AU2003204297B2 - Fleece retaining coat & manufacture thereof - Google Patents

Description

t

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: Gale Pacific Pty Ltd Actual Inventor(s): Howard Gale Address for Service and Correspondence: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: FLEECE RETAINING COAT MANUFACTURE THEREOF Our Ref: 694701 POF Code: 307/454835 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1- 6008q O FLEECE RETAINING COAT MANUFACTURE THEREOF SThis invention relates generally to a coat for use in the harvesting of a fleece of an animal and, more particularly, a coat for retaining and protecting the fleece during biological harvesting, as well as a method for manufacturing that coat. The invention is applicable in biological wool harvesting of sheep, and it will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to that Sexemplary application. It is to be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited thereto.

S 10 It is known to biologically "shear" sheep using a biological depilatory "defleecing" agent, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF). The defleecing agent causes a weakening or break in the wool staple at or near the skin surface, enabling the fleece to be easily removed.

A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was, in Australia, known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Various coats have been proposed to be fitted to the sheep following administration of the defleecing agent so as to prevent uncontrolled removal and loss of the fleece. Australian patent 647084 and patent applications 60853/73 and 33394/93 disclose forms of such coats.

A practical disadvantage perceived in each of these disclosed coats is their capital cost. Application 60853/73 discloses a net-like inner coat through which new wool grows, as well as an outercoat to be fitted over the new wool for protection. Application 33394/93 discloses a coat having fleece retention means in the form of elongate strips positioned on the inner surface of the coat body, in order to retain the fleece in position on the animal as the wool staple breaks. Patent 647084 refers to a web-like coat having a web formed with various gussets, and bindings extending along the front and rear ends of the web to provide eyelets.

These coat arrangements have complex and/or costly requirements, particularly taking into account the large number of coats required for fitting to commercial flocks of sheep. As a consequence, it is believed their capital cost has been a significant factor in delaying widespread introduction and use of biological shearing.

U.ECPPatont Specifranio\2003204297-retyped pages.doc Whilst there is a practical requirement to supply commercial quantities of coats at acceptable cost, it is also recognised that the coat should properly retain the fleece on the sheep against excessive movement within the coat or loss from the sheep, particularly in adverse environmental conditions.

Moreover, ease of coat donning and doffing, as well as the ability to reuse the coat on one or more occasions, are further factors which would assist in making biological shearing commercially attractive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a relatively inexpensive coat for use in fleece harvesting.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a coat for use in fleece harvesting which can be relatively economically manufactured in large commercial quantities.

With these objects in mind, the present invention broadly provides in one aspect a fleece retaining coat for fitting to a fleece bearing animal, including a coat body formed from a single piece of open mesh fabric for enclosing at least a substantial portion of the fleece of an animal when fitted to the body of the animal, wherein the mesh fabric has mesh apertures of an across dimension of between 15 and 25 mm, the mesh fabric apertures being of a larger size in regions of the coat body intended to fit against the sides and back of an animal than in regions of the coat body intended to fit against the belly and chest of the animal. The coat body preferably has holes for the reception of the legs of an animal. Moreover, the coat further includes leggings for surrounding the leg holes and extending externally therefrom. The leggings are preferably formed of mesh fabric and configured to fit about and retain fleece on respective animal legs. Each legging is preferably of general tubular shape, having a tubular shank region for extending along at least the upper part of an animal leg, and a lower edge region for fitting about the calf or other lower part of the animal leg, the shank region tapering in a direction toward the lower edge region.

Preferably, the coat body is formed from a single piece of open mesh fabric, and each legging is formed from a single piece of open mesh fabric. The mesh fabric is preferably knitted or woven or knotted from plastic filament, either mono or multi filament, such as polyethylene or polyester.

