WO2015013467A1 - Sling - Google Patents

Abstract

A sling and methods of assembling a sling. The sling may include tape formed of a high modulus polymer. The tape may be arranged in a plurality of layers. Each layer has a centerline, and the centerline of each layer and a centerline of the sling may be substantially aligned.

Description

SLING

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/857,410, filed on July 23, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] This invention generally relates to slings and, more particularly, a high strength synthetic sling.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one independent aspect, a sling may generally include tape formed of a high modulus polymer. The tape may be arranged in a plurality of layers. Each layer has a centerline, and the centerline of each layer and a centerline of the sling may be substantially aligned.

[0004] In another independent aspect, a method of assembling a sling is provided. The method may generally include providing tape formed of a high modulus polymer; and arranging the tape in a plurality of layers, each layer having a centerline, the centerline of each layer and a centerline of the sling being substantially aligned.

[0005] In yet another independent aspect, a sling may generally include a first length of tape formed of a high modulus polymer and a second length of tape arranged in two layers. Each length of tape has a centerline, and the centerline of each length of tape and a centerline of the sling may be substantially aligned.

[0006] In a further independent aspect, a method of assembling a sling may generally include providing tape formed of a high modulus polymer; and wrapping the tape around two spaced apart support members in a plurality of layers to form an endless loop, each layer having a centerline, the centerline of each layer and a centerline of the sling being substantially aligned. [0007] Independent features and independent advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sling according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sling shown in Fig. 1, taken along line 2— 2 in Fig. 1.

[0010] Figs. 3A-3C illustrate a method of assembling the sling shown in Fig. 1

[0011] Fig. 4A illustrates the sling shown in Fig. 1 including intermittent connecting regions.

[0012] Fig. 4B illustrates the sling shown in Fig. 1 including continuous connection of the layers.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an eye-to-eye sling formed with the sling shown in Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Before any independent embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the

phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of "consisting of and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. [0015] Fig. 1 illustrates a high strength synthetic sling 10. In the illustrated construction, the sling 10 is an endless sling (i.e., the sling 10 forms an endless loop). The sling 10 of Fig. 1 can be used in a variety of applications. For example, the sling 10 may replace a rope sling, a round sling, a high strength connector, a heavy lift sling, a climbing cable, a synthetic ligament, an actuator, etc. The sling 10 can also be used as a belt or belting material. In particular, the sling 10 can be used in rigging operations to lift heavy loads. The sling 10 has a centerline extending generally along a longitudinal axis 16 of the sling 10.

[0016] The sling 10 is made from (see Fig. 2) one or more layers of tape 14, generally in the form of a flat, elongated ribbon. The sling 10 is constructed with the centerlines of each layer of tape 14 and of the sling 10 substantially aligned (e.g., at least generally in a plane). In other words, the length of the tape 14 in each layer extends along the length of the sling 10.

[0017] The tape 14 has a generally flat profile with its width substantially greater than its thickness and its length greater than its width. The flat profile generally allows the tape 14 to be wrapped around itself until a desired number of layers is provided. The tape 14 is wrapped such that the opposite outer longitudinal edges of each layer are generally aligned.

[0018] In the illustrated construction, the tape 14 is formed of a high modulus polymer (e.g., with a tenacity of at least 250 cN/dtex (centinewtons per decitex)), such as, for example, ultra- high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE). UHMWPE, a high modulus polymer, has been successfully used as a biomaterial in hip, knee, and spine surgery and may also provide advantages applicable to slings. Because the sling 10 is made from layers of flat UHMWPE tape 14, the sling 10 retains a generally flat and elongated profile. The generally flat profile of the sling 10 may, in some instances, increase the efficiency of the sling 10.

[0019] For example, a D:d (the diameter of a sheave of a shovel to the diameter of the sling 10) ratio may serve as an indicator of efficiency in a load bearing system. Because the sling 10 retains a relatively flat profile, the sling 10 can provide smaller radiuses (e.g., when bending the sling 10), resulting in higher efficiencies in applications with small bending radiuses.

