SUSPENDED SUPPORT NET

Abstract

A suspended support apparatus and method for making the support apparatus which supports more weight than the average support system because of its design. The apparatus comprises: a frame including at least two perimeter cords forming a perimeter; a surface inside the frame comprising a plurality of cords interconnected with the perimeter; a plurality of connection elements interconnected with the perimeter; a plurality of attachment points, each attachment point extending from each connection element; a plurality of adjustment elements attached to one or more of the plurality of connection elements configured for adjusting a tension of the surface. The apparatus is easily adjustable by pulling on the adjustment element, such as a handle loop while the apparatus is anchored or not anchored to support structures. The apparatus can be used indoors or outdoors and can be anchored to different objects such as trees or other support structures.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/119,396, filed Feb. 23, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a woven apparatus, more specifically, a woven apparatus used as a platform, for recreation, lounging, catching or securing objects indoors or outdoors.

2. Background

Many outdoor locations, such as forests and parks are located on slopes and have very rocky surfaces. Pitching a tent or sitting in a chair or on the ground are not conducive to such surfaces because the surfaces are uneven or uncomfortable. Hammocks support one to two people but cannot be subjected to high tension. Hammocks also do not provide much support or stability because fabric is used for the support surface. Other types of suspending platforms may support approximately three people, however, they are comprised of many different parts making it difficult to assemble and use.

In some apparatuses, there is described a double hammock configured to accommodate two persons; however such an apparatus suffers from the disadvantage of supporting a maximum of two people.

In another apparatus, there is a multi-point stabilized suspended sleeping surface with a tensioning device; however, such an apparatus suffers from the disadvantage that the sleeping surface is composed of a heaving, weight-bearing fabric. Since the sleeping surface is composed of one piece of fabric, it cannot bear much weight as supported from the fact that its largest sleeping surface area is approximately the size of a cot or single mattress. Further, such an apparatus also suffers from the disadvantage that it is comprised of multiple parts making it difficult to assemble and use.

In another apparatus, there is a portable outdoor suspending shelter constructed of a fabric base panel; however, it suffers from the disadvantage that the fabric base panel can only support the weight of up to two people.

Accordingly, there is a need for a suspending platform that is easy to assemble, adjust and use and that can support more than approximately three people.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a suspended support net that satisfies the need for easy assembly, easy adjustment and ease of use and can support more weight, for example can support more weight than three average adults. The claimed apparatus improves upon current hammocks and suspending platforms because at least two to five times more strength can be achieved; the length of the invention can be easily increased by simply increasing the quantity and diameter of the perimeter cord; the invention is easily adjustable thus allowing the user to increase or decrease the slack because of its woven nature; and the support surface has increased elasticity.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is an apparatus comprising: a frame including at least two perimeter cords forming a perimeter; a surface inside the frame comprising a plurality of cords interconnected with the perimeter; a plurality of connection elements interconnected with the perimeter, at least two of the connection elements being interconnected with the perimeter at a point where a first perimeter cord meets a second perimeter cord; a plurality of attachment points, each attachment point extending from each connection element; a plurality of adjustment elements attached to one or more of the plurality of connection elements configured for adjusting a tension of the surface.

In other embodiments, the plurality of connection elements may comprise rings, cords and knots, and loops; the plurality of attachment points may comprises a figure eight end; and the plurality adjustment elements may comprise loops and knots and a tensioning system built into the attachment points.

In another embodiment, the plurality of cords are interconnected with the perimeter by splicing each of a first end of the plurality of cords through a first side of the perimeter and forming a mesh weave with each adjacent cord such that each first end and each second end of the plurality of cords meet at a second side of the perimeter, the second side opposing the first side, and each first end and second end of each cord is secured with the second side of the perimeter.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is a method of making an apparatus for suspension above ground. The method comprises steps including: (1) forming a perimeter with at least two cords, each cord having opposing terminal ends; (2) for each cord of the at least two cords, feeding one of the terminal ends, hereinafter a first cord terminal end and a second cord terminal end, into a ring tied to a separate rope using a cow hitch; and forming at least one prusik knot by wrapping the first cord terminal end around the second cord terminal end and securing the prusik knot with a figure eight knot; (3) forming a figure eight knot on each of the at least two cords at a point between its opposing terminal ends; (4) splicing a plurality of surface cords through one side of the perimeter, each of the surface cords having a pair of terminal ends; (5) interweaving each of the plurality of surface cords to an adjacent surface cord to reach an opposing side of the perimeter; and (6) connecting each pair of terminal ends of the interwoven surface cords to the opposing side of the perimeter by using a double fisherman's knot.