UAECPMPatent Specif ations\20032042g7-retyped Ipagesdoc Preferably, the mesh fabric has mesh apertures with an across dimension of up to about 25 mm. Those mesh apertures may be of a consistent size throughout the coat body. Alternatively, the apertures may be of a larger size in regions of the coat body intended to fit against the sides and back of an animal than in regions of the coat body intended to fit against the belly and chest of the animal. In one preferred arrangement, the mesh fabric apertures have an across dimension of between 15 and 25 mm in the coat body regions intended to fit against the sides and back of an animal, and an across dimension of between 6 and 15 mm in the coat body regions intended to fit against the belly and chest of the animal.

Preferably, the coat body has one or more edge regions reinforced against wear and tear. Those edge regions may be knitted or woven or knotted with a close knit/weave/knot formation, and may be then heat set into a tapelike configuration. Alternatively, reinforcing tape or binding may be applied along the edge regions for reinforcement.

Preferably, each legging has a retaining band at the lower edge region to fit neatly about the lower part of the animal leg. That retaining band is knitted or woven or knotted with a close knit/weave/knot formation.

The coat body preferably has eyelets at one or more edge regions for use in securing the coat on the body of an animal. Those eyelets are preferably provided by loops in the mesh fabric forming the coat body. In that regard, corner regions of the coat body mesh fabric are folded over and secured in position so as to define fabric loops.

Preferably, the coat body has a tail opening at or adjacent an end edge region of the coat body and through which the tail and faeces of an animal can pass. That tail opening is preferably provided by a relief in the coat body along the end edge region thereof. Stiffening means is preferably provided adjacent the tail opening for holding the shape of the tail opening and its position in relation to the tail and anus of an animal during coat use.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly provides a method of manufacturing fleece retaining coats for fleece bearing animals, each retaining coat having a coat body for fitting to the body of the animals, the method including the steps of: U \ECPPatent Specrfcatons\20O3204297-etyped pagoedoc forming a continuous web of open mesh fabric in which coat body fabric pieces are arranged adjacent to one another along the mesh fabric web, the open mesh fabric being formed with mesh apertures of an across dimension of between 15 and 25mm, the mesh fabric apertures being of a larger size in regions of the coat body intended to fit against the sides and back of an animal than in regions of the coat body intended to fit against the belly and chest of the animal; and cutting each body fabric piece from the open mesh fabric web to form individual coat bodies for the retaining coats.

Preferably, the continuous web of mesh fabric is formed with holes in each of the coat body fabric pieces so as to provide animal leg holes in the coat bodies. Moreover, the continuous web of mesh fabric is preferably formed with a hole in each of the coat body fabric pieces so as to provide an animal tail opening in each coat body.

U:%ECP'Patent Specd-atns%.203204297-retyped pagesdoc i: i Preferably, the method further includes the steps of forming a continuous tube of mesh fabric in which legging pieces are arranged end-to-end along the mesh fabric tube and, cutting each legging piece from the mesh fabric tube to form individual leggings for the retaining coats.

The method preferably includes the further step of connecting the individual leggings to the coat bodies.

The method also preferably includes the step of forming loops in the body fabric pieces after cutting from the mesh fabric web, loop formation including folding over corner regions of the coat fabric pieces and securing in the folded position.

The following description refers to a preferred embodiment of the fleece retaining coat and its method of manufacture of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the coat and manufacturing method are illustrated in that preferred embodiment. It is to be understood that the coat and method are not limited to the preferred embodiment as hereinafter described and as illustrated in the drawings.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a retaining coat incorporating the present invention, fitted to a fleece carrying sheep; Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the coat of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a plan view of a mesh fabric piece made up into a coat body of a preferred coat of the present invention, Fig. 4 is a side view of the mesh fabric piece of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a plan view of a web of mesh material from which mesh fabric pieces are cut to form coat bodies for preferred coats of the present invention; and, Fig. 6 is a plan view of a tube of mesh material from which mesh fabric pieces are cut to form leggings for preferred coats of the present invention.