Furthermore, the generally flat profile of the sling 10 and the lack of interwoven threads also allow the load bearing portions of the sling 10 to have more contact with the load. In contrast, typical round, woven slings have less contact with the load due to round profiles and spaces between the interwoven threads. Furthermore, the round, woven slings do not achieve such an efficient D:d ratio.

[0020] Furthermore, characteristics of UHMWPE may be particularly favorable for the production of slings. UHMWPE, for example, allows for the production of a high strength, low weight, high modulus sling 10. UHMWPE has one of the highest impact strengths of any thermoplastic. UHMWPE is also highly resistant to abrasion and corrosive materials, has very low moisture absorption, and has a low coefficient of friction. UHMWPE is also self- lubricating. For example, the coefficient of friction of UHMWPE is significantly lower than that of most synthetic fibers and is comparable to the coefficient of friction of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon). UHMWPE, however, has better abrasion resistance than PTFE. Therefore, the characteristics of UHMWPE transfer to the sling 10 when the sling 10 is made from UHMWPE.

[0021] As shown in Figs. 3A-3C, to form the sling 10, the tape 14 is wrapped around spaced apart support members 20, 24 (e.g., two tubes, pipes, etc.). In other constructions, the sling 10 may be wrapped around one and/or two different support members. The tape 14 is wrapped with the opposite outer longitudinal edges of each layer are substantially aligned and the length of the tape 14 in each layer runs parallel to the centerline of the sling 10.

[0022] A desired length for the sling 10 is determined based, at least partly, on the application in which the sling 10 will be utilized. For example, if the sling 10 will be used as a heavy lift sling, the desired length may be approximately three feet. Once the desired length of the sling 10 is determined, the supporting members 20, 24 for the sling 10 are spaced apart according to the desired length (e.g., three feet apart for a three foot sling).

[0023] It should be understood that the length of the sling 10 can be smaller (e.g., one foot or less) or larger (e.g., fifty feet or more) depending on the application for the sling 10 and structure for assembling the sling 10. Additional intermediate support members (not shown) may be provided to facilitate assembly of longer slings 10.

[0024] In general, the tape 14 includes a proximal end 28 (e.g., a first end) and a distal end 32 (e.g., a second end) opposite the proximal end 28. An intermediate section 36 lays between the distal end 32 and the proximal end 28. To begin assembly (see Fig. 3 A), the proximal end 28 of the tape 14 is secured, at least temporarily, to a stationary point or region 40 (e.g., on the first support member 20). The tape 14 is then wrapped around the second support member 24, and back toward the first support member 20, forming a first tape layer 44 of the sling 10. As shown in Fig. 3B, when the tape 14 returns to the first support member 20 and wraps again toward the second support member 24, the tape 14 forms a second tape layer 48. The tape 14 is wrapped around the support members 20, 24 until the desired number of tape layers is provided.

[0025] In the illustrated construction, as shown in Fig. 2 and 3C, the sling 10 is formed with six tape layers 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 (i.e., the tape 14 is wrapped around the support members 20, 24 six times). In other constructions, the sling 10 can be formed with more or fewer tape layers. For example, for a longer or stronger sling, more tape layers may be provided to the sling 10.

[0026] The sling 10 is held together using an adhesive, a polyethylene film 60, etc. In the illustrated construction, the polyethylene film 60 is positioned at least between portions of adjacent tape layers to join the tape layers. The film 60 acts as a hot melt adhesive allowing the plastic tape layers to weld together when localized heat and pressure is applied to reactivate the film 60. In other words, when the film 60 is heated, the melting of the film 60 fuses together, for example, portions of the tape layers.

