the panel has first and second substantially parallel faces, each of said faces being configured for contact with a garden structure or the ground or other surface on which the structure is to be placed.

28. A panel as claimed in claim 27, in which the panel is configured such that each of the first and second faces has one or more supporting areas for contact with a garden structure or the ground.

29. A panel as claimed in claim 28, in which the support area or areas comprise between 45% and 75%, in particular between 45% and 60%, of the total surface area of each face.

30. A panel as claimed in claim 29, in which the first and second faces comprise a plurality of spaced support areas.

31. A panel as claimed in claim 30, in which there are holes or recess between the support areas.

32. A panel as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 31, comprising a perimeter wall and a plurality of support members extending internally from the perimeter wall.

33. A panel as claimed in claim 32, when dependent on any one of claims 28 to 31, in which the perimeter wall and at least part of at least some of the support members form the support areas.

34. A panel as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 33, comprising members for co-operatively engaging corresponding members on a further similar panel placed adjacent thereto.

35. A panel as claimed in claim 34, comprising one or more projections extending outwardly from a perimeter wall thereof for engagement with corresponding projections on a further similar panel placed adjacent thereto.

36 A panel as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 35, the panel having one or more mounting holes by means of which the panel may be secured to the underside of a garden structure using suitable fasteners.

37. A panel as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 36 formed by injection moulding.

38. A modular base substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

39. A panel for a modular base substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.