Abstract: An electrically insulated support or the like is mounted on a helicopter to extend from both sides of the helicopter. A bucket for equipment, material and/or a worker is provided, which can be engaged or disengaged at the end of the support. To carry out operation on a high voltage line or installations, the bucket with its equipment, material and/or worker is hooked at one end of the support and is carried by the helicopter to a location of the high voltage line or installations where an operation has to be carried out. The operation is done while the helicopter holds the bucket or most preferably, the bucket which is provided with suspension wheels is mounted on the line conductors or installations and the helicopter is moved away while the operation is being carried out.

Abstract: A scaffold for locating workmen and materials inside a railroad car includes a pair of ladders hanging from the roof of the cars through apertures therein, and a plurality of planks disposed across the gap between the ladders and supported at their ends by the ladders.

Abstract: A moveable work platform assembly is provided which can be used, for example, within an enclosure having substantially nonvertical interior walls, the enclosure having a attachment means at substantially the upper end thereof. The moveable work platform assembly includes a main platform, suspension means for suspending the main platform from the attachment means, and at least one movable platform for extending outward relative to said main platform toward the interior wall of the enclosure and for retracting inward relative to said main platform and away from the interior wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: An enclosed workplace support for temporary, immovable installation below and on each side of a bridge or other existing structure while performing work on bridge substructure. Double rows of upper and lower outriggers are installed to extend outwardly from each lateral side of the bridge and cables are attached to the outer ends of each row of outriggers. Additional cables are attached at opposite ends to bearings or other bridge substructure and extend parallel to the bridge centerline for an entire span. The cables support a high-strength flooring, preferably or rubber-coated chain link fencing. A nylon tarp is laid over the fencing below the bridge and extends around each side, attached to the outrigger cables, and is sealed to the bridge curbs. An exhaust blower maintains the interior of the enclosed workplace at subatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention permits the replacement of a used section of an overhead cable (1) by a new section without depositing said cable on the ground. A nacelle or pod mainly includes a drum (20) onto which is wound the new section to be deposited and on which will be wound the old section to be replaced. The nacelle also includes guide pulleys (14, 16) for the cable (1). The nacelle is suspended on a helicopter by means of a rope, an upper beam (32) and optionally via pyrotechnic means (46) and ball and socket joints (38). It can be completed by jaws (44) for fixing to the cable (1). The invention has application to electric power distribution and transporting cables and to cable railway cables.

Abstract: The present invention provides nacelles or cars (10) and a catwalk or platform (30) which make it possible to instantaneously place one or more operators (2) on overhead cables (1) for carrying out different work activities. Each nacelle (10) is a preferably latticed, metallic structure having pivoting walls (8) for extending the field of action of each operator. Each nacelle has means (5) for attaching to the cables (1). The catwalk (30) can be opened out and is located at the ends of each of the nacelles (10). The present invention is particularly adapted for used in the maintenance and arrangement of electric cables.

Abstract: A portable step has a tread member to which is pivoted corresponding ends of a pair of support arms that terminate at their opposite ends in projections which extend from the arms at an acute angle thereto. The support arms are rockable to positions in which they substantially parallel one another and extend in the same direction from the tread member, thereby enabling the projections to be passed through openings in a fence or other barrier to suspend the tread member in a substantially horizontal position at an intermediate level between the top and bottom of the fence, thereby facilitating scaling of the fence by a person.

Abstract: The invention is a poolside descending scaffold having an apron bar which is extendable by an apron arm extender fitted into its two end pieces, which are rectangular box girders of light metal or steel. End pieces are affixed to the extender by pad bars with threaded internal pins. The pad rods carry pads which are of sufficient area to prevent rotation of the apron bar. The pads may be simple flat metal pads or may be eccentric blocks or screw pads useful in leveling the apron bar. The apron bar has a weight basket at its distal end and a hinge bracket at its poolside end. The hinge bracket holds a descending bar at a position along its length determined by a pin through one of a set of holes in the descending bar and through holes in the hinge bracket. The descending bar has ladder pins to ease the climb between poolside apron and scaffold plank, and a bumper bar on a threaded pin which can also serve to affix the plank bracket to the descending bar.