[0027] In some constructions, the tape 14 is manufactured with the polyethylene film 60. In other constructions, the film 60 is added during the assembly of the sling 10; in other words, the film 60 is added to specific connecting regions while the tape 14 is being wrapped and/or after wrapping. When melting the polyethylene film 60 to join different tape layers together, the film 60 can be melted (and, therefore, used to fuse at least portions of the tape layers together) throughout the entire length of the sling 10 or only at specific connecting regions along the sling 10 on the intermediate section 36.

[0028] For example, in the one construction, the film 60 is applied at a start region 64 (see Fig. 3B) and an end region 68 (see Fig. 3C). Referring back to Fig. 3B, the start region 64 is marked when the tape 14 reaches the first support member 20 to start the second tape layer 48, at which point the first tape layer 44 and the second tape layer 48 are joined. The first tape layer 44 and the second tape layer 48 are joined by connecting the proximal end 28 of the tape 14 to the start region 64. [0029] The end region 68 is marked when the tape 14 completes the final (e.g., sixth) tape layer 56. At the end region 68, the final tape layer (e.g., the sixth tape layer 56) and the adjacent tape layer (e.g., the fifth tape layer 54) are joined together with the film 60 by connecting the distal end 32 of the tape 14 to the end region 68.

[0030] In the illustrated construction, the start region 64 and the end region 68 are connected by spaced apart legs including spaced apart tape layers 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56. In other words, the tape layers 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 are not joined together, except at the start region 64 and the end region 68. Connection of the tape layers at the start region 64 and the end region 68 thereby define an endless loop (e.g., the endless sling 10 shown in Fig. 1).

[0031] As mentioned above, in some constructions, the polyethylene film 60 is not included with the tape 14 (e.g., the tape 14 is not manufactured with the film 60). In such constructions, a first polyethylene film portion is applied at the start region 64 and a second polyethylene film portion is applied at the end region 68 to fuse together the adjacent tape layers (e.g., tape layers 44, 48 and 54, 56). It should be understood that, because, the first polyethylene film portion is applied at the start region 64, the first polyethylene film portion is positioned between the first tape layer 44 (e.g., the proximal end 28) and the second tape layer 48. The second polyethylene film portion is then positioned the final tape layer (e.g., the sixth tape layer 56) and the adjacent tape layer (e.g., the fifth tape layer 54) (e.g., the distal end 32) to join the tape layers at the end region 68.

[0032] As explained above, the polyethylene film 60 works as an adhesive when sufficient heat and pressure are applied. The specific amount of heat and/or duration of application depends on how many tape layers 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 are included in the sling 10, the structure of the tape 14 (e.g., the thickness, material), etc. For example, if the sling 10 only includes two tape layers 44, 48, the time and amount of heat needed to join the two tape layers together is less than if the sling includes six tape layers 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56. In the illustrated construction, heat is applied at approximately 300°F for approximately 1-3 seconds.

[0033] In yet other constructions (see Fig. 4A), the sling 10 includes more than the two end connecting regions. For example, as shown in Fig. 4A, the sling 10 five connecting regions 70, 72, 74, 76, 78. In such constructions, the connecting regions 70, 72, 74, 76, 78 may be spaced apart evenly (e.g., every five inches). Securing the tape layers at intermittent points throughout the sling 10 may provide a sturdier construction for the sling 10.

[0034] In other constructions (see Fig. 4B), the polyethylene film 60 is provided in between each tape layer 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56. That is to say that each tape layer 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 is substantially continuously joined to at least the adjacent tape layer(s) 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 by melting the film 60. Joining all the tape layers together along the length of the sling 10 may provide increased stability, strength, cohesiveness, etc., to the sling 10.

[0035] Using the polyethylene films (or a single film 60 when manufactured with the tape 14) to join together the tape layers 44, 48 and 54, 56, may eliminate the need for separate terminations in the sling 10. Typically, when producing a sling, the terminations of the sling generate a variety of problems, including, for example, complexity in production and higher cost, and the terminations limit the minimum size of such a sling. In addition, because the melting of the polyethylene films fuses the tape layers 44, 48 and 54, 56 together, the sling 10 is considered to be stronger.

