Apparatus for continuously adjusting the length of a slinging means designed to carry a load

The invention relates to an apparatus for continuously adjusting the length of a lifting sling designed to carry a load. Such lifting slings generally comprise flat woven textile slinging means which can be equipped with loops for attaching to the hook of a transport crane. An apparatus for continuously adjusting the length of a lifting sling designed to carry a load comprises a U-shaped clamp having a central region, and first and second side legs projecting from the ends of the central region, a swivel axis member supported by bearings in the first and second legs of the clamp; a load lifting element attached to the clamp which is designed for attachment to a load; and a clamping element supported on the swivel axis member. The clamping element comprises: (i) first and second side legs spaced apart from each other, each side leg having a free end coupled to the swivel axis member and a second end; (ii) an end cross-piece formed at the second end of one of the side legs and spanning the distance between the side legs; and (iii) a center cross-piece located between the end cross-piece and the swivel axis member.