AU2004203659A1 - Animal covering - Google Patents

Description

I

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Name of Applicant: MICHAEL HIBBS and ELIZABETH HIBBS Actual Inventors: Michael Hibbs and Elizabeth Hibbs Address for Service: CALLINAN LAWRIE, 711 High Street, Kew, Victoria 3101, Australia Invention Title: ANIMAL COVERING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- 06/08/04.eh13399.cov, 1 -2- The present invention relates generally to coverings for animals, such as rugs or blankets, and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a covering for a horse, which covering includes at least one removable layer.

Whilst, in the ensuing description, reference will be made in particular to a covering/blanket for a horse, it is to be understood that such represents merely a preferred context of usage for the arrangement in accordance with the invention. Indeed, a covering/blanket of this general type could be adapted for use on other animals, in particular quadrupeds.

Horse rugs, sometimes called turnout rugs or blankets, are mainly used to cover a horse for insulation against cold, for aesthetic means and/or for protection against dirt or other elements, and also to allow for changing climatic conditions.

Horse rugs are mostly substantially rectangular in shape, can be relatively thick and are constructed in a unitary configuration including a protective and sometimes water-proof outer layer and an inner layer, which may be padded or quilted for extra warmth and comfort. The thickness of the overall rug and the protectiveness of the outer layer are each chosen dependent on the specific intended usage for each rug. For example, thicker rugs are used in cooler seasons and water-proof rugs are used during periods of rain or high humidity.

Some horse rugs are constructed from materials which allow for breathing between the body of the horse and the outside air, or allow perspiration of the horse to be absorbed or drawn away from the skin, such that the horse experiences minimal discomfort when wearing such a rug.

With extended periods of use, horse rugs can become soiled from perspiration and/or exposure to dirt or other debris. Accordingly it can become necessary to launder these rugs on a reasonably regular basis. Due to their generally large size and sometimes bulky configuration, most horse rugs are not easily able to be washed in conventional household washing machines. Even in circumstances where rugs are able to fit into conventional washers, laundering some rugs in this way does not always prove to be highly successful.

For example, in circumstances where the materials of the outer and inner layers of a rug 06/08/04, eh 13399.spc, 2 are different, such as when the outer layer is water-proofed and the inner layer is constructed as a silk quilt, laundering such a rug in a conventional machine may well appropriately clean the inner layer, but may damage the water-proofing outer surface or layer. Consequently, it has become an accepted practice for horse rugs to be professionally cleaned by specialised cleaning services, such as for example dry-cleaners. Apart from being very costly, professionally cleaning a horse rug means that a horse will be without a rug for a period of time unless another rug can be used as a temporary replacement or substitute. In circumstances where a horse owner may only have one rug per horse, sending any rug off for professional or commercial cleaning would mean that at least one horse would be without a rug until its return. In extreme circumstances a horse owner may be forced to purchase a second or additional rug to ensure no horse goes without during times of cleaning.

Another problem that exists with conventional rugs is that, in order to achieve the maximum level of warmth for the horse in cooler months, it is sometimes necessary to apply more than one rug, applied one on top of another. In some circumstances, traditionally two to three rugs may be used in combination to keep a horse warm. Given that each rug generally has its own straps for attachment to a horse it is clear that, in cases where more than one rug is used on a single horse, there will be more than one set of straps. Multiple sets of straps have been known to cause discomfort for some horses. In severe circumstances multiple straps may cause chafing to the legs or body of the animal.

Another problem with using more than one rug is that the actual positioning of each rug on the horse can be quite difficult and time consuming. Yet a further problem associated with the use of multiple rugs is that the accumulated weight of multiple rugs can cause discomfort for some horses and in severe cases can lead to wither sores and rubbed shoulders.

It is generally considered that the aim in using a horse rug or blanket is to achieve the ultimate or maximum level of comfort for the animal to which it is applied.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved animal covering which overcomes some or all of the problems associated with the previously mentioned prior art animal rugs or blankets.

