Portable hammock kit

Abstract

A hammock kit comprises a hammock, and a portable hammock stand adaptable to connecting with and suspending the hammock. The portable hammock stand comprises: a proximal bipod comprising a first proximal support pole and a second proximal support pole; a distal bipod comprising a first distal support pole and a second distal support pole; a ridgepole having a proximal end and a distal end, and extending between the proximal bipod and the distal bipod; a distal multifunctional hammock stand hub; a proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub; and at least one stabilizer pole. Each of the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub and the proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub comprises: a body comprising a plurality of slots.

Description

PORTABLE HAMMOCK KITCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 620,173 filed January 12, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure is generally directed to hammocks, specifically portable hammocks and pole systems as hammock stands for supporting portable hammocks. Other bipod stands rely on a bipod that leans inward at top and extra heavy ridgepole to hold the weight in a hammock and are very wobbly. The hammock stands are often stabilized via stakes and guy lines while the hammocks are attached to the ridgepole. Other stands with ridge poles use tripods or quadrapods which rely on each leg for even weight distribution to hold an attached ridgepole which is hung from beneath their centers to support the weight in a hammock which attaches to each end of the ridge pole. What is needed in the art is an easy way to change out or add poles and or attachments inline or onto the end of a series of shock corded objects such as support poles for a portable hammock.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In an embodiment there is a portable hammock kit. The hammock kit comprises a hammock, and a portable hammock stand adaptable to connecting with and suspending the hammock. The portable hammock stand comprises: a proximal bipod comprising a first proximal support pole and a second proximal support pole; a distal bipod comprising a first distal support pole and a second distal support pole; a ridgepole having a proximal end and a distal end, and extending between the proximal bipod and the distal bipod; a distal multifunctional hammock stand hub; a proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub; and at least one stabilizer pole. Each of the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub and the proximal multifunctional hammock stand hubs comprise: a body comprising a plurality of slots. The plurality of slots comprise: a first support pole-receiving slot extending in a first direction; a second support polereceiving slot extending in a second direction that is different than the first direction; astabilizer pole-receiving slot extending in a third direction, wherein the third direction is different than the first and second directions; and a ridge pole-receiving slot extending in a fourth direction, wherein the fourth direction is different than the first, second and third directions. The distal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the first distal support pole via an end of the first distal support pole inserted in the first support pole-receiving slot. The distal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the second distal support pole via an end of the second distal support pole inserted in the second support pole-receiving slot. The distal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the distal end of the ridge pole via the distal end of the ridge pole inserted in the ridge pole-receiving slot. The proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the first proximal support pole via an end of the first proximal support pole inserted in the first support pole-receiving slot. The proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the second proximal support pole via an end of the second proximal support pole inserted in the second support pole-receiving slot. The proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the proximal end of the ridge pole via the proximal end of the ridge pole inserted in the ridge pole-receiving slot. The at least one stabilizer pole comprises a distal stabilizer pole, the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub further connects to the distal stabilizer pole via an end of the distal stabilizer pole inserted in the stabilizer pole-receiving slot.

[0004] In another embodiment there is a portable hammock stand, comprising: a proximal bipod comprising a first proximal support pole and a second proximal support pole; a distal bipod comprising a first distal support pole and a second distal support pole; a ridgepole having a proximal end and a distal end, and extending between the proximal bipod and the distal bipod; a distal multifunctional hammock stand hub; a proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub; and at least one stabilizer pole. Each of the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub and the proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub comprises: a body comprising a plurality of slots wherein the plurality of slots comprise: a first support pole-receiving slot extending in a first direction; a second support pole-receiving slot extending in a second direction that is different than the first direction; a stabilizer pole-receiving slot extending in a third direction, wherein the third direction is different than the first and second directions; and a ridge pole-receiving slot extending in a fourth direction, wherein the fourth direction is different than the first, second and third directions. The distal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the first distal support pole via an endof the first distal support pole inserted in the first support pole-receiving slot. The distal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the second distal support pole via an end of the second distal support pole inserted in the second support pole-receiving slot. The distal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the distal end of the ridge pole via the distal end of the ridge pole inserted in the ridge pole-receiving slot. The proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the first proximal support pole via an end of the first proximal support pole inserted in the first support polereceiving slot. The proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the second proximal support pole via an end of the second proximal support pole inserted in the second support pole-receiving slot. The proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the proximal end of the ridge pole via the proximal end of the ridge pole inserted in the ridge pole-receiving slot. The at least one stabilizer pole comprises a distal stabilizer pole. The distal multifunctional hammock stand hub further connects to the distal stabilizer pole via an end of the distal stabilizer pole inserted in the stabilizer pole-receiving slot.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, there is a multifunctional hammock stand hub, comprising: a body comprising a plurality of slots wherein the plurality of slots comprise: a first support pole-receiving slot extending in a first direction; a second support pole-receiving slot extending in a second direction that is different than the first direction; a stabilizer pole-receiving slot extending in a third direction, wherein the third direction is different than the first and second directions; and a ridge pole-receiving slot extending in a fourth direction, wherein the fourth direction is different than the first, second and third directions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. l is a perspective view of a portable hammock kit of an embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2A is a perspective view a portable hammock stand of an embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2B is a side-perspective view of the portable hammock stand of FIG. 2A.

[0009] FIGS. 2C-2D are side-perspective views of the portable hammock stand of FIG. 2A illustrated as being set up on substantially even terrain.

[0010] FIG. 2E is a side-perspective view of the portable hammock stand of FIG. 2A illustrated as being set up on uneven terrain.

[0011] FIG. 3A is side view of a hammock stand of an embodiment having first dimensions.

[0012] FIG. 3B is a side view of a hammock stand of an embodiment having second dimensions.

[0013] FIG. 3C is a front-side view of a hammock stand of an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3D is a top view of the hammock stand of FIG. 3C.

[0015] FIG. 3E is a back-side view of the hammock stand of FIG. 3C.

[0016] FIG. 3F is a proximal end-view of the hammock stand of FIG. 3C.

[0017] FIG. 3G is a distal end-view of the hammock stand of FIG. 3C.

[0018] FIG. 4A is a front-perspective view of a multifunctional hammock stand hub of an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 4B is a rear-perspective view of the multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG. 4 A.

[0020] FIG. 4C is a slightly rotated front-perspective view of the multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG. 4 A.

[0021] FIG. 4D is a side view of the multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG. 4A.

[0022] FIG. 4E is a front view of the multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG.4A.

[0023] FIG. 4F is a rear view of the multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG. 4A.

[0024] FIG. 4G is a partial cross-sectional view of the multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG. 4 A.

[0025] FIG. 4H is a deeper cross-sectional view of the multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG. 4 A.

[0026] FIG. 41 is a rear view of a multifunctional hammock stand hub of another embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 4J is a front-perspective view of the multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG. 41.

[0028] FIG. 4K is a side perspective-view of a multifunctional hammock stand hub of another embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 4L is a side-perspective view of the multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG. 4K.

[0030] FIG. 4M is a bottom perspective-view of a multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG. 4K.

[0031] FIG. 4N is another bottom perspective view of the multifunctional hammock stand hub of FIG. 4K.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portable hammock kit of another embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable hammock kit of another embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a portable hammock kit of another embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 7B is a side view of a portable hammock kit of FIG. 7A.

[0036] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the portable hammock stand of the portable hammock kit of FIG. 7B.

[0037] FIG. 7D is a close-up rear-perspective view of a multifunctional hammock stand hub of another embodiment that allows direct attachment of different length tarps to the stand without needing to attach cordage to a tarp pole.

