Hammock Comfort System

Abstract

A hammock comfort system for facilitating optimal comfort and support for a person lying supine on a hammock is provided. The hammock has a sling with an outer perimeter edge. The sling has a top surface and a bottom surface. The hammock comfort system comprises a padded mat positionable on the top surface of the hammock with the padded mat having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. A securing mechanism releasably secures the padded mat to the top surface of the hammock. A contoured support pillow is positionable adjacent the first end of the padded mat on the top surface of the padded mat. Upon a person laying supine on the padded mat and support pillow, the padded mat and support pillow comfort and support the person.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/314,094 filed Mar. 28, 2016, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Hammock Pal System,” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of hammock comfort systems, and more specifically to the field of hammock comfort systems providing an ergonomic body mat and other comfort items utilized in conjunction with an existing rope hammock to facilitate optimal comfort and support for a person lying supine on a hammock.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The warmth of spring and summer seasons makes for a perfect time of year to indulge in all manners of outdoor activities. From playing spirited sports games on city streets or splashing gleefully in a backyard pool to embarking on a camping adventure, ad Lifts and children seek a myriad of ways to bask pleasantly balmy days and evenings. One common sight during this time on both suburban porches and in rural backyards is people of all ages languidly swaying in an outdoor hammock. Whether a young couple enjoying a romantic evening under stars or a retired grandfather taking an afternoon nap in warm summer sun, people relish a relaxing recline and calming back and forth motion of an outdoor hammock. Hypnotic, a hammock swinging seems to work a soothing magic often to the point where one indulges in a leisurely doze.

In addition to enabling a person to comfortably relax, hammocks are beneficial to the body. Specifically, many medical experts believe the swinging motion associated with hammocks aids in stimulating the cerebral cortex of the brain, enabling a user to enjoy improved concentration. While cloth hammocks provide ample flat space on which a user can comfortably recline, rope hammocks are somewhat limited in space and are insufficiently supportive to a person's body when reclined within the hammock. Rope hammocks wrap about one's torso and legs, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable position or truly relax. Traditional rope hammocks leave unsightly marks on the body as the rope digs into one's skin during use. Realizing one's legs and arms are covered in triangular indents caused by a few moments spent relaxing on a hammock is an irritating experience.

The prior art has put forth several designs for hammocks and cushions. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 8,458,830 to Shelley Ann Pierce and Skip Pierce describes a body enveloping sleeping device with a generally pear shaped body member that has a cushioned mat or uncushioned mat that is encompassed by a cushion about the mars outer periphery with a pocket formed between the mat and the cushion on an interior area of the device. A scalloped pillow is located atop the cushion at the cushion's wide end. At least one side opening is located in the body member for allowing a user's arms to pass there through. A blanket is fixedly or removably attached to the body member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,231 to Mary V. Wade describes a hammock cover including a flexible elongated major portion having a first transverse edge and a second transverse edge. The hammock cover is configured to releasably attach to a conventional hammock for covering a body portion of the hammock. A first flexible minor portion is configured to releasably attach to a first line portion of the hammock and substantially overlap the first transverse edge of the major portion for covering the first line portion of the hammock. A second flexible minor portion is configured to releasably attach to a second line portion of the hammock and to substantially overlap the second transverse edge of the major portion for covering the second line portion of the hammock.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,808,616 to C. White describes a free form cushion assembly adaptable for selective arrangement in plural operative configurations and especially suitable for use on a beach, patio, lawn or recreational area. The assembly includes articulated cushion segments detachably hinged together to provide pivotal independent movement for each segment. The segments are vertically stacked for use as a hassock, arranged horizontally on a planar surface to form a bed, or alternately positioned in various other combinations to form a chair, lounge or hammock. Brace members are incorporated for supporting one of the cushion segments in an inclined position for a back or head rest and the cushion segments can also be separated for independent use such as for a pillow. In a variant embodiment, the cushion segments are fabricated with a flotation material to provide buoyancy for use in a pool, lake or on another body of water.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ergonomic body mat utilized in conjunction with an existing rope hammock to facilitate optimal comfort and support for a person lying supine on a hammock.