[0036] In some constructions, the polyethylene film 60 includes low-density polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. LDPE is widely used for manufacturing various containers, dispensing bottle, plastic bags, and various molded laboratory equipment. LDPE is very flexible, which allows the LDPE film to be used to join two tape layers together as described above. The flexibility associated with LDPE also makes it a common material for plastic bags.

[0037] In other constructions, the film 60 includes high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

HDPE is also referred to as polyethylene high-density (PEHD) and is a polyethylene

thermoplastic made from petroleum. HDPE is known for its high strength to density ratio, which means that HDPE is particularly strong, without being particularly dense. HDPE is also commonly used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, and plastic lumber. HDPE includes stronger intermolecular forces and higher tensile strength due to the absence and/or the decrease of branching in the HDPE material, as compared to LDPE. HDPE has a higher specific strength than LDPE because the difference in strength exceeds the difference in density. [0038] HDPE is also more opaque than other materials and withstands higher temperatures. For example, HDPE can withstand 110° Centigrade/230⁰ Fahrenheit for longer periods of time, and can withstand 120° Centigrade/248° Fahrenheit for shorter periods of time. HDPE is also resistant to many different solvents and has a wide variety of applications, which makes HDPE popular for corrosion protection for steel pipelines, as an insulator in co-axial cables, for plastic surgery, and for water pipes used for domestic water supply and agricultural supply.

[0039] In some constructions, the film 60 is not used, but, rather, the tape layers 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 are joined together with an adhesive in place of the film 60, as described above. In other words, an adhesive substance or film that does not need to be heated to join two tape layers together is used.

[0040] Once the sling 10 has been assembled with the polyethylene film 60, the adhesive, or, in some constructions, both, a protective sleeve 80 (see Fig. 2) is added to the sling 10. The protective sleeve 80 can be a braided jacket or a coating.

[0041] In the illustrated construction, the protecting sleeve 80 includes a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shrink wrap tube that is placed over at least portions of the sling 10. The PVC shrink wrap is heated such that it conforms to the size of the sling 10.

[0042] The protective sleeve 80 may, for example, aid in the attachment of layers of the sling 10, in particular, in the cohesiveness of the tape layers 44, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 as a sling 10. For example, in constructions in which the polyethylene film 60 or adhesive is only added at the start region 64 and the end region 68, the intermediate section 36 of the sling 10 consists of a number (e.g., six) unjoined tape layers. The protective sleeve 80 holds the tape layers together even if the tape layers were not bonded together with the film 60.

[0043] The protective sleeve 80 may also provide relief from fibrillation due to handling, shipping, and other similar uses and treatment. In some constructions, the protective sleeve 80 includes ultraviolet absorbers and/or blockers to protect the sling 10 from ultraviolet radiation.

[0044] In the illustrated construction, the sling 10 weighs approximately 0.0087 lb./ft.

(pounds per foot) without the protective sleeve 80 and approximately 0.27 lb./ft. with the protective sleeve 80. The minimum breaking load (MBL) of the illustrated sling 10 is approximately between 2,200 lbs. and 2,800 lbs.

[0045] In Fig. 1, the sling 10 is illustrated as an endless sling. However, as shown in Fig. 5, the sling 10 can also be formed into an eye-to-eye sling 100. In the illustrated construction of Fig. 5, the eye-to-eye sling 100 is made using twelve tape layers 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124. As an illustrative example only, the eye-to-eye sling 100 of the illustrated construction is approximately 1 mm thick, 20 mm wide, and approximately 2 feet long. As shown in Fig. 5, the sling 100 defines a longitudinal axis 101 running along its length from eye to eye.

[0046] The eye-to-eye sling 100 is assembled as described above with respect to the endless sling 10. Once an endless sling has been assembled, as described above, an attachment pair is determined for each eye that is created.