06/08/04, eh13399.spc, 3 A further object of the present invention is to provide an animal covering which has at least two layers which are removably attachable to one another such that at least one of the at least two removably attachable layers may be laundered, in either a conventional household washing machine or professionally/commercially.

According to the present invention there is provided an animal covering including at least two releasably attachable layers, a first of said at least two layers constituting an outer weather-wearing layer, and the second layer and/or at least one further layer of said at least two layers each constituting an inner layer of said animal covering, wherein said second layer and/or said at least one further layer is/are releasably attachable to said first layer by attachment means whereby to form said animal covering.

Preferably at least one of the first, second or further releasably attachable layers may be capable of being laundered in an ordinary household washing machine in order to eliminate the need for costly commercial cleaning services. Preferably the first layer is a water-proof or weather-proof layer and the second and/or further layers are quilted and/or padded layers intended to provide warmth and/or improved comfort to the animal.

Preferably only the first layer includes conventional straps for attachment to the animal, and the second and/or further inner layer or layers may be provided with only cooperating releasable attachment means in order to effect the attachment to the first layer. It is also preferred that said suitable attachment means is selected from the group consisting of one or more of the following: VELCRO®, zip-fasteners, press-studs, buttons, or any other suitable substitutes.

In a practical preferred embodiment the animal covering consists of one outer weatherresistant layer and more than one inner comfort-providing layer that may either be attached on their own to the outer weather-resistant layer or may be attached in combination to the outer weather-wearing layer. Thus the one animal covering can provide varying levels of comfort for the animal by simply interchanging one or more inner layers, either on their own or in combination, to provide the animal covering with varying degrees of comfort depending on the specific inner layers chosen to be used.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an animal covering including at least two releasably attachable layers, wherein at least one primary layer of 06/08/04, eh 13399.spc, 4 said at least two releasably attachable layers is releasably attachable to at least one secondary layer of said at least two releasably attachable layers by attachment means to form said animal covering, wherein at least one further primary layer and/or at least one further secondary layer is/are interchangeable with said at least one primary layer and/or said at least one secondary layer respectively, wherein said animal covering may be releasably assembled out of said at least one primary layer or said at least one further primary layer and said at least one secondary layer or said at least one further secondary layer.

Preferably the at least one secondary layer of the animal covering may be detached and replaced with the at least one further secondary layer, such that secondary layers of the same or varying properties may be substituted readily to suit varying use requirements. It is also preferred that at least one of any one of the primary or secondary releasably attachable layers may be laundered in an ordinary household washing machine in order to eliminate the need for costly commercial cleaning services. Preferably the at least one primary and/or one further primary layer is a water-proof or weather-proof layer and the at least one secondary and/or one further secondary layer is a quilted and/or padded layer, intended to provide warmth and/or comfort to the animal. Preferably only the at least one primary and/or one further primary layer includes conventional straps for attachment to the animal, and the at least one secondary and/or one further secondary layer may be provided with only cooperating releasable attachment means in order to effect attachment to the at least one primary and/or one further primary layer. It is also preferred that the attachment means is selected from the group consisting of one or more of the following: VELCRO®, zip-fasteners, press-studs, buttons or any other suitable substitutes.

In a practical preferred embodiment the animal covering consists of at least one primary outer weather-resistant layer and more than one secondary and/or one further secondary inner comfort-providing layer that may either each be attached on their own to primary outer weather-resistant layers or may be attached in combination to the primary outer weather-resistant layers. Thus the one animal covering may provide varying levels of comfort for the animal by simply interchanging one or more secondary inner layers, either on their own or in combination.

06/08/04, eh 13399.spc, In yet a further practical embodiment the animal covering may be supplied as a set of layers or, in other words, an animal covering system. In this regard the animal covering may be supplied such that it includes more than one primary and/or further primary outer layer (of the same or different materials) and more than one secondary and/or further secondary inner layer (of the same or different materials). Here, the same or varying layers may be interchanged to suit varying climatic conditions.

