Abstract:
An embodiment of an object lifting device includes compression straps to which gathering loops and handles are secured. In use, the straps and gathering loops encircle an object to be lifted. A pulling force applied to the handles causes the gathering loops to draw the ends of the straps toward each other, which results in the straps bearing upon the object to be lifted. While the object is held suspended, the weight of the object helps maintain the pulling pressure on the gathering loops and the consequent girthing action by the straps. The object is thus firmly secured by the device allowing it to be safely and easily lifted and transported.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/503,828, filed Sep. 19, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/555,932, filed Mar. 24, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention pertains to devices used for lifting and transporting objects. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Heavy objects having rounded exteriors or asymmetrical edges, such as rocks, barrels, kegs, large flowerpots and other plant containers, etc., can be particularly unwieldy to pick up and move from place to place. The general shape of such objects, which typically lack adequate handholds, can make it awkward for even two or more persons to manually grasp, lift and carry them. 
   A number of devices have been contrived for moving such objects. Some of these devices consist of rigid members hinged in such a manner as to grip the sides of the object, such as a barrel or keg, when a lifting force is applied to the handles of the device by persons situated on either side of the object. Such devices are typified by those described in U.S. Pat. No. 118,027 (Oak, Barrel-Carriers); U.S. Pat. No. 664,623 (Buckland, Barrel Carrier); and U.S. Pat. No. 809,003 (Mitchell, Carrier for Barrels and the Like). These devices tend to be massive and bulky, and are mechanically complicated. Moreover, they are designed to handle barrels of a very limited size range. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,533 (Beattie, Lifting Handles For Use By Nurserymen) describes another rigid, hinged device specifically designed for lifting large plant containers by two persons. This device requires a horizontal flange mounted to the plant container to provide a bearing surface. A consistent inward, squeezing force on the handles, as well as a lifting force, must be manually applied by one of the persons carrying the container to ensure that the unsecured ends of the handles do not spread, thereby allowing the container to slip out of the device. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,922 (Wade, Collapsible Carrier for Kegs) describes yet another rigid, hinged device designed for two persons to lift and transport kegs. This device includes tooth-like pins that are directed upward and inward in a manner that causes them to dig into the sides of the lifted object, thus causing a gripping action when a lifting force is applied to the handles. These inwardly directed pins, however, deform the surface of the object. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,567 (Nilson, Self-Adjusting Barrel Harness) describes a choker-like device that lifts different size barrels by a single picking point (as by a crane). The device includes specialized brackets that grip the barrel sides and push up against a protruding lip around the barrel&#39;s edge. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 215,344 (Flynn, Barrel-Carrier) describes a two-handled barrel lifting device having an adjustable metal hoop that is tightened around the barrel&#39;s circumference by threaded nuts (in the fashion of turnbuckles). The barrel is lifted as sharpened corners of pivoting handles attached to the hoop bite into the sides of the barrel. 
   The device described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,839,636 (Baker, Milk Bottle Carrier) incorporates a pair of opposing jaw straps that are drawn tight against an upper lip of a bottle when a lifting force is applied to the attached cords (see  FIGS. 1 and 2  of Baker). The arrangement of the cords through eyelets in a strap and their subsequent fixed attachment to eyelets in the opposite strap is not an arrangement that maximizes the gripping action of the straps against the sides of the bottle. This necessitates the presence of a bead or lip against which the jaw straps may press, as described in the patent. Also, the fixed attachment of the cords necessitates that the device be installed over the top (or from the bottom) of the bottle that is to be lifted. This design is impractical to use for objects that are of large height or girth, or for vessels that may contain shrubbery of sufficient height or width as to make such installation inconvenient. Baker does not address the use of materials that would be appropriate for lifting and transporting large and heavy vessels, nor does he incorporate the use of rigid lifting handles that would prove helpful in lifting heavy loads. 
   Embodiments of the present invention are directed to overcoming the foregoing problems and deficiencies that are present in the prior art. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An object lifting device according to one embodiment of the invention uses opposing straps and gathering loops to girdle and constrict an object, thereby allowing it to be lifted and transported. The device preferably enables persons to safely lift and convey objects that are ergonomically hazardous to grasp and move by hand. The device is flexible, collapsible, easy to store, simple to use, and readily adaptable to a variety of manual lifting and transporting applications on objects of various size and shape. The device is generally designed to not scrape, scratch or mar the surface of the lifted object. The device is constructed of components rugged enough to withstand repeated strenuous use, and is scalable in size and configuration to allow for the lifting of objects roughly manweight or less in size, up to objects weighing many tons. 
