MXPA06004798A - Universal hammock support - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the invention, a hammock support includes a helically shaped support member having a first end and a second end, the support member adapted to rest on a base and a pair of stability members coupled to the support member and adapted to prevent the support member from rotating around the axis of the support member. The support member is adapted to couple a first hammock to the support member at the first and second ends and a second hammock to the support member adjacent the first and second ends.

Description

UNIVERSAL SUPPORT FOR HAMMOCK CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the Provisional Patent Application: NUMBER: 60 / 428,553 SUBMISSION DATE: 11/21/2002 APPLICANT'S NAME: Benjamín M. Lee, Lubbock, Texas, E.U.A. TITLE OF THE INVENTION: Universal Support for Hammock This application claims the benefit of the Regular Patent Application: NUMBER: 10/701102 DATE OF SUBMISSION: 04/11/03 NAME OF THE APPLICANT: Be jamín M. Lee, Lubbock, Texas, E.U.A. TITLE OF THE INVENTION: Universal Support for Hammock FEDERALLY SPONSORED INVESTIGATION: Not Applicable LISTING OR PROGRAM OF SEQUENCES: Not Applicable TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention refers in general to the field of hammocks and more particularly to a universal support for hammock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION - Exposition of the Prior Art Typically, when a person hears the word "hammock" the thoughts of rest and relaxation enter the mind of the person. It is generally believed that hammocks are comfortable resting devices suspended between two trees outside in the backyard. However, hammocks can also be placed outside by the pool or even used indoors. Although there are many different designs for hammocks, there are usually two types of hammocks. The "American" style hammock typically has a spacer bar near each end of the hammock and is typically suspended between support points that are three to four feet above the ground and thirteen or fifteen feet apart. A "traditional" or Maya style hammock has no separating bar and is typically suspended between support points that are six feet above the ground and twelve feet apart. Additional Discussion of the Previous Technique - Non-Patent Literature Documents (NPLD) - Illustrations P, Q, R, S, T Several support pedestals for hammock are illustrated in the extracts of the catalogs listed as Non-Patent Literature Documents ( hereinafter NPLD) in the accompanying PTO / SB / 08B form, including illustrations P, Q and R. Illustrations P and Q show the American-style hammock. The illustration R shows a traditional style or modified Maya hammock. Figure S shows a traditional or true Maya hammock suspended between two trees and illustration T shows a true traditional hammock suspended from the ceiling or high points on the walls, illustrating that the traditional style hammock needs comparatively higher joining ends for the proper suspension. The hammock support pedestals shown in these illustrations are representative of the hammock pedestals of the prior art. Illustrations Q and R show hammock support pedestals that are designed to accommodate the American-style hammock, both of which have low attachment ends. The illustration R, which shows the modified traditional hammock, is designed to allow the user to extend the higher joining end to accommodate the modified traditional hammock. But this pedestal can not be extended enough to accommodate a true traditional hammock because it is not stiff enough to support the typical weight at the required height. The higher the ends of this pedestal extend, the more likely they are to bend upwards and allow the hammock to fall to the ground. Thus, the nature of its manufacture is such that these supports do not extend high enough to accommodate a true traditional hammock, as shown in the illustrations S and T. None of these pedestals have sufficiently high joining ends to adequately support and accommodate a hammock traditional true style at the optimal distance between the suspension points. The lack of adequacy of the support pedestals for hammocks of the prior art is indicated by the fact that when a traditional style