GB2471098A

GB2471098A - Horse-rug

Info

Publication number: GB2471098A
Application number: GB0910383A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Deborah Jean Sellwood; Brendon Christopher Flanagan; Carol Annette Mcinnes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-16
Filing date: 2009-06-16
Publication date: 2010-12-22
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-16
Also published as: GB2471098B; GB0910383D0

Abstract

A horse-rug 100 comprising front 1, rear 2 and intermediate panels 3'. The intermediate panel is in the form of a strip which may be removed to change the length of the horse-rug. Once removed, the front panel may be attached directly to the rear panel, or the intermediate panel may be replaced with another panel 3", 3"', 3"" having a different length. The panels are releasably attached to one another via zips, buttons, hook and loop fastening, buckles etc. The panels may be of different thickness to one another and a lining may be provided. A kit of parts comprising a horse rug and a further panel is also claimed along with a method for changing the length of the horse rug by removing the intermediate panel.

Description

* Horse-rug The present invention relates to a horse-rug and in particular to a horse-rug having removable, interchangeable parts.

Horse-rugs are blanket like garments used to protect a horse or pony from the elements, such as cold or wet weather. The garment covers at least parts of a horse or pony's back, stomach, side flanks and neck. In order to be comfortable and provide good protection from the elements, horse-rugs need to be of a reasonably close fit. A horse-rug that is too small will be uncomfortable for the horse, while one that is too big may again be uncomfortable and may not provide sufficient protection. As such, a single horse-rug may not be suitable for horses of different sizes or even for the same horse that has grown in size. Therefore, traditionally horse owners have had to purchase a number of different horse-rugs, even for a single horse as it grows. Horses can outgrow horse-rugs as frequently as every 3 months.

Due to their large size and the large amount of high quality materials used therein, horse-rugs can be rather expensive.

There is thus a need for a horse-rug that can worn by horses of different sizes while still being comfortable and providing sufficient protection.

Horse-rugs can often be damaged during use, for example by the horse rubbing the blanket against barbed-wire fences or just through general wear. The damaged horse-rug may be able to fixed, however, this can often be more expensive and inconvenient than replacing the entire horse-rug, even if only a small area of the horse-rug is damaged. There is thus also a need for a horse-rug that can be more easily repaired.

The present invention seeks to solve the problems associated with the horse-

rugs of the prior art.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a horse-rug comprising front, rear and intermediate panels and having a longitudinal direction extendingfrom a front edge of said front panel to a rear edge of said rear panel, wherein said intermediate panel is in the form of a strip which may be removed to change the length of said horse-rug in said longitudinal direction.

It should be understood that while the term horse-rug' is used, this term also refers to a garment for use on a pony. References to horses herein should be understood to also encompass ponies.

It should also be understood that the longitudinal direction of the horse-rug refers to that direction, when the horse-rug is being worn by the horse, that runs along the back of the horse from the neck of the horse to the loins, i.e. rear legs, of the horse. In use, the front edge of the front panel of the horse-rug is located at the neck of the horse, while the rear edge of the rear panel is located at the horse's loins.

The term strip' should be understood to mean an elongate piece of material.

Preferably, the front panel is releasably attachable to the intermediate panel.

Preferably, the front panel is releasably attachable to the rear panel.

Preferably, the rear panel is releasably attachable to the front panel.

Preferably, the rear panel is releasably attachable to the intermediate panel.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a horse-rug comprising front, rear and intermediate panels and having a longitudinal direction extending from a front edge of said front panel to a rear edge of said rear panel, wherein said front panel is releasably attachable to said intermediate panel, said intermediate panel is releasably attachable to said rear panel and said front panel is releasably attachable to said rear panel such that said intermediate panel is removable to change the length of the horse-rug in said longitudinal direction.

The length of the horse-rug according to these aspects of the present invention, can thus be changed by removing the intermediate panel and either: (i) replacing it with another intermediate panel having a different length; or (ii) releasably attaching the front and rear panels together, free of any intervening panel, to provide a shorter horse-rug.

