Hammock System

A hammock system integrates a hammock, insulation around the sleeper, a bug net, and tarp using zippers for users that want to rest in hammocks during cold, wet, or buggy conditions. The hammock system may include an over quilt that zips to the hammock and line or shoelace at the foot end of the hammock which is configured to stop cold air from entering the hammock system.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/338,768, entitled “HAMMOCK SYSTEM,” filed on May 19, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/358,422, entitled “HAMMOCK SYSTEM,” filed on Jul. 5, 2016, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a hammock system.

BACKGROUND

It is desirable to use hammocks in a variety of deployments, e.g., depending on climate and weather. For example, in warm, dry weather, with no bugs, a simple hammock, suspended between two trees can provide excellent sleep. However, users that want to rest in hammocks during cold, wet, or buggy conditions often require more than a simple hammock.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the hammock system has a bug net having, a first zipper track extending along a part of an edge of the bug net and a second zipper track extending along a part of an edge of the bug net, a hammock having a head end, a foot end, an inner side, and an outer side, in which the inner side comprises a third zipper track and a fourth zipper track extending along the inner side at least a part of a distance from the head end to the foot end and the outer surface comprises a fifth zipper track and a sixth zipper track extending along the outer surface at least a part of a distance from the head end to the foot end, the fifth zipper track is configured to zip together with the first zipper track, and the sixth zipper track is configured to zip together with the second zipper track, and an over quilt that has a head end, a foot end, a right side, and a left side, in which the right side of the over quilt comprises a seventh zipper track configured to zip together with the third zipper track, and the left side of the over quilt comprises an eighth zipper track configure to zip together with the fourth zipper track.

In one embodiment the hammock system also has a tarp having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side of the tarp has a ninth zipper track, and a top edge of the bug net further has a tenth zipper track configured to zip together with the ninth zipper track.

In one embodiment the over quilt of the hammock system also has an over quilt foot pillow located at the foot end of the over quilt.

In one embodiment of the hammock system, the bug net is bunched around the head end and the foot end of the hammock.

In one embodiment of the hammock system, the bug net has drawstrings which are used to bunch the bug net around the head end and the foot end of the hammock.

In one embodiment the hammock system has an under quilt and a fastening member having a left end and a right end, in which the fastening member passes through the foot end of the under quilt, the left end of the fastening member and the right end of the fastening member pass through holes in the hammock from the outer surface of the hammock to the inner surface of the hammock, and the fastening member is fastened above the over quilt foot pillow.

In one embodiment of the hammock system, the holes in the sides of the hammock are reinforced.

In one embodiment of the hammock system, the fastening member is a shoelace.

In one embodiment of the hammock system, the fastening member is a line.

In another aspect the hammock system has a hammock which has a head end, a foot end, an inner side, and an outer side, in which the inner side comprises a first zipper track and a second zipper track extending along the inner side at least a part of a distance from the head end to the foot end, and an over quilt having a head end, a foot end, a right side, and a left side, in which the right side of the over quilt comprises a third zipper track configured to zip together with the first zipper track, and the left side of the over quilt comprises a fourth zipper track configure to zip together with the second zipper track.

In another aspect the hammock system has a hammock having a head end, a foot end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, an over quilt having a head end, a foot end, a right side, and a left side, in which the over quilt further has an over quilt foot pillow located at the foot end of the over quilt, an under quilt, and a fastening member having a left end and a right end, in which the fastening member passes through the foot end of the under quilt, the left end of the fastening member and the right end of the fastening member pass through holes in the hammock from the outer surface of the hammock to the inner surface of the hammock, and the fastening member is fastened above the over quilt foot pillow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Various objectives, features, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the following detailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered in connection with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of a hammock system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary side view of a hammock system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows an expanded view of the left side of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows an expanded view of the of the foot end of the hammock system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary over quilt for a hammock system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 shows an expanded view of the over quilt foot pillow, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a top view of an exemplary under quilt of the hammock system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary top view of the foot end of a hammock system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary bug net for a hammock system, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary tarp for a hammock system, according to some embodiments.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For users that want to rest in hammocks during cold, wet, or buggy conditions, they may incorporate additional features in addition to a hammock. For example, users may adapt the hammock to deal with the following exemplary conditions:

(A) Cold climates can be addressed with a quilt (or similar device), suspended under the hammock, insulating the underside of the sleeper, where heat is otherwise lost without insulation. Over the sleeper, inside the hammock, a sleeping bag, quilt or blanket may also be used to keep the sleeper warm.