hammock is shown in most of the current advertising literature, this is commonly attached to a tree, as in illustration S. If a traditional style hammock is shown indoors, it is commonly attached to the ceiling or to an elevated point on the wall, as in illustration T. BACKGROUND - Documents of US Patent The U.S. Patent No. 144,219 of F. Park describes a portable and substantial structure in which to swing a hammock. This consists of two curved clamps, hinged together at each end and provided with hooks. Patent of E.U. No. 280,081 of G. Rich describes a good-looking portable structure to suspend a hammock. The structure is light and strong and easily separated and put back together for easy use. The U.S. Patent No. 381,025 of W.F. Parmelee describes a portable and adjustable structure to support a hammock, an awning or tent, a table, a crib for a child, a horizontal bar for gymnastic exercises or a swing suspended from the bar. The U.S. Patent No. 935,445 to McClellen D. Wolf describes an improved hammock support structure incorporating a base having lateral members and arcuate elastic bars secured in their central portions on said side members. In addition, the side members have their ends connected together while an elastic support for the hammock extends between the ends thereof. The U.S. Patent No. 2,569,596 of E.W. Abderegg describes an improved hammock support for selectively suspending a hammock either on a roll stand or on a relatively non-incunable stand. The U.S. Patent No. 4,757,563 to Young N. discloses a hammock support for multiple purposes, comprising main support bars connected together by an extension member and support members connected to the main support bars through the end connection members. The U.S. Patent No. 4,975,994 to Peter Barmettler discloses an improved hammock support that can be dismantled into simple elements and stored in a bag, consisting of a shaped flexible beam similar to a keel formed by telescoped elements and beam-like support legs. The U.S. Patent No. 5,153,955 of Albert L. Singleton, Jr et al, describes a hammock pedestal consisting of a curved arch. The total sections are three, joined together with reeds and groove joints that are reinforced by fasteners and provided with a base to keep the arch in a straight orientation, thus creating an attractive pedestal of functional hammock without a large number of sections. The Patent of E.ü. No. 6,276,008 Bl of Fu-Ching Chen describes a hammock structure that can be disassembled into small parts for convenient storage and transportation, comprising two parts; each having a post and two connection tubes extending radially outward from each post. Each post has two collapsible legs pivotally connected to one of two ends thereof and tubes connected to the other end of each post. Patent of E.U. No. 6,467,109 Bl of Chung-Sen Wu discloses an improved hammock support installation having a collapsible support structure plus a hammock installation that folds easily. As can be seen from the patent and non-patent literature, there is a lack of acceptable structural designs to accommodate the traditional style hammock, which requires substantially different suspension criteria than the American-style hammock. In addition, no structure design can be found that is designed to accommodate both the traditional style hammock and the American hammock in an acceptable manner. BACKGROUND - Objectives and Advantages of Universal Hammock Support Accordingly, the invention provides several objectives and advantages over the prior art. American-style hammocks are typically suspended well between points that are 3 ?. at 4 * feet above the ground and 13 to 15 feet apart. The traditional hammock is typically suspended well between points that are approximately 6 feet above the ground and approximately 12 feet apart. An advantage of the Universal Hammock Support pedestal is that the attachment points are sufficiently elevated that a traditional style hammock 200 can be properly and conveniently joined and suspended, as shown in Figure 2B, 108. In addition, the preferred embodiment is designed to allow for proper and convenient attachment of the American-style hammock 202 to the lower attachment points on the pedestal, as shown in Figure 2C, 110.

