Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    To the full extent permitted by law, the present U.S. Non-provisional patent application, is a Continuation-in-Part, and hereby claims priority to and the full benefit of U.S. Non-provisional application entitled “Harness for Animals and Methods of Use,” having assigned Ser. No. 14/455,046, filed on Aug. 8, 2014, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates generally to a harness for attaching a leash to an animal and more specifically it relates to a body worn harness that encircles the animal&#39;s body and is non-choking. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Various animal harnesses or breast collars are known in the prior art, such restraints include attaching a leash to a neck collar, choke chain, or slip type collar that encircles the animal&#39;s neck. Another approach is to attach a leash to a harness that encircles the animal&#39;s neck and body behind the front legs. Such restraint devices are assembled by joining together portions of leather or nylon straps fastened together by sewing, rivets, hook and loop, clasps, rings or clips. Moreover, these animal harnesses are built with different dimensions to accommodate animals of different size, and generally comprise systems for enclosing the animal within the harness and adjusting the length of the straps for properly fitting the harness to a given animal. Harnesses that encircle the animal&#39;s neck and body are cumbersome due to an array of complicated straps and buckles that have to be attached in various places including underneath the animal. Such assemblies take too much time to install on a domestic animal each time you want to take the animal outside. Due to the time allotments for harnesses that encircle the animal&#39;s neck and body most domestic animals have a neck collar. However, neck collars have their own short comings, such as when tugged to restrain the animal this may cause injury to the animal′ wind pipe by putting pressure on the animal&#39;s neck and airway making it difficult to breathe. Additionally, the leash ring on neck collars is often positioned downward under the animal&#39;s neck making it difficult to locate and attach the leash. 
         [0004]    Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognized unmet need for a harness for animals and methods of use, wherein such apparatus may be quickly placed on the animal with one hand and safely enables restraint of the animal without causing the animal to choke or wheeze. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Briefly described, in an example embodiment, the present apparatus and method overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantage, and meets the recognized need for a harness for animals and methods of use comprising, in general, a two part pivotable frame having a set of fingers or arms extended therefrom to encircle or saddle an animal body, a spring hinge to force the fingers together, tabs or opening handles to separate the fingers, one or more harness straps, and a leash clip positioned thereon the frame and, thus such apparatus enables a single person to quickly and/or efficiently place the harness assembly on the animal using one hand and such apparatus enables safe restraint of the animal without causing the animal to choke or wheeze. 
         [0006]    According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the harness for animals and methods of use comprising, in general, a two part frame having a set of fingers or arms to encircle or saddle an animal body, a spring hinge to force the fingers together, tabs or opening handles to separate the fingers, a breast collar strap having a first side connected to a first finger and the other side connected to a second finger, and ridge strap connected to the frame, the straps further converge to a leash clip positioned behind the frame. 
         [0007]    In an exemplary embodiment, an adjustable harness to releasably restrain an animal, the harness including a pivotable frame, the pivotable frame having a first frame member and a second frame member hingedly attached to one another, the first frame member configured having a first opening handle and at least one first finger, the at least one first finger having a first finger segment and second finger segment with a first adjustment mechanism therebetween and the second frame member configured having a second opening handle and at least one second finger, the at least one second finger having a first finger segment and second finger segment with a second adjustment mechanism therebetween and, a spring connected to each of the first frame member and the second frame member, the spring biases the at least one first finger and the at least one second finger together, and at least one harness strap affixed to the pivotable frame. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, a feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to enable a single person to quickly and/or efficiently place the harness assembly on the animal using one hand. 
         [0009]    Another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to safely tug on the leash and restrain the animal without causing injury to the animal&#39;s wind pipe by putting pressure on the animal&#39;s neck and airway making it difficult to breathe or cause the animal to choke or wheeze. 
         [0010]    Still another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to alleviate the hunt and search for leash ring to connect the leash especially since the ring on neck collars is often positioned downward under the animal&#39;s neck making it difficult to locate and attach the leash. 
         [0011]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to provide a compact, one hand operable, and portable harness and leash assembly ready for quick and/or efficient placement over the animals head and/or body. 
         [0012]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to be quickly and/or efficiently placed on a moving animal. 
         [0013]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to be adjustable in size to accommodate different sized animals and expand to accommodate animal growth. 
         [0014]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to have adjustable finger lengths to accommodate different sized animals and expand to accommodate animal growth. 
         [0015]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to have an adjustable breast collar strap to accommodate different sized animals and expand to accommodate animal growth. 
         [0016]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to have a breast collar strap that slides within the set of fingers to quickly and/or efficiently place the harness assembly on the animal using one hand. 
         [0017]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to have the fingers biased in a normally closed position. 
         [0018]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to have the fingers biased in a normally open position. 
