Hammock with automated swinging apparatus and system
An automated hammock device and system is disclosed. This automated hammock device and system is designed and configured for supporting a hammock bed frame in a suspended configuration above the ground while allowing the accommodation of at least one motor and a plurality of arms for effectuating a continuous hands free swinging or rocking motion to the user lying in the hammock bed. An automated swinging device and a method of using this automated swinging device are also disclosed. This automated swinging device is designed and configured for coupling with an object in a suspended configuration above the ground and providing a driving force to allow the object for effectuating a continuous hands free swinging or rocking motion without effort by the user.
This invention relates to hammocks and particularly to hammocks comprising automated swingable hammock bed portions and the automated swinging device providing the driving force for a hammock or the like.
Hammocks are one of the least expensive, oldest, and most convenient devices for accommodating individuals in a reclining position. Traditionally, hammocks have been strung between trees, upright poles, and other convenient, relatively stable structures. Various hammock devices have been proposed that provide the necessary structure for suspending a hammock from its two ends so that it is maintained in a configuration where it swings freely above the ground. Of necessity such structures must be quite large since they must not only accommodate between their ends the fully extended hammock itself but also a reasonable length at either end of rope or chain to permit the hammock to assume a comfortable position and swing freely.
Hammock swings are built so that one or more people can enjoy their comfort and style. Hammock swings, are beds or benches that are typically suspended from ropes. Traditional hammock designs allow people to manually rock back and forth and enjoy the relaxation provided. However, once an individual is situated in a lying position within a suspended hammock, it is almost impossible to cause the hammock to swing without the assistance of another person.
Therefore a need exists for a hammock apparatus and frame that is sturdy enough to accommodate a person and the necessary components that facilitate a continuous hands free automated swinging or rocking motion to the hammock bed containing an individual lying therein without the need for another person to cause the hammock bed to swing.
The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages by accomplishing the needs as identified above, through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a low cost to manufacture and assemble, and by employing readily available material.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn summation, this invention is directed to an automated hammock device and system for supporting a hammock bed frame in a suspended configuration above the ground while allowing the accommodation of at least one motor and a plurality of arms for effectuating a continuous hands free swinging or rocking motion to the user lying in the hammock bed. The base frame and the support frames for supporting the bed frame is provided to maintain the bed frame in a generally horizontal configuration during use.
The hammock system comprises a hammock driving or swinging mechanism that is operationally and removably connected to a hammock bed frame for moving the hammock in a swinging motion.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel, useful and unobvious hammock system that can operate via a pendulum swing motion without effort by the user. Another object of the present invention is to provide a hammock system with simple construction, easy to use, easy to assemble, economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automated swing device, which can be couple to any conventional article, including a hammock or the like.
A further object of the present invention is to design and configure a swing device that can produce a constant swing while providing an overall unit having minimal electrical components so as to provide for a device that will inherently reduce costly repairs.
It will become apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, combine to result in the unexpected advantages and utilities of the present invention. The advantages and objects of the present invention and features of such a cold air induction system, apparatus and method will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying description, drawing figures, and appended claims.
The foregoing has outlined broadly features of the invention to better understand the detailed description that follows, and to better understand the contribution of the present invention to the art. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. The claims, therefore, include such equivalent constructions to the extent the equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is neither intended to define the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
It should be understood that any one of the features of the invention may be used separately or in combination with other features. It should be understood that features which have not been mentioned herein may be used in combination with one or more of the features mentioned herein. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent when considered in connection with the following, detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which description is presented in conjunction with annexed drawings below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe foregoing summary as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown herein. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts. For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those detailed below without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
There have thus been outlined features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
With reference to the drawings, specifically
As another embodiment shown in
In further reference to
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The angle between the bed frame 20 and the hanging assemblies 40 can be any angle between about 90 to about 180 degrees. As a person of the ordinary in the art will understand, the angles between each hanging assembly 41, 45 and the bed frame 20 can be substantially the same as to form a symmetry configuration between the hanging assemblies 41, 45 and the bed frame 20. In the embodiment shown in
Also shown in
Now directing attention to the base frame 100. The base frame 100 is substantially a rectangle structure comprising a back member 102, a front member 104, a left 20 member 110, and a right member 112. In the embodiment shown in
Preferably, the base frame 100 has a left inner member 120 integrally connected to the side of the back member 102 and side of the front member 104 of the base frame 100, and the length of the left inner member 120 is substantially the same as the left member 110 of the base frame 100. Similarly, the right inner member 122 is integrally connected to the side of the back member 102 and the side of the front member 104 of the base frame 100. The length of the right inner member 122 is substantially the same as the right member 112 of the base frame 100. The purpose of the left inner member 120 and the right inner member 122 is to reinforce the structure of the base frame 100 in this embodiment.
Now directing attention to the support frames 130. The left support frame 131 comprises a back arm 132 and a front arm 134. One end of the back arm 132 is integrally connected to the back left corner of the base frame 100. The back arm 132 and the front arm 134 extend upward in a gradually narrowing angle from the base frame 100 and each form a narrow angle with the left member 110 of the base frame 100 to form a triangular shaped structure defining the left support frame 131. Similarly, the right support frame 135 is configured to be connected to the right side of the base frame 100. The height of the left support frame 131 and the right support frame 135 is substantially the same and is determined at the choice of the user.
