The invention relates to a hoist mechanism (20) intended primarily, but not exclusively, for moving a motor driven wheelchair or scooter into and/or out of the load carrying space of a vehicle. The hoist mechanism (20) comprises a lifting arm having, at least in part, a generally U-shaped cross section, and an actuator (28). A mounting point (56) for the actuator (28) is provided within the generally U-shaped cross section. The invention also relates to a stepless adjustment system suitable for use in such a hoist mechanism (20). The adjustment system comprises an inner section (34) received within an outer section (24) in a telescoping arrangement. The outer section (24) comprises first and second body portions (44A, 44B) provided with features for engaging corresponding features (48A, 48B) provided on the inner section (34).

A device for use with one or more lines that includes a unitary rigid body having an annular portion surrounding a central opening and at least four finger sections that extend from the annular portion of the rigid body. A first finger section and a second finger section curve toward each other on one end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. Similarly, a third finger section and a fourth finger section curve toward each other on an opposite end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. The device maximizes the pulling strength of lines while reducing the possibility of line failure. Also disclosed are methods of using the device for shortening a line, belaying an object, joining two lines together and for forming a V-bridle.

A device for use with one or more lines that includes a unitary rigid body having an annular portion surrounding a central opening and at least four finger sections that extend from the annular portion of the rigid body. A first finger section and a second finger section curve toward each other on one end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. Similarly, a third finger section and a fourth finger section curve toward each other on an opposite end of the rigid body and terminate in blunt tips that are spaced apart from each other by a gap. The device maximizes the pulling strength of lines while reducing the possibility of line failure. Also disclosed are methods of using the device for shortening a line, belaying an object, joining two lines together and for forming a V-bridle.

A load sensor is designed to be mounted on a continuous force-applying medium such as a cable so as to deform according to the force transmitted through the medium. The sensor includes a body having a longitudinal through-passage for the medium and is mechanically secured to the medium only at the opposite ends of the body. A lateral hole provides a strain concentration area with zones that are instrumented with strain gages. The sensor body can be enclosed to provide support for a wrap-around lead carrier.

The disclosure provides a sling including a sleeve, a first eye formed by a first splice, and a second eye formed by a second splice. The sleeve includes braided strands and has a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion between. The sleeve also defines a hollow inner volume. The first splice is made by the first end portion extending into and along part of the hollow inner volume proximate the first eye. The second splice is made by the second end portion extending into and along part of the hollow inner volume proximate the second eye. A hollow load bearing portion is defined in the intermediate portion between the first splice and the second splice.

An apparatus for adjusting an orientation of a suspended load. The apparatus includes a frame suspended from a suspension assembly. The suspension assembly has a first pivot axis enabling up and down pitching movement of the frame relative to the suspension assembly and a second pivot axis enabling up and down rolling movement of the frame relative to the suspending assembly. A first actuator extends between the suspension assembly and the frame. When the first actuator expands, a first end goes down and a second end goes up. When the first actuator contracts, the first end goes up and the second end goes down. A second actuator extends between the suspension and the frame. When the second actuator expands, a first side goes down and a second side goes up. When the second actuator contracts, the first side goes up and the second side goes down.

An apparatus for adjusting an orientation of a suspended load. The apparatus includes a frame suspended from a suspension assembly. The suspension assembly has a first pivot axis enabling up and down pitching movement of the frame relative to the suspension assembly and a second pivot axis enabling up and down rolling movement of the frame relative to the suspending assembly. A first actuator extends between the suspension assembly and the frame. When the first actuator expands, a first end goes down and a second end goes up. When the first actuator contracts, the first end goes up and the second end goes down. A second actuator extends between the suspension and the frame. When the second actuator expands, a first side goes down and a second side goes up. When the second actuator contracts, the first side goes up and the second side goes down.

A Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory is disclosed herein which is compact and transportable in various deployments. The Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory is advantageous and useful as it has hingedly connected loading and support arms attached to a main lifter body. The supporting arms are spring loaded allowing the Multi-Armed Lifting Accessory to stably engage with irregular shaped objects such as barge lid or a skid steer loader and allows for flexible engagement and balanced lifting operations.

Lifting slings for use in rigging projects to aid in the lifting of heavy objects and related methods are provided herein. A lifting sling can include an inner core comprising continuous synthetic filaments that form one or more load-bearing endless loops. The lifting sling can also include a tubular outer cover loosely surrounding the inner core so that the filaments of the core are movable relative to each other and to the outer cover.

Lifting slings for use in rigging projects to aid in the lifting of heavy objects and related methods are provided herein. A lifting sling can include an inner core comprising continuous synthetic filaments that form one or more load-bearing endless loops. The lifting sling can also include a tubular outer cover loosely surrounding the inner core so that the filaments of the core are movable relative to each other and to the outer cover.