System and method for controlling the lifting and handling of a load

A method of connecting a load to a lifting device and lifting the load, the method comprising:

• coupling a first connector member to a load, the first connector member comprising at least one pin;
• coupling a second connector member to a lifting device, the second connector member comprising an indexer mechanism defining a track;
• inserting the at least one pin into the track;
• coupling at least one portion of the second connector member to at least one portion of the first connector member by moving the first connector member, the second connector member, or both, in a first series of longitudinal movements relative to each other to reversibly couple the first connector member and the second connector member;
• removing the at least one pin from the track;
• and
• lifting the first connector member, the load, and the second connector member.

A system for connecting a lifting device to a load to be lifted;

• the system comprising:
• a connector adapted to be removably coupled to a mating piece;
• wherein the connector comprises an indexer mechanism defining a track;
• wherein the mating piece comprises at least one pin;
• wherein at least a portion of the at least one pin is receivable in and moveable out of the track;
• wherein the pin is movable along the track between a lock position and an unlock position;
• wherein the connector is adapted to be removably coupled to the mating piece via the pin and the indexer mechanism in response to a first series of longitudinal movements of the connector or the mating piece;
• and
• wherein the connector and the mating piece are decouplable and separable in the unlock position during use for connecting the lifting device to the load to be lifted.