Multiple person hammock shelter with retractable raincover
This invention relates to portable suspended shelters, or hammocks having canopies, in which one or more persons occupy. More specifically this invention relates to a hammock having a fabric bed tensioned between two spaced anchors and stabilized in three ways. Firstly, the invention is tensioned by a main horizontal tensioning strap, which spans the hammock between the two spaced anchors. Additionally the invention is stabilized by support straps, which span from an elevated point on the spaced anchors to the corners of the hammock bed. Thirdly, the invention is tensioned and stabilized by a collapsible spreader-pole, which spans the hammock laterally at each longitudinal end. Upon this stable hammock is connected a collapsible tent-pole configuration which supports a mosquito netting enclosure and a retractable raincover which may be retracted and reattached from inside the mosquito netting enclosure.
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTIONThis invention relates to portable shelters, particularly a tent capable of being suspended above the ground having a retractable raincover.
BACKGROUND—DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ARTTents and hammocks have been used as temporary, portable shelters throughout history. Many different shelters have been developed in order to provide a refuge from inclement weather as well as from insects and animals. Problems are inherent with both types of structures. Unlike camping hammocks, tents are not dependent upon trees to be set up. This allows a greater choice in set up location. Tents being set directly on the ground however, are soiled easily, and are detrimental to the fauna on which they are placed. Also, several problems are inherent when laying on thin fabric placed directly on the ground, including contact with and accessibility to animals of all kinds, the seepage of water through holes or seams, difficulty in driving stakes, uncomfortable lumps and uneven terrain.
Shelters elevated above such a problematic surface are innately problematic themselves. Although hammocks provide a more comfortable, dry, and clean surface than tents do, they depend upon having something to hang between. In addition, prior hammocks have suffered several problems, combinations of these plague all prior portable suspended surfaces. 1) Longitudinal sag causes undue strain on the lower back and adds pressure to one's heels causing pain and hyper-extensive pressure on the knees. 2) The shelter requires attachment to the ground or to objects at the side(s) of the shelter to stabilize the structure, or to spread the floor. 3) The lines used to suspend the shelter and maintain its shape easily become entangled. 4) The shelter is difficult and time consuming to set up and take down, requiring knot tying and retying, with trial and error adjustments in attempt to obtain proper tensions. 5) Most hammocks comfortably allow only one person, no matter how large the hammock is. When two people attempt to lie in a hammock simultaneously, both generally roll into the center. 6) Prior hammocks having a raincover do not allow room for individuals to stand upright in a closed vestibule area. 7) Hammocks having spreader bars do not collapse, making hiking or storage of such hammocks more difficult. 8) Hammocks with removable raincover canopies require users to exit the hammock in order to remove or apply the raincover.
SUMMARYThe present invention is a hammock capable of being used as a tent. Entrance into the shelter's vestibule is gained through zipper doors, located on opposite lateral sides of the raincover. Secondary entrance onto the hammock's surface is gained through the mosquito net zipper doors. These doors are located on both lateral sides of the mosquito net.
This bed includes a raincover that is tractable and retractable from inside enclosure by use of a string and clips. These are gained access to by way of a zipper door on either longitudinal end of the bed surface.
This bed comprises of a taut surface horizontally suspended between two spaced anchors, such as trees or the like, being done so through the mechanical advantage of a double pulley system created at one of the two ends. Secondly, this bed is spread laterally with the aid of collapsible spreader poles located at each longitudinal end of the bed. Thirdly, this bed is supported against lateral tipping and sway with the use of supports. These supports run from a secondary placement on the spaced anchors, to each of the four corners of the bed and are made adjustable with cam buckles.
This bed includes a collapsible tent pole framework supporting the mosquito netting as well as the raincover. This framework works independently of the spaced anchors used to suspend the bed. As a result of this independent framework, this bed may be used on the ground as a tent shelter.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGESAccordingly, several objects and advantages of this invention are realized. Firstly, the invention as a hammock, with the use of a double-pulley suspension system, has removed longitudinal sag creating in essence a horizontal plane. This is done so in a way that the greatest tension runs through the longitudinal axis of the bed while diminishing slightly to the lateral sides. A result of the greater tension being through the longitudinal center of axis is that it affords each person the comfort of lying on his/her side without “log-rolling” toward the center or each other. In addition, the invention, with the use of collapsible spreader-poles stretches the hammock laterally and removes lateral sag, thus adding to an individual's comfort. Further, if weight is placed on either lateral extreme of the bed surface, the hammock, while off balance from the main longitudinal axis, will not greatly tilt or sway. This is a result of the lateral stabilizer lines, which run from a higher position on the spaced anchors to the corners of the hammock. As a result of these lateral stabilizer lines, weight may be placed anywhere on the hammock without tipping it over.