The horse-rugs of these aspects of the present invention address problems with the prior art as they allow the size of a single horse-rug to be changed so that it can be worn by horses of different sizes and by a single horse as it grows. The intermediate panel of the horse-rug may be removed, with the front and rear panels being releasably attached together, to provide a horse-rug of a shorter length. The intermediate panel can then be re-attached between the front and rear panels, to provide a horse-rug of a longer length, which could be used for a larger horse or the same horse as it grows.

Another advantage of the horse-rugs of these aspects of the present invention is that if the horse-rug is damaged, only that panel of the horse-rug which is damaged needs to be replaced. This is clearly more convenient and less expensive than replacing the entire horse-rug. It is often the front of a horse-rug that is damaged due to the horse reaching its head over obstacles such as barbed wire fences and rubbing the neck part of the horse-rug thereon.

The intermediate panel may also be replaced by a second' intermediate panel having a different length. The second intermediate panel may be shorter or longer in length than the intermediate panel. This provides a horse-rug having greater flexibility as it can have three different lengths.

Preferably, the length of the length of said intermediate panel is less than that of said front and/or rear panel.

Preferably, the maximum length' of the intermediate panel is between 3 inches (7.62 cm) and 15 inches (38.1 cm). Exemplary maximum lengths of the intermediate panels are thus: 3 inches (7.62 cm); 6 inches (15.24 cm); 7 inches (17.78 cm); 9 inches (22.86 cm); 11 inches (27.94 cm); 12 inches (30.48 cm); 13 inches (33.02 cm) or 15 inches (38.1 cm). However, it should be understood that any size of intermediate panel could be used.

The term maximum length' of a panel should be understood to mean the greatest length in the longitudinal direction of that panel. The length of a panel along its width (transverse to the longitudinal direction) may not be constant. For example, in one embodiment, the front panel comprises a cutout forming a neck opening. In this case, the maximum length of the front panel is not measured at the region of the front panel comprising the cutout.

Preferably, the maximum length of said front panel is about 34 inches (86.36 cm). The minimum length, for example at the region of a neck cutout may be about 18 inches (45.72 cm).

Preferably, the maximum length of said rear panel is about 29 inches (73.66 cm).

Preferably, the maximum length of the intermediate panel is less than 52% of the maximum length of the front or rear panel.

The horse-rug has a lateral direction extending substantially perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction between longitudinally extending edges of said horse-rug. Each of said front, rear and intermediate panels has a lateral width measured in said lateral direction.

Preferably, the width of said front, rear and intermediate panels is substantially similar. The, longitudinally extending edges of the front, rear and intermediate panels may thus substantially line up.

Preferably, the intermediate panel comprises laterally extending edges along * which said intermediate panel is releasably attachable to said front and rear panels.

Preferably, the intermediate panel is in the form of a strip of material having a substantially rectangular shape. The laterally extending edges of the intermediate * panel form the longer edges of said rectangle.

Preferably, the front, rear and intermediate panels are releasably attachable using: a) zips; b) buttons; c) hook-and-loop fastening tape; d) buckles; or e) a combination of the above.

Preferably, the front, intermediate and/or rear panels are made from polyester, in particular a waterproof polyester material. Preferably, the polyester has a denier of at least 600 or more preferably at least 1200. Preferably, the polyester is a ripstop polyester.

Preferably, the horse-rug further comprises an inner lining. The inner lining is attached to the inner surface (i.e. the surface facing the horse in use) of one or more of the panels.

In one embodiment, the front, rear and intermediate panels each comprise a panel of said inner lining.

Alternatively, the inner lining may be attached to said front and rear panels and extend therebetween. This means that the front and rear panels are always connected, even when the intermediate panel has been removed. If the front and rear panels are then releasably attached without an intermediate panel, the lining will gather underneath the releasable attachment location.

Preferably, the lining is made from a cotton and nylon mix.

Preferably, the lining is made from a breathable material.

In one embodiment, the front, rear and intermediate panels are of unequal thickness. In particular: the thickness of the rear panel may be higher than said front and/or intermediate panels; the thickness of said intermediate panel may be higher than said front and/or rear panels; or the thickness of said front panel may be higher than said rear and/or intermediate panels.

This is advantageous as it may be desired to protect/insulate one part of the horse's body more than another. For example, it can be desirable to keep the loins of the horse warmer, especially in the case of a pregnant mare.