[0038] FIGS. 7E-7F are close-up perspective views of the multifunctional hammock stand hub showing movement of an associated tarp pole.

[0039] FIG. 8A is a side-view of a pole segment of an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 8B is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of an internally disposed length of shock cord along with segment end-caps.

[0041] FIG. 9A-9B are perspective views of an end-cap of an embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a length of shock cord.

[0043] FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate assembly and combining of two adjacent pole segments to form a longer pole.

[0044] FIG. 12A is a side-perspective view of a multifunctional hammock stand hub attached to a longer pole.

[0045] FIG. 12B is a partial, side-perspective view of a multifunctional hammock stand hub attached to a longer pole, and partially illustrates the process of attachment thereof.

[0046] FIG. 12C is a partial, side-perspective view of a multifunctional hammock stand hub attached to a longer pole, and partially illustrates the process of attachment thereof and removal of the end cap.

[0047] FIG. 12D is a side view of a ridge pole connected to a hub.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a flow-chart representation of a method for assembling a portable hammock stand of an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0050] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "less than 10" can include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub -ranges having a minimum value of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, e.g., 1 to 5. In certain cases, the numerical values as stated for the parameter can take on negative values. In this case, the example value of range stated as “less than 10” can assume negative values, e.g. -1, -2, -3, - 10, -20, -30, etc.

[0051] The following embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only with reference to the Figures. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the following description is exemplary in nature, and that various modifications to the parameters set forth herein could be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as examples only. The various embodiments presented in the specification and examples are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, a portable hammock kit 100, includes a hammock 20, and a portable hammock stand 10. The portable hammock stand 10 may be adaptable to connecting with and suspending the hammock 20.

[0053] The portable hammock stand 10 may comprise an interchangeable pole system, such as an interchangeable shock corded pole system as described further below. The interchangeable pole system may comprise a plurality of elongate poles. At least one of the plurality of elongate poles may comprise a plurality of interconnected polesegments (also referred to herein as pole sections). Each of the plurality of interconnected pole segments may comprise one or more interconnectable pole segments (adjacent interconnectable pole segments are indicated in FIG. 1 by the periodic hash-marks along hammock stand 10, though stand 10 is not limited to such periodicity or symmetry between interconnectable pole segments or pole segments having the same length). Each of the one or more interconnectable pole segments may comprise a first end having a first outer diameter and a second end having a second outer diameter, wherein the first outer diameter is larger than the second outer diameter. Thus, to increase a length of an elongate pole, a first one of the one or more interconnectable pole segments may be detachably coupled to a second one of the one or more interconnectable pole segments. For example, a first end of the first interconnectable pole segments (the first end having the first, larger diameter) may receive a second end of an other interconnectable pole segment (the second end having the second, smaller diameter). The length of the elongate pole may be further increased such that the interconnected pole segments comprise the second interconnectable pole segment detachably coupled to a third pole segment, and so on and so forth.

[0054] The plurality of elongate poles may be received by at least one multifunctional hub, such as a multifunctional hammock stand hub. At least one of the elongate poles may comprise one or more interconnectable pole segments. At least one of the elongate poles may be formed as a ridge pole, and may be received by two multifunctional hammock stand hubs, one hub each for respective ends of the ridge pole. That is, a proximal end of the ridge pole may be received by a proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub and a distal end of the ridge pole may be received by a distal multifunctional hammock stand hub. At least two of the elongate poles separate from the elongate pole of the ridge pole may be received by one of the two multifunctional hammock stand hubs to form a first proximal bipod, wherein the first proximal bipod comprises a first of the two of the elongate poles as a first proximal support pole and a second of the two elongate poles as a second proximal support pole. Another one of the elongate poles separate from the elongate pole of the ridge pole and separate from the two elongate poles of the first bipod, may be received by the one of the two multifunctional hammock stand hubs to form a stabilizer pole. At least another two of the elongate poles separate from the elongate pole of the ridge pole and separate from the two elongate poles of the first proximal bipod may be received by another one of the two multifunctional hammock stand hubs to form a second distal bipod, wherein the second distal bipodcomprises a first of the two other elongate poles as a first distal support pole and a second of the two other elongate poles as a second proximal support pole. The pole system may further include at least one pole line. The pole line may include a single pole line or a plurality of interconnected pole line segments. For example, the at least one pole line may extend from the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub to the proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub and through the ridge pole, thereby forming a ridge line.

[0055] At least one of the first proximal support pole, second proximal support pole, first distal support pole, second distal support pole, at least one stabilizer pole, and the ridge pole may comprise a single, non-segmented pole. In other words, at least one of the first proximal support pole, second proximal support pole, first distal support pole, second distal support pole, at least one stabilizer pole, and the ridge pole may comprise a single elongate pole that does not comprise a plurality of interconnected pole segments.

[0056] For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the portable hammock stand 10 includes: first bipod (e.g., proximal bipod 1415) comprising a first proximal support pole 14 and a second proximal support pole 15. The portable hammock stand 10 includes a second bipod (e.g., distal bipod 1617) comprising a first distal support pole 16 and a second distal support pole 17. Portable hammock stand 10 includes a ridgepole 11 having a proximal end 111 and a distal end 211, and extending between the proximal bipod 1415 and the distal bipod 1617. The portable hammock stand 10 includes at least one multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, such as a proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub 12 and distal multifunctional hammock stand hub 13. The portable hammock stand 10 includes at least one stabilizer pole such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and distal stabilizer pole 19.

[0057] At least one of the first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, first distal support pole 16, second distal support pole 17, the at least one stabilizer pole such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and / or distal stabilizer pole 19, and the ridge pole 11 may be formed of a plurality of interconnected pole segments (also referred to herein as pole sections) to form an elongate pole, or may be formed of a single nonsegmented elongate pole. In an embodiment, each of the first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, first distal support pole 16, second distal support pole 17, the at least one stabilizer pole such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and / or distal stabilizer pole 19, and the ridge pole 11 separately comprise elongate poles formed ofa plurality of interconnected pole segments. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the elongate poles that make up the portable hammock stand 10 are shown with a plurality of segmentation lines to indicate where each of the plurality of interconnected pole segments abut one another. However, for simplicity of illustration, segmentation lines such as those that appear in the portable hammock stand 10 in FIG. 1 as described above, are omitted in other figures.

[0058] In an embodiment, the hammock stand 10 comprises two stabilizers, such as proximal stabilizer 18 and distal stabilizer 19, which allows for setting the ends of the hammock stand substantially level to one another.

[0059] At least one of the first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, first distal support pole 16, second distal support pole 17, the at least one stabilizer pole such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and / or distal stabilizer pole 19, and the ridge pole 11 may be made from at least one metal, at least one metal alloy, at least one polymer, at least one metal-polymer alloy, at least one composite, or combinations thereof. For example, at least one of the first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, first distal support pole 16, second distal support pole 17, the at least one stabilizer pole such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and / or distal stabilizer pole 19, and the ridge pole 11 may be made of 6000 series aluminum, carbon-fiber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), glass reinforced nylon, an injection molded plastic or combinations thereof.

[0060] At least one of the first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, first distal support pole 16, second distal support pole 17, the at least one stabilizer pole such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and / or distal stabilizer pole 19, and the ridge pole 11 may be extruded, cast, machined, molded, injection molded, 3D printed, or combinations thereof.