Another advantage of this invention is that relatively few lines are used to secure and tension it, which prevents entanglement in storage. The main horizontal-tension lines are the only lines permanently attached to the hammock. The stabilizer lines are independent of the hammock. These are wrapped around the spaced anchors several times, and continue to the nearest corner attachment cam buckle.
A further advantage of this invention is the means in which it is secured. Cam buckles are used at all six points of suspension, which eliminates the need of tying knots. This allows for quicker set-up as well as allowing for quick and easy adjustments.
Another attribute of the invention is the means by which it can be packed and transported with ease. Both the tent pole configurations, which support the raincover and mosquito netting, as well as the lateral spreader-poles, are collapsible in to one to two foot sections. Further, these poles all have a sock cord which runs internally through them. These qualities allow for easy assembly, disassembly, packing for hikers, and storage.
A further objective of this invention is to provide a means by which to attach and remove the raincover from the hammock without having to remove oneself from bed. The raincover is held in place by six clips, one in each corner as well as one at each lateral extreme of the hammock. The raincover is also connected to a string, which circles the hammock structure longitudinally in a vertical plane. The access to both the clips and the string is through a zipper window at both ends of the hammock shelter. Hence, the raincover is retracted by releasing three clips at one end of the bed and pulling the string, which in turn draws the raincover over to the other side. To reattach the raincover, one pulls the string in the opposite direction until the raincover is in position, and then reattaches each clip, securing it in place.
Another objective of the invention is to be able to set the shelter up directly on the ground or on a ground sheet without the use of spaced anchors. This is of great advantage should there be nothing suitable to suspend the hammock shelter. In such a case, the ground will provide the support while the mosquito net and the raincover are supported by the collapsible tent poles.
Another attribute of this invention is that it does not require additional attachment to the ground or to objects at the lateral side(s) of the shelter to stabilize the structure or spread its flooring. However, it is possible to stake out both the suspended hammock shelter's raincover, as well as the ground resting shelter's raincover to the ground in case of high winds or other severe weather.
A further advantage of this invention is that it is a multi-directional hammock, allowing persons to enter from either side and lay with head at either end. This is helpful because it takes no consideration of orientation when set-up and therefore less time to set-up. In addition, this design allows users greater individual freedom with each side of the hammock having its own vestibule space.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGSThe concept and practical aspects of the invention are apparent from the purely exemplary, and therefore not restrictive, embodiments illustrated in the following examples, in which;
- 12 spaced anchor
- 14 hammock
- 16 fabric bed
- 18 reinforced corner
- 20 stabilizer line 54
- 22 elevated connecting point
- 24 cam buckle
- 26 static sheave
- 28 spreader-pole retaining pocket
- 30 reinforcing strap
- 32 collapsible spreader-pole
- 34 raincover clip
- 38 main tensioning strap
- 40 raincover string hole
- 42 tent-pole hole
- 44 collapsible tent-pole
- 46 raincover
- 48 tent-pole clip
- 50 mosquito netting
- 52 raincover string
- 54 storable raincover flap
- 56 mosquito net zipper door
- 58 mosquito net zipper window
- 60 tent-pole pocket
- 62 apex attachment
- 64 elastic strap
- 66 rolled raincover flap
- 68 apex slip
- 70 tent stake loop
- 72 raincover entrance zipper
- 74 retractor attachment
In reference now to the drawings, in particular to
Advantages
From the description above, a number of advantages of the multiple person hammock shelter with retractable raincover become evident:
- (a) A lightweight hammock with structural integrity can be made easily.
- (b) Parts for fabrication are relatively easy to obtain.
- (c) The fabrication of the invention can be carried out mainly by use of a sewing machine.
The manner in which one would use the multiple person hammock shelter with retractable raincover is similar to that of standard hammocks only in that it is suspended between to spaced anchors, such as trees. Technically, as shown in
Stabilizer line 20 joins individual reinforced corner 18 of hammock 14 in four places to elevated point 22 on anchor 12. This prevents hammock 14 from tilting under the weight of a load to one side or the other. Said lines 20 can be adjusted to influence the lay of a load. Stabilizer lines 20 are held laterally away from the longitudinal center by means of collapsible spreader-pole 32. (shown in
The manner of using hammock 14 as a shelter utilizes a collapsible tent-pole 44 having shock cord to aid in organization and assembly time. Said pole 44 shown in plurality in
One alternative embodiment of the multiple person hammock shelter with retractable raincover is that it may be set up on the ground as a tent. To do this a ground sheet could be laid down on which to set the shelter. Another alternative is to place rollable-raincover flaps 66 and storable-raincover flaps 54 flat under bed 16, thus, creating a water-resistant layer under the fabric bed 16. Additional tent stake loops 70 located along raincover zipper entrance 72 will make the staking of the shelter possible, thus creating vestibule space under raincover 46 on the sides of bed 16.
