Muzzle cover

Abstract

A muzzle cover for a muzzle 10 comprises a plate structure removably connected a muzzle to cover one or more openings (20, figure 1A) in a front surface of a muzzle. The muzzle cover may comprise a first plate structure (225A, figure 4C) and a second plate structure (225B, figure 4F) wherein the first and second plate structures are removably connectable from the muzzle from opposing internal and external sides of the front surface such that the first plate structure and the second plate structure respectively cover the opposing sides of the front surface of the muzzle. The first and second plate structures each comprise integral complementary engagement features (235A, figure 4C and 235B, figure 4F) for connecting to one another. Also disclosed is a muzzle comprising the muzzle cover, the muzzle may comprise a plurality of interconnected struts or ribs (15, figure 1A).

Description

FIELD The present invention relates to a removable muzzle cover, and in particular but not exclusively to a removable muzzle cover for a dog muzzle. BACKGROUND Animals, particularly dogs, may wear a muzzle for a variety of reasons. Those reasons include to prevent the dog from biting a person or another animal, to restrict the dog from eating excessively or scavenging food and / or to restrict the dog from licking a wound. Ideally a muzzle should provide sufficient space for a dog to sniff, drink and pant whilst performing its intended function. Some muzzles have a basket or grill structure formed from a plurality of interconnected struts or ribs. Such a structure can provide a strong and lightweight muzzle, reducing a weight of the muzzle on the dog. However, muzzles having one or more openings in a front surface of the muzzle (including muzzles having a basket or grill structure) provide a space through which a dog wearing the muzzle may still be able to scavenge food or lick a wound. That is particularly true for muzzles having basket or grill structures presenting a large number of openings, particularly at the front surface of the muzzle adjacent an end of a dog’s snout. The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind. SUMMARY According to a first aspect, there is provided a muzzle cover for a muzzle such as a dog muzzle. The muzzle cover may comprise a plate or sheet structure. The plate or sheet structure may be removably connectable to a muzzle to cover one or more openings in a front surface of the muzzle. That may provide a simple structure to selectively provide a solid barrier over a front surface of the muzzle, enabling openings in a front surface of the muzzle to be easily covered and uncovered as desired (for example, to prevent scavenging food from the ground or wound licking). The muzzle cover may be a convenient accessory that allows a single muzzle to provide multiple functions, rather than requiring separate muzzles. That may be particularly advantageous for muzzles comprising an opening in a front surface which is specifically designed to provide access through the front surface, for example a treat hole for a user to provide treats to the dog. The muzzle may comprise a basket or grill structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts or ribs. The basket or grill structure may define one or more openings in a front surface of the muzzle, for example a treat hole. The plate structure may comprise a substantially continuous surface. The plate structure may be configured to extend between adjacent struts or ribs such that a space or opening between the adjacent struts or ribs is substantially covered by the plate structure. The muzzle cover may comprise a connector configured to connect the plate structure to the muzzle. The plate structure may comprise an integral connector configured to connect the plate structure to the muzzle. Providing an integral connector may reduce the number of components required to allow removably connection of the muzzle cover to the muzzle. That may increase ease, speed and convenience of connecting and removing the muzzle cover for a user. The integral connector may comprise a resilient clip. The integral connector may comprise one or more arms configured to extend at least partially around a strut or rib of the muzzle. That may provide a simple structure allowing the muzzle cover to be easily secured to and removed from the muzzle as desired, without, for example, requiring a structure of existing basket or grill muzzles to be altered to accommodate the muzzle cover (such as additional mounting points to engage the muzzle cover). The integral connector may be located on the plate structure such that when the integral connector is connected to a first strut or rib of the muzzle, the integral connector is in contact with or in close proximity to a second strut or rib of the muzzle. That may provide additional structural support preventing or inhibiting a twisting or rotating motion of the plate structure when connected to the muzzle. The plate or sheet structure may be shaped or configured to connect to an external side of the front surface of the muzzle. That may allow the muzzle cover to be quickly and conveniently connected to and removed from the muzzle whilst the muzzle is being worn by a dog (that is, without requiring the muzzle to be taken off the dog to attach or remove the muzzle cover). That may allow one or more openings, for example, a treat hole, in the front surface of the muzzle, to be accessed and re-covered as desired by a user whilst the muzzle is being worn by a dog. The plate structure may be shaped or configured to mirror or substantially conform to a surface topography of the front surface of the muzzle. The plate structure may be shaped or configured to mirror or substantially conform to a surface topography of the front surface of the muzzle along substantially a full extent