   An object lifting device according to one embodiment includes two flexible compression straps having holes near the ends thereof through which pass loops of cord, flexible cable, rope, flat fabric webbing, or the like, and to the ends of which are attached rigid handles. If desired, the holes near the ends of the straps may include grommets or eyelets in the strap material or eyes mounted on attachment bases attached to the straps. While rigid handles are often desired, they are not required. 
   In a second embodiment, a releasable securing mechanism, such as a hook, clasp, snap, spring-loaded link (such as a closable hook or carabiner), or a hook and loop (Velcro®) material, for example, is attached to one or both ends of a compression strap so that one or more of the gathering loops may be released, thus allowing the straps to be placed around the object to be lifted and then rehooked together with a gathering loop. This obviates the need to place the device over the top (or under the bottom) of the object. One or more shoulder straps may also be used with this or any of the other embodiments described herein. 
   In a third embodiment, the present invention incorporates the use of more than two straps, gathering loops and handles, thus allowing more than two persons to participate in lifting and transporting larger, heavier objects. For example, an embodiment for three or more persons may be provided using three or more strap-and-handle assemblies. 
   In a fourth embodiment, the ends of the compressing straps are fitted with attachment points for shackles. This configuration allows the device to be used for lifting very large and heavy objects. The shackles allow for convenient attachment of large cables or wire ropes to the straps. Loops in the ends of the cables or ropes may be connected to attachment points on a spreader bar, for example, which in turn can be hoisted by a crane. 
   In a fifth embodiment, a plurality of attachment loops are affixed along a length of the compression straps to allow for connection of cradling straps that pass from one compression strap under the object to be lifted to another compression strap on an opposite side. Such cradling straps may be adjustable in length to accommodate a broad range of objects of various size and shape. In this embodiment, the cradling straps are weight-bearing members and provide added security when lifting objects of irregular or upward tapering shapes that might not otherwise be securely gripped by the compression straps alone. 
   In a sixth embodiment, the gathering loops are formed using flat fabric webbing that passes through slotted, curvilinear shaped slots or holes in hardware elements attached at three of the four ends of the compression straps (in a two-strap embodiment). The curvilinear shaping of these slots optimizes the angular orientation of the gathering loop material when the object lifting device is applied either side up; that is, neither compression strap has a preferred upward or downward orientation when the device is applied to the lifted object. The remaining end of the compression straps (the one not fitted with a curvilinear slotted hardware piece) has attached to it the male half of a two-part buckle. The female half of this buckle is secured to one of the gathering loops. The compression straps form a girthing circle around an object when the female half of the buckle is connected to the male half of the buckle. The male half of the buckle is shaped such that the female half cannot easily become dislodged, especially while an object is being lifted. 
   In a seventh embodiment, length adjustment of the gathering loops is achieved by shortening or lengthening the amount of gathering loop material located between the rigid lifting handle and the ends of the compression straps. This shortening/lengthening capability is achieved in one embodiment by pulling the gathering loop material through diametrically opposed slots cut into the walls of the rigid handles. A particular length of a gathering loop may be maintained by pulling on either the proximal or distal portions of the gathering loop material in a manner which eliminates the slack in a loop of the material protruding through a third slot in the wall of the handle—this third slot being located approximately midway between the diametrically opposed slots. As slack is taken out of this loop, a D-ring, through which passes the gathering material, is pulled tightly against the side of the lifting handle, thus pinching the gathering loop material in a manner which disallows any additional material to be pulled either proximally or distally through the handle. This pinching action by the D-ring is eliminated when the D-ring is grasped and pulled away from the handle, thus allowing gathering loop material again to be pulled and lengthened either proximally or distally to the handle. 
   In an eighth embodiment, the compression straps and the slotted hardware elements (through which pass the gathering loops) are each fabricated as a single, monolithically injection molded element. The injection molded material may be a thermo-plastic-elastomer (TPE) that exhibits an optimal combination of mechanical strength and toughness, while remaining adequately flexible. In this embodiment, the first of a pair of compression straps has curvilinear-shaped slots or holes at both ends of the strap through which passes a gathering loop. The second of the pair of compression straps has a curvilinear slot or hole at one end, while the opposite end has an element shaped to form half of a two-part buckle. The second half of the buckle is a separate element secured to one of the gathering loops. 