The difference in thickness may be provided by the inner lining. In other words, the two panels may have the same outer layer but inner linings of different thicknesses. The thicker panel will have a thicker liner. For example, the lining of the thicker panel may have a basis weight of at least 600 gsm, while the lining of the thinner panel may have a basis weight of less than 600 gsm and in one embodiment between 100 gsm and 600 gsm.

In one embodiment, the intermediate panel comprises a surcingle strap extending between its longitudinally extending edges. This is particularly desirable for larger length intermediate panels, such as 12 inches (30.48 cm) and greater. In use, the surcingle strap extends underneath the stomach of the horse and releasably attaches to its other end. This ensures a close fit around the horse's side flanks and stomach.

Preferably, the front panel defines a neck opening formed in the front edge thereof.

Preferably, the front panel further comprises means for varying the size of said neck opening.

* 30 Preferably, the means for varying the size of said neck opening comprises an elongate flexible member which extends between first and second points on the front panel in the vicinity of the neck opening, said flexible member comprising means for reducing the distance between said first and second points to reduce the size of said neck opening. As the first and second points are moved towards each other, material of the front panel gathers therebetween. This gathering reduces the size of the neck opening.

Preferably, the flexible member comprises a belt having a buckle at said first end and a plurality of apertures extending through said second end, wherein said buckle is attached to said front panel at said first point and a receiving member is located at said second point, said second end of said belt passing through said receiving member. Preferably, the buckle and receiving members are attached to strips of material which are sewn onto the front panel at the first and second points respectively. The buckle engages with the second end of the belt via the apertures.

Varying the size of the neck opening is desirable as the horse-rug of the present invention can be used for considerably different sized horses by exchanging or omitting the intermediate panel. It is important to maintain a close fit of the horse-rug around the horse's neck to provide sufficient protection.

The present invention extends to a kit of parts comprising the horse-rug of the aspects described above and any embodiments thereof and at least one further intermediate panel, wherein said further intermediate panel is releasably attachable to said front and rear panels such that it can be exchanged for said intermediate panel.

Preferably, the at least one further intermediate panel comprises a second intermediate panel having a different length to said intermediate panel, such that exchanging the second intermediate panel with the intermediate panel changes the length of the horse-rug.

The further intermediate panel may have any of the properties of the intermediate panel described above.

In one embodiment, the at least one further intermediate panel further comprises a third intermediate panel, wherein said third intermediate panel is releasably attachable to said front and rear panels such that it can be exchanged for said intermediate panel or said second intermediate panel. The third intermediate panel may have a different length to said intermediate and second intermediate panels.

There may be any number of further intermediate panels. Preferably, each of which is of a different length to said intermediate panel and the other panels of said further intermediate panels. Each further intermediate panel may be in the form of a strip.

The horse-rug could thus be sold as a kit including various different sized intermediate panels, so that the length of the horse-rug could be changed. The horse-rug could be used for different horses or a single horse at different stages of growth.

The present invention extends to a method of changing the length of the horse-rug of the aspects described above and any embodiments thereof, comprising the step of removing said intermediate panel.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of releasably attaching said front panel to said rear panel.

In an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises the step of releasably attaching a second intermediate panel between said front panel and said rear panel, wherein said second intermediate panel has a length which is different to said intermediate panel.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a horse-rug comprising at least two releasably attachable panels wherein at least one of said panels has a different thickness to another of said panels.

In one embodiment, the at least two releasably attachable panels comprises a front panel and a rear panel. Preferably, the rear panel has a higher thickness than said front panel. Preferably, the at least two releasably attachable panels further comprises an intermediate panel. The rear panel may also have a higher thickness than said intermediate panel.

This aspect of the present invention allows a horse-rug to be adapted such that a particular panel of the horse can be protected or insulated more highly. As previously discussed, the loins, i.e. the rear, of a pregnant mare may need to be kept warmer than the front part.

The difference in thickness may be provided by a lining attached to the inside surface (i.e. the surface facing the horse in use). In other words, the two panels may have the same outer layer but inner linings of different thicknesses. The thicker panel will have a thicker liner. For example, the lining of the thicker panel may have a basis weight of at least 600 gsm, while the lining of the thinner panel may have a basis weight of less than 600 gsm and in one embodiment between 100 gsm and 600 gsm.