[0061] The at least one stabilizer pole, such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and distal stabilizer pole 19, allows the portable hammock stand 10 to be freestanding without the need for tie-down stakes or guy lines. That is, the at least one stabilizer pole, such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and / or distal stabilizer pole 19, may serve to prevent the portable hammock stand 10 from tipping. While not limited to any particular function, however, the hammock stand does not necessarily rely on the at least one stabilizer pole, such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and / or distal stabilizer pole 19, to bear constant weight; rather for such purpose, the portable hammock stand 10 depends on the one or more legs, for example the support poles of first bipod (e.g., proximal bipod 1415)comprising a first proximal support pole 14 and a second proximal support pole 15, and the second bipod (e.g., distal bipod 1617) comprising a first distal support pole 16 and a second distal support pole 17, to bear the major load to support itself, aside from instances where a tipping event causes a load shift onto the at least one stabilizer pole, such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and distal stabilizer pole 19. For example, in the case that a load (such as a hammock with or without a user supported thereon) on portable hammock stand 10 is supported by the bipods 1415 and 1617, the at least one stabilizer pole, such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and proximal stabilizer pole 19, is not regularly a load bearing member. Meanwhile, in the case of a tipping or off-balance event experienced by the first bipod (e.g., proximal bipod 1415) or second bipod (e.g., distal bipod 1617), the at least one stabilizer pole such as proximal stabilizer pole 18 and / or distal stabilizer pole 19 may provide an additional load point, though not intended to be a constantly-load-bearing member. This is illustrated in FIGS. 2C-2D which represent the case of a user laying on hammock 20 supported by portable hammock stand 10, such as when the user leans toward one side of the hammock or the other. As the user moves and a force / load is directed toward the proximal or distal side of the portable hammock stand, the hammock stand will undergo a rocking motion (as represented by the curved arrows in FIGS. 2C-2D). There, the corresponding side’s stabilizer pole (proximal stabilizer pole 18 in FIG. 2C and distal stabilizer pole 19 in FIG. 2D as the case may be) catches the additional applied force to provide five points of contact. For example, in FIG. 2C four points of contact exist between the ground and each of first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, first distal support pole 16, and second distal support pole 17, and a fifth point of contact exists between the ground and proximal stabilizer pole 18 with a space (i.e., no contact) between the ground and distal stabilizer pole 19 (as represented by distance h).

[0062] The two bipods (i.e., proximal bipod 1415 and distal bipod 1617) with the at least one stabilizer (i.e., at least one of the proximal stabilizer pole 18 and distal stabilizer pole 19) may be disposed on a surface in a manner to provide the at least five points of contact advantageously allows for the hammock stand to be set up on both substantially even or flat ground, or on non-uniform ground. In other words, perfectly flat ground is not required for use of the hammock. Accordingly, the portable hammock stand 10 may be utilized on a slight slope, bumpy ground (i.e., forest floor which may contain irregularities such as tree-roots) and / or rocky ground. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2E, portable hammock stand 10 may may be manipulated to matchthe terrain and establish six points of contact, for example, by moving one or more of the first (proximal) bipod, second (distal) bipod, the at least one stabilizer pole, and / or the ridge pole up or down. For example, as indicated by the horizontal arrows, when first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15 or both of first (proximal) bipod 1415, and first distal support pole 16, second distal support pole 17 or both of second (distal) bipod 1617 are moved toward or away from one another, along with or separately moving at least a portion of ridge pole 11 by a distance h’ as indicated by the double-headed vertical arrow, then one or both of stabilizer pole 18 and stabilizer pole 19 may contact the uneven terrain to provide up to six points of contact therewith and prevent the portable hammock stand 10 from tipping over.

[0063] Accordingly, in providing for at least five points of contact, the bipod with at least one stabilizer design advantageously eliminates the need for a heavy top rail found in conventional portable hammock stands where, because weight would otherwise be evenly distributed on both sides between three or more equally spaced and equal length legs and cause bowing of the ridgepole, the top rail was required to be very heavy, leading to top-heaviness and easily tippable conventional hammock stands.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3A, the first proximal support pole 14 may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a first proximal support pole length 14’, ridge pole 11 may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a ridge pole length 11’, and / or proximal stabilizer pole 18 may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a proximal stabilizer pole length 18’. Similarly, second proximal support pole 15 (not visible in FIG. 3 A) may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a second proximal pole length that is the same or different than first proximal support pole length 14’, first distal support pole 16 may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a first distal support pole length that is the same or different than first proximal support pole length 14’, second distal support pole 17 (not visible in FIG. 3A) may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a second distal support pole length that is the same or different than first proximal support pole length 14’, and / or distal stabilizer pole 19 may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a distal stabilizer pole length that is the same or different than proximal stabilizer pole length 18’.

[0065] As noted above, at least one of ridge pole 11, first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, first distal support pole 16, second distal support pole 17, proximal stabilizer pole 18, and distal stabilizer pole 19 may be provided as a plurality of interconnected pole segments or as a single length of non-segmented pole.In an embodiment, the corresponding length of at least one of ridge pole 11, first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, first distal support pole 16, second distal support pole 17, proximal stabilizer pole 18, and distal stabilizer pole 19 may be increased with the addition of one or more interconnected pole segments to the existing length of interconnected pole segment(s), or reduced with the removal of one or more interconnected pole segments from the existing length of interconnected pole segment(s). Thus, as shown in FIG. 3B, the first proximal support pole 14 may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a first proximal support pole length 14” that is different than first proximal support length 14’, ridge pole 11 may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a ridge pole length 11” that is different than ridge pole 11’, and / or proximal stabilizer pole 18 may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a proximal stabilizer pole length 18” that is different than proximal stabilizer pole length 18’. Similarly, second proximal support pole 15 (not visible in FIG. 3B) may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a second proximal pole length that is the same or different than first proximal support pole length 14”, first distal support pole 16 may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a first distal support pole length that is the same or different than first proximal support pole length 14”, second distal support pole 17 (not visible in FIG. 3B) may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a second distal support pole length that is the same or different than first proximal support pole length 14”, and / or distal stabilizer pole 19 may be provided as an elongate pole comprising a distal stabilizer pole length that is the same or different than proximal stabilizer pole length 18”.

[0066] Each pole segment may have a length of from about 12 inches to about 40 inches, for example, from about 15 inches to about 36 inches, including from about 18 inches to about 34 inches. Each elongate pole, which may be formed of a plurality of interconnected pole segments, may have an overall length of from about 30 inches to about 160 inches, for example from about 48 inches to about 144 inches, including from about 62 inches to about 126 inches.

[0067] Each pole segment may comprise an outer diameter selected from the range of from about 14.8 mm to about 32 mm. Each pole segment may comprise an inner diameter selected from the range of from about 10 mm to about 28 mm.

[0068] Each of the at least one multifunctional hammock stand hub 30 connects the bipod supports, ridge pole and stabilizer poles at pre-determined angles relative to one another via multiple accommodating slots. As shown in FIGS. 3C-3G, the at least onemultifunctional hammock stand hub 30, such as a proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub 12 and distal multifunctional hammock stand hub 13, are adapted to receive and connect with corresponding ends of support poles, stabilizer poles and the ridge pole at pre-determined angles. In an embodiment, proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub 12 receives and connects with first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, a proximal end of ridge pole 11, and / or proximal stabilizer pole 18. In an embodiment, distal multifunctional hammock stand hub 13 receives and connects with first distal support pole 16, second distal support pole 17, a distal end of ridge pole 11, and / or stabilizer pole 19.