         [0019]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to be utilized with existing leashes. 
         [0020]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to be easier, and simpler to use than existing technology. 
         [0021]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to provide a design that does not place any pressure on the animal&#39;s neck. 
         [0022]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to provide a design that encompasses the animal&#39;s back, rib cage, and chest as one unit. 
         [0023]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to provide a compact, collapsible, and portable harness assembly that is easily stored and transported. 
         [0024]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to automatically expand to accommodate animal growth. 
         [0025]    Yet another feature of the harness for animals and methods of use is its ability to provide a light weight apparatus that is operable with one hand installation. 
         [0026]    These and other features of the harness for animals and methods of use will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following Detailed Description of the Embodiments and Claims when read in light of the accompanying drawing Figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The present harness for animals and methods of use will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an example embodiment of an animal harness assembly; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is an exploded top perspective view of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1  positioned above the animal showing placement before installation; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown positioned on the animal; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a top front facing perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown with a free sliding self-adjusting harness strap(s); 
           [0035]      FIG. 8A  is a top front facing close-up perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown with a locking mechanism in a closed position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 8B  is a top front facing close-up perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown with a locking mechanism in an open position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a top front facing perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown with overlapping size adjustable fingers; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9A  is an exploded side front facing perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown with overlapping size adjustable fingers; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9B  is a exploded top front facing perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown with side-by-side size adjustable fingers; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the harness assembly of  FIG. 1 , shown with opening handles being pinched by a hand; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 10  positioned above the animal showing placement before installation; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of the animal harness assembly of  FIG. 10 , shown positioned on the animal; 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is a flow diagram of a method of restraining an animal utilizing animal harness assembly of  FIGS. 1-12 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the harness assembly of  FIG. 1 ,  7 ,  9 , or  10 , shown with adjustable fingers; 
           [0045]      FIG. 15.1  is a perspective side view of an adjustable finger segment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 15.2  is a perspective side view of an alternate adjustable finger segment of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 16  is a perspective side view of two finger segments of  FIG. 14  having a coupler means therebetween, shown detached; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 17  is a perspective side view of two finger segments of  FIG. 16  having a coupler means therebetween, shown attached. 
       
    
    
       [0049]    It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0050]    In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-13  specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated exemplary embodiment of animal harness assembly, such as harness assembly  10 . Preferably, harness assembly  10  includes pivotable frame  20 , harness strap(s)  30 , and leash ring  40 . Preferably pivotable frame  20  includes a set or two part frame, jaw, or clam shell configuration, such as first frame member  21  and second frame member  22 , each frame member having at least one elongated arms or half saddle members extended therefrom to encircle an animal&#39;s body or torso therein, such as one or more sets of fingers, including first finger  21  and second finger  22 , and a hinge, rotatable coupler or spring hinge, such as hinge coupler  25 . Hinge coupler  25  preferably may be utilized to removeably affix hingedly affix first frame member  21  thereto second frame member  22 . First finger  21  and second finger  22  may be configured in an arcing or curved configuration whereby when rotated thereabout hinge coupler  25  this facilitates rotational opening of first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  to then encompass an animal&#39;s body or torso and rotational closure of first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  to grip or enclose an animal&#39;s body or torso. 
         [0052]    It is recognized herein that one or more sets of fingers  21 - 24  may further incorporate a padded section or padded sets of fingers. It is further recognized herein that one or more sets of fingers  21 - 24  may be removable or detachable or interchangeable to enable replacement of one or more sets of fingers  21 - 24  to accommodate animal growth. 
         [0053]    Pivotable frame  20  is preferably formed of a suitable material or fabric, such as plastic, rubber, vinyl, polyurethane, fiber, reinforced or coated canvas, wire, coated wire, coated fiber or mesh, nylon, metal, shape memory metal, steel, sprung steel, padded or unpadded or the like, capable of providing structure and comfort to pivotable frame  20 . Preferably, the material includes other suitable characteristics, such as rigidity, semi-flexibility, durability, strength, water resistant, puncture resistant, tear resistant, light weight, chemical inertness, oxidation resistance, ease of workability, or other beneficial characteristic understood by one skilled in the art. 
         [0054]    It is contemplated herein that pivotable frame  20  may include sprung steel or other like material and be configured as normally closed first finger  21  and second finger  22  or biasing first finger  21  and second finger  22  together. 