(B) Precipitation can be addressed with a tarp, stretched out over the hammock, in a roof-like configuration, with the ridge directly over, and in line with, the hammock. The tarp shields the hammock and user from precipitation.

(C) Bugs can be addressed with a bug net, integrated onto the hammock in a variety of ways, resulting in bug protection inside the hammock for the hammock user. In one embodiment the bug net is configured to provide protection in the space between the hammock and the tarp, with a side zipper entry.

The techniques described herein provide for a hammock system that integrates a hammock, insulation around the sleeper, a bug net and tarp. The hammock system may be used with or without each component, as described further herein, and each component may also be used independently from one another. In some embodiments, particular components are designed for use with other components, such as the bug net, which is designed for use with the tarp. As described further herein, the configuration of the various components with one another is done in a very user-friendly way to provide a complete and adaptable wilderness shelter-and-bedding package.

Insulation around the sleeper can be provided to the sleeper with two independent components, namely the over quilt and the under quilt. The over quilt can be attached to the hammock by zipping its edges to the insides of the hammock, suspending the over quilt over the sleeper. The under quilt is suspended underneath the hammock. The foot end edge of the under quilt is drawn tight, as well as suspended by, a line/shoelace which passes through the under quilt foot end edge like a drawstring, and is then passed through slight holes in the hammock sides near the foot end of the hammock, as described further herein.

Shelter from precipitation can be provided to the sleeper with a tarp. As described further herein, the tarp can have a bug net zipper track on its underside, and may have some conveniently placed loops for general attachment, for example, gear attachment or connection to the outside of the bug net. A zipper track comprises the barbed teeth comprising one half of a zipper. A zipper track may be connected to another zipper track using a slider that moves along the rows of teach and meshes them together. One of skill in the art would understand that although zippers are used throughout the specification, other types of attachments which perform substantially the same function could be used in place of the zipper tracks.

Protection from bugs can be provided to the sleeper with the bug net, which can be cylindrical in shape, as described further herein. The entire top edge of the bug net can include a zipper track for zipping to a zipper track on the underside of the tarp. The bottom edge of the bug net can also include one or more zipper tracks for interfacing with the outside surface or edge of the hammock, and/or a drawstring that passes through the bug net portions that are disposed at the ends of the hammock so that the bug net may be drawn tight around the ends of hammock. The bug net may be swapped out for solid material (e.g., for cold environments), since the solid material can restrict air flow through the hammock system.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary cross-sectional view of a hammock system 100, according to some embodiments. The hammock system 100 includes a hammock 102, an under quilt 104, an over quilt 106, a bug net 108, and a tarp 110.

The hammock 102 can be, for example, a hammock that can be mounted to two trees using lines that extend from the ends of the hammock (shown further in, for example, FIG. 2). The hammock can be made of various materials such as, for example, 1.6-2 oz rip-stop nylon, and/or any other suitable material that can be used for lightweight, quality backpacking hammocks. A person may lay down in the space between the hammock and the over quilt, as indicated by “PLH” as seen in FIG. 1.

The under quilt 104 provides additional warmth to the person using the hammock 102. The under quilt 104 is disposed along the bottom of the hammock 102 such that the under quilt 104 substantially covers the underside of the hammock 102. The side edge 104A of the under quilt 104 include a side edge stretch cord, which is shown in FIG. 7, and discussed in more detail below.

Similar to the under quilt 104, the over quilt 106 also provides warmth to the person using the hammock 102. The over quilt 106 is disposed over the portion of the hammock 102 in which the person lies. The sides of the over quilt 106 can be mounted to the inside of the hammock 102 using zipper tracks that run along its edges, which is shown in FIG. 3. The over quilt 106 can be made of, for example, any material being used for lightweight, quality over quilts for hammock backpacking.

The bug net 108 prevents mosquitos and other insects from entering the space between the hammock 102 and the tarp 110. The bottom edge of the bug net 108 can be zipped to the outside of the hammock 102, a few inches below and along the side edges. The bug net 108 is bunched around the ends of the hammock, with drawstrings which run through the bottom edge of the bug net 108. The top edge of the bug net 108 can be mounted to the tarp 110 by connecting the zipper track on the top edge of the bug net to the zipper track on the bottom side of the tarp, as discussed in further detail below.