The present invention further includes a hammock comfort system for facilitating optimal comfort and support for a person lying supine on a hammock. The hammock has a sling with an outer perimeter edge with the sling further having a top surface and a bottom surface. The hammock comfort system comprises a padded mat positionable on the top surface of the hammock with the padded mat having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The bottom surface of the padded mat contacts the top surface of the hammock. A securing mechanism releasably secures the padded mat to the top surface of the hammock. A contoured support pillow is positioned nearingly adjacent the first end of the padded mat on the top surface of the padded mat. Upon a person laying supine on the padded mat and support pillow, the padded mat and support pillow comfort and support the person.

In addition, the present invention includes a method for facilitating optimal comfort and support for a person bring supine on a hammock. The hammock has a sling with an outer perimeter edge. The sling further has a top surface and a bottom surface. The method comprises positioning a padded mat on the top surface of the hammock with the padded mat having a top surface and a bottom surface, contacting the bottom surface of the padded mat to the top surface of the hammock, releasably securing the padded mat to the top surface of the hammock, positioning a contoured support pillow on the top surface of the padded mat, laying a person supine on the padded mat and support pillow, and providing comfort and support for the person.

The present invention further includes a hammock comfort system for facilitating optimal comfort and support for a person lying supine on a hammock. The hammock has a sling with an outer perimeter edge. The sling has a top surface and a bottom surface. The hammock comfort system comprises a padded mat positionable on the top surface of the hammock with the padded mat having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. A removable casing cover completely encompasses the padded mat and releasably closes about the padded mat. A securing mechanism releasably secures the encased padded mat to the top surface of the hammock. A contoured support pillow is positioned nearingly adjacent the first end of the encased padded mat. A lumbar cushion is positionable on the encased padded mat. A storage pocket is secured to the casing along either the first side edge or the second side edge of the encased padded mat with the storage pocket hanging over the outer perimeter edge of the hammock in a suspended state. A beverage holder is mounted to the casing along either the first side edge or the second side edge of the padded mat. Upon a person laying supine on the encased padded mat and support pillow, the encased padded mat, the support pillow, and the lumbar cushion comfort and support the person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a hammock comfort system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, placed on a hammock, showing a removable pillow and lumbar cushion for head, neck, and back support.

FIG. 2 is another top perspective view illustrating the hammock comfort system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, placed on a hammock, showing a pillow and lumbar support cushion, a foam padded body mat with a zippered removable cover, a pocket for personal items, and a beverage cup holder.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the hammock comfort system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, placed on a hammock

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view illustrating the hammock comfort system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing hook and loop fastening strips located on the backside of the padded mat to securely hold it in place.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Hammock Comfort System, indicated generally at 10, is an ergonomic body mat 12 and other comfort items utilized in conjunction with an existing rope hammock 14. The Hammock Comfort System 10 provides individuals reclining on hammocks 14 with a means of relaxing outdoors on a support system that facilitates optimal comfort while lying supine on a hammock 14. Functioning to support one's head, neck, and back, the Hammock Comfort System 10 also eliminates unsightly skin demarcations associated with using a traditional rope hammock 14.

For purposes of discussion, the hammock 14 for use with the Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention is defined as a sling 16 having an outer perimeter edge and constructed from fabric, rope, or netting, suspended between two points, used for swinging, sleeping, or resting. The sling 16 of the hammock 14 normally consists of one or more doth panels, or a woven network of twine or thin rope, stretched with ropes 18 between two firm anchor points such as trees or posts. The hammock 14 can be a single hammock for accommodating a single person or a double hammock for accommodating more than one person. While the hammock 14 has been described as above, other types of hammocks can also be used with the Hammock Comfort System 10.

The Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention includes the rectangular shaped mat 12 having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, a first end edge, a second end edge substantially opposite the first end edge, a first side edge between the first end edge and the second end edge, and a second side edge substantially opposite the first side edge. Preferably the mat 12 is comprised of a lofty foam or comparable padded material. Providing orthopedic support, the reinforced padded material of the mat 1, is particularly configured to comfortably cushion all body parts including neck, back, cervical spine, hips, and legs.

The mat 12 of the Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention is positionable upon the sling 16 of the hammock 14 with the bottom surface of the mat 12 contacting a top surface of the sling 16. At least one securing mechanism 19 is mounted to the bottom surface of the mat 12 for releasably securing the mat 12 to the sling 16 of the hammock 14. Preferably, the securing mechanism 19 is a hook and loop fastening system with the hook portion mounted to the mat 12 and the loop portion mounted to the sling 16 or vice versa.