         [0055]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an exploded view of harness assembly  10 . Preferably hinge coupler  25  may include first hinge coupler  25 A disposed on a first end  21 . 1  of first frame member or first finger  21  and second hinge coupler  25 B disposed on a first end  22 . 1  of second frame member or second finger  22 . It is recognized herein that first frame member  21  and second frame member  22  may be hingedly attached to one another. Furthermore, first hinge coupler  25 A is preferably offset from second hinge coupler  25 B to form gap  28  and first hinge coupler  25 A may be further positioned proximate second hinge coupler  25 B preferably in an end to end or an in-line configuration to enable an attachment device, such as pin  26  to be slidably inserted therein first hinge coupler  25 A and second hinge coupler  25 B to form rotationally couple of first end  21 . 1  of first finger  21  and first end  22 . 1  of second hinge coupler  25 B there together. It is recognized herein that first hinge coupler  25 A, second hinge coupler  25 B, and pin  26  are preferably configured to facilitate rotational opening of first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  to encompass an animal&#39;s body or torso and rotational closure of first finger  21  and second finger of pivotable frame  20  to grip or enclose an animal&#39;s body or torso. It is further recognized herein that hinge coupler  25  may otherwise be configured by one of ordinary skill in the art and may be configured, for example, to snap first hinge coupler  25 A and second hinge coupler  25 B together. Moreover, first end  21 . 1  of first finger  21  may include one or more hand or finger grips or tabs, such as one or more opening handles  29 , including first finger tab or first opening handle  29 A disposed on first end  21 . 1  of first frame member  21  or first finger  21  and second finger tab or second opening handle  29 B disposed on first end  22 . 1  of second frame member  21  or second finger  22 . It is recognized herein that opening handles  29  may be hand gripped or finger pinched to facilitate rotational opening of first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame to encompass an animal&#39;s body or torso and rotational closure of first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  to grip or enclose an animal&#39;s body or torso. Still furthermore, a biasing element or torsion spring, such as spring  27  may be positioned in gap  28  when pin  26  is preferably slidably inserted therein first hinge coupler  25 A, spring  27  wrapped therearound pin  26 , and second hinge coupler  25 B to provide rotational biasing thereto pivotable frame  20  either maintaining pivotable frame  20  in a normally closed or normally open position. It is preferably recognized herein that spring  27  preferably maintains pivotable frame  20  in a normally closed position, wherein spring  27  biases first frame member or first finger  21  and second frame member or second finger  22  toward each other. It is further recognized herein that spring  27  may otherwise be configured by one of ordinary skill in the art and may be configured, for example, as a bent piece of sprung metal and positioned therein gap  28  between first hinge coupler  25 A and second hinge coupler  25 B to provide rotational biasing thereto pivotable frame  20 . 
         [0056]    It is contemplated herein that biasing element, such spring  27  may include curved or arcing configuration of sprung steel or other like material positioned on outer surface of first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  and configured as normally closed. 
         [0057]    It is further contemplated herein that biasing element, such spring  27  may include a variable tension spring capable of adjustment of spring force or rotational force Rf to enable varying grip force or grip strength of one or more fingers, such as first finger  21  and second finger  22  during close C. 
         [0058]    It is further contemplated herein that one or more opening handles  29  may include hand grips  29  or finger tabs  29 . 
         [0059]    Preferably, harness assembly  10  includes one or more flexible supports, such as harness strap(s)  30 . Harness strap(s)  30  may include at least one or one or more breast straps  31 / 32 , such as first breast strap  31  and second breast strap  32 . Furthermore, first breast strap  31  may include first breast strap end  31 . 1  and second breast strap end  31 . 2  wherein second breast strap end  31 . 2  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto first finger  21  of pivotable frame  20 . Still furthermore, second breast strap  32  may include first end  32 . 1  and second end  32 . 2  wherein second end  32 . 2  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 . It is contemplated herein that first breast strap end  31 . 1  of first breast strap  31  may be removably affixed or removably affixed to first end  32 . 1  of second breast strap  32 , via hook  36 . 1  and loop  36 . 2  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  &amp;  4 , or any other expansion device  36 , such as sewn, snap, button, clasp, buckle, magnetic device or the like. 
         [0060]    It is recognized herein that one or more breast straps  31 / 32 , such as first breast strap  31  and second breast strap  32  may be a single breast strap  31 / 32  having first end  31 / 32 . 1  and second end  31 / 32 . 2  wherein first end  31 / 32 . 1  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto first finger  21  of pivotable frame  20  and second end  31 / 32 . 2  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 . 
         [0061]    Furthermore, harness strap(s)  30  may include at least one or one or more torso straps  33 / 34 , such as first torso strap  33  and second torso strap  34 . Furthermore, first torso strap  33  may include first torso strap end  33 . 1  and second torso strap end  33 . 2  wherein second torso strap end  33 . 2  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto first finger  21  of pivotable frame  20 . Still furthermore, second torso strap  32  may include first torso strap end  34 . 1  and second torso strap end  34 . 2  wherein second torso strap end  34 . 2  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 . It is recognized herein that second torso strap end  33 . 2  of first torso strap  33  and second torso strap end  34 . 2  of second torso strap  34  may be affixed one to the other, or affixed to leash ring  41 . 