The Universal Hammock Stand is the first pedestal that effectively accommodates both Traditional and American style hammocks. This is because the typical hammock pedestal is designed to support only the American style hammock. That is, if a traditional style hammock were attached to a typical hammock pedestal designed for American style hammocks, the traditional style hammock would be either stretched too tight or suspended above the ground. In addition, the Universal Hammock Stand is the first and only spiral or helically shaped pedestal that completely encloses the user with the structure. Therefore, the structure above the hammock gives the user something to grasp when entering and leaving the hammock. The structure can also be used to support a net or other material to keep out mosquitoes, rain, wind, cold or for other purposes and can be used for other accessories. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one embodiment of the invention, a hammock support includes a helically formed support member having a first end and a second end, the support member adapted to rest on a base and a pair of members. of stability coupled to the support member and adapted to prevent the support member from rotating about the axis of the support member. The support member is adapted to couple a first hammock to the support member at the first and second ends and a second hammock to the support member adjacent to the first and second ends. The embodiments of the invention provide a number of technical advantages. The embodiments of the invention may include all, some or none of these advantages. A hammock support according to one embodiment of the present invention is a Universal Hammock Support that is capable of suspending both traditional and American-style hammocks in the same structure. The Universal Hammock Support is a freestanding structure that increases the options of locating the hammock. In addition, the hammock holder completely encloses the user by having a main support member in the form of a spiral. This design facilitates the admission and the existence of the hammock. The design also facilitates easy adaptability to accessories, such as sun covers or insect nets. Other technical advantages are the apparent ease for a person skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions and claims. DRAWINGS - Brief Description of the Figures For a more complete understanding of the invention and for additional features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a Universal Hammock Support according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2A is an elevation view of the Universal Hammock Support of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2B is an elevation view of the Universal Hammock Support of Figure 2A illustrating a traditional style hammock being suspended therefrom; and Figure 2C is an elevation view of the Universal Hammock Support of Figure 2A illustrating an American-style hammock being suspended therefrom. ILLUSTRATIONS: - Brief Description of the Illustrations of Non-Patent Literature Documents (NPLD) The ILLUSTRATION of the Non-Patent Literature Document P (hereinafter NPLD) of American style hammock. ILLUSTRATION NPLD Q of the hammock support pedestal typical for American-style hammocks. ILLUSTRATION NPLD R of the support pedestal for traditional modified hammock. ILLUSTRATION NPLD S of hammock true traditional style suspended between trees.

ILLUSTRATION NPLD T of hammock real traditional style suspended between interior points. DRAWINGS - List of Reference Numbers 100 perspective view of the Universal Hammock Support 102 support member 104 stability members 108 attachment members 110 second pair of attachment members 112 first end of the support member 114 second end of the support member 116 horizontal base- with the ground DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are better understood by referring now to Figures 1-2C of the drawings, in which similar numerals refer to similar parts. Description - Preferred Modality - Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 2C Figure 1 is a perspective view of a model of a Universal Hammock Support 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As described in more detail below, what makes the hammock stand 100"universal" is that it is designed to suspend both traditional style hammocks and American-style hammocks using the same structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the hammock holder 100 includes a support member 102, a pair of stability members 104, a first pair of attachment members 108 and a second pair of attachment members 110. The support member 102 is illustrated in Figure 1 being formed in the shape of a helix; however, the support member 102 may take the form of any suitable type of three-dimensional spiral, helix, coil, partially wave-like, partially straight, or other shape that encloses the user. The support member 102 has approximately two turns from a first end 112 towards a second end 114, however, the support member 102 may have any suitable number of turns from the first end 112 to the second end 114. The member Support 102 can be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, wood, plastic or composite material. However, in one embodiment, the support member 102 is formed of metal tubing. The metal pipe can have any suitable diameter depending on the resistance desired for the hammock support 100. The support member 102 is adapted to rest on a base 116, which can be any suitable base, at two support points. To prevent the support member 102 from rotating about the axis, the hammock holder 100 includes stability members 104. The support members 102 and 104 may be integral or a combination of support pieces. The stability members 104 are any suitable member adapted to prevent the support member 102 from rotating about its axis. Any suitable member of the stability members 104 can be used within the teachings of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the stability members 104 are curved pieces of metal tubing (having either a concave or convex curvature) that engage the support member 102 in any suitable manner. For example, in a particular embodiment, the stability members 104 are separate elements of the support member 102 and have "compressed" ends that slide into the metal pipe used to form the support member 102 at the appropriate locations. In another particular