[0047] For example, in the illustrated construction of Fig. 5, the eye-to-eye sling 100 starts as an endless sling having a looped first end 128 and a looped second end 132. Then, a first attachment pair 136 and a second attachment pair 140 are selected such that the space between the looped ends 128, 132 and the attachment pairs 136, 140 is sufficiently large to form a desired eye (e.g., an eye of adequate size). Then, a polyethylene film 144 (or adhesive) is placed at the attachment pairs 136, 140 and the polyethylene film 144 is melted and used to connect the attachment pairs 136, 140. Once the attachment pairs 136, 140 are joined, the one piece, eye-to- eye sling 100 has been formed.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 5, the eye-to-eye sling 100 includes two eyes 148, 152. As discussed with respect to the endless sling 10, the tape layers may be joined together at different connection regions. For example, the eye-to-eye sling 100 may be joined together only at the base of the eyes, as shown in Fig. 5. In such constructions, the intermediate section 156 of the eye-to-eye sling 100 consists of multiple tape layers separate from each other (e.g., the eyes 148, 152 are connected to each other with spaced apart legs of tape 14). The eye-to-eye sling 100 can also be joined throughout the length of the eye-to-eye sling 100 by having the polyethylene film 144 in between each tape layer. Finally, the eye-to-eye sling 100 can be joined with the polyethylene film 144 only at the intermediate section 156 between the eyes 148, 152. [0049] In other constructions (not shown), the layers of the sling 10, 100 are provided, not by wrapping a continuous tape 14 around itself, but by joining separate tape sections/lengths together in a parallel fashion (e.g., while the tape sections are positioned one above the other and in parallel to each other). Ends of the tape sections may be connected (e.g., by adhesive, a polyethylene film, etc.) to provide an endless sling. These connections may be offset along the length of the sling to avoid a point of weakness (e.g., more than one connection in a cross-section of the sling).

[0050] The methods of assembling and/or constructing a sling, as described above, may be particularly useful when constructing short slings. Previously, these short slings were made by twisting high strength fiber and braiding different fibers together. The weaving and the twisting not only occupy a great amount of time but are also difficult to perform on a consistent basis.

[0051] Thus, the invention may generally provide, among other things, a sling of high modulus polymer tape layers.

[0052] One or more independent features and independent advantages of the invention may be set forth in the following claims:

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A sling comprising:

tape formed of a high modulus polymer, the tape being arranged in a plurality of layers, each layer having a centerline, the centerline of each layer and a centerline of the sling being substantially aligned.

2. The sling of claim 1, wherein the tape is formed of ultra-high-molecular- weight- polyethylene.

3. The sling of claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers includes more than two layers.

4. The sling of claim 3, wherein the plurality of layers includes at least six layers.

5. The sling of claim 1, wherein the tape includes a first length of tape and a separate second length of tape, the first length and the second length being arranged in the plurality of layers.

6. The sling of claim 1, wherein the tape has a first end, a second end and an intermediate section therebetween, the first end and the second end being connected to the intermediate section to define an endless loop.

7. The sling of claim 1, further comprising adhesive positioned between at least a portion of the plurality of layers to join the at least a portion of the plurality of layers.

8. The sling of claim 7, wherein the adhesive includes a polyethylene film positioned between the at least a portion of the plurality of layers, the film being melted to join the at least a portion of the plurality of layers.

9. The sling of claim 8, wherein the tape has a first end, a second end and an intermediate section therebetween, and wherein the film is positioned at least between the first end and a first connecting region of the intermediate section and between the second end and to a second connecting region of the intermediate section, the film being melted to join the first end to the first connecting region and the second end to the second connecting region to define an endless loop.

10. The sling of claim 8, wherein the film is positioned between each layer, the film being melted to join the plurality of layers.

11. The sling of claim 10, wherein the film is positioned intermittently between the layers, the film being melted to intermittently join the plurality of layers.