The mat 12 of the Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention preferably has smaller or equal dimensions compared to the sling 16 of the hammock 14 and is free from extending beyond the perimeter edge of the sling 16 of the hammock 14. It should be noted, however, that it is within the scope of the present invention for the mat 12 to have greater dimensions than the sling 16 of the hammock 14 and actually extend beyond the perimeter edge of the sling 16 of the hammock 14.

In addition, the Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention includes a contoured support pillow 20 positioned nearingly adjacent the first end of the mat 12 on the top surface of the mat 12 for supporting the head of the user. The support pillow 20 can be simply placed upon the top surface of the mat 12 or releasably secured to the mat 12 by a fastening system including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners. Constructed to comfortably support the head and neck, the support pillow 20 is preferably manufactured from the same cushiony material as the mat 12. Alternatively, the support pillow 20 is an inflatable structure fillable with air prior to use, in the case of the inflatable pillow 20, a fill valve is positioned on the side of the support pillow 20 for use in easily inflating the support pillow 20.

Additionally, the Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention includes a lumbar cushion 22 positionable at any position on the top surface of the mat 12 The lumbar cushion 22 can be simply placed upon the top surface of the mat 12 or releasably secured to the mat 12 by a fastening system including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners. The lumbar cushion 22 is movable around the top surface of the mat 12 to allow for different positioning for different body types.

Furthermore, the Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention includes a storage pocket 24 for releasably storing magazines, eyewear, snack foods, a cellular phone, and other personal goods. The storage pocket 24 is fixedly or releasably secured to either the first side edge or the second side edge of the mat 12 and hangs over the outer perimeter edge of the hammock 14 in a suspended state. Preferably, the storage pocket 24 is an ample zippered storage pocket 24 inside of which the desired items are neatly stored and easily accessed.

The Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention further includes a beverage holder 26 either fixedly or releasably mounted to either the first side edge or the second side edge of the mat 12. Preferably, the beverage holder 26 is mounted to the mat 12 on an opposite side edge relative to the storage pocket 24, however, mounting the beverage holder 26 to the same side edge of the mat 12 as the storage pocket 24 is within the scope of the present invention. The beverage holder 26 is sized and shaped for securing a bottle of water or other capped beverage for enjoyment when relaxing in the hammock 14.

The mat 12 of the Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention is compactable into a tight coil for storage. At least one integral tie fastener or comparable closure is provided for use in easily securing and carrying the mat 12. The tie fastener or closure can be mounted directly to the mat 12 or can be separate from the mat 12.

Further yet, the Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention includes a removable casing cover 28 completely encompassing the mat 12 and securely closed by means of a fastening mechanism such as a durable, rust-resistant zipper closure running along a length of one side of casing cover 28. Preferably constructed from a soft, machine washable cotton, linen, or comparable fabric material, the durable and washable casing cover 28 is constructed in a wide range of colors, patterns, and printed designs. When the casing cover 28 is used with the mat 12, the storage pocket 24, the beverage holder 26, and the hook and loop securing mechanism 19 can be secured directly to the casing cover 28, rather than the mat 12.

Using the Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention is simple and straight forward. A user selects the Hammock Comfort System 10 in a desired color or pattern and appropriate size. The user spreads the mat 12 of Hammock Comfort System 10 across the top surface of the sling 16 of their rope hammock 14. The user fills the included storage pocket 24 with a favorite book or magazines, a bag of snack chips and a cellphone, for instance, and the beverage holder 26 with an icy bottle of water. The user climbs onto the hammock 14, resting their body atop the mat 12 of the Hammock Comfort System 10 and their head on the integrated support pillow 20. Relaxing on the hammock 14 and enjoying the gentle swinging motion, the user can lie on the hammock 14 as long as desired. After alighting from the hammock 14, the user removes and simply rolls mat 12 of the Hammock Comfort System 10 into a tight coil, storing it until needed again.