   In yet further embodiments, a second TPE compositionally dissimilar to the primary TPE of the compression strap may be attached by insert injection molding to the previously molded compression strap. This second TPE may be a tough, resilient, high frictional coefficient material that penetrates the material of the compression strap to provide a contiguous element offering an enhanced gripping surface on the inner face of the strap. The second TPE may also be configured to form a logo or decorative feature on the outer surface of the strap. Embodiments may also include use of a single compression strap, use of multiple connectable articulating segments forming a compression strap, and/or use of a buckle in the middle of a compression strap, examples of which are described herein. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing aspects and exemplary embodiments, and many of the attendant advantages of this invention, will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a pictorial view of an object lifting device according to one embodiment of the invention shown in an environment in which the device is being used to lift an object; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of components of the object lifting device shown in  FIG. 1 , including compression straps, gathering loops, and handles; 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of another embodiment of an object lifting device that includes spring-loaded clips in place of holes at opposing ends of the compression straps; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of another embodiment of an object lifting device in which more than two compression straps, gathering loops and handles as shown in  FIG. 3  are utilized for lifting an object; 
       FIG. 5  is a pictorial view of an object lifting device as shown in  FIG. 1 , further equipped with shoulder straps connected to each of the handles of the device; 
       FIG. 6  is a pictorial view of another embodiment of an object lifting device constructed according to the invention having shackles and rings providing points of attachment for lifting an object; 
       FIG. 7A  is a pictorial view of another embodiment of an object lifting device in which cradling straps are shown connected to attachment loops that are affixed to the sides of the compression straps; 
       FIG. 7B  is a closer pictorial view of a compression strap and cradling straps as shown in  FIG. 7A ; 
       FIG. 8A  is a pictorial view of another embodiment of an object lifting device in which flat webbing used for the gathering loops pass through slotted elements attached to the ends of the compression straps, with a two-part buckle that connects one end of a compression strap to a gathering loop; 
       FIG. 8B  is a closer pictorial view of the two-part buckle shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
       FIG. 9  is a pictorial view of an embodiment that includes a gathering loop formed of flat webbing passing through slots defined in a handle, with a mechanism by which the length of the gathering loop may be adjusted; 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of components of an embodiment in which the compression straps are monolithically injection molded; 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  provide a plan view of compression straps and connecting elements constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  provide a plan view and pictorial view of an embodiment that uses a single compression strap. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of an object lifting device  10  constructed according to one embodiment of the invention in an environment in which it may be used. The object lifting device  10  is shown installed around a typical object (in this case, a plant pot  5 ). For illustrative purposes, persons  7  and  8  are shown using the device  10  to lift the plant pot  5 . 
   As will be described in greater detail below in regard to  FIG. 2 , the object lifting device  10  shown in  FIG. 1  includes compression straps  12  and  14  that are used to grasp the plant pot  5 . While the compression strap  12  is positioned behind the pot  5 , and thus is hidden from view in this drawing, the strap  12  functions similar to the strap  14  shown in this view. Connected to the compression straps  12 ,  14  are gathering loops  24  and  26  which are respectively connected to handles  28  and  30 .  FIG. 1  generally depicts the manner in which a pulling or lifting force applied by the persons  7  and  8  to the handles  28  and  30  cause a leveraged gathering of the ends of the compression straps  12 ,  14 , thus pulling the straps  12 ,  14  tight against the sides of the pot  5 . 
   Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the object lifting device  10  is shown including two compression straps  12  and  14  that are approximately equal in length, though in other embodiments, the lengths of the straps  12 ,  14  may differ. In this particular embodiment, the compression strap  12  is penetrated by holes  16  and  18  near opposing ends of the strap  12 . Each of the holes  16  and  18  are shown fitted with grommets for added strength. Similarly, the compression strap  14  is shown penetrated by holes  20  and  22  near the opposing ends of the strap  14 . The holes  20  and  22  are also shown fitted with grommets. 
   As the straps  12  and  14  are positioned in  FIG. 2  lying parallel to one another, a gathering loop  24 , comprised of a cord in this example, passes through the adjacent pair of holes  16  and  20  of the straps  12  and  14 . The ends of the gathering loop  24  are affixed to a rigid handle  28 . Similarly, a gathering loop  26 , comprised of a cord in this example, is shown passing through the adjacent pair of holes  18  and  22  of the straps  12  and  14 . The ends of the gathering loop  26  are affixed to a rigid handle  30 . 
   An object to be lifted by the device  10  is generally positioned in the area  32  encircled by the connected compression straps  12 ,  14  and gathering loops  24 ,  26 . Tension applied to the handles  28 ,  30  and the gathering loops  24 ,  26  pulls the ends of the compression straps  12 ,  14  toward each other, thus tightening the straps  12 ,  14  against the sides of the object to be lifted, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   The compression straps  12 ,  14  may be made of any material. Typically, the material is sufficiently strong and tough to survive the stresses applied to it by the weight of the object being lifted, yet sufficiently flexible to conform to some degree to the sides of the object being lifted. To enhance friction between the compression straps  12 ,  14  and the lifted object, the strap surface facing the object may be rubberized or otherwise coated or injected with a pliable, compressible substance that provides a good adhering surface. 