The tarp 110 is disposed over the hammock 102 to protect it from the elements (e.g., rain or snow). The tarp 110 is configured like a ridge line 114 that is formed by tying a line from each end of the tarp to the two trees to which the hammock 102 is also mounted. Lateral tie down lines can be used to secure the edges of the tarp 110 to the ground or other objects to secure the tarp (e.g., so that the tarp 110 maintains its configuration). The tarp 110 is configured in such a manner to allow a person to enter and exit the hammock 102 which is suspended under the shelter of the tarp 110.

While the hammock system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a number of different components, one of skill in the art can appreciate that the hammock system 100 is designed to be configurable so that one or more of the illustrated components can be omitted. For example, it may be desirable (e.g., on a hot day) to remove the under quilt 104 and/or the over quilt 106. As another example, if there is no risk of rain, snow or bugs, then the tarp 110 need not be used. In addition, if any particular piece of the hammock system is damaged, the individual piece can be easily replaced without replacing the entire hammock system.

FIG. 3 shows an expanded view of the left side of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

A zipper track 303 runs along the length of the hammock 102 on the outer surface, and is where bottom edge of bug net 108 attaches to the outside of the hammock 102 via zipper track 305 (also 901), a few inches below the hammock edge (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4)

A zipper track 302 also runs along the inner surface of the hammock 102, and is where the zipper track that runs along the edge of over quilt 304 (also 502) is attached to inside of hammock 102.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary side view of a hammock system, according to some embodiments. The bug net zipper track 203, connects the top of the bug net 108 to the bottom of the tarp 110 (also the connection of 1001 and 904). The two lines 210A and 210B extending on either side of the tarp 110 connect the tarp to the two trees to create the ridge 114 shown in FIG. 1. The two lines 212A and 212B connect the hammock 102 to the two trees. The under quilt 104 is disposed below the hammock. The bug net is bunched around the foot end 202 and the head end 201 of the hammock.

FIG. 4 shows an expanded view of foot end of the hammock system, according to some embodiments. The bug net 108 is bunched 404 around the end of the hammock where the zipper 402 (e.g., zipper track 305 joined to zipper track 303 shown in FIG. 3) that connects the bug net 108 to the hammock 102 terminates. In some embodiments, the bug net 108 can be bunched within a few inches, or at the end of the hammock.

A line/shoelace passes through the foot end edge of under quilt 406. The line/shoelace passes through a hole 405 in either side of the hammock 102 near the foot end of the hammock. The holes 405 are just big enough to let a line/shoelace through semi-snugly. The holes 405 are strong enough so they will hold the entire foot end of the under quilt 104 in place without compromising the integrity of the hammock 102. The holes 405 may be reinforced to ensure they are structurally sound and to ensure that the holes 405 do not enlarge as a result of forces from the line/shoelace. In one embodiment, this is accomplished with webbing attached from the end of the hammock 102 to the holes 405 in the hammock 102, with tiny holes in the webbing/hammock sidewall for the line/shoelace to pass through.

The line/shoelace can be drawn tighter (or let loose) according to how much of the line/shoelace is pulled inside of hammock 102. As mentioned above, the line/shoelace is used to draw tight or let loose the foot end of the under quilt under the foot end of the hammock (e.g., such that when loose, air flows between hammock and under quilt, which provides a cooler sleep; when tight, the under quilt's insulative properties are maximized, providing the warmest sleep). The line/shoelace can also be used to suspend under quilt under hammock, and/or can also be used to compress over quilt foot pillow 505 over which it is tied 802, providing a thermal seal at the foot end of the hammock system, which is discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary over quilt for a hammock system, according to some embodiments. The over quilt has two over quilt zipper tracks 502 (also 304) which are used to connect the over quilt to the zipper tracks on the inside surface of the hammock (as seen in FIG. 3, 302). At the head-end termination of the two over quilt zipper tracks 502, can be an unzippered edge of the over quilt 503, configured to drop down from the zipper track 304, when the two over quilt zipper tracks 502 are fully zipped. The unzippered edge of the over quilt 503 can have a shape and size determined by best function. The unzippered edge of the over quilt 503 can provide a thermal seal, when tucked around, for example, the neck of the sleeper, while the sleeper is also being warmed under the over quilt (e.g., with the sleeper's head out, such that the sleeper can breathe the cool night air). The unzippered edge of the over quilt 503 can be shaped as shown in FIG. 5, and may be somewhere between 12 and 20 inches in length, as shown by the length 504. However, in some embodiments the length may be shorter or longer. The over quilt also has an over quilt foot pillow 505 which is described in more detail below.