[0069] As specifically shown in FIG. 3C, first stabilizer pole 18 may extend 3 from ridge pole 11 at an angle 0i of from about 90° to about 135°, including from about 100° to about 120°, for example from about 105° to 112°, including about 108°, while first distal support pole 16 may extend 5 from ridge pole 11 at an angle 02 of from about 45° to about 90°, including from about 60° to about 80°, for example from about 65° to about 75°, including about 72°. Similarly, one or more of first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15 (not visible in FIG. 3C), and second distal support pole 17 (not visible in FIG. 3C) may each extend from ridge pole by an angle that is the same as 02, and second stabilizer pole 19 may extend from ridge pole 11 at an angle that is the same as 0i.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3F, first proximal support pole 14 and second proximal support pole 15 are separated 7 by an angle 03 of from about 10° to about 20°. As shown in FIG. 3G, first distal support pole 16 and second proximal support pole 17 are separated 9 by an angle 04 of from about 10° to about 20°.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4N, the at least one multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, such as proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub 12 and the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub 13, includes a body 120 comprising a plurality of slots. The plurality of slots include a first support pole-receiving slot 123 extending in a first direction, a second support pole-receiving slot 125 extending in a second direction that is different than the first direction, a stabilizer pole-receiving slot 127 extending in a third direction wherein the third direction is different than the first and second directions, and a ridge pole-receiving slot 121 extending in a fourth direction, wherein the fourth direction is different than the first, second and third directions.

[0072] To preserve the various angles 0i, 02, 03 and 04 as described above, the first direction extends at an angle of between about 20° to about 45°, including 15° to about 40°, for example from about 25° to about 35°, including about 30° relative to the second direction such that they are each offset from a center line by at least an angle of between about 10° to about 20°. The third direction extends at an angle of about 25° to about 50°, including 20° to about 45°, for example from about 30° to about 40°, including about 36° relative to the first direction such that they are each offset from a center line by at least an angle of between about 10° to about 20°, and at an angle of between about 25° to about 50°, including 20° to about 45°, for example from about 30° to about 40°, including about 36° relative to the second direction such that they are each offset from a center line by at least an angle of between about 10° to about 20°. The fourth direction extends at an angle of between about 45° to about 90°, including from about 60° to about 80°, for example from about 65° to about 75°, including about 72° relative to the first direction and at an angle of between about 45° to about 90°, including from about 60° to about 80°, for example from about 65° to about 75°, including about 72° relative to the second direction.

[0073] The at least one multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, such as distal multifunctional hammock stand hub 13, connects to the first distal support pole 16 of portable hammock stand 10 via an end of the first distal support pole being inserted in the first support pole-receiving slot 123. The at least one multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, such as distal multifunctional hammock stand hub 13, connects to the second distal support pole 15 via an end of the second distal support pole being inserted in the second support pole-receiving slot 125, and connects to the distal end 211 of the ridge pole 11 via the distal end 211 of the ridge pole 11 being inserted in the ridge polereceiving slot 121.

[0074] The at least one multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, such as proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub 12 connects to the first proximal support pole 14 via an end of the first proximal support pole 14 being inserted in the second support pole-receiving slot 125, connects to the second proximal support pole 15 via an end of the second proximal support pole 15 being inserted in the first support pole-receiving slot 123, and connects to the proximal end 111 of the ridge pole 11 via the proximal end 111 of the ridge pole 11 being inserted in the ridge pole-receiving slot 121.

[0075] Additionally, the at least one multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, such as distal multifunctional hammock stand hub 13, connects to the distal stabilizer pole 19 via an end of the distal stabilizer pole 19 being inserted in the stabilizer pole-receiving slot 127 and the at least one multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, such as proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub 12, connects to the proximal stabilizer pole 18 via an end of the proximal stabilizer pole 18 being inserted in the stabilizer pole-receiving slot 127.

[0076] The portable hammock stand 10 may be adaptable to connecting with and suspending the hammock 20 via the hook 128 of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30. The portable hammock stand 10 may further include a tarp pole which may be received in a tarp pole receiving slot 124 and secured with a lock pin inserted in lock pin slot 126. A suspension cord from the hammock (not shown) may either be attached via a connector, such as a carabiner clip, or may be tied to or looped around hook 128 and secured in hook groove 128’. Additional connection holes 122, 122’, 129 can accept a connector, such as a carabiner clip or a tie-down cord / rope for additional support in, for example, windy environments. The hub may include a tarp pole receiving slot 124 that includes a groove 124’. The presence of groove 124’ allows direct attachment of different length tarps to the stand 10 without needing to attach cordage to the tarp pole 24’.

[0077] The multifunctional hammock stand hub 30 further comprises a plurality of cavities extending through the body 120. In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a first cavity of the plurality of cavities extends between the first support pole-receiving slot 123 and a first securing slot 123’. In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a second cavity of the plurality of cavities extends between the stabilizer pole-receiving slot 127 and a second securing slot 127’. In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a third cavity of the plurality of cavities extends between the ridge pole-receiving slot 121 and a third securing slot 121’. In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a fourth cavity of the plurality of cavities extends between the second support pole-receiving slot 125 and a fourth securing slot 125’.

[0078] In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a diameter of at least one of the slots, such as pole-receiving slots 121, 123, 125, and 127, is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the corresponding elongate pole end that it is configured to receive, such as an end, including a segment end, of ridge pole 111,first proximal support pole 14, first distal support pole 16, second proximal support pole 15, second distal support pole 17, proximal stabilizer pole 18, and distal stabilizer pole 19. In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a diameter of the first support pole-receiving slot 123 is substantially equal to a diameter of the second support pole-receiving slot 125. In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a diameter of the first support pole-receiving slot 123 is different than a diameter of the stabilizer pole-receiving slot 127. In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a diameter of the second support pole-receiving slot 125 is different than a diameter of the stabilizer pole-receiving slot 127. In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a diameter of the ridge polereceiving slot 121 is different than a diameter of the stabilizer pole-receiving slot 127. In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a diameter of the ridge pole-receiving slot 121 is different than a diameter of the first support pole-receiving slot 123. In an embodiment of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30, a diameter of the ridge pole-receiving slot 121 is different than a diameter of the second support pole-receiving slot 125.

[0079] Attachment lines, such as cables or shock cordage may be disposed within the body 120 and extend through the various receiving and securing slots of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30. These attachment lines allow for the securing and supporting of corresponding lengths of elongate poles that have ends inserted in and secured within the slots of the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30 as described above. The lengths of elongate poles, such as support, ridge and stabilizer poles, including those comprising a plurality of interconnected pole segments, may themselves comprise a corresponding length of pole line, such as cables or shock cordage, disposed therein and extending from a first end to a second end of the respective pole. That is, the attachment lines, which may be cables or shock cordage, are what hold the corresponding lengths of pole line, which may be cables or shock cordage, to the multifunctional hammock stand hub 30. Accordingly, the attachment lines extending through the various receiving and securing slots of the multifunctional hammock stand hub may be secured to a corresponding pole line. For example, an end of a pole line may be configured as a loop and an end of an attachment line may be configured as a loop such that a connector, such as a carabiner clip, may be secured to each loop to connect the pole line and attachment line. Alternatively, the end of a poleline and the end of an attachment line may be tied together (e.g., knotted together), or, depending on the material, may be bonded together securely.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 4K-4N, a multifunctional hammock stand hub 30 includes a plurality of attachment lines, including a ridge pole attachment line 1212’, first support pole attachment line 1232’, a second support pole attachment line 1252’, and a stabilizer pole attachment line 1272’.

[0081] The first support pole attachment line 1232’ is at least partially disposed in body 120 through the first cavity of the plurality of cavities, and extends from a attachment line stopper end 1231, through the first securing slot 123’ and the first support polereceiving slot 123, to an attachment line free end 1232. The attachment line stopper end 1231 may be fashioned to comprise a stopper having a dimension that is larger than a diameter of the first securing slot 123’ so as to prevent slippage of the ridge pole attachment line 1232’ . The attachment line free end 1232 may be fashioned to comprise a loop to which a connector, such as carabiner clip, may be releasably attached for later connection with a pole line end associated with a pole line disposed in a ridge pole.