Referring initially to Figs. 1 and 2 there is shown a fleece retaining coat 1 fitted to a fleece carrying animal A, in this embodiment a sheep. The coat 1 has a coat body 2 of mesh fabric which encloses a substantial portion of the animals IRN396880/SPECIIKW i A -6body B, as well as leggings 3 also of mesh fabric fitting about at lest the upper part of respective legs L of the animal A. As shown, the mesh fabric forming the coat body 2 and leggings 3 is sufficiently flexible or pliable to comfortably accommodate and neatly fit about the animal body and upper leg parts, respectively.

The coat body 2 is shown in more detail in Figs. 3 and 4, and is formed from a single piece of mesh fabric and is of generally planar, rectangular shape.

In that regard, the coat body 2 has a pair of side edge regions 4 which, in use of the coat extend along the dorsal side D of the animal A, and a pair of end edge regions 5,6 which extend respectively about the neck N, and hip and thigh H, of the animal A. The coat body 2 also has longitudinally extending side regions 7 interposed with a central region 8 which, in use of the coat 2, respectively fit against the sides S, and the belly and chest B, of the animal A. In this preferred embodiment, the coat body 2 can be manufactured in different sizes to achieve proper fit on differently sized animals A.

The coat body 2 has holes 9 for the reception legs L of an animal A. The leggings 3 surround these leg holes 9 and extending outwardly therefrom as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The leggings 3 are of generally tubular shape. In that regard,-each legging 3 has a tubular shank region 10 for extending along at least the upper part of an animal leg L, an upper edge region 11 at which the legging can be connected to the coat body 2, and a lower edge region 12 for fitting about the calf or other lower part of the animal leg L. In this embodiment, the shank region 10 tapers in a direction from the upper edge region 11 to the lower edge region 12 consistent with the animal leg shape.

In this embodiment, each legging 3 is formed from a single piece of mesh fabric. The leggings 3 may be of different shapes and sizes, at least to accommodate the differently shaped and sized front and rear legs of an animal.

The coat body 2 and leggings 3 are knitted, woven, knotted and/or otherwise formed.

In this embodiment, the coat body 2 and leggings 3 are manufactured separately although their integral manufacture may be equally appropriate.

IRN396880/SPECI/KW -7- The coat body 2 and leggings 3 are each formed from separate pieces of mesh fabric having mesh apertures selected to provide a coat body and leggings of sufficient strength to retain the fleece in position during coat use. Thus, in this embodiment, the fabric is formed so as to provide the coat 1 with an ability to withstand wear and tear during the period (up to at least several weeks, such as 6 to 8 weeks) of application to an animal A and also retain the fleece against excessive movement and loss during that period given the expected environmental conditions.

In this embodiment, the coat body 2 and leggings 3 are each formed from mesh fabric composed of a plastic filament, either mono or multi filament, such as polyethylene or polyester monofilament or multi filament. In one preferred embodiment, the mesh fabric is knitted from 3 monofilaments of 50 tex density polyethylene.

The coat body 2 and leggings 3 have mesh apertures 13 of any suitable shape and size.

In this embodiment, the mesh fabric is formed with diamond shaped mesh apertures 13, although it should be appreciated that other aperture shapes may also be suitable.

In alternative embodiments, the mesh apertures 13 may be of a consistent size throughout the coat body 2 and leggings 3, or may vary in size between regions thereof. Different mesh aperture sizes may be particularly appropriate in side and central regions 7,8 of the coat body 2. In one such embodiment (as shown), the side regions 7 may be more open with larger mesh apertures 13, and the central region 8 may be more closed with smaller mesh apertures 13. With this arrangement, the more closed central region tends to generally reinforce the coat body 2, particularly against wear and tear such as by animal hooves.

Thus, in one embodiment (not shown), the mesh fabric of the coat body 2 and leggings 3 has a mesh aperture 13 with a consistent across dimension of about 15 to 25 mm. In another embodiment (as shown), with mesh fabric having varying aperture size, the mesh apertures 13 have an across dimension about to 25 mm in the side region 7 of the coat body 2 and in the leggings 3, and about 6 to 15 mm in the central region 8 of the coat body 2.

