The invention relates to an endless shaped article comprising at least one strip of material forming a plurality of convolutions of the strip of material, the strip having a longitudinal axis, wherein each convolution of said strip comprises a twist along the longitudinal axis of said strip, wherein said twist is an odd multiple of 180 degrees. The invention also relates to a method to manufacture said article, and its use as sling, loop, belt or chain link.

Package delivery systems and methods may include a bistable beam coupled to an aerial vehicle, a bistable hook coupled to an end of the bistable beam, and a package carried by the bistable hook. The bistable beam may move between a reeled position and an extended position, and the bistable hook may move between a closed position and an open position. In addition, the bistable beam may include frangible connections or portions. Further, release or disconnection of frangible connections or portions of the bistable beam, as well as operations of the bistable hook, may be effected by passive or active methods.

A method for manufacturing a rope structure comprising providing, around a first roller and a second roller, a loop including a plurality of twisted strands. The method further comprising feeding a plurality of body strands onto the loop, feeding including, with the plurality of body strands connected to the loop, moving the loop about the first roller and the second roller to cause the body strands to lay and be twisted on the plurality of twisted strands.

A flexible sling includes two oppositely disposed attachment points defining a first end and a second end of the sling, and an elongate flexible body extending in a lateral dimension from the first end to the second end, the body having a top side and a bottom side. Each of the top side and the bottom side includes a center line marking a center of the body, a first pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line, a second pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line between the first end and the second end, and the first pair of lines, and a third pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line between the first end and the second end, and the second pair of lines.

A flexible sling includes two oppositely disposed attachment points defining a first end and a second end of the sling, and an elongate flexible body extending in a lateral dimension from the first end to the second end, the body having a top side and a bottom side. Each of the top side and the bottom side includes a center line marking a center of the body, a first pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line, a second pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line between the first end and the second end, and the first pair of lines, and a third pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line between the first end and the second end, and the second pair of lines.

A flexible sling includes two oppositely disposed attachment points defining a first end and a second end of the sling, and an elongate flexible body extending in a lateral dimension from the first end to the second end, the body having a top side and a bottom side. Each of the top side and the bottom side includes a center line marking a center of the body, a first pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line, a second pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line between the first end and the second end, and the first pair of lines, and a third pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line between the first end and the second end, and the second pair of lines.

A flexible sling includes two oppositely disposed attachment points defining a first end and a second end of the sling, and an elongate flexible body extending in a lateral dimension from the first end to the second end, the body having a top side and a bottom side. Each of the top side and the bottom side includes a center line marking a center of the body, a first pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line, a second pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line between the first end and the second end, and the first pair of lines, and a third pair of lines symmetrically disposed about the center line between the first end and the second end, and the second pair of lines.

Endless shaped articles include at least one strip of material forming a plurality of convolutions of the strip of material, the strip having a longitudinal axis, wherein each convolution of the strip comprises a twist along the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the twist is an odd multiple of 180 degrees. Methods to manufacture the article, and its use as sling, loop, belt or chain link are also disclosed.

Endless shaped articles include at least one strip of material forming a plurality of convolutions of the strip of material, the strip having a longitudinal axis, wherein each convolution of the strip comprises a twist along the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the twist is an odd multiple of 180 degrees. Methods to manufacture the article, and its use as sling, loop, belt or chain link are also disclosed.

A hoist attachment which includes a base member; a positioning guide extending from the base member; a positioning member; and an endless sling. The endless sling extends from the base member and cooperates with the positioning guide, the positioning member and the hook member. The hoist attachment remains in position when lifting a load but is easily adjustable when no load is applied. The hoist attachment may be used with the forks of a forklift truck.