[0082] The second support pole attachment line 1252’ is at least partially disposed in body 120 through the fourth cavity of the plurality of cavities, and extends from a attachment line stopper end 1251, through the fourth securing slot 125’ and the second support pole-receiving slot 125, to an attachment line free end 1252. The attachment line stopper end 1251 may be fashioned to comprise a stopper having a dimension that is larger than a diameter of the first securing slot 121’ to prevent slippage of the ridge pole attachment line 1252’. The attachment line free end 1252 may be fashioned to comprise a loop to which a carabiner may be attached for later connection with a pole line end associated with a pole line disposed in a ridge pole.

[0083] The ridge pole attachment line 1212’ is at least partially disposed in body 120 through the third cavity of the plurality of cavities, and extends from a attachment line stopper end 1211, through the third securing slot 121’ and the first support polereceiving slot 121, to a attachment line free end 1212. The attachment line stopper end 1211 may be fashioned to comprise a stopper having a dimension that is larger than a diameter of the third securing slot 121’ to prevent slippage of the ridge pole attachment line 1212’. The attachment line free end 1212 may be fashioned to comprise a loop to which a carabiner may be attached for later connection with a pole line end associated with a pole line disposed in a ridge pole.

[0084] The stabilizer pole attachment line 1272’ is at least partially disposed in body 120 through the second cavity of the plurality of cavities, and extends from an attachment line stopper end 1271, through the second securing slot 127’ and the stabilizer pole-receiving slot 127, to an attachment line free end 1212. The attachment line stopper end 1211 may be fashioned to comprise a stopper having a dimension that is larger than a diameter of the third securing slot 121’ to prevent slippage of the ridge pole attachment line 1212’. The attachment line free end 1212 may be fashioned to comprise a loop to which a carabiner may be attached for later connection with a pole line end associated with a pole line disposed in a ridge pole.

[0085] The multifunctional connecting hub 30 can be made from at least one metal, at least one metal alloy, at least one polymer, at least one metal-polymer alloy, at least one composite, or combinations thereof. For example, the multifunctional hammock stand hub may be made of 6000 series aluminum, carbon-fiber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), glass reinforced nylon, or combinations thereof. The multifunctional hammock stand hub, for example, body 120, may be extruded, cast, machined, molded, injection molded, 3D printed, or combinations thereof. Additional holes or slots may be formed, including via drilling, at various angles to accommodate the poles of the support pole(s), stabilizer pole(s), ridge pole(s), tarp pole(s) and or tent structure components, such as the hammock. The material used for the elongate poles, such as the material used for the plurality of interconnected pole segments, may be the same or different than the material used for the multifunctional hammock stand hub(s). A material used for the proximal multifunctional connecting hub 12 may be the same or different than a material used for the distal multifunctional connecting hub 13.

[0086] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 5, there is a hammock kit 101 that comprises portable hammock stand 10 having one stabilizer, such as stabilizer 19 at a distal end of the hammock stand 10, with no additional stabilizer at a proximal end of the hammock stand 10. This allows for setting one end, such as the distal end, of the hammock stand to be at a height b that is lower than a height a of the other end such as a proximal end. To establish the different heights, the corresponding elongate poles, that is, first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, first distal support pole 16 and second distal support pole 17, may be provided at preselected heights or may be modified to attain a desired height. For example first proximal support pole 14 and second proximal support pole 15 may each be provided at a first length and may each comprise a same first number of same-length interconnected polesegments. Meanwhile, first distal support pole 16 and second distal support pole 17 may each be provided at a second length that is shorter than the first length, and may each comprise a same second number of same-length interconnected pole segments that is different than the first number of same-length pole segments. Additionally, the proximal stabilizer pole 19 may be provided at a third length that may be different than the first length and / or the second length, and may comprise a third number of samelength interconnected pole segments, wherein the third number may be different from the first number and / or second number.

[0087] Hammock 20 is not limited in style or type. For example, hammock 20 may be configured as a camper / tent hammock, a hammock chair, a lounger hammock and the like. The portable hammock stand is also not limited to any particular size and may be configured in different dimensions, for example, via the addition or subtraction of pole segments for any one or more of the first proximal support pole, second proximal support pole, first distal support pole, second distal support pole, at least one stabilizer pole such as the proximal stabilizer pole and / or the distal stabilizer pole, and the ridge pole.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 6, there is a hammock kit 102 that comprises a hammock chair 20’ connected on either end thereof and suspended by portable hammock stand via straps held at the hooks of respective ones of hubs 30. The hammock kit 102 further comprises a moveable sunshade 50 that may be adjustably attached to any of the elongate poles, including the ridge pole, of the portable hammock stand. The hammock kit 102 may further include additional accessories such as a holder, including a display holder and / or cup holder, adjustably attached to any of the elongate poles, including the ridge pole, of the portable hammock stand.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 7A-7F, there is a hammock kit 103 that comprises a camper / tent hammock 20 connected on either end thereof and suspended by portable hammock stand via straps connected to connector holes (such as connector hole 122’) of respective ones of hubs 30 (such as proximal hub 12 and distal hub 13). The hammock kit 102 further comprises a tarp cover 40 suspended by the hammock stand 10 and secured by proximal and distal tarp poles 1241, 1242, such as rotatable tarp poles 24 or adjustable tarp poles 24’, and further secured to the ground by a plurality of tarp cables. The rotatable tarp poles may be secured by two or more tarp pole securing lines that extend from an end of the tarp poles 24 and attach at some location along alength of the support poles, such as first proximal support pole 14, second proximal support pole 15, first distal support pole 16 and second distal support pole 17.

[0090] As shown at the inset in FIG. 7C, tarp poles 1241, 1242 may be received at a tarp pole receiving slot of hub 30, such as at tarp pole-receiving slot 124 as described above. In the case of adjustable tarp pole 24’, as shown in FIGS. 7D-7F hub 30 includes a groove 124’ that allows for adjustment (as indicated by the curved arrows in FIGS. 7E and 7F) of the adjustable tarp pole 24’ between an angled position (FIG. 7E) and a vertical position (FIG. 7F). The tarp pole(s) 24’ may be secured by a pin 126’ inserted in hole 126 of hub 30, and extended through corresponding holes at a base of the adjustable tarp pole 24’.

[0091] At least one of the elongate poles described herein, for example, at least one of the first proximal support pole, second proximal support pole, first distal support pole, second distal support pole, the at least one stabilizer pole and the ridge pole may separately or together comprise an interchangeable shock corded pole system. The interchangeable shock corded pole system comprises one or more interconnectable pole segments. This provides an easy way to interconnect the elongate poles comprising a plurality of interconnectable pole segments when they are collapsed (e.g., when in a stored arrangement), to collapse the elongate poles comprising the plurality of interconnected elongate poles (e.g., when in a set up arrangement), or to change out or add poles and or attachments inline or onto the end of a at least one or a series of shock corded objects.

[0092] As discussed above, at least one of the first proximal support pole, second proximal support pole, first distal support pole, second distal support pole, the at least one stabilizer pole, and the ridge pole may comprise a plurality of interconnected pole segments (also referred to herein as pole sections or interconnectable pole segments). For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, at least one of the plurality of interconnected pole segments may comprise an interconnectable pole segment 10’. Each interconnectable pole segment 10’ may comprise a first end (i.e., the end on the left side of the figure), and a second end (i.e, the end on the right side of the figure). Interconnectable pole segments 10’ may further comprise at least one pole line 1011 disposed in a hollow portion of the interconnectable pole segment 10’ and extending through the first end, the second end or both the first end and second end. The at least one pole line 1011 may be a rigid or extendable pole line. For example, the at least one pole line may be a wire, rope, shock cord, bungee cord, or the like. In other words, the interconnectablepole segment 10’ may have at least partially disposed therein a length of shock cord having a first (proximal) and second (distal) ends 1013.