   The holes  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  through which pass the gathering loops  24 ,  26  are preferably fitted with grommets of a size that allows the gathering loops to slide freely. The length and width dimensions of the compression straps  12 ,  14  can vary and to a certain degree be dependent upon the size and weight range of the objects to be lifted. In a currently preferred embodiment, the length of the straps  12 ,  14  equals approximately 20–45% of the circumference of the objects to be lifted, and the strap width is approximately 15–20% of the strap length. Other applications of the device  10  may call for straps  12 ,  14  of a greater or lesser width and length. 
   The gathering loops  24 ,  26  may be made of any cord-, rope-, cable- or strap-like material. Typically, the material forming the gathering loops is sufficiently strong and tough to survive the stresses applied to it by the weight of the object being lifted. The material also is preferably not stretchable, but pliant enough to form acute angles without compromising the integrity or strength of the gathering loops. 
   The handles  28 ,  30  to which the gathering loops  24 ,  26  are affixed may be made of wood, metal, plastic, or any material, preferably rigid and rod-shaped, that is easily gripped by one or two hands, and is strong enough to survive the stresses applied to it by the weight of the object being lifted. In one embodiment, the gathering loops  24 ,  26  are affixed to the handles  28 ,  30  by passing the ends of the gathering loops through holes defined in the handles, and then simply tying or swaging the ends together. This would allow the gathering loops  24 ,  26  to be readily drawn through the holes in the handles  28 ,  30  in order to inspect for chafing and wear. In other embodiments, the handles  28 ,  30  are equipped with a mechanism (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 9 ) that enables the length of the gathering loops  24 ,  26  to be adjusted and fixed, particularly to shorten the gathering loops when the object needs to be lifted high, as onto the back of a truck, for example. 
     FIG. 3  is a plan view of another embodiment of an object lifting device  40  that includes compression straps  42  and  44 . Similar to the object lifting device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  40  shown in  FIG. 3  includes a gathering loop  54  affixed to a handle  58 , and a gathering loop  56  affixed to a handle  60 . The gathering loop  56  passes through a grommeted hole  48  at one end of the compression strap  42 , while the gathering loop  54  passes through a grommeted hole  50  at an end of the compression strap  44 . 
   In contrast to  FIG. 1 , the ends of the compression straps  42 ,  44  opposite of the grommeted holes  48 ,  50  have detachable securing mechanisms in the form of clips  46  and  52  affixed thereto. In this particular embodiment, the clips  46  and  52  include a spring-loaded element that is operable between an open and closed position. In the open position, the clip  46  may be detached from the gathering loop  54 . Similarly, when in the open position, the clip  52  may be detached from the gathering loop  56 . Using one or both of the clips  46 ,  52  to detach the compression straps  42 ,  44  from the gathering loops  54 ,  56  enables the straps  42 ,  44  to be passed around the sides of the object to be lifted without having to place the device  40  over the top (or under the bottom) of the object being lifted. The lifting capability of the device  40  is restored when the gathering loops  54  and/or  56  are reattached to the compression straps  42 ,  44  by the clips  46 ,  52 . 
   The securing mechanisms, here spring-loaded clips  46 ,  52 , are preferably of such size and load-bearing capacity as to readily tolerate any stresses applied to them by the weight of the object being lifted. In this particular embodiment, the clips  46 ,  52  are shown attached to the compression straps  42 ,  44  by a sewn and reinforced fabric gusset. Other embodiments of the device  40  may use other methods to attach the clips  46 ,  52  to the compression straps  42 ,  44 . 
     FIG. 4  is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention that includes more than two compression straps, gathering loops, and lifting handles. This arrangement, or any variation thereof using additional straps, loops, and handles, allows for lifting and transporting an object that is larger and heavier than can be readily carried by two persons. The compression straps  42 ,  44  and  62 , gathering loops  54 ,  56  and  66 , and handles  58 ,  60 , and  64 , are shown having like dimensions to promote an equal distribution of the load around the circumference of an object  72  being lifted. 