of the plate structure. That may ensure contact or a close fit between the plate structure and the front surface of the muzzle, reducing space between the two. That may reduce a risk of the plate structure being inadvertently disconnected from the muzzle in use. The muzzle cover may comprise a first plate structure and a second plate structure. The first plate and the second plate structure may be removably connectable to the muzzle from opposing internal and external sides of the front surface of the muzzle such that the first plate structure and the second plate structure respectively cover the opposing sides of the front surface of the muzzle. The first plate structure and the second plate structure may provide separate walls spaced apart from one another on the opposing sides of the front surface of the muzzle. The second plate structure provides an additional layer covering the front surface of the muzzle, which may provide further resistance to a dog being able to access an opening in the front surface of the muzzle. The first plate structure and the second plate structure being connectable to the muzzle from opposing sides of the front surface of the muzzle may also prevent the muzzle cover from being removed whilst the muzzle is being worn by a dog. The first plate structure and the second plate structure may be removably connectable to one another. The first and second plate structures being connectable to one another may prevent or inhibit the muzzle cover from being inadvertently knocked off or pushed off by the dog from within the muzzle. That may improve a reliability of the muzzle cover staying connected to the muzzle. The first plate structure and the second plate structure may be removably connectable to one another to connect the muzzle cover to the muzzle without either of the first plate structure and the second plate structure being directly connected to the muzzle. The first plate structure and the second plate structure may each comprise integral complementary engagement features for connecting to one another. The first plate structure and the second plate structure may be configured to connect to one another via a resilient clip or snap-fit connection. One of the first plate structure and the second plate structure may comprise a resilient clip. The other of the first plate structure and the second plate structure may comprise a complementary structure configured to engage the resilient clip to connect the first plate structure to the second plate structure. The complementary engagement structure may comprise an aperture and / or a protrusion. The first plate structure may be configured to connect to one of the external side and the internal side of the front surface of the muzzle. The second plate structure may be configured to connect to the first plate structure from the other of the external side and the internal side of the front surface of the muzzle. The plate structure may be substantially rigid. According to a second aspect, there is provided a dog muzzle. The muzzle may comprise the muzzle cover of the first aspect. The muzzle may comprise a basket or grill structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts or ribs. The basket or grill structure may define one or more openings in a front surface of the muzzle. The muzzle of the second aspect may comprise one or more features of the muzzle cover of the first aspect, and vice versa. According to a third aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a dog muzzle and the muzzle cover. The muzzle cover may be or comprise the muzzle cover of the first aspect. The muzzle may comprise a basket or grill structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts or ribs. The basket or grill structure may define one or more openings in a front surface of the muzzle. According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium storing data which defines both a digital representation of the muzzle cover of the first aspect and operating instructions configured to control an additive manufacturing device to fabricate the muzzle cover using the digital representation of the muzzle cover when the data is provided to the additive manufacturing device. Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which: FIGs. IA, IB and IC shows a muzzle for a dog; FIGs. 2A, 2B and 2C shows a muzzle cover for a muzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a single part; FIGs. 3A, 3B and 3C shows the muzzle cover shown in FIG. 2 connected to the muzzle shown in FIG. 1; FIGs. 4A to 4F shows a muzzle cover for a muzzle according to another embodiment of the present invention, comprising a first part and a second part; FIGs. 5 A to 5C shows the first part of the muzzle cover shown in FIG. 4 connected to the muzzle shown in FIG. 1; and FIGs. 5D to 5F show both the first and second parts of the muzzle cover shown in FIG. 4 connected to the muzzle shown in FIG. 1. Like reference numerals in different Figures may represent like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1A, IB and IC show a dog muzzle 10 formed from a plurality of interconnected struts or ribs 15. This type of muzzle structure is commonly known as a basket muzzle. The interconnected struts 15 define a plurality of openings 20 in the muzzle 10. Figures 2A, 2B and 2C shows a muzzle cover 100 for the dog muzzle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The muzzle cover 100 comprises a plate or sheet structure 125 that is removably connectable to the muzzle 10, to cover one or more openings 20 in a front surface 10A of the muzzle 10 (in particular but not exclusively to cover a treat hole 20A through which treats and other food can be introduced into the muzzle 10). It will be appreciated the plate structure 125 need not cover an entirety of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. The