[0093] As viewed more clearly in FIG. 10, the at least one pole line 1011 may be configured as having at least one free end or at least one end fashioned as a loop at 1013. For example, at least one end of the at least one pole line may be configured as a free end that can be tied to something else such as a free end of different pole line. Alternatively, at least one end of the at least one pole line 1011 may be configured as a loop 1013 that can be connected with something else, such as with a connector, for example, a carabiner clip, which can in turn be connected to a loop at an end of a different pole line. The loops on one or both ends 1013 may result from knotting the pole line on itself to form one or more knots 1012.

[0094] The at least one pole line 1011 of the embodiments may be selected from, but not limited to, string, rope, cord, chain and the like. The cord may selected from, but not limited to, shock cord. In an example, though not limited to any particular configuration, shock cord of the embodiments may comprise a stretchy, elastic cord that includes a rubber core encased in a braided fabric sheath. Shock cord of the embodiments may be selected from any off-shelf shock cord available in the market, including but not limited to those sold under the brands of NOVATEC, TEUFELBERGER, or the like. In an embodiment, the at least one pole line 1011 is configured as a looped shock cord 1010 wherein ends of the at least one pole line 1011 are tied together to form a loop, and two portions of the loop are knotted 1012 to create looped ends 1013.

[0095] Returning to FIG. 8A, each of the interconnectable pole segments may comprise a first sub-segment 110 having a first outer diameter, a first inner diameter, and a first length, and a second sub-segment 110’ having a second outer diameter, a second inner diameter and a second length. In an embodiment, the second outer diameter is equal to or smaller than the first inner diameter. In an embodiment, the first length is longer than the second length. As indicated by the dashed lines, at least a portion (including up to a majority) of the second length of the second sub-segment 110’ may be disposed and held rigidly within a portion of the first length of the first sub-segment 110. For example, at least a portion of the second length of the second sub-segment 110’ may be press fitted, welded, adhered or otherwise irreversibly disposed within a portion of the first length of the first sub-segment 110.

[0096] The interchangeable shock corded pole system 10’ can include one or more cord stopper 1001, for example, plugs or caps. The one or more cord stopper 1001 may be removably attached to objects that can be reversibly connected together (i.e., shock corded together). As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, each of the one or more cord stopper 1001 may comprise a first diameter portion 1003 having an outer edge 1005, a second diameter portion 1007, and a slit 1009 extending radially between the outer edge 1005 toward center and extending laterally from one side of the cord stopper 1001 at an end of the first diameter portion 1003 to another side of cord stopper 1001 at an end of the second diameter portion. That is, the first diameter portion 1003 may have a different diameter than that of second diameter portion 1007. This difference in diameters provides a lip or ridge that extends from the second diameter portion to the outer edge 1005 and provides the stopping function of the at least one or more cord stoppers 1001. For example, in an embodiment, the at least one or more cord stopper 1001 may be sized to be prevented from being fully received into the hollow volume of interconnectable pole segment 10’ by appropriate selection of both the inner diameters at both ends of the interconnectable pole segment 10’ (e.g., the inner diameter of first sub-segment 110 and the inner diameter of second sub-segment 110’) to be smaller than the diameter of the first diameter portion 1003, as shown in FIG. 8 A. In an embodiment, the at least one or more cord stopper 1001 may be sized to be fully received by a portion of the hollow volume of the interconnectable pole segment 10’ (e.g. at least a portion of the hollow volume defined by first sub-segment 110) but prevented from being fully received into the hollow volume of another portion of the hollow volume of the interconnectable pole segment 10’ (e.g., the portion of the hollow volume defined by second sub-segment 110’) by appropriate selection of the inner diameters at one end of the interconnectable pole segment 10’ (e.g., the inner diameter of the first sub-segment 110) to be larger than the diameter of the first diameter portion 1003 and at the other end of the interconnectable pole segment 10’ (e.g., the inner diameter of the second sub-segment 110’) to be smaller than the diameter of the first diameter portion 1003. In an embodiment, a diameter of the first diameter portion 1003 of cord stopper 1001 is greater than an outer diameter of the first sub-segment 110. In an embodiment, a diameter of the first diameter portion 1003 of cord stopper 1001 is less than or equal to an outer diameter of the first sub-segment 110. In an embodiment, a diameter of the first diameter portion of cord stopper 1001 is greater than or equal to an outer diameter of the second sub-segment 110’. In an embodiment, an outer diameter of the seconddiameter portion 1007 of cord stopper 1001 is less than an inner diameter of the second sub-segment 110 and less than an inner diameter of the first subsegment 110.

[0097] The at least one cord stopper 1001 may be made from at least one metal, at least one metal alloy, at least one polymer, at least one metal-polymer alloy, at least one composite, or combinations thereof. For example, the at least one cord stopper may be made of 6000 series aluminum, carbon-fiber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), glass reinforced nylon, an injection molded plastic, or combinations thereof. The at least one cord stopper may be extruded, cast, machined, stamped, molded, injection molded, 3D printed, or combinations thereof. The at least one cord stopper 1001 may comprise a material that is the same or different than a material of any one or each of the elongate poles, for example, any one or each of the plurality of interconnected pole segments, and may be the same or different than a material of the multifunctional hammock stand hub.

[0098] Returning to FIGS. 8A-8B, pole line 1011, which may be configured as knotted and looped shock cord 1010, is received in the slit 1009 of the cord stopper 1001 (as shown in the inset of FIG. 8B). The pole line 11 may be held in tension between loops 1013 with knots 1012 on either end of pole segment 10’. The loop formed at the end 1013 of the looped shock cord 1010 is prevented, with knot 1012, from slipping through the slit 1009. The knot 1012, therefore, may be larger than the pass-through area of the slit. This allows the shock cord to remain under tension without being permanently fastened to a fixed terminal, which in turn allows two objects such as two interconnectable pole segments 10’, each with respective tensioned shock cord extended internally, to be joined via the loops at ends 1013 and a connector 1015 as shown in FIGS. 11 A-l IB, such as a hook or carabiner or like.

[0099] The at least one cord stopper 1001 may be used for holding the pole line 1011, for example at knot 1012, to be prevented from contracting within a single pole segment or within an elongate pole comprising a plurality of pole segments, so that it does not back-out or retract through, and remains easily accessible. This provides a convenient feature that allows users to easily connect or disconnect adjacent interconnected pole segments to or from one another, and / or to easily add or remove a pole segment to or from an elongate pole.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 11 A-l IB, additional pole segments 10’ may be added to an existing elongate pole comprising pole segments 10’, or interconnected with a single other pole segment 10’ to form, for example, an elongate pole comprising a plurality ofpole segments 10’. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 A, two interconnectable pole segments 10’ are placed in proximity of one another, with an end of one interconnectable pole segment’s first sub-segment having an exposed loop 1013 of its looped shock cord 1010 exposed and being prevented from slipping by stopper 1001 in proximity of an end of the other interconnectable pole segment’s second sub-segment 110’ with its own exposed loop 1013 of its respective looped shock cord also being prevented from slipping. As more clearly visible in the inset of FIG. 11, the two loops 1013 are interconnected via connector 1015, such as a carabiner, inserted through the loops. As further indicated by the opposing horizontal arrows in the inset at FIG. 11 A, at least one of the lengths of the shock cord can be pulled in a direction away from its respective end of the corresponding interconnectable pole segment 10’ until its knot 1012 is loose, i.e., no longer resting on the stopper 1001 where slit (1009 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B) would otherwise be preventing it from slipping and retracting back into the pole segment. Once loose, the stoppers 1001 may be removed away from the pole line and the individual pole segments 10’ may be interconnected. As indicated in FIG. 1 IB, as the individual lengths of looped shock cord retract, the second sub-segment of one of the pole segments 10’ having a smaller diameter is received by the first subsegment of the other one of the pole segments 10’ having the larger diameter.