12. The sling of claim 10, wherein the film is positioned continuously between the layers, the film being melted to continuously join the plurality of layers.

13. The sling of claim 8, wherein the sling is configured as an endless loop with a looped first end and a looped second end connected by spaced apart legs, and wherein the film is positioned between the legs, the film being melted to join the legs to define a first eye at the first end and a second eye at the second end.

14. The sling of claim 8, wherein the film includes one of high-density polyethylene and low- density polyethylene.

15. The sling of claim 8, wherein the tape is provided with the film.

16. The sling of claim 1, further comprising a cover wrapping the plurality of layers.

17. The sling of claim 16, wherein the cover is formed of polyvinyl chloride.

18. A method of assembling a sling, the method comprising:

providing tape formed of a high modulus polymer; and

arranging the tape in a plurality of layers, each layer having a centerline, the centerline of each layer and a centerline of the sling being substantially aligned.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein providing includes providing a tape formed of ultra- high-molecular- weight-polyethylene.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein arranging includes arranging the tape in more than two layers.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein arranging includes arranging the tape in at least six layers.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein providing includes providing a first length of tape and a separate second length of tape, and wherein arranging includes arranging the first length and the second length in the plurality of layers.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein providing includes providing a tape having a first end, a second end and an intermediate section therebetween, and wherein the method further comprises connecting the first end and the second end to the intermediate section to define an endless loop.

24. The method of claim 18, further comprising positioning adhesive between at least a portion of the plurality of layers to join the at least a portion of the plurality of layers.

25. The method of claim 18, wherein positioning adhesive includes

positioning a polyethylene film between at least a portion of the plurality of layers, and melting the film to join the at least a portion of the plurality of layers.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein providing includes providing a tape having a first end, a second end and an intermediate section therebetween, wherein positioning a polyethylene film includes positioning the film at least between the first end and a first connecting region of the intermediate section and between the second end and a second connecting region of the intermediate section, and wherein melting includes melting the film to connect the first end and the first connecting region and to connect the second end and the second connecting region to define an endless loop.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein positioning a polyethylene film includes positioning the film between each layer, and wherein melting includes melting the film to join the plurality of layers.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein positioning a polyethylene film includes positioning the film intermittently between the layers, and wherein melting includes melting the film to intermittently join the plurality of layers.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein positioning a polyethylene film includes positioning the film continuously between the layers, and wherein melting includes melting the film to continuously join the plurality of layers.

30. The method of claim 25, wherein the sling is configured as an endless loop with a looped first end and a looped second end connected by spaced apart legs, wherein positioning a polyethylene film includes positioning the film between the legs, and wherein melting includes melting the film to join the legs to define a first eye at the first end and a second eye at the second end.

31. The method of claim 25, wherein positioning a polyethylene film includes providing a film including one of high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene.

32. The method of claim 25, wherein providing includes providing the tape with the film.

33. The method of claim 18, further comprising covering the plurality of layers.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein covering includes providing a cover formed of polyvinyl chloride around the plurality of layers.

35. The method of claim 18, wherein arranging includes wrapping the tape around two spaced apart support members to form an endless loop.

36. A sling comprising:

tape formed of a high modulus polymer, a first length of tape and a second length of tape being arranged in two layers, each length of tape having a centerline, the centerline of each length of tape and a centerline of the sling being substantially aligned.

37. The sling of claim 36, wherein the tape is formed of ultra-high-molecular-weight- polyethylene.

38. The sling of claim 36, further comprising at least a third length of tape arranged in a third layer, the third length of tape having a centerline substantially aligned with the centerline of the first length of tape, of the second length of tape and of the sling.

39. The sling of claim 36, wherein the first length of tape and the second length of tape are separate.

40. The sling of claim 36, wherein the first length of tape and the second length of tape are a continuous tape.

41. The sling of claim 40, wherein the tape has a first end, a second end and an intermediate section therebetween, and wherein the sling further comprises a polyethylene film positioned at least between the first end and a first connecting region of the intermediate section and between the second end and to a second connecting region of the intermediate section, the film being melted to join the first end to the first connecting region and the second end to the second connecting region to define an endless loop.