plate or sheet structure 125 comprises a generally flat structure with a width and length significantly greater than its thickness or height. The plate structure 125 comprises a substantially continuous surface. The plate structure 125 is configured to extend between adjacent struts 15 of the muzzle 10 such that an opening 20 defined between the adjacent struts 15 in the front surface 10 is substantially covered by the plate structure 125. In the embodiment shown, the plate structure 125 is configured to attach to the muzzle 10 to cover at least a treat hole 20A formed in the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10 (which is typically larger than other openings 20 formed in the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10). However, it will be appreciated the plate structure 125 may be sized and / or shaped to cover any and / or all openings 20 formed in a front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. The plate structure 125 comprises an integral connector 130 configured to connect the plate structure 125 to the muzzle 10. In the embodiment shown, the plate structure 125 comprises four integral connectors 130, although it will be appreciated any suitable number of connectors 130 may alternatively be used. Each connector 130 comprises a resilient clip comprising a pair of arms 130A, 130B extending from the plate structure 125. The arms 130A, 130B are configured to extend around a strut 15 of the muzzle 10. A space 130C is provided between the arms 130A, 130B through which a strut 15 of the muzzle 10 is received. The space between the arms 130A, 130B is sized such that the space 130C must expand to allow a strut 15 to pass through the space 130C. Elastic deformation of the arms 130A, 130B can be used to expand the size of the space 130C. The application of force (for example, manual application of force) in pushing the plate structure 125 with the arms 130A, 130B against the strut 15 will cause the arms 130A, 130B to elastically deform and increase the size of the space 130C. When the strut 15 is received through the space 130C and is no longer causing the arms 130A, 130B to elastically deform, stored elastic energy in the arms 130A, 130B (resulting from deformation of the arms 130A, 130B as the strut 15 passes through the space 130C) causes the space 130C to return to its resting size. In turn the arms 130A, 130B at least partially close around the strut 15. The internal perimeter or crosssection 130D encompassed or defined by the arms 130A, 13OB may substantially mirror at least a part of an external perimeter or cross-section of the strut 15, to ensure the strut 15 is in secure contact with the arms BOA, 130B when the plate structure 125 is connected to the muzzle 10. The plate structure 125 can be removed from the muzzle 10 by applying a force to cause the strut 15 to pass through the space 130C in the opposite direction, releasing the strut 15 from the arms 130A, 130B. The integral connector 130 may therefore act to releasably but securely connect the plate structure 125 to the muzzle 10. The resilient clip of the integral connector 130 may form a snap-fit connection with the strut 15, although that is not essential. It will also be appreciated the plate structure 125 may comprise any suitable integral connector configured to connect the plate structure 125 to the muzzle 10. For example, each integral connector 130 may alternatively comprise a single arm forming a resilient clip, rather than a pair of arms. A space may be defined between an end of the single arm and the plate structure 125 through which a strut 15 may be received, such that the single arm extends at least partially around the strut 15 to secure the plate structure 125 to the muzzle 10. Alternatively, the integral connector 130 may comprise a resilient clip or snap-fit structure formed from one or more arms which protrude from the plate structure 125 and are received within corresponding apertures formed in the muzzle 10 (for example, formed in a strut 15 of the muzzle). In other alternatives, the integral connector 130 may comprise a strap comprising a fastener mechanism to allow the strap to form a secure loop (for example, a popper or press stud mechanism or a clip mechanism). The strap may be wrapped around a strut 15 of the muzzle and the fastener mechanism secured such that the strap forms a closed loop around the strut 15 to secure the plate structure 125 to the muzzle 10. In another alternative, the plate structure 125 may not comprise an integral connector, but may be removably connectable to the muzzle 10 via a different mechanism such as receivable in a slot or groove formed adjacent the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show the muzzle cover 100 connected to the muzzle 10 such that the muzzle cover 100 covers one or more openings 20 (including the treat hole 20A) formed in the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. In the embodiment shown, the muzzle cover 100 is configured to be connected to an external side of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. However, it will be appreciated the muzzle cover 100 may alternatively be connected to an internal side of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10 (that is, a side of the front surface 10A that is within the space defined by the muzzle 10). As shown clearly in Figures 3A and 3B. the plate structure 125, whilst having a generally flat structure typical of a plate or sheet structure, is shaped or configured to substantially mirror or conform to a surface topography of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10 along substantially a full extent of the plate structure 125. That may ensure contact or a close fit between the plate structure 125 and the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10 along substantially a full extent