In yet a further practical embodiment the animal covering may consist of at least two primary outer layers each releasably attachable to one another to form a composite outer weather-wearing layer, and at least one inner comfort-providing layer that can be releasably attached to one or more of the primary outer layers to provide the required comfort for the animal. In a preferred aspect an animal covering made in accordance with this embodiment may include a first primary layer for the back of the animal and a second primary layer for the neck of the animal, each being releasably attachable to one another, by any suitable attachment means, to form, when assembled, a composite outer weatherwearing layer. Each of the two primary outer layers may be provided with at least one cooperating and releasably attachable inner comfort-providing layer or, alternatively, the two primary outer layers when attached to one another may be provided with a single inner comfort-providing layer cooperating with the entire outer layer when assembled.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect there shall now be described in detail preferred constructions of an improved covering for animals in accordance with the invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a plan-view of the underside of a horse rug, made in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a similar view of the horse rug of Fig. 1, shown this time without a detachable layer attached thereto; Fig. 3 is a plan-view of the attachment surface of a detachable layer which cooperates with the horse rug of Figs. 1 2; 06/08/04, eh13399.spc, 6 -7- Fig. 4 is a side-view, shown partly in cross-section, of the horse rug of Fig. 1, shown as it would be when worn, assuming the contour of the back of a horse (not shown); Fig. 5 is a plan-view of the underside of a horse rug, made in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 is a plan-view of the attachment surface of a detachable layer which cooperates with the horse rug of Fig. Fig. 7 is a plan-view, shown partly in cross-section, of the underside of a horse neck rug, made in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 is a plan-view of the underside of a first part of an animal rug, illustrated as a horse neck rug, made in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 9 is a plan-view of the underside of a second part of an animal rug, illustrated as a horse rug, which can be releasably attached to the first part of the animal rug of Fig. 8; and Fig. 10 is a side-view, shown partly in cross-section, of the overall rug which may be constructed out of the first and second parts of an animal rug as shown in Figs. 8 9, illustrated as it would be when worn, assuming the contour of the neck and back of a horse (not shown).

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals correspond to like parts throughout, in Fig. 1 horse rug 10 includes a first or outer layer 12 and a second or inner layer 14. Although only one outer layer 12 and one inner layer 14 is shown, horse rug 10 may include more than one outer or inner layer respectively. In such circumstances each of the additional outer or inner layers (not shown) would constitute further outer or inner layers 12,14 respectively. It is to be understood that any number of outer and/or inner layers 12,14 could be used in accordance with the present invention as now described. As such the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific layer configuration as shown.

In Figs. 1 2 it can be seen that outer layer 12 of horse rug 10 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a neck defining region 16 and a tail flap 17. The shape of outer layer 12 06/08/04, eh 13399.spc, 7 can be specifically chosen depending on the animal to which it is to be applied. In the present embodiment, outer layer 12 of horse rug 10 is designed such that it can cover the back and flanks of a horse (not shown). Neck defining region 16 is designed such that horse rug 10 can fit around the neck of the horse (not shown) in order to provide further protection to the chest of the animal. Tail flap 17 is included to provide protection for the upper portion of a horses tail. The specific shapes and varying designs which may be used will not be discussed any further here as they are well known in the art. As such any suitable shapes or designs are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Outer layer 12 can be made from any conventional weather-resistant material, for example water-proof or hard-wearing canvas or the like.

Inner layer 14 is represented generally as rectangular in shape. In practice inner layer 14 can assume any desired shape or configuration. For example, inner layer 14 may quite simply be of substantially the same shape as outer layer 12. In this first preferred embodiment, inner layer 14 is constructed as a quilted and/or padded layer intended to provide warmth and/or comfort to the animal. Inner layer 14 can consist of varying materials and, as such, can assume many different roles. The specific nature of the materials used for either outer or inner layers 12,14 are not essential to the invention. As such only specific details have been set forth here by way of example. The invention should be read as including any suitable materials as are common to the art.

Inner layer 14 can be detached and removed from outer layer 12. In Fig. 2, outer layer 12 is depicted without inner layer 14 attached thereto. In Fig. 2, one side of a set of attachment means 20 is shown, positioned near neck defining region 16 and near tail flap 17 of horse rug respectively. In Fig. 3 the underside, or attachment side, of inner layer 14 is shown on its own, i.e: not attached to outer layer 12, and hence inner layer 14 is shown as a separate entity.