Abstract: A combination vest or upper torso section and attached seat combination to enable the user to position himself at any vertical location along a tree trunk or other vertical support which permits the user to be in an at rest, seated position or active, standing position. The seat section of the unit is shiftable with respect to the torso section for seated use or travel, walking use and similarly may be detached from the upper torso section such that the upper section may be utilized as a vest. The unit includes flexible support cords for support of the seat and to provide at least partial back support for the user when he is in a seated position. In order to position himself in the tree, tree steps are described but these climbing aids do not form a portion of the invention.

Abstract: A safety cage utilized in connection with a cargo container hoisting bridle crane including a safety mechanism for securing the safety cage to the cargo container bridle. A plurality of locking pins are rotatably mounted within the roof assembly of the safety cage. Connector beams adapted for receiving the locking pins are mounted on the bridle in such a manner that when the bridle is lowered onto the top of the safety cage the locking pins are positioned within the connector beams. An activation assembly is provided by means of which the locking pins can be rotated to a locked position within the connector beams thereby securely joining together the safety cage and bridle.

Abstract: A portable support system for use on the roof of a building to support an object and/or person therefrom. The system is arranged to be readily rolled to a desired position adjacent the edge of the roof and includes two wheeled frame assemblies and a collapsible/extendable boom assembly. The boom assembly comprising pivotable sections arranged to be extended from a compact orientation to an extended orientation and vice versa. The frame assemblies are arranged for connection to respective portions of the boom assembly. When the boom assembly is in the compact orientation the frame assemblies are closely connected together via plural connecting members to form a compact cart. The frame assemblies each include a pair of spaced wheels which can pivot in any direction to enable the cart to be readily wheeled to a position at the edge of the roof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable conveyor for construction sites. The platform includes: (a) a stage having two opposite end portions for conveying objects thereon; (b) a pair of elongated arms attached to the respective end portion of the stage, slidable and rotatable with respective to the stage in a horizontal plane; (c) a plurality of holders installed in the arms, the holders being adapted to grasp the structure and to hang therefrom; (d) a driving mechanisms to slide and rotate the elongated arms with respect to the stage and the holders; and (e) controller for sliding and rotating the driving mechanisms and for holders and releasing the holding, whereby the stage is conveyed with respect to the structure.

Abstract: A portable step for supporting a person while working in the engine compartment of a vehicle, such as a truck. The portable step comprises a generally planar member and two legs on the generally planar member having a wheel attachment assembly at their upper ends for hooking onto either the front wheel or rear wheel of the vehicle thereby to suspend the planar member in a position wherein it is generally horizontal and at an elevation above the ground where a person standing on the planar member has convenient access to the engine compartment of the vehicle. Also disclosed is such a portable step wherein the wheel attachment assembly and the planar member are collapsible to minimize the size of the portable step for storage.

Abstract: A movable support structure from which a window washer is suspended that utilizes the parapet wall of a building as a support or runway by directing the force applied by the weight of the washer downwardly into the parapet wall. An upright frame above the parapet wall extends upwardly in substantially the same vertical plane of the parapet wall. The upright frame is supported on the parapet wall by a first set of wheels that rest on the wall. The upright frame may be further maintained on the roof by a second set of wheels that rest on the roof. The wheels roll along the roof and wall to facilitate horizontal movement of the apparatus. The horizontal movement is guided by internal and external guide rollers that engage the respective surfaces of the parapet wall. In addition, a ladder depends over the edge of the wall such that a window washer may safely step over the parapet wall and into a position to begin cleaning.

Abstract: A work platform (10) supported by transverse beams (20) and a pair of elongated side frame assemblies spaced apart by the transverse beams (20) is disclosed. The side frame assemblies (18) include longitudinal beams (28) that support a plurality of axles (32) that support a plurality of rollers (30) with the ends of the axles (32) being supported by the longitudinal beams (28). The rollers (30) provide support for the work platform (10) and allow the work platform (10) to travel along the upper surfaces (34) of lower confronting flanges (16) of work site beams (14), such as are commonly used in bridge construction. The work platform (10) includes lifting arms (66) that serve to raise the rollers (30) up off from the flanges (16) such that the work platform (10) is prevented from travel along the work site beams (14). The transverse frame member (20) includes a member into which a nail can be driven to in that manner allow a deck (22) of wood to be nailed directly to the cross frame members (20).