These features, advantages and other embodiments of the present invention are further made apparent, in the remainder of the present document, to those of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully describe embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are not to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, but are merely illustrative.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged partial view of the support surface from FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of part 4A from FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of part 4B from FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus connected to support structures, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The description above and below and the drawings of the present document focus on one or more currently preferred embodiments of the present invention and also describe some exemplary optional features and/or alternative embodiments. The description and drawings are for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize variations, modifications, and alternatives. Such variations, modifications, and alternatives are also within the scope of the present invention. Section titles are terse and are for convenience only.

An embodiment of the invention is described in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the apparatus 1 comprising a perimeter 2 formed of a plurality of perimeter cords 2a and 2b; a support surface 24 surrounded by the perimeter 2, the support surface 24 formed of a plurality of support cords 8 attached to the perimeter 2 by knots 22; a plurality of connection elements 4; a plurality of corresponding attachment points 6, each extending from a connection element 4; and a plurality of handle loops 16, each attached to a connection element 4. As particularly illustrated in an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 1 comprises four connection elements 4; and two handle loops 16 connected to corresponding connection elements 4 which are diagonally opposed. The perimeter 2 serves as a frame to the support surface 24.

The perimeter 2 comprises of at least two perimeter cords 2a and 2b, which can be at least nine millimeters wide and hollow. The perimeter cords 2a and 2b of the perimeter 2 can be polyester or other synthetic materials of at least equal strength and can be made of a single cord; the single cord comprising of many individual threads inter-woven into a single cord. The perimeter cords 2a and 2b are laid onto one length-wise and one width-wise portion of a weaving board (not pictured here) making a perimeter 2 shaped substantially like a square or rectangle. For example, the perimeter may be formed to frame a four corner platform, such that perimeter cords 2a and 2b are laid as opposing L-shapes. Perimeter cords 2a and 2b are connected at two opposing corners of the apparatus 1 at connection element 4 having a handle loop 16, see connection part 4A. As shown, cord 2a is a continuous cord running length-wise and width-wise; similarly cord 2b is an opposing continuous cord running length-wise and width-wise. A first set of terminal ends of cords 2a and 2b meet through a connection element 4 with a handle loop 16 (see part 4A), whereas a second set of terminal ends of cords 2a and 2b meet through a diagonally opposed connection element 4 with a handle loop 16.

In order to form a connection element 4 of part 4A on the apparatus 1, at two opposing corners where there exist the terminal ends of perimeter cord 2a and 2b, a ring 10a is connected to a ring cord 11a (a separate rope) by a knot, such as a cow hitch 12a. The ring 10a is connected to the perimeter cord 2a by a loop, such as a locking Brummel 20a. The two terminal ends of perimeter cords 2a and 2b are fed through the ring 10a. The free-hanging terminal end of a perimeter cord 2a of the perimeter 2 forms a prusik knot 14 onto the free-hanging terminal end of a perimeter cord 2b. The prusik knot 14 is then looped off using a locking Brummel 20d. The prusik knot 14 is a friction knot that stops the free-sliding perimeter cord 2b from loosening once under tension. The prusik knot 14 is tied and then fed back through to form a figure eight end 18a. The figure eight end 18a (figure eight knot) secures the prusik knot 14. The attachment points 6 comprise the figure eight end 18a. The remaining section of the perimeter cord 2a comprising the figure eight end 18a is tied off using a locking Brummel 20d and stored into the hollow perimeter 2. Similarly, the same type of connection (part 4A) is made at an opposing corner where the terminal ends of perimeter cord 2a and 2b meet.