IRN396880/SPECI<W -8- The coat body 2 is reinforced against wear and tear along one or more of the edge regions 4,5,6. Each side and end edge region 4,5,6 is soreinforced, in this embodiment.

The reinforcing along the edge regions 4,5,6 is achieved by a close knit, weave or knot formation 14 producing a very small mesh aperture. In another embodiment (not shown), the reinforcing is achieved by applying a reinforcing tape or binding along the edge regions 4,5,6. That tape or binding may be applied by sewing or adhering to the edge regions 4,5,6.

Where the edge regions 4,5,6 are closely knitted, woven or knotted for reinforcement, further reinforcement may be achieved by heat setting. That is, the mesh fabric or at least the relevant edge regions 4,5,6 may be subjected to heat in order to set the edge regions 4,5,6 into a tape-like configuration.

The edge regions 4,5,6 may be stretched prior to heat setting. In particular, where the mesh fabric is knitted or knotted, the opposite edge regions 4,5,6 may be stretched following knitting or knotting. to form the mesh configuration and then heat set so as to hold that configuration. The mesh fabric forming the coat body 2 is preferably stretched laterally so that the end edge regions 4,5,6 are stretched and heat set.

The leggings 3 are each configured at their lower edge region 12 so as to fit neatly about a lower part of an animal leg L. That configuration provides a flexible retaining cuff or band 15 in the lower edge region. The retaining band is achieved, in this embodiment, by a close knit, weave or knot formation 16, producing a very small mesh aperture in the lower edge region. In this embodiment, the band 15 should be sized to fit neatly about the lower part of an animal leg L and thus prevent loss of fleece from the legging 3, but be sufficiently flexible to enable a hand or arm of an operator to be inserted into the legging 3 to assist fitting to an animal leg L. The band 15 may be formed integral with the tubular shank region 10, or formed separately therefrom and then attached to the shank region 10 such as by sewing thereto.

The coat 1 of the present invention may be donned and doffed in accordance with the method and apparatusas disclosed in Australian patent 647084 or suitably varied type thereof. A method and apparatus of donning and doffing the coat will not be described in detail in this specification, although by IRN396880/SPECI/KW -9way of example the method and apparatus of patent 647084 is incorporated herein by reference. Thus, the information disclosed by the earlier patent should be considered as being contained within this specification.

In this embodiment, the coat body 2 is provided with means 17 by which the coat 1 can be gripped for securing in position on an animal using a method and apparatus as or similar to that as disclosed in patent 647084. That means 17, includes eyelets 18 in the coat body 2. In one arrangement, straps or other securing members can be passed through the eyelets 18 to a net engagement rod extending along the animal's back and on which the side edge regions 4 have been wound. In another arrangement, the eyelets 18 can be placed on separate hooks for winding the side edge regions 4 onto the animal's back and so tighten the coat body 2.around an animal A.

The eyelets 18 are provided by loops 19 in the mesh fabric piece forming the coat body 2. In particular, corner regions of the mesh fabric piece are folded, with the folded corner regions being secured in their folded positions so as to define fabric loops 19. In this embodiment, each corner region of the mesh fabric piece is folded in a direction along the fabric piece, over a side region 7 of the fabric piece so that the corner overlies a side edge region 4. The corner is secured in position to the side edge region 4, such as by sewing or heat or sonic welding, so that a loop 19 is formed along the side edge region 4.

As previously indicated, the coat body 2 has holes 9 for reception of animal legs L. In this embodiment, the holes 9 for reception of the front legs L are positioned in the coat body 2 so that peripheral edge regions 20 thereof extend about the animal shoulders, during coat use. In this embodiment, the hind leg holes 9 are positioned so that peripheral edge regions 21 thereof extend about the thighs of the animal, during coat use. The holes 9 are generally of an elliptical configuration, and extend at least generally in the longitudinal direction of the coat body 2.