The Hammock Comfort System 10 of the present invention provides individuals who utilize rope hammocks 14 with a more comfortable means of relaxing on one of these swinging devices. Therapeutically effective for able bodied individuals, the Hammock Comfort System 10 also is highly therapeutic for users who suffer limited mobility, back pain, and other medical maladies. Easily applied and effortlessly coiled for compact storage, the cushiony padded mat 12 of the Hammock Comfort System 10 makes a swinging rope hammock 14 extremely comfortable and supportive. Attractive in appearance and durably constructed the Hammock Comfort System 10 will withstand many years of continued use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hammock comfort system for facilitating optimal comfort and support for a person lying supine on a hammock, the hammock having a sling with an outer perimeter edge, the sling further having a top surface and a bottom surface, the hammock comfort system comprising:

a padded mat positionable on the top surface of the hammock, the padded mat having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge;

a securing mechanism for releasably securing the padded mat to the top surface of the hammock; and

a contoured support pillow positionable nearingly adjacent the first end of the padded mat on the top surface of the padded mat;

wherein upon a person laying supine on the padded mat and support pillow, the padded mat and support pillow comfort and support the person.

2. The hammock comfort system of claim 1 wherein the padded mat has a substantially rectangular shape.

3. The hammock comfort system of claim 1 wherein the padded mat is constructed from a lofty foam material.

4. The hammock comfort system of claim 1 wherein the securing mechanism is a hook and loop fastening system with the hook portion mounted to the padded mat and the loop portion mounted to the sling or vice versa.

5. The hammock comfort system of claim 1 wherein the padded mat has smaller or equal dimensions compared to the sling of the hammock and is free from extending beyond the perimeter edge of the sling of the hammock.

6. The hammock comfort system of claim 1 wherein the support pillow is releasably secured to the padded mat by a fastening system.

7. The hammock comfort system of claim 1 the support pillow is an inflatable structure fillable with air.

8. The hammock comfort system of claim and further comprising:

a lumbar cushion positionable on the top surface of the padded mat.

9. The hammock comfort system of claim 8 wherein the lumbar cushion is releasably secured to the padded mat by a fastening system.

10. The hammock comfort system of claim 1 and further comprising:

a storage pocket secured to either the first side edge or the second side edge of the padded mat;

wherein the storage pocket hangs over the outer perimeter edge of the hammock in a suspended state.

11. The hammock comfort system of claim 10 wherein the storage pocket includes a zipper for selectively closing the storage pocket.

12. The hammock comfort system of claim and further comprising:

a beverage holder mounted to either the first side edge or the second side edge of the padded mat.

13. The hammock comfort system of claim 1 wherein the padded mat is compactable into a tight coil for storage and further comprising:

at least one tie fastener releasably securing the padded mat in the coil.

14. The hammock comfort system of claim 13 wherein the tie fastener is mounted directly to the padded mat.

15. The hammock comfort system of claim 1 and further comprising:

a removable casing cover completely encompassing the padded mat and releasably closed by means of a fastening mechanism.

16. A method for facilitating optimal comfort and support for a person lying supine on a hammock, the hammock having a sling with an outer perimeter edge, the sling further having a top surface and a bottom surface, the method comprising:

positioning a padded mat on the top surface of the hammock, the padded mat having a top surface and a bottom surface;

releasably securing the padded mat o the top surface of the hammock;

positioning a contoured support pillow on the top surface of the padded mat;

laying a person supine on the padded mat and support pillow; and

providing comfort and support for the person.

17. A hammock comfort system for facilitating optimal comfort and support for a person lying supine on a hammock, the hammock having a sling with an outer perimeter edge, the sling further having a top surface and a bottom surface, the hammock comfort system comprising:

a padded mat positionable on the top surface of the hammock, the padded mat having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge;

a removable casing cover completely encompassing the padded mat and releasably closable about the padded mat;

a securing mechanism for releasably securing the encased padded mat to the top surface of the hammock;

a contoured support pillow positionable nearingly adjacent the first end of the encased padded mat;

a lumbar cushion positionable on the encased padded mat;

a storage pocket secured to the casing along either the first side edge or the second side edge of the encased padded mat, the storage pocket hanging over the outer perimeter edge of the hammock in a suspended state; and

a beverage holder mounted to the casing along either the first side edge or the second side edge of the padded mat;

wherein upon a person laying supine on the encased padded mat and support pillow, the encased padded mat, the support pillow, and the lumbar cushion comfort and support the person.

18. The hammock comfort system of claim 17 wherein the encased padded mat has smaller or equal dimensions compared to the sling of the hammock and is free from extending beyond the perimeter edge of the sling of the hammock.

19. The hammock comfort system of claim 17 the support pillow is an inflatable structure fillable with air.

20. The hammock comfort system of claim 17 wherein the encased padded mat is compactable into a tight coil for storage and further comprising:

at least one tie fastener releasably securing the padded mat in the coil.