In order to form a connection element 4 of part 4B on the apparatus 1, at two opposing corners where there is a continuous perimeter cord 2a or 2b, a ring 10b is connected to a ring cord 11b by a knot, such as a cow hitch 12b. The ring 10b is connected to the perimeter cord 2a by a loop, such as a locking Brummel 20b. The continuous perimeter cord 2a is bent and fed through the ring 10b, forming the corner which is tied off using a knot such as a figure eight end 18b or overhand knot. The knot is therefore located between the terminal ends of the continuous perimeter cord 2a. The knot creates the attachment points 6 needed for hanging the apparatus 1 to support structures. Similarly, the same type of connection (part 4B) is made at an opposing corner, where continuous perimeter cord 2b is bent and fed through a ring 10b, forming the corner which is tied off using a knot such as a figure eight end knot 18b or overhand knot.

The support surface 24 is formed by interweaving a plurality of support cords 8 which begin from a first edge 3 of the perimeter 2 and are threaded through at an opposing second edge 5 of the perimeter 2, then return back and are knotted 22 at the first edge 3 of the perimeter 2. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of support cords 8 can be knotted 22 at the second edge 5 of the perimeter 2. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cords are knotted in a double fisherman's knot 22.

FIG. 2 illustrates a partial view of a side of the perimeter 2 of the apparatus 1 being perforated through or spliced near an edge 5 with individual surface/platform cords 8, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The individual surface cords 8 are then intertwined with laterally adjacent surface cords 8 until the surface cords 8 reach the opposing side of the perimeter 2. The surface cords 8, at their terminal ends, are then secured to the perimeter 2 at edge 3 (not shown), for example by a knot such as a double fisherman's knot 22. The weave of the surface cords 8 of the support surface 24 allows weight to be re-distributed over multiple surface cords 8. By redistributing the weight, this increases the strength of the apparatus 1. Using surface cords 8 allows repairing the apparatus 1 without deconstructing the apparatus 1, and allows a margin of damaged surface cords 8 without compromising the function of the apparatus 1. Perforating the perimeter 2 using a surface cord 8 prevents the surface cords 8 of the support surface 24 from sliding back and forth.

As shown in FIG. 2, a surface cord 8 is perforated or punctured through the perimeter 2 cord, then wrapped around the outermost edge 5 of the perimeter 2 and intertwined with an adjacent surface cord 8. The pattern of the surface cords 8 can be an inter-woven, knotless, diamond mesh weave that inter-weaves parallel surface cord 8a with surface cord 8b and surface cord 8b with surface cord 8c. An adjacent surface cord 8 is similarly perforated or spliced through the perimeter 2 at a location offset from adjacent surface cord 8. The spacing is preferably substantially evenly spaced between points where the surface cords 8 are perforated through the perimeter 2. This method of perforating the perimeter 2 also maintains the shape of the apparatus 1 and prevents formation of large gaps between the surface cords 8 of the support surface 24. The surface cords 8 of the perimeter 2 and the support surface 24 can be made of stronger synthetic blends of cord that are resistant to ultra-violet radiation and other forms of degradation.

The support surface 24 can be made by perforating the perimeter 2 with approximately four to six millimeters sized surface cords 8. The surface cords 8 of the support surface 24 can be made of synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester or other like material and combinations thereof or of metal cable. When the surface cords 8 are made of metal cable, the surface cord 8 do not perforate the perimeter 2. Rather the metal cable surface cords 8 are wrapped around the perimeter 2. A surface cord 8a of the support surface 24 is perforated substantially perpendicularly through the center of the perimeter 2 at a spacing approximately in the range of two to three inches from the next surface cord 8b and so forth. Free hanging surface cords 8a, 8b, and 8c of the support surface 24 are then interwoven either directly to the left or right of the surface cord 8 creating an interlocking lattice that spans the support surface 24 as depicted in FIG. 2. However, other interlocking lattice patterns can be used to create the support surface 24. Steel crimps can also be used to connect surface cords 8 instead of interweaving them. When the support surface 24 is woven, the surface cords 8 of the support surface 24 is perforated through the perimeter 2 and secured by a knot such as a double fisherman's knot 22 and the free ends of the surface cord 8 are taped or sealed using heat.