embodiment, as illustrated more clearly in Figures 2A-2C, the stability members 104 are integral with the support member 102. Although illustrated as curved members, the stability members 104 may also be of other shapes. suitable, such as straight members, extending horizontally from the support member 102 with respect to the ground, as represented by the base 116. The first pair of connecting members 108 is coupled to the first end 114 and the second end 114 of the support member 102. The attachment members 108 may be coupled to the support member 102 in any suitable manner. In a particular embodiment, the connecting members 108 are integral with the support member 102. The connecting members 108 are adapted to couple a hammock to the supporting member 102. The connecting members 108 can be adapted to attach any suitable hammock to the support member 102; however, as described in greater detail below in conjunction with Figure 2B, the link members 108 can couple a traditional style hammock to the support member 102. The second pair of link members 110 is coupled to the support member 102 adjacent the first end 112 and second end 114 respectively. The second pair of connecting members 110 can be coupled to the support members in any suitable form and adapted to couple a hammock to the support member 102. The second pair of connecting members 110 can couple any suitable hammock to the support member 102; however, as described in more detail below along with Figure 2C, the second pair of link members 110 can attach an American-style hammock to the support member 102. Figures 2A to 2C are elevational views of the hammock support 100. according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2B illustrates a hammock support 100 that supports a traditional style hammock 200 and Figure 2C illustrates a hammock support 100 that hangs an American-style hammock 202. A traditional style hammock has no separating bar and is typically suspended between the hammock points. stand that are approximately 6 feet above the ground and twelve feet apart. As illustrated in Figures 2B, the traditional hammock 200 is suspended from the first pair of connecting members 108 at the first end 112 and the second end 114. The distance between the first pair of connecting members 108 is approximately 12 feet, which is the typical distance between the two. Support points of a traditional style hammock. In addition, the height of the first joining members 108 above the base 116 as shown in Figure 2B is approximately 6 feet, which is the typical height above the ground for a traditional style hammock. However, the present invention contemplates the hammock support 100 made in such a way that the first pair of connecting members 108 are separated at any suitable distance and are at any suitable height above the base 116. Referring to Figure 2C , an American-style hammock 202 is illustrated as being suspended between the second pair of tie members 110. The second pair of tie members 110 is illustrated in Figure 2C as being approximately 15 feet apart, which is the typical distance between the points of Stand that separates an American style hammock. In addition, the second pair of connecting members 110 are located at a height of approximately 4 feet above the base 116, which is the typical above ground clearance for the American-style hammock. However, the present invention contemplates the hammock support 100 made in such a way that the second pair of connecting members 110 is spaced any suitable distance and are at any suitable height above the base 116. In addition to being "universal" the support for hammock 100 is also adapted to include various accessories, such as a sun cover, mosquito net or other suitable accessories typically associated with hammocks. In addition, due to the vertical central arc 204 (FIG. 2A), a turntable fastened to the vertical central arc 204 may be suspended therefrom. Description - Operation - Figures 2B, 2C, 3A Figures 2B and 2C illustrate the various embodiments of the support Universal for Hammock 100 that can be used to accommodate a traditional style hammock and an American style hammock. Description - Conclusion, Branches and Scope So it can be seen that the Universal Hammock Holder provides a highly functional piece of a comfortable accessory for interiors or exteriors.

It provides the suspension of the traditional style hammock to its required height and accommodates the American-style hammock at its conventional height. Due to its helical shape it provides support members that users can grasp to get in or out of the hammock and a structure is provided on which a net or other covers can be placed for protection against various elements. Figure 3A illustrates that the simplicity of the design of the Universal Hammock Holder 100 suggests several ramifications. Although the embodiments of the invention and some of its advantages are described in detail, one skilled in the art can make various alterations, additions and omissions if departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the illustrated modes, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (4)

1. CLAIMS 1. A hammock support comprising: a helically formed support member having approximately two turns from a first end to a second end, the support member being adapted to rest on a base at two support points in such a manner that both the first end and the second end which are at a predetermined distance above the base; a pair of stability members coupled to the support member and adapted to prevent the support member from rotating about the axis of the support member; a first pair of joining members coupled to the first and second ends of the support member, the first pair of joining members being adapted to couple a first hammock to the support member; and a second pair of tie members coupled to the support member adjacent the first and second end, the second pair of tie members being adapted to couple a second strap to the support member.
2. 2. The hammock support of claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is approximately six feet.
3. 3. The hammock support of claim 1, wherein the stability members are comprised of a pair. The hammock support of claim 1, wherein the second pair of tie members is coupled to the support member such that the second pair of tie members is approximately four feet above the base when the member of support rests on the base.