42. The sling of claim 36, further comprising a polyethylene film positioned between at least a portion of the layers, the film being melted to join the at least a portion of the layers.

43. The sling of claim 42, wherein the film is positioned between each layer, the film being melted to join the layers.

44. The sling of claim 43, wherein the film is positioned intermittently between the layers, the film being melted to intermittently join the layers.

45. The sling of claim 43, wherein the film is positioned continuously between the layers, the film being melted to continuously join the plurality of layers.

46. The sling of claim 42, wherein the sling is configured as an endless loop with a looped first end and a looped second end connected by spaced apart legs, and wherein the film is positioned between the legs, the film being melted to join the legs to define a first eye at the first end and a second eye at the second end.

47. The sling of claim 42, wherein the film includes one of high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene.

48. The sling of claim 42, wherein at least one of the first length of tape and the second length of tape is provided with the film.

49. The sling of claim 36, further comprising adhesive positioned between at least a portion of the layers to join the at least a portion of the layers.

50. The sling of claim 36, further comprising a cover wrapping the layers.

51. The sling of claim 50, wherein the cover is formed of polyvinyl chloride.

52. A method of assembling a sling, the method comprising:

providing tape formed of a high modulus polymer; and

wrapping the tape around two spaced apart support members in a plurality of layers to form an endless loop, each layer having a centerline, the centerline of each layer and a centerline of the sling being substantially aligned.

53. The method of claim 52, further comprising removing the endless loop from the support members.

54. The method of claim 52, wherein providing includes providing a tape formed of ultra- high-molecular- weight-polyethylene.

55. The method of claim 52, wherein wrapping includes wrapping the tape in more than two layers.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein wrapping includes wrapping the tape in at least six layers.

57. The method of claim 52, wherein providing includes providing a first length of tape and a separate second length of tape, and wherein wrapping includes wrapping the first length and the second length around the support members in the plurality of layers.

58. The method of claim 52, wherein providing includes providing a tape having a first end, a second end and an intermediate section therebetween, and wherein the method further comprises connecting the first end and the second end to the intermediate section to define the endless loop.

59. The method of claim 52, further comprising:

positioning a polyethylene film between at least a portion of the plurality of layers; and melting the film to join the at least a portion of the plurality of layers.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein providing includes providing a tape having a first end, a second end and an intermediate section therebetween, wherein positioning includes positioning the film at least between the first end and a first connecting region of the intermediate section and between the second end and a second connecting region of the intermediate section, and wherein melting includes melting the film to connect the first end and the first connecting region and to connect the second end and the second connecting region to define the endless loop.

61. The method of claim 59, wherein positioning includes positioning the film between each layer, and wherein melting includes melting the film to join the plurality of layers.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein positioning includes positioning the film intermittently between the layers, and wherein melting includes melting the film to intermittently join the plurality of layers.

63. The method of claim 61, wherein positioning includes positioning the film continuously between the layers, and wherein melting includes melting the film to continuously join the plurality of layers.

64. The method of claim 59, wherein the endless loop has a looped first end and a looped second end connected by spaced apart legs, wherein positioning includes positioning the film between the legs, and wherein melting includes melting the film to join the legs to define a first eye at the first end and a second eye at the second end.

65. The method of claim 59, wherein positioning includes providing a film including one of high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene.

66. The method of claim 59, wherein providing includes providing the tape with the film.

67. The method of claim 52, further comprising positioning adhesive between at least a portion of the plurality of layers to join the at least a portion of the plurality of layers.

68. The method of claim 52, further comprising covering the plurality of layers.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein covering includes providing a cover formed of polyvinyl chloride around the plurality of layers.