   The embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  includes the strap, loop, and handle portions of the object lifting device  40  shown in  FIG. 3 , along with an additional, similarly-configured strap  62 , loop  64 , and handle  66 . The additional gathering loop  64  passes through a grommeted hole  70  in the strap  62 . A clip  68  is shown attaching the strap  62  to the gathering loop  56 , while the clip  46  attaches the strap  42  to the gathering loop  54 , and the clip  52  attaches the strap  44  to the gathering loop  64 , thus forming an alternating series of gathering loops and straps that encircles the object  72  to be lifted. To facilitate encircling the object  72 , any one of the clips  46 ,  52 , and  68  may be detached from the respective gathering loops  54 ,  64 , and  56 , which enables the separated components to be passed around the object  72 , and then reattached as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     FIG. 5  is a pictorial view of an object lifting device  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The object lifting device  10  is further equipped with shoulder straps  80  and  84  that have been attached to the handles  28  and  30 . The shoulder straps  80 ,  84  are draped over the head and across a shoulder of each of the persons  7 ,  8  that are using the device  10  to lift the object  5 . While the device  10  is used in a fashion similar to that described with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the shoulder straps  80 ,  84  distribute much of the load weight from the gripping hand and arm of the persons  7  and  8  to the upper torso of the persons  7 ,  8 . This arrangement may help alleviate fatigue in situations where the lifted object must be transported a significant distance, or in situations of repeated lifting and carrying as might occur in commercial nursery or landscaping operations. 
   The shoulder straps  80  and  84  may be formed of a single, endless loop of nylon webbing. The shoulder straps may also include an arrangement of buckles  82  and  86 , respectively, that allow the persons  7  and  8  to adjust the length of the shoulder straps  80 ,  84 . Furthermore, the straps  80 ,  84  may be fixedly attached to the handles  28 ,  30 , or may be temporarily attached as shown in  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 5 , the shoulder straps  80 ,  84  are attached to the handles  28 ,  30  by looping each shoulder strap around itself and the handles  28  and  30 , respectively. 
     FIG. 6  provides a pictorial view of an object lifting device  100  constructed according to an embodiment of the invention especially adapted for using a crane or other hoisting machinery to provide power to lift and transport objects that are large and/or heavy. As will be described below, the object lifting device  100  includes shackles and rings that provide points for attachment in the object lifting device  100 . 
   The object lifting device  100  includes a compression strap  102  connected to gathering loops  104  and  106  to function in a manner similar to straps  14  and  44  that previously described. In place of holes or clips at the ends of the compression strap  102 , shackles  108  and  110  are provided at the opposing ends of the compression strap  102 . The gathering loops  104 ,  106  pass freely through the shackles  108 ,  110 . A similarly-configured compression strap (not shown) is provided and positioned on the opposite side of the object  112  being lifted, much like straps  12  and  42  previously described. 
   In place of handles, as previously described, the gathering loops  104 ,  106  are shown attached to rings  116  and  118 , respectively. The rings  116 ,  118  are preferably adapted in shape and construction to connect to shackles  120  and  122 , respectively, that secure the object lifting device  100  to a hoisting element, such as a spreader bar  124 . In this embodiment, the spreader bar  124  provides a single point of attachment  126  that allows the entire assembly to be hoisted by a crane or other machinery. 
   In this embodiment, the compression strap  102  includes a reinforcing band  114  attached along the length of the compression strap, though in other embodiments the reinforcing band  114  may be attached along only a portion of the compression strap. The reinforcing band is made of a strong, tough, typically non-stretchable synthetic fabric or metal and is affixed to the compression strap  102  by means such as riveting, heavy stitching, or the like. The ends of the reinforcing band  114  is shown configured into loops to which the shackles  108 ,  110  are attached. 
     FIGS. 7A–7B  are views of an embodiment of an object lifting device  130  that may be used to lift and transport objects that are large and heavy, irregular in shape, or possess an upward taper that makes it difficult for the compression straps to securely grip the object. As will be better understood from the description below, the object lifting device  130  is further equipped with cradling straps that help secure the device  130  to the object being lifted. 
   As with embodiments previously described, the object lifting device  130  includes a compression strap  132  attached to gathering loops  134  and  136 . A similarly-configured compression strap (not shown) is provided positioned on the opposite side of the object  154  being lifted. The gathering loops  134 ,  136  are attached to handles  138  and  140 , respectively. As with the object lifting device  100  shown in  FIG. 6 , the compression strap  132  shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B  uses shackles  142  and  144  at the respective ends of the strap  132  to attach the strap to the gathering loops  134  and  136 . 