Abstract: Surfaces of a structure are treated from a walkway within an enclosure suspended from the structure. The enclosure has a downwardly-converging cross section terminating in a vacuum conveyor for collecting and removing particles accumulating from the blasting process. The enclosure is preferably provided in modules. The vacuum conveyor removes the particulate material for transfer to conventional separating and re-cycling equipment. the enclosure and walkway are moveably suspended from transverse guideways secured to the structure.

Abstract: A device for the maintenance of large-capacity containers such as storage tanks or the like vessels is described, which consists of a scaffolding structure for accommodating a plurality of working platforms along the container wall, such scaffolding structure reposing swingably around the vertical centerline which is the rotation axis. For this purpose, the device is movable along the total peripheral area of the upper container wall. In three preferred embodiments, the device may consist either of a centrally supported pivot mounting supported on the container roof, which is horizontally adjustable and vertically settable around an air dome, or of a load-carrying support which is placed centrally on the container roof, or finally of a load-carrying support reposing movably on a uppermost container edge and a tank catwalk, such load-carrying support being composed in turn of a lattice carrier and a frame.

Abstract: A device having two C-shaped hooks and a connecting tether enable a person to assume a seated position within a swimming pool while cleaning the waterline zone of the side wall of the pool. The hooks are precisely contoured so that, when placed in angled relationship to the side wall, the lower end of the hook abuts against the side wall of the pool, and the upper portion of the hook rests upon a horizontal deck surface that surrounds the pool.

Abstract: A hanging cradle arrangement (1) of the kind which comprises a working platform (2), a post or arm (3) which extends upwardly from the platform and which is intended to work with a line (4, 4a, 4b), a first attachment (5) or pulley located above the working platform (2); a guide (6) or pulley located on the free part (3a) of the post (3); normally a second attachment (7) located beneath said guide (6); and device (8) for raising and lowering the working platform by changing the distance between the guide (6) and the first attachment (5) with the aid of a line activating machine (8). According to the invention the arrangement is such that the distance (H) between the platform (2) and the upper free part (3a) of the post can be decreased when the upper free part (6) is in co-action with the first attachment (5), and in that the possibility is provided of further raising the working platform.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus of scaffolding during building has a scaffold with folding hanger and work frames, storable bumpers on the work frame for propping the scaffold off of a wall, and a hanger structure in the hanger frame for suspending the scaffold from the cap or upper header of a building wall. The scaffold is also usable as a sawhorse and a ground/floor supported scaffold. The method of scaffolding provides the steps of hanging the scaffold from the header or cap, propping the scaffold off with storable bumpers, and folding the scaffold flat for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A modular scaffolding system includes a plurality of interchangeable structural members, each having a circular cross section. Each member also has a plurality of holes drilled in its outer surface. The holes are located in a pattern that allows flexibility in connecting other structures to the circular member. A number of members are attached together to form a frame, and a scaffold is attached to the frame by appropriate means. The components of the modular scaffolding system may be formed into a variety of configurations, including roof-based and ground-based rolling scaffolds and a trolley-suspended scaffold which moves on a monorail. A moment-arm connecting joint and a pivoting composite connection are provided for connecting the components of the scaffolding system together so that scaffold exhibits a high degree of rigidity, while also providing adjustable angles between predetermined structural members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertically and horizontally movable work platform 4 for carrying out renovations to the concrete on reinforced concrete buildings or for replacing the structural protection on steel constructions. To increase the operational safety these work platforms 4 are held against the surfaces 1 of the buildings by attached magnetic plates 6. Since the tensions cables previously required are dispensed with, the weight of the upper carriage 2 from which the work platforms are suspended by cables is considerably reduced.

Abstract: A scaffold bracket for suspensing scaffolding from a pitched roof in such a manner as to permit roofing up to the edge of the roof without interference, the scaffolding bracket being of such a structure as to permit easy adjustment and installation and subsequent removal, the point of support for the scaffold bracket lying outside the surface of the roof during use.