The design of the support surface 24 increases the elasticity of the interior portion of the support surface 24 making it more comfortable and ergonomic for the user. There may be a plurality of connection elements 4 as that shown of part 4B on the apparatus 1 depending on the quantity of cords used to make the perimeter 2. Other patterns of the present support surface 24 can be a cargo-style lattice of knotted diamonds. The support surface 24 can be made of a single continuous piece of surface cord 8. When the surface cords 8 of the support surface 24 are hollow, the surface cords 8a, 8b, and 8c can be individually spliced through the middle of each of parallel surface cords 8a, 8b, and 8c, creating a mesh weave such as a diamond configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a connection element 4 of part 4A on the apparatus 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connection element 4 comprises a ring 10a. The ring 10a can be made of any sturdy metal such as aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, chromium, iron, nickel, steel, tin, titanium. The ring 10a can have a capacity of at least 32 kilo-Newtons and can be polished or unpolished. The ring 10a linearly redirects forces from the perimeter 2 to each of the four connection elements 4 without fraying the perimeter 2. The ring 10a reduces the strain on the support surface 24 which is weaker than the perimeter 2 and is removably attached to the perimeter 2 by a cow hitch 12a and locking Brummel 20a. The ring cord 11a forming the cow hitch 12a and locking Brummel 20a can be made of material such as nylon, polyester, or other synthetic blends. The prusik knot 14 adjusts the length of the apparatus 1. Instead of using a prusik knot 14, other fastening means such as a mechanical locking device can also be used.

The prusik knot 14 allows the cords 2a and 2b of perimeter 2 to expand or contract in lateral directions by placing a grip over the prusik knot 14 and pulling hard on the handle loop 16. The perimeter 2 can be tightened or loosened when the apparatus 1 is anchored or not anchored to support structures. When the apparatus 1 is under tension, the prusik knot 14 locks by tightening against the free hanging rope terminated by the handle loop 16, and the perimeter 2 can no longer change lengths. Sufficient space is required between the ring 10a and prusik knot 14 so as both the ring 10a and prusik knot 14 do not contact each other. Pulling the handle loop 16 while holding onto the prussic knot 14 allows the slack of the apparatus 1 to increase or decrease. The handle loop 16 provides leverage when adjusting the length of the apparatus 1. Decrease slack means a firmer apparatus 2 is present, whereas increase slack means a less firm apparatus 2 is present. The user can easily adjust the slack thus controlling the firmness of the apparatus 1 by pulling on the handle loop 16 and prusik knot 14. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is no prusik knot 14 at each connection element 4. Rather, there is a permanent knot that secures the perimeter cords 2a and 2b together.

The locking Brummel 20c of the handle loop 16 secures the handle loop 16 by making it difficult to untie or undo the handle loop 16. The figure eight end 18a aids in removably attaching apparatus 1 to support structures by connecting the figure eight end 18a to ratchet straps, another cord, or a pulley system. Should another cord be used, for example an extension, such cord is connected to each corner of the apparatus 1 by the figure eight end 18a using knots, hooks, rings, or carabiners or the like. The locking Brummel 20d of the figure eight end 18a safely secures the terminal end of perimeter cord 2b to the perimeter 2. There may be a plurality of connection elements 4 as that shown of part 4A on the apparatus 1 depending on the quantity of cords used to make the perimeter 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a connection element 4 of part 4B on the apparatus 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Connection element 4 comprises a ring 10b. The ring 10b is removably attached to cord 2b of the perimeter 2 by a cow hitch 12b and locking Brummel 20b. Connection element 4 of part 4B comprises the same elements as connection element 4 of part 4A, however, it only has a figure eight end 18b.

FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus 1 connected to trees shown in phantom lines, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 1 can communicate with a variety of support structures such as trees, cars, weight-bearing beams within a house or on other parts within a home, or large equipment. A minimum of four support structures are needed.

The apparatus 1, can be used as a safety function such as a safety catchment when hung below a person working at a considerable height or under a load of considerable weight. The apparatus 1 can also be hung above individuals. The apparatus 1 can be used to secure loads on top of vehicles or other structures or to store items. The apparatus 1 can be used as a seating platform or couch of sorts for social gatherings. The apparatus 1 can be hung in garages and be a hanging platform within which supplies or gears can be stored.