[0101] Adj acent ones of coupled interconnected pole segments 10’ forming an elongate pole comprising a plurality of interconnected pole segments 10’ may also be decoupled by following the steps described above for FIGS. 11A-11B in a different order, for example, reverse order. For example, adjacent ones of the detachably coupled interconnected pole segments may be pulled away from one another to expose interconnected lengths of pole line. A stopper may be added by sliding exposed pole line segments adjacent to knots 1012 along the stoppers’ slits. Tension on the lengths of pole cord segments may be relaxed until the knots are resting on a surface of the stopper. The connector 1015, which may be a carabiner, may then be detached, for example, by unhooking the carabiner resulting in the individual pole segments 10’ being separated but with their respective pole lines remaining under tension.

[0102] While the interchangeable pole system, such as the interchangeable shock corded pole system is described herein with respect to coupling or decoupling adjacent interconnected pole segments of an elongate pole, the systems are not so limited. Accordingly, the interchangeable pole system may be used for coupling or decloupling any object from another object, so long as the objects may be reversibly interconnectedand include at least respective line segments that may also be reversibly interconnected, such as shock corded line segments comprising loops and knots interconnected via a connector such as a carabiner, hook or snap.

[0103] For example, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, the interchangeable pole system may be used for connecting an elongate pole, such as a ridge pole to a multifunctional hub such as a multifunctional hammock stand hub 30. An elongate pole such as a ridge pole, for example ridge pole 11 described above, comprising a plurality of detachably coupled and interconnected pole segments 10’ and a plurality of interconnected pole lines, such as a plurality of interconnected looped shock cords having their respective end loops 1013 connected together via a connector 1015 such as a carabiner, and held in tension via stoppers 1001, may be interconnected with a multifunctional hammock hub 30. An end of one of the pole segments 10’, such as an exposed end of its second sub-segment 110’, may be brought into proximity of a free end 1212 of an attachment lines, such as a ridge pole attachment line 1212’ of multifunctional hammock hub 30, which comprises a loop. With the end of one interconnectable pole segment’s exposed loop 1013 being prevented from slipping by stopper 1001, a connector such as a carabiner, is attached to both loop 1013 and the loop at free end 1212 of hub 30. As indicated by the horizontal arrow at FIG. 12B, the pole line of pole segment 10’ can be exposed, for example, by pulling hub 30 in a direction away from the end of the interconnectable pole segment 10’ until its knot 1012 is loose, i.e., no longer resting on the stopper 1001 where slit (1009 as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B) would otherwise be preventing it from slipping and retracting back into the pole segment 10’. Once loose, the stoppers 1001 may be removed away from the pole line (as indicated by the curved arrow in FIG. 12C). As shown in FIG. 12D, the pole line may be allowed to retract such that hub 30 and elongate pole comprising a plurality of interconnected pole segments may become detachably coupled and interconnected. For example, as the pole line retracts, ridge pole slot of hub 30 may receive at least a length of the second sub-segment 110’. A second hub 30 may be detachably coupled and interconnected with the other end of the elongate pole by following the same steps at the other end of the elongate pole. And while FIG. 12D and its corresponding descriptions recited herein and above are exemplary of attaching one or more hubs 30 to a ridge pole 11, the interchangeable pole system of the embodiments is not so limited. For example, similar steps for detachably coupling an elongate pole to a hub as described above may be followed for attaching other elongate poles, for example, support poles or stabilizerpoles to a multifunctional hub, such as a multifunctional hammock stand hub of the embodiments. Additionally, such objects may be decoupled by following the coupling steps in reverse order.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 13, there is a method 1300 for assembling an elongate pole of a portable hammock kit. The method 1300 includes the following steps: prepare length of shock cord having a proximal end and a distal end 1301; extend the distal end of the shock cord through a first pole section 1303; optionally, extend distal end of shock cord through a length of additional pole section(s) 1305; assemble the first pole section and, optionally, additional pole section(s) to form an elongate pole 1307; secure a first end-cap comprising a groove at a first end of the elongate pole 1309; secure the proximal end of the shock cord at the first end-cap 1311; extend the shock cord to emerge the distal end through a second end of the elongate pole 1313; secure a second end-cap comprising a groove at a second end of the elongate pole 1315; and secure the proximal end of the shock cord at the first end-cap 1317.

[0105] While the present teachings have been illustrated with respect to one or more implementations, alterations and / or modifications may be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it will be appreciated that while the process is described as a series of acts or events, the present teachings are not limited by the ordering of such acts or events. Some acts may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those described herein. Also, not all process stages may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with one or more aspects or embodiments of the present teachings. It will be appreciated that structural components and / or processing stages may be added or existing structural components and / or processing stages may be removed or modified.

[0106] Notably, as used herein reference to poles, slots or cavities are not necessarily limited to any particular cross-sectional shape. Indeed, where a pole, slot or cavity has been described as having a diameter or circumference, such is not intended to limit the pole, slot or cavity to a circular cross-sectional shape. Indeed, a pole, slot or cavity may have any cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, embodiments described herein that describe poles, slots or cavities can include poles, slots or cavities having any cross- sectional shape, including triangular, square, rectangular, oval, polygonal, symmetrical or asymettrical cross-sectional shape and thus reference to diameter or circumferenceshould be interpreted to the terminology for appropriately describing the lengths corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the corresponding poles, slots or cavities.

[0107] As used herein, the phrase “one or more of’, for example, A, B, and C means any of the following: either A, B, or C alone; or combinations of two, such as A and B, B and C, and A and C; or combinations of three A, B and C. Further, one or more of the acts depicted herein may be carried out in one or more separate acts and / or phases. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” The term “at least one of’ is used to mean one or more of the listed items may be selected. Further, in the discussion and claims herein, the term “on” used with respect to two materials, one “on” the other, means at least some contact between the materials, while “over” means the materials are in proximity, but possibly with one or more additional intervening materials such that contact is possible but not required. Neither “on” nor “over” implies any directionality as used herein. The term “about” indicates that the value listed may be somewhat altered, as long as the alteration does not result in nonconformance of the process or structure to the illustrated embodiment. The term “exemplary” indicates the description is used as an example, rather than implying that it is an ideal. Terms of relative position as used in this application are defined based on a plane parallel to the conventional plane or working surface of a workpiece, regardless of the orientation of the workpiece. The term “horizontal” as used in this application is defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or working surface of a workpiece, regardless of the orientation of the workpiece. The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal. And finally, terms such as “on,” “side” (as in “sidewall”), “higher,” “lower,” “over,” “top,” and “under” are defined with respect to the conventional plane or working surface being on the top surface of the workpiece, regardless of the orientation of the workpiece.