Another alternative embodiment of the multiple person hammock shelter with retractable raincover is that it may be used as a multiple person hammock without a mosquito netting enclosure or a raincover.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF INVENTIONAccordingly, the reader will see that the multiple person hammock shelter with retractable raincover of this invention can be easily used to achieve a high degree of comfort.
Furthermore, the invention has the additional advantages in that:
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- It is easily and quickly set up and taken down.
- It avoids the use of multiple lines that would become entangled easily.
- It is easily and quickly adjusted with the aid of cam buckles.
- The highly tensioned bed keeps unwanted sag to a minimum, saving one's lower back, knees, and heels from unnecessary pain.
- Its unique tensioning system allows two people to lay side by side and not roll into one another, which is a common trait among most other hammocks.
- Its outer stabilizer straps can be adjusted easily to perfect individual comfort levels.
- It utilizes a system to apply or remove a raincover in which the user will not have to leave the comfort of his/her bed to enact.
- It is constructed with mosquito netting which encompasses the entire upper dome, allowing for the greatest visibility.
- It allows persons to enter or exit from either side, which aids in convenience in setting up the hammock.
- It allows a person to stand up inside vestibule area, which aids in changing cloths.
- It allows persons to sit on edge of bed without tipping bed, which aids in changing cloths and also aids those persons less flexible.
- Its double-pulley system allows one with less than average strength to tension bed tautly.
While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example:
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- Collapsible spreader-pole 32 could be located above fabric bed 16 rather than below as pictured.
- Said pole 32 could be housed in a sheath securing pole 32 inside rather than using retaining pockets 28
- The longitudinal ends of the hammock could be attached to spreader-pole 32 as could main tensioning strap 38 be attached directly to spreader pole 32.
- A raincover and mosquito netting could be suspended from the spaced anchor rather than supported by tent poles.
- Main tensioning strap 38 can and is suggested to be used in combination with a slippery piece of fabric placed on anchor 12 where straps 38 wrap around. This both protects surfaces and lessens friction on surfaces when tensioning hammock 14.
- The mechanical advantage gained by wrapping main tensioning strap 38 around spaced anchor 12 could be built upon by using another static sheave 26 and wrapping said anchor 12 a third time. This would result in increasing said mechanical advantage.
Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
Claims
1. A multiple person hammock comprising a fabric bed having means of suspension at each longitudinal end thereof to a spaced anchor wherein, said suspended fabric bed is made more taut along the longitudinal center than said fabric bed is along its lateral sides.
2. The closure of claim 1 wherein said body of material is laterally stretched by a spreader pole.
3. The closure of claim 2 wherein, said spreader pole is collapsible.
4. The closure of claim 1 wherein said body has four supporting stabilizer lines having means for attachment of outer lateral corners of said body to a point on nearest said spaced anchors other than that of said body, wherein said body is stabilized and supported on and along said bodies lateral edges.
5. The closure of claim 4 wherein said supporting stabilizer lines are adjustable.
6. The closure of claim 1 wherein, the said body has a shelter structure attached to said body.
7. A hammock or tent comprising a tent pole structure wherein, said tent pole structure supports a raincover and means are provided to retract and reattach said raincover over said tent pole structure.
8. The closure of claim 7 wherein, the action of retracting and reattaching said raincover may be wholly performed from the inside of said hammock or tent enclosure.
9. The closure of claim 7 wherein, said raincover can be partially or completely removed from hammock or tent.
10. Suspendable bed having tension straps and a means of tensioning said bed between spaced anchors wherein, one of said spaced anchors is directly used as a way of gaining a mechanical advantage in tensioning said bed.
11. The closure of claim 10 wherein, said mechanical advantage is gained by a wrapping of said tension strap around said spaced anchor wherein, said spaced anchor is used as a pulley.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 1, 2004
Publication Date: Sep 1, 2005
Inventor: William O'Brien (Brooklyn, WI)
Application Number: 10/789,759