HK1093874A - 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 hammock support

Cross reference to related applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application:

application No.: 60/428,553

Application date: 11/21/2002

The applicant: benjamin, M, Li, Luburk

United States, Texas

The invention name is as follows: universal hammock support

This application claims the benefit of U.S. general patent application:

application No.: 10/701102

Application date: 11/04/03

The applicant: benjamin, M, Li, Luburk

United States, Texas

The invention name is as follows: universal hammock support

Government funded research none

Sequence listing or programme none

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of hammocks, and more particularly to a universal hammock support.

Description of the background Art

Generally, when a person hears the word "hammock", the mind of rest and relaxation is floating in the brain. A hammock is generally considered to be a comfortable resting facility suspended between two trees in a backyard. However, the hammock may also be placed next to a swimming pool or even used indoors.

While there are hammocks of different designs, there are two types of hammocks in general terms. "american" hammocks typically have a drawstring bar (spreader bar) near both ends of the hammock, typically suspended between support points spaced 13 to 15 feet from the ground 3 to 4 feet apart. A "traditional" or maya-type hammock is typically suspended between support points 6 feet from the ground and 12 feet apart.

Further discussion of the prior art-non-patent document (NPLD) -legend P, Q, R, S, T

Some hammock support frames are illustrated in the accompanying tables PTO/SB/O8B listed as an extract from the non-patent literature (hereinafter NPLD) and including legends P, Q and R. Legends P and Q show american hammocks. Legend R shows a modified conventional or maya hammock. Legend S shows a traditional or maya hammock in the true sense suspended in the middle of two trees and legend T shows a traditional hammock in the true sense suspended from a ceiling or a high point on a wall, which illustrates the relatively high link ends required to properly suspend the traditional hammock. The hammock support frame in these illustrations represents a prior art hammock support.

Legends Q and R show hammock supports designed to accommodate american style hammocks, both having lower connection ends. Legend R shows a modified conventional hammock designed to allow the user to extend the connecting ends higher to accommodate the modified conventional hammock. But the support is not sufficiently extended to accommodate a conventional hammock in the true sense because it is not sufficiently rigid to withstand the typical weight that would be present at the necessary height. The higher the ends of such brackets extend, the greater the likelihood that they will bend upward and cause the hammock to fall to the ground. It is therefore the intention of its manufacture that these supports not be extendable high enough to accommodate a truly conventional hammock, as shown by examples S and T. None of these brackets have a sufficiently high attachment end to be suitable for supporting and accommodating a truly conventional hammock between suspension points at an optimum distance. The disadvantage of prior art hammock supports is due to the fact that conventional hammocks, which are currently shown in most advertising material, are typically attached to the tree, as illustrated by the drawing S. If the conventional hammock is used indoors, it is typically attached to the ceiling, or to a high point on a wall, such as in the illustration T.

background-U.S. patent document

U.S. patent No.144,219 to f.park discloses a portable, sturdy stand on which a hammock may be swung. It consists of two curved struts hinged together at each end and having a hook.

U.S. patent No.280,081 to g.w.rich discloses a compact appearing portable stand for hanging a hammock. The stand is light and strong and is easy to disassemble and reassemble for convenient use.

U.S. patent No.381,025 to w.f. parmelee discloses an adjustable portable stand for supporting a hammock, awning or tent, table, baby cradle, horizontal bar for gymnastic exercises, or swing suspended from the bar.

McClellen d.wolf, U.S. patent No.935,445, discloses an improved hammock support frame that includes a base having side members with arcuate resilient bars secured to the side members at a central location. Further, the ends of the side members are connected together as a resilient support when the hammock is extended between the ends.

U.S. patent No.2,569,596 to e.w. anderegg discloses an improved hammock support for selectively suspending a hammock from a swinging support or a relatively non-tiltable support.

U.S. patent No.4,757,563 to Young n.an discloses an improved multi-function hammock support including main support bars connected together by extension members, and support members connected to the main support bars by end connection members.

U.S. patent No.4,975,994 to Peter bargetter discloses an improved hammock support that can be disassembled into individual pieces and stored in a bag consisting of a keel-like flexible beam formed of telescoping connecting members and a bar-like support beam upright.

Us patent No.5,153,955 to Albert l.singleton, jr, et al discloses a hammock support consisting of a curved arch. The entire section is in three sections, joined by tongues and grooves and reinforced by fasteners, with a base to hold the arch in a vertical orientation, thereby creating an attractive, functional hammock support that does not require multiple sections.

U.S. patent No.6,276,008B 1 to Fu-chang Chen discloses a hammock support that can be split into small pieces for convenient storage and transport, comprising two parts; each having a post and two connecting tubes extending radially outward from each post. Each column has two collapsible legs pivotally connected to one of its two ends and a connecting tube connected to the other end of each column.