Abstract: A portable step apparatus for removable connection to the wheel or bumper of a vehicle to provide a stable platform for a person while working in the engine compartment thereof. The step apparatus comprises a support frame assembly which is securely attached to the exterior surface of the wheel or bumper by an attaching apparatus. A step assembly is adjustably attached to the frame assembly so that the user can adjust the step the desired height. Stabilizing straps may be attached to the bottom of the frame assembly and wrapped around the tire, or passed below the bumper and securely attached to the vehicle to prevent the bottom of the frame assembly from moving sideways or from being pushed away from the vehicle due to the forces generated on the step caused by a person moving around thereon or leaning into the engine compartment of the vehicle. The height of the frame attachment to the vehicle bumper is adjustable as is also the height of the step on the frame assembly.

Abstract: A work cradle comprising a work platform suspended by ropes from a building. Two guide ropes extend downwardly on either side of the platform and are secured to the building. The work platform is attached to the guide ropes by two further ropes which are slidable along the guide ropes by means of releasable hooks. The ropes pass over respective pulleys attached to an extension projecting from the platform in a direction away from the building. A winch is provided for each rope to apply tension to the ropes by means of which the platform may be prevented from swinging away from the building, and/or may be moved to a different lateral position, at a given suspension height.Also disclosed is a beam clamp which may be used with the above-described work cradle.

Abstract: A portable step cooperative with the bumper and wheel of large automotive vehicles for use by mechanics, drivers, and service personnel in achieving access to windshields, windows, and engine compartments for servicing: comprising frame means to hang upon and press against a bumper or a large tire with a step means attached thereto and in various forms in a fixed configuration, or in a collapsible configuration, with means to hang upon a mechanics tool box or to be stowed within a truck, bus, or the like directly, the step being formed of slip resistant material and provided with adjustable stops for proper alignment for use upon a bumper or tire, with an adapter for use on a tire integrally or separately provided.

Abstract: A deep water rescue platform incorporating a support frame with a pair of hanger arms for engagement with the side of a pool which are telescopingly adjustable with the frame, a pair of wheels attached to the bottom of the support frame for transportation and stabilizing engagement with the wall of the pool, and a platform hingedly attached to the lower end of the frame which folds into the plane of the frame during storage and a locking means for retaining the platform in its extended position.

Abstract: A portable ladder assembly comprises a base, a supporting bracket, and a single rail ladder. The ladder assembly is particularly well suited for safely allowing human entry into a chamber with a confined area entry, such as a conventional manhole. The base member includes arms positionable on each side of the manhole entry for engaging a support surface, such as the ground, to prevent tipping of the ladder assembly. The bracket includes a rail receiving slot and a plurality of vertically spaced and downwardly directed rung receiving slots on opposing sides of the rail receiving slot. The ladder may be safely supported at various selected depths within the manhole by fitting the rail in selected rungs within their corresponding slots. The ladder assembly of the present invention does not significantly reduce the entry opening into the chamber, and may be safely used without being structurally dependent upon the manhole.

Abstract: A mobile containment platform method and system for sandblasting and the like used in bridge reconditioning and painting that requires removal of paint from the support structure of the bridge. The containment platform provides a safe secure entrapment envelop for spent abrasive and removed paint residue.

Abstract: A movable scaffold has a pair of hanger rails attached to a construction, first hanger units movably mounted on the hanger rails, beams operatively engaged with the first hanger units and laterally disposed with respect to the hanger rails, and a floor deck mounted on the beams. Second hanger units are provided for movably suspending the beams from the first hanger units.

Abstract: A mobile suspended scaffold arrangement comprises a support portion which can move along rails or purlins provided on the roof of a steel building, a boom assembly extending outwardly therefrom and a scaffold hanger portion suspended from the boom assembly. The device is particularly for use in cladding prefabricated steel buildings. The wheel assemblies include a vertical support wheel and a horizontal guide wheel and can be coupled by simple elongate beams extending at right angles to the rails. The support portion on the roof can be divided into two separate dollies which can be used for transporting equipment on the roof. The support portion couples to the hanger portion both at a hook at the top of the beam and also at a bracket extending outwardly from one side of the support so as to clamp the hanger rigidly vertical to prevent twisting.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching to a bumper of a motor vehicle comprises a pair of clamp members which can be releasably secured to the bumper; a pair of stanchions, with each stanchion being attached to a respective clamp member to extend in a substantially vertical position adjacent to the front of a bumper on which the clamp members are engaged; and a generally rectangular base platform whose length is such that the base platform can be positioned substantially horizontally between the stanchions, with attachment means being provided at each of the opposite, longitudinal ends of the base platform for releasably attaching the base platform to the respective stanchions at selectable positions along the lengths of the respective stanchions.

