Hip Lift Harness Device and Method

Abstract

An animal lifting device and method is provided. In particular, a hip member and a chest member are provided that have handles thereon. The chest member and the hip member may be selectively interconnected to each other with an interconnection member. The chest member may include an upper portion, shoulder pads, a chest pad, a center cross member, and an adjustable strap. The hip member may include an upper portion, an adjustable sling, and adjustable straps.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A harness for an animal comprising:
 a chest member having: an upper portion, a lower portion secured to said upper portion, and at least one strap adapted to be encircled around a chest portion of the animal;   a hip member having: an upper portion, a lower portion, and at least one strap adapted to be encircled around a hind portion of said animal;   a first handle in force transmitting communication with the chest member, wherein said first handle has a first attaching portion, a second attaching portion, and a continuous length of material therebetween, said length of material being at least approximately the width of a human hand and extending in a direction substantially parallel to a spine of the animal;   a second handle, wherein said second handle has a first attaching portion, a second attaching portion, and a continuous length of material therebetween, said length of material being at least approximately the width of a human hand and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a spine of the animal;   wherein said first handle and said second handle are adapted to receive the hand of a human for applying an upward force on at least one of said first handle and said second handle; and   a connection member extending in a direction substantially parallel to said first handle that interconnects said chest member and said hip member to ensure that said chest member and said hip member are substantially fixed on said animal in a fashion that permits said canine to walk normally, wherein a length of the connection member is selectively adjustable to accommodate a plurality of different sized animals; and   wherein at least one of said first and second attaching portions of one of said first and second handles are selectively detachable.   
     
     
         24 . The harness of  claim 23 , wherein at least one of said chest member and said hip member are adapted to span a circumference of said canine's torso. 
     
     
         25 . The harness of  claim 23 , wherein said lower portion of said hip member is associated with said upper portion of said hip member, and wherein said lower portion of said hip member is adjustable. 
     
     
         26 . The harness of  claim 23 , further comprising at least one restraint connecting member adapted to receive a restraining device. 
     
     
         27 . The harness of  claim 23 , wherein at least one of said chest member and hip member comprise a reflective material. 
     
     
         28 . The harness of  claim 23 , further comprising closable pockets associated with at least one of said chest member and said hip member. 
     
     
         29 . A harness for an animal comprising:
 a chest member having: an upper portion, a lower portion secured to said upper portion, and at least one adjustable strap selectively secured to the chest member and adapted to be encircled around a chest portion of the animal;   a hip member having: an upper portion, a lower portion, and a plurality of adjustable straps selectively secured to the hip member, at least one of the plurality of adjustable straps of the hip member adapted to be encircled around a hind portion of said animal and at least one of the plurality of adjustable straps of the hip member substantially preventing forward movement of the hip member along a length of the animal;   a first handle in force transmitting communication with the chest member, wherein said first handle has a first attaching portion, a second attaching portion, and a continuous length of material therebetween, said length of material being at least approximately the width of a human hand;   a second handle, wherein said second handle has a first attaching portion, a second attaching portion, and a continuous length of material therebetween, said length of material being at least approximately the width of a human hand;   an elongate connection member that interconnects said chest member and said hip member to ensure that said chest member and said hip member are substantially fixed on said animal in a fashion that permits said canine to walk normally, wherein a length of the connection member is selectively adjustable to accommodate a plurality of different sized animals.   
     
     
         30 . The harness of  claim 29 , wherein said plurality of adjustable straps comprises at least two adjustable straps extending underneath the hind legs of the animal. 
     
     
         31 . The harness of  claim 29 , wherein at least one of said chest member of said animal and said hip member of said animal comprises means for receiving padding. 
     
     
         32 . The harness of  claim 29 , wherein at least one of said chest member said hip member substantially traverse the circumference of said animal's torso. 
     
     
         33 . The harness of  claim 29 , wherein a plurality of elongate connection members is provided. 
     
     
         34 . The harness of  claim 29 , wherein said elongate connection member comprises a compliant mesh-like material. 
     
     
         37 . A device for an animal, comprising:
 a chest harness portion comprising: a dorsal section, a chest section, and a first strap spanning between the dorsal section and the chest section;   the dorsal section comprising a substantially t-shaped section having at least two shoulder pads;   the chest section comprising a substantially t-shaped section provided in an inverse orientation with respect to the substantially t-shaped section of the dorsal section;   the first strap comprising at least one buckle for selectively securing the dorsal section and the chest section and thereby securing the chest harness portion around the animal;   a first handle adapted to receive the hand of a human and connected to the dorsal section and oriented along a dorsal line of the animal;   a hip harness portion comprising: a padded sling spanning a circumference of the animal, at least two adjustable straps each having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to a lower section of the padded sling and the second end being detachably connected to an upper section of the padded sling by a buckle, a second handle adapted to receive the hand of a human and connected to the upper section of the padded sling and oriented substantially perpendicular to the dorsal line of the animal; and   an elongate connecting strap connecting the chest harness portion to the hip harness portion substantially limiting the relative movement between the chest harness portion and the hip harness portion.   
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein said hip harness portion further comprises an adjustable strap for encircling an animal's torso. 
     
     
         39 . The harness of  claim 37 , wherein at least one of said chest member of said animal and said hip member of said animal comprises means for receiving padding. 
     
     
         40 . The harness of  claim 37 , wherein at least one of said chest member said hip member substantially traverse the circumference of said animal's torso. 
     
     
         41 . The harness of  37 , wherein a plurality of elongate connection members is provided. 
     
     
         42 . The harness of  claim 37 , wherein said elongate connection member comprises a compliant mesh-like material.