U.S. patent No.6,467,109B 1 to Chung-Sen Wu discloses an improved hammock support assembly that is a collapsible support frame, plus an easily collapsible hammock assembly.

As can be seen from these patent and non-patent documents, there is a lack of acceptable support designed for conventional hammocks, which requires suspension standards that are quite different from those of american hammocks. Further, there is no support design that is designed in an acceptable manner for both conventional and american hammocks.

Background of the invention-objects and advantages of the invention

The present invention thus provides several objects and advantages over the prior art. An american hammock is typically suspended between support points spaced 13 to 15 feet from the ground at 3.5 to 4.5 feet. Conventional hammock supports are suitably suspended between support points spaced 12 feet apart by approximately 6 feet from the ground. One advantage of the universal hammock support frame of the present invention is that the attachment points are sufficiently elevated so that the conventional hammock 200 may be conveniently attached and suspended as shown in fig. 2B 108. Further, the preferred embodiment is designed to allow for a suitable and convenient attachment of the american hammock 202 to the support at the lower attachment point 110, as shown in fig. 2C.

The universal hammock support of the present invention is the first support that can be effectively used in conventional hammocks and american hammocks. This is because typical hammock supports are designed to support only american hammocks. That is, if a conventional hammock is attached to a typical hammock support designed to be suitable for use with a american hammock, the conventional hammock will either be too taut or will hang down on the ground. Further, the universal hammock support of the present invention is the first and only one type of helical or spiral support with which the user can be completely encircled. Thus, the cot holder provides what they can grasp when a user enters or leaves the cot. The stand may also be used to support a mosquito net or other material that is resistant to mosquitoes, rain, wind, freezing, or for other purposes, as well as for other accessories.

Summary of The Invention

According to one embodiment of the invention, a hammock support includes a spiral support member having a first end and a second end, the support member being adapted to rest on a base, and a pair of stabilizing members coupled to the support member for preventing rotation of the support member about its axis. The support member is used to connect the first hammock to the support member at first and second ends thereof and to connect the second hammock to the support member adjacent the first and second ends.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a number of technical advantages. Embodiments of the invention may include all, some, or none of these advantages. The hammock support according to one embodiment of the invention is a universal hammock support that is capable of suspending both conventional and american hammocks from the same support. The universal hammock support is a stand-alone support, which increases the room for selecting the placement position of the hammock. In addition, the hammock support is able to completely encircle the user because the main support member is helical. This design facilitates entry and exit from the hammock. This design also makes it easy to adapt to various accessories, such as awnings or insect nets.

Other technical advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

Brief description of the figures

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and for further features and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a universal hammock support according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view of the universal hammock support of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a front view of the universal hammock support of FIG. 2A, illustrating a conventional hammock suspended from the support; and

FIG. 2C is a front view of the universal hammock support of FIG. 2A, illustrating the American style hammock suspended from the support.

Legend-brief description of the legend of the non-patent document (NPLD)

The non-patent document P (hereinafter referred to as NPLD) is illustrated as a U.S. hammock.

Legend NPLDQ is for a typical hammock support frame for american style hammocks.

Legend NPLDR is for the hammock support frame of the modified conventional hammock.

Legend NPLDS is a truly conventional hammock suspended between two trees.

Legend NPLDT is a truly conventional hammock suspended between two points in a room.

Attached drawings-list of reference numerals

Perspective view of 100 universal hammock support

102 support member

104 stabilizing member

108 connecting part

110 second pair of connecting members

112 first end of the support member

114 second end of the support member

116 base parallel to the ground

Detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to fig. 1-2C, wherein like numerals refer to like parts.

Description-preferred embodiments-FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C

Fig. 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 further detail below, making the hammock support 100 "universal" means that it is designed to use the same support to suspend both conventional and American hammocks. In the illustrated embodiment, the hammock support includes a support member 102, a pair of stabilizing members 104, a first pair of connecting members 108, and a second pair of connecting members 110.

The support member 102 illustrated in fig. 1 is helical; the support member 102 may take any suitable shape, such as a three-dimensional spiral, coiled, partially undulating, partially straight, or other form that may encircle the user. The support member 102 has about two turns from the first end 112 to the second end 114; the support member 102 may have any suitable number of turns from the first end 112 to the second end 114. The support member 102 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, wood, plastic, or composite materials. In one embodiment, however, the support member 102 is formed from a metal tube. The metal tubes may have any suitable diameter, as determined by the desired strength of the hammock support 100. The support member 102 is adapted to rest on a base at two support points, which may be any suitable base. To avoid rotation of the support member 102 about its axis, the hammock support 100 includes a stabilizing member 104. The support members 102 and 104 can be integral or a combination of support assemblies.

