Apparatus for controlled stabilized descent

Abstract

An apparatus for descent, suspension and retrieval of a worker through an opening in the ground includes a trailer having a boom assembly mounted thereon is described. The boom assembly includes telescopically extensible and retractable boom members that are extended downwardly by action of gravity through opening to a subsurface location. The worker is supported in a stabilized manner during descent, suspension, and retraction of the boom members.

1 . An apparatus for the descent and retrieval of a worker through an opening in a surface leading to a sub-surface location, the apparatus comprising: 
 a boom assembly having a plurality of elongate moveable boom members; and a support secured to the boom assembly for supporting a person to provide stabilized descent, suspension, and retraction of a person into the sub-surface location;    wherein at least some of the plurality of elongate moveable boom members are configured to telescope and to enter the sub-surface location.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of elongate moveable boom members are configured to telescope by sliding into the interior of other moveable boom members.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the boom assembly is pivotable with respect to the surface.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the boom assembly can rotate within at least one direction.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the boom assembly can rotate within at least two directions.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising means for limiting extensible movement of each boom member.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a power means for raising and lowering the support.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a mobile transport device.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the boom assembly is disposed in a substantially horizontally position when in an inoperative position.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the boom assembly is disposed in a substantially vertical position when in an operative position.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the boom assembly may be shifted between various operative positions.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a remote control for controlling operation of the apparatus from underground.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a device for forming a barrier around an opening through which the boom assembly can be extended and retracted.  
   
   
       14 . An apparatus for the descent and retrieval of a worker through an opening in a surface leading to a sub-surface location, the apparatus comprising: 
 a boom assembly having a plurality of elongate moveable boom members, wherein at least some of the elongate boom members can telescope by sliding into the interior of other moveable boom members; and    a support secured to the boom assembly for supporting a person to provide stabilized descent, suspension, and retraction of a person into the sub-surface location.    
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the boom assembly is pivotable with respect to the surface.  
   
   
       16 - 20 . (Cancelled)