In alternative embodiments, the leg holes are formed during manufacture of the mesh fabric, and following mesh fabric piece manufacture. Thus, in one embodiment, the mesh fabric is knitted, woven or knotted in a manner which provides for the leg holes 9. In another embodiment, no allowance or provision is made for the leg holes 9 during mesh fabric manufacture, and those holes 9 are IRN39G6880/SPECI/KW subsequently formed by cutting of the fabric.

In this embodiment, further holes 22 are provided in the coat body 2 for animal body orifices and, in the case of male animals, their testicles. Again, those holes 22 are formed during or subsequent to manufacture of the mesh fabric piece, in alternative embodiments.

The coat 1 is configured so as to fit neatly around the animal tail and anus 7. To that end, the coat body 2 has a tail opening 23 at or adjacent that end edge region 6 which passes around the hip and thigh of the animal A, and located between the rear leg holes 9, through which the tail T and faeces can pass. In one embodiment (not shown), the tail opening 23 is provided by a further hole in the coat body In another embodiment (not shown), that opening 23 is formed by a relief 24 in the mesh fabric piece along the relevant end edge region 6. The relief 24 extends from the end edge region 6, longitudinally of the coat body 2 to between the rear leg holes 9. This relief 24 is also formed during or subsequent to manufacture of the mesh fabric piece, in alternative embodiments.

In order to maintain the coat body 2 fitting properly around the tail and anus T, and thereby preventing faeces becoming trapped in the coat body 2, the coat 1 includes stiffening means 25 for holding the shape of the tail opening 23 and its position in relation to the tail and anus T, during coat use. The stiffening means 25 includes an elongate stiffening member 26 for extending along the peripheral edge region 27 of the tail opening 23.

In this embodiment, the stiffening member 26 is a stiffening rod 28 extending along the peripheral edge region 27. The rod 28 is shaped, such as by bending, to extend along the tail opening edge region 27, and is attached to the coat body 2 in any suitable manner, such as by insertion into a retaining sleeve located along the tail opening edge region 27.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the stiffening member 26 is a stiffening rib or rim moulded in situ along the edge of the tail opening edge region 27.

In coat manufacture, the mesh fabric from which the coat body 2 is formed is manufactured in a continuous web 29 of mesh material, a portion of which is shown in Fig. 5. Mesh fabric pieces 30 for coat bodies 2 are arranged adjacent one another along the web 29, and are subsequently cut therefrom along cut lines IRN396880/SPECIKW -11- 31 to make individual mesh fabric pieces 30 to form individual coat bodies 2. In this embodiment, the mesh fabric pieces 30 are arranged end-to-end along the web 29, with opposite end edge regions 5,6 abutting one another on the lines 31 extending transverse of the web extent, and corresponding side edge regions 4 extending continuously along the web 29. In this way, the web 29 can be transversely cut along the lines 31 to separate the web 29 into mesh fabric pieces for forming coat bodies 2.

In this embodiment, the web 29 of mesh material is continuously knitted, woven or knotted, and laterally stretched as it exits from a knitting, weaving or knotting machine for passing through a heating zone. Passage through that zone heat sets the edge regions 4,5,6 so that the web 29 retains its sheet mesh appearance. The web 29 is cut into separate mesh fabric pieces 30 following heat setting.

As previously indicated, (although not shown) the leg and further holes -9,22, and tail opening 23, may be formed during manufacture of the mesh fabric and, to that end, may be provided in the web material during its manufacture.

Alternatively, (as shown) those holes 9,22 and opening 23 are cut following web manufacture. That cutting may occur prior to, simultaneously with, or after cutting of the web material into the mesh fabric pieces In this embodiment, the corner loops 19 are provided in the individual mesh fabric pieces 30 following cutting from the mesh material web 29.