FIG. 6 shows an expanded view of the over quilt foot pillow 505, according to some embodiments. The over quilt foot pillow 505 is designed and shaped for its function. The over quilt foot pillow 505 is designed to fill the inside of the foot end of the hammock, so that when the line/shoelace which comes from the foot end of the under quilt, and passes through the hammock is tied over the over quilt foot pillow 505 no cold air is allowed to enter at the foot end of the hammock system.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the under quilt of the hammock system, according to some embodiments. The under quilt has a head end 704 and a foot end 705. The head end can, for example, be configured in a manner standard to hammock under quilts. In one embodiment, the head end 704 of the under quilt has a corner support stretch cord 701 and an end edge stretch cord 703. The end edge stretch cord 703 is used to draw the head end 704 of the under quilt tight. The corner support stretch cord 701 pulls the corners of the under quilt towards a carabiner at the end of the hammock to assist in positioning the under quilt. The under quilt may also have a side edge stretch cord 702. The side edge stretch cord 702 passes through and along the edges of the under quilt 104A. The side edge stretch cord 702 functions like a drawstring to draw the top of the under quilt 106 towards the bottom of the hammock 102. The side edge stretch cord may be secured with a toggle for tightening or loosening the loop (or other suitable device to clamp the stretch cord) to allow for easy adjustment. The foot end 705 of the under quilt has been modified so that a corner support stretch cord, which is often required in under quilts, is not needed. The foot end 705 edge of the under quilt has a line/shoelace 706 which passes through it and functions like a drawstring. The line/shoelace 706 is described in more detail below. The line/shoelace 706 is meant to mount the foot end of the under quilt 104 to the foot end of the hammock 102, drawing the end of the under quilt 104 tight, and compressing the over quilt foot pillow 505 into the end of the hammock 102. This is accomplished by passing the line/shoelace 706 through the tiny holes 405 in the sides of the foot end of the hammock, and tying it over the over quilt foot pillow 505. The under quilt 104 can have a down or synthetic fill, and can be made of any material being used for lightweight, quality backpacking hammock under quilts.

FIG. 8 shows an exemplary top view of the foot end of a hammock system, according to some embodiments. Over quilt foot pillow 505 is a wedge of over quilt material, which can be made to conform to the inside of the end of the hammock, providing an insulative seal at the sleeper's feet. Over quilt foot pillow 505 can be compressed against the hammock 102 when line/shoelace 706 is tied over the over quilt foot pillow 505 as indicated at the location 802 where the line/shoelace 706 extending through the holes 405 can be tied, to suspend the under quilt 104. The over quilt zipper track 304 terminates where the over quilt foot pillow 505 is formed. In this exemplary embodiment, the over quilt zipper track 304 ends at the holes 405 in the hammock sides. The bug net zipper track 305 goes to both ends of the hammock 102 so that the bug net may be drawn tight and bunched 404 at the ends, and beyond the over quilt foot pillow at the foot end.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary side/quarter view of a cylindrical-like bug net 108 for a hammock system, according to some embodiments. The two bottom zipper tracks 901 (also 305) on the bug net connect to hammock in zipper tracks 303. The bottom of the bug net 902 includes parts which hold drawstrings 903 (the drawstrings could be, e.g., a line/shoelace) at the ends of the hammock (also 404 in FIG. 4). The top of the bug net zipper track 904 connects with the underside of the tarp (e.g., via the bug net zipper track 203 shown in FIG. 2, 1001 in FIG. 10). The bug net can have tiny loops on the sides for configuration of the bug net, for example to spread the bug net using cords or lines.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary bottom view of a tarp for a hammock system, according to some embodiments. The zipper track 1001 can be used to connect the bug net zipper track 203 (904 in FIG. 9). The two end corners of the tarp 1002 are indicated, which can be disposed over the hammock ends that connect to two trees when the tarp is set up. The end corners 1002 are connected to the two trees with lines, e.g., which can be tied at or above hammock tie off. The four side corners of the tarp 1004 are attached to lines that secure the sides of the tarp 1000. For example, the lines connected to the corners 1004 can be stretched approximately perpendicular and/or in a splayed configuration (e.g., as seen in FIG. 1) to the hammock lay, and attached to stakes in the ground, tree branches, and/or anything else sufficient to secure the lines.

It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter 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 disclosed subject matter.

Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the disclosed subject matter may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Claims

1. A hammock system comprising:

a bug net comprising: a first zipper track extending along a part of an edge of the bug net; and a second zipper track extending along a part of an edge of the bug net;
a hammock comprising a head end, a foot end, an inner side, and an outer side, wherein: the inner side comprises a third zipper track and a fourth zipper track extending along the inner side at least part of a distance from the head end to the foot end; and the outer surface comprises a fifth zipper track and a sixth zipper track extending along the outer surface at least part of a distance from the head end to the foot end, the fifth zipper track is configured to zip together with the first zipper track, and the sixth zipper track is configured to zip together with the second zipper track; and
an over quilt comprising a head end, a foot end, a right side, and a left side, wherein: the right side of the over quilt comprises a seventh zipper track configured to zip together with the third zipper track; and the left side of the over quilt comprises an eighth zipper track configure to zip together with the fourth zipper track.

2. The hammock system of claim 1, further comprising:

a tarp comprising a top side and a bottom side, wherein: the bottom side of the tarp comprises a ninth zipper track; and wherein a top edge of the bug net further comprises a tenth zipper track configured to zip together with the ninth zipper track.

3. The hammock system of claim 1, wherein the over quilt further comprises an over quilt foot pillow located at the foot end of the over quilt.

4. The hammock system of claim 1, wherein the bug net is bunched around the head end and the foot end of the hammock.

5. The hammock system of claim 4 wherein the bug net further comprises drawstrings which are used to bunch the bug net around the head end and the foot end of the hammock.

6. The hammock system of claim 2, wherein the over quilt further comprises an over quilt foot pillow located at the foot end of the over quilt.

7. The hammock system of claim 6 further comprising:

an under quilt; and
a fastening member having a left end and a right end, wherein: the fastening member passes through the foot end of the under quilt; the left end of the fastening member and the right end of the fastening member pass through holes in the hammock from the outer surface of the hammock to the inner surface of the hammock; and the fastening member is fastened above the over quilt foot pillow.

8. The hammock system of claim 7 wherein the holes in the sides of the hammock are reinforced.

9. The hammock system of claim 7 wherein the fastening member is a shoelace.

10. The hammock system of claim 7 wherein the fastening member is a line.

11. The hammock system of claim 3 further comprising:

an under quilt; and
a fastening member having a left end and a right end, wherein: the fastening member passes through the foot end of the under quilt; the left end of the fastening member and the right end of the fastening member pass through holes in the hammock from the outer surface of the hammock to the inner surface of the hammock; and the fastening member is fastened above the over quilt foot pillow.

12. The hammock system of claim 11 wherein the holes in the sides of the hammock are reinforced.

13. The hammock system of claim 11 wherein the fastening member is a shoelace.

14. The hammock system of claim 11 wherein the fastening member is a line.

15. A hammock system comprising:

a hammock comprising a head end, a foot end, an inner side, and an outer side, wherein: the inner side comprises a first zipper track and a second zipper track extending along the inner side at least a part of a distance from the head end to the foot end; and
an over quilt comprising a head end, a foot end, a right side, and a left side, wherein: the right side of the over quilt comprises a third zipper track configured to zip together with the first zipper track; and the left side of the over quilt comprises a fourth zipper track configure to zip together with the second zipper track.

16. A hammock system comprising:

a hammock comprising a head end, a foot end, an inner surface, and an outer surface;
an over quilt comprising a head end, a foot end, a right side, and a left side, wherein: the over quilt further comprises an over quilt foot pillow located at the foot end of the over quilt;
an under quilt; and
a fastening member having a left end and a right end, wherein: the fastening member passes through the foot end of the under quilt; the left end of the fastening member and the right end of the fastening member pass through holes in the hammock from the outer surface of the hammock to the inner surface of the hammock; and the fastening member is fastened above the over quilt foot pillow.

17. The hammock system of claim 16 wherein the holes in the side of the hammock are reinforced.

18. The hammock system of claim 16 wherein the fastening member is a shoelace.

19. The hammock system of claim 16 wherein the fastening member is a line.

Patent History
Publication number: 20170332769
Type: Application
Filed: May 19, 2017
Publication Date: Nov 23, 2017
Inventor: Evan STINNETT (Denver, CO)
Application Number: 15/599,972
Classifications
International Classification: A45F 3/22 (20060101); A45F 3/52 (20060101); A45F 3/24 (20060101); A45F 3/00 (20060101); E04H 15/04 (20060101); E04H 15/30 (20060101);