of the plate structure 125. Reducing space between the plate structure 125 and the front surface 10A may reduce a risk of the plate structure 125 being inadvertently knocked off during use (for example, by an unintended object entering a space between the plate structure 125 and the front surface 10A and inadvertently applying a force to disconnect the plate structure 125 from the muzzle 10). That may also improve an aesthetic look of the muzzle cover 100 when connected to the muzzle 10, by providing a sleek and continuous visual look with substantially flush surfaces. However, that is not essential. Figure 3C shows the internal side of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10, depicting how the plate structure 125 is connected to the muzzle 10 via the integral connectors 130. Each integral connector 130 is connected to a strut 15 on the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. It will be appreciated the location of the integral connectors 130 (for example, the resilient clips) on the plate structure 125 may be selected based on a position of one or more struts 15 provided in the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10, whilst still providing a releasable but secure connection between the plate structure 125 and the muzzle 10. In the embodiment shown, the integral connectors 130 are arranged to connect to lateral struts 15 extending substantially horizontally (relative to an expected or intended orientation of the muzzle 10 in use) across the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. The integral connectors 130 are also arranged such that the arms 130A, 130B of each integral connector 130, when connected to the lateral struts 15, substantially contact or are positioned in close proximity to vertical struts 15 extending substantially vertically (relative to an expected or intended orientation of the muzzle 10 in use) across the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. The arrangement of the integral connectors 130 on the plate structure 125 relative to the vertical struts 15, when the muzzle cover 100 is connected to the muzzle 10, may provide additional structural support to the integral connectors 130. That may prevent or inhibit a twisting or rotating motion of the plate structure 125 (for example, around an axis substantially normal to the front surface 10A) when connected to the front surface 10A which may otherwise cause the plate structure 125 to be disconnected from the muzzle 10. However, that is not essential, and the integral connectors 130 may be arranged simply to connect to lateral struts 15 on the front surface 10A. It will also be appreciated the integral connectors 130 may alternatively be arranged to connect to vertical struts 15 on the front surface 10A, and may be arranged to substantially contact or be positioned in close proximity to lateral struts 15 on the front surface 10A to provide additional structural support. Figures 4A to 4F show a muzzle cover 200 for the dog muzzle 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The muzzle cover 200 is similar to the muzzle cover 100 described with respect to Figures 2 and 3, with like reference numerals indicating like elements. The muzzle cover 200 comprises a first plate structure 225A and a second plate structure 225 B. The first and second plate structures 225A, 225B are removably connectable to the muzzle 10 from opposing internal and external sides of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10, such that the first and second plate structures 225A, 225B respectively cover one or more openings 20 in the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10 from opposing sides of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. The first and second plate structures 225A, 225B provide separate walls or plates spaced apart from one another on the opposing sides of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. It will be appreciated each plate structure 225A, 225B need not cover an entirety of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. Each plate structure 225A, 225B comprises a generally flat structure with a width and length significantly greater than its thickness or height. Each plate structure 225A, 225B comprises a substantially continuous surface. Each plate structure 225 A, 225B is configured to extend between adjacent struts 15 of the muzzle 10 such that an opening 20 defined between the adjacent struts 15 in the front surface 10 is substantially covered by at least one of the plate structures 225A, 225B. In the embodiment shown, the plate structures 225A, 225B are configured to attach to the muzzle 10 to cover at least a treat hole 20A formed in the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10 (which is typically larger than other openings 20 formed in the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10). However, it will be appreciated the plate structures 225A, 225B may be sized and / or shaped to cover any and / or all openings 20 formed in a front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. The first plate structure 225A is substantially similar to the plate structure 125 described with respect to Figures 2 and 3. The first plate structure 225 comprises integral connectors 230 substantially as described above. The first and second plate structures 225A, 225B are removably connectable to one another from opposing internal and external sides of the front surface I0A of the muzzle 10. The first plate structure 225A is removably connectable to the external side of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10 substantially as described above. The second plate structure 225B is removably 10 connectable to the first plate structure 225A from the internal side of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. The first and second plate structures 