         [0062]    It is recognized herein that one or more harness strap(s)  30  may be configured to enable linear length adjustment device, such as a buckle  36  or the like to accommodate size differences and/or volume of to accommodate different sized head H, back Bk, torso T of dog D utilizing. 
         [0063]    Harness strap(s)  30  are preferably formed of a suitable material or fabric, such as canvas, plastic, rubber, vinyl, polyurethane, fiber, wire, coated wire, coated fiber or mesh, nylon, Tyvek, elastic, spandex, stretch material or the like, capable of providing structure to harness strap(s)  30 . Preferably, the material includes other suitable characteristics, such as flexibility, durability, strength, water resistant, puncture resistant, tear resistant, light weight, heat-resistance, chemical inertness, oxidation resistance, ease of workability, or other beneficial characteristic understood by one skilled in the art. 
         [0064]    It is further contemplated herein that sling  11  may be configured and/or sized to accommodate various sized patients P to be secured therein. 
         [0065]    It is contemplated herein that one or more leash ring(s)  40 , such as leash ring  41  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto harness strap(s)  30  and/or leash ring  42  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto pivotable frame  20 . 
         [0066]    Furthermore, harness strap(s)  30  may include at least one or one or more ridge strap(s)  35 . Furthermore, ridge straps  35  may include first ridge strap end  35 . 1  and second ridge strap end  35 . 2  wherein second ridge strap end  35 . 2  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto leash ring  41  of pivotable frame  20 . Still furthermore, first ridge strap end  35 . 1  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto leash ring  41 . 
         [0067]    It is contemplated herein that first torso strap end  33 . 1  of first torso strap  33  and first torso strap end  34 . 1  of second torso strap  34  may be affixed or removably affixed to first ridge strap end  35 . 1  of ridge straps  35 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  &amp;  4 , or any other attachment device, such as leash ring  40 , snap, button, clasp, buckle, magnetic device, or the like. 
         [0068]    It is recognized herein that one or more torso straps  33 / 34 , such as first torso strap  33  and second torso strap may be a single torso strap  33 / 34  having first end  33 / 34 . 1  and second end  33 / 34 . 2  wherein first end  33 / 34 . 1  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto first finger  21  of pivotable frame  20  and second end  33 / 34 . 2  may be affixed or removably affixed thereto second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 . 
         [0069]    It is still further recognized herein that one or more breast straps  31 / 32  and one or more torso straps  33 / 34  may be a single harness strap(s)  30  affixed or removeably affixed thereto first finger  21  and second finger  22 , respectively, of pivotable frame  20 . 
         [0070]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a front perspective view of harness assembly  10 . Preferably first opening handle  29 A and second opening handle  29 B may be configured at approximately ninety-degrees or other angle proximate ninety-degrees to first end  21 . 1  of first finger  21  and first end  22 . 1  of second finger  22 , respectively. It is recognized that spring ends of spring  27 , such as first spring end  27 . 1  and second spring end  27 . 2  may be positioned against back side  29 A. 1  of first opening handle  29 A and back side  29 B. 1  of second opening handle  29 B, respectively. Preferably spring  27  applies rotational force Rf to separate first opening handle  29 A and second opening handle  29 B and, thus rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler  25  additionally forces or brings second end  21 . 2  of first finger  21  and second end  22 . 2  of second finger  22  together and/or in contact with one another. It is recognized herein that counter force against rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler  25  additionally forces or separates second end  21 . 2  of first finger  21  from second end  22 . 2  of second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  in the direction of open O to enable an animal to be positioned in gap or opening, such as torso opening  50 A and rotational force Rf of spring  27  applied against hinge coupler  25  additionally forces or brings second end  21 . 2  of first finger  21  from second end  22 . 2  of second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  in the direction of closed to grip an animal positioned in torso opening  50 A. Moreover, first breast strap  31  and second breast strap  32  may be removeably affixed via hook  36 . 1  and loop  36 . 2 , to itself. 
         [0071]    It is recognized herein that expansion device  36  may accommodate size differences and/or volume of to accommodate different sized head H, back Bk, torso T of dog D. 
         [0072]    Referring again to  FIG. 4 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a side perspective view of harness assembly  10 . Preferably, first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 , and first breast strap  31  and second breast strap  32  are configured to create a gap or opening, such as head opening  50 B where a user of harness assembly  10  may pass through an animal&#39;s head, such as dog D. 