Throughout the description and drawings, example embodiments are given with reference to specific configurations. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms. Those of ordinary skill in the art would be able to practice such other embodiments without undue experimentation. The scope of the present invention, for the purpose of the present patent document, is not limited merely to the specific example embodiments of the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A suspended support apparatus comprising:

a frame including at least two perimeter cords forming a perimeter;

a surface inside the frame comprising a plurality of cords interconnected with the perimeter;

a plurality of connection elements interconnected with the perimeter, at least two of the connection elements being interconnected with the perimeter at a point where a first perimeter cord meets a second perimeter cord, each of the at least two of the connection elements securing a terminal end of the first perimeter cord to a corresponding terminal end of the second perimeter cord;

a plurality of attachment points, each attachment point extending from each connection element; and

a plurality of adjustment elements attached to one or more of the plurality of connection elements configured for adjusting a tension of the surface.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter is at least four sided.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter is substantially shaped like a rectangle.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the perimeter is substantially shaped like a square.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of connection elements interconnected with the perimeter comprises a ring connected to a rope using a knot.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the knot is a cow hitch.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the ring is a made of metal.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the metal is aluminum.

9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the ring is connected to the perimeter using a locking Brummel.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of attachment points is a figure eight knot.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of adjustment elements comprises a handle loop and two knots.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein one of the two knots is a locking Brummel.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein one of the two knots is a prusik knot.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cords are interconnected with the perimeter by splicing each of a first end of the plurality of cords through a first side of the perimeter and forming a “diamond” configuration weave with each adjacent cord such that each first end and each second end of the plurality of cords meet at a second side of the perimeter, the second side opposing the first side, and each first end and second end of each cord is secured with the second side of the perimeter by using a double fisherman's knot.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the “diamond” configuration weave is a cargo-style lattice of knotted diamonds.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of cords forming the “diamond” configuration weave is interconnected with each adjacent cord by steel crimps.

17. A suspended support apparatus comprising:

a perimeter for providing a frame for a four corner platform, the perimeter comprising at least two perimeter cords connected by four connection elements, one of each connection element being secured at each corner that redirect forces from the perimeter to the connection elements;

a platform cord perpendicularly spliced through a section of a first perimeter cord of the at least two perimeter cords, such that the platform cord is wrapped around an outer edge of the perimeter, the platform cord extending to an opposing side of the perimeter and perpendicularly spliced through an opposing section of an opposing second perimeter cord of the at least two perimeter cords, the platform cord crisscrossing upon adjacently laid sections of the platform cord to form a mesh weave until it reaches the opposing side of the perimeter and tied off to the opposing side of the perimeter; and

a plurality of attachment points, each attachment point extending from each connection element.

18. The suspended support apparatus according to claim 17, wherein each of two of the four connection elements comprise a handle loop, an aluminum ring held by a cow hitch, a plurality of locking Brummels and a permanent knot.

19. The suspended support apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the first perimeter cord and the second perimeter cord are laid in opposing L-shapes so as to surround the four corner platform such that free ends of the first perimeter cord meets with corresponding free ends of the second perimeter cord; wherein each connection element secured at a corner of corresponding free ends further includes an adjustment element configured for adjusting a tension of the four corner platform.

20. An apparatus for suspension above ground prepared by a process comprising the steps of:

forming a perimeter with at least two cords, each cord having opposing terminal ends;

for each cord of the at least two cords, feeding one of the opposing terminal ends, hereinafter a first cord terminal end and a second cord terminal end, into a ring tied to a separate rope using a cow hitch; and forming at least one prusik knot by wrapping the first cord terminal end around the second cord terminal end and securing the at least one prusik knot with a figure eight knot;

forming a figure eight knot on each of the at least two cords at a point between its opposing terminal ends;

splicing a plurality of surface cords through one side of the perimeter, each of the surface cords having a pair of terminal ends;

interweaving each of the plurality of surface cords to an adjacent surface cord to reach an opposing side of the perimeter; and

connecting each pair of terminal ends of the interwoven surface cords to the opposing side of the perimeter by using a double fisherman's knot.