Abstract: A support structure for suspending a window washer from the top of a building is disclosed. The support structure includes a counterweight carriage, a center support, a beam affixed to the counterweight carriage and the center support, and means for suspending the window washer from the outward end of the beam. The counterweight carriage has a frame member, a ballast container, and at least three wheels that allow the counterweight carriage to roll along the roof. The counterweight carriage further includes a steering mechanism to facilitate moving the carriage and support structure around on the roof.

Abstract: In an adjustable corner post for suspension scaffolding an outer tube is concentric to an elongated member such as a wire rope or rod and has an internal thread in a nut at one end. A tubular adjusting screw having an external thread is concentric to the elongated member and screws into the thread of the outer tube for reacting directly or indirectly with the elongated member so the outer tube rises and lowers when the screw is rotated in opposite directions. A platform supporting structure is supported on the adjustable posts and is leveled by selective rotation of the screws. A method of assembling suspension scaffolding using the adjustable posts is described.

Abstract: A portable support boom for window washers is provided on a support frame which has extendable boom sections that can be folded into a collapsed position and includes transporting wheels and handles so that the boom can be manually rolled from one place to another. When at the work site, the boom sections can be unfolded, then can be used either in extended or retracted position. A support frame attaches to the folded booms when in collapsed position and can be erected to form a triangular configuration for supporting extending end of the boom when in the work position. Support wheels are provided on the support frame for moving the boom laterally between different work positions at the same work site. A brake can be provided to releasably lock the support wheels at each work position. Also, the support frame can be selectively pivoted at each work position to bring the transporting wheels into contact with the supporting surface to inhibit lateral movement of the boom during use.

Abstract: A mechanic's work platform for attachment to a front tire of a motor vehicle has an essentially rectangular support frame to be disposed and supported by a front tire of the vehicle. A depending framework is hingedly attached to the support frame and includes a horizontal frame covered with expanded metal or the like to provide a raised platform for the mechanic.

Abstract: A platform for supporting a person while working in the engine compartment of a vehicle, such as a truck. The platform comprises a generally planar member and two legs on the generally planar member having hooks at their upper ends for hooking onto either the front bumper or a front wheel of the vehicle thereby to suspend the planar member in a position wherein it is generally horizontal and at an elevation above the ground where a person standing on the planar member has convenient access to the engine compartment of the vehicle. Also disclosed is such a platform wherein the hook arms are detachable from the planar member for storage within the planar member.

Abstract: The outer support frame of a platform of collapsible scaffolding consists of a box beam surmounted by a kick plate, the upper edge of which locates in a channel in the base of the support frame of the next higher platform.

Abstract: A worker platform for sandblasting a cylindrical fuel storage tank includes a lookout frame section secured to the tank top that has an arm extending radially outward beyond the tank wall and a roller assembly supporting the arm for circumferential movement about the tank. A stage is suspended by a winch from the arm, and a square cross-sectioned standpipe is captured within upper and lower square guide channels formed at the center of the stage and by a yoke at the outer extent of the arm. The standpipe has a base plate with projections or spikes to penetrate the ground. The winch moves the stage up and down with the standpipe passing vertically through the guide channels and providing stability against swinging, twisting and tilting. For circumferential movement, a pin temporarily locks the standpipe for lifting with the stage. Lookout frame embodiments are given for both solid and floating tank tops.

Abstract: A work platform comprising a moulded polymeric resin fibre-reinforced generally channel-section shell having a lip flange extending inwardly from each channel side, and comprising tensile elongation resisting reinforcement comprising fibres extending longitudinally at least along marginal zones of the channel base and of the lip flanges adjacent the channel sides, and said channel sides comprising fibrous reinforcement resisting tensile elongation of said sides in the direction perpendicular to said marginal zones, whereby said platform is rendered substantially rigid to bending about axes transverse of said channel structure.

