Hammock

Abstract

A hammock (20) is described which comprises a pair of suspension points (22) provided on opposed sides that the hammock is arranged to suspend from in use. The hammock has a mid-section (25) for supporting a user's body in a direction perpendicular to a line (24) between the suspension points. The mid-section suspends from a pair of wings (29) extending outwardly from opposing lateral edges (28) of the mid-section to the suspension points. On each side of the hammock there may be provided a line of adjustable length (34) for raising a first portion of the mid-section, for example, for inclining the back of the hammock. Second lines of adjustable length (34) may be provided for raising a second portion of the mid-section to change the shape of the hammock further, for example raising the knees of the user to bring him or her into a fully-seated position. The hammock may further include a flysheet (40) to protect the user from the elements.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a hammock, and more particularly to a transverse hammock. Thus the hammock is of the type having two suspension points where a user of the hammock is supported on a mid-section that extends transversely to a line between the suspension points.INTRODUCTION[0002]In a traditional hammock, the body of the hammock extends longitudinally between two suspension points, with the user lying generally in-line with the suspension points (referred to below as a longitudinal hammock).[0003]One of the problems with a longitudinal hammock is that the hammock will sag between the suspension points, especially when under load, creating a curved bed that the user has to sleep in. This can result in a sleeping position that some will find uncomfortable.[0004]With the recent popularity in hammocks for recreational use and in particular for camping, there have been a number of developments in an alternative type of hammock design where the user lies ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0046]The hammock may be provided with a bug net, which attaches to the hammock, for example, by using a long zip or hook and eye fabric connection (e.g., Velcro®) provided around an upper part of the hammock. If a footbox is present then running the zip (or other connector) along an upper edge of the footbox facilitates an easier opening and closing of the zip while the user is seated in the hammock. The fabric of the wings also helps to avoid points where the stresses are concentrated such that it can make it difficult to connect and disconnect the bug net. A carabiner may be provided to hook the top of the bug net to a ridge line.

Problems solved by technology

One of the problems with a longitudinal hammock is that the hammock will sag between the suspension points, especially when under load, creating a curved bed that the user has to sleep in.

This can result in a sleeping position that some will find uncomfortable.

One criticism of the ropes is that, particularly in a camping hammock where the ropes are of a thin gauge to be as lightweight as possible, they can be prone to becoming tangled with each other as well as with any anchoring straps when the hammock is packed away in a sack.

This can be frustrating for the user when he / she comes to erect their hammock at a new site.

The points where the ropes connect to the lateral edges also represent points of high stress concentration and this can result in discomfort from the feeling of bands of tension under the user's body.

Where a side of the hammock is drawn up against the user, this tends to compress the material of the user's sleeping bag and this can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the sleeping bag's insulation to keep the user warm.

Camping pads and other lightweight mattresses are often used to provide a layer of thermal insulation between the user and the external environment, but these are often unrestrained within a hammock and can move around during use.

Where they are retained in pockets, care has to be taken, because the pad can then transfer loads in a way that creates points of high seam tension and possibly result in the hammock ripping.

This can result in less warmth being retained by the user.

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