In Fig. 3 a second, or cooperating, side of a set of attachment means 22 is shown. Each attachment means 22 is positioned at the forward or neck end and rear or tail end of inner layer 14, such that each attachment means 22 can cooperate in working relationship with each adjacent attachment means 20 positioned on outer layer 12 as shown in Fig. 1.

In this practical embodiment each of the set of attachment means 20,22 are respectively adjacent sides of VELCRO® fasteners. In this case inner layer 14 can be separated and hence 06/08/04, eh13399.spc, 8 -9detached from outer layer 12 by simply pulling adjacent VELCRO® attachment means 20,22 apart. Although VELCRO® is preferred as attachment means 20,22 it is to be understood that other known and suitable releasable fastening means can be used as substitutes to VELCRO®. For example, press-studs, zip-fasteners and buttons could each be used as suitable substitutes.

What is also shown in Figs. 1 to 3, arranged on outer peripheral flank edges of inner layer 14, and arranged parallel to one another on the attachment surface of outer layer 12, in suitable working relationship with those positioned on inner layer 14, are respective sides of zipfasteners 18. Zip-fasteners 18 can be provided as an alternative attachment means to that of attachment means 20,22, or can be provided as a further attachment means, in addition to attachment means 20,22, in order to effect more rigid attachment of inner and outer layers 14,12.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which illustrates horse rug 10 assuming the contour of the back of a horse (not shown) as if it were being worn by the animal. In this Figure outer layer 12 is shown as it would be when covering the back and side flanks of a horse, as well as the chest of the animal, protection being provided by the inclusion of neck defining region 16.

The area of animal rug 10 at which attachment means 20,22 are each positioned is shown in cross-section to clearly show where each adjacent attachment means 20,22 is located. Here again, attachment means 20,22 are each located at the neck and tail end of horse rug respectively.

Not shown in Figs. 1 to 3, but shown in Fig. 4, are leg straps 24, chest straps 26 and tapered shoulder sections 28. Leg straps 24 are provided attached only to outer layer 12 for attachment of horse rug 10 to a horse. In the present embodiment leg straps 24 are releasably attachable to outer layer 12 by way of clasps 25 and co-operating rings 27 which are secured to outer layer 12. The addition of only one set of leg straps 24, in the present embodiment attached to outer layer 12, is such that the animal is not subjected to a lack of comfort caused by straps, as can be the case where more than one rug is applied to an animal, each rug having its own set of straps. Chest straps 26 are provided forward of neck defining region 16, attached to outer layer 12, such that horse rug 10 can be secured around the chest of a horse.

The addition of tapered shoulder sections 28 is included for illustrative purposes only and as 06/08/04, eh13399.spc, 9 such is not essential to the invention. In practice, tapered shoulder sections are included to provide movement for a horse around its shoulder region, i.e. when exercising.

In use horse rug 10 of the present invention is designed such that inner or outer layers 14,12 can be interchanged with one another. In this regard, and if required, the same or further inner or outer layers 14,12 can be substituted for one another to form animal rug 10. Hence, if inner layer 14 is soiled and in need of being washed, it can be removed from outer layer 12 and replaced with a further inner layer 14 of the same or different properties. Similarly, the same or different inner layer 14 can be attached to the same or different outer layer 12, in cases where for example, a water-proof or U-V protecting outer layer 12 may be required. One design aspect of horse rug 10 is to eliminate the need to wash an entire rug as one piece. By being able to separate layers 12,14, each layer can be laundered separately when required.

In practice it is intended that at least inner layer 14 of horse rug 10 can be laundered in a conventional household washing machine to eliminate the need to professionally cleaning this layer 14. Similarly, both layers 12,14 may individually be capable of being laundered separately or together as horse rug 10 either in a conventional washer or by professional cleaning services.

