Retrieval systems and methods for floating objects

A method for displacing a floating object comprising:

• providing at least one jaw assembly operable in an open configuration and a closed configuration, where, when the at least one jaw assembly is in the open configuration, the at least one jaw assembly defines a jaw gap through which the floating object may pass;
• providing a latch assembly operable in a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration;
• and
• supporting the latch assembly on the at least one jaw assembly such that
• when the latch assembly is in the latched configuration, the latch assembly maintains the at least one jaw assembly in the open configuration,
• when the latch assembly is placed from the latched position into the unlatched position, the latch assembly allows the at least one jaw assembly to move from the open configuration into the closed configuration;
• connecting a lift assembly to the at least one jaw assembly;
• arranging the latch assembly in the latched configuration such that the at least one jaw assembly is in the open configuration;
• and
• operating the lift assembly such that the object passes through the jaw gap and engages the latch assembly to place the latch assembly in the unlatched configuration and allow the at least one jaw assembly to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration;
• operating the lifting assembly to displace the jaw assemblies and the floating object.

A system for engaging a floating object comprising:

• at least one jaw assembly operable in an open configuration and a closed configuration;
• a latch assembly comprising a release plate, the latch assembly being operable in a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration;
• whereby
• the at least one jaw assembly supports the latch assembly such that, when the latch assembly is in the latched configuration, the latch assembly maintains the at least one jaw assembly in the open configuration;
• when the at least one jaw assembly is in the open configuration, the at least one jaw assembly defines a jaw gap through which the floating object may pass;
• the latch plate of the latch assembly is adapted to engage the floating object when the floating object has passed through the jaw gap such that the latch assembly is placed from the latched position into the unlatched position;
• when the latch assembly is placed from the latched position into the unlatched position, the latch assembly allows the at least one jaw assembly to move from the open configuration into the closed configuration;
• and
• the at least one jaw assembly is adapted to engage the floating object when in the closed configuration and thereby allow the lifting assembly to displace the at least one jaw assembly and the floating object.