The panels of this aspect of the present invention may have the same properties as those described in relation to the previous aspect.

The present invention in these further aspects of the invention may include any or all of the features described in respect of the other aspects and embodiments of the invention to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent therewith.

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to Figures 1 to 8, of which: Figure 1 shows a horse-rug according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a laid-out flat configuration; Figure 2 shows a horse-rug according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a folded configuration with the front, rear and intermediate panels being separated; Figure 3 shows three different intermediate panels, in a folded configuration, each suitable for use with the horse-rug of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a horse-rug according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a folded configuration with the front, rear and intermediate panels being separated and with a number of different possible intermediate panels; Figure 5 shows the horse-rug according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a laid-out flat configuration, with the front and rear panels being separated and the intermediate panel having been removed; Figure 6 shows a horse-rug according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a folded configuration with the front, rear and intermediate panels being separated; Figure 7 shows a front panel, in a folded configuration, suitable for use with the horse-rug of the present invention; and Figure 8 shows the neck adjustment member of Figure 7.

Figure 1 shows a horse-rug 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The horse-rug 100 comprises a front panel 1, a rear panel 2 and an intermediate panel 3. The horse-rug 100 defines a longitudinal direction y and a lateral direction x. The horse-rug 100 has a length L, measured in the longitudinal direction x. The three panels 1, 2 and 3 have longitudinally extending edges la, 2a and 3a, front laterally extending edges ib, 2b and 3b, and rear laterally extending edges Ic, 2c and 3c. The front panel 1 and intermediate panel 3 are releasably attached along edges Ic, 3b, while the rear panel 2 and intermediate panel 3 are releasably attached along edges 2b, 3c. The front, rear and intermediate panels 1, 2, 3 have substantially the same width (measured in lateral direction y) such that longitudinal extending edges la, 2a, 3a line up.

Releasable attachment means 6 (see Figure 2) are provided along laterally extending edges ic, 3b, 3c, 2b so that the front and rear panels 1, 2 can be releasably attached to the intermediate panel 3. The releasable attachment means 6 are also arranged so that front and rear panels 1, 2 may be releasably attached together.

In use, this allows the intermediate panel 3 to be removed and the front and rear panels 1, 2 to be releasably attached together. This provides a horse-rug having a reduced length. Alternatively, after removing the intermediate panel 3 may be replaced by another intermediate panel (eg. 3' -see Figure 3) having a different length. This provides a horse-rug having a shorter or longer length.

Each panel is made of a waterproof 600 or 1200 denier ripstop polyester. A neck opening 5 is provided on front panel 1. It is in the form of a cutout along front edge lb. Four surcingle straps 4 are provided. The surcingle straps 4', 4" extend from longitudinal edges la, 2a of front and rear panels 1, 2. The straps 4' extending from the right hand side of the horse-rug 100 (shown at the top of Figure 1) comprise attachment means 4a, which co-operate with corresponding means 4b on the left hand side straps 4". The attachment means 4a, 4b, may be any suitable means such as buckles. In use, the straps 4', 4" pass underneath the horse's stomach to secure the horse-rug 100 to the horse. The straps 4', 4" disposed on the front panel 1 engage with those extending from the opposite longitudinal edge 1 a, 2a of the rear panel 2.

Thus, the fastened straps 4',4" cross each other underneath the horse.

Figure 2 shows a horse-rug 100 according an embodiment of the present invention in a folded configuration. The horse-rug 100 has been folded in half along the longitudinal direction x. The front, rear and intermediate panels 1, 2, 3, are separated to show the releasable attachment means 6 along laterally extending edges 1 c, 3b, 3c, 2b. These may be a hook-or-loop fastener tape (also known by the Registered Trade Mark Velcro'), or buttons, zips, buckles or any combination thereof.

Figure 3 shows three intermediate panels 3', 3", 3" of different lengths, which can be used in the horse-rug 100 of the present invention. Each of these panels 3', 3", 3", can be releasably attached along edges 3b', 3b', 3b" and 3c, 3c', 3c", to front and rear panels 1, 2 respectively. Each intermediate panel 3', 3", 3" can replace the intermediate panel 3 shown in Figures 1 and 2 to increase or reduce the length L of the horse-rug 100.