Another important design aspect of horse rug 10 is that, during varying seasons, inner or outer layers 14,12 can be selectively chosen and assembled to form horse rug 10 which can accommodate varying climatic conditions. For example in cooler months, an inner layer 14 of a suitably thick material can be attached to outer layer 12 in order to provide a warmer horse rug 10. Similarly, more than one inner layer 14 (not shown) may be attached to outer layer 12 in order to provide the required thermal properties for horse rug 10. As such inner and outer layers 14,12 may be provided separately, or as a set, such that the individuality of horse rug 10 may be chosen dependant on the intended use thereof.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5 6 which illustrate an animal rug 10, again depicted as a horse rug, made in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, instead of attachment means being provided on adjacent inner or attachment surfaces of inner and outer layers 14,12, inner layer 14 includes a pair of flaps 30,32 respectively. Each flap 30,32 includes attachment studs 34. Flaps 30,32 are designed such that inner layer 14 can be attached to outer layer 12 by firstly appropriately positioning inner 06/08/04, eh 13399.spc, -11layer 14 in cooperation with outer layer 12, and then folding or wrapping flaps 30,32 around to the outer side of outer layer 12. At this point, studs 34 can be pressed onto cooperating studs (not shown) arranged on the outer side of outer layer 12.

Instead of studs 34, horse rug 10 could utilise any other suitable attachment means, such as VELCRO®, zip-fasteners, or the like as in the case of the previous embodiment, positioned in working relationship with flaps 30,32 and outer layer 12, or along the peripheral edges of inner layer 14 and cooperating with respective sides of attachment means arranged on outer layer 12. As with the other embodiments, horse rug 10 of the present embodiment can be assembled and disassembled out of inner and outer layers 14,12 of any suitable materials and/or properties. Likewise, horse rug 10 can include all other trimmings as are common to the art.

Reference is now made to Fig. 7 which illustrates an animal rug, this time shown as a horse neck rug, made in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment horse neck rug 10 is shaped such that it can be wrapped around the neck of a horse (not shown) and secured by means of neck clasps 36. Neck clasps 36 of the present embodiment cooperate with rings 37 arranged on the outer adjacent side of outer layer 12.

As with the previous embodiments described, horse neck rug 10 can consist of inner and outer layers 14,12 of many varying or similar materials and/or properties, such that horse neck rug can accommodate varying climatic conditions or uses. Inner and outer layers 14, 12 can be removably attached to one another by way of any suitable attachment means, for example, by way of respective adjacent VELCRO® fasteners 20, 22 and zip-fasteners 18 as shown. Again horse neck rug 10 is not intended to be limited to the specific example as illustrated, and previously mentioned limitations referred to are not intended to limit this specific embodiment.

Reference is now made to Figs. 8 to 10 which illustrate an animal rug 10, made in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. Animal rug 10 of this embodiment is constructed out of respective first and second releasably attachable rug sections 38,40. First rug section 38 (Fig. shown illustrated as a horse neck rug, includes a first outer layer 12 and a first inner layer 14, of any suitable shape, releasably attachable to first outer layer 12.

Second rug section 40 (Fig. shown illustrated as a horse rug for generally providing cover 06/08/04, eh13399.spc, II -12to the back, flanks and chest of a horse, includes a second outer layer 12' and a second inner layer 14', of any suitable shape, releasably attachable to second outer layer 12'.

First and second outer layers 12,12' can be releasably attached to first and second inner layers 14,14' in any suitable manner and using any suitable means, and more particularly in accordance with any of the previously discussed examples specifically mentioned with reference to the previous embodiments. As such no further discussion is provided in relation to the attachment of the inner and outer layers of the present embodiment.

In Fig. 8 there is shown that first rug section 38 includes a first side of a cooperating attachment means 42, as for example one side of a zip-fastener as illustrated, attached along one edge of an attachment flap 44. Attachment flap 44 can be made out of any suitable material, but is preferably made out of the same or similar material to that of either first outer or first inner layers 12,14. Attachment flap 44 is joined, by stitching or the like, to the inner side of first outer layer 12 along an edge 46, parallel to the edge defining attachment means 42. Attachment flap 44 is joined to first outer layer 12 in such a manner that attachment flap 44 can be moved in any direction relative to edge 46. For illustrative purposes only, in Fig. 8 there are also shown neck clasps 36 which, in a practical embodiment, cooperate with rings 37 arranged on the adjacent outer surface of first outer layer 12 for providing a means for securing first outer layer 12 around, for example, the neck of a horse.