The stabilizing member 104 may be any suitable member for preventing the support member 102 from rotating about its axis. Any suitable number of stabilizing members 104 may be used in the teachings of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing members 104 are curved metal tubes (having a concave or convex curvature) attached to the support members 102 in any suitable manner. For example, in one particular embodiment, the stabilizing member 104 is a separate member from the support member 102 and has a "forged" end that is slid into a metal tube that is used to form the support member 102 in place. In another particular embodiment, the securing member 104 is more clearly illustrated in figures 2A-2C as being integrally formed with the support member 102. Although the stabilizing member 104 is illustrated as a curved member, the stabilizing member 104 may be other suitable shapes, such as a straight member, that extends horizontally from the support member 102 relative to the ground (represented by the base 116).

The first pair of connecting members 108 are connected to the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the support member 102. The connecting member 108 may be connected to the support member 102 in any suitable manner. In a particular embodiment, the connecting member 108 is integrally formed with the support member 102. The connecting member 108 is used to connect the hammock to the support member. The connecting member 108 may be used to connect any suitable hammock to the support member 102; however, as described further below in conjunction with FIG. 2B, the connecting member 108 may couple a conventional hammock to the support member 102.

The second pair of connecting members 110 are connected to the support member 102 proximate the first end 112 and the second end 114, respectively. The second pair of connecting members 110 may also be connected to the support member and used to connect the hammock to the support member 102 in any suitable manner. The second pair of connecting members 110 may connect any suitable hammock to the support member 102; however, as described further below in conjunction with FIG. 2C, a second pair of connecting members may connect the American style hammock to the support member 102.

Fig. 2A-2C are front views of a hammock support 100 according to various embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2B illustrates the hammock support 100 supporting a conventional hammock 200, and fig. 2C illustrates the hammock support 100 suspending a american hammock 202.

Conventional hammocks, which have no drawstrings, are typically suspended at support points spaced 12 feet apart by about 6 feet from the ground. As illustrated in fig. 2B, a conventional hammock 200 is suspended from the first and second ends 112, 114 of the connecting member 108. The distance between the first pair of link members 108 is approximately 12 feet, which is a typical distance between the support points of conventional hammocks. Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first pair of connecting members 108 are approximately 6 feet from the base 116, which is a typical height of a conventional hammock relative to the ground. However, the present invention contemplates the hammock support 100 being manufactured so that the first pair of connecting members may be spaced any suitable distance apart and at any suitable height from the base 116.

Referring to fig. 2C, the american style hammock 202 is shown suspended between the second pair of link members 110. The second pair of connecting members 110 illustrated in fig. 2C are spaced approximately 15 feet apart, which is a typical distance between the support points of the american hammock. Additionally, the second pair of connecting members 110 is located at a height of about 4 feet from the base 116, which is a typical distance of the U.S. hammock from the ground. However, the present invention contemplates the hammock support 100 being constructed so that the second pair of connecting members 110 may be spaced any suitable distance apart and at any suitable height from the base 116.

In addition to "universal", the hammock support 100 may also be adapted to include various accessories, such as a canopy, mosquito net, or other suitable accessories commonly used with hammocks. In addition, due to the upright center bar 204 (fig. 2A), a rotating table clamped to the upright center bar 204 may hang down from the bar.

description-operation-FIGS. 2B, 2C, 3A

Fig. 2B and 2C illustrate that different embodiments of the universal hammock support 100 of the present invention can be used with conventional hammocks and american hammocks.

Description-conclusions, derivation and scope

It can thus be seen that the universal hammock support of the present invention provides a versatile unit for both indoor and outdoor recreational use. It allows conventional hammocks to be suspended at the necessary height and uses american hammocks at their conventional height. Due to the spiral shape of the hammock support, it provides the user with a support member that can be grasped when entering and exiting the hammock, as well as a support upon which a mesh or other covering can be draped against various elements.

Fig. 3A illustrates the simplicity of the universal hammock support 100 design, which implies a variety of derivations.

Although embodiments of the present invention and some advantages have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and omissions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (4)

1. A hammock support comprising:

a spiral support member having about two turns from a first end to a second end, said support member adapted to be placed at two support points of a base such that said first end and said second end are a predetermined distance above the base;

a pair of stabilizing members connected to the support member for preventing the support member from rotating about its axis;

a first pair of connecting members connected to the first end and the second end of the support member, the first pair of connecting members for connecting a first hammock to the support member; and

a second pair of connecting members connected to the support member adjacent the first and second ends, the second pair of connecting members for connecting a second hammock to the support member.

2. The hammock support of claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is about 6 feet.

3. The hammock support of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing member comprises a pair.

4. The hammock support of claim 1, wherein the second pair of connecting members are connected to the support member such that when the support member is seated on the base, the second pair of connecting members are approximately 4 feet from the base.