225A, 225B respectively comprise complementary engagement features 235A, 235B for connecting to one another. In the embodiment shown, the second plate structure 225B comprises a plurality of resilient clips 235B substantially similar to the resilient clips of the integral connectors 230 of the first plate structure 225A. The first plate structure 225A comprises a plurality of complementary structures 235A configured to engage the resilient clips 235B. In the embodiment shown, the complementary structures 235A each comprise a bar or strut disposed in the first plate structure 225A. The bar 235A is located in and spans across an aperture formed in the first plate structure 225A, to provide sufficient space for the arms of the resilient clip 235B to engage the bar 235A. The resilient clip 235B engages the bar 235A in a substantially similar manner to how the integral connector 130 engages the strut 15 of the muzzle as described above. Alternatively, the bar 235A may be raised away from a surface of the first plate structure 225A, in which case an aperture formed in the first plate structure 225A may not be required. It will be appreciated the engagement features 235A, 235B may equally be provided on the other of the first and second plate structures 225A, 225B, for example the first plate structure 225A may comprise a plurality of resilient clips and the second plate structure 225B may comprise a plurality of bars or struts configured to engage the resilient clips on the first plate structure 225A. It will also be appreciated the first and second plate structures 225A, 225B may comprise any suitable complementary engagement features 235A, 235B configured to removably connect the two plate structures 225A, 225B to one another. For example, the first plate structure 225A may comprise one or more resilient clip structures or snap-fit structures configured to engage with corresponding apertures formed in the second plate structure 225B or vice versa. In alternative embodiments, each plate structure 225A, 225B may be independently removably connected to an internal or external side of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10, in addition to or alternatively to the first and second plate structures 225A, 225B being removably connectable to one another. Figures 5A to 5C show the first plate structure 225A of the muzzle cover 200 connected to the muzzle 10. The first plate structure 225A is connected to the muzzle 10 substantially as described with respect to the plate structure 125 of the muzzle cover 100. In addition, the engagement features 23 5 A of the first plate structure 225 A are located on the first plate structure 225A such that the engagement features 235A each substantially align with an opening 20 in the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10 when the first plate structure 225 A is connected to the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. That ensures the struts 15 of the muzzle do not impede engagement of the engagement features 235A, 235B when the first and second plate structures 225A, 225B are connected to one another. Figures 5D to 5F show the first and second plate structures 225A, 225B of the muzzle cover 200 connected to the muzzle 10 to cover one or more openings 20 (including the treat hole 20A) formed in the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. The second plate structure 225B is connected to the first plate structure 225 A from the internal side of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10, such that the first and second plate structures 225A, 225B provide separate walls or plates spaced apart from one another on the opposing sides of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. The second plate structure 225B is connected to the first plate structure 225A via the complementary engagement features 235A, 235B which are brought into engagement with one another through openings in the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. As shown clearly in Figures 5D and 5F, the first and second plate structures 225A, 225B, whilst having a generally flat structure typical of a plate or sheet structure, are shaped or configured to substantially mirror or conform to a surface topography of the respective external and internal sides of the front surface 10A of the muzzle 10. However, that is not essential. An upper or top region of the second plate structure 225 B (relative to an expected or intended orientation of the muzzle 10 in use) comprises an extension 240 that protrudes beyond an upper edge of the first plate structure 225A into an opening 20 between adjacent struts 15 of the muzzle 10. That may provide an accessible area for a user to apply force to disconnect the second plate structure 225B from the first plate structure 225A. In the embodiments shown, the plate structures 125, 225A, 225B of the muzzle covers 100, 200 are manufactured from or comprise polylactic acid (PLA), although any suitable polymeric or plastic material may alternatively be used, for example polyethylene. The plate structures 125, 225A, 225B are additively manufactured, for example via fused deposition modelling (FDM), although it will be appreciated any suitable manufacturing technique may alternatively be used, for example injection moulding or machining. From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of muzzles, in particular muzzles for dogs, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein. Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any 5 suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term “comprising” does not exclude other 10 elements or steps, the term “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A muzzle cover for a muzzle, comprising:a plate structure removably connectable to a muzzle to cover one or more openings in a front surface of the muzzle.