   A reinforcing strap  146  made of strong, tough, typically non-stretchable synthetic fabric or metal is connected to the compression strap  132  by riveting, heavy stitching, or the like. In this embodiment, the reinforcing strap  146  is not contiguously affixed to the compression strap  132  along its entirety, but remains loosely disconnected in one or more sections to provide convenient hooking loops  148  for connecting cradling straps  150  thereto. The cradling straps  150  are fitted with hooks  152  or other securing mechanisms, such as clips or buckles, at either end for attachment to the hooking loops  148 . The cradling straps  150  pass under the object  154  from one compression strap to another compression strap to help secure the object  154  to the compression straps. The cradling straps  150  are preferably adjustable in length to accommodate a wide size range of objects to be lifted, and are constructed of materials that accommodate stresses applied to them by the weight of the objects being lifted. The cradling straps  150  may also be weight-bearing members that provide added security when lifting objects of irregular or upward tapering shapes that the compression straps alone might not otherwise securely grip. 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict components of another embodiment of an object lifting device  160  constructed in accordance with the present invention. As with other embodiments described herein, the object lifting device  160  includes compression straps  162  and  164  that are attached to gathering loops  166  and  168 . Similar to the compression strap  132  of the device  130  shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the compression strap  162  has a reinforcing strap  170  affixed thereto. A similar reinforcing strap is affixed to the other side of the compression strap  164 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , the reinforcing strap  170  is not affixed to the compression strap  162  contiguously along its entirety, but remains disconnected in a plurality of sections so as to provide convenient hooking loops  172  for optionally connecting cradling straps (not shown). 
   In this particular embodiment, the gathering loops  166  and  168  are comprised of a flat, woven fabric, typically a synthetic material such as nylon, that passes through curvilinear slots defined in slotted elements  174  that are secured to three of the four ends of the compression straps  162 ,  164 . The shape of the slots in the elements  174  is such that a proper configuration and orientation of the gathering loops  166 ,  168  is achieved regardless of the orientation of the compression straps  162 ,  164  on the object being lifted. In other words, the shape of the slots in the slotted elements  174  allows complete invertability of the device  160  upon the object to be lifted. It does not matter which edge of the straps  162 ,  164  is oriented in an up or down direction relative to the object being lifted. The slots in the slotted elements  174  are preferably defined wide enough to allow the gathering loops  166 ,  168  to easily slip through, yet remain sufficiently narrow to inhibit twisting of the gathering loops  166 ,  168  in the slots. 
   At the end of the compression strap  162  that does not have a slotted element  174  is the first half  176  of a two-part securing mechanism, here a male half of a two-part buckle. The female half  178  of the buckle is defined with a slot through which the gathering loop  168  has been passed. A girthing circle of the straps  162 ,  164  and the gathering loops  166 ,  168  may be formed around an object to be lifted when the female half  178  of the buckle is passed around the object to be lifted and attached to the male half  176 . 
   The male half  176  of the buckle is preferably shaped such that the female half  178  cannot easily become dislodged, particularly while tension is maintained on the gathering loop  168 .  FIG. 8B  provides a closer pictorial view of the two-part buckle used in this embodiment. In  FIG. 8B , the male half  176  is comprised of a lower surface  182  connected to an upper surface  184 . A groove  180  is defined around or along the junction of the upper surface  184  and lower surface  182 . 
   The female half  178  of the buckle is configured with an opening sized to receive the upper surface  184  of the male half  176 . In particular, an inwardly-directed flange  186  on the female half  178  is sized and shaped to engage the groove  180  in the male half  176 . When the female half  178  and male half  176  are thus attached, the flange  186  sits within the groove  180  and provides a positive connection between the two halves of the two-part buckle, particularly while tension is maintained on the gathering loop  168 . 
   While rigid handles are not required in any of the foregoing embodiments, when handles are used the gathering loops may be connected to the handles in a variety of ways.  FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a handle  200  through which a gathering loop  202  comprised of flat, woven synthetic material is attached. As will be seen below, an advantage of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  is that the length of the gathering loop  202  between the handle  200  and the compression straps to which it is connected may be adjusted as needed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , a first strand  204  of the gathering loop  202  enters into the handle  200  through a slot  208  defined in the handle. A second strand  206  of the gathering loop  202  enters into the handle  200  through a slot  210  that is adjacent and generally parallel to the slot  208 . At a mid-portion of the interior of the handle  200 , the slots  208  and  210  join to form a single slot  212  through which the strands  204 ,  206  pass out of the handle  200 . In the embodiment shown, the slot  212  is oriented approximately 90° from the direction of original entrance slots  208 ,  210 . The strands  204 ,  206  pass through a length adjusting mechanism, here a rigid D-ring  214 , and back into the handle  200  through the same slot  212  that they exited. The strands  204 ,  206  then continue through the interior of the handle  200  and exit out of the handle through another slot (not shown) located opposite of the side through which the strands  204 ,  206  originally entered. 