Figure 4 shows a horse-rug 100 according an embodiment of the present invention in a folded configuration with a number of possible intermediate panels 3', 3", 3", 3", placed between front and rear panels 1, 2. The front panel I has a maximum' length 10 along longitudinal edge Ia of 34 inches (86.36 cm). The front panel I has a minimum' length 11 extending between neck opening 5 on front edge lb of 18 inches (45.72 cm). The rear panel has a has a maximum' length 13 of about 29 inches (73.66 cm).

The intermediate panels 3', 3", 3", 3", each have a different length 14', 14", 14", 14". The longest panel 3" also comprises a surcingle strap 7 extending from longitudinal edge 3a and having an attachment means 7a which can engage with a corresponding attachment means located at the other end of the panel 3" (not shown).

Figure 5 shows a horse-rug 100 according an embodiment of the present invention in a laid-out flat configuration, with the intermediate panel 3 removed.

The front and rear panels 1 and 2 can be releasably attached to each other along lateral edges I c, 2b, to give a shorter horse-rug 100. The horse-rug 100 has a width 16 of 73 inches (18542 cm).

Figure 6 shows a horse-rug 200 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a folded configuration. Horse-rug 200 is similar to that of the previously described embodiment (with the same reference numerals identifying the same parts) except that there is also provided a flexible lining 20 which is attached to front and rear panels. The lining 20 is made from a breathable cotton-nylon mix. When the intermediate panel 3 is removed, as shown, the lining connects front and rear panels 1, 2. When the front and rear panels 1, 2 are attached together, along edges 1 c, 2b, the lining will fold or gather underneath.

Figure 7 shows a front panel I in a folded configuration suitable for use with the horse-rug 100, 200 of the present invention, having a neck opening adjustment means 21. A closer view of the neck opening adjustment means 21 of Figure 7 is shown in Figure 8. The neck opening adjustment means 21 comprises a belt 23 having a buckle 22 at a first end and a plurality of apertures (four shown) at the other, second end. The belt 23 passes through a loop 25. The buckle 22 and loop 25 are secured to the front panel 1 at first and second points located proximate the front edge lb along neck opening 5. Moving the second apertured end of the belt 23 towards the buckle 22 reduces the distance between the first and second points on the front panel 1. This causes a gathering of material along the front edge lb and reduces the size of the neck opening 5. Engaging the buckle 22 with each of the apertures will provide a different size neck opening 5.

Claims

-12 -CLAIMS: 1. A horse-rug comprising front, rear and intermediate panels and having a longitudinal direction extending from a front edge of said front panel to a rear edge of said rear panel, wherein said intermediate panel is in the form of a strip which may be removed to change the length of said horse-rug in said longitudinal direction.
2. The horse-rug of claim 1, wherein said front panel is releasably attachable to said intermediate panel.
3. The horse-rug of claim I or 2, wherein said intermediate panel is releasably attachable to rear panel.
4. The horse-rug of any preceding claim, wherein said front panel is releasably attachable to said rear panel.
5. A horse-rug comprising front, rear and intermediate panels and having a longitudinal direction extending from a front edge of said front panel to a rear edge of said rear panel, wherein said front panel is releasably attachable to said intermediate panel, said intermediate panel is releasably attachable to said rear panel, and said front panel is releasably attachable to said rear panel such that said intermediate panel is removable to change the length of the horse-rug in said longitudinal direction.
6. The horse-rug of any preceding claim, wherein the length of said intermediate panel is less than that of said front andlor rear panel.
7. The horse-rug of any preceding claim, wherein the maximum length of said intermediate panel is less than 52% of the maximum length of said front or rear panel.