2. The muzzle cover of claim 1, wherein the plate structure comprises an integral connector configured to connect the plate structure to the muzzle.

3. The muzzle cover of claim 2, wherein the integral connector comprises a resilient clip.

4. The muzzle cover of claim 2 or of claim 3, wherein the integral connector comprises oneor more arms configured to extend at least partially around a strut or rib of the muzzle.

5. The muzzle cover of any preceding claim, wherein the plate structure is shaped or configured to connect to an external side of the front surface of the muzzle.

6. The muzzle cover of any preceding claim, wherein the plate structure is configured to extend between adjacent struts or ribs of the muzzle such that an opening between the adjacent struts or ribs is substantially covered by the plate structure.

7. The muzzle cover of any preceding claim, comprising:a first plate structure; anda second plate structure;wherein the first plate structure and the second plate structure are removably connectable to the muzzle from opposing internal and external sides of the front surface of the muzzle such that the first plate structure and the second plate structure respectively cover the opposing sides of the front surface of the muzzle.

8. The muzzle cover of claim 7, wherein the first plate structure and the second plate structure are removably connectable to one another.

9. The muzzle cover of claim 8, wherein the first plate structure and the second plate structure each comprise integral complementary engagement features for connecting to one another.

10. The muzzle cover of claim 9, wherein:one of the first plate structure and the second plate structure comprises a resilient clip; andthe other of the first plate structure and the second plate structure comprises a complementary structure configured to engage the resilient clip to connect the first plate 5 structure to the second plate structure.

11. The muzzle cover of any of claims 7 to 10, wherein:the first plate structure is configured to connect to one of the external side and the internal side of the front surface of the muzzle; and10 the second plate structure is configured to connect to the first plate structure from theother of the external side and the internal side of the front surface of the muzzle.

12. The muzzle cover of any preceding claim, wherein the plate structure is substantially rigid.1513. A muzzle comprising the muzzle cover of any preceding claim.

14. The muzzle of claim 13, wherein the muzzle comprises a basket or grill structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts or ribs.

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