         [0073]    Referring again to  FIG. 5 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a side perspective view of harness assembly  10  affixed to leash Le. Preferably, in use, harness assembly  10  may be positioned above the animal, such as dog D. Next, opening handles  29  may be pinched or forced together to provide counter force against rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler  25 , which additionally forces or separates normally closed first finger  21  from second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  in the direction of open O, shown in  FIG. 4 , to enable an animal torso to be positioned therein torso opening  50 A. In addition, first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 , and first breast strap  31  and second breast strap  32  are configured to create a gap or opening, such as head opening  50 B where a user of harness assembly  10  may pass through an animal&#39;s head, such as dog D. Next, harness assembly  10  may be lowered Lo over animal&#39;s head H and torso T, such as dog D. 
         [0074]    It is preferably recognized herein that spring  27  may maintain pivotable frame  20  in a normally open position —via reversed action of spring  27  wherein to close C harness assembly  10  a user may squeeze opening handles  29  together to close first finger  21  and second finger  22 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a side perspective view of harness assembly  10  affixed to leash Le, shown positioned on dog D. In use, the head H of dog D is slipped through or positioned therethrough head opening  50 B between first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 , and first breast strap  31  and second breast strap  32 . Next, harness assembly  10  is preferably positioned over or lowered Lo over the back Bk or torso T of dog D. Next, opening handles  29  may be released and rotational force Rf from spring  27  may be applied against hinge coupler  25 , which rotational force Rf brings together first finger  21  to second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  in the direction of closed C to enable an animal to be securely held in torso opening  50 A and first finger  21  to second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  is preferably closed, gripped or encircled around torso T of dog D securing dog D therein harness assembly  10 . 
         [0076]    Referring again to  FIG. 6 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a side perspective view of harness assembly  10 , shown with dog D secured therein harness assembly  10  with torso T of dog D enclosed, gripped or encircled by first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  and one or more breast straps  31 / 32 , such as first breast strap  31  and second breast strap  32  secured against the chest or breast B of dog D to enable dog D to be securely held therein harness assembly  10 . 
         [0077]    It is contemplated herein that harness assembly  10  may be stored with leash Le attached ready for quick one hand installation. 
         [0078]    It is further contemplated herein that harness assembly  10  may vary in configuration, size and adjustment to accommodate different sized head H, back Bk, torso T of dog D. 
         [0079]    Referring again to  FIG. 7 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a top front facing perspective view of another example embodiment harness assembly  10 A, shown with a free sliding self-adjusting harness strap(s)  30 . Preferably first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  may each include one or more passageways, such as conduit(s)  60 , which may include first conduit  61  formed therein or therethrough or positioned therein or disposed thereon first finger  21  of pivotable frame  20  and second conduit  62  formed therein or therethrough or positioned therein or disposed thereon second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 . Preferably one or more breast straps  31 / 32  and one or more torso straps  33 / 34  or single harness strap(s)  30 , being a combination strap of harness straps  30  (one or more breast straps  31 / 32  and one or more torso straps  33 / 34 ), may be positioned therethrough conduit(s)  60 , such as first conduit  61  and second conduit  62  to form a loop around pivotable frame  20  and further configured to enable length longitudinal adjustment L directional movement or adjustment of harness strap(s)  30  relative to or proximately transverse to first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 . In use, harness assembly  10 A may be adjusted by sliding or pushing one or more breast straps  31 / 32  in a forward direction (longitudinal adjustment L) of pivotable frame  20  via conduit  60 , thus increasing or to make larger the size of head opening  50 B (the space between first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 , and breast straps  31 / 32 ) to enable a larger or enlarged head opening  50 B to simplify lasso or capture of the head H of dog D, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Moreover, after installation of harness assembly  10 A, first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 , thereon dog D a tug of leash ring  40  pulls harness strap(s)  30  in a rearward direction (longitudinal adjustment L) of pivotable frame  20  via conduit  60 , thus decreasing, to make smaller, or shrinking the size of head opening  50 B (the space between first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 , and breast straps  31 / 32 ) to secure breast straps  31 / 32  against breast B of dog D to restrain dog D therein harness assembly  10 A. 
         [0080]    It is recognized herein that conduit(s)  60  may be formed cross-wise, longitudinal L, within the width W of first finger  21  and/or second finger  22  or conduit(s)  60  may be formed within nodule or housing formed as part of finger  21  and/or second finger  22 . 
         [0081]    It is contemplated herein that pivotable frame  20  may include one or more passageways, such as conduit(s)  60 , which may include first conduit  61  positioned therein or disposed thereon pivotable frame  20  or may include first conduit  61  and second conduit  62  positioned therein or disposed thereon first finger  21  of pivotable frame  20  and one or more breast straps  31 / 32  may be moved in a direction (longitudinal adjustment L). 
         [0082]    It is further contemplated herein that pivotable frame  20  may include one or more passageways, such as conduit(s)  60 , which may include first conduit  61  positioned therein or disposed thereon pivotable frame  20  and one or more breast straps  31 / 32  may be moved in a direction (longitudinal adjustment L). 