[0108] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

Claims1. A portable hammock kit, comprising: a hammock, and a portable hammock stand adaptable to connecting with and suspending the hammock, the portable hammock stand comprising: a proximal bipod comprising a first proximal support pole and a second proximal support pole; a distal bipod comprising a first distal support pole and a second distal support pole; a ridgepole having a proximal end and a distal end, and extending between the proximal bipod and the distal bipod; a distal multifunctional hammock stand hub; a proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub; and at least one stabilizer pole, wherein each of the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub and the proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub comprise: a body comprising a plurality of slots wherein the plurality of slots comprise: a first support pole-receiving slot extending in a first direction; a second support pole-receiving slot extending in a second direction that is different than the first direction; a stabilizer pole-receiving slot extending in a third direction, wherein the third direction is different than the first and second directions; and a ridge pole-receiving slot extending in a fourth direction, wherein the fourth direction is different than the first, second and third directions, wherein the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the first distal support pole via an end of the first distal support pole inserted in the first support polereceiving slot, connects to the second distal support pole via an end of the second distal support pole inserted in the second support pole-receiving slot, and connects to the distal end of the ridge pole via the distal end of the ridge pole inserted in the ridge pole-receiving slot,wherein the proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the first proximal support pole via an end of the first proximal support pole inserted in the first support pole-receiving slot, connects to the second proximal support pole via an end of the second proximal support pole inserted in the second support pole-receiving slot, and connects to the proximal end of the ridge pole via the proximal end of the ridge pole inserted in the ridge pole-receiving slot, and wherein the at least one stabilizer pole comprises a distal stabilizer pole, the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub further connects to the distal stabilizer pole via an end of the distal stabilizer pole inserted in the stabilizer pole-receiving slot.

2. The hammock kit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first proximal support pole, second proximal support pole, first distal support pole, second distal support pole, the at least one stabilizer pole and the ridge pole comprises a plurality of interconnected pole segments.

3. The hammock kit of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of interconnected pole segments comprises a pole segment, the pole segment comprising a first sub-segment with an inner diameter and first length and a second sub-segment having an outer diameter and second length, wherein the outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter and wherein the first length is longer than the second length.

4. The hammock kit of claim 2, wherein a majority of the second length of the second subsegment is disposed within a portion of the first length of the first sub-segment.

5. The hammock kit of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the second length of the second sub-segment is press fitted within a portion of the first length of the first sub-segment.

6. The hammock kit of claim 2, wherein the plurality of interconnected pole segments comprises a first pole segment detachably coupled to a second pole segment.

7. The hammock kit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of interconnected pole segments comprises the second pole segment detachably coupled to a third pole segment.

8. The hammock kit of claim 1, wherein the portable hammock stand further comprises at least one ridge line that extends from the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub to the proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub and through the ridge pole.

9. The hammock kit of claim 1, wherein the at least one ridge line comprises a plurality of interconnected line segments.

10. The hammock kit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first proximal support pole, second proximal support pole, first distal support pole, second distal support pole, the at least one stabilizer pole and the ridge pole comprises a single, non-segmented pole.

11. A portable hammock stand, comprising: a proximal bipod comprising a first proximal support pole and a second proximal support pole; a distal bipod comprising a first distal support pole and a second distal support pole; a ridgepole having a proximal end and a distal end, and extending between the proximal bipod and the distal bipod; a distal multifunctional hammock stand hub; a proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub; and at least one stabilizer pole, wherein each of the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub and the proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub comprises: a body comprising a plurality of slots wherein the plurality of slots comprise: a first support pole-receiving slot extending in a first direction; a second support pole-receiving slot extending in a second direction that is different than the first direction; a stabilizer pole-receiving slot extending in a third direction, wherein the third direction is different than the first and second directions; and a ridge pole-receiving slot extending in a fourth direction, wherein the fourth direction is different than the first, second and third directions,wherein the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the first distal support pole via an end of the first distal support pole inserted in the first support polereceiving slot, connects to the second distal support pole via an end of the second distal support pole inserted in the second support pole-receiving slot, and connects to the distal end of the ridge pole via the distal end of the ridge pole inserted in the ridge pole-receiving slot, wherein the proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub connects to the first proximal support pole via an end of the first proximal support pole inserted in the first support pole-receiving slot, connects to the second proximal support pole via an end of the second proximal support pole inserted in the second support pole-receiving slot, and connects to the proximal end of the ridge pole via the proximal end of the ridge pole inserted in the ridge pole-receiving slot, and wherein the at least one stabilizer pole comprises a distal stabilizer pole, the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub further connects to the distal stabilizer pole via an end of the distal stabilizer pole inserted in the stabilizer pole-receiving slot.

12. The portable hammock stand of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first proximal support pole, second proximal support pole, first distal support pole, second distal support pole, the at least one stabilizer pole and the ridge pole comprises a plurality of interconnected pole segments.

13. The portable hammock stand of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of interconnected pole segments comprises a pole segment, the pole segment comprising a first sub-segment with an inner diameter and first length and a second sub-segment having an outer diameter and second length, wherein the outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter and wherein the first length is longer than the second length.

14. The portable hammock stand of claim 12, wherein a majority of the second length of the second sub-segment is disposed within a portion of the first length of the first subsegment.

15. The portable hammock stand of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the second length of the second sub-segment is press fitted within a portion of the first length of the first sub-segment.

16. The portable hammock stand of claim 12, wherein the plurality of interconnected pole segments comprises a first pole segment detachably coupled to a second pole segment.

17. The portable hammock stand of claim 16, wherein the plurality of interconnected pole segments comprises the second pole segment detachably coupled to a third pole segment.

18. The portable hammock stand of claim 11, wherein the portable hammock stand further comprises at least one ridge line that extends from the distal multifunctional hammock stand hub to the proximal multifunctional hammock stand hub and through the ridge pole.

19. The portable hammock stand of claim 1, wherein the at least one ridge line comprises a plurality of interconnected line segments.

20. The portable hammock stand of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first proximal support pole, second proximal support pole, first distal support pole, second distal support pole, the at least one stabilizer pole and the ridge pole comprises a single, non-segmented pole.

21. A multifunctional hammock stand hub, comprising: a body comprising a plurality of slots wherein the plurality of slots comprise: a first support pole-receiving slot extending in a first direction; a second support pole-receiving slot extending in a second direction that is different than the first direction; a stabilizer pole-receiving slot extending in a third direction, wherein the third direction is different than the first and second directions; and a ridge pole-receiving slot extending in a fourth direction, wherein the fourth direction is different than the first, second and third directions.

22. The multifunctional hammock stand hub of claim 2, wherein the first direction extends at an angle of between about 25° to about 35°relative to the second direction.

23. The multifunctional hammock stand hub of claim 2, wherein the third direction extends at an angle of between about 30° to about 40° relative to the first direction and at an angle of between about 30° to about 40° relative to the second direction.

24. The multifunctional hammock stand hub of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of cavities extending through the body.

25. The multifunctional hammock stand hub of claim 5, wherein a first cavity of the plurality of cavities extends between the first support pole-receiving slot and a first securing slot.

26. The multifunctional hammock stand hub of claim 5, wherein a second cavity of the plurality of cavities extends between the stabilizer pole-receiving slot and a second securing slot.

27. The multifunctional hammock stand hub of claim 5, wherein a third cavity of the plurality of cavities extends between the ridge pole-receiving slot and a third securing slot.

28. The multifunctional hammock stand hub of claim 5, wherein a fourth cavity of the plurality of cavities extends between the second support pole-receiving slot and a fourth securing slot.

29. The multifunctional hammock stand hub of claim 2, wherein the body comprises injection molded plastic.

30. The multifunctional hammock stand hub of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the first support pole-receiving slot is substantially equal to a diameter of the second support polereceiving slot.

31. The multifunctional hammock stand hub of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the first support pole-receiving slot is different than a diameter of the stabilizer pole-receiving slot.

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