   The length of the gathering loop  202  between the handle  200  and the rest of the object lifting device is shortened or lengthened by pulling the gathering loop  202  through the slots in the handle  200 . In this particular embodiment, pulling the D-ring  214  creates slack in the gathering loop  202  that allows the gathering loop  202  to be pulled through the handle  200  in a desired direction away from or toward the compression straps to which the gathering loop is connected. As the strands  204 ,  206  of the gathering loop  202  are pulled away from the handle  200 , the slack is taken out of the gathering loop  202 , thus pulling the D-ring tightly against the side of the handle  200  and pinching the material of the gathering loop in the slot  212 . The pinching of the gathering loop  202  acts to prevent the gathering loop  202  from being pulled either proximally or distally through the handle  200 . When the length of the gathering loop  202  needs to be adjusted, the D-ring  214  may be pulled away from the handle  200  and the gathering loop  202  may be pulled proximally or distally, as described above. 
     FIG. 10  illustrates yet another embodiment of an object lifting device  220 , constructed in accordance with the present invention. As with other embodiments previously described, the object lifting device  220  includes compression straps  222 ,  224  to which gathering loops  226 ,  228  are attached. In this embodiment, the compression straps  222 ,  224  are monolithically injection molded using a tough, semi-rigid thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The compression strap  222  includes curvilinear-shaped holes or slots  230  located at both ends of the strap  222  through which pass the gathering loops  226 ,  228 . The compression strap  224  includes a curvilinear hole or slot  230  at one end through which passes the gathering loop  228 , while the opposite end of the strap  224  includes an integrally-formed element  232 , in this case shaped to form the male portion of a two-part buckle. The female portion  234  of the buckle has been threaded onto and is carried by the gathering loop  226 . When the female portion  234  of the buckle is passed around an object to be lifted and attached to the male portion  232 , the compression straps  222 ,  224  and gathering loops  226 ,  228  can be used to grasp and lift the object, as previously described. 
   The inner face of the compression straps  222 ,  224  may include raised bumps or ridges  236  comprised of a material, such as a secondary TPE that may be materially dissimilar to the TPE comprising the compression straps  222 ,  224 . The secondary TPE may be injection molded such that it penetrates the primary TPE material of the compression straps  222 ,  224  and provides an enhanced contiguous gripping surface on the inner side of each strap. The secondary TPE may also provide a decorative feature in the form of a logo  238  or other design element on the outer surface of the straps  222 ,  224 . 
     FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict yet another embodiment that includes compression straps  250  and  252  that may be formed using an injection molded thermoplastic elastomer or other suitable material. In this particular embodiment, the compression straps  250  and  252  are substantially identical in shape and form, and thus can be produced from the same mold. Connecting elements  254  are configured to detachably connect to each end of the compression straps  250 ,  252 . The connecting elements  254  shown in  FIG. 11  may be substantially identical in form and configuration, and thus can also be produced using a single mold. Because only two molds are required to produce the components shown in  FIG. 11  (one for the compression straps  250 ,  252  and the other for the connecting elements  254 ), this particular embodiment may be advantageous in circumstances where cost and ease of manufacture is important. Another advantage of this embodiment, as will be appreciated from the discussion below, is that it provides users maximum flexibility in assembling and using the object lifting device of the invention. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , each of the connecting elements  254  includes a curvilinear slot  256 . Each of the slots  256  is adapted to thread onto a gathering loop, as previously described. The connecting elements  254  may be permanently carried by the gathering loops (not shown). 
   Each of the connecting elements  254  is further molded, in this example, to include features forming the male half of a two-part buckle. The female half of the two-part buckle is molded as part of the compression straps  250 ,  252 . 
   In the particular embodiment shown, each connecting element  254  includes one or more members  258  that project orthogonally from the main body of the connecting element  254 . The one or more members  258  are sized to project through corresponding sized holes  260  defined at the ends of the compression straps  250 ,  252 . 
   To complete an attachment of the connecting elements  254  to the compression straps  250 ,  252 , the connecting elements  254  further include a securing element  262  that projects from the main body of the connecting element  254  and mates with a corresponding hole  264  in the compression straps  250 ,  252 . If desired, the securing feature  262  may include a lip or button that snap fits around an edge of the hole  264 , or some other mechanism providing a releasable positive connection. 