Abstract: A safety cage hoisted atop a stack of interlockable cargo containers provides safe access to the locks. The dimensions of the cage are substantially identical to the dimensions of the containers. Eyes in the upper corners of the cage frame are engaged by the container bridle hooks. Hinged deck plates in the corners of the cage open to provide access to the locks immediately below. A reeled tether hanging from a trolley which rolls along the athwartship extension arms of a roof boom hooks onto a worker's safety harness to enable him to leave the cage and reach remote locks in safety. The boom rotates between stowed and deployed positions and is held in place by quick release catches. A spring actuated pin engages a tapered hole to lock the extension arms in place. Baskets disposed along the perimeter of the cage are used for storing the locking cones.

Abstract: A method and system for placing a load, which may consist of a combination of personnel, equipment and material, on or in proximity to components of an energized transmission line system. An ungrounded, overhead, aerial support means, such as a helicopter or crane, provides maneuverable support to a suspension means having dielectric strength or insulating means to minimize injurious fault current flow resulting from contact between energized and grounded components of the placement system and transmission line system. The system of ungrounded and insulated support permits contact between differing but ungrounded potentials to permit live line and barehand procedures in servicing, repairing, maintaining and constructing energized transmission line systems. A limited slip device may be used with the suspension means to provide additional length to the suspension means during movement of the supporting means, such as a helicopter, while it may be momentarily tethered to the transmission line system.

Abstract: Means and methods for erecting a work platform under a structure are provided whereby removable planks are supported by a plurality of cables strung between a plurality of platform travelers erected on either side of the structure. The planks are subsequently supported at various intervals by adjustable hanger mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a service suspension basket which is adapted to move on rails or similar mounting means which are secured on the under side of platform deck or on a similar, downwardly facing foundation, the service basket is supported via a number of join arm-formed, hydraulically pivotable support means with associated separate hydraulically operated catch claws on the rails or similar mounting means.

Abstract: A work platform and helicopter assembly for working on a high-voltage power line such as an EHV power line. A work platform comprising a rectangular base of electrically conductive material is disposed transversely across a pair of helicopter skid tubes that extend longitudinally beneath the helicopter fuselage. The work platform is attached to the skid tubes such that the skid tubes may be laterally displaceable, upon landing, or take-off, with respect to the work platform. The work platform includes a workman supporting portion that extends laterally from the side of at least one skid tube to support a workman working on a high-voltage power line. The work platform, skid tubes and helicopter are electrically connected so that they will all be at the same electrical potential when working on a power line. The work platform may include a portion adapted to carry cargo between the skid tubes.

Abstract: A self-propelled carriage for climbing a rope suspended from a high structure to which access is desired, the carriage being equipped with a seat, a motor and a motor driven shaft for engaging the rope. The rope may be wrapped around the shaft to clutch the rope in the manner of a windlass. The shaft may have a frictional surface and/or a spiral track to receive the rope.

Abstract: An anchoring rod extends vertically through a hollow box girder underlying a suspension bridge or suspended walkway. The anchoring rod is connected at its upper end to a suspension cable and is provided at its lower end with a stop member which can be tightened against the lower wall of the girder. The opening in the lower wall of the girder through which the anchoring rod extends is larger than the opening in the upper wall of the girder, and a tubular, load-bearing sleeve is carried on the anchoring rod through the lower wall opening. The tubular sleeve is sized so that the upper end abuts against the inner surface of the upper wall of the girder and the lower end abuts against the stop member when the stop member is tightened against the lower wall of the girder.

Abstract: A rescue basket is provided with a centrally placed guide tube extending upwardly from the bottom of the basket, thereby forming a guide for a handling wire which extends through the tube and under the basket is connected to a weight.

Abstract: A portable suspended scaffold utilizes a carriage having circumferentially grooved rollers which engage upturned flanges on a set of purlins. A suspension structure depends from the carriage such that workers may affix overhead fixtures such as roof panels to the purlins above the scaffold. The scaffold utilizes a plurality of platform elements which are removably carried by the suspension structure such that the scaffold may be manually propelled along the length of the purlin without having the workers thereon dismount.

Abstract: A rescue basket structure to be suspended from a helicopter winch cable comprises a cruciform-like suspension frame and a collapsible rectangular basket-like container suspended by cables from the frame. The suspension frame has tail fins to stabilize the structure when it is airborne and the cable configuration is designed to impart a scooping action to the container when it is lowered into water to facilitate access thereto by a person being rescued or an object being recovered. The basket-like container may also be partially covered over its base and may trail a sea anchor to enhance the scooping action.