Abstract: An apparatus and method for rigging a sling between a load to be lifted and a lifting machine such as a crane. The sling rigging apparatus includes first and second plates which have a plurality of aligned apertures. A shaft is fixed between the plates and is attachable to a crane hook to allow the rigging apparatus to be raised. A plurality of sling engageable pins are insertable in a longitudinal direction through the aligned apertures to positions spanning a space between the plates. When inserted through the apertures, the pins are spaced from each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and arranged to define a multi-curved pathway. A sling positioned along this pathway contacts parts of the exterior peripheries of the plurality of pins, and when a load is applied on the sling, this contact with the pins causes the sling to be frictionally locked within the rigging apparatus.

Abstract: An eye-and-eye sling in which the protective cover for an endless loop load bearing sling core is not provided with extraneous layers along the body of the sling that extends between the sling eyes. In the inventive sling, first and second loop segments of the load bearing core which are generally diametrically disposed are respectively encased within first and second seamless tubular eye covers. These loop segments and eye covers form the eye portions of the eye-and-eye sling. The spanning portions of the endless loop that are not covered by the eye covers are encased within a common seamless tubular body cover. The body cover and spanning loop segments generally form the body portion of the sling that extends between the sling eyes. The present invention also provides a bridle having an integral master ring and protective covers for the bridal legs in which excessive layers of cover material are avoided.