In this embodiment, the stiffening member 26 for the tail opening 23 is provided to the mesh fabric pieces 30 following cutting from the web 29.

In this embodiment of the coat manufacturing method, the mesh fabric for the leggings 3 is manufactured as a continuous tube 32 of mesh material. In this embodiment, mesh fabric pieces 33 for the leggings 3 are arranged adjacent one another along the tube 32, and are subsequently cut therefrom along cut planes 34 into mesh fabric pieces 33 to form individual leggings 3. In this embodiment, the leggings 3 are arranged end-to-end along the tube 32 of material, with upper and lower edge regions 11,12 of adjacent leggings 3 abutting one another on planes 34 lying transversely of the longitudinal extent of the tube 32. In this way, the tube 32 can be transversely cut along the planes 34 to separate the tube 32 into leggings 9.

IRN3968I0/SPECItKW -12- In this embodiment, the tube 32 is knitted on a double needle warp knitting machine.

The upper edge region 11 of each legging 3 is trimmed to shape for setting-in to the respective coat body leg hole 9. Each legging will typically be differently trimmed depending on whether it is intended to fit about a left or right, or front or rear, animal leg L.

In this embodiment, the leggings 3. are connected or attached to the coat body 2 about a respective leg hole L. That connection or attachment is achieved in any suitable manner, and may be a permanent or releasable connection or attachment. In alternatives of this preferred embodiment, the upper edge region 11 of each legging 3 is permanently sewn, or heat or sonic welded, to the coat body 2. The leggings 3 maybe releasably attached to the coat body 2 through suitable fasteners (not shown). The connection or attachment occurs after the leg holes 9 have been formed, so that the upper edge region 11 of each legging 3 is permanently or releasably connected or attached to a respective peripheral edge region 20,21 of a leg hole 9.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the leggings 3 are not connected to the coat body 2 but remain separate therefrom for individual donning and doffing on animal legs L. In this embodiment the leggings 3 remain in position through a firm gripping force applied by the leggings 3 about the animal legs L.

A fleece retaining coat according to the present invention is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, particularly in large commercial quantities. In addition, the coat is capable of reuse on several occasions. As such, the likely capital cost of the coat is believed to enhance the attractiveness of biological harvesting of animal fleece.

The coat manufacturing method of the present invention enables the use of cost effective manufacturing techniques and machinery, and in particular minimises the need for high labour involvement and commensurate costs.

Finally, it is to be understood that various modifications and/or alterations may be made to the fleece retaining coat and its method for manufacture without departing from the ambit of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

IRN3968801SPECI/KW

Claims (31)

1. A fleece retaining coat for fitting to a fleece bearing animal, including a coat body formed from a single piece of open mesh fabric for enclosing at least a substantial portion of the fleece of an animal when fitted to the body of the animal, wherein the mesh fabric has mesh apertures of an across dimension of between 15 and 25 mm, the mesh fabric apertures being of a larger size in regions of the coat body intended to fit against the sides and back of an animal than in regions of the coat body intended to fit against the belly and chest of the animal.

2. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mesh fabric apertures have an across dimension of between 15 and 25 mm in the coat body regions intended to fit against the sides and back of an animal, and an across dimension of between 6 and 15 mm in the coat regions intended to fit against the belly and chest of the animal.

3. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the coat body includes holes for the reception of the legs of the animal, the coat further includes leggings for surrounding the leg holes and extending externally therefrom, the leggings being formed of mesh fabric and configured to fit about and retain fleece on respective animal legs.

4. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 3, wherein each legging is of a tubular shape, having a tubular shank region for extending along at least the upper part of an animal leg, and a lower edge region for fitting about the calf or other lower part of the animal leg, the shank region tapering in a direction towards the lower edge region.

5. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein each legging is formed from a single piece of open mesh fabric.

6. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each legging has a retaining band at the lower edge region to fit neatly about U:\ECPAJatent Specdicatans003204207-retyved pagesdoc 14 the lower part of the animal leg, the retaining band being knitted or woven or knotted with a close knit/weave/knot formation.

7. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mesh fabric is formed from diamond shaped mesh apertures.

8. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mesh fabric is knitted or woven or knotted.

9. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mesh fabric is formed from a plastic filament.

A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plastic filament is a monofilament or multifilament of polyethylene or polyester.

11. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mesh fabric is knitted from 3 monofilaments of 50 tex density polyethylene.

12. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the coat body has one or more edge regions reinforced against wear and tear.

13. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 12 when appended to claim or any claim appended thereto, wherein the edge regions are knitted or woven or knotted with a close knit/weave/knot formation.

14. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 13, wherein the closely knitted/woven/knotted edge regions are heat set into a tape-like configuration.

A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 12, wherein reinforcing tape or binding is applied along the edge regions for reinforcement.

16. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the coat body has eyelets at one or more edge regions for use in securing the coat on the body of an animal. U ECP\Patent Specfatns\2003204297retyped pages doc

17. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 16, wherein the eyelets are provided by loops in the mesh fabric forming the coat body, corner regions of the coat body mesh fabric being folded over and secured in position so as to define fabric loops.

18. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the coat body has a tail opening at or adjacent an end edge region of the coat body and through which the tail and faeces of an animal can pass.

19. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 18, wherein the tail opening is provided by a relief in the coat body along the end edge region thereof.

A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 18 or 19, and further including stiffening means adjacent the tail opening for holding the shape of the tail opening and its position in relation to the tail and anus of an animal during coat use.

21. A fleece retaining coat as claimed in claim 20, wherein the stiffening means includes a stiffening rod or rib extending along a peripheral edge region of the tail opening.

22. A fleece retaining coat for a fleece bearing animal, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to what is shown in the accompanying drawings.

23. A method of manufacturing fleece retaining coats for fleece bearing animals, each retaining coat having a coat body for fitting to the body of the animals, the method including the steps of: (ii) forming a continuous web of open mesh fabric in which coat body fabric pieces are arranged adjacent to one another along the mesh fabric web, the open mesh fabric being formed with mesh apertures of an across dimension of between 15 and 25mm, the mesh fabric apertures being of a larger size in regions of the coat body intended to fit against the sides and back of an animal UIECPMPalent SpecTcations\20320Z4297.retyped pagesdoc than in regions of the coat body intended to fit against the belly and chest of the animal; and (iii) cutting each body fabric piece from the open mesh fabric web to form individual coat bodies for the retaining coats.

24. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the continuous web of mesh fabric is formed with holes in each of the coat body fabric pieces so as to provide animal leg holes in the coat bodies.

25. A method as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein the continuous web of mesh fabric is formed with a hole in each of the coat body fabric pieces so as to provide an animal tail opening in each coat body.

26. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the continuous web of mesh fabric is knitted, woven or knotted from the plastic filament.

27. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein each retaining coat has leggings for fitting about the legs of the animals, and the method includes the further steps of: (iii) forming a continuous tube of open mesh fabric in which legging pieces are arranged end-to-end along the mesh fabric tube; and, (iv) cutting each legging piece from the mesh fabric tube to form individual leggings for the retaining coats.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, and including the further step of: connecting the individual leggings to the coat bodies.

29. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 28, and including the further step of: (vi) forming loops in the body fabric pieces after cutting from the mesh fabric web, loop formation including folding over corner regions of the coat fabric pieces and securing in the folded position.

U 'ECPaPatent Spocdicalns\200320 4297-typed pagesdoc A method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the Scontinuous tube of mesh fabric is knitted, woven or knotted from plastic Sfilament.

31. A method of manufacturing fleece retaining coats for fleece bearing animals, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to what is shown in the accompanying drawings. DATED: 16 June 2006 0 10 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK N Attorneys for: GALE PACIFIC LIMITED' U:\ECPPatent Spscfcatins\2003204297retyp pagesdoc