         [0083]    It is still further contemplated herein that breast strap  31 / 32  may be configured as single breast strap disposed between first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 , may be configured as a loop or lasso disposed therefrom first finger  21  or second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 . 
         [0084]    Referring again to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a top front facing perspective view of another example embodiment harness assembly  10 B, with a lock, lock device, such as locking mechanism  70 . Preferably locking mechanism  70  may be positioned between back side  29 A. 1  of first opening handle  29 A and back side  29 B. 1  of second opening handle  29 B, respectively. In this example embodiment locking mechanism  70  may include pivot arm or bar device, such as D-ring  72  having first end  72 . 1  and second end  72 . 2 . Preferably first end  72 . 1  may be pivotally or hinge  73  mounted thereto back side  29 A. 1  of first opening handle  29 A and pivot or hinge between an unlocked and locked position of pivotable frame  20 . Moreover, back side  29 B. 1  of second opening handle  29 B or second end  72 . 2  may include a bump, or receptacle, such as latch  74  to releasably receive and latch second end  72 . 2  of D-ring  72 . In use, as shown in  FIG. 6 , once dog D is preferably secured therein harness assembly  10  with torso T of dog D enclosed, gripped or encircled by first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20 , locking mechanism  70  may be engaged by pivoting second end  72 . 2  of D-ring  72  about hinge  73  until second end  72 . 2  of D-ring  72  engages latch  74 , and latches locking mechanism  70  in a locked and closed position so first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  remain securely closed around torso T of dog D. 
         [0085]    Referring again to  FIG. 9 ,  9 A,  9 B by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a top or side front facing perspective view of another example embodiment harness assembly  10 C, with first finger  21  and second finger  22  overlapped or overlap one another to accommodate different sized animals and to automatically expand to accommodate animal growth. It is contemplated herein that first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  may be overlapping, interlocking, latchable via hook and loop, snap, button, clasp, buckle, magnetic device, or the like. It is recognized herein that expansion device  36  may accommodate size differences and/or volume of to accommodate different sized head H, back Bk, torso T of dog D, as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0086]    Referring again to  FIG. 10 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a side perspective view of another example embodiment harness assembly  10 D, shown with opening handles  29  being pinched by hand Ha. Preferably pivotable frame  20  includes two sets of elongated arms or saddle members to encircle an animal&#39;s body or torso therein, such as first set of fingers, including first finger  21  and second finger  22 , and second set of first finger  21  and second finger  22 , labeled as third finger  23  and fourth finger  24  hinged thereabout hinge coupler  25 . First finger  21  and second finger  22 , and third finger  23  and fourth finger  24  may be configured in an arcing or curved configuration whereby when rotated thereabout hinge coupler  25  this facilitates rotational opening of both first finger  21  and second finger  22 , and third finger  23  and fourth finger  24  of pivotable frame  20  to then encompass an animal&#39;s body or torso and rotational closure of first finger  21  and second finger  22 , and third finger  23  and fourth finger  24  of pivotable frame  20  to grip or enclose an animal&#39;s body or torso. 
         [0087]    It is contemplated that spring  27  rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler  25  may additionally force or bring second end  21 . 2  of first finger  21  and second end  22 . 2  of second finger  22  together, and second end  23 . 2  of third finger  23  and second end  24 . 2  of fourth finger  24  together and/or in contact with one another, respectively. 
         [0088]    It is contemplated that spring  27  rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler  25  may additionally force or bring second end  21 . 2  of first finger  21  and second end  22 . 2  of second finger  22  together, and second end  23 . 2  of third finger  23  and second end  24 . 2  of fourth finger  24  together and/or in contact with one another, respectively. 
         [0089]    It is still further contemplated that harness assembly  10 D may include overlapping first finger  21  and second finger  22 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , and overlapping third finger and fourth finger  24  to accommodate different sized animals and expand to accommodate animal growth. It is contemplated herein that first finger  21  and second finger  22 , and third finger  23  and fourth finger  24  of pivotable frame  20  may be overlapping, interlocking, latchable via hook and loop, snap, button, clasp, buckle, magnetic device, or other attachment device  36  or the like. 