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In the embodiment as shown in
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In one embodiment as shown in
In the configuration as shown in
In the embodiment of the present invention shown in
Specifically in the embodiment of the present invention shown in
Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments as may be desired.
Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It is therefore, contemplated that the claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention
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23. An automated swinging hammock system comprising:
- a hammock frame;
- two hanging assemblies, each of the hanging assemblies connected to a distal end of the hammock frame, forming a swinging structure, wherein each of the two hanging assemblies further comprises a hanging rod;
- a support frame structure, wherein each of the hanging rods is removably connected to the support frame structure;
- an automated swinging device integrally connected to at least one of the hanging rods, the swinging device comprising a plurality of linkages to convert swinging device rotational forces into a pendulum movement of the hanging rods; and
- thereby making the swinging structure rock laterally while the support frame structure remains stable.
24. An automated swinging hammock system as in claim 23, wherein the automated swinging device comprises:
- a motor;
- a crank hingebly connected to the motor;
- a crank arm hingebly connected to the crank;
- a rocker arm hingebly connected to the crank arm;
- a hanging rod integrally secured to the rocker arm; and
- wherein due to specific ratios of lengths of the crank, the crank arm, the rocker arm, and height of the support frame, the motor effectively drives the crank to rotate in a 360 degree motion, which drives one end of the crank arm to rotate with the crank in a 360 degree motion and the other end of the crank arm to swing laterally, which in turn causes the rocker arm drive the hanging rod to swing in a pendulum motion.
25. The automated swinging device in claim 24, wherein the motor is an AC motor comprising a speed controller wherein the power of the AC motor ranges from ⅙ hp to 1 hp.
26. The automated swinging device in claim 24, wherein the motor is a DC motor comprising a speed controller wherein the power of the DC motor ranges from ⅙ hp to 1 hp.
27. The automated swinging device in claim 24, wherein the crank is about 2 to 6 inches long, the crank arm is about 12 to 48 inches long, and the rocker arm is about 23 inches long.
28. The automated swinging hammock system in claim 23, wherein the hanging assemblies comprises a back arm and a front arm integrally connected as a triangular shaped structure, both hanging assemblies being integrally connected to the support frame.
29. An automated swinging hammock system comprising:
- a hammock frame;
- two hanging assemblies, each of the hanging assemblies connected to a distal end of the hammock frame, forming a swinging structure, wherein each of the two hanging assemblies further comprise a plurality of hanging rods;
- a support frame structure, wherein the hanging rods are removably connected to the support frame structure;
- an automated swinging device integrally connecting to a hanging rod, the automated swinging device comprising a plurality of linkages to convert swinging device rotational forces into a lateral pendulum movement about the hanging rods;
- a motor connected to the swinging device; and
- whereby the motor drives the swinging device which in turn causes the hanging rod to swing in a pendulum type swinging motion, thereby causing the swinging structure to rock laterally while the support frame structure remains stable.
30. The automated swinging hammock system in claim 29, wherein the motor is an AC motor with a speed controller wherein the power of the AC motor ranges from ⅙ hp to 1 hp.
31. The automated swinging hammock system in claim 29, wherein the motor is a DC motor with a speed controller, wherein the power of the DC motor ranges from ⅙ hp to 1 hp.
32. The automated swinging hammock system in claim 29, wherein the crank predetermined length is about 2 to 6 inches long, the crank arm predetermined length is about 12 to 48 inches long, and the rocker arm predetermined length is about 23 inches long.
33. The automated swinging hammock system in claim 29, wherein the automatic swinging device comprises:
- a crank hingebly connected to the motor;
- a crank arm hingebly connected to the crank;
- a rocker arm hingebly connected to the crank arm;
- a hanging rod integrally secured to the rocker arm; and
- wherein due to specific ratios of lengths of the crank, the crank arm, the rocker arm, and height of the support frame, the motor effectively drives the crank to rotate in a 360 degree motion, which drives one end of the crank arm to rotate with the crank in a 360 degree motion and the other end of the crank arm to swing laterally, which in turn causes the rocker arm drive the hanging rod to swing in a pendulum motion.
34. An automated swinging hammock system comprising:
- a hammock frame;
- two hanging assemblies, each of the hanging assemblies connected to a distal end of the hammock frame, forming a swinging structure, wherein each of the two hanging assemblies further comprise a plurality of hanging rods;
- a support frame structure, wherein the hanging rods are removably connected to the support frame structure;
- an automated swinging device integrally connecting to a hanging rod, wherein the automated swinging device comprises a crank hingebly connected to the motor; a crank arm hingebly connected to the crank; a rocker arm hingebly connected to the crank arm; and the either one of the hanging rod secured to the rocker arm;
- a motor connected to the swinging device; and
- a speed controller connected to the motor for controlling the power output of the motor to control the swinging motion of the swinging device;
- wherein due to specific ratios of lengths of the crank, the crank arm, the rocker arm, and height of the support frame, the motor effectively drives the crank to rotate in a 360 degree motion, which drives one end of the crank arm to rotate with the crank in a 360 degree motion and the other end of the crank arm to swing laterally, which in turn causes the rocker arm drive the hanging rod to swing in a pendulum motion.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 23, 2005
Publication Date: May 24, 2007
Inventors: Deborah Hug (Dallas, TX), Rick Holt (Las Vegas, NV)
Application Number: 11/287,498
International Classification: A45F 3/22 (20060101);