   When using an object lifting device that incorporates the compression straps  250 ,  252  and connecting elements  254  shown in  FIG. 11 , once three of the four connecting elements  254  are attached to the compression straps  250 ,  252 , as shown, they may typically remain attached to the compression straps  250 ,  252 . Only one of the connecting elements  254  may need to be detached from a compression strap for the lifting device to encircle an object to be lifted, after which the connecting element  254  is reattached to the compression strap  252 . Likewise, after lifting an object, only one of the connecting elements needs to be detached from a compression strap to laterally remove the object lifting device from around the object. As illustrated by the several embodiments of the invention described herein, including the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the components of the object lifting device may assume a variety of configurations that are both useful and pleasing to the eye. One advantage of the compression straps  250 ,  252  depicted in  FIG. 11  is that they are both totally separable from the gathering loops that are used in the object lifting device. 
   Another advantage of an object lifting device using the compression straps and connecting elements shown in  FIG. 11  is that, after transporting an object and setting the object down, any one of the persons helping transport the object may detach any one of the connecting elements from a compression strap to remove the object lifting device from the object. It is not necessary to hunt for any one particular point of connection of the compression straps to the gathering loops. Detaching a connecting element  254  from a compression strap  250 ,  252  allows the object lifting device to be removed laterally from the object that was lifted, without having to bring the device over the top of or under the object. 
   Still other embodiments and variations of an object lifting device as described above are encompassed within the present invention. For example,  FIGS. 12A and 12B  depict an embodiment that uses a single compression strap. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 12A , the compression strap  270  has a releasable securing mechanism in the form of a clip  272  affixed to one end of the strap, and a hole  274  defined in the other end of the strap. The strap  270  further includes a first pair of holes  276  and a second pair of holes  278  defined in the strap approximately equidistant from the center of the strap. The holes in each of the pair of holes  276 ,  278  are defined close to each other, but generally with some portion of the strap  270  between them. 
     FIG. 12B  provides a pictorial view of an embodiment of an object lifting device using the strap  270  shown in  FIG. 12A . In  FIG. 12B , the object lifting device includes a gathering loop  280  affixed to a handle  282 , and another gathering loop  284  affixed to a handle  286 . The strap  270  is shown wrapped around an object  290  to be lifted. The gathering loop  284  passes through the hole  274 , around a portion of the object  290 , and passes through the clip  272  (hidden in  FIG. 12B ) on the other side of the object  290 . 
   Between each of the pair of holes  276 ,  278 , the strap  270  is folded such that the holes in each pair  276 ,  278  lie opposite of the other with the crease of a fold in the strap  270  between each of the pair of holes. The gathering loop  280  passes through the opposing holes  278  where the strap  270  has been folded, around a portion of the object  290 , and, through the opposing holes in the pair of holes  276  (hidden in  FIG. 12B ) on the other side of the object  290 . 
   When opposing angled lifting forces are applied to the gathering loops  280 ,  284 , the lifting forces that pull the gathering loops are converted to girthing forces that cause the strap  270  to bear against the object  290 . More specifically, lifting forces acting on the gathering loop  284  draws the opposing ends of the strap  270  toward each other, while lifting forces acting on the gathering loop  280  draws each of the folds with the pair of holes  276 ,  278  toward each other. 
   Several previous embodiments described herein include one or more two-part buckles that heretofore have been described as positioned at the ends of the compression straps. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that yet other embodiments of an object lifting device may employ a buckle positioned at a mid portion of one or more of the compression straps. In such an embodiment, the ends of the compression straps may be slidably engaged with the gathering loops in either a detachable or permanent arrangement. At a mid portion of one or more of the compression straps, the compression strap may be divided with one side having one half of a two-part buckle and the other side having the other half of the two-part buckle. The object lifting device may be removed laterally from around an object by detaching the two-part buckle in the mid portion of the strap. A two-part buckle, such as shown in  FIG. 8B , or other forms of buckles may be used. 
   Yet other embodiments of an object lifting device according to the invention may include one or more compression straps formed from multiple connected articulating segments. The articulating segments may be connected to each other through any suitable connecting mechanism, such as a pin and hole arrangement, for example. If desired, embodiments of the invention may be constructed such that the multiple articulating segments are releasably connected to each other. Accordingly, if desired, more or fewer articulating segments may be connected to each other to vary the length of a strap. The two segments defining the ends of the compression strap may further include holes or detachable securing mechanisms, such as clips, as previously described, to attach a compression strap to a gathering loop of the object lifting device. 
   While several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, the invention is not limited by the precise forms disclosed. Various changes can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined from the following claims and equivalents thereto.