         [0090]    Referring again to  FIG. 11 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a side perspective view of another example embodiment harness assembly  10 D affixed to leash Le. Preferably, in use, harness assembly  10 D may be positioned above the animal, such as dog D. Next, opening handles  29  may be pinched or forced together to provide counter force against rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler  25 , which additionally forces or separates first finger  21  from second finger  22 , and third finger  23  from fourth finger  24  of pivotable frame  20  in the direction of open O, similar to that shown in  FIG. 4 , to enable an animal to be positioned in torso opening  50 A and neck or head opening  50 B. 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a side perspective view of another example embodiment harness assembly  10 D affixed to leash Le, shown positioned on dog D. Next, harness assembly  10 D is preferably lowered Lo over the neck H, back Bk, torso T of dog D. Next, opening handles  29  may be released and rotational force Rf from spring  27  may be applied against hinge coupler  25 , which rotational force Rf brings together first finger  21  to second finger  22 , and third finger  23  from fourth finger  24  of pivotable frame  20  in the direction of closed C to enable an animal, such as dog D to be securely held or restrained therein in torso opening  50 A and head opening  50 B. 
         [0092]    Referring again to  FIG. 12 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a side perspective view of harness assembly  10 D, shown with dog D secured therein harness assembly  10 D with neck or head H, back Bk, torso T of dog D enclosed, gripped or encircled by first finger  21  and second finger  22 , and third finger  23  from fourth finger  24  of pivotable frame  20  and preferably closed, gripped or encircled by first finger  21  to second finger  22 , and third finger  23  from fourth finger  24  of pivotable frame  20  to enable dog D to be securely held or restrained therein harness assembly  10 D. 
         [0093]    It is contemplated herein that harness assembly  10  may be stored with leash Le attached ready for quick one hand installation. 
         [0094]    It is further contemplated herein that harness assembly  10  may vary in configuration, size and adjustment to accommodate different sized head H, back Bk, torso T of dog D. 
         [0095]    It is still further contemplated that spring  27  rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler  25  may additionally force or bring second end  21 . 2  of first finger and second end  22 . 2  of second finger  22  in close proximity, and second end  23 . 2  of third finger  23  and second end  24 . 2  of fourth finger  24  in close proximity, respectively. 
         [0096]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , there is illustrated a flow diagram  1300  of a method of one handed animal harness installation utilizing harness assembly  10  as described herein in  FIGS. 1-12 . In block or step  1305 , providing harness assembly  10 / 10 A/ 10 B/ 10 C/ 10 D, collectively  10 , as described herein in  FIGS. 1-12 . In block or step  1310 , adjusting harness strap(s)  30  of harness assembly  10  to accommodate an animal, such as dog D. In block or step  1315 , attaching leash Le thereto leash ring  40 . In block or step  1320 , gripping or pinching or applying a force against one or more opening handles  29 . In block or step  1325 , opening one or more sets of fingers  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 , or spreading or applying counter force against rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler  25 , with sufficient pressure to overcome spring  27  spring force to separate, one or more sets of fingers  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  open, as an open harness assembly  10  ready to receive an animal, such as dog D. In block or step  1330 , placing or positioning animal, such as dog D therein one or more sets of fingers  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  and/or harness strap(s)  30  of harness assembly  10 . In block or step  1335 , releasing grip thereof of one or more opening handles  29 . In block or step  1340 , closing one or more sets of fingers  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  or releasing rotational force Rf applied against hinge coupler  25  to bring one or more sets of fingers  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  closed, as a closed harness assembly  10 . In block or step  1345 , restraining an animal, such as dog D therein harness assembly  10 . In block or step  1350 , releasing an animal, such as dog D therefrom harness assembly  10 . 
         [0097]    Referring now to  FIG. 14  by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a front view of another example embodiment of harness assembly  10 A-C, such as adjustable harness assembly  10 C, with first adjustable finger  21 A and second adjustable finger  22 B overlapped or overlap one another, such as second end  21 . 2  of first finger  21  and second end  22 . 2  of second finger  22  together and/or in contact with one another to accommodate different sized animals and to automatically expand to accommodate animal growth. First adjustable finger  21 A and second adjustable finger  22 B of pivotable frame  20  may be overlapping, interlocking, latchable via hook and loop, snap, button, clasp, buckle, magnetic device, or the like. Preferably, adjustable finger(s), such as first adjustable finger  21 A and second adjustable finger  22 B may include one or more hinge, rotatable coupler, adjustment hinge or spring hinge mechanisms, first adjustment mechanism and second adjustment mechanism, such as adjustment mechanism  140  positioned between first finger segment  141  and second finger segment  142 , each finger segment having first finger segment end  141 . 1  and second finger segment end  142 . 2 . 
         [0098]    Either end of first finger segment  141  or second finger segment  142  may include first adjustable hinge coupler section  143  disposed, such as, on first finger segment end  141 . 1  of first finger segment  141  and second adjustable hinge coupler section  145  disposed on, such as, second finger segment end  142 . 2  of second finger segment  142 , and each preferably offset from the other. First adjustable hinge coupler section  143  and second adjustable hinge coupler section  145  may be releasably hingedly attached to one another preferably in an end to end or an in-line configuration to enable an attachment device, such as pin  26  to be slidably inserted therein first adjustable hinge coupler section  143  and second adjustable hinge coupler section  145  to form rotationally releasably coupled adjustment mechanism  140 . 