In Fig. 9 there is shown that second rug section 40 includes a second side of a cooperating attachment means 48, in the present embodiment the adjacent cooperating side of a zipfastener which provides releasable attachment of first and second rug sections 38, 40 in cooperation with first side of attachment means 42. Attachment means 48 is joined to the inner surface of second outer layer 12' along the edge defined by neck region 16.

In addition to the attachment of first and second rug sections 38, 40 provided by way of respective sides of zip-fastener 42, 48, animal rug 10 can also include further attachment means 43, 49. One side of these further attachment means 43, for example a clasp as shown in Fig. 8, is second to the inner side of first outer layer 12. The other co-operating side of further attachment means 49, for example a ring as shown in Fig. 10, is secured to the outer side of second outer layer 12'. Further attachment means 43, 49 provides additional 06/08/04, eh13399.spc, 12 -13attachment points between respective rug sections 38, 40 arranged relative to the flanks of the animal.

In Fig. 10 animal rug 10 is shown assembled from first and second rug sections 38,40 and assuming the contour of the back and neck of a horse (not shown) as if it were being worn by the animal. As shown, first and second rug sections 38,40 can be releasably attached to one another, via attachment means 42,48 and further attachment means 43, 49, to form animal rug The provision of attachment flap 44 provides a number of practical benefits. For example, by suitable positioning of attachment flap 44 on the inner surface of first outer layer 12, first outer layer 12 can overlap second outer layer 12' to provide better cover or overlap between respective rug sections 38,40 and also cover for cooperating attachment means 42,48. The provision of attachment flap 44 also provides for a greater degree of relative movement between respective rug sections 38,40. The provision of clasps 43 and rings 49 provides additional secure attachment or respective rug sections 38, 40 and still allows movement therebetween. As in the case of previous embodiments, animal rug 10 of the present embodiment can include any of the previously discussed trimmings and/or features as are common to the art.

The present invention therefore provides a useful solution to problems previously discussed in relation to conventional animal rugs and the limitations associated thereto. An animal covering or animal covering system is therefore provided such that varying layers can be interchanged with one another to provide an animal covering which is suitable for many purposes. By being able to remove layers, individual layers can be cleaned separately if desired. The use of a removable inner lining provides the opportunity to wash the inside portion of the covering separately and also provides the opportunity for a new inner lining to be affixed immediately such that the animal is not without a suitable lining that cooperates with the outer weather-resistant layer of the covering. Similarly, being able to remove and replace inner linings separately from outer weather-resistant layers provides a system by which different thickness and/or material layers may be interchanged to suit varying comfort and/or climatic conditions.

The animal covering of the present invention provides greater comfort for the animal as only one formed covering, with an interchangeable layer or layers, is required, as compared with multiple separate coverings used in conjunction with one another which 06/08/04, eh13399.spc, 13 -14have been commonly used in the past. Thus, by avoiding the use of using multiple coverings to obtain the ultimate comfort for the animal, the number of fasteners required is reduced, which further provides greater comfort for the animal. Also, by avoiding the use of multiple coverings, a substantial amount of time can be saved in relation to the actual time that is consumed when fitting coverings. Depending on the specific layers chosen to form part of an assembled covering, and the materials thereof, the animal covering of the present invention may also provide a composite covering with an accumulated weight which is much lighter than the use of multiple separate coverings required to achieve the same level of comfort for an animal.

The invention will be understood to embrace many further modifications as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art and which will be deemed to reside within the broad scope and ambit of the invention, there having been set forth herein only the broad nature of the invention and certain specific embodiments by way of example.

