Shackle bow and shackle

Abstract

A shackle bow comprises a generally U-shaped body having a first end, a second end and aligned openings defined in the first and second ends. The body has a load bearing portion positioned between the first and second ends. The load bearing portion has a cross section comprising a bearing surface that curves through more than 180 degrees and an intersecting channel-shaped supporting surface. The channel-shaped supporting surface comprises opposing channel side portions extending from opposite sides of a channel base surface and a series of spaced apart ribs connecting the opposing channel side portions to each other.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A shackle bow, comprising:
 a generally U-shaped body having a first end, a second end and aligned openings defined in the first and second ends,   the body having a load bearing portion positioned between the first and second ends, the load bearing portion having a cross section comprising a bearing surface that curves through more than 180 degrees and an intersecting channel-shaped supporting surface, and   the channel-shaped supporting surface comprising opposing channel side portions extending from opposite sides of a channel base surface.   
     
     
         2 . The shackle bow of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one rib connecting the opposing side channel portions to each other. 
     
     
         3 . The shackle bow of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one rib comprises a lifting ear, the lifting ear projecting outward of the channel side portions. 
     
     
         4 . The shackle bow of  claim 1 , wherein the bearing surface curves continuously through at least 210 degrees. 
     
     
         5 . The shackle bow of  claim 1 , wherein the bearing surface curves continuously through about 240 degrees. 
     
     
         6 . The shackle bow of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one rib comprises a series of at least five spaced apart ribs. 
     
     
         7 . The shackle bow of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one rib comprises a series of seven spaced apart ribs. 
     
     
         8 . The shackle bow of  claim 1 , wherein the generally U-shaped body is configured to define an opening sufficiently large to accommodate at least two slings. 
     
     
         9 . The shackle bow of  claim 1 , wherein the load bearing portion of the U-shaped body is spaced from each of the first end and the second end and defines a working range having an included angle of about 120 degrees. 
     
     
         10 . The shackle bow of  claim 1 , wherein adjacent intersections between the bearing surface and the channel shaped supporting surface, the bearing surface has a partial teardrop shape in cross section to follow closely the contours of an eye of a sling. 
     
     
         11 . A shackle, comprising:
 a bow comprising a generally U-shaped body having a first end, a second end and aligned openings defined in the first and second ends,   the body having a load bearing portion positioned between the first and second ends, the load bearing portion having a cross section comprising a bearing surface that curves through more than 180 degrees and an intersecting channel-shaped supporting surface, wherein adjacent intersections between the bearing surface and the channel shaped supporting surface, the bearing surface has a partial teardrop shape in cross section,   the channel-shaped supporting surface comprising opposing channel side portions extending from opposite sides of a channel base surface, and   a shackle pin sized to connect the first and second ends.   
     
     
         12 . The shackle of  claim 11 , further comprising a series of spaced apart ribs connecting the opposing channel side portions to each other. 
     
     
         13 . The shackle of  claim 12 , wherein at least one rib comprises a lifting ear, the lifting ear projecting outward of the channel side portions. 
     
     
         14 . The shackle of  claim 11 , wherein the bearing surface curves continuously through at least 210 degrees. 
     
     
         15 . The shackle of  claim 11 , wherein the bearing surface curves continuously through about 240 degrees. 
     
     
         16 . The shackle of  claim 12 , wherein the series of spaced apart ribs comprises at least five ribs. 
     
     
         17 . The shackle of  claim 11 , wherein the generally U-shaped body is configured to define an opening sufficiently large to accommodate at least two slings. 
     
     
         18 . The shackle of  claim 11 , wherein the load bearing portion of the U-shaped body is spaced from each of the first end and the second end and defines a working range having an included angle of about 120 degrees. 
     
     
         19 . The shackle of  claim 11 , further comprising an electronically readable identifier. 
     
     
         20 . The shackle of  claim 11 , wherein the radius of curvature of the bearing surface decreases approaching intersections between the bearing surface and the channel-shaped supporting surface.