         [0099]    Referring now to  FIGS. 15.1  and  15 . 2  by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a perspective side view of first finger segment  141  or second finger segment  142 . Either end of first finger segment  141  or second finger segment  142  may include one or more adjustment, ratchet, or sliding and latch, lock or securing device, such as adjustment and lock mechanism  149  integrated therein to enable adjustment and locking of adjustment mechanism  140 . Adjustment and lock mechanism  149  may include either of mating and overlapping adjustment mechanism  144 , such as first part of adjustment mechanism  144 A or second part of adjustment mechanism  144 B and configured to enable incremental adjustment of first finger segment  141  relative to second finger segment  142 ; and either of lock mechanism  146 , such as first part of lock mechanism  146 A or second part of lock mechanism  146 B and configured to enable incremental adjustment of first finger segment  141  relative to second finger segment  142  and configured to enable lock or hold first finger segment  141  relative to second finger segment  142 . It is contemplated herein that first part of adjustment mechanism  144 A or second part of adjustment mechanism  144 B may include spaced interlocking crossbars or teeth  147  or other slip resistant adjustable surface therebetween first part of adjustment mechanism  144 A or second part of adjustment mechanism  144 B. It is further contemplated herein that first part of lock mechanism  146 A or second part of lock mechanism  146 B may include screw  146 A and nut  146 B, such as a surface mount fastener or pem fastener. It is recognized herein that other means of adjustment and lock mechanism  149  may be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably first part of lock mechanism  146 A may be positioned in an oval slot, such as oblong aperture  148  formed therein second finger segment end  142 . 2  to enable first part of lock mechanism  146 A to slide therein as adjustment mechanism  140  enables adjustment of the arc or curvature of first adjustable finger  21 A and second adjustable finger  22 B of harness assembly  10 C. Once first adjustable finger  21 A and second adjustable finger  22 B of harness assembly  10 C are in their desired position lock mechanism  146  may be utilized to lock or hold such position. 
         [0100]    In use, adjustment mechanism  140  and adjustment and lock mechanism  149  preferably may be utilized to adjust the arc or curvature of first adjustable finger  21 A or second adjustable finger  22 B of harness assembly  10 C to encompass or enclose an animal&#39;s body or torso and accommodate or adjust A to different sized or adjust A to a growing animal&#39;s body or torso, such as dog D. 
         [0101]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16 and 17  by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a perspective side view of first finger segment  141  and second finger segment  142  of finger  21  or second finger  22  of harness assembly  10 A-C, such as harness assembly  10 C to encompass or enclose an animal&#39;s body or torso and accommodate or adjust A to different sized or adjust A to a growing animal&#39;s body or torso, such as dog D. 
         [0102]    Either end of first finger segment  141  or second finger segment  142  may include first coupler section  143 . 1  disposed, such as, on first finger segment end  141 . 2  of first finger segment  141  and second coupler section  145 . 1  disposed on, such as, second finger segment end  142 . 1  of second finger segment  142 . First coupler section  143 . 1  and second coupler section  145 . 1  may be releasably affixed or coupled or latched to one another preferably in an end to end or an in-line to form coupler  140 . 1 . Moreover, first coupler section  143 . 1  preferably includes coupler release lever  150  configured to release first coupler section  143 . 1  and second coupler section  145 . 1  and enable separation or swap out of first finger segment  141  or second finger segment  142 . 
         [0103]    In use, latched coupler  140 . 1 , shown in  FIG. 17 , preferably may be utilized to adjust the arc or curvature of first finger  21  or second finger  22  of harness assembly  10 C by enabling swap out or replacement of first finger  21  and second finger  22  of harness assembly  10 A-C with different sized first finger  21  or second finger  22  to encompass or enclose various size animal&#39;s body or torso and accommodate or adjust A to different sized or adjust A to a growing animal&#39;s body or torso, such as dog D. 
         [0104]    It is recognized herein that first hinge coupler  25 A, second hinge coupler  25 B, and pin  26  are preferably configured to facilitate rotational adjustment A, opening or closing, of first finger  21  and second finger  22  of pivotable frame  20  to encompass an animal&#39;s body or torso and rotational closure of first finger  21  and second finger of pivotable frame  20  to grip or enclose an animal&#39;s body or torso. 
         [0105]    It is further recognized herein that hinge coupler  25  may otherwise be configured by one of ordinary skill in the art and may be configured, for example, to snap first hinge coupler  25 A and second hinge coupler  25 B together. 
         [0106]    The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Moreover, the present invention has been described in detail; it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Technology Category: a