06/08/04, eh13399.spc, 14

Claims (14)

1. An animal covering including at least two releasably attachable layers, a first of said at least two layers constituting an outer weather-wearing layer, and the second and/or at least one further layer of said at least two layers each constituting an inner layer of said animal covering, wherein said second layer and/or said at least one further layer is/are releasably attachable to said first layer by attachment means whereby to form said animal covering.

2. The animal covering as claimed in claim 1, wherein only said first layer includes means for attachment of said animal covering to an animal.

3. The animal covering as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least said second layer and/or said at least one further layer of said animal covering may be removed from said first layer for purposes of laundering/cleaning.

4. The animal covering as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second layer and/or said at least one further layer is/are quilted and/or padded inner layer(s) of said animal covering, intended to provide warmth and/or comfort to an animal. The animal covering as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said animal covering includes said first outer weather-wearing layer and at least two further inner layers that may be either separately attached to said first layer or attached in combination to said first layer, whereby to provide varying levels of comfort for an animal by interchanging one or more of said at least two further layers, either separately or in combination, to provide said animal a covering with varying degrees of comfort dependent on the materials of construction or formation of said at least two further layers.

6. An animal covering including at least two releasably attachable layers, wherein at least one primary layer of said at least two releasably attachable layers is releasably attachable to at least one secondary layer of said at least two releasably attachable layers by attachment means to form said animal covering, wherein at least one further primary layer and/or at least one further secondary layer is/are interchangeable with said at least one primary layer and/or said at least one secondary layer respectively, wherein said animal covering may be releasably assembled out of said at least one primary layer or said at least one further primary layer and said at least one secondary layer or said at least one further secondary layer.

7. The animal covering as claimed in claim 6, wherein only said at least one primary layer and/or said at least one further primary layer include means for attachment of 06/08/04, eh 13399.spc, -16- said animal covering to an animal.

8. The animal covering as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein at least said at least one secondary layer and/or said at least one further secondary layer of said animal covering may be removed from said covering for purposes of laundering/cleaning

9. The animal covering as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said at least one primary layer and/or said at least one secondary layer may be interchanged with said at least one further primary layer and/or said at least one further secondary layer so that primary and/or secondary layers of the same or varying properties may be substituted readily to suit varying use requirements.

10. The animal covering as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein said at least one primary layer and/or said at least one further primary layer is/are outer weather- wearing layers and said at least one secondary layer and/or said at least one further secondary layer is/are quilted and/or padded inner layers intended to provide warmth and/or comfort to an animal.

11. The animal covering as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein said animal covering is supplied as a set of layers including at least one primary layer and/or at least one further primary layer of the same or different material, and at least one secondary layer and at least one further secondary layer of the same or different material, wherein said set of layers may be interchanged to form said animal covering in order to suit varying climatic conditions.

12. The animal covering as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein said animal covering includes one primary layer and more than one secondary layer that may either each be separately releasably attached to said one primary layer or may be releasably attached in combination to said one primary layer to form said animal covering.

13. The animal covering as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein said animal covering includes at least two primary layers each releasably attachable to one another to form a composite outer weather-wearing layer, and at least one secondary layer that is releasably attachable to one or more of said at least two primary layers to form said animal covering.

14. The animal covering as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of said at least two primary layers is provided with at least one cooperating and releasably attachable secondary layer. The animal covering as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11 or claim 13 or claim 14, including two primary layers each including at least one cooperating and 06/08/04, ehl13399.spc, 16

17- releasably attachable secondary layer, one of said two primary layers substantially conforming to the back of an animal and the other of said two primary layers substantially conforming to the neck of said animal, and wherein each of said two primary layers is releasably attachable to one another to form, when assembled, a composite animal covering. 16. The animal covering as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said attachment means is selected from the group consisting of any one or more of the following: VELCRO®, zip-fasteners, press-studs, buttons and/or any suitable substitute. 17. An animal covering, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to accompanying drawings. Dated this 6 th day of August, 2004 MICHAEL HIBBS and ELIZABETH HIBBS By Their Patent Attorneys CALLINAN LAWRIE 06/08/04, eh13399.spc, 17