-13 -
8. The horse-rug of any preceding claim, having a lateral direction extending substantially perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction between longitudinally extending edges of said horse-rug, wherein each of said panels has a lateral width measured in said lateral direction, the width of said front, rear and intermediate panels being substantially similar.
9. The horse-rug of claim 8, wherein said intermediate panel comprises laterally extending edges and is releasably attachable along said laterally extending edges to said front and rear panels.
10. The horse-rug of claim 9, wherein the intermediate panel is in the form of a strip of material having a substantially rectangular shape, said laterally extending edges forming the longer edges of said rectangle.
11. The horse-rug of any preceding claim, wherein said panels are releasably attachable using: a) zips; b) buttons; c) hook-and-loop fastening tape; d) buckles; or e) a combination of the above.
12. The horse-rug of any preceding claim, wherein said front, intermediate and/or rear panels are made from polyester.
13. The horse-rug of claim 12, wherein said polyester has a denier of at least 600 or at least 1200.
14. The horse-rug of any preceding claim, further comprising an inner lining.

-14 -
15. The horse-rug of claim 14, wherein said front, rear and intermediate panels each comprise a panel of said inner lining.
16. The horse-rug of claim 14, wherein said inner lining is attached to said front and rear panels and extends therebetween.
17. The horse-rug of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein said lining is made from a cotton and nylon mix.
18. The horse-rug of any preceding claim, wherein said front, rear and intermediate panels are of unequal thickness.
19. The horse-rug of claim 18, wherein: a) the thickness of said rear panel is higher than said front and/or intermediate panels; b) the thickness of said intermediate panel is higher than said front and/or rear panels; or c) the thickness of said front panel is higher than said rear and/or intermediate panels.
20. The horse-rug of any preceding claim, wherein said intermediate panel comprises a surcingle strap extending between said longitudinally extending edges.
21. The horse-rug of any preceding claim, wherein said front panel defines a neck opening.
22. The horse-rug of claim 21, further comprising means for varying the size of said neck opening.
23. The horse-rug of claim 22, wherein said means for varying the size of said neck opening comprises an elongate flexible member which extends between first and second points on the front panel in the vicinity of the neck opening, said flexible member comprising means for reducing the distance between said first and second points to reduce the size of said neck opening.26. The horse-rug of claim 25, wherein said flexible member comprises a belt having a buckle at said first end and a plurality of apertures extending through said second end, wherein said buckle is attached to said front panel at said first point and a receiving member is located at said second point, said second end of said belt passing through said receiving member.27. A kit of parts comprising the horse-rug of any preceding claim and at least one further intermediate panel, wherein said further intermediate panel is releasably attachable to said front and rear panels such that it can be exchanged for said intermediate panel.28. The kit of parts of claim 27, wherein said at least one further intermediate panel comprises a second intermediate panel having a different length to said intermediate panel, such that exchanging the second intermediate panel with the intermediate panel changes the length of the horse-rug.29. The kit of parts of claim 28, wherein said at least one further intermediate panel further comprises a third intermediate panel, wherein said third intermediate panel is releasably attachable to said front and rear panels such that it can be exchanged for said intermediate panel or said second intermediate panel and said third intermediate panel has a different length to said intermediate and second intermediate panels, such that exchanging the second intermediate panel with said intermediate panel or said second intermediate panel changes the length of the horse-rug.30. A method of changing the length of the horse-rug of any of claims ito 26, comprising the step of removing said intermediate panel.31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of releasably attaching said front panel to said rear panel.32. The method of claim 30, further comprising the step of releasably attaching a second intermediate panel between said front panel and said rear panel, wherein said second intermediate panel has a length which is different to said intermediate panel.33. A horse-rug comprising at least two releasably attachable panels wherein at least one of said panels has a different thickness to another of said panels.34. The horse-rug of claim 33, wherein said at least two releasably attachable panels comprises a front panel and a rear panel.35. The horse-rug of claim 34, wherein said rear panel has a higher thickness than said front panel.36. The horse-rug of any of claims 33 to 35, wherein said at least two releasably attachable panels further comprises an intermediate panel.37. The horse-rug of claim 36, wherein said rear panel has a higher thickness than said intermediate panel.38. The horse-rug of any of claims 33 to 37, wherein the panels each comprise an inner lining and the difference in thickness of said panels is provided by a difference in the thickness of said lining.39. A horse-rug substantially as herein described,. and/or with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.40. A kit of parts substantially as herein described, and/or with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. -17-41. A method substantially as herein described, and/or with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.